In modern conditions, young people often suffer from osteochondrosis.This is due to a sedentary lifestyle, as even in our free time we often spend time in front of a computer – while sitting, of course.Osteochondrosis causes a lot of discomfort and significantly reduces quality of life.Fortunately, this disease can be treated symptomatically: many treatments are available today.
Osteochondrosis symptoms and causes
Osteochondrosis is a degenerative disease of the intervertebral disc and adjacent bone tissue.It can be cervical, thoracic and lumbar - it all depends on the area of the spine where the lesion begins.Osteochondrosis primarily affects the intervertebral discs.Due to metabolic disorders, it can deform and lose its elasticity, causing the distance between vertebrae to shorten and the nerves extending from the spinal cord to become pinched.The result is severe pain, limited mobility, rapid fatigue, and postural changes that worsen the condition.
The main causes of osteochondrosis are imbalances and excessive loads placed on the spine, such as being overweight, working a sedentary job, or other situations that require you to remain in uncomfortable positions for long periods of time.Osteochondrosis can be caused by flat feet, wearing high heels every day, sleeping on an uncomfortable mattress, and muscle weakness.Pregnant women are also at risk.
However, osteochondrosis is not always the result of direct pressure on the vertebrae.The disease is often caused by metabolic disorders, chronic intoxication, hormonal and autoimmune diseases, deficiencies of certain vitamins (especially D, C, and B vitamins), injury, and age-related changes.
Unfortunately, neurologists often diagnose "osteochondrosis" based on any structural changes in the body.For example, when an X-ray shows changes in the spine, such as tilting, growth, scoliosis, kinking, the patient will most likely need treatment 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 undisclosed.
Traditional Chinese Medicine views the human body as a whole.Therefore, when making a diagnosis, Chinese medicine looks at the symptoms to find the root cause of the problem.Eliminating the "source" of a disease can also relieve its symptoms, including helping eliminate back pain.
The symptoms of osteochondrosis depend largely on the location of the disease.Cervical osteochondrosis first presents with pain in the neck and arms, headaches, and numbness in the fingers.Chest osteochondrosis is characterized by the following symptoms: acute back pain, stabbing pain in the chest, difficulty breathing.Lumbar osteochondrosis is accompanied by pain in the waist and legs, numbness in the feet, and genitourinary disorders - urinary disorders, male sexual dysfunction, female ovarian problems are also observed.
From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, the list of manifestations of the disease is supplemented by the following symptoms:
- Pain radiating to the buttocks or legs;
- Muscle heaviness and stiffness;
- A chilling feeling in the back;
- Night sweats;
- Warmth in palms and soles of feet;
- tinnitus;
- lower abdominal pain;
- Cold limbs, lack of energy;
- severe pain anywhere;
- Increased body temperature;
- Swelling of limbs.
Pulse can vary: from deep, thready, and slow, to vibrating and frequent.Symptoms (such as the nature of the pulse) may depend on the underlying cause of the disease.
Most often, people notice the first signs of osteochondrosis around the age of 25, but ignore them for a long time.Therefore, patients usually present at the age of 30-35 years, and many of them have advanced osteochondrosis.
How is osteochondrosis treated?
If your doctor diagnoses you with osteochondrosis, be patient - treatment will be lengthy.A comprehensive approach can significantly speed up the healing process, but in any case, osteochondrosis cannot be cured within a month.
The treatment process for osteochondrosis should be divided into several stages, each with 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 anatomically correct positions.Painkillers and various treatments are prescribed: including physiotherapy and treatments related to traditional medicine, such as acupuncture, which have long been officially recognized and included in the terminology of medical services.
The second phase of osteochondrosis treatment is to repair the disc and prevent degenerative changes.Typically, physiotherapy, massage, manual therapy, acupuncture, dietary correction and physiotherapy procedures aimed at improving blood circulation and normalizing metabolic processes are required.
A neurologist may prescribe pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs.If necessary, they may resort to novocain blockade or more severe treatments to relieve spasms.However, the source of the disease remains in the body, causing the disease to relapse after a period of time.
Traditional Chinese medicine often proves in practice that the diagnosis of "osteochondrosis" is wrong in many cases.If this conclusion is confirmed, Chinese medicine will reduce the patient's swelling and begin repairing the tendons and muscles.Spasms in the longitudinal and oblique muscles gradually resolve and the joint regains its ability to move through its full range of motion.In most cases, this treatment promotes recovery.
Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis
In the case of thoracic osteochondrosis, patients must also reconsider their habits: in order for the treatment to achieve the desired effect, it is necessary to reduce the load and alternate walking with rest. Sometimes it is recommended to walk with a cane for a period of time.Medical treatment includes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, relaxants, B vitamins, and corticosteroids.
In addition to classic medical massage, acupressure, acupuncture, as well as leech therapy, physiotherapy and herbal medicine in the treatment of this type of osteochondrosis.All of these procedures can be performed in regular clinics or licensed Oriental medicine centers.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
Cervical osteochondrosis is very common, even in young people, and is sometimes diagnosed in elementary school students and students who spend too much time with textbooks and computers.This type of osteochondrosis is dangerous because it can cause complications such as blurred vision or increased intracranial pressure, which manifests as severe headaches.
To treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and muscle relaxants can be used, as well as injections of B vitamins.
Cervical collar massage, ultrasound and electrophoresis are also available.It is extremely important to maintain an active lifestyle, develop good posture, train yourself to take breaks at work and do a little warm-up in the middle of the workday.
Among the methods of traditional (including Eastern) medicine for the treatment of this type of osteochondrosis, the following methods are widely used: acupuncture, acupressure and herbal therapy - phytotherapeutic agents improve metabolism and the function of small blood vessels, relieve inflammation, which have a beneficial effect on overall health and especially on the musculoskeletal system.
Treatment of lumbosacral vertebrae osteochondrosis
In the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis, medication habits play an important role: do not spend too much time standing and sitting, and need to rest more in a lying position.Additionally, you will have to wear a corset for a period of time to improve your posture.
As with cervical osteochondrosis, for lumbar osteochondrosis, your doctor will prescribe NSAIDs and muscle relaxants, B vitamins (usually corticosteroids), enzymes, and ointments to improve circulation and relieve pain.
Massage, exposure to therapeutic mud and electrophoresis with painkillers, heat (including hot stones) – this is what stone therapy has become in recent years.
Treatment of osteochondrosis with traditional Chinese medicine
Traditional Chinese medicine’s approach to treating various types of osteochondrosis deserves special attention.Judging from thousands of years of experience in traditional Chinese medicine, the key method for treating osteochondrosis is acupuncture, also called acupuncture.First, the TCM doctor will identify priority allergy (acupuncture) points for each patient.He used the thinnest needle against them.This triggers a response in the body that helps restore damaged cartilage and bone and restore joint mobility.
After treatment, in order to consolidate the therapeutic effects and maintain good health, it is recommended to repeat acupuncture sessions with a certain frequency in the future, but for prevention purposes.
Needle placement technique and duration of acupuncture sessions are affected by the patient's diagnosis and condition.In general, acupuncture treatments are well tolerated by all patients, although how they feel varies.For some people, using the needle is not noticeable; some may experience itching, mild pressure, and some may even fall asleep.
It cannot be said that the occurrence of osteochondrosis is due to any one factor - in most cases, the disease occurs because of an overall incorrect lifestyle.Therefore, treatment must be comprehensive.A vitamin-rich diet, including the avoidance of fatty foods, alcohol and smoking, as well as precisely calculated physical activity, combined with therapeutic and pharmaceutical approaches, allows you to achieve better results than simply taking medications.