How to treat osteochondrosis

Unfortunately, osteochondrosis is already common among people over 30 years of age. Degenerative-dystrophic lesions in the discs and bones of the spine are most often caused by a passive lifestyle, malnutrition, extra pounds, hard physical work, and so on. occur due to. The disease presents with severe symptoms in 2-4. Complete recovery of cartilage will no longer work. Complications of osteochondrosis (protrusions, disc herniation, osteophytes, etc. ) can lead to poor quality of life and disability.

Timely treatment of osteochondrosis increases a person’s chances for a full life. It is recommended to start therapy at an early stage of development. In order to stop the development of the pathology and to improve the general health, a number of measures must be taken: medication, gymnastics, physiotherapy, manual exposure. Surgical treatment is performed only in advanced cases when complications are already present.

Characteristics of the disease

Osteochondrosis of the back begins with the destruction of the intervertebral discs. As a result of the negative factors, the cartilage discs compress the cartilage liner, violating the integrity of the outer shell. The height of the plate decreases, gradually collapses, and then the pathology spreads to the tissues of the vertebrae.

The development of osteochondrosis of the spine is influenced by a number of factors:

• Prolonged sitting in the wrong position.
• Passive lifestyle.
• Overweight.
• Hard physical work.
• Back injury.
• Common nervous system disorders.
• Malnutrition.
• Hypothermia.
• hereditary predisposition.
• Wearing high heels, pregnancy in women, etc.

Reference. Figure 1-2. stage osteochondrosis is still curable.

Doctors distinguish 4 stages of osteochondrosis:

• Grade 1 - cracks appear on the fibrous ring, the height of the plate decreases. There is an uncomfortable feeling in the affected area, the back gets tired faster.
• Grade 2 - the height of the disc continues to decrease, the muscles and ligaments sag, and the mobility of the vertebrae increases. There is pain, especially after physical exertion.
• Grade 3 - the discs move slightly, protrusions appear, and the likelihood of subluxation or arthrosis of the spinal joints increases. Severe pain syndrome appears, mobility is restricted, sensitivity in the injured area deteriorates.
• Grade 4 - Osteophytes appear on the vertebrae so the body stabilizes the spine. Bone outgrowth compresses nerves, damages the vertebrae, and increases the risk of fibrous ankylosis (fusion of the joints in the spine).

Important. Osteochondrosis can affect the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar segments of the spine.

The disease of the neck region is manifested by pain in the neck, upper extremities, and headache (headache). In addition, dizziness, hearing and vision problems, etc.

Chest osteochondrosis can be easily confused with heart disease because the pain syndrome is localized in the chest area.

Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis - aching pain, limited movement, aches, tenderness of the lower body.

The clinical picture of osteochondrosis is varied and you should not diagnose it yourself. If you notice any suspicious symptoms, consult a doctor.

Treatment regimen for osteochondrosis

In most cases, conservative methods are used to detect osteochondrosis. It is important that comprehensive treatment is given to relieve pain, normalize spinal function, and prevent complications.

The treatment regimen for osteochondrosis is as follows:

• Limitation of physical activity.
• Taking medication.
• Physiotherapy procedures.
• Physiotherapy.
• Massage.
• Manual therapy.
• Stretching the spine.

Cure for osteochondrosis is only possible by combining the above methods. The treatment plan is drawn up by a doctor for each patient, taking into account the extent of the disease, the age and the characteristics of the body.

Effective treatment will help get rid of the symptoms of osteochondrosis within 1-3 months. Maintenance therapy is then given for 12 months. This will help consolidate the results, prevent setbacks.

Treatment of back chondrosis (stage 1 of osteochondrosis) is possible without medication. The patient can perform physiotherapy exercises, reduce the load on the injured area of the back, use applicators (Lyapko cylinder, Kuznetsov applicator), improve nutrition, give up bad habits.

Medicines

It is treated with medicines recommended to make osteochondrosis worse. Medications help relieve pain, inflammation, improve blood circulation in the affected area and normalize motor activity.

The following medicines are used for osteochondrosis:

• NSAIDs relieve pain and inflammation.
• Vasodilators. These are used because of the muscle tension, the blood vessels narrowing to expand their lumen and improve blood circulation.
• Muscle relaxants relax spasmodic muscles, normalize blood flow, relieve pain, improve mobility and accelerate tissue recovery.
• Chondroprotectors prevent the destruction of cartilage.
• Psycholeptics based on herbal or synthetic components soothe or reduce emotional stress without causing a hypnotic effect.
• Vitamin B-based preparations accelerate the recovery of damaged nerve fibers.

All of these medications help fight chronic osteochondrosis and should only be taken for medical reasons.

Opioid non-narcotic analgesics are used to relieve severe pain during the acute period of the disease. Glucocorticoids are used for the same purpose. However, these drugs have a negative effect on the body and can therefore be taken as a last resort.

In addition to tablets and injections, topical irritating and warming creams and gels are used to worsen osteochondrosis.

Physiotherapy

Complex therapy for osteochondrosis is always supplemented by therapeutic practices. However, the exercises performed in different parts of the spine are different.

In order not to overload the neck, other muscle groups should be involved during the hours. The workout begins with a warm-up and ends with relaxation exercises.

Complex for cervical osteochondrosis:

• Lie on your back, lift your head, hold for 5-7 seconds.
• Do not change the starting position (IP), put your hand on your shoulder, rotate your elbow in different directions.
• The IP is the same, take turns raising your hand over your head, tearing off one and then the second shoulder blade off the floor.
• Press the back of the head to the floor, secure for 4 seconds.
• Attach the shoulder blades, leave for 5 seconds.
• Turn to your side, rest your head on your hands, lift your free limb with your head, hold for 4 seconds. Repeat on the other side.
• Lie on your stomach, put your hand on the back of your head, lift your head, secure for 4 seconds.

If you experience severe pain and dizziness, stop exercising and see your doctor.

Reference. Chest osteochondrosis is less common than cervical or lumbar, as it is the least agile class. In addition, it is strengthened by muscles and ribs.

Exercises for changes in the thoracic segment of the spine:

• Lie on your back, bend your knees, press your hand to your chest, lift your lower back slightly off the floor, tighten your abdominal muscles, hold for 5 seconds.
• SP is the same, raise your arms, straighten your legs, understand the opposite arm and legs, secure. Repeat for the other limbs.
• Turn your abdomen, spread your arms sideways. Lift your hands and head off the floor, secure for 3 seconds.
• Stand on all fours, raise your head, arch your back as you inhale, lower your head as you exhale, round your back.

Move smoothly, avoid sudden movements.

The following exercises are used to treat lumbar osteochondrosis:

• Lie on your back, alternately pulling your knees to your chest.
• PI is the same, set aside the right arm and leg and then the left limbs.
• Put your hand behind your head, tear it off the floor, and at the same time pull the socks towards you.
• Bend your leg to your knees, extend your right knee to your left leg, and vice versa.
• Perform the "Bike" exercise back and forth.
• Turn to the side, swing your legs up.
• PI is the same, pull your knees to your chest.
• Stand on all fours, alternately moving your hands to the side.

These exercises help to stretch and relax tense muscles, increase blood circulation and lymph flow.

There is still a lot of practice. Consult a doctor to prepare the right complex for you.

Physiotherapy procedures

Physiotherapy helps relieve pain, reduce inflammation, improve blood circulation and trophism.

The following physiotherapy procedures are used to treat osteochondrosis:

• Drug electrophoresis helps relieve pain in the presence of neurological disorders.
• Electrotherapy increases blood circulation and the nutrition of tissues.
• Laser therapy relieves inflammation, anesthetizes, accelerates tissue healing, and activates biological processes in nerve tissue.
• Shockwave therapy improves local blood circulation, metabolic processes, reduces swelling and pain.
• Detensor therapy - pulling the spine under its own weight. It helps get rid of painful pain syndrome.
• Balneotherapy is a complex of procedures performed using fresh mineral water or seawater. After the treatment, the pain is relieved and the blood microcirculation is improved.

In addition, diadynamic therapy, amplipulse therapy, ultrasound, magnetotherapy, and vibration may be used in osteochondrosis.

Reference. Osteopondrosis is treated with bees, a technique called apitherapy. During the procedure, uterine venom is injected into biologically active sites to enhance the effect of the complex treatment. Insecticide relieves pain, improves mobility, blood microcirculation, conduction in nerve pathways, and increases the flexibility of intervertebral discs.

Manual therapy

In the treatment of osteochondrosis, the patient exhibits not only massage but also manual exposure (soft and hard).

With the help of massage, the specialist normalizes muscle tone, improves blood circulation and restores the activity of nerve cells. The session begins with kneading and rubbing, and these techniques help prepare the body for further exposure.

After the warm-up massage, the doctor enters mobilization and automation. During the procedure, it gently acts on the joints of the spine, gradually increasing the amplitude. Automation consists of the patient performing the movements themselves under the supervision of a physician. These procedures help increase the gap between the joints, reduce blood clots in the veins, and improve trophism.

To restore the correct position of the displaced vertebrae, the doctor will continue the manipulation technique. It makes sharp and quick movements in the affected areas, restoring the vertebrae to their usual position. It helps relieve pain, muscle cramps, improves mobility.

Attention. Manual therapy for osteochondrosis can cause serious complications (fractures, movement of the vertebrae, damage to nerves, blood vessels, ligaments or muscles). To avoid this, you need to find an experienced professional.

Hardware treatment and orthopedic devices

Devices for treating osteochondrosis can be used at home, but only after approval by a doctor.

In addition, the patient may use orthopedic devices for back health. A special pillow or roller helps relieve the load on the neck and lower back, used during rest or during transport. A medical collar is used to support the physiological arches of the neck. Posture enhancers and corsets improve posture, relieve the chest, lumbosacral segment of the spine.

Reference. You can wear corsets and concealers for more than 2-3 hours a day. This mode helps to avoid muscle weakening.

A special belt is used for the lower back. It can also be worn at work and during sports.

Folk remedies

Complex therapy can be supplemented with effective folk remedies. However, osteochondrosis of the neck, chest and lumbar spine has different symptoms, so different recipes are used to treat them.

Folk remedies for neck treatment:

• Hold the burdock leaves over the steam for 5-10 minutes, fasten to the neck, fasten with a bandage. You can also soak the gauze in a decoction on your burdock and use it as a compress.
• We make a decoction from birch leaves, we apply a compress to the affected area.
• Peel a squash, grate it and mix with vodka (1: 1).
• Pour 250 g of needle into 1 liter of boiling water, let stand for 30 minutes. Drink twice a day after meals.

You can also bathe with coniferous decoction in osteochondrosis of the neck.

If your chest is affected, use the following recipes:

• Mix the dandelion root, mint, birch buds, coriander in equal proportions. Pour 100 ml of boiling water into 3 tbsp. l. collection, cook for 5 minutes over medium heat. Add 75 g of butter and sunflower oil to the warm mixture, cook for another 20 minutes. Rub the back with warm ointment.
• Grind the black radish or horseradish, squeeze the juice, rub the affected area.
• Steam the wormwood or flaxseeds, put them in a linen bag, put them on the back of your chest.

You can knead your back with a tape massager at home.

If the lumbosacral region is affected, use the following treatments:

• Drink decoctions of cranberry leaves, thyme, hop cones and cinnamon.
• Apply a compress of horseradish juice or raw potatoes.
• Rub the lower back with 200 g of melted lard mixed with beeswax and marshmallow root ointment.

You can also wear a wool belt for lumbar osteochondrosis, which has a warming effect.

Consult your doctor before using any folk remedies.

Surgical intervention

Surgery is prescribed for complications that include numbness in the limbs, severe long-term pain, involuntary urination, or defecation. Cauda equina syndrome (compression of the nerve endings in the lower part of the spinal cord) requires surgery.

Surgical techniques help eliminate the cause of pain and stabilize the spine:

• Facetectomy is the removal of faceted joints that compress nerve bundles.
• Foraminotomy - an increase in the lumen of the root canal by removing the osteophyte. After the procedure, the nerve is released from the injury.
• Laminectomy is the removal of the back of a deformed vertebra that compresses the spinal cord.
• Laminotomy is used to widen the opening through which nerve roots pass.
• Discectomy - removal of the affected disc or part of it with an intervertebral hernia. It is a minimally invasive endoscopic surgery after which the patient recovers faster.
• A corpectomy is the removal of the entire vertebrae and adjacent plates. The vacancy is then filled with bone graft.

Spinal fusion (vertebral fusion) is performed to avoid destabilization of the spine. In addition, special screws, rods, and plates are used to secure the vertebrae.

Attention. There is a risk of complications after the operation: damage to the spinal cord, nerve bundles, infection of the affected area, urinary incontinence, etc. Therefore, surgery is performed only in extreme cases.

Postoperative rehabilitation can take several months. During this period, the patient should give up physical activity, bad habits, follow the recommendations of doctors.

Opinions

Patients find it very difficult to completely cure osteochondrosis. Those who underwent complex therapy in the early stages of the pathology got rid of the pain and improved their physical shape. Patients who sought help at an advanced stage of the disease still suffer from a relapse of osteochondrosis.

First review, woman, 42 years old

"I was diagnosed with secondary osteochondrosis of the neck. At first he was treated with painkillers, muscle relaxants (injection, tablets), then he took a chondroprotector and exercised. He also visited a manual technician. After a few months, the pain disappeared. I plan to take the course again to consolidate the result. I exercise every day.

Second rating, woman, 38 years old

"I started having a back pain about 2 years ago. When I couldn't take it anymore, I went to the doctor. I was diagnosed with cervical osteochondrosis, the rheumatologist prescribed medications, physiotherapy and massage. Approximately 2 weeks after starting treatment, the symptoms almost completely disappeared. I exercise now, I go to the pool for prevention.

Third evaluation, woman, 41 years old

"I was diagnosed with cervical osteochondrosis as well as a C5-C6 hernia. I took medication, went to massages, went to a bone doctor, and played gymnastics regularly for 2 years. However, nothing helped, the pain only disappeared for a while, and my hand started to numb. The doctor prescribed a discectomy, the condition improved after the surgery, but not for long. I think you will have to treat it for the rest of your life. "

The most important

As can be seen, osteochondrosis requires long-term treatment and self-discipline. Therapy should be comprehensive: medications (acute), gymnastics, physiotherapy, massage, manual exposure. The patient should change their lifestyle, do regular gymnastics, give up bad habits, eat right, use orthopedic equipment. You can supplement your therapy with medical devices and folk remedies, but only after your doctor approves it. In the presence of complications, surgery is performed, followed by long rehabilitation. The patient should strictly follow the doctor's recommendations to speed up recovery.