Recently, more and more people are starting to suffer from osteochondrosis. With this disease, there is a disturbance of the normal function of the intervertebral disc.
Recently, more and more young people, over the age of eighteen, are beginning to suffer from pain in the spine. 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 find out what is chondrosis.
Causes and stages of osteochondrosis
The main cause of osteochondrosis is not observed, while there are many provoking factors. Experts say that this may be due to the fact that calcium deposition begins, which is not absorbed by bone tissue. This occurs when there is a violation of blood circulation, curvature of the spine.
There are the following causes of osteochondrosis:
- physical excess;
- overweight;
- strong load on the spine;
- descent;
- frequent hypothermia;
- depressed state;
- irregular foot shape;
- unbalanced diet;
- inactive lifestyle.
The disease is more common in women than men. Often, posterior osteochondrosis arises if a person sits improperly or sleeps on a very high pillow. It is difficult to determine the pathology, because the disease can occur in people at any age. The causes of osteochondrosis are different, and it is not so easy to detect.
There is a degree of osteochondrosis, and it should be noted that at first it is difficult to find pathology. The patient does not complain that he has obvious symptoms, he may feel a slight weakness, discomfort in the spine. Indeed, signs of chondrosis like this can speak to a variety of diseases.
This pathology may not make itself felt and continues to run in secret. In fact, in the first stage, osteochondrosis is often found inadvertently during various examinations. With second -degree osteochondrosis, you can see that the back is already starting to ache, which means that changes are taking place in the cartilage tissue.
If the patient does not consult a doctor and effective treatment is not given to him, then the intervertebral cleft will begin to become smaller, and nerves or blood vessels will be pinched. Often, the pain is relieved at this stage with certain medications. The disease can bring inconvenience and pain, the patient should then go to see a doctor.
With osteochondrosis in the third degree, the development of lordosis, scoliosis begins and the hump forms. Complex therapies can only slightly improve the spine and eliminate some deformities. It is important to know the causes of osteochondrosis. In the fourth stage, changes have taken place that cannot be corrected in any way. The patient finds it difficult to walk, because even if you twist a little, unbearable pain occurs. He will have seals in the cartilage tissue, and the vertebrae will be replaced.
At this stage of the disease, patients tend to have deformities. One should know how chondrosis differs from osteochondrosis. For this, it is necessary to consider the pathological features. Chondrosis is the early stage of osteochondrosis. It develops in different parts of the spine. At the same time, with significant violations, osteochondrosis is already diagnosed.
Symptoms
The symptoms of chondrosis are very unpleasant, and first of all, there is discomfort in the back. Everything depends on the stage of the patient's illness.
First of all, the patient is sent for diagnosis to identify the causes of osteochondrosis. Patients may always feel fatigue in the back, pain in the neck and chest. The symptoms will depend on how advanced the osteochondrosis of the spine is.
Symptoms appear as follows:
- severe pain syndrome;
- muscle cramp;
- limbs may be numb;
- severe headache;
- can shoot in the spine;
- frequent fainting and dizziness;
- eyes in front of eyes;
- high blood pressure;
- unbearable neck pain.
If a slight sensation of pain arises, this may indicate not only the presence of posterior osteochondrosis, but also of other diseases.
When a person is over forty, his or her intervertebral discs do not accumulate fluid. As a result, they become as inflexible as before. They tend to be flatter, or the intervertebral disc may extend beyond the spine.
Painful sensations occur due to sneezing or coughing. If the symptoms of osteochondrosis do not disappear even after a few weeks, then you need to visit a medical facility. Then the doctor will refer to the diagnosis first. Then he or she will be able to prescribe the correct and effective treatment for osteochondrosis.
Types of osteochondrosis
You need to know that there are many different types of osteochondrosis. It all depends on where the pathology actually occurs. There are three types of this disease, and you need to know which ones can bother a person in a particular situation.
There are the following types:
Cervix.Such diseases can occur due to the fact that there is a strong load on the neck area. The thyroid gland is located nearby, and with osteochondrosis it is unable to carry out its duties normally. Often there is pressure on the vessels that deliver oxygen to the tissues. Because of this, there may be a lack of air, and cell death begins.
You need to know that the brain is almost entirely dependent on the vessel. If blood flow is disrupted, then this can affect the respiratory organs and the heart. With osteochondrosis, there are persistent headaches, hearing and vision impairment, frequent loss of consciousness. Difficulty moving the head, numbness and pain in the arms may occur. If such symptoms occur, it is necessary to immediately begin treatment of osteochondrosis.
Dada.It is difficult for a specialist to perform an examination of this disease. Often, doctors can barely understand whether this is just a pain attack or a heart attack. With this type of osteochondrosis, there may be complications in the liver, kidneys, stomach, pancreas.
Often, the pain occurs in the form of shots in the back and chest. There is a sharp and strong sensation of pain with osteochondrosis, and failure occurs in the respiratory system. There may also be constant discomfort in the spine, and this makes it difficult to walk.
Lumbar.Often, this part suffers, with osteochondrosis, a strong sensation of pain appears in the back, and can also enter the hips and buttocks. The pain subsided as the person lay down to rest. Discomfort can occur with sudden movements.
This pathology leads to poor blood circulation in the lower back, spasms occur. The muscles begin to weaken and the posture becomes crooked, so it is difficult to move normally. The attending physician will tell you in detail how to deal with osteochondrosis.
If symptoms appear frequently, and the pain gets stronger each time, you should contact a medical institution. The specialist will be able to identify the type of osteochondrosis and prescribe a comprehensive examination and treatment.
Diagnostics
The doctor can make an accurate diagnosis of osteochondrosis after the patient undergoes a complete examination. First of all, the patient must be examined by a neurologist. Diagnostics are performed while a person is lying down or sitting. Experts see how he feels when moving, and also in a cartilage state. A thorough postural examination can also be done, with a doctor examining the spine.
Determine the nature and intensity of the pain, which exactly bothers the patient. It also checks muscle tension in the ridge area. However, if muscle spasm occurs, then this not only indicates that there are signs of osteochondrosis, but also other diseases.
The following diagnostics are prescribed to detect the disease:
Radiography.With this procedure, you can see how high the intervertebral disc is. Vertebral disorders and whether bone growth occurs. Diagnostics are performed in two ways, when the patient is on his back and on his side. Images in two positions help locate changes in spinal function.
Magnetic resonance imaging.With the help of this study, you can see the ducts and nerve endings. MRI scans find osteochondrosis of the spine, as well as the exact location of the hernia or pinched nerve.
CT.This examination makes it possible to see high -quality pictures of the spine. The procedure is completely painless and does not cause any discomfort to the patient.
If the diagnosis is made correctly, it will help begin treatment of osteochondrosis as soon as possible. At the first symptom, it is best to see a doctor immediately. However, if you ignore this disease, then it can lead to serious consequences.
Treatment
To cure osteochondrosis, you must see a doctor. He or she will find the cause of the disease and prescribe the right treatment. In severe cases, surgical intervention is necessary, because without it it is impossible to cure the disease in its more advanced form.
Treatment of osteochondrosis includes the following: the use of medications, manual treatment, rehabilitation gymnastics, proper nutrition, massage.
It all depends on the stage at which the spinal osteochondrosis. This therapy can last up to three months, and requires another year to consolidate treatment results. Medical therapy or surgery is being performed. Often, people who have experienced symptoms of osteochondrosis do not know which doctor is best to visit.
A good option is to visit a therapist first, as you cannot doubt such an illness. He knows exactly how to treat spinal osteochondrosis, and can even refer to other doctors. The specialist will perform an external examination and refer you to a neurologist. The doctor will prescribe the patient to undergo a full study, only effective treatment of chondrosis will be prescribed.
Drug treatment
Medications help relieve inflammation and restore the function of the musculoskeletal system. They also stop spinal osteochondrosis and reduce pain. With osteochondrosis, drug treatment is not only used, you also need to follow a diet and do special exercises.
Drugs that help prevent disease and relieve pain:
- anti-inflammatory drugs: ibuprofen;
- antispasmodics: tizanidine;
- tablets that help improve blood circulation pentoxifylline, vitamin B;
- preparation for cartilage tissue regrowth;
- ointment to relieve symptoms: diclofenac;
Before using these medications, you should consult a doctor. You do not have to self -medicate, this can lead to serious consequences. Before a doctor prescribes treatment for spinal osteochondrosis, you need to undergo a complete examination.
Manual treatment and massage
How to get rid of osteochondrosis using manual treatment? With its help, you can only get rid of severe pain and improve body posture. Visceral therapy is often used. This allows the joints to function properly and helps normalize blood flow. Immunity will also be strengthened, and this will prevent the occurrence of chronic diseases.
Many people think what to do with osteochondrosis, doctors recommend including massage in treatment. It helps relieve muscle spasms well and quickly strengthens them, and the patient will feel better. Massage procedures are performed for pain in the spine, as well as if there is atrophy of the back muscles. Massage is done to relieve pain.
Sessions for osteochondrosis have several types: classic, segment-reflex, point.
How to treat osteochondrosis with massage procedures. Regular massage is done on its own, it will help tighten the muscles and relieve pain.
First you need to stone the spine with light movements. Then you need to start stretching the muscles of the neck, lower back, chest. You can pinch these places and apply light pressure on the most painful places. It is best to do a circular motion with the palm of your hand.
Preventive measures and diet
Can osteochondrosis be cured with proper nutrition? Diet helps relieve the burden on the spine, and is essential for effective treatment for chondrosis. You need to choose a balanced diet and reduce salt intake. There are definitely all the nutrients in the body to speed up recovery. Diet helps normalize metabolism, prevents salt deposition in the spine. If there is excessive weight loss, then this will help speed up the treatment of posterior osteochondrosis.
Foods to eat: fermented milk and milk products, fruits, lean meats, rye bread, nuts, vegetables and herbs, buckwheat porridge, eggs, fish.
You need to try to get rid of foods that contain sugar completely. Do not consume alcoholic beverages and tobacco products. You need to eat about five times a day. It is best to steam or bake food. Reject flour, spicy, fatty and salty. Throughout the day, you should drink at least 1. 5 liters of clean water. It is best not to drink strong tea and coffee. Now one knows what osteochondrosis is and how to treat it.
If you adhere to proper prevention, you don’t need to know how to treat chondrosis. First of all, try not to lift weights and do small physical activities.
Stop spending a lot of time at the computer and TV. If a person works out and leads an inactive lifestyle, you need to exercise at least a few times a day.
Osteochondrosis, the symptoms are obvious. This disease can cause discomfort and back pain. If the first signs of osteochondrosis appear, then you need to see a doctor. Not recommended to self -medicate, as this can lead to serious complications. The specialist will send you for examination, be able to find the reason and give proper and effective treatment.