How to Treat Osteochondrosis

Unfortunately, osteochondrosis is already common in people over the age of 30. Degenerative dystrophic changes in the intervertebral discs and spinal bones are most commonly associated with passive lifestyle, malnutrition, weight gain, physical labor, etc. The disease presents with severe symptoms in stages 2-4, when the structural cartilage tissue has fully recovered and will no longer function. Complications of osteochondrosis (herniated discs, herniated discs, osteophytes, etc. ) can lead to reduced quality of life and disability.

Prompt treatment of osteochondrosis increases a person's chances of living a fulfilling life. It is recommended to start treatment at an early stage of its development. In order to stop the development of pathology and improve general health, it is necessary to take a series of measures: drug therapy, exercise therapy, physiotherapy, manual therapy. Surgical treatment is performed only in advanced cases where complications have already developed.

Disease characteristics

Back osteochondrosis begins with the destruction of the intervertebral discs. Under the influence of adverse factors, the disc compresses the inner layer of cartilage, destroying the integrity of its outer shell. The disc height decreases, gradually collapses, and the disease then spreads into the vertebral tissue.

There are many factors that affect the development of spinal osteochondrosis:

• Sitting in the wrong position for a long time.
• passive lifestyle.
• overweight.
• Hard physical labor.
• Back injury.
• Neurological disturbances often occur.
• Wrong nutrition.
• low temperature.
• genetic predisposition.
• Wear high heels, women are pregnant, etc.

refer to. In stages 1 - 2, osteochondrosis can still be cured.

Doctors distinguish 4 stages of osteochondrosis:

• Grade 1 - Cracks appear in the annulus, the disc height decreases. There is discomfort in the affected area, and the back fatigues quickly.
• Grade 2 - Disc height continues to decrease, muscles and ligaments prolapse, and vertebral mobility increases. There is pain, especially after physical exertion.
• Grade 3 - Slight displacement of the intervertebral disc, presence of protrusion, increased likelihood of spinal joint subluxation or arthropathy. A marked pain syndrome occurs, with limited mobility and impaired sensitivity in the affected area.
• Grade 4 - Osteophytes appear on the vertebrae so the body stabilizes the spine. Bone growth can compress nerves, damage vertebrae, and increase the risk of fibrous ankylosis (a fusion of the spinal joints).

important. Osteochondrosis can affect the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar segments of the spine.

Neck disorders manifest as neck, upper extremity pain, headache (headache). In addition, dizziness, hearing and visual disturbances may also occur.

Thoracic osteochondrosis is easily confused with heart disease because the pain syndrome is located in the chest area.

Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis - pain, limited mobility, pain, impaired sensitivity in the lower body.

The clinical manifestations of osteochondrosis vary, so you should not make the diagnosis yourself. See your doctor if you have any suspicious symptoms.

Treatment options for osteochondrosis

In most cases, a conservative approach is used when detecting osteochondrosis. It is important to have comprehensive treatment to eliminate pain, normalize spinal function and prevent complications.

The treatment options for osteochondrosis are as follows:

• Physical activity restrictions.
• take medicine.
• Physical therapy program.
• physiotherapy.
• massage.
• Manipulative therapy.
• Spine stretch.

Only by combining the above methods, it is possible to cure osteochondrosis. The treatment plan for each patient is individually formulated by the doctor, taking into account the extent of the disease, age, and characteristics of the organism.

Effective treatment will help resolve the symptoms of osteochondrosis within 1 to 3 months. Then 12 months of maintenance therapy. This will help consolidate the results and prevent recurrence.

Back cartilage disease (stage 1 osteochondrosis) can be treated without medication. Patients can perform physiotherapy exercises, reduce the load on the damaged area of the back, use applicators (Lyapko roller, Kuznetsov's applicator), improve nutrition, and quit bad habits.

drug

Treat with medications recommended for osteochondrosis exacerbations. The medication will help relieve pain, inflammation, improve blood circulation in the affected area, and normalize motor activity.

For osteochondrosis, use the following medicines:

• NSAIDs relieve pain and inflammation.
• Drugs with vasodilatory effects. They are used because the muscles tense and the blood vessels narrow to widen their lumen and improve blood circulation.
• Muscle relaxants relax spastic muscles, normalize blood flow, relieve pain, improve mobility, and speed tissue repair.
• Chondroprotective agents stop the breakdown of the lining of cartilage.
• Psychotropic medications based on herbal or synthetic ingredients can soothe or reduce emotional stress without hypnotic effects.
• B-vitamin-based preparations accelerate the recovery of damaged nerve fibers.

All of these drugs help fight chronic osteochondrosis, but should only be taken for medical reasons.

Opioid non-narcotic analgesics are used to relieve severe pain during the acute phase of the disease. Glucocorticoids are used for the same purpose. However, these drugs can negatively affect the body, so they can be used as a last resort.

In addition to tablets and injections, creams and gels with a local stimulating and warming effect are used during the exacerbation of osteochondrosis.

physiotherapy

Complex treatment of osteochondrosis is always complemented by therapeutic exercises. However, the exercises for different parts of the spine are different.

In order not to overload the neck, other muscle groups should also be involved in the class. The workout begins with a warm-up and ends with a relaxation exercise.

Cervical Osteochondrosis Complex:

• Lie on your back, raise your head, and hold for 5-7 seconds.
• Without changing the starting position (IP), place your hands on your shoulders and rotate your elbows in different directions.
• The IP is the same, alternately raising your hands over your head, tearing off one, then tearing the second shoulder blade off the floor.
• Press the back of your head to the floor and hold for 4 seconds.
• Connect the shoulder blades and hold for 5 seconds.
• Roll over on your side, rest your head on your hands, lift your free limb with your head, and hold for 4 seconds. Repeat for the other side.
• Lie on your stomach, put your hands behind your head, raise your head, and hold for 4 seconds.

If you experience severe pain and dizziness, stop exercising and see a doctor.

refer to. Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is not as common as the cervical or lumbar spine, as this is the least mobile sector. Also, it is strengthened through the muscles and ribs.

Exercises for spinal thoracic lesions:

• Lie on your back, bend your knees, press your hands against your chest, lift your lower back slightly off the ground, tighten your abdominal muscles, hold for 5 seconds.
• The same is true for SP, raise your arms, straighten your legs, understand the opposite arm and leg, and fix it. Repeat for other limbs.
• Bend over and roll over, arms outstretched to the sides. Raise your hands, lift your head off the floor, and hold for 3 seconds.
• Get on all fours, raise your head, arch your back as you inhale, and bow your head as you exhale, flexing your back.

Move smoothly and avoid sudden movements.

For the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis, use the following exercises:

• Lie on your back and alternately pull your knees toward your chest.
• The same is true for PI, first put the right arm and leg aside, then the left limb.
• Put your hands behind your head and rip them off the floor while pulling your socks toward you.
• Bend your legs at your knees, extend your right knee to your left foot, and vice versa.
• Do the "bicycle" exercises back and forth.
• Roll over on your side, raising your legs.
• Like PI, pull your knees to your chest.
• On all fours, take turns moving your hands to your sides.

These exercises help stretch and relax tense muscles and increase blood circulation and lymph flow.

There are many more exercises. To make a complex that is right for you, talk to your doctor.

Physical Therapy Program

Physical therapy helps relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and improve circulation and nutrition.

In the treatment of osteochondrosis, the following physical therapy procedures are used:

• Drug electrophoresis helps relieve pain in neurological disorders.
• Electrotherapy enhances blood circulation and tissue nutrition.
• Laser therapy can relieve inflammation, anesthetize, speed up tissue healing, and activate biological processes in nerve tissue.
• Shockwave therapy improves local blood circulation, metabolic processes, reduces swelling, pain.
• Detensor Therapy - Traction of the spine under its own body weight. Helps to get rid of extreme pain syndrome.
• Balneotherapy is a series of procedures using fresh, mineral or sea water. After one course of treatment, the pain was relieved and the blood microcirculation was improved.

In addition, dual dynamic therapy, amplified pulse therapy, ultrasound, magnetic therapy, and vibration therapy can be used for osteochondrosis.

refer to. Osteochondrosis is treated with bees, a technique called apitherapy. During the procedure, bee venom is injected into the bioactive site to increase the effect of the compound treatment. Insect venom reduces pain, improves mobility, improves blood microcirculation, conducts through nerve pathways, and increases the elasticity of intervertebral discs.

manual therapy

In the treatment of osteochondrosis, patients not only undergo massage, but also manual exposure (soft and hard).

With the help of massage, specialists can normalize muscle tone, improve blood circulation and restore the activity of nerve cells. Sessions begin with kneading and rubbing, techniques that help prepare the body for further exposure.

After the warm massage, the doctor begins to mobilize and automatically mobilize. During the procedure, it is gently applied to the joints of the spine, gradually increasing in magnitude. Automation consists of movements performed by the patient himself under the supervision of a doctor. These procedures help increase joint space, reduce blood stasis in the veins, and improve nutrition.

To restore the correct position of the displaced vertebrae, the doctor continues with the manipulation technique. He makes quick, rapid movements in the affected area, placing the vertebrae in their usual positions. It helps relieve pain, muscle spasms, and improve mobility.

attention. Manual treatment of osteochondrosis can lead to serious complications (fractures, displacement of vertebrae, nerve, blood vessel, ligament, or muscle damage). To prevent this from happening, you need to find an experienced specialist.

Hardware Therapy and Orthopedic Devices

Devices to treat osteochondrosis can be used at home but must be approved by a doctor.

In addition, patients can use orthopedic devices for the health of their backs. Special pillows or rollers help reduce the strain on the neck and lower back, use during rest or transport. To support the physiological curves of the neck, a medical collar is used. Posture correctors, corsets improve posture and lighten the thoracolumbar spine.

refer to. You can wear a corset and braces for no more than 2-3 hours a day. This pattern will help avoid weakening the muscles.

A special belt is used at the waist. It can be worn at work while exercising.

folk remedies

Complex remedies can be complemented by effective folk remedies. However, the symptoms associated with cervical, thoracic and lumbar osteochondrosis are different, so different prescriptions are used for treatment.

Folk remedies for cervical spondylosis:

• Put the burdock leaves on the steam for 5-10 minutes, affix them to the neck and secure with a bandage. You can also soak gauze in burdock broth and use it as a compress.
• Decoction with birch leaves and apply on the affected area.
• Peel the horseradish, squeeze out the juice, mix with vodka (1: 1) and rub the neck.
• Pour a 250 g needle into 1 liter of boiling water and let it sit for 30 minutes. Drink twice a day after meals.

Also, with cervical osteochondrosis, you can take a bath with acupuncture.

If the chest area is affected, use the following recipe:

• Combine dandelion root, mint, birch sprouts, and coriander in equal proportions. Pour 3 tablespoons of 100 ml of boiling water. l. Collect and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes. Add 75 grams of butter and sunflower oil to the warm mixture and cook for another 20 minutes. Rub the warm ointment on the back.
• Grate black radish or horseradish, squeeze out the juice, and rub the affected area.
• Steam wormwood or flaxseed, put it in a cloth bag, and apply it to the chest and back.

At home, you can rub your back with a tape massager.

If the lumbosacral region is affected, use the following remedies:

• Drink a decoction of bilberry leaves, thyme, hop cones, and clover.
• Spread horseradish juice or raw potatoes.
• Rub the lower back with an ointment of 200 grams of melted lard mixed with beeswax and marshmallow root.

In addition, lumbar osteochondrosis can wear a wool belt, which has a warm effect.

Consult your doctor before using any folk remedy.

operation treatment

The surgery was performed with complications such as numbness in the extremities, severe prolonged pain, and involuntary urination or bowel movements. Additionally, cauda equina syndrome (compression of nerve endings in the lower spinal cord) requires surgery.

Surgical techniques will help remove the cause of pain and stabilize the spine:

• A facet joint resection is the removal of the facet joints that compress the nerve bundles.
• Foraminotomy - Increases the root canal lumen by removing osteophytes. After the surgery, the nerve is released from the injury.
• A laminectomy is the removal of the back of the deformed vertebra that compresses the spinal cord.
• A laminotomy is used to widen the opening through which nerve roots pass.
• Discectomy - Removal of part of the affected disc or herniated disc. This is a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure after which the patient recovers faster.
• Vertebrectomy is the removal of the entire vertebra and the intervertebral disc adjacent to it. The free space is then filled with bone graft.

Spinal fusion (fusion of vertebrae) is performed to avoid spinal instability. In addition, special screws, rods, plates are used to fix the vertebrae.

attention. There is a risk of complications after surgery: spinal cord injury, nerve tract damage, infection of the affected area, urinary disturbances, etc. Therefore, surgical intervention is only performed in extreme cases.

Recovery from surgery can take several months. During this period, patients must give up physical exercise, bad habits, and follow the doctor's advice.

Comment

According to patients, it is very difficult to completely cure osteochondrosis. Those who underwent complex treatment early in the pathology got rid of pain and improved their physical form. Patients who seek help at an advanced stage of the disease still suffer from osteochondrosis recurrence.

Initial review, female, 42 years old

"I was diagnosed with grade II cervical osteochondrosis. At first she was treated with analgesics and muscle relaxants (injections, tablets), then she was given chondroprotectants and did gymnastics. In addition, she visitedGot a handicraft specialist. After a few months, the pain went away. I plan to take the class again to consolidate the results. I do gymnastics every day.

Second trial, female, 38 years old

"I started having low back pain about 2 years ago. When I couldn't take it anymore, I went to the doctor. I was diagnosed with osteochondrosis of the neck and the rheumatologist prescribed medication, physiotherapy, massage. 2 weeks and symptoms almost completely gone. Now I do gymnastics and I go to the swimming pool for prophylaxis.

Third trial, female, 41 years old

"I was diagnosed with osteochondrosis of the neck, as well as a C5-C6 hernia. I take medication, massage, osteopathic, and have been doing gymnastics regularly for 2 years. However, nothing helped, the pain just went away for a while, plus IHer hand started to tingle. The doctor prescribed a discectomy, and it got better, but it didn't take long. I think you'll have to be treated for the rest of your life. "

the most important

As you can see, osteochondrosis requires long-term treatment and self-discipline. Treatment should be comprehensive: medication (acute phase), exercise therapy, physical therapy, massage, manual exposure. Patients must change their lifestyle, do gymnastics regularly, break bad habits, eat right, and use orthopedic equipment. You can supplement your treatment with medical devices and folk remedies, but only with your doctor's approval. In the case of complications, surgery is performed, followed by a long rehabilitation period. The patient must strictly follow the doctor's advice to speed up recovery.