Osteochondrosis - damage to the discs and cartilage of the spine. Unfortunately, the problem is widespread - almost every second person over the age of 40 is diagnosed with the disease. But the good news is that musculoskeletal system diseases can be eliminated at an early stage. Below we will describe the treatment, symptoms and preventive measures of osteochondrosis of the spine in adults.
Causes
People over the age of 40 are at risk. However, some factors influence the onset of the problem during adolescence. The list of causes of the disease includes:
- obesity;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- spinal injuries delayed by displacement;
- scoliosis and flat feet;
- pregnancy;
- constant load on the spine.
Congenital anomalies of the spine, oncology in this area and long-term stress contribute to the development of the disease. Regardless of the fact, the specialists of our clinic will choose the optimal treatment plan for osteochondrosis of the spine and help to get rid of the disease.
Stages of development
Initially, changes in the spine do not cause problems, but over time, all body systems malfunction. The disease consists of 4 stages:
- The height of the patient's intervertebral disc decreases. Fibrous ring cracks appear. It does not go beyond a pathological component.
- The muscles and ligaments that connect to the disc come close together. They lose their tone and sag. The defect affects the adjacent vertebrae. They gain extra mobility. The vertebral segment becomes less and less stable. The vertebrae can move, slip, and cause spondylolisthesis.
- There is an abnormal bulge, the development of osteoarthritis and bulges in the intervertebral discs.
- Affected parts try to adapt to new conditions, get rid of excess mobility due to the forces of the body and protect the spine. As a result, osteophytes form - bone growths. They damage the nerve roots of the spinal cord.
The final stage, in the absence of treatment for osteochondrosis of the spine, manifests itself in the form of severe excruciating pain in the problem area, but then becomes a pathological latent form. And the patient stops feeling anxious. On the vertebrae, a bony crust is formed that "walls" the entire motor segment.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis
Degenerative-dystrophic tissue damage erodes the vertebrae themselves, joint surfaces and intervertebral discs. The disease manifests itself as back pain, but can spread to other parts of the body. There are uncomfortable sensations in the legs, numbness of the fingers and hands, pain in the genital area, head, heart.
In most women, the disease manifests itself with pain in the lower back. However, often a problem is diagnosed in the neck, chest or several areas at the same time. Activity decreases and fatigue increases - both mental and physical. Sensitivity of the upper and lower extremities is impaired.
The most common symptoms of cervical spine pathology are: headache, a sharp decrease in vision and eye fatigue. Defeat of the lumbosacral region is threatened by dysfunction of the reproductive system.
Impacts
Inadequate attention to the problem in the early stages threatens serious disorders in all systems of the body. The patient feels severe pain, heart attack, dizziness, nausea, chills. In advanced cases, spinal cord injury, brain damage and the development of vascular and cardiac pathologies are possible.
It is important to consult a doctor at the first symptoms of osteochondrosis for drug-free treatment. Uncontrolled intake of painkillers will make the situation worse.
Prevention of osteochondrosis
Preventive measures include an active lifestyle, good nutrition and weight control. Yoga and Pilates classes are suitable for strengthening the muscle corset. Classes on special decompression simulators - Kinesitherapy is ideal. These simulators are specially designed for atraumatic recovery of the spine and joints. An orthopedic mattress is chosen for sleeping. High or flat pillows are not used.
Diagnostics
A history is taken to identify the problem and determine the most effective treatment for osteochondrosis. Complaints of all patients are taken into account. Visual inspection is carried out. These include:
- assessment of body condition;
- skin examination;
- palpation and injection of pain;
- determination of skin sensitivity.
In addition, a study is scheduled on the most affected spine. The patient is referred for x-rays, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). With the help of procedures, the degree of damage to the back, the state of nervous processes, blood vessels are determined.
The Medical Innovation Center also uses ultrasound to diagnose problems. Ultrasound is informative, safe and a cheaper way to detect pathology.
Methods of treatment of osteochondrosis
An integrated approach is needed to get rid of the disease completely. The choice of ways to eliminate it depends on the etiology of the disease, the age of the patient, the degree of damage to any part of the body. The following methods are used in our center for the treatment of osteochondrosis.
For the treatment of osteochondrosis, the clinic offers a comprehensive diagnosis, individual approach and high-quality prevention of the disease. The clinic employs excellent specialists with extensive experience, including doctors and candidates of medical sciences. Many doctors have been awarded the highest qualification category. Using their experience, knowledge and skills, the staff of our osteochondrosis treatment center can effectively help adults to get rid of the pathology.
At the Innovative Medical Center, the attention of specialists is focused on finding and eliminating the causes of pain syndrome and subsequent rehabilitation. To relieve the pain, the patient is prescribed blockades, acupuncture courses, shock wave therapy (shock wave) or Khivamat therapy. Then comes the period of recovery of damaged spinal functions, during which the following modern and effective methods are used to treat osteochondrosis:
Kinesitherapy
The patient is given a series of movements performed on special simulators and using additional equipment: rollers, balls. While performing the tasks, the load is removed from the spine, the muscles are trained, and the joints are restored. Strengthening the muscle corset is a guarantee that there is no risk of recurrence of the disease after a certain period of time. The method has the least list of contraindications and is suitable for patients of all ages.
Masotherapy
It is prescribed only after the inflammation has been eliminated. The minimum course is 10 sessions. Helps relieve swelling, relieve pain & improve blood circulationThe technique and purpose of the procedure depend on the exact diagnosis. For example, in the case of cervical spine problems, work is done with the cervical-neck area. The specialist performs rubbing, rubbing and kneading to relieve pain and revitalize. However, the therapist can also prescribe treatment for osteochondrosis with acupressure massage. Pain points and acupuncture points are affected during this procedure.
Acupuncture
The main tasks of acupuncture are to relax the deeper layers of muscles, relieve pain and increase the blood supply to the affected areas of the body. The session lasts 20-60 minutes. The duration depends on the size of the skin being treated. 10-15 procedures are set as standard. In a complex course of treatment, the number of procedures may be less than the complementary activity of other procedures. Manipulations are practically painless. The movement of the needles is similar to that of mosquito bites. Although everything depends on the patient's pain level.
This modern treatment of osteochondrosis is used by doctors of medical sciences in the Innovative Medical Center. Experienced professionals perform the manipulations competently, so do not worry about the result.
UHT therapy
It is prescribed to relieve pain and eliminate inflammation. The procedure is an effective way to get rid of degenerative complications of the disease - herniated disc and other pathologies of the spine. The principle of action of shock wave therapy is to affect the affected area with a shock wave. For this reason, the destruction of salts and salt deposits occurs, blood circulation improves.
The procedure takes about 5 minutes. Depending on the degree of pathology, an individual regimen is selected for each patient. The effectiveness of the therapy is compared to a deep, intensive massage. After 2-3 sessions, a positive trend is observed.
Kinesitaping
The therapist uses a bandage, an elastic patch, to reduce pain and reduce inflammation. Gently straightens the affected part of the body by lifting the top layer of skin slightly. The patient is not limited to physiological mobility.
Kinesitaping is prescribed in conjunction with physiotherapy exercises. Due to its elasticity compared to the elasticity of the skin, the tape begins to affect the inflamed area from day one. By default, the plaster is fixed for 3-5 days, and then the course is repeated 2 more times until the discomfort during movement is completely eliminated.
There are few contraindications: skin diseases and hypersensitivity of the epidermis. The procedure is prescribed for patients of all ages and genders. Perfect knowledge of physiology and anatomy is required when applying the tape. At our center, this procedure is performed by experienced chiropractors.
PRP therapy
Plasma therapy - injections into the patient's own plasma. Special equipment that removes platelets from the blood is used for its application. Plasma is mixed with blood cells and injected into the patient. The procedure allows you to quickly repair the affected tissue and stop the inflammation. As a result, joint fluid is restored and joint mobility improves. Improves blood circulation in damaged tissues
The process takes about 20 minutes. The duration of the course depends on the stage of the disease. On average, 2 to 6 procedures are prescribed.
Each consists of 3 stages:
- A blood sample is taken.
- Plasma is prepared.
- Autoplasm is injected into the affected area.
Plasma application does not cause pain. The patient feels only a small discomfort.
The method not only eliminates the symptoms, but also affects the cause of the disease. A long-lasting effect is guaranteed.
You can get detailed advice from a traumatologist, neurologist, physiotherapist at the Innovative Medical Center. Once diagnosed, they will prescribe a series of measures to get rid of back pain without pills. We have modern equipment and offer effective methods for the treatment of osteochondrosis in women and men of all ages.