Back pain, symptoms, treatment, prevention

Low back pain — a serious disease of the spine, because it can cause serious discomfort and lead to various complications. For this reason it is necessary to timely and properly treat. This can be done at home with the help of drugs, folk remedies, physical education and physiotherapy treatments. All measures must be approved by a specialist, otherwise there is the risk of complications.

What is the back pain

Low back pain — degenerative-degenerative disease of the spine (DSP ), which leads to disruption of the structure of the tissues of the vertebrae and the intervertebral discs. This causes a reduction of their elasticity and the change of shape. Due to this significantly decreases the gap between the vertebrae and you look at the instability of the spinal column in this place.

When pathological tissue destruction occurs deburring of nerve endings, the output from the spinal cord, which results in a constant tension of the back muscles. In this context, you experience pain and other characteristic symptoms. The clinical signs can vary depending on the type of segment has undergone degenerative violations. Show chondrosis of the vertebral column the following departments:

• cervical;
• breastfeeding;
• lumbar.

If the pathologic process affects different segments, such low back pain polysegmental. Common disorders have complicated the symptoms, and is much more difficult to diagnosed, because they can be located both near and at a distance from one another. For example, back pain, cervical and lumbo-sacral departments.

Distinguish 4 stages of degenerative disc disease:

1. The first. Characterized the initial disturbances in the area of the intervertebral disc. Usually this stage the cartilage, herpes vertebra, covered with cracks. In consequence of this, begins the reduction of the level between the units.
2. The second. Covered with cracks in the fibrous ring widths as well reduced, that the ligaments and muscles of the vertebral column come in contact and strusciarci. In this phase, the person may show the first syndrome, paroxysmal character. The second phase leads to the formation of instability of the vertebrae.
3. The third. Is the cancellation of the cartilage strip between the disks. Thinning is detected during execution of an x-ray, and the symptomatology is distinct, brings intense. In this stage, the pain can be removed only through the use of powerful drugs.
4. The fourth. Characterized by an excessive instability of the vertebrae, as they are formed bone outgrowths — osteophytes. Affecting the nerve roots. Usually in this phase the symptoms most drops, but is shown to be seasonal (peaks of aggravation of the fall in spring and autumn).

Psychosomatic of degenerative disc disease

Psychosomatic causes of malocclusion – a new direction in the search for conditions for its formation. Psychosomatic implies the influence of psychological factors to the development and to physical disease. The link between body and mental problems, really tight, and with a sound mind, a person may suffer from pain on a regular basis. Osteochondrosis some people do not discoverable objective reasons for the malocclusion, but she continues to progress.

Up to 30% of patients after a doctor's visit indicate trouble, such as:

• The constant stress;
• Chronic experiences;
• Nervous Stress;
• Problems in the family;
• Conflicts;
• Moral changed his mind.

In this case, the psychosomatic in the appearance of the syndrome of the defeat of the vertebral column clearly drawn – man "bent" under the weight of problems affecting the spine. If the malocclusion has similar causes, treatment of degenerative disc disease will be difficult, but the medicines usually do not help. Worsening of the malocclusion occur during a new wave of stress, but, for physical reasons, for their not.

Often psychosomatic reflects on the cervical spine, but the pain can be vague to the entire spine. The treatment of degenerative disc disease should start with the research and solution of psychological problems under the supervision of a therapist.

Causes of degenerative disc disease

The main factor in the development of degenerative disc disease is the unbalanced load on the spine.

The most common cause cause incorrect (irregular) distribution of the load on the spine, you need:

• the habit of carrying the bag on one shoulder or in the same hand,
• incorrect posture in the sitting position,
• sleep on a mattress that is too soft,
• sleeping on a pillow top,
• wear anatomically correct types of shoes.

Additional risk factors include:

• physical inactivity (sedentary lifestyle),
• the presence of excess weight,
• an injury to the back,
• lesions of the lower limbs,
• flat foot,
• any other disorders of the musculoskeletal system,
• of age, the degenerative processes of the spine, for the reason of which is deteriorating the flow of blood to the spinal column.

The stages of development of degenerative disc disease

Developing low back pain always passes through four stages:

• The first phase is characterized by the appearance of malocclusion in the nucleus of the intervertebral disc. For a reason unnatural load begins the process of dehydration (dehydration) of the kernel, which leads to a reduction in height of the intervertebral disc, and the appearance of cracks ring the fibrous.
• During the second phase of the disease occurs discomfort in the form of pain, especially when certain types of loads, movements and body positions.
• The third stage of degenerative disc disease is characterized by the formation of prolapses and the protrusion. It may be accompanied by subluxation and/or development of osteoarthritis of the intervertebral. In some of the movements perhaps the sensation of stiffness and lack of mobility. At the ends may experience sensations of tingling and numbness.
• During the fourth stage of degenerative disc disease of the body, trying to correct the consequences of hypermobility (excessive mobility) of the vertebrae, begins to adapt to the violations feature of the vertebral column, and at the points of contact of the vertebrae begin to form osteophytes (new bone formation) in order to improve the fixing of the vertebra.

But, unfortunately, in some cases, osteophytes cause violations of the nerves and even more hurt by the vertebrae. Leading to the intervertebral discs and joints, the treatment begins ankylosis.

The symptoms of degenerative disc disease

The main symptoms of degenerative disc disease is a feeling of discomfort and/or pain in the area of the neck and back.

As will be serious hardship, and even then, what other symptoms manifest in the course of the development of degenerative disc disease, depends on the stage of the disease, and every single case.

Discopathy of the cervical and lumbar are much more often of degenerative and dystrophic changes in the area of the sternum.

To the symptoms of degenerative disc disease refers to:

1. periodic or permanent feeling of tiredness in the back,
2. mild or marked (depending on the stage of the disease) a syndrome of pain in the neck, back, chest, shoulder girdle,
3. embarrassing, and chained movement of the upper limbs.

The clinical picture of degenerative disc disease is largely depend on the location (position) of malocclusion, the degree of development of the process, the individual characteristics of the patients.

Malocclusion of the intervertebral discs, offset, protrusion, herniation, and the accumulation osteophytes lead to different consequences.

Among the most common is the violation of the normal circulation of the blood in the tissues, blockage of the nerve endings, dysfunction of the spinal canal, swelling, not of the fibrosis of the tissues and structures.

These consequences may be accompanied by a wide variety of different symptoms, which leads to difficulty of a precise diagnosis of the disease.

Among the common symptoms of degenerative disc disease refers to these events:

1. the pain in the back, neck, lower back, the shoulder girdle, in the area of the ribs,
2. the discomfort and stiffness of the movements of the trunk, which occur in certain positions of the body: the slopes, in a curve, with an increase of muscle tension,
3. sensation of numbness of upper and lower limbs,
4. muscular and articulated discomfort, muscle spasms,
5. headaches, dizziness, fatigue,
6. the pain in the heart,
7. violation of the sensitivity of hands,
8. muscle weakness.

The diagnosis of degenerative disc disease

For a precise diagnosis, the specialist prescribes such instrumental techniques of investigation, such as:

• x-ray of the spine,
• if necessary – myelography of the spinal column,
• the neurological examination of the sensitivity and reflexes of the spine.

Additional methods that can be assigned to a physician for the diagnosis and the stage of pathological processes have been installed as close as possible, relate to:

• computed tomography of the spine,
• nuclear magnetic resonance,
• tomography, magnetic resonance imaging.

Possible complications

Many with no particular attention paid belong to the first manifestation of degenerative-dysfunctional processes in the connective tissues of the spine. This attitude toward the body can have a drastically negative impact on the work of all internal organs. The imbalances of the functions will accrue as an avalanche, and the man can suddenly be in a hospital bed. Reduction of the mobility of the spinal column, the violation rate of passage of signals and the difficulty of nutrient substance in some areas of the body lead to the development of dysfunctions in the system muscle-skeletal system, the work of the joints and ligaments.

Partial or complete destruction of the intervertebral relationships leads to the development of many chronic diseases. Also a slight pain in the spine, suddenly appeared, and as quickly disappeared, should force a man to overcome the the the full exam. This will help you identify the outbreaks of the beginning of the disease and with the help of prophylactics avoid the further development of the disease.

Not paying attention to the early signals, it is possible to address the major challenges - -:

• The emergence of strong and long-lasting headaches, migraines and dizziness.
• Problems of the cervical spine can cause a sudden vision loss.
• Often, hearing loss is the result of disorders of the upper spinal column.
• The development of degenerative disc disease can cause autonomic dysfunction.
• Back problems lead to a drastic worsening of the diseases of the genitourinary system.
• The lack of a proper treatment of degenerative disc disease causes chronic radiculitis and sciatica.
• A big load of work and lack of treatment systems become a cause of herniated discs.
• People stakivayutsya with such diseases as low back pain, spondiloartrosi, low back pain.
• Along the development of degenerative disc disease without qualified treatment, resulting in stenosis of the vertebral channel, spondylosis, osteophytes.

You need to understand that if the clear that any irregularity of the vertebral column lead to the development of a more complex chronic diseases of the internal organs. Damage to neurovascular bundles makes it difficult to the speed of operation of the organs, interrupts the flow of the necessary amount of supply and exhaust of waste and toxins.

This adversely affects the whole body. Accumulated within the tissues of the damaged cells and waste to stimulate the development of malignancies. You may suddenly discover that excellent health has suffered serious damage from a small pain in the lumbar region, back or neck.

Treatment

To cure the back pain, it is necessary to conduct a detailed investigation and to establish an accurate diagnosis. Before the doctors exercise a control external of the patient, anamnesis of disease, then use of laboratory and instrumental methods of research.

There are 3 modes of therapy:

• doctor;
• physiotherapy;
• surgical.

Of great benefit in the treatment of degenerative disc disease lead to a special diet, the observance of the mode and minimization of loads on the vertebral column. During the holiday it is recommended that you use a hard surface instead of a soft mattress.

Home for the treatment of the disease, you can resort to the first two methods. It is desirable for the combination of the two. In order to strengthen their action, it is possible to insert in the treatment of folk ways.

However, self-medication is highly undesirable. All the measures and procedures must be approved by an expert. For the treatment of degenerative disc disease you need to follow some rules for the use of some techniques.

In this case, if the supply of medical therapies and medical assistance has not produced the results, and the disease progresses, it is prescribed the surgical treatment. Immediate the surgery is performed to stabilize the structure of the spinal column, removal of the intervertebral hernia or completely affected discs.

Drugs

The pharmacological treatment of degenerative disc disease must be global, have the goal of pain relief and the removal of other obvious symptoms. To do this, use the different groups of drugs:

1. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They are designed for the resolution of inflammatory processes and all kinds of headaches. They also relieve the swelling of the tissues.
2. Sedatives. They are used for the relief of pain, but they do not affect the pathological process.
3. The muscle relaxants. Apply to relieve muscle spasms in the area of the spine, and because of this are visibly reduced sensation of pain. They act by blocking the receptors in the direction of the muscle fibers, resulting in broken conductivity of impulses into the spinal cord. The effect of these drugs in the short term, but in this period the muscle fibers have time to resume normal tone, and take advantage of the mechanisms of protection from diseases and degenerative processes in dystrophic.
4. The vitamins of group B, D, A, E, C, phosphate, and calcium medicines. Vitamins and minerals are necessary to compensate in the body of the substances involved in the formation of bone and cartilage, metabolic processes.
5. Chondroprotectors
6. Drugs vasodilators.

When diseases of the musculoskeletal system, doctors recommend to apply chondroprotectors, possess a cumulative effect and act on the human body after a certain time, allow you to restore the intervertebral disc. These medicines use a long period of time, up to 2-3 months. And chondroprotectors seriously load the liver and the organs of the gastro-intestinal tract, why they should be combined with probiotics.

LFK

In the treatment of degenerative disc disease will be a useful exercise (PHYSIOTHERAPY). On the musculoskeletal system can influence positively the moderate physical exercise. Stimulate the metabolic processes, restore mobility of the spine and strengthen the core musculature.

The technique and the scheme of medical gymnastics should choose the doctor, because it can vary depending on the type of the spine subject a pathological process. Therefore, it is desirable that the lessons are carried out under the supervision of a specialist. After learning the program in the course of pilates, you can continue at home.

For example, if the diagnosis of cervical arthrosis, recommend the following simple exercises:

1. Tilt the head forward and put pressure on the area of the forehead, woven by the fingers of the hands. The patient should leave the pressure. A similar exercise then running, acting on the part of the back, to the left and to the right of the temple.
2. The pressure on the face of the four fingers, as if pulling the skin, for 45 seconds. Actions take place in different directions. This exercise is designed to restore the circulation.
3. Sit on a chair or on the floor, keep your back set in a wonderful position and without tilting the head back. The hands, you need to gently press the chin towards the top and towards the bottom. Then do head-shots, from left to right.
4. Try to get your chin to your chest. In this position, you must cross your hands on the nape of the neck and put pressure on him. In a state of tension, it is necessary to dwell for 1 minute, after which perform the movement of the shoulders, lifting them up to the top, trying to reach the ears.

Physiotherapy

Pharmacological treatment gives a good result, if you combine it with physiotherapy procedures. For the state of the vertebrae useful therapy electromagnetic, electrophoresis, ultrasound therapy, etc., Some types of procedures can be performed step-by-step step-by-step to the house, whether to purchase the portable units. The beneficial effects have mineral waters and curative mud.

In the absence of contraindications to massage the patient, it is possible to visit a chiropractor. In the treatment of degenerative disc disease can be applied treatments of reflexology — the impact on certain points of the body. At home, it is possible to perform self-massage. There are several techniques that help to eliminate the pain and toning muscles:

• the light caresses the spine part of one or both hands;
• kneading the muscles or tingling in a circular motion, gentle pressure with the fingertips;
• kneading the muscles palms;
• simple study of trapezoid muscles;
• longitudinal and detachment of the pressing of the massage lines;
• rubbing the gap between the ribs.

Folk remedies

To relieve pain you can use the tools for popular recipes. The result of herbal treatments and other natural products, compounds displayed only when their use is prolonged.

Folk remedies better than medicines, since the last duty to use can severely damage to the intestine, liver, and pancreas. Therefore, the techniques of alternative medicine, use, preferably, after the relief of acute pain syndromes medications. Presented ways should gradually replace the drugs with the doctor's recommendations.

You can mark the most effective recipes:

1. Honey and potatoes. Need to take a little of the potatoes, chop them grated, add the same quantity of honey. Components mix well, put in cheesecloth and use it as a compress on the wan land. Reconciliation an application you will need to wrap a scarf and leave in this position for 1 hour.
2. Cock. You need to take 1 leaf of a plant and the steam of boiling water. You'll need to flip the inner side to the pain of a sector and apply it. The tool needs to attach and wrap a scarf. This procedure must be performed step-by-step step-by-step of the night, and take a blindfold — only in the morning.
3. Warm the bottle. You need to take the plastic container, pour hot water in it, put it on the sofa and go over it with the back. It is desirable to try to move the bottle under them. The procedure should be 30 minutes.
4. The parsley. You need to eat for 30 days, price for 1 root of a plant.
5. The buds of the pine. You need to collect in the spring the raw materials. Length of buds of pine must be at least 2 cm and then rinse and dry. The raw material is necessary to grind and add sugar in the proportions of 2:1, then mix well and put in the refrigerator. The tool will be ready, when will brown colour. The mixture need to eat 1 teaspoon per day for 3 weeks.

When you use folk remedies with extreme caution needs to be tackled to the procedures with the heating effect. These actions can help in time to get rid of pain and inflammation, but can lead to damage. In the periods of exacerbation of the disease prohibited any heating can cause the dilation of blood vessels, causing swelling can occur. In such situations, it is necessary to apply for the treatment to specialists. Osteochondrosis of the cervical, in any form, is prohibited to heat the neck, as this may cause a strong headache.

And ' possible to cure the low back pain?

Many people who have a dystrophic defeat of the intervertebral discs, interested in a question: is it possible to cure back pain and how to do it? The expert clinical leader in the world, dealing with the treatment of this disease claim that if the low back pain was identified in the initial phase, in most cases, it is possible to fully restore the functionality of the spinal column. If the patient goes to the healthcare facility for 3 or 4 stages of the disease, doctors can only improve his condition, so as to enter this phase of development, low back pain and results in the formation of bone outgrowths and the change in shape of the spinal column. In these initial stages of getting a positive result is only possible if the surgical treatment.

After this therapy in patients, the start periods of remission, that they will be able to stretch themselves, if there are, follow the directions of your treating physicians:

• avoid stressful situations;
• correctly and rationally to eat;
• swimming and physical therapy;
• reduce the load on the musculoskeletal system;
• normalize sleep, etc.

Prevention of degenerative disc disease

Each person must carry out preventive measures, aimed at preventing such dangerous disease such as low back pain. In the first place, you need to constantly monitor your posture, not only during movement, but even sitting at the computer or watching your favorite tv series. Not less important for physical activity, which helps to strengthen the musculoskeletal system and create muscle.

It is recommended that you choose for a night of rest, orthopedic mattresses and pillows, that are designed to prevent the degenerative disc disease and other disorders of the spinal column. To avoid damage to the system muscle-skeletal strain, people need to very gently lift and carry heavy objects.

Dietary food (six times per day servings fractional), which included the perfectly balanced dishes, it will help to normalize the work of many vital organs and systems of the human body. It should not be consumed drinks with a caffeine content you will enjoy will enjoy, alcoholic beverages, chocolate. In a limited number should also eat protein-rich foods, especially leftovers, meat, and vegetables.

How to sleep with osteochondrosis?

During the sleep the person needs to be in this position, which will allow his muscles and the muscle system-skeletal strain, completely relax. This is due to the fact that the long stay in an uncomfortable position often is the cause of the development of degenerative disc disease.

To reduce the load on the spine during the night, the man must respect the following rules:

• Do not sleep on your stomach. During sleep, the person relaxes, and his head can be rotated or backwards. Consequently, the blood vessels and arteries peredelyvayut, stopped the flow of blood to the brain, cervical spine is in tension, etc.
• The best location for the holidays is the posture "embryo", in which it is advisable to sleep patients with a diagnosis of low back pain. The patient should lie down on your side, after that the knees bent the legs, should tighten in the chest.
• The regeneration of the bed, the patients must give their preference beds on a regular basis. The mattress is better to use an orthopedic surgeon.
• The cushion, the people with osteochondrosis, it is necessary to use a small, the shape of the head and shoulders remained on the mattress. It is best to purchase a special cushion orthopedic.