How to Treat Osteochondrosis - Causes, Symptoms

80% of people suffer from varying degrees of osteochondrosis. It affects not only adults and seniors but also young people. Considering the prevalence of this disease, everyone should be aware of its treatment and prevention methods.

What disease is this?

Osteochondrosis is the degeneration of the intervertebral discs and the degenerative process of the surrounding joints, ligaments and muscles. The intervertebral discs act as shock absorbers between the individual vertebrae in the spine (32-34 in total). They are also responsible for their own liquidity.The negative factors we will discuss below can lead to disc rupture and destruction. They lose elasticity and the spine loses flexibility. There is nerve fiber tissue surrounding the disc, so malnutrition and degenerative processes can accompany pain.

Causes of osteochondrosis

Muscle spasms and malnutrition

Surrounding the intervertebral discs are muscles responsible for spinal stability. Over time, some cramp from constant tension, others shrink from a lack of stress.This happens because day after day a person:

• Make monotonous movements;
• Working in physically demanding jobs;
• Spend a lot of time motionless.

As a result, the spastic muscles compress the disc, and the atrophied muscles stop supporting the disc.

blood supply problems

Nutrition of the discs also depends on the work of the muscles surrounding the spine. Under normal muscle tone, the required amount of nutritious synovial fluid enters the intervertebral joints.

Lack of fluid in the body

The condition of cartilage tissue is affected by the amount of fluid a person absorbs each day. Cartilage dries out quickly due to a lack of moisture, and ideally cartilage should be composed of 80% water.

metabolic diseases

Problems with the endocrine system can affect the condition of cartilage tissue. Osteochondrosis is usually caused by a deficiency or excess of vitamins and calcium.

stressful situations

Tight nerves can cause muscle spasms, including those that support the spinal discs. Normally, after tension, muscles relax. This won't happen if stress continues to plague a person. Muscle tissue tightly compresses the cartilage between the vertebrae, gradually destroying them.

risk factors

• Genetic background.
• Nervousness.
• Sustained physical activity.
• Sedentary work, sedentary lifestyle.
• Passion for junk food, being overweight.
• Bad habits that lead to metabolic disorders in cartilage tissue.
• Disorders of the musculoskeletal system.

development stage

Phase I

Dehydration of the disc core. It gets lower and its fabric breaks. The pain is almost imperceptible. Discomfort may occur if the patient adopts unusual positions or movements.

second stage

The disc tissue flattens and bulges. As a result, the distance between vertebrae decreases and spinal nerve roots become compressed. The fibrous membrane is destroyed, making it difficult for fluid to be retained in the core of the disc. There are characteristic clicking and crunching sounds in the spine when moving. Pinpoint pain occurs due to nerve compression and worsens with active movement.

The third phase

The cartilage lining between the discs gradually wears away and becomes thinner. During this stage, symptoms manifest themselves in the form of severe pain. Only nerve pain painkillers can relieve pain quickly.

Stage 4

The damage is so severe that the joint cannot move. The mobility of the vertebral joints may be completely lost. Due to an apparent degenerative process, the spaces between the vertebrae become overgrown with bone tissue. These growths can damage adjacent tissue and compress nerves, causing acute pain.

Classification and symptoms

cervix

There are 7 vertebrae in this section, which are located close to each other, and the neck muscles are relatively weak. Cervical osteochondrosis is a fairly common disease. When this part is affected, patients experience pain throughout the neck and in certain areas of the neck, such as the collarbone or behind the ears.The most typical symptoms:

• Headache, heaviness in the back of the head, dizziness;
• Tingling in the hands;
• The neck is most often under tension;
• The vertebrae click and creak when you turn your head;
• Occasionally, you may experience a sore throat or a lump in your throat;
• It is difficult to move your arm to the side or lift it due to tight neck muscles.

The manifestations of occult disease do not always correspond to the location where they occur. The problem may be in the cervical spine, and the pain may be in the chest or shoulders. Some patients complain of discomfort in the heart area.

lumbar spine

The waist has lumbar vertebrae, sacral vertebrae and coccygeal vertebrae. This part is most susceptible to shock absorption and exercise loads, which is why lumbar osteochondrosis is so common. Pain occurs in the lumbar area. Most often, these are pains that worsen with active turning, exercise, or prolonged sitting.Logo:

• Limited spinal movement;
• Patients may experience hip discomfort with cramping;
• Notice dry, flaky skin on the legs, and goosebumps;
• Periodic acute stinging may occur;
• During sleep, a person cannot adopt a comfortable position because any position would make him uncomfortable.

Other symptoms: Fatigue, persistent fatigue, malaise. Some patients report urinary problems and discomfort in the kidney area. For men, sexual performance may be affected; for women, the uterus and ovaries may be affected.

Chest

It affects 12 vertebrae located in the chest area. Most commonly, this is a complication of scoliosis.The main symptoms:

• Band pain can become more intense if you are active;
• Tingling in the heart area;
• Feeling of fullness in armpits;
• Limit shoulder movement;
• Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing.

Acute pain between the ribs, in the sternum, and in the area of one of the shoulder blades. You may feel numbness in your fingers, hands, and forearms.

diagnosis

At home, it's nearly impossible to pinpoint the problem. Special medical equipment will help you take a correct medical history, and only a doctor can determine symptoms and treatment.For diagnostic purposes:

• Magnetic resonance imaging is the most accurate method of obtaining objective information about tissue condition.
• Spine X-ray.
• CT examination.

How is the disease treated?

Unfortunately, it's not possible to get rid of symptoms quickly at home. Treatment involves a comprehensive approach.General advice:

• Observe bed rest during periods of worsening pain;
• avoid physical activity;
• Wear a support bra, bandages, and girdle.

drug

During the exacerbation period, the provisions are as follows:

• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
• chondroprotectant;
• Muscle relaxants;
• B vitamins.

Using anti-inflammatory ointments can also help relieve the inflammatory process. They have a local anesthetic effect.Medications should only be prescribed by a doctor. Doing so on your own is strictly prohibited.

physiotherapy

To strengthen the corset muscles, doctors prescribe exercises that need to be performed at home every day. They depend on which part of the spine is affected. Physical activity improves blood circulation and allows muscles to properly support the spine.

massage therapy

One of the most effective ways to treat the disease. Soon, within 7-10 sessions, you can restore tone to muscles that have begun to atrophy and relax tense muscles.

prevention

Treating osteochondrosis is difficult and takes a long time. It is easier to monitor spinal conditions and does not lead to serious injury. To do this, you need to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle and put moderate loads on your spine.Other precautions:

• Pay attention to your posture and don't hunch your back.
• Work out at home to keep all muscle groups toned.
• Perform exercises to relax the muscles in your back, shoulders, and neck.
• Take yoga classes and therapeutic massage sessions.
• Don't lift heavy objects, distribute the load evenly across your arms.

We wish you freedom from osteochondrosis forever and a healthy back and neck.