Today, specialists around the world are looking for methods to combat spinal diseases. Unfortunately, severe back pain warns almost everyone after thirty. The main causal links of pain lie in various neurological diseases. The most common of these is osteochondrosis. That is why everyone should know what osteochondrosis is, its causes and symptoms and treatment.
What is osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis has a negative impact not only on the spine itself, but also on its tissues and intervertebral discs. They "crush" and gradually lose their elasticity. As a result, their deformation and displacement occur, thus compressing the nerves in the spinal cord.
The advanced stage of the disease brings serious complications, which later lead to disability. Therefore, a serious disease is osteochondrosis, the symptoms of which everyone should know:
- Cutting and shooting pain in the muscles of the spine.
- There is tingling in the limbs.
- Headache (starts from the back of the head and can then spread to the temple and crown).
- Neck pain that gets worse when moving.
- Dizziness, frequent seizures.
- Colored spots, "flies" in the eyes.
- Heart aches and pains are felt in other organs that are close to the heart.
- Salt deposition.
- The skin is flaky.
- The level of sweating increases / decreases.
Causes of osteochondrosis:
- With spinal cord injury.
- With a hereditary predisposition.
- Metabolic disorders (lack of trace elements).
- In case of obesity.
- With infectious chronic disease.
- During physiological changes in the body (aging).
- With constant performance of heavy physical exertion.
- Flat steps.
External factors provoking the appearance of the disease:
- Constant bending.
- Curved spine to varying degrees.
- Weight lifting.
- Inactive lifestyle.
- Frequent stress.
- Hormonal disorders.
- During strength training.
Osteochondrosis most often affects the elderly. Many people do not even realize that lifting heavy objects leads to intervertebral disc prolapse. Therefore, if it is necessary to pick up heavy objects, then squat.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine develops as a result of improper metabolic activity.
Main symptomatic manifestations:
- Pain in the neck and back of the head.
- Feeling of muscle weakness.
- There is a crunch when you turn your head.
- Frequent headache or dizziness.
- General state of weakness.
- Constant fatigue.
Osteochondrosis of the neck has the character of a painful pain that spreads to the back of the head. Often this disease causes deterioration not only of vision but also of the functioning of the heart and lungs. Therefore, to prevent progression, you need to "fight" faster.
The complications are quite insidious. There is a significant change in the vertebrae: the normalization of vascular blood supply to the brain is disrupted, leading to migraines. If an advanced stage is observed, then the spinal cord is compressed, resulting in death. Therefore, what is osteochondrosis, its causes and symptoms, treatment is important for everyone to know to prevent serious consequences.
Chest osteochondrosis
Chest osteochondrosis is less common. There are many nerve endings in the chest area. They are responsible for normalizing the activities of other bodies. Osteochondrosis of the chest causes failure in the cycle of activity of the heart, as well as the stomach and lungs. The main symptomatic signs are:
- Pain in the shoulders, 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.
In general, the increase in pain occurs at night, especially when walking, coughing. An attack of fear of death can occur 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 chest.
- Spinal cord compression.
- Disorders of the 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 be exacerbated after hypothermia of the human body or due to physical overload. The signs of this disease can be understood from the symptoms:
- Pain in the lumbar region, "radiating" downward (the nature of the pain is painful).
- "Shots. "
- "Poles" at the feet.
Predisposing main reasons:
- Inactive lifestyle.
- Hormonal disorders.
- Significant deviations in the musculoskeletal system (curvature of the legs, flat feet).
- Improper nutrition, stress, lack of sleep.
Lumbar osteochondrosis brings quite serious complications:
- The spinal cord is affected.
- Horsetail syndrome.
- Possible paralysis of the limbs.
How to treat osteochondrosis
Many people who know firsthand what osteochondrosis pain is ask themselves, "How do we treat osteochondrosis? "". Specialists from world-renowned specialized clinics say 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 case of late seeking help, in stage 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 of which the shape of the spine changes. Positive changes can be observed only with surgery.
"How to treat? "- 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 can provide additional benefits. the spine should be reduced to "no", to 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.
The 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 physiotherapy measures: ultrasound, electrophoresis, magnet and others. As the saying goes: 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 is for osteochondrosis - one of the effective rehabilitation therapies. Remember to adhere to the basic principles: regularity and proper execution. Ultimately, the irregularity can be harmful and even worsen the condition. And when you do it right, you will feel:
- Eliminate pain and cramps.
- Restoration of spinal mobility.
- Strengthen weakened muscles.
- Normalization of microcirculation and trophism of vertebral structures.
- Reduce compression.
Everyone with osteochondrosis should exercise regularly. In addition, the following activities are recommended:
- Morning and industrial gymnastics.
- LFK complex.
- swimming.
- Traction of the spine.
- Self-massage.