Not everyone will say they have never experienced back pain.This extremely unpleasant problem affects us all.It's not scary if the pain is caused by hypothermia or muscle pulls.It is much worse if the pain is a symptom of a back disease.That is why I will analyze 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 cartilage 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 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 this disease.It is difficult to say why the disease appears.Doctors say that the development is facilitated by an improper distribution of the load level on the spine with a weak ligamentous apparatus and a muscular corset.
This point of view is confirmed by the methods of treating osteochondrosis, which are based on bringing ligaments and muscles to a normal state.The therapy involves muscle training.
Based on the facts related to the development of the disease, doctors have drawn up a list of causes and factors provoking the development of the disease.
- A sedentary and sedentary lifestyle contributes to the weakening of the corset of the back muscles.
- Physical activity.
- Back injuries.
- Overweight.
- Hereditary predisposition.
- Incorrect posture and prolonged exposure to an uncomfortable position.
- Altered 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 recreation, the likelihood of osteochondrosis will still be high due to nutrient deficiency.The problem is key because not all people eat well.They prefer hot dogs and sweets from which the body cannot extract anything useful.The problem is aggravated by a sedentary lifestyle.
We will focus on the symptoms and treatment of osteochondrosis at home, depending on the part of the spine affected.
How to treat osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine.
Thoracic osteochondrosis causes enormous damage to the organs associated with the spinal cord located at the level of the affected thoracic region.Poor spinal function has a negative 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 column does not receive dosed loads, which disrupts the disk restoration process.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 and pain.There is a feeling that the chest is being compressed.Feeling the processes of the vertebrae, a person experiences local pain, which intensifies when turning the body, breathing deeply 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 appearance of the symptom.When you turn your body, the pain intensifies.
- As for the internal organs, functions are affected when the nerve roots are compressed.The thoracic region contains structures that are 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 diagnosis.Of great importance in this matter is radiological examination.A decrease in the height of the intervertebral discs is easily recognized on a chest x-ray.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 is determined, and the dimensions of the spinal canal are determined.As part of the differential diagnosis, a clinical 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.
- Pharmacological treatment involves performing paravertebral blocks using a novocaine solution.If the disease worsens, sedatives and pain relievers are used.In case of unexpressed pain, the patient uses anti-inflammatories 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 smooth effects on the spinal muscles.
- With the help of physiotherapy at home, measured loads are applied to the spine, which speeds up the recovery process.Vertical loads are contraindicated.As part of the health-spa stage, hydromassage and underwater traction are used.Ultrasound, inductothermy and salt baths help achieve results.
Surgical treatment, which involves surgery, is carried out in cases where a prolapsed disc fragment compresses the spinal cord.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.
The disease is characterized by the 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 structure is poorly developed.Therefore, muscular osteochondrosis, even with minor loads, causes displacement of the vertebral discs, which compress the nerves and blood vessels.
The cartilaginous tissue affected by the disease turns into 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 of the head and cervical region.Pain syndrome brings discomfort and reduces performance.Dizziness occurs with sudden turns of the head.
- Pain in the chest and upper limbs.It has a pressing and fiery 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 the vocal cords changes, as does speech.
Diagnosis of the disease is made by doctors, including an orthopedist and a neurosurgeon.Doctors examine the patient, carefully examining the vertebrae in various positions.To determine the level of damage, a special scheme is used.
The location and degree of pain are determined by palpating the spine.At the same time, bending, bending and twisting the body helps to know the range of motion.Other diagnostics include x-rays, CT scan, and MRI.
how to treat
- It is customary to treat the disease using conservative methods aimed at eliminating pain, restoring normal functioning of the roots of the spine and preventing degenerative changes in the spine.
- If conservative therapy is ineffective, surgical treatment is carried out as indicated, 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 relieved by medications, physiotherapy procedures and therapeutic massages.
- Gymnastics and exercises help relieve pain.Exercise therapy strengthens the muscles in the neck, which reduces the chance of relapse.
- Let me give you a simple exercise as an example.Gently turn your head to one side, freeze for a moment, and turn in the opposite direction.While doing 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 a special oil that contains pain-relieving medications.
This disease is not a death sentence.With the help of medicines, gymnastics and massage, you will be able to improve your well-being.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine.
The disease is common and affects all people, regardless of sex.Everyone has felt unpleasant pains in the legs, lower back and sacrum, causing discomfort and discomfort.
The symptoms of the disease are extremely broad.Some symptoms are not related to the spine at all.This is numbness of the extremities, abdominal pain, deterioration in the functioning of the genitourinary system.
Treatment of the listed symptoms without first examining 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 body mobility.
Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis.
- The list of main signs of lumbar osteochondrosis is small.It includes: numbness of the extremities, pain in the legs, periodic pain in the lower back after a fall or physical activity.
- The symptoms I have listed usually appear to a lesser extent as the disease progresses.You should be as careful as possible with your health and consult a doctor if necessary.
- Lumbar osteochondrosis requires complex, intensive and long-term treatment, especially if we are talking about an advanced case accompanied by intervertebral hernia.
Modern reflex methods make it possible to carry out effective therapy for lumbar osteochondrosis without complications and with great benefits.You just need to remember that it is unrealistic to quickly solve a serious problem and only an individual approach will help 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 during the fight against 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.
Special attention is paid to the fight against obesity, if there is 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 the scourge.As a result, in most cases the therapy provides results without surgery and helps improve lower back health.
How to prevent the appearance of osteochondrosis?
In conclusion, I will share ways to prevent and prevent osteochondrosis.If you already have an illness, I do not recommend lifting weights that weigh more than ten kilograms.
- If you have to work a lot, drink fluids before starting physical work.Even tea or coffee will do.A dehydrated body cannot provide enough water to the intervertebral discs.
- Periodically massage your back with simple movements.This technique will disperse blood and accelerate metabolic processes.When you plan to lift weights, wear a weightlifting belt or belt.
- Do not hold heavy objects at arm's length, as this will increase stress on the spine.To pick up an object, bend down and stand up with it, keeping your spine straight.
- If your spine received a load during work, hang on the horizontal bar for a while to stretch it.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 with your arm outstretched.Even if you have a full teapot in your hand, I do not recommend neglecting this rule.
- If you have to move something heavy over a long distance, use a backpack, a small cart, a rolling suitcase, or a bag.
With this information you will save your back and avoid problems.Good luck!