Low back pain is a serious disease of the spine since it can cause severe discomfort and lead to various complications. For this reason, it should promptly and properly treated. This can be done at home with the help of medications, folk remedies, physical education and physiotherapy. All treatment measures must be approved by the technician, otherwise there is a risk of complications.
What is osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis — degenerative-dystrophic disease of the spine (DSP ), leading to disruption of the tissue structure of the vertebrae and intervertebral discs. This provokes a decrease in their elasticity and shape change. This significantly decreases the space between the vertebrae and the instability of the spine in this place.
In pathological destruction of tissues is pinched nerve endings that emanate from the spinal cord, which leads to a constant tension of the dorsal muscles. Against this background, there is pain and other characteristic symptoms. Clinical signs can differ depending on which segment has undergone degenerative disorders. Allocate chondrosis of the spine following departments:
- cervical;
- breast;
- lumbar.
If the pathological process affects multiple segments, such osteochondrosis polysegmental. Common disorders have complicated symptoms and are diagnosed much more difficult because it can affect areas both near and remote from each other. For example, osteochondrosis of the cervical and lumbosacral.
There are 4 stages of osteochondrosis:
- First. Characterized by primary disturbances in the region of the intervertebral disc. Usually this stage the cartilage surrounding the vertebrae, covered with cracks. As a result, starts the reduction of the clearance between the discs.
- Second. Cracked the annulus is narrowed so that the ligaments and muscles of the spine begin to touch and RUB against each other. At this stage, a person may show the first pain syndrome paroxysmal character. The second stage leads to the formation of instability of the vertebrae.
- Third. Wipes away the cartilaginous pads between the discs. Thinning is detected while performing radiography, and symptomatology is pronounced, bears an intensive character. At this stage, the pain can be removed only by the use of hard drugs.
- Fourth. Excessive vertebral instability, since they formed bony outgrowths — osteophytes. They injure the nerve roots. Usually at this stage the symptoms a few abates, but is seasonal (peaks of exacerbation have in the fall and spring).
Psychosomatics degenerative disc disease
Psychosomatic causes of disease – a new direction in the search of the preconditions for its formation. Psychosomatic implies the influence of psychological factors on the development and course of physical disease. The connection between bodily and mental problems is really tight and seemingly healthy person can suffer from regular pain. Osteochondrosis some people are not detected by the objective reasons for the disease, but she continues to progress.
Up to 30% of patients after a visit to the doctor indicate troubles such as:
- Constant stress;
- Chronic experiences;
- Nervous strain;
- Problems in the family;
- Conflicts;
- The moral breakdown.
In this case, psychosomatics in the syndrome of lesions of the spine can clearly be seen, the person "bends" under the weight of problems, which negatively affects the spine. If pathology has similar causes, treatment of degenerative disc disease would be difficult, medications usually do not help. Exacerbation of pathology that occur during a new wave of stress, and the physical reasons for them.
Psychosomatics especially often affects the cervical spine, but pain can be wandering around the vertebral column. Treatment of degenerative disc disease should start with finding and dealing with psychological problems under the supervision of a therapist.
The causes of osteochondrosis
The main factor for the development of osteoarthritis is an uneven load on the spine.
Common cause of irregular (uneven) load distribution on the spine are:
- the habit of wearing the bag on one shoulder or in one hand
- incorrect posture in the sitting position,
- sleeping on too soft mattress
- sleep on a high pillow,
- wearing anatomically incorrect kinds of shoes.
Additional risk factors include:
- physical inactivity (sedentary lifestyle),
- the presence of excess weight
- a back injury,
- injuries of the lower extremities,
- flat feet,
- any other disorders of the musculoskeletal system,
- age-related degenerative processes in the spine, due to which worsens the blood supply of the vertebral column.
The stages of development of osteochondrosis
Developing low back pain always goes through four stages:
- The first stage is characterized by the appearance of the pathology in the nucleus of the intervertebral disc. Because of the unnatural load begins a process of dehydration (dehydration) of the nucleus, which reduces the height of the intervertebral disc and the appearance of cracks in the fibrous ring.
- During the second stage of the disease there is discomfort in the form of pain, especially under certain types of loads, movements and body positions.
- The third stage of osteoarthritis is characterized by the formation of prolapses and protrusions. It may be accompanied by subluxation and/or development of osteoarthritis of the intervertebral joints. With certain movements you may feel stiffness and lack of mobility. In the extremities can cause tingling and numbness.
- During the fourth stage osteoarthritis of the body trying to correct the consequences of hypermobility (excessive mobility) of the vertebrae begins to adapt to the irregularities of the functionality of the spine and at the points of contact of the vertebrae begin to form osteophytes (new bone formation) in order to improve fixation of vertebra.
But, unfortunately, in some cases osteophytes cause compressions and further injure the vertebrae. As a result, in the intervertebral discs and the joints begins fibrous ankylosis.
Symptoms of degenerative disc disease
The main symptoms of osteoarthritis is discomfort and/or pain in the neck and back.
How will severe discomfort, and what additional symptoms will manifest themselves during the development of osteoarthritis depends upon stage of disease and each individual case.
Pathology of the intervertebral discs of the cervical and lumbar are much more common than degenerative and dystrophic changes in the sternum.
Symptoms of osteoarthritis include:
- periodic or permanent feeling of fatigue back
- slight or pronounced (depending on the stage of the disease) pain in the neck, back, chest, shoulder girdle,
- difficult constrained movement of the upper limbs.
The clinical picture of degenerative disc disease largely depends on the location (location) of disease, the degree of development of the process, the individual peculiarities of the patients.
Pathology of the intervertebral discs, displacement, protrusion, herniation and growth of osteophytes lead to very different consequences.
Among the most common is disruption of normal blood circulation in the tissues, a pinched nerve, dysfunction of the spinal canal, edema, fibrosis of tissues and structures.
Such effects may be accompanied by a huge variety of symptoms, leading to difficulty of accurate diagnosis of the disease.
The most common symptoms of degenerative disc disease include the following symptoms:
- pain in the back, neck, and lower back, in the shoulder girdle, the ribs,
- the discomfort and stiffness of the body, which occur with certain body positions: tilt, swivel, increase muscle tension,
- numbness of the upper and lower extremities,
- muscle and joint discomfort, muscle spasms,
- headaches, dizziness, fatigue,
- pain in region of heart,
- violation of the sensitivity of the hands
- muscle weakness.
Diagnosis of degenerative disc disease
For accurate diagnosis specialist appoints such instrumental methods of examination, such as:
- x-rays of the spine,
- if necessary myelography of the spine
- neurological examination of the sensitivity and reflexes of the spine.
Additional methods that may be prescribed by a doctor, to diagnosis and the stage of pathological processes have been installed as accurately as possible are:
- computed tomography of the spine
- nuclear magnetic resonance,
- magnetic resonance imaging.
Possible complications
Without a special attention to treat the first symptoms of degenerative dysfunctional processes in the connective tissues of the spine. Such a body can have a dramatically negative impact on the work of all internal organs. An imbalance of the functions will grow like an avalanche, and a man could suddenly be in a hospital bed. The decrease of mobility of the spine, violation of the speed of passage of signals and obstruction of nutrients in certain areas of the body lead to the development of dysfunctions in the musculoskeletal system, the joints and ligaments.
Partial or complete destruction of the intervertebral ties leads to the development of numerous chronic diseases. Even a slight pain, suddenly appeared and as quickly disappeared, should make a person undergo a full examination. This will help to identify centers of origin of the disease and with preventive means to prevent the further development of the disease.
Not paying attention to the first signals, it is possible to encounter more serious problems:
- The appearance of sharp, prolonged pain in the head, migraines and dizziness.
- Problems in the cervical spine can cause a sudden vision loss.
- Often hearing loss is a consequence of the disruption of the upper spine.
- The development of degenerative disc disease can cause autonomic dysfunction.
- Problems in the lower back lead to a sharp aggravation of diseases of the genitourinary system.
- The absence of proper treatment of degenerative disc disease leads to chronic radiculitis and sciatica.
Heavy loads and lack of system treatment cause of herniated discs.- People facing diseases such as lumbago, spondylosis, lumbodynia.
- Long-term development of degenerative disc disease without qualified treatment leads to stenosis of the vertebral channel, spondylosis, osteophytes.
It should be clearly understood that any irregularities in the spine will lead to the development of more complex chronic diseases of internal organs. Damage to the neurovascular bundles hampers the rhythm of bodies disrupts the flow of the necessary quantity of food and the removal of toxins.
This adversely affects the entire body. Accumulate inside the tissues of the damaged cells and toxins and stimulate the growth of malignant tumors. You can suddenly find out that excellent health suffered serious damage from a slight pain in the lumbar region, back or neck.
Treatment
In order to successfully treat osteochondrosis, it is necessary to conduct a detailed examination and accurate diagnosis. At first, the doctors carried out external examination of the patient, collect anamnesis of disease, then use of laboratory and instrumental methods of research.
There are 3 ways of treatment:
- medication;
- physiotherapy;
- surgical.
Great benefit in the treatment of osteoarthritis bring a special diet, the observance of bed rest and minimizing loads on the spine. At rest it is recommended to use a hard surface instead of soft mattress.
In house conditions for treatment of the disease, you can resort to the first two methods. It is desirable to combine them. To enhance their actions can be entered in the treatment of folk ways.
However, to self-medicate is highly undesirable. All measures and procedures must be approved by a specialist. In the treatment of degenerative disc disease must follow certain rules in the use of certain methods.
In this case, if the provision of medical medical assistance did not produce results and the disease progresses, the prescribed surgical treatment. Surgical intervention is performed to stabilize the structure of the spine, removal of intervertebral hernias or fully affected discs.
Drugs
Medical treatment of osteoarthritis should be comprehensive, to be aimed at the relief of pain and elimination of other pronounced symptoms. For this purpose, different groups of drugs:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory. They are intended for elimination of inflammatory processes and all kinds of pain. Also they relieve the swelling of tissues.
- Sedative. They are used for the relief of pain, but do not affect the pathological process.
- Muscle relaxants. Used to relieve muscle spasms in the spine, thereby significantly decreasing pain. They act by blocking receptors in the affected muscle fibers, resulting in impaired conduction of impulses in the spinal cord. The effect of these drugs is short-lived, but during that time the muscle fibers have time to recover the normal tone and use of own protective mechanisms against degenerative-dystrophic processes.
- Vitamins B, D, A, E, C, phosphorus and calcium-containing medications. Vitamin-mineral complexes is necessary to fill in the body of substances involved in the formation of bone and cartilage, metabolic processes.
- Chondroprotectors
- Vasodilator drugs.
At pathologies musculoskeletal doctors recommend the use of chondroprotectors has cumulative effect and impact on the human body after a certain time, which helps to restore the intervertebral disc. These medications are used long period, up to 2-3 months. And chondroprotectors seriously tax the liver and the gastrointestinal tract, therefore they should be combined with probiotics.
Physical therapy
In the treatment of degenerative disc disease would be a useful exercise (physical therapy). On the musculoskeletal system can have a beneficial impact moderate exercise. They stimulate metabolism, restore mobility of the spine and strengthening the muscle corset.
Methodology and scheme of medical gymnastics should choose a doctor, as it can vary depending on which part of the spine exposed to the pathological process. Therefore, it is desirable that classes were held under the supervision of a specialist. After the development of the program of physical therapy can continue at home.
For example, when the diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the cervical recommend the following simple exercises:
- Tilt your head forward and push down on the forehead woven fingers. The patient must prevent pressure. A similar exercise is then performed by acting on the occipital portion, left and right temple.
- Pressure on the forehead with four fingers, as if stretching the skin for 45 seconds. Working in different directions. This exercise is intended to restore blood circulation.
- To sit on a chair or on the floor, keep your back straight and slowly tilt your head back. Hands you must gently push the chin up and down. Then make the turns head left and right.
- Try to get a chin chest. In this position you need to cross hands on the back of his head and press him. In a state of stress necessary to stay on for 1 minute, and then follow the movement of the shoulders, lifting them up, trying to touch your ears.
Physiotherapy
Drug treatment gives a good result if we combine it with physiotherapy. For the condition of the vertebrae useful magnetic therapy, electrophoresis, ultrasonic therapy, etc. Some types of procedures can be performed at home if you buy appropriate portable devices. The beneficial effect of mineral water and healing mud.
In the absence of contraindications to massage the patient to visit a chiropractor. In the treatment of osteoarthritis can be applied reflexology — the pressure points of the body. At home you can carry out the massage. There are several techniques to help eliminate pain syndrome and toning muscles:
- light stroking of the vertebral region of one or both hands;
- the kneading of muscles tingling or a circular motion, gentle pressure with fingertips;
- the kneading of muscles with palms;
- straightforward study of the trapezius muscles;
- longitudinal and coracoid squeezing, massaging gently;
- rubbing the gaps between the ribs.
Folk remedies
To relieve pain you can use tools for the popular recipes. The result of herbal treatments and other natural compounds will only appear with their prolonged use.
Folk remedies are preferable compared with the drug, since the latter during long-term use can seriously harm the intestines, liver and pancreas. Therefore, alternative therapies it is desirable to use after the relief of acute pain drugs. Presented methods need to gradually replace medication with the advice of a doctor.
You can mention a few effective recipes:
- Honey and potatoes. You need to take a few potatoes, chop them on a grater, add the same amount of honey. Components should be thoroughly mixed, put in cheesecloth and use it as a compress on the painful area. Verification of the application need to wrap a scarf and leave in this position for 1 hour.
- Fuck. Should take 1 leaf and steam with boiling water. It is necessary to turn the inner side to the painful area and apply it. The tool should be secured firmly and wrap with a scarf. This procedure must be performed at night and remove the bandage — only in the morning.
- Hot bottle. You need to take a plastic container, pour hot water, put on the sofa and lay down on his back. It is desirable to try to move the bottle under the other. The procedure should be 30 minutes.
- Parsley. You need to eat for 30 days daily 1 at the root of the plant.
- Pine buds. Should be collected in the spring the raw material. Length of pine buds should be 2 see you Need to wash them and dry. Raw materials need to grind and combine with sugar in proportion 2:1, then mix thoroughly and put into the refrigerator. The tool will be ready when you acquire a rich brown tint. The mixture need to eat 1 tsp a day for 3 weeks.
When using folk remedies very carefully you need to approach procedures with a warming effect. Such actions can help to get rid of pain and inflammation, but can cause harm. During periods of exacerbation any warming, because they cause vasodilation, resulting in edema can occur. In such situations, you should seek treatment to specialists. Osteochondrosis of the cervical is prohibited to warm up the neck, because it can cause a headache.
Is it possible to cure osteochondrosis?
Many people that have a dystrophic lesion of the intervertebral disks are interested in the question: is it possible to cure low back pain and how to do it? The specialists of the leading clinics in the world treating this disease say that if the degenerative disc disease was detected at an early stage, in most cases, you can fully restore the functionality of the spine. If a patient seeks in a medical institution at stage 3 or 4 disease, doctors can only help to improve it, as entering this phase of development, osteochondrosis provokes the formation of bone spurs and change the shape of the spine. At these stages to achieve a positive result is possible only with surgical treatment.
After this therapy, patients start periods of remission, which they can extend on their own, if they adhere to the recommendations of the doctors:
- to avoid stressful situations;
- correctly and rationally to eat;
- swimming and physical therapy;
- to reduce the level of loads on the musculoskeletal system;
- normalize sleep, etc.
Prevention of osteoarthritis
Everyone needs to take preventive measures, aimed at prevention of such dangerous diseases as osteochondrosis. You first need to constantly monitor your posture, not only while driving, but sitting at the computer or watching a favorite television series. It is equally important to engage in physical exercise, which will help to strengthen the musculoskeletal system and create a muscular corset.
It is recommended to choose for a night stay orthopedic mattresses and pillows that are designed with the purpose of prevention of degenerative disc disease and other spinal diseases. In order not to harm the musculoskeletal system people should be very careful to lift and carry heavy objects.
Diet food (six times a day in divided portions), which included the perfectly balanced meals will help to normalize the functioning of many vital organs and systems of the human body. You should not consume drinks with a high content of caffeine, alcoholic beverages, chocolate. In limited quantities should be consumed protein foods, particularly liver, meat, legumes.
How to sleep in osteochondrosis?
During sleep, the person has to be in this position, which will allow his muscles and the musculoskeletal system to relax completely. This is due to the fact that for long periods in an uncomfortable posture is often the cause of developing osteoarthritis.
To minimize the load on the spine during a night's rest, one must observe the following rules:
- It is forbidden to sleep on my stomach. During sleep, the person relaxes, and his head can be rotated or upturned. The resulting blood vessels and arteries peredelyvayut, impaired blood flow to the brain, cervical spine in tension, etc.
- The best position for relaxation is a pose of "embryo" in which sleep is recommended for patients with a diagnosis of osteochondrosis. The patient should lie on the side, then bent at the knees it should pull up to his chest.
- In the arrangement of bed patients must give their preference for beds with smooth base. Mattress it is best to use an orthotic.
- A pillow, people with low back pain, use a small to fit his head and shoulders remained on the mattress. Best to buy a special orthopedic pillow.