Today, specialists around the world are looking for ways to combat spinal diseases. Unfortunately, severe back pain affects almost everyone after thirty. The main cause and effect relationships of pain lie in various neurological diseases. The most common among them is osteochondrosis. Therefore, everyone needs to know what osteochondrosis is, its causes, symptoms and treatment.
What is osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis has a negative impact not only on the spine itself, but also affects its tissues and intervertebral discs. They "crush" and gradually lose their elasticity. Thus, their deformation and displacement occurs, thereby pinching the nerves in the spinal cord.
The advanced stage of the disease leads to serious complications, which later lead to disability. Therefore, a serious disease is osteochondrosis, the symptoms of which everyone needs to know:
- Cutting and shooting pain in the muscles of the spine.
- There is numbness in the limbs.
- Headache (starting from the back of the head, then can spread to the temple and crown).
- Neck pain that gets worse with movement.
- Vertigo, frequent cases of fainting.
- Colored spots, "flies" in the eyes.
- Heart aches and pains are felt in other organs located near the heart.
- Deposition of salts.
- The skin is peeling.
- The level of sweating 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 (aging).
- With constant performance of intense physical exertion.
- Flat feet.
External factors provoking the appearance of the disease:
- Constant lowering.
- Curved back of various degrees.
- Lifting of weights.
- Inactive lifestyle.
- Frequent stress.
- Hormonal disturbances.
- During strength training.
Osteochondrosis most often affects the elderly. Many people are not even aware that lifting heavy objects leads to prolapse of the intervertebral discs. Therefore, if it is necessary to take heavy objects, after squatting.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine develops due to improper metabolic activity.
Main symptomatic manifestations:
- Pain in the neck and nape.
- Feelings of muscle weakness.
- There is a creak when you turn your head.
- Frequent headaches or dizziness.
- General state of weakness.
- Constant fatigue.
Osteochondrosis of the neck has the character of aching pain, which spreads to the back of the head. Often this disease causes a deterioration not only of vision, but also of the functioning of the heart and lungs. Therefore, to prevent progression, it is necessary to "fight" faster.
The complications are quite insidious. A significant change in the vertebrae is noticeable - the normalization of the vascular blood supply to the brain is disrupted, which leads to migraine. If an advanced stage is observed, the spinal cord is compressed, as a result - death. Therefore, what osteochondrosis is, its causes and symptoms, treatment is important for everyone to know in order 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 the normalization of the activities of other bodies. Chest osteochondrosis involves 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 limbs.
- "goosebumps" on the skin.
Basically, increased pain occurs at night, especially when walking, coughing. A fear of death attack can occur repeatedly.
If timely treatment is not taken, the disease can cause not only a number of complications, but also disabilities. Complications include:
- Protrusion of the thoracic spine.
- Compression of the spinal cord.
- 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 has been supercooled or due to physical overload. The signs of this disease can be understood from the symptoms:
- Pain in the lower back, "radiating" downwards (the nature of the pain is painful).
- "Shots".
- "Poles" in the legs.
Predisposing underlying causes:
- Inactive lifestyle.
- Hormonal disturbances.
- Significant deviations in the musculoskeletal system (curvature of the legs, flat feet).
- Poor diet, stress, lack of sleep.
Lumbar osteochondrosis involves rather serious complications:
- The spinal cord is affected.
- "Ponytail" syndrome.
- Possible paralysis of the limbs.
How to treat osteochondrosis
Many people who know firsthand what osteochondrosis pain is, ask the question: "How to treat osteochondrosis? ". Specialists from world-renowned specialized clinics ensure that in the early stages of osteochondrosis it is possible not only to cure, but also to completely restore the functioning of the spine. In case of late seeking help, in 3-4 stages 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 patients ask the doctor. Today, osteochondrosis can be treated in three ways: drugs, surgery, physiotherapy. If you have been diagnosed with osteochondrosis, home treatment can provide additional benefits. Thus, 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 drugs that relieve inflammation and swelling. You can also use ointment, gel, cream.
A positive result involves 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
Every patient should know what corrective gymnastics for osteochondrosis is - one of the effective restorative therapies. Make sure you adhere to the basic principles - regularity and proper execution. After all, irregularity can be harmful and even worsen the condition. And if done correctly, you will hear:
- Elimination of pain and spasms.
- Restoration of spinal mobility.
- Strengthen weakened muscles.
- Normalization of the microcirculation and trophism of the vertebral structures.
- Compression reduction.
Anyone with osteochondrosis should exercise regularly. In addition, the following activities are recommended:
- Morning and industrial gymnastics.
- LFK complex.
- I swim.
- Spine traction.
- Self-massage.