Spinal osteochondrosis: Causes and treatment

Up to 76% of people per year experience back pain. These statistics affect people of all ages and professions. The causes of pain may be different, one of them is osteochondrosis of the spine. Due to the sedentary lifestyle, spine osteochondrosis is increasingly found, and it is not always possible to defeat it on its own. Let's talk about why it comes up and how to deal with it.

What is column osteochondrosis

There are several different views on the definition. Some experts believe it is more correct to use the general name - dorsalgia or non -specific back pain. The difficulties in the definition are also associated with the fact that a variety of experts works with this disease - neurologists, orthopedists, neurosurgeons and general professionals. Sometimes a person diagnosed with "spine osteochondrosis" turns into a cardiologist, as manifestations of the disease are very similar to pain in the heart.

The term "spine osteochondrosis" was proposed by Hilderandt in 1933 as a multifactorial degenerative disease of the spinal motors segment. What is a segment of spinal motors? These are two vertebrae located in each other and among them - an intervertebral disc. Thanks to such joint, a person's column can bend and bend, tilt and cheer. But as a result of different reasons, intervertebral discs lose their properties, degeneration and, gradually, changes affect the vertebrae themselves. That is, the essence of spine osteochondrosis lies in the gradual destruction of intervertebral discs.

Osteochondrosis can develop in any spine.

Due to the large load, osteochondrosis is more often foundlumbar. The symptoms are:

• Lumbar pain, which can be clear or stupid, constant, can intensify when moving;
• The pain can be given to the feet, pelvic organs, to the sacred;
• In severe cases, a violation of sensitivity or mobility may occur, atrophy of the lower extremity muscles.

The second occurrence is cervical osteochondrosis, which is most often associated with a long uncomfortable head position, for example, when working on a computer or with documents. Osteochondrosisthe cervical spineIt is manifested by the following symptoms:

• headaches and dizziness, migraine;
• Vision or hearing disorders, "flies" bumps before the eyes;
• The pain can give on the back of the head, shoulders, clavicles;
• Perhaps the impaired sensitivity in the hands.

Osteochondrosis is less likely to surprisethoracic column, since the vertebrae are inactive with each other. Defeat in this area can be disguised as heart or lungs. Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis of the spine:

• Back pain at the shoulder blade level, which can intensify with inclinations, curves, during inspiration or expiration;
• Skin sensitivity disorders.

Regardless of damage level, pain in spine osteochondrosis can intensify when pressured in the vertebrae participating in the process.

With damage to various departments, we can immediately talk about the common osteochondrosis of the spine.

Risk factors and causes of the disease

The spine has high resistance and the effect of several provoking factors is necessary for the development of the disease. It is important to understand that most, if not all these factors, can affect and thus reduce the likelihood of developing the disease.

• Lack of movement - at the same time, the blood supply worsens and, therefore, the nutrition of all elements of the spine;
• Excessive physical activity is also harmful and can lead to damage to intervertebral discs;
• Long -term permanence in an incorrect and non -physogy situation -the inadequate height of the work area or chair leads to the fact that a person is forced to constantly include his head;
• Stress - Excessive muscle tension can lead to the compression of the vessels that feed the spine;
• overweight;
• Smoking worsens microcirculation in all body tissues;
• Insufficient use of water and protein is also affected by the state of intervertebral discs.

Direct causes of spine osteochondrosis are not always obvious, but the following options can be distinguished:

• Hereditary predisposition - genetically programmed characteristics of cartilage and bone tissue, in which the wear process is faster;
• Spine lesions - Several complications may develop at the place of damage, including osteochondrosis;
• professional harming, such as vibration;
• exposure to infections or chemicals;
• Natural aging of the body.

In the risk zone in the development of spine osteochondrosis are people of various professions. They are builders and athletes, surgeons and office workers.

Osteochondrosis stages and possible complications

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

1. Intervertebral discs become less elastic. The disk can be slightly deformed, an internal change in the pulpae core within the disc. This stage is not at all, no small pain.
2. In the second stage, cracks may appear on the disc, weakening the surrounding ligaments. The connection of the vertebrae becomes unstable. There are attacks of acute pain with disabilities.
3. The third stage is characterized by complete damage to the intervertebral disc. When the core of the pulpe comes out of the disc, an intervertebral herniated hernia occurs. Vertebral spine deformation or violation of nerve roots may occur.
4. In the fourth stage, surrounding tissues are affected - vertebrae, ligaments, spinal shells. As a result, the spine segment may completely lose mobility.

As a result of spine osteochondrosis, in some cases there are several complications. Problems of intervertebral discs, hernias and protrusions can lead to spinal canal narrowing, spinal cord compression and disability.

Depending on the damage level, several problems are possible with the involvement of nerve roots. This is intercostal neuralgia, impaired sensitivity and motor function of the upper and lower ends, violations in the work of internal organs. Inflammation of the sciatic nerve, or Ishias, not only causes intense pain, but can also lead to diseases of the pelvic organs and infertility.

In addition to nerve roots with osteochondrosis, vertebral vessels can be squeezed. In case of breach of blood flow in vertebral arteries passing in the cervical region and nourish the brain, brain disorders, vision or hearing problems, breathing or cardiac activity may develop.

Approaches for the diagnosis and treatment of osteochondrosis: generally accepted and alternative methods

Within the official medicine structureOsteochondrosis diagnosisIncludes an inspection of a neurologist to determine the degree of damage to nerve roots, testing reflexes and sensitivity.

Of instrumental methods, the following can be used:

• Vessel ultrasound allows you to identify the degree of circulatory disorders, for example in vertebral arteries;
• Radiography of the spine;
• CT also uses X -ray methods, but allows you to create a three -dimensional image of the studied area, identify even small vertebral displacements;
• Magnetic resonance imaging specializes in the study of soft tissues, allows to evaluate the condition of the spinal cord, to visualize the internal structure of the intervertebral disc.

For differential diagnoses, laboratory tests, general blood and urine indicators and calcium metabolism are used.

Osteochondrosis therapyIt is comprehensive.

• The first and very important means in the treatment of osteochondrosis is a way of life. The normalization of working conditions, moderate and regular physical exercise, as well as healthy sleep, significantly improves the condition of patients.
• For drug treatment of spine osteochondrosis, a neurologist or general practitioner may prescribe medications. Most of the time, non -inflammatory drugs are prescribed -this is the standard for the treatment of spine osteochondrosis. They reduce pain and reduce inflammation. MUSODELOXANTS contribute to a decrease in muscle spasm. Vitamins and antioxidants are prescribed to protect nervous tissue against damage. However, any drugs have side effects, for example, NSAIDs can negatively affect the stomach.
• In addition to medicines, physiotherapy products such as massage for spine osteochondrosis are used as well as manual therapy. In severe complications of osteochondrosis, surgical surgery may be necessary, but is prescribed only in the absence of the effect of prolonged conservative treatment.

Treatment of osteochondrosis in classical medicine in most cases is a long process and can have negative effects on human health. Thus, several medications, in particular analgesics and muscle relaxants (especially with a sedative effect), can cause dependence and some means negatively affect the work of the gastrointestinal tract. Alternatively, you may consider used methods, for example, in traditional Chinese medicine.

China's traditional medicine is very popular around the world; In many countries, there are special centers and training courses. Approaches and methods of therapy in the average kingdom differ from family and European vision of disease diagnosis and treatment. All diseases are considered as a violation of the balance and movement of Qi energy in the body, and therapeutic measures aim to restore this balance. China uses various therapeutic herbs, animal components, minerals and various external influence methods 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 to define needles at bioactive points. Each point is associated with the organ on which the impact is made. Reflex therapy allows relief and muscle cramps, has a anesthetic effect and helps reduce pain syndrome. The method is safe because most doctors use disposable sterile needles. And in the case of using needles with a gold or silver coating, they are mandatory. Sensations during the procedure depend on individual susceptibility, the patient may experience tingling or numbness. It is important that the procedure is performed by a highly qualified expert with a vast experience. Incorrect needle installation will be useless or even harmful. In some cases, acupuncture is combined with the influence of weak doses of electric current.

MOKSOTHERAPY

This is a specific way to influence active points using special wormwood cigars. The principle of action is similar to acupuncture and is often used in combination. The burning cigar is installed in the body in a special wooden house, while the active points are heated. Wormwood has a disinfectant, soothing and relaxing effect.

This method is safe, since the area of steaming cigars does not come into contact with the skin, although in some areas of China, direct methods acting on the skin are also used.

Massage

Massage in China practices several different schools in China. They use rotation techniques, pressing with a finger, manual therapy methods. Traditional massage techniques allow you to elaborate muscles and joints, as well as act indirectly in other organs and tissues, contribute to an increase in body protection forces.

Qigun

Traditional Chinese gymnastics, such as massage, have several schools. Soft, elongated and thorchical driving movements are perfect as exercises for the spine for osteochondrosis. Qigong techniques do not require special equipment and can be performed at home. However, before that, it is better to choose the right exercises with the doctor, as well as to elaborate the correct 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 offers amazing results. An example of the conquest of Chinese science is DNA therapy methods and DNA-São Vaccines these methods that are currently used to develop cancer treatment and the fight against HIV.

Prevention

Regardless of the treatment methods chosen, the prevention of osteochondrosis plays no less role. What can be done by the health of the column:

• Use enough water;
• Control the weight, not eat too much;
• Choose the right shoes if necessary - orthopedic insoles;
• Choose a good sleeping mattress, not too soft and give sufficient support to the spine;
• consume collagen -rich foods (fish, turkey, jam, various jellies);
• Perform regular physical exercises;
• Adjust the height of the desktop and stool, taking into account growth.

As for alternative prevention, massage, qigong and acupuncture methods, they settled well - for very understandable and described reasons.

It is important to remember that with back pain you can and should be locked. To change the lifestyle, it is not necessary to wait for the first signs of the disease. You can get up from the computer, knead your neck, include hiking or massage on your list of subjects. And if spine osteochondrosis has become a problem that calmly interferes with life, the joint efforts of traditional science and medicine will help return the health and joy of movement.