Today, specialists from all over the world are looking for methods to combat diseases of the spine. Unfortunately, severe back pain warns almost everyone after thirty. The main cause and effect relationships of pain are found in various neurological diseases. The most common among them is osteochondrosis. Therefore, everyone should know what osteochondrosis is, its causes, symptoms and treatment.
what is osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis has a negative impact not only on the spine, but also affects its tissues and intervertebral discs. They "crush" and gradually lose their elasticity. Therefore, its deformation and displacement occurs, thereby pinching the nerves of the spinal cord.
The advanced stage of the disease entails serious complications, which later lead to disability. Therefore, a serious disease is osteochondrosis, the symptoms of which everyone should know:
- Cutting and stabbing pain in the muscles of the spine.
- There is numbness of the extremities.
- Headache (starting from the back of the head and then may spread to the temple and crown).
- Neck pain that worsens with movement.
- Dizziness, frequent cases of fainting.
- Color spots, "flies" in the eyes.
- Heartaches and pains are felt in other organs that are next to the heart.
- Salt deposition.
- The skin is peeling.
- Perspiration level increases/decreases.
Causes of osteochondrosis:
- With spinal injury.
- With hereditary predisposition.
- Metabolic disorders (lack of trace elements).
- In case of obesity.
- With a chronic infectious disease.
- During the course of physiological changes in the body (ageing).
- With the constant realization of a great physical effort.
- Flatfoot.
External factors that provoke the appearance of the disease:
- Steady incline.
- Curved spine of various degrees.
- Lifting weight.
- Inactive lifestyle.
- Frequent stress.
- Hormonal disorders.
- During strength training.
Osteochondrosis most often affects the elderly. Many people are not even aware that heavy lifting causes intervertebral disc prolapse. Therefore, if it is necessary to take heavy objects, then squat.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine develops as a result of inadequate metabolic activity.
Main symptomatic manifestations:
- Pain in the neck and back of the head.
- Feeling of muscle weakness.
- There is a crack when turning the head.
- Frequent headaches or dizziness.
- General state of weakness.
- Constant fatigue.
Osteochondrosis of the neck has the character of aching pain, spreading to the back of the head. Often this disease causes a deterioration not only in vision, but also in the functioning of the heart and lungs. Therefore, to prevent progression, you need to "fight" faster.
Complications are quite insidious. A significant change in the vertebrae is noted: the normalization of the vascular blood supply in the brain is disrupted, which leads to migraine. If an advanced stage is observed, the spinal cord is compressed, as a result - death. Therefore, it is important for everyone to know what osteochondrosis is, its causes and symptoms, treatment to prevent serious consequences.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is less common. There are many nerve endings in the thoracic region. They are responsible for normalizing the activities of other organs. Osteochondrosis of the chest entails a failure of the cycle of activity of the heart, as well as the stomach and lungs. The main symptomatic signs are:
- Pain in the shoulder blades, abdomen, chest, heart.
- There is a feeling of tightness in the chest.
- There may be signs of indigestion or bloating.
- Numb extremities.
- "Goosebumps" on the skin.
Basically, increased pain occurs at night, especially when walking, coughing. An attack of fear of death can manifest itself repeatedly.
If timely treatment is not taken, the disease can cause not only a number of complications, but also disability. Complications include:
- Protrusion of the thoracic spine.
- Spinal cord compression.
- Violations of the activity of internal organs.
- Intercostal neuralgia.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral spine
Osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral spine is characterized by severe pain in the lumbar region. It can intensify after the human body is supercooled or due to physical overload. The signs of this disease can be understood by the symptoms:
- Pain in the lumbar part, "radiating" down (the nature of the pain is painful).
- "Shots".
- "Poles" on the legs.
Predisposing underlying causes:
- Inactive lifestyle.
- Hormonal disorders.
- Significant deviations in the musculoskeletal system (curvature of the legs, flat feet).
- Improper diet, stress, lack of sleep.
Lumbar osteochondrosis entails quite serious complications:
- The spinal cord is affected.
- Horsetail syndrome.
- Possible paralysis of the extremities.
How to treat osteochondrosis
Many people who know firsthand what osteochondrosis pain is, ask themselves the question: "How to treat osteochondrosis? ". Specialists of world-famous specialized clinics assure that in the early stages of osteochondrosis it is possible not only to cure, but also to fully restore the functioning of the spine. In the case of a late search for help, at stages 3-4 of the disease, the doctor can only slightly improve the patient's well-being. After all, this disease forms bone growths, as a result, the shape of the spine changes. Positive changes can only be observed with surgical intervention.
"How to treat it? " - This is the first question that patients ask the doctor. Today it is possible to cure osteochondrosis in three ways: medication, surgery, physiotherapy. If you have been diagnosed with osteochondrosis, home treatment may provide additional benefits. Therefore, the load on the spine should be reduced to "no", adhere to bed rest, and replace the soft mattress with a hard surface. Doctors prescribe medications that relieve inflammation and swelling. You can also use ointment, gel, cream.
A positive result brings complex treatment. Therefore, if the patient has osteochondrosis, the drugs should not be only of the drug type. It is also necessary to resort to physiotherapeutic measures: ultrasound, electrophoresis, magnet, etc. As they say: aware, then armed - a real confirmation that everyone should know what osteochondrosis is, its causes and symptoms, treatment.
What is corrective gymnastics for osteochondrosis?
Each patient should know what corrective gymnastics for osteochondrosis is, one of the effective restorative therapies. Be sure to adhere to the basic principles: regularity and proper execution. After all, the irregularity can be harmful and even worsen the condition. And when done correctly, you will feel:
- Elimination of pain and spasms.
- Restoration of mobility of the spine.
- Strengthening of weakened muscles.
- Normalization of microcirculation and trophism of vertebral structures.
- Compression reduction.
Anyone with osteochondrosis should exercise regularly. In addition, the following activities are recommended:
- Morning and industrial gymnastics.
- LFK complex.
- Swimming.
- Spinal traction.
- Self-massage.