Osteochondrosis – a degenerative-dystrophic lesions of the spine, which leads to changes in shape and abrasion of the intervertebral discs, vertebral bodies and surfaces of joints. Usually the degenerative processes primarily affect the bones and ligaments. This disease is one of the most common causes of back pain.
The most cases, diagnosis of degenerative disc disease falls on the lumbar. Such statistics naturally, since the spine bears the load of the entire top intact. In osteochondrosis, there is a shift of the vertebrae, and as a result, can develop a disc herniation or constriction of blood vessels and nerve endings. Low back pain is a very painful disease that gives the patient a lot of discomfort and is difficult to treat.
The types of degenerative disc disease and stage of its development
There are four types of osteoarthritis. The disease is divided into groups according to the localization:
- osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine;
- osteochondrosis of the cervical spine;
- osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine;
- common low back pain – lose two or more parts of the spine.
The explanation of the localization of the osteochondrosis is very simple – the disease develops in those parts which are exposed to the greatest pressure and have a high mobility.
The disease develops in stages, moving the ad to the local symptoms and the General manifestations. The stage of development of osteochondrosis are as follows:
- Instability of the vertebrae caused by discrepancies in the location of the intervertebral disc. At this stage the patient experiences discomfort during the movements, which affect the affected region of the spine. At this stage of osteochondrosis of the spine is very prone to injury.
- The destruction of the fibrous ring discs, intervertebral gap is reduced in size.
- Stage is characterized by rupture of the fibrous ring and protrusion of one or several cores of discs. Phenomenon is intervertebral hernia and deformed spine line.
- Because the bone growths movement of the patient is limited, pain bright revealed. Harden ligaments of the spine.
At any of these stages, successful treatment of osteochondrosis is still possible, but the farther, the harder it becomes to rid hell of its consequences, and at the last stage of deliverance to hell the disease completely is almost impossible.
The reasons for the development of osteoarthritis
A complete list of the causes of osteoarthritis is very high. It includes both individual factors and their combinations, which cause displacement of the intervertebral discs. But most often, osteochondrosis develops due to such reasons:
- heredity – if one of the parents was low back pain, the person falls into a risk group, because the structure of the intervertebral cartilage is often inherited;
- heavy work load which exceeds the permissible sanitary standards for workers;
- long stay in one position also may be an important factor. Often the osteoarthritis is diagnosed in people of sedentary occupations;
- various diseases of the back, which lead to the curvature of the spine;
- vitamin deficiency and hypovitaminosis;
- a back injury;
- infectious diseases;
- birth defects of the spine, which lead to the rapid Erasure of the intervertebral discs;
- natural aging;
- obesity;
- constant stress;
- hypothermia.
Symptoms of degenerative disc disease
According to hell, the place of localization of the disease, its symptoms can greatly vary. This is due to the fact that bulging discs and a pinched blood vessels affects the nearby tissues and organs, causing a range of symptoms that are unique to this zone of the spine. Therefore, treat the symptoms of various types of degenerative disc disease should be separately.
Symptoms of degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine
Lumbosacral (lumbar or simple) low back pain phenomenon is the most common form of this disease. The lower back is the shock absorber with the majority of movements and turns that are performed by the person. The symptoms localization of the disease in this Department are as follows:
- lower back pain that increases with exercise, sharp turns or staying for an extended period of time in one position. The pain is typically aching, sharp pain in the early stage occur very rarely and can be a symptom of a herniated disc;
- leg pain caused by pinching the roots of the spinal cord. This pain can be radiating, aching, distributed just on one side of the thigh;
- limited mobility, the patient feels pain when turning, bending and sitting. If the patient takes a convenient position, the pain goes away.
If You experience these symptoms, immediately contact your doctor. It is easier to prevent disease than to deal with the consequences.
Diagnosis
For the diagnosis of degenerative disc disease of the back neurologist appoints such studies of the spine, such as:
- radiography;
- computed tomography;
- magnetic resonance imaging.
How to treat degenerative disc disease
In most cases treatment of degenerative disc disease is conservative. Doctor who specializiruetsya for the treatment of osteochondrosis and other diseases of the spine is called a spine. They are always assigned to several types of treatment including medications, physical therapy and other methods. The most common methods of treatment of an osteochondrosis:
- physiotherapy;
- different types of massage;
- medications;
- traction;
- reflexology;
- chiropractic;
- LFK.
Let's consider each of these methods closer.
Physical therapy
Almost always used in the treatment of degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine. While physical therapy involves a laser, ultrasound, and magnetic oscillations that help to reduce pain. It also helps to neutralize the inflammation. This method allows to reduce the dose of medicines required to suppress the pain. Side effect do not exist.
Therapeutic massage
Therapeutic massage provides the same benefits as physical therapy. But it cannot be used in that hour, when the disease is in the acute stage. Massage course in the period of remission has a positive effect on the nervous system, relieves pain and excessive muscle tension, stimulates blood circulation and strengthens the walls of blood vessels. In addition, therapeutic massage can enhance the body's resistance to diseases and to normalize the process of metabolism.
Ale to therapeutic massage and there are some contraindications that may make it impossible to use. Yes, these include skin diseases, open wounds, any inflammation in the body.
Medications
Medical treatment of degenerative disc disease of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar is almost always. Usually, medicines are used in acute diseases, and their action is aimed at reducing painful symptoms. Tablets, ointments, gels and capsules are divided into types based on the ad spectrum and its type. There are funds for reconstruction of cartilage tissue, ointments to stimulate circulation, gels d e warming up effect and other ways to customize the functions of the propulsion system.
Reflexology
Reflexology is usually used in combination with massage treatments. It is based on the correct exposure pressure points and reflex zones. As an independent method such therapy is not applied, but it is a good complement to other ways of treatment of degenerative disc disease of the cervical and other types of this disease. Reflexology relieves pain, restores the natural load at various points of the spine, but may very short-term effect.
Physical therapy
Physiotherapy is the main method of treatment of osteoarthritis, regardless of the hell zone of its location. This is a very effective method that reduced stress on joints and muscles strengthens the muscles of the back. Exercises with cervical osteochondrosis are performed only under the supervision of an instructor or in accordance with its recommendations. To do gymnastics at any age and with any form of osteoarthritis, the only exceptions are cases when the disease is in the acute stage, and a significant back injury that could worsen. Physical therapy helps to get rid of hell back pain and return the spine flexibility and improve overall health of the patient.
Medical gymnastics in osteochondrosis includes a set of exercises that does not require great physical effort and focused on the slow normalization of muscle tone of the patient. They can be performed by patients with physician participation, and with additional training equipment. Yes, physiotherapists are following types of techniques:
- mechanotherapy – this exercises are performed the patient on a special apparatus and equipment. Method is used when serious esni extent of injury of the spine osteochondrosis, if human movement is difficult. This method also helps with the development of certain muscle groups and improves posture;
- kinesitherapy is a set of breathing and exercise, the impact of which is aimed directly at the zone of development of osteochondrosis. The course is developed individually for each patient and helps to improve joint mobility, tone muscles, and the elasticity of ligaments and tendons;
- health path – Hiking, which include a complex of simple exercises and physical activities. Using this method it is possible to achieve improvement of the cardiovascular system, increase stamina and build respiratory function;
- hydro-kinesitherapy – exercises, exercises which are performed in the pool. Usually held in seawater or warm water. Exercise helps strengthen muscles, joints and ligaments, and improve the health of the patient;
therapeutic swimming is a good method for the prevention and treatment of various types of degenerative disc disease. Helps to develop correct posture and to make the natural position of the shoulder spine. Swimming and can even help in correcting deformation of the spine.
Treatment of osteoarthritis with the help of gymnastics
Low back pain of any type may need treatment method for small loads and exercises. This approach not only helps to quickly get rid of hell pain and discomfort, but also accelerates the overall healing process, restores posture and improves flexibility of the spine. Every kind of osteoarthritis treatment involves various types of exercises. According to hell the place of localization of disease complexes can be targeted at a particular group of muscles and vertebrae.
Exercises in lumbar osteochondrosis
The most effective method of treating lumbar osteochondrosis is considered to be swimming. Also recommended a set of special exercises in the gym and therapeutic gymnastics. Most exercises designed for strengthening back muscles. One of the most common exercises is the "Bicycle". It is performed lying on the back. The patient performs movements with legs that mimic the pedaling of the Bicycle. Another popular exercise is based on bent elbows need to bend a few times in the thoracic and fix the pose for 4 seconds. Repeat the exercise five times for one set. The degree of load should be adjusted by the patient. If health allows, then they can gradually increase, and if the patient when performing gymnastics feels pain, the exercises should cease or temporarily suspend.
Exercises with cervical osteochondrosis
Treatment of cervical degenerative disc disease requires the use of gymnastics the two types:
- exercises for the cervical spine, in which the amplitude of movements is minimal. The patient himself creates resistance Ruhi neck hand. Exercises are aimed at overcoming this resistance, and therefore strengthens the group of the neck muscles;
- the other part of the technique includes dynamic exercises and circular turns of the head, which increase the joint mobility of the cervical. All the exercises associated with strengthening the neck should be performed at a slow pace, without sudden movements and without a sign of stress.
As a Supplement and exercises can be prescribed path and therapeutic swimming. Both methods of treatment are aimed at the same thing and the physical therapy to increase mobility of the cervical.
Exercises with osteochondrosis of the thoracic
A feature of the treatment of thoracic degenerative disc disease phenomenon is that most exercises are performed standing with him. The most common variant, allowed the majority of patients with this diagnosis – arm swing and trunk bending. Warm up before you perform the gymnastics is performed in a seated position on the chair. On inspiration the patient puts hands on head and bend back again, and how to snuggle and the top of the back of the chair. On the exhale, the patient lowers his hands along the body.
Another exercise treatment of complex thoracic osteochondrosis – progibanija on all fours. All types of exercises should be performed slowly and without sudden movements. Patients with osteochondrosis of the thoracic are also useful swimming, hydrotherapy and hydro-kinesitherapy.
Danger
Low back pain without proper treatment leads to such complications as:
- vegetovascular dystonia;
- sciatica;
- disc herniation;
- violation of oxygen supply to the brain.