Spinal osteochondrosis: causes and treatment

Up to 76% of people a year experienced back pain. These statistics affect people of all ages and professions. The causes of pain can vary, one of which is spinal osteochondrosis. Due to an inactive lifestyle, spinal osteochondrosis is increasingly found, and it is not always possible to defeat it yourself. Let's talk about why it arises and how to handle it.

What is the spinal cord osteochondrosis

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

The term "osteochondrosis of the spinal cord" was suggested by Hilderandt in 1933 as a multifactorial degenerative disease of the spinal motor segment. What is the spinal motor segment? These are two vertebrae located from each other, and among them - the intervertebral disc. Thanks to the joint, a person's spine can be bent and bent, tilted and turn. But as a result of different causes, the intervertebral disc loses their properties, undergoes degeneration, then gradually changes affect the vertebra itself. That is, the essence of spinal osteochondrosis is in the gradual destruction of intervertebral discs.

Osteochondrosis can develop anywhere -the spine.

Due to large loads, osteochondrosis most often foundlumbar spine. Symptoms are:

• Lower back pain, which can be sharp or stupid, fixed, can be intensified when moving;
• Pain can be given to the feet, pelvic organs, to the sacrum;
• In severe cases, violations of sensitivity or mobility, muscle atrophy -lower leg muscles may occur.

The second incident is osteochondrosis of the cervical region, which is often associated with uncomfortable head position, for example, when working on a computer or with documents. Osteochondrosiscervical spineIt is indicated by the following symptoms:

• headache and dizziness, migraine;
• vision or hearing loss, "flies" in front of the eyes;
• Pain can be given to the back of the head, shoulders, clavicles;
• Maybe sensitivity is affected in the hand.

Osteochondrosis is at least stunningThoracic spine, because the vertebra is inactive with each other. Defeat in this zone can be disguised as heart or lungs. Symptoms of spinal thoracic osteochondrosis:

• back pain at the shoulder blade level, in the chest, which can be intensified with tilments, turns, during inspiration or breath;
• Skin sensitivity disorders.

Regardless of the degree of damage, pain in spinal osteochondrosis can be intensified when pressed on the vertebra that participates in the process.

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

The risk factors and the cause of the disease

The spine has a high strength and the effects of several provocative factors are needed for the development of the disease. It is important to understand that the majority, if not all such factors, can affect and thus reduce the likelihood of developing the disease.

• lack of movement - at the same time, blood supply is worsening, and therefore the nutrition of all spinal elements;
• Excessive physical activity is also dangerous and can cause damage to the intervertebral disc;
• Long lives in improper conditions, non -physiological -desktop or chairs that are inappropriate leads to the fact that one has to always tilt his head;
• Pressure - excessive tension in the muscles can lead to compression of the vessels that feed the spine;
• overweight;
• Smoking exacerbates micro circulation in all body tissues;
• Insufficient use of water and protein is also affected by the intervertebral disc state.

The direct cause of spinal osteochondrosis is not always clear, but the following options can be distinguished:

• Descent predisposing - genetic features programmed from cartilage and bone tissue, where the process of wearing faster;
• Spinal injuries - various complications can develop in place of damage, including osteochondrosis;
• Professional damage, such as vibration;
• exposure to infections or chemicals;
• Natural aging of the body.

In the risk zone the development of spinal osteochondrosis is a person from various professions. These are builders and athletes, surgeons and office workers.

Level of osteochondrosis and possible complications

A description of the four stages of spinal osteochondrosis was suggested in 1971. They are not used to formulate the diagnosis, but allow you to understand how the disease is continued.

1. The intervertebral disc becomes less elastic. The disc can be slightly defective, the internal pulpous nucleus shift in the disc. This level either does not show itself in any way, or a small pain arises.
2. In the second stage, cracks may appear in the disc, the weakness of the surrounding ligaments occurs. The vertebral connection becomes unstable. There is an acute attack with defects.
3. The third stage is characterized by complete damage to the intervertebral disc. When the pulpoos nucleus exits outside the disc, the intervertebral disc hernia occurs. Spinal deformation or nerve root violation may occur.
4. In the fourth stage, the surrounding fabric is affected - vertebra, ligaments, spinal shells. As a result, the spinal segment can lose full mobility.

As a result of spinal osteochondrosis in some cases, various complications occur. Problems from intervertebral discs, hernia and protrusions can cause narrowing of the spinal cord, spinal cord compression and defects.

Depending on the degree of damage, various problems are possible with the involvement of the nerve root. These are intercostal neuralgia, impaired sensitivity and upper and lower motor functions, violations of internal organs. Sciatic nerve inflammation, or ishias, not only causes severe pain, but can also cause pelvic organs and infertility.

In addition to the nerve roots with osteochondrosis, the vertebral vessels can be squeezed. If it violates blood flow in the vertebral artery that goes beyond the cervical region and nourishes the brain, brain disorders, vision or hearing problems, breathing or heart activity can develop.

Approaches for diagnosis and treatment of osteochondrosis: commonly accepted and alternative methods

In the form of a formal drugDiagnosis of osteochondrosisIt includes neurologists to determine the degree of damage to the nerve roots, reflex tests and sensitivity.

From the instrumental method, the following can be used:

• Ultrasound vessels allow you to identify the level of blood circulation disorders, for example, in the vertebral artery;
• Spinal radiography;
• CT also uses the X -Ray method, but allows you to build a three -dimensional image in the study area, identifying even a small vertebra shift;
• MRI specializes in soft tissue studies, allowing you to evaluate the spinal cord, depicting the internal structure of the intervertebral disc.

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

Osteochondrosis therapyIt's comprehensive.

• The first and very important way in the treatment of osteochondrosis is the way of life. Normalization of working conditions, moderate and normal physical training, as well as healthy sleep, improving the patient's condition.
• For the treatment of spinal osteochondrosis drugs, neurologists or general practitioners may prescribe drugs. Often, anti -steroidal drugs are prescribed -this is a standard for the treatment of spinal osteochondrosis. They reduce pain and reduce inflammation. Musodeloxants contribute to the decrease in muscle cramps. Vitamins and antioxidants are prescribed to protect nerve tissue from damage. However, any drug has side effects, for example, NSAIDs can affect the stomach.
• In addition to medicines, physiotherapy products are used, such as massage for spinal osteochondrosis, as well as manual therapy. In severe complications of osteochondrosis, surgical surgery may be required, but it is only prescribed if there is no prolonged conservative treatment effect.

The treatment of osteochondrosis in classical medicine in most cases is a long process and can negatively affect human health. Therefore, some drugs, especially analgesics and muscle relaxants (especially with sedative effects), can cause addiction, and several ways to negatively affect gastrointestinal tract work. Alternatively, you can consider the methods used, for example, in traditional Chinese medicine.

Traditional Chinese medicine is very popular worldwide, in many countries there are special centers and training courses. The approaches and methods of therapy in the central government differ from the view of the diagnosis and treatment of the common disease, Europe. All diseases are considered to be a violation of the balance and movement of the QI energy in the body, and the therapeutic steps are intended to restore this balance. China uses a variety of therapeutic herbs, animal components, minerals, as well as various external influences, such as acupuncture and acupressure. This method has a variety of clues and minimum number of side effects.

Acupuncture

The name of the synonym of this method is acupuncture, reflexology. The principle of treatment through acupuncture is to set the needle at the bioactive point. Each point is associated with the organ where the effect is performed. Reflexotherapy enables muscle relaxation and cramps, has anesthetic effects, and helps reduce pain syndrome. This method is safe, as most doctors use sterile needles. And in the case of using a needle with gold or silver coating, they are mandatory. Sensation during the procedure depends on the individual's vulnerability, the patient may experience tingling or numbness. It is important that this procedure is carried out by a qualified specialist with extensive experience. Incorrect needle installation will be useless or even dangerous. In some cases, acupuncture is combined with the effect of weak dose of electric current.

Moksotherapy

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

This method is safe, as the burning area does not come in contact with the skin, although in some areas of China, the direct method of the skin is also used.

Massage

Massage in China practices several different schools in China. They use rotation techniques, pressing with one finger, manual therapy method. Traditional massage techniques allow you to work on muscles and joints, as well as indirectly acting on other organs and tissues, contributing to increased body protection.

Qactun

Traditional Chinese gymnastics, such as massages, have several schools. Qigong movement, smooth, stretching and rotating, perfect as a spinal exercise for osteochondrosis. Qigong techniques do not require special equipment and can be done at home. However, before that, it is best to choose the right training with the doctor, as well as to complete the right implementation technique under the guidance of a qualified specialist.

The level of science and medicine in China is very high, the combination of tradition and innovation provides incredible results. Examples of Chinese science achievements are DNA therapy methods and DNA vaccine-it is these methods that are now used to develop cancer treatment and fight HIV.

Prevention

Regardless of the selected treatment method, the prevention of osteochondrosis plays a role. What can be done for spinal health:

• using sufficient amount of water;
• Weight control, do not eat too much;
• Choose the right shoes, if necessary - orthopedic insoles;
• Choose a good mattress for sleeping, not very soft and provides sufficient support to the spine;
• take food rich in collagen (fish, turkey, jelly, various jelly);
• doing regular physical training;
• Adjust desktop and stool height, taking into account growth.

For alternative, massage, qigong and acupuncture prevention methods have established themselves well - for the reasons that are relatively understood and described above.

It is important to remember that with the pain behind you can and should be fought. To change the lifestyle, there is no need to wait for the first signs of the disease. You can get up from your computer, knead your neck, including walking or massage in your list of businesses. And if spinal osteochondrosis has turned into a problem that interferes with life quietly, then traditional science and medicine will help restore the health and excitement of movement.