Spine osteochondrosis: causes and treatment

Up to 76% of people experience back pain every year. This statistics affects all ages and professions. The causes of pain may be different, one of which is the spine osteochondrosis. Because of the sedentary lifestyle, the osteochondrosis of the spine is increasingly found and cannot always be defeated in itself. Let's talk about why it arises and how to handle it.

What is the spine osteochondrosis

There are many different views of definition. Some experts believe that the general name - dorsalgia or non -specific back pain - is better. The difficulties of definition are also related to the fact that many professionals work with this disease - neurologists, orthopedics, neurosurgeons and general practitioners. Occasionally, a person who has a diagnosis of "spine osteochondrosis" turns to a cardiologist because the manifestation of the disease is very similar to the pain of the heart.

The term "spine osteochondrosis" was recommended in 1933 for the multifactoral degenerative disease of the spine-motor segment. What is the spinal engine segment? These are two vertebrae, which are located on each other, and between them - a vertebral plate. Thanks to such a joint, a person's spine can bow and bow, tilt and twist. However, as a result of various reasons, intervertebral discs lose their properties, go through degeneration, and gradually change the vertebrae themselves. That is, the essence of osteochondrosis of the spine in the gradual destruction of intervertebral discs.

Osteochondrosis can occur in any spine.

Duelumbar spine- The symptoms are as follows:

• The lower back pain, which can be sharp or stupid, may increase while moving;
• It can give pain to the legs, the pelvic organs, the sacrum;
• In severe cases, a violation of sensitivity or mobility, atrophy of the lower limbs may occur.

The second occurrence of the cervix region is osteochondrosis, which is more commonly associated with the long uncomfortable position of the head, such as working on a computer or document. Osteochondrosisthe cervical spineThe following symptoms show:

• headache and dizziness, migraine;
• visual disorders or hearing, flashing the "flies" in front of the eyes;
• Pain can add to the back of the head, shoulders, wrists;
• Maybe damaged sensitivity in his hand.

Osteochondrosis is least likely to be amazedchest spineBecause the vertebrae are inactive. In this zone, the defeat of the heart or lungs. Symptoms of chest osteochondrosis of the spine:

• Back pain at the level of the blades, in the chest, which may increase with spheres and twists during inspiration or exhalation;
• Disorders of skin sensitivity.

Regardless of the level of injury, pain in the osteochondrosis of the spine may increase when it is pushed to the vertebrae involved.

Due to damage to several classes, we can immediately talk about the general osteochondrosis of the spine.

Risk factors and causes of disease

The spine has a high strength and the effect of the disease requires many provocative factors. It is important to understand that the majority, if not all such factors, can affect and reduce the likelihood of the disease.

• Lack of movement - at the same time, blood supply deteriorates and thus nutrition of all elements of the spine;
• Excessive physical activity is also harmful and can lead to damage to intervertebral discs;
• Long -term stay is incorrect, in a non -physiological position -the inadequate height of the table or chair leads to the fact that a person is forced to constantly decide his head;
• Stress - excessive tension of muscles can lead to compression of spine nourishing containers;
• overweight;
• Smoking exacerbates microcirculation in all tissues of the body;
• Insufficient use of water and protein is also affected by the condition of the intervertebral discs.

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

• Hereditary predisposition - genetically programmed properties of cartilage and bone tissue in which the wear process is faster;
• Spine injuries - various complications may occur at the site of damage, including osteochondrosis;
• professional damage such as vibration;
• exposure to infections or chemicals;
• Natural aging of the body.

There are people in various professions in the risk zone of osteocondrosis of the spine. These are builders and athletes, surgeons and office workers.

Sections of osteochondrosis and potential complications

In 1971, four sections of osteochondrosis of the spine were recommended. It is not used to formulate a diagnosis, but also allow you to understand how the disease works.

1. Intervertebral discs are less flexible. The disk may be slightly deformed, the displacement of the internal pulpona seed inside the plate. This section does not appear in any way or minor pains occur.
2. In the second stage, cracks can occur on the disc, weakening the surrounding tapes. Connecting the vertebrae becomes unstable. There are attacks on acute pain with disabilities.
3. The third stage is characterized by complete damage to the intervertebral disc. When the pulpoose core exits outside the disk, the intervertebral disk has a hernia. Deformation of the spine or nerve roots can occur.
4. In the fourth stage, it affects the surrounding tissues - vertebrae, leagues, spine. As a result, the spine segment may completely lose mobility.

In some cases, various complications occur as a result of osteochondrosis of the spine. Problems of intervertebral discs, hernia and protrusions can lead to narrowing the spinal canal, compression of the spinal cord and disability.

Depending on the level of damage, various problems may arise with the involvement of nerve roots. This is the intercostal neuralgia, the impaired sensitivity and motor function of the upper and lower limbs, and violation of the work of the internal organs. The sciatic nerve or isias inflammation causes not only severe pain, but also for diseases of the pelvic organs and infertility.

In addition to nerve roots associated with osteochondrosis, the spine can be displaced. In the spinal arteries passing through the cervical region, the blood flow can occur when the blood flow is violated, the brain, the brain disorders, the visual problems, or the hearing, breathing or heart activity may occur.

Approaches to Diagnosis and Treatment of Osteochondrosis: Generally accepted and alternative methods

In the framework of official medicineDiagnosis of osteochondrosisThis involves the control of the neurologist to determine the damage to the nerve roots, the reflexes and the sensitivity.

Among the instrumental methods, the following can be used:

• Ultrasound of vessels allows you to identify the degree of circulatory disorders, for example, in the spine arteries;
• spine radiography;
• It also uses CT X -Gay methods, but allows you to build a three -dimensional image of the area under investigation, even to identify small spine displacements;
• The MRI specializes in the examination of soft tissues, allowing the condition of the spinal cord to be assessed, and the display of the internal structure of the disc.

The use of laboratory tests, general blood and urine tests and calcium metabolism indicators for differential diagnosis.

Osteochondrosis therapyThis is comprehensive.

• The first and very important tool for treating osteochondrosis is lifestyle. Working conditions, moderate and regular physical exercises, and normalization of healthy sleep significantly improve the condition of patients.
• The neurologist or general practitioner may prescribe drugs for the treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine. Most often, non -steroid anti -inflammatory drugs are prescribed -this standard for the treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine. Reduce pain and reduce inflammation. Musodeloxantes contribute to a decrease in muscle cramps. Vitamins and antioxidants are prescribed to protect the nerve tissue damage. However, any drug has side effects, such as NSAIDs can negatively affect the stomach.
• In addition to drugs, physiotherapy products, such as massage for the spine for osteocondrosis and manual therapy are also used. Surgery surgery may be required for severe complications of osteochondrosis, but is only required in the absence of prolonged conservative treatment.

Treatment of osteochondrosis in classical medicine in most cases is a long process and can have a negative impact on human health. Thus, many drugs, especially the analgesic and muscle relaxant (especially soothing), can cause addiction and certain devices negatively affect the work of the stomach. Alternatively, you can consider the methods used in traditional Chinese medicine, for example.

Traditional Chinese medicine around the world is very popular, with many countries with special centers and training courses. In the middle kingdom, therapeutic approaches and methods differ from the familiar European view of diagnosis and treatment of diseases. All diseases are considered to be a violation of QI energy balance and movement, and therapeutic measures are designed to restore this balance. China uses various therapeutic herbs, animal components, minerals, and various methods of external effects, such as acupuncture and acupressure. There is a wide selection of these methods and the number of minimal side effects.

Acupuncture

The synonym name of this method is acupuncture, reflexology. The principle of treatment through acupuncture is that the needles are set to bioactive points. Each point is connected to the organ on which the blow is carried out. Reflexotherapy allows relief and muscle cramps, has anesthetic effect and helps to reduce pain syndrome. The method is safe as most doctors use disposable sterile needles. And if the needles are used with gold or silver coating, they are mandatory. During the procedure, feelings depend on individual sensitivity, and the patient may experience tingling or numbness. It is important that the procedure is performed by a highly trained professional with great experience. Incorrect needle assembly is useless or even harmful. In some cases, acupuncture is combined as a result of weak doses of electricity.

Mocsotherapy

This is a concrete method of influencing active points with special worm lesions. The principle of effect is similar to acupuncture and is often used together. The smoldering cigar is installed on the body in a special wooden house while the active points warm. The worm infection has a disinfectant, soothing and relaxing effect.

This method is safe because the smoldering area of the cigar is not in contact with the skin, although direct methods that act on the skin are used in some areas of China.

Massage

Massage in China Practice several different schools in China. Rotation techniques are used with one finger, manual therapy methods. Traditional massage techniques allow the development of muscles and joints, and indirectly to other organs and tissues, and contribute to the growth of body protective forces.

Qigun

Traditional Chinese gymnastics, such as massage, have several schools. The movement of qigong, smooth, stretching and twisting is perfect as the practice of osteochondrosis. Qigong techniques do not require special equipment and can be done at home. Prior to this, however, it is best to choose the right exercises with the doctor and develop the appropriate implementation technique under the guidance of a qualified specialist.

The level of science and medicine is very high in China, and the combination of traditions and innovations gives wonderful results. An example of achieving Chinese science is the methods of DNA therapy and DNA vaccinations that are currently used to treat cancer and develop HIV.

Prevention

Regardless of the treated methods, prevention of osteochondrosis plays no less important. What to do for the health of the spine:

• use sufficient amounts of water;
• the weight of the control, do not exceed;
• Choose the right shoes if necessary - orthopedic insole;
• Choose a good mattress for sleep, not too soft and provides enough support to the spine;
• Eat foods rich in collagen (fish, turkey, jelly, various gel);
• Do regular physical exercises;
• Set the height of the table and stool, taking into account the growth.

As far as alternative prevention methods are concerned, massage, qigong and acupuncture are successful - for the reasons described above.

It is important to remember that you can fight and have to fight with back pain. There is no need to wait for the first signs of the disease to change your lifestyle. You can get up from your computer, knead your neck, walks or massage in the list of cases. And if the spine osteochondrosis has become a problem that safely disturbs life, then the joint efforts of science and traditional medicine contribute to the return of the health and joy of movement.