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2023 Author: Alfred Shackley | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 13:14
Diseases of the spine often provoke the appearance of pain syndrome. The disease, which is known as osteochondrosis, is no exception and also causes a number of painful sensations that can be given to various organs.
In addition to cervical and lumbar pains, which often accompany this disease, pain can also occur in the digestive tract, liver, and pancreas.
The mechanism of the onset of pain syndrome and its causes
As you know, with osteochondrosis, there is a significant decrease in the elasticity, as well as the shock-absorbing properties of the intervertebral discs. During the progression of the disease, cracks may form in the affected area of the spine, and the annulus fibrosus gradually begins to protrude.
The disease is sometimes accompanied by hernias. Deformed vertebrae injure the nerve processes, and this provokes inflammatory processes, severe back pain, which can radiate to other areas of the body.
In the case of a pinching of the spinal nerve in the lumbar spine, pain can be concentrated in the area of the foot. In some cases, there is a tingling pain, numbness of the lower extremities.
If we are talking about damage to the cervical spine, the patient complains of headaches, and may also hurt in the face, numbness of the fingers, limited joint mobility.
The main feature of osteochondrosis is that pain can occur in the back, chest, stomach and intestines. It is worth noting that increased physical activity can significantly increase painful sensations.
Why does abdominal pain occur with osteochondrosis?
Discomfort arises due to the fact that the nerve supply of the organs located in the chest and abdominal cavity is closely related to the thoracic spine. That is why, with osteochondrosis, pain in the abdomen, stomach and even the pancreas and liver can occur. This is due to the infringement of the spinal roots. In such a situation, vessels can be affected, spasms and nerve irritation appear.
With osteochondrosis, not only the stomach can hurt, but also there is heartburn, disruptions in digestion, and upset stools. Experts mistakenly treat such patients for gastritis without examining the spinal column in the region of the 5th and 7th vertebrae. It should be noted that pain in the abdomen with osteochondrosis is often aching, cutting, encircling, diffused or localized in the stomach, and spread to the lower abdomen.
If we are talking about a pathological process in the area of the 8th and 9th vertebra, pain can be given to the area of the duodenum. There is an increase in pain during sneezing, when turning the body, as well as when bending and sitting for an excessively long time in one position.
If the 7, 8 and 9 thoracic root is affected, this leads to the development of symptoms similar to cholecystitis. In such a situation, the pain is felt in the right hypochondrium and increases with movement. In this case, thoracic and cervical osteochondrosis can cause not only pain in the lower abdomen, but also unstable stools, increased gas production, "problems" with intestinal motility.
Pain in the stomach with osteochondrosis: how to get rid of the problem?
For effective treatment of pain in osteochondrosis, it is important to approach the problem in a comprehensive manner.
Discomfort can be relieved only if muscle spasm and inflammation of the nerve endings are eliminated.
As a rule, specialists in this case use drug treatment in combination with physiotherapy, massages and therapeutic baths.
That is why, when abdominal pain occurs, you need to undergo a full examination, which includes the diagnosis of intervertebral discs. Only after research can conclusions be drawn as to whether pain is a consequence of osteochondrosis, and treatment can be prescribed.
Drug treatment of the problem
In order to relieve pain in the acute period of the disease, drug treatment is used along with drugs of the following groups:
- Analgesics;
- Anti-inflammatory drugs;
- Chondroprotectors;
- Muscle relaxants;
- Vitamins.
Due to the fact that analgesics have a detrimental effect on the condition of the gastric mucosa, this can provoke an exacerbation of diseases such as ulcers or gastritis. To use such drugs with pain should be done with caution. In the acute period of the disease, specialists use novocaine drugs, as well as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The main goal of this group of drugs is to relieve the patient from swelling and to provide mobility to the nerve root.
Procedures
For the purpose of treating the disease, various methods are used:
- Acupuncture;
- Hirudotherapy;
- Massage;
- Manual therapy;
- Healing baths;
- Physiotherapy;
- Remedial gymnastics.
In any case, if the pain radiates to the lower abdomen, stomach, heart and increases in the supine position, you need to be examined by specialists such as a neurologist, vertebrologist and orthopedist.
Traditional methods of eliminating pain in osteochondrosis
Traditional medicine also helps to get rid of pain. Proven techniques do an excellent job with pain, improve blood circulation.
Recipe number 1
Burdock leaves are used to treat pain. To prepare the medicine, you need to pour a tablespoon of dry leaves with one glass of boiling water.
The medicine is infused for at least 30 minutes. Use the resulting broth to make compresses. The procedure takes 15 minutes.
Recipe number 2
Pour 100 ml of red elderberry with two glasses of alcohol. Insist the remedy for at least a week, preferably in a dark place. With this infusion, you can rub the muscles of the neck. To prepare a compress, combine 1 part of the product with 2 parts of water.
Recipe number 3
Take equal parts burdock and dandelion root and combine with the St. John's wort herb. Pour 2 tablespoons of the mixture with half a liter of water and put on fire. Boil the medicine for a couple of minutes and strain. Use a healing liquid for compresses.
Self-massage for cervical osteochondrosis
Before you see your doctor, try self-massage to relieve the condition. To do this, sit on a hard surface and relax. Slowly turn your head to the left and massage the muscles on the right. Movements can be rubbing or stroking. Do the same on the opposite side. After self-massage, warm the sore spot with a scarf.
You can improve your condition and relieve pain at home using different methods, but you need to remember that a disease such as osteochondrosis requires specialist advice and competent treatment. Removing the pain syndrome is only half the battle, then you need to go to a doctor's consultation in order to start a comprehensive treatment of the problem.
Only this approach will allow you to quickly, and most importantly, without complications eliminate the disease, all the accompanying symptoms and pain.