Not everyone will say that they have never experienced back pain.This extremely unpleasant problem befalls everyone.It is not scary if the pain is caused by hypothermia or pulled muscles.It is much worse if the pain is a symptom of back disease.Therefore, I will consider the symptoms and treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic, cervical and lumbar spine at home.
What is spinal osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disease of the spine that affects the intervertebral discs.Without treatment, it spreads to the bone structure and ligaments.
Cartilage tissue under the intervertebral discs slowly regenerates.Therefore, the discs affected by the disease are doomed to destruction.However, it is almost impossible to reverse the disease.If the disease has manifested itself, it is only possible to stop further development.
Osteochondrosis is believed to be the price humanity pays for its ability to walk.As practice shows, quadrupeds do not suffer from the disease.It is difficult to say for what reasons the disease appears.Doctors say that the development is facilitated by an incorrect distribution of the level of load on the spine with a weak ligamentous apparatus and a muscular corset.
This point of view is confirmed by the methods of treatment of osteochondrosis, which are based on bringing the tendons and muscles to a normal state.Therapy includes muscle training.
Based on the facts about the development of the disease, doctors have compiled a list of causes and factors that provoke the development of the disease.
- A sedentary and sedentary lifestyle contributes to the weakening of the muscular corset of the back.
- Physical activity.
- Back injuries.
- Overweight.
- Hereditary predisposition.
- Improper posture and prolonged exposure to uncomfortable posture.
- Disturbed metabolism.
- Lack of vitamins, trace elements and nutrients in the body.
I will address the last point.Even if you lead a healthy lifestyle and choose active recreation, the likelihood of osteochondrosis will remain high due to nutrient deficiencies.The problem is key because not all people eat properly.They prefer hotdogs and treats from which the body fails to extract anything useful.The problem is aggravated by a sedentary lifestyle.
We will dwell on the symptoms and treatment of osteochondrosis at home, depending on which part of the spine is affected.
How to treat osteochondrosis of the chest
Thoracic osteochondrosis causes enormous damage to the organs associated with the spinal cord located at the level of the affected chest area.Impaired function of the spine adversely affects the mobility of the limbs and torso, adversely affects the work of the respiratory muscles and pelvic organs.
Thoracic osteochondrosis is more common in people who move little.As a result, the spine does not receive dosed loads, which disrupts the disc recovery process.If you are hunched over or suffer from computer addiction, this contributes to the development of the disease.So do physical exercises regularly.
Symptoms
- Thoracic osteochondrosis is accompanied by burning and aching pain.There is a feeling that the chest is being pressed.When feeling the processes of the vertebrae, a person experiences local pain, which intensifies when turning the body, taking a deep breath and axially loading the spine.
- In some people, the development of the disease is accompanied by pain in the shoulder blades and the lower part of the chest.Displacement of the ribs contributes to the onset of the symptom.When turning the body, the pain intensifies.
- As for the internal organs, the functions are disturbed when the nerve roots are pressed.The thoracic region contains structures that are responsible for the innervation of the kidneys, heart, liver and other organs.For this reason, there are no characteristic symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis.
Now we will talk about diagnostics.X-ray examination is of great importance in this case.A decrease in the height of the intervertebral discs is easily recognized on a chest X-ray.This helps detect osteophytes and endplate sclerosis.
With the help of computer tomography, the condition of the vertebrae is clarified, the size and location of the hernial protrusion is determined, and the dimensions of the spinal canal are determined.As part of the differential diagnosis, a medical history is taken and the clinical signs of the disease are compared with the symptoms of the disease.
Treatment
- Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis is conservative.The reason for treatment is visceral syndromes with neurological disorders.Orthopedic treatment is reduced to spinal traction.
- Drug treatment involves performing paravertebral blocks using a novocaine solution.If the disease worsens, sedatives and analgesics are used.In case of unexpressed pain, the patient uses anti-inflammatory drugs and ointments.
- After removing the acute phenomena, a massage is performed on the back and lower limbs.Manual therapy is considered appropriate for the first three degrees of osteochondrosis.At the same time, it provides a rough and soft impact on the spinal muscles.
- With the help of physiotherapy at home, measured loads are applied to the spine, which accelerates the recovery process.Vertical loads are contraindicated.As part of the sanitary-resort stage, hydromassage and traction under water are used.Ultrasound, inductothermy and salt baths help to achieve results.
Surgical treatment, which includes surgery, is performed in cases where a fragment of a prolapsed disc compresses the spinal cord.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae
The disease is characterized by degeneration of the intervertebral discs, accompanied by a decrease in height, rapid growth of the marginal osteophyte and the appearance of seals.
The cervical vertebrae are close together and the muscular framework is poorly developed.Therefore, muscular osteochondrosis, even with minor loads, causes displacement of the spinal discs, which press on the nerves and blood vessels.
The cartilage tissue affected by the disease turns into a bone formation.As a result, the disc hardens and shrinks in size.The result is that the spinal discs lose their cushioning properties, putting pressure on the nerves and contributing to pain.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
- Headache and dizziness.The main symptom of the disease is headache.This is due to the pressure exerted on the vessels of the head and cervical region.Pain syndrome brings discomfort and reduces efficiency.Dizziness occurs with sudden turns of the head.
- Pain in the chest and upper limbs.It has a pressing and burning character.In the upper limbs, the pain is accompanied by numbness and tingling.
- Numbness of the tongue.The symptom is caused by limited mobility of the tongue.That is why many people suffering from osteochondrosis complain that the tone of the vocal cords changes, as well as speech.
The diagnosis of the disease is carried out by doctors, including an orthopedist and a neurosurgeon.Doctors examine the patient by carefully examining the vertebrae in different positions.To determine the level of impairment, a special scheme is used.
The localization and degree of pain is determined by palpation of the spine.At the same time, bending, bending and twisting the body helps establish the range of motion.Additional diagnostics include X-rays, computed tomography and MRI.
How to treat
- It is accepted that the disease is treated with conservative methods aimed at eliminating pain, restoring the normal functioning of the spinal roots and preventing degenerative changes in the spine.
- If conservative therapy is ineffective, surgical treatment is performed based on indications, depending on the manifestation of the disease and the level of the lesion.
- Treatment depends on the severity of osteochondrosis.Most often, the initial stage of therapy is accompanied by increased pain in the neck area, but it is subsequently relieved with drugs, physiotherapy procedures and therapeutic massage.
- Gymnastics and exercise help to dull the pain.Exercise therapy strengthens the neck muscles, which reduces the likelihood of relapse.
- Let me give you a simple exercise as an example.Smoothly turn your head to the side, freeze for a moment and turn in the opposite direction.While doing the exercise, look ahead.
- Massage helps reduce discomfort.The procedure elongates the spine and stretches the muscles.After the massage, do not forget to lubricate your neck with a special oil that contains drugs that dull the pain.
This disease is not a death sentence.With the help of medicines, gymnastics and massage, you can improve your well-being.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
The disease is common and affects everyone, regardless of gender.Everyone has felt unpleasant pain in the legs, lower back and sacrum, which brings discomfort and discomfort.
The symptoms of the disease are extremely broad.Some symptoms are not related to the spine at all.This is numbness of the limbs, abdominal pain, impaired functioning of the genitourinary system.
Treatment of the listed symptoms without prior examination of the spine contributes to the development of the disease.For this reason, it is recommended to take into account all the symptoms, consult a specialist and forget about self-medication.This is not a fight against a cold.It is about the mobility of the body.
Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
- The list of the main signs of lumbar osteochondrosis is small.Includes: numbness in the limbs, pain in the legs, intermittent pain in the lumbar region after a fall or physical activity.
- The symptoms I have listed often appear to a minor degree as the disease progresses.You should be as careful as possible about your health and, if necessary, consult a doctor.
- Lumbar osteochondrosis requires complex, intensive and long-term treatment, especially if we are talking about an advanced case accompanied by intervertebral hernia.
Modern reflex methods allow effective therapy for lumbar osteochondrosis without complications and with great benefit.You just need to remember that it is unrealistic to quickly solve a serious problem, and only an individual approach will help to achieve results.
Treatment at home
Treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis at home is based on manual therapy, acupuncture and vacuum therapy.The procedures help restore blood circulation and remove congestion in the spine.As a result, the tissue regeneration process is accelerated.
The use of these procedures during the fight against osteochondrosis is combined with the use of drugs that improve the balance of the intervention and metabolic processes.It is impossible to achieve your goal without an active lifestyle and proper nutrition.
Particular attention is paid to the fight against obesity, if there is a problem.Excess weight burdens the spine and contributes to the development of the disease.
Over many years of practice, doctors have gained considerable experience in the fight against scourge.As a result, in most cases, therapy gives results without surgery and helps to improve the health of the lower back.
How to prevent the occurrence of osteochondrosis?
In conclusion, I will share ways to prevent and prevent osteochondrosis.If you already have a disease, I do not recommend lifting weights weighing more than ten kilograms.
- If you have to work hard, drink fluids before starting physical work.Even tea or coffee will do the trick.A dehydrated body is not able to provide the intervertebral discs with enough water.
- Periodically massage your back with simple movements.This technique will spread the blood and speed up metabolic processes.When you plan to lift weights, use a belt or weight lifting belt.
- Do not hold heavy objects at arm's length, as this will increase the strain on the spine.To pick up an object, squat down and pick it up, keeping your spine straight.
- If your spine gets a load during work, hang on the horizontal bar for a while until you are ready, so that it stretches.When working for a long time, use this technique periodically.If this is not possible, stretch thoroughly.
- Always distribute the load evenly.Carry bags in both hands and carry large items in front of you, keeping them close to your body.If you're going to give something to another person, don't do it at arm's length.Even if you have a full teapot in your hand, I do not recommend ignoring this rule.
- If you need to move something heavy a long distance, use a backpack, small cart, rolling suitcase or bag.
With this information, you will save your back and avoid trouble.Good luck!