Spinal osteochondrosis: causes and treatment

Up to 76% of people per year experience back pain. This statistics affect people of all ages and professions. The causes of pain can be different, one of them is osteochondrosis of the spine. Due to the sedentary lifestyle, osteochondrosis of the spine is increasingly found, and it is not always possible to defeat it on your own. Let's talk about why it arises and how to deal with it.

What is osteochondrosis of the spine

There are several different views on the definition. Some experts believe that it is more correct to use the general name - Dorsalgia, or non -specific back pain. Difficulties in the definition are also associated with the fact that a variety of specialists work with this disease - neurologists, orthopedists, neurosurgeons and general practitioners. Sometimes a person with a diagnosis of "osteochondrosis of the spine" turns to a cardiologist, since the manifestations of the disease are very similar to pain in the heart.

The term "osteochondrosis of the spine" was proposed by Hilderandt in 1933 as a multifactorial degenerative disease of the spinal-motor segment. What is a spinal-motor segment? These are two vertebrae located on each other, and between them - an intervertebral disk. Thanks to such a joint, a person’s spine can bend and bend, make tilting and twisting. But as a result of different reasons, intervertebral discs lose their properties, undergo degeneration, then gradually the changes affect the vertebrae themselves. That is, the essence of osteochondrosis of the spine is in the gradual destruction of the intervertebral discs.

Osteochondrosis can develop in any spine.

Due to the large load, osteochondrosis is most often foundlumbar spine. Symptoms are:

• lower back pain, which can be sharp or stupid, constant, can intensify when moving;
• Pain can be given to the feet, pelvic organs, to the sacrum;
• In severe cases, a violation of sensitivity or mobility, atrophy of the muscles of the lower extremities may occur.

The second in occurrence is osteochondrosis of the cervical region, which is more often associated with a long uncomfortable position of the head, for example, when working at a computer or with documents. Osteochondrosisthe cervical spineIt is manifested by the following symptoms:

• headaches and dizziness, migraines;
• vision disorders or hearing, flickering of "flies" before the eyes;
• pain can give to the back of the head, shoulders, clavicles;
• Perhaps impaired sensitivity in the hands.

Osteochondrosis is least likely to amazethoracic spine, since the vertebrae are inactive with each other. The defeat in this zone can be disguised as heart or lungs. Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis of the spine:

• back pain at the level of the shoulder blades, in the chest, which can intensify with tilments, turns, during inspiration or exhalation;
• Disorders of skin sensitivity.

Regardless of the level of damage, pain in osteochondrosis of the spine can intensify when pressed on those vertebrae that participate in the process.

With the damage to several departments, we can immediately talk about the common osteochondrosis of the spine.

Risk factors and causes of the disease

The spine has high strength and the effect of several provoking factors is necessary 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 worsens, and hence the nutrition of all elements of the spine;
• Excessive physical activity is also harmful and can lead to damage to the intervertebral discs;
• Long -term stay in an incorrect, non -physiological situation - the inappropriate height of the desktop or chair leads to the fact that a person is forced to constantly tilt his head, hunch;
• stress - excessive tension in the muscles can lead to compression of the vessels that feed the spine;
• overweight;
• smoking worsens microcirculation in all tissues of the body;
• The insufficient use of water and protein is also affected by the state of the intervertebral discs.

The direct causes of osteochondrosis of the spine are not always obvious, but the following options can be distinguished:

• hereditary predisposition - genetically programmed features of cartilage and bone tissue, in which the wear process is faster;
• spinal injuries - various complications can develop at the place of damage, including osteochondrosis;
• professional harmfulness, such as vibration;
• exposure to infections or chemicals;
• Natural aging of the body.

At the risk zone on the development of osteochondrosis of the spine are people of various professions. These are builders and athletes, surgeons and office workers.

Stages of osteochondrosis and possible complications

The description of the four stages of osteochondrosis of the spine was proposed in 1971. They are not used to formulate a diagnosis, but allow you to understand how the disease proceeds.

1. Intervertebral discs become less elastic. The disk can be slightly deformed, an internal pulpoose nucleus shift within the disk. This stage either does not show itself in any way, or minor pains arise.
2. At the second stage, cracks may appear in the disk, weakening of the surrounding ligaments occurs. The connection of the vertebrae becomes unstable. There are attacks of acute pain with disability.
3. The third stage is characterized by complete damage to the intervertebral disc. When the pulpoose nucleus exits outside the disk, a hernia of the intervertebral disc occurs. Deformation of the spine or infringement of nerve roots may occur.
4. At the fourth stage, the surrounding fabrics are affected - vertebrae, ligaments, spinal shells. As a result, the spinal segment can completely lose mobility.

As a result of osteochondrosis of the spine in some cases, various complications occur. Problems from the intervertebral discs, hernias and protrusions can lead to narrowing of the spinal canal, compression of the spinal cord and disability.

Depending on the level of damage, various problems are possible with the involvement of nerve roots. This is intercostal neuralgia, impaired sensitivity and motor function of the upper and lower extremities, violations in the work of internal organs. Inflammation of the sciatic nerve, or Ishias, not only causes severe pain, but can also lead to diseases of the pelvic organs and infertility.

In addition to nerve roots with osteochondrosis, vertebral vessels can be squeezed. In case of violation of blood flow in the vertebral arteries that pass in the cervical region and nourish the brain, brain disorders, vision problems or hearing, breathing or cardiac activity can develop.

Approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of osteochondrosis: generally accepted and alternative methods

Within the framework of official medicineDiagnosis of osteochondrosisIt includes an inspection of a neurologist to determine the degree of damage to nerve roots, testing reflexes and sensitivity.

Of the instrumental methods, the following can be used:

• Ultrasound of the vessels allows you to identify the degree of circulatory disorders, for example, in the vertebral arteries;
• spine radiography;
• CT also uses X -ray methods, but allows you to build a three -dimensional image of the studied area, identify even small vertebral displacements;
• MRI specializes in the study of soft tissues, allows you to assess the condition of the spinal cord, visualize the internal structure of the intervertebral disc.

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

Osteochondrosis therapyIt is comprehensive.

• The first and very important means in the treatment of osteochondrosis is a way of life. Normalization of working conditions, moderate and regular physical exercises, as well as healthy sleep, significantly improve the condition of patients.
• For drug treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine, a neurologist or general practitioner may prescribe drugs. Most often, non -steroidal anti -inflammatory drugs are prescribed - this is the standard for the treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine. They reduce pain and reduce inflammation. Musodeloxants contribute to a decrease in muscle spasm. Vitamins and antioxidants are prescribed to protect the nervous tissue from damage. However, any drugs have side effects, for example, NSAIDs can negatively affect the stomach.
• In addition to drugs, physiotherapy products are used, such as massage for osteochondrosis of the spine, as well as manual therapy. In severe complications of osteochondrosis, surgical surgery may be required, but it is prescribed only in the absence of the effect of prolonged conservative treatment.

Treatment of osteochondrosis in classical medicine in most cases is a long process and can have negative effects on human health. Thus, a number of drugs, in particular analgesics and muscle relaxants (especially with a sedative effect), can cause addiction, and some means negatively affect the work of the gastrointestinal tract. As an alternative, you can consider methods that are used, for example, in traditional Chinese medicine.

Traditional China medicine is very popular all over the world, in many countries there are special centers and training courses. The approaches and methods of therapy in the Middle Kingdom differ from the familiar, European view of diagnosis and treatment of diseases. All diseases are considered as a violation of the balance and movement of qi energy in the body, and therapeutic measures are aimed at restoring this balance. China uses various therapeutic herbs, animal components, minerals, as well as various methods of external influences, such as acupuncture and acupressure. These methods have a wide range of indications and the minimum number of side effects.

Acupuncture

The synonymous names of this method are acupuncture, reflexology. The principle of treatment through acupuncture is to set the needles at bioactive points. Each point is associated with the organ on which the impact is carried out. Reflexotherapy allows relief and muscle cramps, has an anesthetic effect, and helps to reduce the pain syndrome. The method is safe, as most doctors use disposable sterile needles. And in the case of using needles with a coating of gold or silver, they are mandatory. The sensations during the procedure depend on individual susceptibility, the patient may experience tingling or numbness. It is important that the procedure is carried out by a highly qualified specialist with extensive experience. Incorrect needle installation will be useless or even harmful. In some cases, acupuncture is combined with the influence of weak doses of electric current.

Moksotherapy

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

This method is safe, since the smoldering area of cigars does not come into contact with the skin, although in some areas of China, direct methods acting on the skin are also used.

Massage

Massage in China practice several different schools in China. They use rotation techniques, pressing with one finger, methods of manual therapy. The techniques of traditional massage allow you to work out muscles and joints, as well as indirectly act on other organs and tissues, contribute to an increase in the body's protective forces.

Qigun

Traditional Chinese gymnastics, like massage, has several schools. The movements of qigong, smooth, stretching and twisting, are perfect as exercises for the spine for osteochondrosis. Qigong techniques do not require special equipment and can be performed at home. However, before that, it is best to choose the right exercises with the doctor, as well as to work out the right technique of execution under the guidance of a qualified specialist.

The level of science and medicine in China is very high, a combination of traditions and innovations gives amazing results. An example of the achievement of Chinese science is the methods of DNA therapy and DNA vaccines-it is these methods that are currently used to develop the treatment of cancer and the fight against HIV.

Prevention

Regardless of the chosen treatment methods, the prevention of osteochondrosis plays no less role. What can be done for the health of the spine:

• use a sufficient amount of water;
• control weight, do not overeat;
• choose the right shoes, if necessary - orthopedic insoles;
• choose a good mattress for sleeping, not very soft and giving sufficient support to the spine;
• consume food rich in collagen (fish, turkey, jelly, various jelly);
• perform regular physical exercises;
• adjust the height of the desktop and stool, taking into account growth.

As for alternative methods of prevention, massage, qigong and acupuncture have established themselves well - for reasons quite understandable and described above.

It is important to remember that with pain in the back you can and should be fought. In order to change the lifestyle, it is not necessary to wait for the first signs of the disease. You can already get up from the computer, knead your neck, include walks or massage in your list of affairs. And if osteochondrosis of the spine has turned into a problem that interferes with life calmly, then the joint efforts of science and traditional medicine will help to return the health and joy of movement.