Not everyone will say that they have never had back pain.This extremely unpleasant problem affects everyone.It's not scary if the pain is caused by hypothermia or muscle strain.It is much worse if the pain is a symptom of a 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 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 cartilaginous tissue underlying the intervertebral discs is slowly restored.Therefore, the discs affected by the disease are doomed to destruction.However, it is almost impossible to reverse the disease.If the disease manifests itself, it will only be possible to stop its 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 the disease.It is difficult to say why the disease appears.Doctors say that development is facilitated by inadequate distribution of the level of load on the spine with a weak ligamentous apparatus and muscular corset.
This point of view is confirmed by the methods of treating osteochondrosis, which are based on the normalization of ligaments and muscles.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 the 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 outdoor activities, the probability of osteochondrosis will still remain high due to nutrient deficiency.The problem is fundamental because not all people eat well.They prefer hot dogs and treats from which the body cannot extract anything useful.The problem is worsened by a sedentary lifestyle.
Let's 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 negative effect on the mobility of the limbs and trunk 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 hinders the disc restoration process.If you are sloppy or suffer from computer addiction, this contributes to the development of the disease.So exercise regularly.
Symptoms
- Thoracic osteochondrosis is accompanied by burning and severe pain.There is a feeling that the chest is being compressed.When feeling the processes of the vertebrae, a person feels 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.The displacement of the ribs contributes to the onset of the symptom.When turning the body, the pain intensifies.
- As for internal organs, functions are impaired when nerve roots are compressed.The thoracic region contains structures 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.Radiographic examination is of great importance in this matter.On 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 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 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 blocks with novocaine solution.If the disease worsens, sedatives and painkillers are used.In the case of unexpressed pain, the patient uses anti-inflammatories 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 smooth effects on the spinal muscles.
- With the help of home physiotherapy, measured loads are applied to the spine, which speeds up the recovery process.Vertical loads are contraindicated.In the sanitary spa stage, hydromassage and underwater traction are used.Ultrasound, inductothermy and salt baths help to obtain results.
Surgical treatment, which involves 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 impactions.
The cervical vertebrae are close to each other and the muscular structure is poorly developed.Therefore, muscular osteochondrosis, even with small loads, causes displacement of the vertebral discs, which compress the nerves and blood vessels.
The cartilaginous tissue affected by the disease becomes bone formation.As a result, the disc hardens and its size decreases.The result is that the spinal discs lose their shock-absorbing 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 vessels in the head and cervical region.Pain syndrome brings discomfort and reduces performance.Dizziness occurs with sudden head turns.
- Pain in the chest and upper limbs.It has an urgent 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 their vocal cords changes, as does their speech.
The diagnosis of the disease is made by doctors, including orthopedists and neurosurgeons.Doctors examine the patient, carefully examining the vertebra in several 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 your body helps you discover range of motion.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 therapy 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 stage of therapy is accompanied by increased pain in the neck, but it is subsequently alleviated with medication, physiotherapeutic procedures and therapeutic massages.
- Gymnastics and exercise help relieve pain.Exercise therapy strengthens the neck muscles, which reduces the likelihood of relapse.
- Let me give you a simple exercise as an example.Gently turn your head to the side, freeze for a moment, then turn in the opposite direction.When doing the exercise, look straight ahead.
- Massage helps reduce discomfort.The procedure lengthens the spine and lengthens the muscles.After the massage, lubricate your neck with a special oil, which contains medicines that relieve pain.
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 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.This is numbness of the limbs, abdominal pain, impaired functioning of the genitourinary system.
Treating the listed symptoms without first checking the spine contributes to the development of the disease.Therefore, 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 a question of body mobility.
Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
- The list of the main signs of lumbar osteochondrosis is small.Includes: numbness in the limbs, pain in the legs, periodic pain in the lower back after a fall or physical activity.
- The symptoms I listed generally appear to a lesser extent as 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 it is an advanced case accompanied by an intervertebral hernia.
Modern reflex methods make it possible to carry out effective therapy for lumbar osteochondrosis, without complications and with great benefits.Just remember that it is unrealistic to quickly resolve a serious problem and only an individual approach will help to 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 congestion in the spine.As a result, the tissue regeneration process is accelerated.
The use of these procedures to combat osteochondrosis is combined with the use of medications 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 overloads the spine and contributes to the development of the disease.
Over many years of practice, doctors have accumulated considerable experience in the fight against the 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 kilos.
- If you have to work a lot, drink fluids before starting physical work.Even tea or coffee will do.A dehydrated body is unable to supply sufficient water to the intervertebral discs.
- 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 harness.
- Do not hold heavy things with your arms outstretched as this will increase stress on your spine.To pick up an object, squat down and lift it up, keeping your spine straight.
- If your spine has been loaded while working, hang from the horizontal bar for a while while you finish so that it stretches.When working for a long time, use this technique periodically.If this is not possible, stretch well.
- Always distribute the load evenly.Carry bags with both hands and carry large objects in front of you, keeping them close to your body.If you are going to give something to someone else, don't do it at arm's length.Even if you have a full kettle on hand, I do not recommend neglecting this rule.
- If you have to carry something heavy a long distance, use a backpack, small cart, rolling suitcase, or purse.
With this information you will save money and avoid problems.Good luck!