Recently, more and more people are suffering from osteochondrosis. With this disease, there is a disturbance in the normal functioning of the intervertebral discs.
Recently, more and more young people over the age of eighteen have started to suffer from back pain. First of all, the ligaments and bones of the spine begin to suffer. If osteochondrosis occurs, treatment should be started immediately. It is recommended to learn what chondrosis is in advance.
Causes and stages of osteochondrosis
The main cause of osteochondrosis is not observed, but there are many triggers. Experts say this may be due to the onset of calcium deposition, which is not absorbed by bone tissue. This circulatory disorder occurs when there is a curvature of the spine.
There are the following causes of osteochondrosis:
- physical exertion;
- excess weight;
- strong loads on the spine;
- heredity;
- frequent hypothermia;
- stressful situations;
- irregular foot shape;
- unbalanced diet;
- a sedentary lifestyle.
The disease is more common in women than men. Often, posterior osteochondrosis occurs when a person sits incorrectly or lies on a very high pillow. Pathology is difficult to diagnose because the disease can occur in people of any age. The causes of osteochondrosis are different and they are not easy to detect.
It should be noted that there are degrees of osteochondrosis and it will be difficult to find pathology in the first place. The patient does not complain of vivid symptoms, may feel weakness and discomfort in the spine. In fact, such symptoms of chondrosis can speak of various diseases.
This pathology will not be felt and may persist in secret. In fact, first-degree osteochondrosis is often detected completely by chance during various examinations. With secondary osteochondrosis, you can already see that your back is starting to ache, which means that there are changes in the cartilage tissue.
If the patient does not consult a doctor and is not given effective treatment, the intervertebral fissures will begin to shrink and the nerves or blood vessels will constrict. Often the pain is relieved to this extent with certain medications. The disease can cause discomfort and pain, the patient should then consult a doctor.
In the third stage, with osteochondrosis, lordosis, scoliosis begins to develop and a mound is formed. Complex therapy only slightly improves the spine and eliminates some defects. It is important to know the causes of osteochondrosis. In the fourth degree, changes take place that are no longer corrected in any way. The patient has difficulty walking, because even if you turn a little, there is unbearable pain. The cartilage tissue will have seals and the vertebrae will move.
At this stage of the disease, patients are more likely to experience disability. One must know how chondrosis differs from osteochondrosis. To do this, it is necessary to take into account the characteristics of the pathology. Chondrosis is the initial stage of osteochondrosis. It develops in different parts of the spine. At the same time, with significant disorders, osteochondrosis is already diagnosed.
Symptoms
The symptoms of chondrosis are extremely unpleasant and there is primarily discomfort in the back. Everything will depend on the degree of the patient's disease.
First of all, the patient is sent for diagnosis to determine the causes of osteochondrosis. The patient may constantly feel fatigue in the back, pain in the neck and chest. Symptoms will depend on how advanced the osteochondrosis of the spine is.
Symptoms appear as follows:
- severe pain syndrome;
- muscle spasms;
- limbs may sleep;
- severe headaches;
- can be shot in the spine;
- frequent fainting and dizziness;
- dots in front of the eyes;
- high blood pressure;
- unbearable neck pain.
If there is a slight sensation of pain, it may indicate the presence of not only lumbar osteochondrosis, but also other diseases.
When a person is already over forty, fluid does not accumulate in the intervertebral discs. Therefore, they are not as flexible as before. The chances of straightening are higher or the intervertebral discs may protrude beyond the spine.
Painful sensations occur due to sneezing or coughing. If the symptoms of osteochondrosis do not go away after a few weeks, you should visit a medical facility. Then the doctor will first refer to the diagnosis. He will then be able to prescribe the right and effective treatment for osteochondrosis.
Types of osteochondrosis
You should know that there are different types of osteochondrosis. It all depends on exactly where the pathology occurs. There are three types of disease and you need to know which one can bother a person in a particular situation.
There are the following types:
Cervical.Such a disease can occur because of a strong load on the neck. The thyroid gland is nearby and cannot function normally with osteochondrosis. Often there is pressure in the vessels that supply oxygen to the tissues. For this reason, there may be a lack of air and cell death begins.
You should know that the brain is almost completely dependent on blood vessels. If blood flow is impaired, it can affect the respiratory and cardiac organs. With osteochondrosis, there are persistent headaches, hearing and vision impairment, and often loss of consciousness. Difficulty moving the head, numbness and pain in the arms may occur. If such symptoms occur, treatment of osteochondrosis should be started immediately.
Chest.It is difficult for specialists to diagnose this disease. Often a doctor can't tell if it's just a pain or a heart attack. This type of osteochondrosis can cause complications in the liver, kidneys, stomach and pancreas.
Often the pain occurs in the form of shots in the back and chest. With osteochondrosis, there are sharp and strong pain sensations and a failure of the respiratory system occurs. There can always be discomfort in the spine, which makes it difficult to walk.
Bel.Often, with osteochondrosis, this department suffers from severe pain in the back, which can go to the hips and hips at the same time. Pain is reduced when a person lies down to rest. Sudden movements can cause discomfort.
This pathology causes poor blood circulation in the lower back, stiffness occurs. The muscles begin to weaken and the posture bends, so it is difficult to move normally. The attending physician will explain to you in detail how to deal with osteochondrosis.
If symptoms appear frequently and the pain gets worse each time, you should contact a medical facility. The specialist will be able to identify the types of osteochondrosis and prescribe a comprehensive examination and treatment.
Diagnostics
After a thorough examination of the patient, the doctor can make an accurate diagnosis of osteochondrosis. The patient should first be examined by a neurologist. Diagnosis is made when a person is lying or sitting. The expert also looks at how you feel in a prone position as you move. A thorough examination of the posture can also be performed by a doctor examining the spine.
Determines the nature and intensity of pain, exactly where the patient is concerned. It also checks muscle tension in a mountainous area. After all, if a muscle spasm occurs, it can indicate not only the symptoms of osteochondrosis, but also completely different diseases.
The following diagnoses are prescribed to diagnose the disease:
Radiography.With this procedure, you can see how high the intervertebral discs are. Vertebral dysfunction and bone growth. Diagnosis is made in two ways when the patient is on his back and side. The image in both positions helps to find changes in the work of the spine.
Magnetic resonance imaging.With the help of this work you can see the veins and nerve endings. MRI scans can detect osteochondrosis of the spine, as well as the location of a hernia or compressed nerve.
KT.This examination allows you to see a high-quality image of the spine. The procedure is completely painless and does not cause discomfort to the patient.
If diagnosed correctly, it will help to start treatment of osteochondrosis as soon as possible. It is best to see a doctor immediately at the first symptoms. After all, if you neglect the disease, it can lead to serious consequences.
Treatment
You must consult a doctor for the treatment of osteochondrosis. He will find the cause of the disease and prescribe the right treatment. In severe cases, surgery is necessary, because without it it is impossible to treat the disease in an advanced form.
Treatment of osteochondrosis includes: medication, manual therapy, therapeutic gymnastics, proper nutrition, massage.
It all depends on the stage of osteochondrosis of the spine. Therapy can last up to three months, and it takes another year to consolidate the results of treatment. Medical therapy or surgery is performed. Often, people who show signs of osteochondrosis do not know which doctor to go to best.
A good option is to visit a therapist first, because you can not hesitate with such a disease. He knows how to treat osteochondrosis of the spine and can consult other doctors. The specialist will conduct an external examination and refer you to a neurologist. The doctor will prescribe the patient for a full examination, only then will be prescribed effective treatment of chondrosis.
Drug treatment
Medications help to eliminate inflammation and restore the function of the musculoskeletal system. Stops osteochondrosis of the spine and reduces pain. With osteochondrosis, you need not only medication, but also a diet and special exercises.
Drugs that prevent disease and relieve pain:
- anti-inflammatory drugs: ibuprofen;
- antispasmodics: tizanidine;
- pentoxifylline, vitamin B, which helps improve blood circulation;
- preparations for the regeneration of cartilage tissue;
- ointments to relieve symptoms: diclofenac;
You should consult your doctor before using this medication. You never need to treat yourself, it can lead to serious consequences. You should have a thorough examination before your doctor prescribes treatment for osteochondrosis of the spine.
Manual treatment and massage
How to get rid of osteochondrosis by manual treatment? With its help, you can only relieve severe pain and improve posture. Visceral therapy is often used. Helps joints work well & helps normalize blood flowImmunity will also be strengthened and this will prevent the exacerbation of chronic diseases.
Many people are wondering what to do with osteochondrosis, and doctors recommend that massage be included in the treatment. Helps to relieve muscle spasms in a good way and strengthens them quickly, and the patient will feel better. The massage procedure is performed if there is pain in the spine, as well as atrophy of the back muscles. Massage is done to reduce pain.
A session for osteochondrosis has several types: classic, segmental-reflex, point.
How to treat osteochondrosis with massage procedures. A regular massage is done alone, it will help tone the muscles and relieve pain.
First you need to hit the spine with light movements. Then you need to start stretching the neck, back and chest muscles. You can pinch these places and apply light pressure to the most damaged area. It is also best to do circular movements with the palm.
Preventive measures and diet
Can osteochondrosis be treated with proper nutrition? Diet helps to relieve the burden on the spine, and it is important to have an effective treatment for chondrosis. You need to choose a balanced diet and reduce salt intake. All the nutrients in the body must be present to speed recovery. The diet normalizes metabolism and prevents the deposition of spinal salt. If you are already losing weight, this will help speed up the treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine.
Foods to be eaten: fermented dairy products and milk, fruits, lean meat, rye bread, nuts, vegetables and herbs, buckwheat porridge, eggs, fish.
You should try to completely eliminate foods that contain sugar. It is forbidden to consume alcoholic beverages and tobacco products. You need to eat about five times a day. It is better to cook. Avoid flour, spicy, greasy and salty. You should drink at least 1. 5 liters of clean water throughout the day. It is recommended not to consume strong tea and coffee. Now a person knows what osteochondrosis is and how to treat it.
If you follow the right prevention, you will not need to know how to treat chondrosis. First of all, try not to lift weights and do small physical activities.
Stop spending too much time on the computer and TV. If a person works and leads a sedentary lifestyle, you should exercise at least several times a day.
In osteochondrosis, the symptoms are obvious. The disease can cause back discomfort and pain. If you notice the first signs of osteochondrosis, you should consult a doctor. Self-medication is not recommended as it can lead to serious complications. The specialist will send you for an examination, will be able to find the causes and prescribe the right and effective treatment.