Not everyone will say they have never experienced back pain.This extremely unpleasant problem affects everyone.It is not terrible if the pain is caused by hypothermia or pulled muscles.It is much worse if the pain is a symptom of back disease.That is why I will look at the symptoms and treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic, cervical and lumbar spine at home.
What is osteochondrosis of the spine
Osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disease of the spine that affects the intervertebral discs.Without treatment, it spreads to the bone structure and ligaments.
The cartilage tissue under the intervertebral discs is slowly being restored.Therefore, 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 the ability to walk.As practice shows, four-legged animals do not suffer from diseases.It is difficult to say for what reasons the disease occurs.Doctors say that the development is facilitated by the improper distribution of the load level on the spine with a weak ligament apparatus and muscle corset.
This point of view is confirmed by the methods of treating osteochondrosis, which are based on bringing the ligaments and muscles back to normal.Therapy includes muscle training.
Based on the facts about the development of the disease, doctors compiled a list of causes and factors that provoke the onset of the disease.
- A sedentary lifestyle contributes to the weakening of the back muscle corset.
- Physical activity.
- Back injuries.
- Excessive weight.
- Hereditary predisposition.
- Improper posture and prolonged exposure to an uncomfortable position.
- Metabolic disorder.
- Lack of vitamins, microelements and nutrients in the body.
I will draw your attention to the last point.Even if you lead a healthy lifestyle and choose active recreation, the probability of osteochondrosis will still remain high due to a lack of nutrients.The problem is crucial because not everyone is eating right.They prefer hot dogs and treats from which the body cannot extract anything useful.The problem is exacerbated by a sedentary lifestyle.
We will focus on the symptoms and treatment of osteochondrosis at home, depending on which part of the spine is affected.
How to treat osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine
Thoracic osteochondrosis causes massive damage to the organs associated with the spinal cord located at the level of the affected thoracic region.Disruption of the functioning of the spine has a bad effect on the mobility of the limbs and trunk, and negatively 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 restoration process.If you are slouched or suffer from computer addiction, this contributes to the development of the disease.That's why you do physical exercises regularly.
Symptoms
- Osteochondrosis of the chest is accompanied by burning and pain.There is a feeling of tightness in the chest.When the vertebral processes are palpated, a person experiences local pain, which intensifies when turning the body, taking a deep breath and axial loads on the spine.
- In some people, the development of the disease is accompanied by pain in the shoulder blades and lower chest.Displacement of the ribs contributes to the appearance of symptoms.When turning the body, the pain intensifies.
- As for the internal organs, the functions are impaired when the nerve roots are compressed.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 matter.A decrease in the height of the intervertebral discs is easily recognized on a chest x-ray.This helps detect osteophytes and endplate sclerosis.
Computed tomography clarifies the condition of the vertebrae, determines the size and location of the hernial protrusion, and determines the dimensions of the spinal canal.As part of the differential diagnosis, the anamnesis 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 spine traction.
- Drug treatment involves performing paravertebral blocks using a solution of novocaine.If the disease worsens, sedatives and analgesics are used.In case of unexpressed pain, the patient uses anti-inflammatory drugs and ointments.
- After eliminating acute phenomena, the back and lower limbs are massaged.Manual therapy is considered suitable for the first three degrees of osteochondrosis.At the same time, it provides rough and soft effects on the muscles of the spine.
- With the help of physical therapy at home, measured loads are applied to the spine, which speeds up the recovery process.Vertical loads are contraindicated.Hydromassage and underwater towing are used as part of the sanitary resort.Ultrasound, inductothermy and salt baths help to achieve results.
Surgical treatment, which includes surgery, is performed in cases where a prolapsed disc fragment compresses the spinal cord.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
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 compaction.
The cervical vertebrae are close to each other, and the muscular framework is poorly developed.Therefore, muscular osteochondrosis, even with minor loads, causes displacement of the vertebral discs, which compress nerves and blood vessels.
Cartilage tissue affected by the disease becomes a bone formation.As a result, the disc hardens and its size decreases.The result is that the spinal discs lose their cushioning properties, which puts pressure on the nerves and contributes 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 blood vessels of the head and cervical region.Pain syndrome brings discomfort and reduces performance.Vertigo occurs with sudden turns of the head.
- Pain in the chest and upper limbs.It has a pressing and burning character.In the upper extremities, the pain is accompanied by numbness and tingling.
- Numbness of the tongue.The symptom is caused by limited mobility of the tongue.Therefore, many people suffering from osteochondrosis complain that the tone of the vocal cords changes, as well as speech.
Disease diagnosis is carried out by doctors, including orthopedists and neurosurgeons.Doctors examine the patient, carefully examining the vertebra in different positions.A special scheme is used to determine the level of damage.
The location and degree of pain is determined by palpation of the spine.At the same time, bending, bending and turning the body helps to know the amplitude of the movement.Further diagnostics include X-rays, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.
How to treat
- It is customary to treat the disease 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 phase of therapy is accompanied by increased pain in the neck, but it is subsequently alleviated by medication, physiotherapeutic procedures and therapeutic massage.
- Gymnastics and exercises help to numb the pain.Exercise therapy strengthens the neck muscles, which reduces the likelihood of recurrence.
- 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 lengthens the spine and stretches the muscles.After the massage, be sure to anoint the neck with a special oil, which contains pain-numbing drugs.
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 experienced unpleasant pains 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, pain in the abdomen, damage to the functioning of the genitourinary system.
Treatment of the above symptoms without prior control of the spine contributes to the development of the disease.For this reason, it is recommended to take into account all symptoms, consult a specialist and forget about self-medication.This is not a fight against a runny nose.It's about body mobility.
Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
- The list of main signs of lumbar osteochondrosis is small.Includes: numbness of the limbs, pain in the legs, periodic pain in the lumbar region after a fall or physical activity.
- The symptoms I mentioned often occur to a lesser extent as the disease progresses.You must take care of your health as much as possible and consult a doctor if necessary.
- Lumbar osteochondrosis requires complex, intensive and long-term treatment, especially if it is an advanced case accompanied by intervertebral hernia.
Modern reflex methods make it possible to carry out effective therapy of 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 application of these procedures in the fight against osteochondrosis is combined with the use of drugs that improve the balance of intervention and metabolic processes.It is impossible to achieve your goal without an active lifestyle and proper nutrition.
Special attention is paid to suppressing obesity, if there is a problem.Excess weight burdens the spine and contributes to the development of diseases.
During many years of practice, doctors have gained considerable experience in the fight against plagues.As a result, in most cases, therapy provides results without surgery and helps improve lower back health.
How to prevent osteochondrosis?
In conclusion, I will share ways to prevent and prevent osteochondrosis.If you already have an illness, I do not recommend lifting weights greater than ten kilograms.
- If you have to work hard, drink fluids before starting physical work.They will even serve tea or coffee.A dehydrated body is unable to provide enough water to the intervertebral discs.
- Massage your back occasionally with simple movements.This technique will disperse the blood and accelerate metabolic processes.When you plan to lift weights, use a belt or weightlifting belt.
- Do not keep heavy objects within arm's reach, as this will increase the load on the spine.To lift an object, squat down and stand up with it, keeping your spine straight.
- If your spine was strained during the work, hang on the horizontal bar a little longer until you are ready to stretch.When working for a long time, use this technique occasionally.If this is not possible, stretch well.
- Always distribute the load evenly.Carry bags in both hands, and carry large items in front of you, holding 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 kettle in your hand, I don't recommend ignoring this rule.
- If you have to move something heavy over long distances, use a backpack, small cart, suitcase or bag.
With this information, you'll save your back and avoid trouble.Good luck!