Not everyone will say they have never suffered from back pain.This extremely unpleasant problem happens to everyone.It's not scary if the pain is caused by hypothermia or muscle strains.It's much worse if the pain is a symptom of back disease.That is why I will consider the symptoms and treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic, cervical and lumbar spine at home.
What is vertebral 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 cartilaginous tissue underlying the intervertebral discs is slowly restored.Discs affected by the disease are therefore doomed to destruction.However, it is almost impossible to stop the disease.If the disease has manifested itself, it is only possible to stop its development.
Osteochondrosis is believed to be the price humanity pays for being able 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 the development is facilitated by poor 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, based on the recovery of ligaments and muscles.The therapy involves muscle training.
Based on the facts about the development of the disease, doctors have compiled a list of causes and factors provoking the development of the disease.
- A sedentary, sedentary lifestyle contributes to the weakening of the muscular corset of the back.
- Physical activity.
- Back injuries.
- Overweight.
- Hereditary predisposition.
- Bad 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 hobbies, the risk of osteochondrosis will remain high due to nutrient deficiency.The problem is crucial because not everyone eats properly.They prefer hot dogs and treats from which the body is unable to extract anything useful.The problem is made worse 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 the organs associated with the spinal cord located in the affected thoracic region.Impaired functioning of the spine has a detrimental 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, aching pain.It feels like the chest is compressed.When feeling the processes of the vertebrae, a person feels local pain, which intensifies when rotating the body, 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, their functions are impaired when the nerve roots are compressed.The thoracic region contains structures responsible for innervation of the kidneys, heart, liver, and other organs.For this reason, there are no characteristic symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis.
We will now talk about diagnosis.X-ray examination is of great importance in this regard.On a chest x-ray, a decrease in the height of the intervertebral discs is easily recognizable.This makes it possible to detect osteophytes and sclerosis of the vertebral endplate.
With the help of CT scanning, the condition of the vertebrae is clarified, the size and location of the hernial protrusion are 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 to 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 consists of performing paravertebral blocks using a novocaine solution.If the disease worsens, sedatives and painkillers are used.In case of unexpressed pain, the patient uses anti-inflammatory drugs and ointments.
- After eliminating acute phenomena, the back and lower extremities are massaged.Manual therapy is considered appropriate for the first three degrees of osteochondrosis.At the same time, it provides rough and gentle 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 underwater traction are used.Ultrasound, inductothermy and salt baths contribute to achieving results.
Surgical treatment, which involves surgery, is carried out in cases where a prolapsed disc fragment is compressing 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 marginal osteophytes and the appearance of compactions.
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 spinal discs, which compress the nerves and blood vessels.
Cartilage tissue affected by the disease becomes bone formation.As a result, the disc hardens and its size decreases.The result is that the intervertebral discs lose their shock-absorbing properties, which causes pressure on the nerves and contributes to pain.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
- Headaches and dizziness.The main symptom of the disease is headache.This is due to pressure on the vessels of the head and cervical region.Pain syndrome causes discomfort and reduces performance.Dizziness occurs when the head turns suddenly.
- Pain in chest and upper limbs.He has an urgent 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.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 by carefully examining the vertebra in various positions.To determine the level of damage, a special scheme is used.
The location and degree of pain are determined by palpation of the spine.At the same time, bending, bending and rotating the body allows you to know the range of movement.Other diagnostics include X-rays, CT scans and MRIs.
How to treat
- It is customary to treat the disease using conservative methods aimed at eliminating pain, restoring the normal functioning of the spinal roots and preventing degenerative changes in the spine.
- If conservative treatment is ineffective, surgical treatment is carried out according to 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 treatment is accompanied by increased pain in the neck, but then it is relieved by medications, physiotherapeutic procedures and therapeutic massage.
- Gymnastics and exercises help ease the pain.Exercise therapy strengthens the neck muscles, which reduces the risk of relapse.
- Let me give you a simple exercise as an example.Gently turn your head to the side, freeze for a moment and turn in the opposite direction.As you do 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 alleviate pain.
This disease is not a death sentence.With the help of medications, 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 pain in the legs, lower back and sacrum, which leads to discomfort and discomfort.
The symptoms of the disease are extremely wide.Some symptoms are not related to the spine at all.This is numbness of the limbs, abdominal pain, dysfunction 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 bodily mobility.
Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
- The list of main signs of lumbar osteochondrosis is small.This includes: numbness of the limbs, pain in the legs, periodic pain in the lumbar region after a fall or physical activity.
- The symptoms I have listed often appear in minor ways as the disease progresses.You should be as careful as possible regarding your health and consult a doctor if necessary.
- Lumbar osteochondrosis requires complex, intensive and long-term treatment, especially if it is an advanced case accompanied by an 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 achieve results.
Home treatment
Treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis at home is based on manual therapy, acupuncture and vacuum therapy.The procedures help restore blood circulation and eliminate spinal congestion.As a result, the process of tissue regeneration is accelerated.
The use of these procedures in the fight against osteochondrosis is associated with the use of drugs that improve the balance of interventions 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, in the event of a problem.Excess weight puts pressure 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 this scourge.As a result, in most cases the therapy provides results without surgery and helps improve lower back health.
How to prevent the onset of osteochondrosis?
In conclusion, I will share ways to prevent and prevent osteochondrosis.If you already suffer from an illness, I do not recommend lifting weights of more than ten kilograms.
- If you must work hard, drink fluids before starting physical work.Even tea or coffee will do the trick.A dehydrated body is unable to supply enough water to the intervertebral discs.
- Massage your back regularly with simple movements.This technique will disperse the blood and accelerate metabolic processes.When planning to lift weights, use a weightlifting belt or belt.
- Do not hold heavy objects at arm's length, as this will increase pressure on the spine.To pick up an object, squat down and stand up with it, keeping your spine straight.
- If your spine received a load during work, hold on to the horizontal bar a little while you finish so that it stretches.When working for a long time, use this technique periodically.If this is not possible, stretch carefully.
- Always distribute the load evenly.Carry bags with both hands and carry large items in front of you, keeping them close to your body.If you are going to give something to another person, don't do it at arm's length.Even if you have a full kettle in hand, I do not advise you to neglect 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 stay out of trouble.Good luck!