Spinal osteochondrosis: Causes and treatment

Up to 76% of people a year experience back pain. This statistic affects people of all ages and professions. The causes of the pain can be different, one of which is osteochondrosis of the spine. Due to the style of sedentary life, the osteochondrosis of the spine has been found more and more, and it is not always possible to overcome it yourself. Let's talk about why it is born and how to deal with it.

What is osteochondrosis of the spine

There are several different views on the definition. Some experts believe it is more accurate to use the general name - dorsalgia, or non -specific back pain. Difficulties in definition are also associated with the fact that a variety of specialists work with this disease - neurologists, orthopedists, neurosurgeons and general practitioners. Sometimes a person with a diagnosis of "spinal osteochondrosis" turns to a cardiologist, as manifestations of the disease are very similar to heart pain.

The term "osteochondrosis of the spine" was proposed by Hilderandt in 1933 as a multifactorial degenerative disease of the spinal-motor segment. What is a spinal-motor segment? These are two beads located on one another, and between them - an intervertebral disc. Thanks to such a knot, a person's spine can bend and bend, make sloping and twisting. But as a result of various reasons, the intervertebral discs lose their properties, undergo degeneration, then gradually the changes affect the vertebrae itself. That is, the essence of the osteochondrosis of the spine is in the gradual destruction of the intervertebral discs.

Osteochondrosis can develop in any spine.

Due to the high load, osteochondrosis is found more oftenspine. Symptoms are:

Back pain, which can be sharp or stupid, constant, can intensify when moving; Pain can be given to the legs, pelvic organs, sacrum; In severe cases, a violation of sensitivity or mobility may occur, atrophy of the muscles of the lower extremities.

The second in the phenomenon is osteochondrosis of the cervical region, which is most often associated with a long unpleasant head position, for example, when working on a computer or documents. Osteochondrosiscervical spineIs manifested by the following symptoms:

headaches and dizziness, migraines; vision disorders or hearing, lighting "flies" in front of the eyes; Pain can give to the back of the head, shoulders, clavicles; Probably damaged sensitivity in the hands.

Osteochondrosis is less likely to be amazingbasket, as the beads are inactive with one another. Loss in this area can be disguised as a heart or lung. Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis of the spine:

Back pain at the level of shoulder blades, in the chest, which can be intensified with slopes, turns, during inspiration or extraction; Disordishes skin sensitivity disorders.

Regardless of the level of damage, pain in the osteochondrosis of the spine can intensify when pressed into those beads that participate in the process.

With damage to some departments, we can immediately talk about the usual osteochondrosis of the spine.

Risk factors and causes of illness

The back has high strength and the effect of some provocative factors is needed for the development of the disease. It is important to understand that most, if not all such factors, can influence and thus reduce the chance of developing the disease.

Lack of movement - at the same time, blood supply deteriorates, and thus the nutrition of all the elements of the spine; Excessive physical activity is also harmful and can lead to damage to intervertebral discs; Long -term stay in an incorrect, non -physical situation -the inappropriate management of the desktop or chair leads to the fact that a person is forced to climb the head constantly, hunting; Stress - excessive muscle tension can lead to compression of the spine feeding vessels; overweight; Smoking exacerbates microcirculation in all tissues of the body; Inadequate use of water and protein is also affected by the condition of the intervertebral disc.

The direct causes of spinal osteochondrosis are not always visible, but the following options may be distinguished:

Inherited predisposition - genetically programmed characteristics of bone cartilage and tissue, in which the coating process is faster; Spinal injuries - various complications can develop at the site of damage, including osteochondrosis; professional damage, such as vibration; exposure to infections or chemicals; Natural aging of the body.

In the risk area for the development of osteochondrosis of the spine are people of different professions. These are builders and athletes, surgeons and office workers.

Stages of osteochondrosis and possible complications

The description of the four stages of spinal osteochondrosis was proposed in 1971. They are not used to formulate a diagnosis, but allow you to understand how the disease persists.

The intervertebral discs become less resilient. The disk can be slightly deformed, an internal pulposal core is moved inside the disc. This stage either does not show itself in any way, or arise minor pain. In the second stage, cracks can appear on the disk, weakening of the surrounding ligaments occurs. The bead bonding becomes unstable. There are attacks of acute pain with disabilities. The third stage is characterized by complete damage to the intervertebral disc. When the pulposal core goes out of the disk, an intervertebral disc herniation appears. Spine deformity or nerve root violation may occur. In the fourth stage, the surrounding fabrics are affected - beads, ligaments, spinal shells. As a result, the spinal segment may completely lose movement.

As a result of spinal osteochondrosis in some cases, various complications occur. Problems from intervertebral discs, hernia and extensions can lead to the narrowing of the spinal canal, compression of the spinal cord and disability.

Depending on the level of damage, various problems are possible with the inclusion of nerve roots. This is intercostal neuralgia, damaged sensitivity and motor function of the upper and lower extremities, violations in the work of the internal organs. Inflammation of the sciatica, or Ishias, not only causes severe pain, but can also lead to pelvic orfect diseases and infertility.

In addition to the nerve roots with osteochondrosis, vertebral vessels can be squeezed. In the event of a violation of blood flow to the vertebral arteries passing through the cervical region and nourishing the brain, brain disorders, vision problems or hearing, breathing or cardiac activity may develop.

Access to the diagnosis and treatment of osteochondrosis: generally accepted and alternative methods

Within the official medicine frameworkDiagnosis of osteochondrosisIt includes an inspection of a neurologist to determine the degree of damage to the nerve roots, test reflexes and sensitivity.

From instrumental methods, can be used below:

The vessel ultrasound allows you to identify the extent of circulatory disorders, for example, in the vertebral arteries; Spinal radiography; CT also uses the X -Ray method, but allows you to build a three -dimensional image of the studied area, identify even small vertebral displacements; MRI specializes in the soft tissue study, allows you to evaluate the condition of the spinal cord, visualize the internal structure of the intervertebral disc.

For differential diagnosis, laboratory tests, a general blood and urine test and indicators of calcium metabolism are used.

Osteochondrosis therapyIs comprehensive.

The first and very important tool in the treatment of osteochondrosis is a way of life. Normalizing working conditions, moderate and regular physical exercise, as well as healthy sleep, significantly improve the condition of patients. For the treatment of the spinal osteochondrosis drug, a neurologist or general physician may prescribe medication. Most often, non -steroidal anti -inflammatory drugs are prescribed -this is the standard for the treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine. They reduce pain and reduce inflammation. Musodeloxants contribute to a decrease in muscle spasm. Vitamins and antioxidants are prescribed to protect the nerve tissue from damage. However, any drug has side effects, for example, NSAIDs can adversely affect the stomach. In addition to medication, physiotherapy products are used, such as massage for osteochondrosis of the spine, as well as manual therapy. In severe complications of osteochondrosis, surgical surgery may be required, but it is described only in the absence of prolonged conservative treatment.

The treatment of osteochondrosis in classical medicine in most cases is a long process and can have adverse effects on human health. Thus, a number of medicines, in particular analgesic and relaxing muscle relaxing (especially with a calming effect), can cause addiction, and some remedies adversely affect the work of the gastrointestinal tract. As an alternative, you can consider the methods used, for example, in traditional Chinese medicine.

China's traditional medicine is very popular all over the world, in many countries there are special centers and training courses. The approaches and methods of therapy in the Middle Kingdom vary from the well -known, European point of view of diagnosis and treatment of diseases. All diseases are considered a violation of the balance and movement of Qi energy in the body, and therapeutic measures are aimed at restoring this balance. China uses various therapeutic herbs, animal components, minerals, and various methods of external influences, such as acupuncture and acupressure. These methods have a wide range of indications and the minimum number of side effects.

Acupuncture

The synonymous names of this method are acupuncture, reflexology. The principle of treatment through acupuncture is the placement of needles at bioactive points. Each point is associated with the organ on which the impact is performed. Reflexotherapy allows relief and muscle cramps, has an anesthetic effect and helps reduce pain syndrome. The method is safe, as most doctors use sterile needles available. And in the case of using needles with a layer of gold or silver, they are mandatory. Feelings during the procedure depend on individual sensitivity, the patient may suffer sensitivity or numbness. It is important for the procedure to be performed by a highly qualified specialist with extensive experience. Incorrect needle installation will be useless or even harmful. In some cases, acupuncture is combined with the impact of poor electricity doses.

Moxotherapy

This is a specific way to affect active points using special workmwood cigarettes. The principle of action is similar to acupuncture and is often used in combination. The lit cigarette is installed on the body in a separate wooden house, while the active points are heated. Wormwood has a disinfectant, soothing and relaxing effect.

This method is safe, as the light cigarette area does not come into contact with the skin, although in some areas of China, direct methods that operate on the skin are also used.

Massage

Massage in China practices several different schools in China. They use rotation techniques, by pressing with one finger, the methods of manual therapy. Traditional massage techniques allow you to process muscle and joints, as well as indirectly act on other organs and tissues, contribute to an increase in body protective forces.

Qigun

Traditional Chinese gymnastics, like massage, has some schools. Qigong, smooth, stretched and twisting movements are perfect as spinal exercise exercises for osteochondrosis. Qigong techniques do not require special equipment and can be performed at home. However, before that, it is best to choose the right exercises with your doctor, as well as process the right execution technique under the guidance of a qualified specialist.

The level of science and medicine in China is very high, a combination of traditions and innovations yields amazing results. An example of achieving Chinese science is the methods of DNA therapy and DNA vaccines-are these methods that are currently used to develop cancer treatment and the fight against HIV.

PREVENTION

Despite the chosen methods of treatment, the prevention of osteochondrosis plays no less role. What can be done for the health of the spine:

Use a sufficient amount of water; Weight of control, do not overdo it; Choose the right shoes, if necessary - orthopedic bedding; Choose a good mattress to sleep, not too soft and giving enough support to the spine; consume collagen -rich food (fish, turkey, jelly, jelly); perform regular physical exercises; Adjust the height of the desktop and excrement, taking into account the growth.

As for alternative prevention methods, massage, qigong and acupuncture are well placed - for highly understandable and described reasons above.

It is important to remember that with pain in your back you can and you have to fight. To change the lifestyle, it is not necessary to expect the first signs of the disease. You can already get up from the computer, cook your neck, include walks or massage in your job list. And if the osteochondrosis of the spine has become a problem that interferes with life calmly, then the common efforts of traditional science and medicine will help to restore the health and enjoyment of movement.