Not everyone will say that they have never experienced back pain.This extremely unpleasant problem befalls everyone.It’s not scary if the pain is caused by hypothermia or pulled muscles.It is much worse if pain is a symptom of a back disease.That's why I will look at 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.
The cartilage tissue underlying the intervertebral discs is slowly 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.
It is believed that osteochondrosis is the price humanity pays for the ability to walk.As practice shows, four-legged animals do not suffer from the disease.It is difficult to say for what reasons the disease appears.Doctors say that development is facilitated by improper distribution of the level of load on the spine with a weak ligamentous apparatus and muscle corset.
This point of view is confirmed by methods of treating osteochondrosis, which are based on bringing ligaments and muscles to a normal state.Therapy involves muscle training.
Based on the facts regarding 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 weakening of the back muscle corset.
- Physical activity.
- Back injuries.
- Overweight.
- Hereditary predisposition.
- Incorrect posture and prolonged exposure to an uncomfortable position.
- Impaired metabolism.
- 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 likelihood of osteochondrosis will still remain high due to a deficiency of nutrients.The problem is key because not all people eat right.They prefer hot dogs and treats from which the body is unable to extract anything useful.The problem is aggravated 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 enormous damage to organs associated with the spinal cord located at the level of the affected thoracic region.Impaired functioning of the spine has a bad effect on the mobility of the limbs and torso, and negatively affects the functioning 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 process of disc restoration.If you slouch 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 compressed.When feeling the processes of the vertebrae, a person experiences local pain, which intensifies when turning the body, taking deep breaths 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 the symptom.When turning the body, the pain intensifies.
- As for the internal organs, 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.On a chest X-ray, a decrease in the height of the intervertebral discs is easily recognized.This helps detect osteophytes and endplate sclerosis.
Using computed 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 blockades using a solution of novocaine.If the disease worsens, sedatives and analgesics are used.In the 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 appropriate for the first three degrees of osteochondrosis.At the same time, it provides rough and soft effects on the spinal muscles.
- 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.As part of the sanitary-resort stage, hydromassage and traction under water are used.Ultrasound, inductothermy and salt baths help achieve results.
Surgical treatment, which involves surgery, is carried out in cases where a prolapsed disc fragment compresses the spinal cord.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
The disease is characterized by degeneration of intervertebral discs, accompanied by a decrease in height, rapid growth of marginal osteophyte and the appearance of compactions.
The cervical vertebrae are close to each other, and the muscular frame is poorly developed.Therefore, muscular osteochondrosis, even with minor loads, causes displacement of the vertebral discs, which compress the nerves and blood vessels.
Cartilage tissue affected by the disease becomes a bone formation.As a result, the disk hardens and its size decreases.The result is that the spinal discs lose their shock-absorbing properties, which leads to 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 that is exerted on the vessels of the head and cervical region.Pain syndrome brings discomfort and reduces performance.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 extremities, 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 does speech.
Diagnosis of the disease is carried out by doctors, including an orthopedist and a neurosurgeon.Doctors examine the patient, carefully examining the vertebra in various positions.To determine the level of damage, a special scheme is used.
The location and degree of pain is determined by palpating the spine.At the same time, bending, bending and turning the body helps to find out the amplitude of movement.Further diagnostics include X-rays, computed tomography and MRI.
How to treat
- It is customary to treat the disease using conservative methods aimed at eliminating pain, restoring 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, but it is subsequently relieved with medications, physiotherapeutic procedures and therapeutic massage.
- Gymnastics and exercises 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.Turn your head smoothly 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 lubricate your neck with special oil, which contains drugs that dull the pain.
This disease is not a death sentence.With the help of medication, 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 first checking 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-treatment.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.It includes: numbness of the limbs, pain in the legs, periodic pain in the lumbar region after a fall or physical activity.
- The symptoms that I have listed often appear to a minor extent while the disease progresses.You need to be as careful as possible about your health and consult a doctor if necessary.
- 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 make it possible to carry out 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 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 eliminate congestion in the spine.As a result, the process of tissue regeneration is accelerated.
The use of these procedures during 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.
Particular attention is paid to combating obesity, if there is a problem.Excess weight puts stress on the spine and contributes to the development of the disease.
Over many years of practice, doctors have accumulated considerable experience in the fight against scourge.As a result, in most cases the therapy provides results without surgery and helps improve the health of the lower back.
How to prevent the appearance 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.A dehydrated body is unable to provide the intervertebral discs with enough water.
- Periodically massage your back with simple movements.This technique will disperse the blood and speed up metabolic processes.When planning to lift weights, use a weightlifting belt or belt.
- Do not hold heavy things at arm's length, as this will increase the stress on the spine.To pick up an object, squat down and rise with it, keeping your spine straight.
- If your spine received a load during work, hang on the horizontal bar for a little while you’re done so that it stretches out.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 objects in front of you, keeping them close to your body.If you are going to give something to another person, do not do it at arm's length.Even if you have a full kettle in your hand, I don’t recommend neglecting this rule.
- If you have to move something heavy over 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!