In modern conditions, young people often suffer from osteochondrosis.This is due to a sedentary lifestyle, because even in our free time we often spend at the computer - while sitting, of course.Osteochondrosis can cause a lot of discomfort and significantly reduce the quality of life.Fortunately, the disease can be treated symptomatically: today there are many therapeutic solutions for it.
Symptoms and causes of osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis is a degenerative lesion of intervertebral discs and surrounding bone tissue.It can be cervical, thoracic and lumbar - it all depends on the area of the spine where the pathological changes started.In osteochondrosis, the intervertebral disc is primarily affected.As a result of metabolic disorders, there is deformation and loss of elasticity, which leads to a narrowing of the distance between the vertebrae and compression of the nerves coming out of the spinal cord.The result is severe pain, limited mobility, rapid fatigue and a change in posture, which leads to an even worse situation.
The main reason for the development of osteochondrosis is an unbalanced and excessive load on the spine, which occurs, for example, in the presence of excess weight, during sedentary work or other need to be in an uncomfortable position for a long time.Osteochondrosis can be caused by flat feet or daily wearing of shoes with too high heels, sleeping on an uncomfortable mattress, as well as weakness of the muscle corset.Pregnant women are also at risk.
However, osteochondrosis is not always the result of direct stress on the spine.Often this disease is caused by metabolic disorders, chronic intoxication, hormonal and autoimmune diseases, lack of certain vitamins (especially vitamins D, C and B), injuries and, finally, changes in age.
Unfortunately, neurologists often diagnose "osteochondrosis" with any structural change in the body.For example, when an X-ray shows changes in the spine such as tilts, growths, scoliosis, bends, there is a high probability that the patient will be treated for osteochondrosis.If there are no abnormalities in the spine, a diagnosis of "psychogenic pain" can be made.Meanwhile, the cause of the back pain remains undiscovered.
Chinese medicine looks at the human body as a whole.Therefore, when a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner makes a diagnosis, he gets to the root of the problem, which he identifies through the symptoms.Removing the "root" of the disease also alleviates its manifestations, including helping to eliminate back pain.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis largely depend on the location of the source of the disease.In osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, the disease begins with pain in the neck and hands, headache and numbness of the fingers.Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is characterized by the following symptoms: acute back pain, tingling in the chest, difficulty breathing.Osteochondrosis of the lumbar region is accompanied by pain in the lower back and legs, numbness of the feet, and genitourinary disorders are also observed - urination disorders, sexual dysfunction in men, ovarian problems in women.
From the point of view of traditional Chinese medicine, the list of disease manifestations is supplemented by the following symptoms:
- pain that radiates to the buttocks or legs;
- muscle heaviness and stiffness;
- cold feeling in the back;
- night sweats;
- warmth in palms and soles;
- tinnitus;
- lower abdominal pain;
- coldness in the extremities and lack of energy;
- sharp pain in any place;
- increased body temperature;
- swelling of limbs.
The pulse can be different: from deep, stringy and slow, to vibrating and frequent.Symptoms, such as the nature of the pulse, may depend on the underlying cause of the disease.
People usually notice the first signs of osteochondrosis around the age of 25, but ignore them for a long time.Therefore, patients most often turn to doctors at the age of 30-35, and many of them have osteochondrosis in an advanced form.
How is osteochondrosis treated?
If your doctor has diagnosed you with osteochondrosis, be patient - the treatment will be long.An integrated approach significantly speeds up the healing process, but in any case, it is impossible to cure osteochondrosis in a month.
The course of treatment of osteochondrosis should be divided into several stages, each of which has specific goals.
The first step is to eliminate the pain.You may be advised to wear a special corset to support your back and neck in a physiologically correct position.Painkillers and various procedures are prescribed: both from the arsenal of physiotherapy and those related to traditional medicine, for example acupuncture, which has long been officially recognized and included in the Nomenclature of Medical Services.
The second stage of the treatment of osteochondrosis is the restoration of the intervertebral discs and the prevention of degenerative changes.As a rule, physical therapy, massage, manual therapy, acupuncture, diet correction and physiotherapeutic procedures aimed at improving blood circulation and normalizing metabolic processes are indicated.
A neurologist may prescribe painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs.If necessary, they resort to blockade with novocaine or more serious treatment aimed at relieving spasms.However, the source of the disease that remains in the body leads to the return of the disease after some time.
Doctors of traditional Chinese medicine often prove in practice that the diagnosis of "osteochondrosis" is made incorrectly in many situations.In cases where this conclusion is confirmed, the TCM doctor removes the patient's swelling and begins the restoration of tendons and muscles.Spasms from the longitudinal and oblique muscles are gradually eliminated, and the ability to move in its full range returns to the joint.Such treatment promotes recovery in most cases.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine
With osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, the patient will also have to reconsider his habits: in order for the treatment to bring the desired results, it is necessary to dose loads, alternate walking with rest, sometimes it is advisable to walk with a cane for a while.Drug treatment consists of taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, relaxants, B vitamins and glucocorticosteroids.
In addition to classical medical massage, acupressure, acupuncture, as well as leech treatment, physical therapy and herbal treatment are used in the treatment of this type of osteochondrosis.All these procedures can be performed in a regular clinic or in a licensed center of oriental medicine.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
Cervical osteochondrosis is extremely common, even among young people - it is sometimes diagnosed in schoolchildren and students who spend too much time on textbooks and the computer.This type of osteochondrosis is dangerous because it can lead to complications such as blurred vision or increased intracranial pressure, which is manifested by severe headaches.
For the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and muscle relaxants are used, as well as a course of vitamin B injections.
Massage of the neck area, ultrasound and electrophoresis can also be prescribed.It is extremely important to lead an active lifestyle, develop proper posture, train yourself to take breaks at work and do a little warm-up in the middle of the working day.
Among the means of traditional (including oriental) medicine in the treatment of this type of osteochondrosis are widely used: acupuncture, acupressure and herbal medicines - phytotherapeutic agents improve metabolism and work of small blood vessels, relieve inflammation, which has a beneficial effect on the health of the muscles as a whole.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral spine
In the treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, the habit of dose dosage plays an important role: you should not spend too much time on your feet and sitting, you need to rest more often in a lying position.In addition, you will need to wear a corset for a while to improve your posture.
As with cervical osteochondrosis, lumbar osteochondrosis is prescribed nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and muscle relaxants, B vitamins, often glucocorticosteroids, enzymes, as well as ointments that improve blood circulation and relieve pain.
Massage, exposure to therapeutic mud and electrophoresis with painkillers, heating, including hot stones are indicated - this is stone therapy, which has been popular in recent years.
Treatment of osteochondrosis with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) methods.
The approach to the treatment of different types of osteochondrosis, which is practiced in traditional Chinese medicine, deserves special attention.From the perspective of thousands of years of experience of Chinese doctors, the key method of treating osteochondrosis is acupuncture, also called acupuncture.First of all, the TCM doctor determines the priority hypersensitive (acupuncture) points for each patient.He works on them with the finest needles.This triggers a body response that helps repair damaged cartilage and bone and restore joint mobility.
After therapy, in order to consolidate the therapeutic effect and keep the body in shape, it is recommended to repeat acupuncture courses with a certain frequency in the future, but for preventive purposes.
The technique of placing the needles and the duration of the acupuncture session are influenced by the patient's diagnosis and condition.As a rule, all patients tolerate acupuncture sessions well, although the sensations from the procedure differ between patients.For some, the insertion of needles goes unnoticed;others may feel itching, slight pressure, and others may even fall asleep.
It cannot be said that the occurrence of osteochondrosis is due to any factor - most often, the cause of the development of the disease is a general improper lifestyle.Therefore, treatment must be comprehensive.A diet rich in vitamins, which includes avoiding fatty foods, alcohol and smoking, and precisely calculated physical activity in combination with therapeutic and medical methods, allows achieving better results than simply taking pills.