Not everyone will say they have never experienced back pain.This extremely unpleasant problem befalls everyone.If the pain is caused by hypothermia or a strained muscle, it's not a cause for concern.It's even worse if the pain is a symptom of a back condition.That’s why I research the symptoms and treatment of osteochondrosis in the thoracic, cervical and lumbar spine at home.
What is spinal osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis is a degenerative dystrophic disease of the spine that affects the intervertebral discs.If left untreated, it can spread to bone structures and ligaments.
The cartilage tissue beneath the disc slowly recovers.Therefore, the discs affected by the disease are destined to be destroyed.However, reversing the disease is nearly impossible.If the disease has already manifested itself, further progression can only be prevented.
It is believed that osteochondrosis is the price humans pay for the ability to walk.Practice shows that four-legged animals do not suffer from this disease.It is difficult to say what causes this disease.Doctors say that due to weak ligamentous apparatus and weak muscles, the load levels on the spine are not distributed properly, thereby promoting growth.
This view is confirmed by the methods of treating osteochondrosis, which are based on restoring ligaments and muscles to their normal state.Treatment involves muscle training.
Based on the facts about the development of the disease, doctors compile a list of causes and factors that trigger the development of the disease.
- Long periods of sitting and a sedentary lifestyle can lead to weakened back muscles.
- Physical activity.
- Back injuries.
- overweight.
- Genetic predisposition.
- Incorrect posture and prolonged periods of uncomfortable postures.
- Metabolism is impaired.
- Lack of vitamins, trace elements and nutrients in the body.
I will draw your attention to one last point.Even if you lead a healthy lifestyle and choose active recreational activities, the likelihood of osteochondrosis due to nutritional deficiencies remains high.The question is critical because not everyone eats right.They prefer hot dogs and snacks because the body cannot extract anything useful from them.A sedentary lifestyle can exacerbate this problem.
We will focus on the symptoms and treatment of osteochondrosis at home, depending on which part of the spine is affected.
How to treat thoracic osteochondrosis
Thoracic osteochondrosis can cause extensive damage to the spinal cord-related organs located at the level of the affected chest area.Impaired spinal function can adversely affect the mobility of the limbs and trunk, as well as negatively impact the function of respiratory muscles and pelvic organs.
Osteochondrosis of the chest is more common in people who are less active.Therefore, the spine is not subjected to dose loading that disrupts the disc repair process.If you are lazy or suffer from computer addiction, this can lead to the development of the disease.So do physical exercise regularly.
symptom
- Osteochondrosis of the chest is associated with burning pain and soreness.There is a feeling of being compressed in the chest.When the protrusions of the vertebrae are felt, a person experiences localized pain that is intensified when turning the body, breathing deeply, and when the spine is subjected to axial loads.
- In some people, the disease develops with pain in the shoulder blades and lower chest.Rib displacement causes symptoms.The pain worsens when turning the body.
- As for internal organs, when nerve roots are compressed, function is impaired.The thoracic region contains structures responsible for the innervation of the kidneys, heart, liver, and other organs.Therefore, thoracic osteochondrosis has no characteristic symptoms.
Now we will discuss diagnosis.X-ray examination is very important in this regard.A decrease in disc height is easily identified on a chest X-ray.This helps detect osteophytes and endplate sclerosis.
Computed tomography can be used to clarify the condition of the vertebrae, determine the size and location of the hernia, and determine the size of the spinal canal.As part of the differential diagnosis, the history is taken and the clinical signs of the disease are compared with the symptoms of the disease.
treat
- Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis is conservative.The reason for treatment is visceral syndrome with neurological disease.Orthopedic treatment is reduced to spinal traction.
- Medical treatment consists of paravertebral block using novocaine solution.If the condition worsens, use sedatives and painkillers.If the pain does not manifest itself, patients are prescribed anti-inflammatory medications and ointments.
- After the acute phenomenon is eliminated, massage the back and lower limbs.Manual therapy is considered appropriate for the first three degrees of osteochondrosis.At the same time, it provides rough and soft effects to the spinal muscles.
- With the help of home physical therapy, measured loads are placed on the spine, thus speeding up the recovery process.Vertical loads prohibited.As part of the hygienic resort phase, hydromassage and underwater traction are used.Ultrasound, induction heat therapy and salt baths help achieve results.
Surgery is needed when prolapsed disc fragments compress the spinal cord.
cervical osteochondrosis
The disease is characterized by disc degeneration accompanied by loss of height, rapid growth of marginal osteophytes, and the development of compaction.
The cervical vertebrae are close to each other and the muscular framework is poorly developed.Therefore, musculo-osteochondrosis, even with low loads, can cause disc displacement and thus compression of nerves and blood vessels.
Cartilage tissue affected by the disease changes into bone structure.As a result, the disk becomes harder and reduces in size.The result is that the disc loses its shock-absorbing properties, causing nerve compression and causing pain.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
- Headache, dizziness.The main symptom of the disease is headache.This is caused by pressure on blood vessels in the head and neck.Pain syndromes can cause discomfort and reduce performance.Dizziness occurs when the head turns suddenly.
- Chest and upper limb pain.It has an urgency and burning quality.Upper limb pain with numbness and tingling.
- Tongue numbness.This symptom is caused by limited movement of the tongue.As a result, many people with osteochondrosis complain of changes in the pitch of their vocal cords and changes in their speech.
Diagnosis of the disease is made by doctors, including orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons.The doctor examines the patient, carefully checking every position of the vertebrae.To determine the extent of the damage, a special scheme was used.
Determine the location and extent of pain by palpating the spine.Also, bending, stooping, and turning your body will help find your range of motion.Further diagnostics include X-rays, computed tomography and MRI.
How to treat
- The disease is usually treated with a conservative approach aimed at eliminating pain, restoring normal function to the roots of the spine, and preventing degenerative changes in the spine.
- If conservative treatment is ineffective, surgical treatment is performed according to the indications based on the manifestations of the disease and the extent of the lesions.
- Treatment depends on the severity of osteochondrosis.In most cases, the initial stages of treatment are accompanied by increased neck pain that is later relieved by medications, physical therapy procedures, and therapeutic massage.
- Gymnastics and exercise can help reduce pain.Exercise therapy can strengthen the neck muscles, thereby reducing the likelihood of recurrence.
- Let me give you a simple exercise as an example.Turn your head smoothly to one side, freeze for a moment, then turn in the opposite direction.When doing exercises, look ahead.
- Massage can help relieve discomfort.This surgery lengthens the spine and stretches the muscles.After the massage, be sure to lubricate the neck with special oil, which contains pain-reducing drugs.
This disease is not a death sentence.With the help of medicines, gymnastics and massage, you can improve your health.
Lumbar osteochondrosis
This disease is common and affects everyone, regardless of gender.Everyone has experienced uncomfortable pain in the legs, lower back and sacrum that brings discomfort and discomfort.
The symptoms of the disease are extremely wide-ranging.Some symptoms have nothing to do with the spine at all.This is numbness of the limbs, abdominal pain, and impaired urogenital system function.
Treating the symptoms listed without first examining the spine can lead to the progression of the disease.Therefore, it is recommended to consider all symptoms, consult a specialist and forget about self-treatment.This is not a battle with a runny nose.It's about body flexibility.
Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
- The main symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis are few.These include: numbness in the limbs, leg pain, and periodic pain in the lower back after a fall or physical activity.
- The symptoms I've listed are usually mild as the disease progresses.You need to pay as much attention to your health as possible and consult a doctor when necessary.
- Lumbar osteochondrosis requires complex, intensive, and long-term treatment, especially in advanced cases with intervertebral hernia.
Modern reflexology methods make it possible to effectively treat lumbar osteochondrosis without complications and with great benefits.You just need to remember that quick fixes to serious problems are unrealistic and only individual approaches can help achieve results.
treatment at home
Home treatments for lumbar osteochondrosis mainly include manual therapy, acupuncture and vacuum therapy.These procedures help restore circulation and eliminate congestion in the spine.As a result, the tissue regeneration process accelerates.
These procedures are used during the fight against osteochondrosis in combination with drugs that improve the balance of interventional and metabolic processes.Without an active lifestyle and proper nutrition, it's impossible to achieve your goals.
If obesity is a problem, we pay special attention to combating it.Excess weight can put stress on the spine and contribute to the development of disease.
After years of practice, doctors have accumulated rich experience in fighting against scourges.Therefore, in most cases, this treatment is effective without surgery and can help improve the health of your lower back.
How to prevent the occurrence of osteochondrosis?
Finally, I will share ways to prevent and prevent osteochondrosis.If you have a pre-existing medical condition, I don't recommend lifting more than ten kilograms.
- If you have to work hard, drink water before starting physical work.Even tea or coffee will work.A dehydrated body cannot provide enough water to the spinal discs.
- Massage your back regularly with simple movements.This technology will disperse the blood and accelerate metabolic processes.When planning to lift weights, use a weightlifting belt or belt.
- Do not hold heavy objects at a distance as this can increase stress on the spine.To pick up an object, squat down and stand up, keeping your spine straight.
- If your spine is loaded during the work, hang from the bar for a while after you're done to allow your spine to stretch.Use this technique regularly when working long hours.If this is not possible, stretch thoroughly.
- Always distribute the load evenly.Carry bags with both hands and hold large items in front of you, keeping them close to your body.If you're offering something to someone else, don't keep it at arm's length.Even if you have a full water bottle, I don’t recommend ignoring this rule.
- If you must carry heavy items over long distances, use a backpack, dolly, rolling suitcase, or bag.
Armed with this information, you can save yourself worry and trouble.Good luck!