Osteochondrosis: what it is, symptoms, causes and treatment in an article by neurologist Berkut O. A.

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Treatment of osteochondrosis

Physiotherapy for osteochondrosis, depending on the patient’s condition, is used both in combination with drug therapy and independently.
For osteochondrosis, the following types of physiotherapy are used: Laser therapy, Detensor therapy, Electrotherapy, Shock wave therapy, Magnetotherapy, Mud therapy and Balneotherapy, Ultrasound therapy, Ultraviolet irradiation (UVR). After successful removal of the exacerbation, massage and physical therapy are indicated. Ural Federal District

: Under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, vitamin D is formed in the skin, which helps to absorb calcium. The method is carried out using irradiators that have bactericidal, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.

Ultrasound therapy and ultraphonophoresis: p

During ultrasound therapy, the body is exposed to high-frequency sounds (from 20 kHz or more). Due to its effect, the method relieves pain of various localizations. This method is combined with the introduction of anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs (ultraphonophoresis) for better penetration into the affected tissues.

Shock wave therapy

: The method involves transmitting an acoustic wave to a painful area of the body. This type: eliminates pain, improves microcirculation, improves metabolism.

Detensor therapy:

The method consists of traction of the spine using the patient’s body weight.

Laser therapy:

The method has a healing effect using helium-neon lasers. Due to the activation of bioelectric processes in the tissues of the nervous system, laser therapy has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Laser radiation is carried out along the inflamed spinal roots. For osteochondrosis, treatment is applied to the paravertebral zones of the affected spine.

Electrotherapy:

Electrotherapy has a multifaceted effect on the body: it eliminates pain and discomfort, improves nutrition and trophism of the affected tissues. Pulsed currents have a very effective therapeutic effect. Their mechanism of action on the body is determined by their effect on nerve receptors. Low-frequency impulses help relieve acute pain and are prescribed as first aid for severe pain. The following types of currents are used: diadynamic therapy (DDT), amplipulse therapy (SMT), interference therapy, transcutaneous electrical neurostimulation (TENS), UHF electric field.

Magnetotherapy:

Physiotherapy for osteochondrosis includes the use of magnetic therapy, which has an anti-edematous, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic effect. Inductors are placed on the affected part of the spine and limbs.

Balneotherapy and Mud Therapy

: balneotherapy for osteochondrosis consists of the use of mineral waters (local and general baths, pools, showers) for the purpose of treatment and rehabilitation. During the procedure, minerals penetrate the skin and act on receptors and nerve centers.

When treating with mud, the effect on the body occurs under the influence of temperature and the chemical composition of the healing mud. Muds are used in the form of applications. Balneotherapy stimulates metabolism, improves blood circulation and relieves inflammation and pain. Combined methods of physiotherapy

: Combined methods of physiotherapy for osteochondrosis are most often prescribed. For example, for severe pain, diadynamic therapy and electrophoresis (diadynamophoresis) using novocaine are used. For immediate impact on biological active points, the method of acupuncture-laser puncture is used. Its action is to activate points with acupuncture needles and laser radiation. Mud therapy is often used with electrotherapy (electrophoresis with mud solution, inductothermy with mud, galvanic mud therapy).

Treatment of joints

All joint diseases can be divided into two main groups - joint damage that occurs due to metabolic disorders and joint inflammation. Of course, in each case, joint treatment follows its own special program.

Treatment of joints

, be it arthritis, arthrosis, rheumatism or another ailment, must be complex, and the main task that treatment is aimed at is eliminating the cause of the disease, and, consequently, painful symptoms.
Treatment with modern techniques is aimed at eliminating or maximizing pain reduction, signs of local or general inflammation, and restoring the affected joints. Complex treatment usually begins with drug therapy. The patient is prescribed painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs, drugs that help restore articular cartilage and strengthen the immune system. Treatment of joints
at this stage allows you to relieve pain symptoms.
It often involves intra-articular administration of drugs so that the therapeutic substance in the required concentration enters directly into the cavity of the diseased joint. This increases the effectiveness of drug treatment. Further, when the main symptoms of the acute stage are safely eliminated, treatment continues with the help of a complex of physiotherapeutic procedures
, physical therapy exercises, and massage.
In particular, the treatment of joints using physiotherapeutic methods has found very wide application today. Thus, the EMNC
uses pulsed currents (DDT, SMT), magnetic therapy, EHF therapy, laser therapy, electrophoresis with medicinal substances, ultrasound and ultraphonophoresis. When the exacerbation subsides, balneotherapy (various types of baths) and mud therapy are added. Physical therapy and massage are prescribed.

Diagnosis of the cervical spine

The following types of diagnostics are used to examine spinal diseases:

X-ray is an ineffective way to diagnose this disease,
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) shows the bone structures, disc herniations and their size,
CT (computed tomography) is ineffective compared to MRI, since using this diagnostic method it is difficult to determine the size of hernias,
Duplex ultrasound scanning is used when general blood flow is impaired. This examination shows the existing speed of blood flow, as well as the presence of barriers to its path.

Treatment for back pain

There are many reasons for these pains. First of all, excruciating pain may appear due to a hernia (protrusion) of the intervertebral disc, osteochondrosis, or pathology of the nervous system. Most often, back pain occurs in those people who remain in the same position for a long time.

And yet the most common reason is lack of physical activity! This reduces blood flow to the ligaments, joints and intervertebral discs, causing the cartilage that forms them to begin to deteriorate. It is the weakening of the ligamentous apparatus that is the cause of all diseases of the spine. If pain occurs, you should immediately consult a doctor who will determine its cause, make the correct diagnosis and prescribe treatment. In order to reduce the risk of back pain, you need to move more, watch your weight and do at least minimal exercise (15 minutes a day is enough). Proper nutrition is also very important - after all, it is one of the keys to good health and longevity, and the spine needs proteins to maintain flexibility and calcium for strength. Calcium is found in large quantities in hard cheese, liver, nuts, cottage cheese, eggs, and protein is found in meat and dairy products. The bones and ligaments of the spine also need microelements: phosphorus (there is a lot of it in bran, peas, fish), magnesium and manganese (they are found in sea fish, onions, potatoes), as well as fatty acids - their source is walnuts, fatty seaweed fish and olive oil.

When back pain worsens, treatment begins with medications—usually painkillers, diuretics, and medications that relieve muscle spasms. However, there are no medications without side effects, they are used only for a limited time, and most importantly, they do not eliminate the cause of back pain and do not prevent relapse of the disease. In the acute period, treatment methods such as traction, as well as wearing collars and corsets, are also used, which allows you to relieve the diseased part of the spine.

In addition to emergency medicine - medications that relieve muscle spasms and pain, the most important treatment for osteochondrosis is physiotherapy

, which helps reduce pain in the acute period of the disease, improve blood circulation in tissues, prevent nutritional disorders of ligaments, muscles and joints and prevent movement disorders.

Modern physiotherapy is a branch of medicine that has a powerful arsenal of treatment tools; it consists of two large blocks - physical therapy with massage and electrotherapy. Therapeutic massage is one of the most effective methods for treating osteochondrosis and back pain, as it improves blood circulation in deep tissues and eliminates muscle blocks (“clamps”), which are the main cause of severe pain.

One of the most effective methods of electrotherapy is considered to be medicinal electrophoresis - this is a means of targeted delivery of drugs to a diseased organ, improving blood supply to tissues. Pulsed currents – DDT, SMT – have a pronounced analgesic, antispasmodic and trophic effect. Lasers and magnetic lasers are also used to treat back pain. This method allows you to quickly relieve the swelling that accompanies inflammation, and, accordingly, the pain that occurs in swollen and compressed tissues. Magnetic therapy is used in the form of constant or alternating magnetic fields; it can also quickly relieve swelling and pain. D'arsonval currents are effective - these are “ozonated” currents used to relieve painful muscle spasms, high-frequency ultrasonic vibrations that eliminate inflammation and help resolve scars, increasing tissue elasticity. A special role in physiotherapy belongs to physical therapy. Its importance is often underestimated, but without a full-fledged muscle corset it is impossible to cure back pain and prevent relapses of osteochondrosis. Physical therapy is of particular importance in case of injuries and in the postoperative period. Its use will help prevent the recurrence of back pain that occurs due to so-called “motor stereotypes.” For example, an office worker who spends the entire working day sitting at a computer, or a salesperson whose main workload is on his legs. Regular health-improving gymnastics, yoga, Pilates and other types of exercises can also be a very effective way to combat “motor automatisms.”

Prevention of cervical osteochondrosis

To prevent the occurrence and development of the disease, it is recommended to follow simple rules:

lead a healthy lifestyle, exercise, visit the pool regularly;
diversify your diet with foods rich in magnesium and calcium;
in the case of sedentary work, it is necessary to warm up several times a day;
For sleeping you should choose an orthopedic mattress and a comfortable pillow.

You can get detailed information about the treatment of osteochondrosis by phone or write to us by e-mail [email protected]

Treatment for neck pain

Pain can be caused by various reasons, ranging from muscle spasm to herniated intervertebral discs in the cervical spine. If neck pain appears once (due to a sharp turn of the head, an uncomfortable posture during sleep), then most likely it will go away on its own in a few days. To reduce pain, you only need to reduce the static load on the neck muscles (do not keep your head tilted for a long period of time), do not get carried away with excessive physical activity, and do not make sudden movements of your neck. If neck pain is constant or frequently recurring, accompanied by headache, numbness of the upper extremities, it is necessary to undergo a full examination.

Physiotherapy for neck pain is aimed at relieving pain, improving blood circulation and microcirculation in the affected segment, providing anti-inflammatory and anti-edematous effects, eliminating metabolic and dystrophic disorders, and reducing movement disorders. Physical factors are used at the stages of inpatient and outpatient treatment, after the patient is discharged from the hospital, as well as in early postoperative rehabilitation. In the acute period:

after 4-5 days (as the severity of the process subsides), laser therapy, pulsed currents (SMT, DDT, interference currents), magnetic therapy, ultraviolet irradiation of the segmental zone, darsonvalization of the cervical-neck zone of the spine and occipital region of the head, electrophoresis of substances with local anesthetic, ganglion-blocking action are prescribed to areas of pain

In the subacute period:
ultraphonophoresis with medicinal substances, magnetic therapy, electrophoresis of medicinal preparations, microwave electromagnetic fields (SWF, UHF), laser therapy
are used In remission:

heat therapy is included, including ozokerite and mud therapy for the cervical-collar area, balneotherapy (iodine-bromine, turpentine baths, laurel baths, bischofite baths), underwater shower-massage, therapeutic massage.

Degree of development of cervical osteochondrosis of the spine

As the disease develops, it goes through several stages. Each stage has its own characteristics and is characterized by certain characteristics.

Stage 1. The osteochondral tissue of the vertebrae gradually begins to deteriorate. Symptoms of the disease are little noticeable. And very often patients simply do not notice them, but associate fatigue and pain with overwork and stress.
Stage 2. The disc begins to decrease in height and cracks appear on it. The patient experiences constant pain, weakness, and numbness of the face.
Stage 3. Disc herniations begin to form, and cervical vessels and muscles are damaged. Complaints of dizziness and pain in the back of the head appear.
Stage 4. The bone tissue that protects the vertebrae from excess stress begins to grow, resulting in pinched nerve endings. Stiffness in movements occurs, neighboring joints are damaged.

Treatment of lower back pain

The sensation of pain in the lower back appears due to an imbalance of the musculo-ligamentous system. In this case, microtraumatization of soft tissues occurs, as a result of which chemical irritants (pain mediators) are released in excess. They cause muscle spasms and the development of back pain. The origin of lumbodynia is mainly associated with osteochondrosis, which is localized in the lumbar region. Lumbodynia is characterized by aching pain in the lower back with moderate or traumatic factors of lumbodynia: physical fatigue, systematic or excessive physical effort; sudden movements; constant work in a “non-physiological” position or prolonged stay in an uncomfortable position; lower back bruise, hypothermia, cold, etc. The treatment program for lower back pain includes the following main points: 1) Bed rest for eight to ten days. The bed should be flat and firm. “Rest” on such a surface allows the back muscles to relax. 2) Drug treatment of lumbago involves taking sedatives and painkillers and using novocaine blockades (for severe, increasing pain). Physiotherapy methods include electrophoresis of analgesics, pulsed currents, and ultraviolet irradiation of segmental zones. In the acute period, the patient may be prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the form of tablets, injections, suppositories or ointments that relieve muscle spasm. Warming creams can be used only during the rehabilitation period (on the third day of exacerbation). In the acute period, they can cause swelling and increase pain. 3) After eliminating acute pain, treatment of lumbago is continued with the help of exercise therapy, massage and manual therapy. The main task at this stage is to strengthen the muscle corset and reduce compression of the nerve roots. Special exercises for lumbago help normalize metabolism, improve blood circulation and nutrition of the intervertebral discs, relieve muscle tension, increase intervertebral space and relieve stress on the spine. Additionally, during the remission stage, acupuncture, hydromassage, mineral baths, mud therapy and other physiotherapy are prescribed (see Treatment of back pain

). This improves blood circulation and provides an anti-inflammatory and absorbable effect.

Causes of exacerbation of osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis was previously a disease characteristic of older people. However, modern advances in science and technology have led to the disease being diagnosed in adolescents and young adults. The development of osteochondrosis can be accompanied by regular exacerbations, during which symptoms intensify and the habitual rhythm of a person’s life changes.

Exacerbation of osteochondrosis can be caused by one or more factors:

emotional overload and chronic stress are the reasons why tissue nutrition is disrupted;
prolonged stay in an uncomfortable or unnatural position;
overheating or hypothermia;
season;
non-professional massage;
colds;
excessive loads during sports, professional activities, household loads;
careless, sudden movements;
alcohol consumption affects metabolic processes in the body and the psychological state of a person;
cyclical changes in women during menstruation.

Treatment of bronchial asthma

Physiotherapy is used both to relieve attacks of bronchial asthma and in the inter-attack period, as well as for its prevention in pre-asthma. To relieve attacks of bronchial asthma, inhalation of bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory (inhaled steroid hormones) drugs is used both through nebulizers and individual aerosol cans. After stopping the attack and in the inter-attack period, it is necessary to inhale drugs that dilute sputum in order to remove it more freely. In order to stimulate impaired glucocorticoid function of the adrenal glands, as well as influence the inflammatory process and altered bronchial reactivity, electromagnetic therapy is prescribed. Depending on the characteristics of the course of bronchial asthma and concomitant diseases, the effects may be limited only to the area of the adrenal glands or include the area of the lungs. Inductothermy is applied with a slight sensation of heat to the adrenal gland area. Electromagnetic waves (UMW), UHF electric field, and magnetic therapy are prescribed for the area of the lower and middle parts of the lungs, covering the projection of the adrenal glands. In cases where the symptoms of bronchospasm are not pronounced, but there are pleural layers, the use of ultrasound is indicated. In case of severe bronchospasm, when ultrasound exposure alone is not enough, hydrocortisone phonophoresis is performed on the chest area. For patients with bronchial asthma with a neuropsychiatric variant of a predominantly mild course, the use of electrosleep is indicated. To suppress allergic reactivity and improve the functional state of the nervous system, patients are prescribed electrophoresis of calcium, magnesium or bromine, ultraviolet erythema irradiation of the anterior and posterior surface of the chest as auxiliary means. For patients with bronchial asthma in the absence of an active inflammatory process, treatment with “dry” carbon dioxide baths is indicated. Patients in the phase of fading exacerbation and remission of bronchial asthma are successfully prescribed therapeutic exercises with an emphasis on individually selected breathing exercises, exercises in the pool (water temperature 37-38 ° C), as well as various types of therapeutic massage. After the exacerbation subsides, treatment in a halochamber (speleochamber) is indicated for patients with a mild course of the disease.

Treatment of chronic bronchitis

The method of choice in the treatment of respiratory diseases and chronic bronchitis, in particular, is inhalation therapy. Using inhalers, medications are administered - antibacterial drugs, bronchodilators, mucolytics, expectorant herbs, etc. Simultaneously with drug therapy, physiotherapeutic procedures are prescribed (ultraviolet irradiation of the chest, ultrasound, inductothermy, UHF, magnetic therapy, magnetic laser therapy, etc.), chest massage, breathing exercises.

Physiotherapeutic procedures also include balneotherapy (therapeutic baths and showers). Carbon dioxide (water and “dry”) baths are effective. Normobaric hypoxytherapy (treatment with “mountain air”) allows not only to significantly reduce the frequency and severity of attacks of shortness of breath due to the restructuring of hemodynamics and gas exchange, as well as reducing the sensitivity of bronchial receptors and facilitating the evacuation of sputum, but also to reduce the total dose of bronchodilators. In addition, it has been proven that after undergoing a course of hypoxic therapy, the susceptibility of patients to respiratory viral infections decreases, which is an important condition for prolonging the remission of the disease. Speleotherapy or halotherapy (treatment with natural or artificially created microclimate of salt caves and mines). Treatment in natural salt rooms, as well as in artificially created speleoclimatic rooms (halotherapy), allows you to stimulate mucociliary transport, stimulate the local bronchopulmonary immunity system, and provide bactericidal, anti-inflammatory, mucolytic, bronchospasmolytic effects. This type of therapy is indicated for patients with mild to moderate severity of the disease. Acupuncture is prescribed in the presence of bronchospastic syndrome. The most general principle of the use of reflexology should be recognized as the combination in one purpose of influencing the points of general, central and segmental action. Aerophytotherapy (aromatherapy) is treatment by saturating the air with vapors of essential oils. Helps reduce the susceptibility of patients to ARVI, improves the psycho-emotional state of patients.

Physiotherapy after fractures

Physiotherapy after a fracture plays a crucial role both in preventing complications after a fracture and in full and rapid functional recovery. Correctly carried out rehabilitation with physiotherapeutic agents plays an important role in curing the patient. It should be carried out simultaneously with surgical and orthopedic measures and carried out until complete recovery. Physical therapy should begin 2–5 days after the injury. In the first period (the first 10 days after injury) after reposition and immobilization, the clinical picture is dominated by pain, swelling and muscle spasm. To relieve pain, eliminate swelling, resolve hemorrhages and accelerate bone regeneration, the following methods of physiotherapy are used. 1. Interference currents. They act as an analgesic, accelerate the resorption of edema and hematomas, and quickly regulate disturbed trophic processes. 2. Ultraviolet erythema irradiation in the segmental zone or on a symmetrical unaffected limb. 3. Electrophoresis of bromine in the form of a galvanic collar or panties according to Shcherbak - recommended for patients with severe pain and increased irritability.

Irradiation with a Sollux or Minin lamp, 5–6 sessions in total (if it is impossible to apply the above methods). 5. Therapeutic exercises: it begins on the 3rd day after the injury in the form of exercises for the symmetrical unaffected limb and small movable joints located below the fracture; The second period covers on average the time from the 10th to the 30-45th day after the injury, i.e. formation of connective tissue and primary bone callus. The goal of physiotherapy is to stimulate its formation and prevent functional disorders (stiffness of joints, muscle atrophy, etc.). The following methods are used. 1. Interference currents of constant frequency.

UHF electric field - electrodes are located transversely in the area of the fracture. 3. General (suberythemal doses) or local (erythemal doses) ultraviolet irradiation, and in the summer months - air and sun baths. 4.Therapeutic massage (first symmetrically to the healthy limb, and then to the affected one, above and below the fracture site) and physical therapy. The third period covers on average the time from the 30th day to 2.5 months after the injury, when the final formation of callus occurs. The main goal of physiotherapy is to improve tissue trophism and prevent complications (muscle atrophy, joint stiffness, contractures, etc.). This is helped by interference currents, electrophoresis of a 5% solution of calcium chloride on the affected limb or in the form of a galvanic collar, ultraviolet irradiation, electrical stimulation, mud applications, massage, and physical therapy. Underwater gymnastics has the best effect; exercises (active and passive movements of the affected limb) are carried out carefully, without causing pain, with a gradually increasing dosage. Hygienic exercises are also carried out, which are aimed at eliminating the consequences of injury, such as muscle atrophy, contractures, etc. Active movements with loads, occupational therapy, games, etc. are used.

Degrees of the disease

Thoracic osteochondrosis, the treatment of which in women, men and children should be comprehensive, can be divided into the following stages:

The first is that the pathology manifests itself as a local pain syndrome, the occurrence of which is caused by a weakening of muscle tissue, which in medicine is also known as thoracalgia. Gradually, spasm occurs in the paravertibral muscles, which leads to limited mobility.
The second is characterized by a significant increase in pain in the back. Inflammation spreads to the pain endings, herniated intervertebral discs and protrusions appear.
Third, the patient suffers from constant pain that occurs in the area of the nerve affected by the inflammatory process. Characteristic features of this stage of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine are numbness of the limbs, constant severe pain, difficulty breathing, headaches and heart rhythm disturbances. The risk of hernia rupture and its movement throughout the body increases, which in most cases leads to the need for surgical intervention.
The fourth is the most complex degree of osteochondrosis, which leads to disruption of the basic functions of the intervertebral discs. The vertebral body gradually grows, which leads to their connection with each other, which leads to disruption of the blood supply to the brain. An advanced form of the disease without proper therapy can lead to disability.

Having noticed signs of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, the treatment of which is possible with folk remedies or under the supervision of specialists, you should undergo a thorough diagnosis. Having determined the stage of the pathology, the doctor will be able to recommend the most effective methods of therapy.

Physiotherapeutic treatment

Physiotherapy

(from the Greek physis - nature and therapy), a branch of medicine that studies the healing properties of physical factors and develops methods of their use for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes.
In modern physiotherapy, magnetic, electric and electromagnetic fields of low, high, ultra-high and ultra-high frequencies, artificial light radiation (from infrared to ultraviolet and monochromatic coherent), mechanical vibrations (from infrasonic to ultrasonic), etc. are used. Physical factors have affected humans throughout throughout its evolution, therefore physiotherapeutic procedures
have a greater physiological effect on the body than many medications.
Physiotherapeutic treatment
can be used either independently or in combination with drug therapy, manual therapy, massage, and physical therapy. The variety of factors and techniques used in physiotherapy determines the possibilities of individual influence on the body and targeted influence on the pathological process without negative side effects. The use of physiotherapy is possible in almost all areas of medicine: otolaryngology, gastroenterology, gynecology, urology, pulmonology, orthopedics and traumatology, neurology, surgery, cardiology and others. The EMNC has a fairly wide range of physiotherapeutic treatment, namely mud therapy, hydrotherapy (various mineral and aromatic baths, underwater shower massage), magnetic therapy, laser therapy, various types of currents (galvanic, pulsed, high frequency), electromagnetic waves UHF, microwave, EHF , inhalation of medicinal herbs, halotherapy, vibration traction apparatus, physical therapy room, staff of qualified massage therapists. Also in the department of physical methods of treatment, therapeutic methods of acupuncture and electrical stimulation are carried out for various neurological diseases. All physiotherapeutic treatment is prescribed by the department’s physiotherapist, taking into account the disease and general condition of the patient.

First aid

Of course, you should first do a spinal x-ray or other test to determine an accurate diagnosis. First, in case of severe pain, you can take a painkiller: “Tempalgin”, “Dolaren”, “Analgin”. If this group of drugs does not help relieve pain, you can take Ibufen, Diclofenac or Nise, but keep in mind that such drugs have a negative effect on the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, this can only be an emergency, and then immediately consult a doctor.

You can also apply pain-relieving ointments. It is allowed to take diuretics if swelling appears in the area of inflammation. You can also use a Shants collar, but you should not wear it for a long time.

Rehabilitation

Medical rehabilitation is a complex of therapeutic and preventive measures that is aimed at the maximum possible restoration of the patient’s lost abilities after various diseases. Rehabilitation is also aimed at restoring the patient's muscle strength, as well as preventing recurrence of the disease or complications. Today, medical rehabilitation is not just about prescribing some exercises after discharge from the hospital or a course of physical therapy at the end of the hospital period. Rehabilitation is a set of activities that include the participation of doctors from various fields - physiotherapists, massage therapists, psychologists, speech therapists and others. As a result, it is comprehensive rehabilitation that allows the patient to recover completely, and not partially. The success of treatment depends both on a correctly established diagnosis and on optimally selected and administered treatment, as well as correct and timely rehabilitation of the patient. Rehabilitation has one single goal - to restore the patient’s lost functions as completely as possible, based on the existing consequences of the injury or disease and the treatment performed. Depending on the area of application, rehabilitation can be: Orthopedic – it is carried out after injuries and operations for diseases of the musculoskeletal system, fractures, spinal malformations and postural disorders. Neurological and neurosurgical is one of the serious types of rehabilitation, since it involves the largest number of specialists - neurologists, physiotherapists, massage therapists, psychologists and psychiatrists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, etc. This rehabilitation is required after injuries and operations on the nervous system (brain). , spinal cord), for diseases of the peripheral nervous system (nerve bundles), strokes, paresis and paralysis. Cardiac rehabilitation – rehabilitation after an acute heart attack, for diseases of the heart and blood vessels. The goal of rehabilitation is the rapid regeneration of muscles during their atrophy associated with prolonged physical inactivity, in order to restore the strength and tone of the limb, restore the full range of movements in the joints after immobilization (after fractures), accelerate the regeneration of cartilage tissue, improve the trophism of tissues of organs and bones, increase mobility for adhesions in the abdominal cavity after abdominal operations, increasing the general tone of the patient and improving the psycho-emotional state, relieving pain and swelling after joint injuries, restoring physical activity after strokes, paresis and paralysis, as well as in the postoperative period in patients after operations associated with diseases and injuries musculoskeletal system (after injuries, fractures, bruises and sprains). It is worth noting that the rehabilitation process itself is based on stimulating the patient’s body’s own capabilities under external influence. Physical exercises and modern equipment help stimulate local and general immunity, improve tissue repair processes, and restore blood and lymph circulation.

Methods of medical rehabilitation include the following methods: therapeutic exercises, massage, kinesitherapy, physiotherapeutic treatment, manual therapy, electrical myostimulation (it is to improve the conduction of nerve impulses to skeletal muscles), psychological assistance, speech therapy assistance.

It is worth noting that one of the key points in any rehabilitation is physiotherapeutic methods, which are aimed at restoring lost functions and stimulating movements in the patient, accelerating reparative processes in tissues and organs, especially in the musculoskeletal system, nervous system and circulatory system. One of the advantages of physiotherapeutic methods is that no medications are used, which means there is no risk of allergic reactions and side effects, drug dependence does not develop, and the therapeutic methods used are usually non-invasive. A properly selected set of rehabilitation program will help the patient recover as quickly as possible after an illness, injury or surgery, and will return him to a sense of freedom of movement and the ability to communicate with people around him without any restrictions.

Features of thoracic osteochondrosis

The structure of the chest allows for minimal mobility of the vertebrae, which reduces the risk of injury to a minimum. Just a few decades ago, osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, like cervical or lumbar spine, manifested itself mainly in older people. But recently the disease has become significantly younger. Today, dystrophy and degeneration of bone tissue is observed in children, men and women with equal frequency.

Experts call mechanical injuries to the spine and back the main reason for the development of thoracic osteochondrosis. The manifestation of a painful condition usually makes itself felt through intense pain. Painful sensations can be short-term or aching for a long time.

Lack of proper attention to the exacerbation of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, a person may develop complications such as atherosclerosis, prostate dysfunction, pneumosclerosis and even infertility. The progression of the disease leads to the gradual destruction of the vertebrae, cartilage and ligaments.