All about healthy joints, R Miguel Bombarda 86, Pataias (2026)

26/05/2023

Intervertebral Disc Protrusion. Symptoms

The clinical manifestations of the disease depend on several factors: the location of the disc protrusion, the extent of the damage, and the overall condition of the patient's body. Patients often complain of constant and prolonged back pain, muscle weakness, tenderness, and numbness in the limbs, and restricted movement.

Depending on which nerve is compressed as a result of the intervertebral disc protrusion, patients may experience pain in the shoulder or neck area (cervical disc protrusion), as well as pain and discomfort in the lower back and lower limbs (lumbar protrusion). Muscle weakness, unsteady gait, dizziness, deterioration of skin sensitivity, and even changes in blood pressure and visual acuity are also possible. Without a detailed examination, there is a high risk of misdiagnosis and inadequate treatment. This is why diagnostic methods in Chinese medicine are highly informative, as they allow for the simultaneous identification of both the consequence and the causes of the disease, enabling the physician to develop the best treatment plan for each patient.

Intervertebral Disc Protrusion Treatment

Traditional European medicine offers patients a prolonged course of treatment, including spinal decompression, rest, therapeutic exercises, the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and pain-blocking injections. Unfortunately, this approach is not always effective, and the disease often returns after a short period of time.

Chinese medicine takes a comprehensive approach to treating this category of patients. The main goal of such therapy is to stimulate the patient's own protective resources, restore the balance of energy flow and metabolism, normalize blood circulation and lymphatic drainage in the affected tissues. To achieve this, the "TAO" Chinese Medicine Clinic provides individualized acupuncture, targeted massage, and vacuum therapy, which help relieve muscle spasms and pain. The gradual activation of metabolic function leads to the restoration of fibrous tissue structures, strengthening the intervertebral disc capsule. Herbal preparations may be prescribed to improve the patient's overall condition, normalize sleep and nervous system activity, and regulate weight (excessive body weight being a significant factor that exacerbates the load on intervertebral discs and their degeneration). Importantly, this approach not only eliminates symptoms but also provides long-term prevention of disease recurrence, gradually acclimating the patient to a new, healthier lifestyle, and restoring the freedom of movement and pain-free life that were previously unavailable.

26/05/2023

Intervertebral Disc Protrusion

Normal spinal movement is not possible without adequate cushioning provided by intervertebral discs. However, over time, degeneration of the disc with gradual wear and protrusion beyond its natural position in the spinal column is often observed.

Causes of the condition

The most common causes of disc protrusion are traumatic injury and age-related changes. The development of the condition involves the following factors: impaired nutrition of the vertebrae and intervertebral discs, fluid imbalance, mineral and protein component imbalances in the blood, and impairment of the disc's elastic properties. All of the aforementioned factors contribute to disc thinning, loss of disc wall elasticity without affecting the fibrous ring, and subsequent bulging. This instability of the cushioning structures leads to compression of nerve endings and the emergence of pain in the spinal area.

From the perspective of practitioners of Chinese medicine, intervertebral disc pathology is closely related to the disruption of energy, primarily in the area of the kidney meridian, as well as changes in energy balance and the development of blood stasis syndrome.

25/05/2023

Symptoms of Intervertebral Herniation

The severity of the clinical presentation of intervertebral herniation directly depends on the size of the herniation and its direction. In the early stages, patients may experience dull, aching pain in the back. Unfortunately, not all patients pay attention to these symptoms, even though this is the stage where the disease can be corrected with minimal effort and time. Gradually, pathological changes in the disc progress, accompanied by swelling, inflammation, and compression of nerve roots, resulting in increased pain and dysfunction of organs connected to these nerve endings. Restricted mobility in the affected vertebrae occurs, and in severe cases, disability, loss of work capacity, and social adaptation can be at risk.

Conservative methods rarely succeed in curing herniation. In traditional European medicine, surgical intervention is often recommended, but it does not always guarantee complete recovery. Another aspect of the problem is that in cases of significant herniation, surgery often involves complete removal of the disc, which, in turn, limits the spinal column's mobility (as the disc provides cushioning between the vertebrae). The use of an artificial disc can be an option, but it may not be affordable for all patients. This is where the risk of disability comes to the forefront: the absence of a disc and fused vertebrae leave the patient with limited chances of maintaining physical activity. This means that frequent pain will persist, excessive physical activity, lifting heavy weights, engaging in extreme sports, and more will be completely contraindicated. Additionally, increased stress on the adjacent parts of the spine may lead to the development of new herniations.

It is for these reasons that with the diagnosis of "intervertebral herniation," fewer and fewer people are willing to take the risk of undergoing traditional treatment methods each year. Individuals strive to find alternative solutions. A significant percentage of patients turn to Eastern medicine, as it is less radical and often leads to very good results.

25/05/2023

Intervertebral Herniation

The term "intervertebral herniation" refers to a spinal condition characterized by the protrusion or extrusion of fragments from the intervertebral disc into the spinal canal, causing compression of the nerve endings. Nowadays, this pathology is equally detected in both young and elderly patients. Intervertebral herniation is most often caused by advanced osteochondrosis, but predisposing factors such as weakened muscular support, injuries, improper distribution of load during heavy physical exertion, and sedentary work should not be overlooked.

25/05/2023

Acupuncture for Osteochondrosis

An excellent method that not only quickly relieves all pain sensations associated with any type of osteochondrosis but also helps restore the affected intervertebral disc tissues is acupuncture.

Acupuncture should be performed by highly skilled specialists. Only in this case can you be guaranteed relief from the long-standing ailment. Learn more about the acupuncture procedure at the "TAO" clinic.

Diagnosis
The diagnosis of osteochondrosis begins with a simple examination. Preliminary diagnosis can already be made at this stage. The examination is conducted in various body positions: sitting, standing, lying down. The doctor assesses the localization of the vertebrae, their mobility, and clarifies the nature of the pain. To confirm or refute the diagnosis, computer tomography, ultrasound, radiographic examination, and magnetic resonance imaging are performed. These diagnostic methods can specify the exact location of the disease, its severity, and identify possible associated pathologies.

Prevention
Prevention of this condition is multifaceted. It involves timely treatment of colds, elimination of intoxication, and metabolic control. Excess weight or advanced age are also direct predisposing factors for osteochondrosis. Sometimes the condition is hereditary and passed down through generations.

Spinal injuries, poor posture, lifting heavy objects, prolonged periods in the same position, stress, and excessive chilling also contribute to the development of the condition.

In some cases, this condition is even detected in professional athletes who, for some reason, have sharply reduced or completely stopped regular training.

Excellent prevention involves preventing all of the aforementioned factors.

25/05/2023

Lumbar Osteochondrosis

When it comes to lumbar osteochondrosis, pain in the lower back area, disruption of the genitourinary system, numbness in the legs and buttocks can occur.

With sudden changes in body position in lumbar osteochondrosis, severe pain arises, making any further movement impossible. All these symptoms should serve as a clear signal to seek immediate medical attention.

Cervical Osteochondrosis

Cervical osteochondrosis may manifest not only with the previously mentioned symptoms. It can also involve the development of vertebral artery syndrome.

This syndrome is characterized by the appearance of "floaters" in the eyes, intense headaches, and flickering colored spots before the eyes.

Lumbosacral Osteochondrosis

In lumbosacral osteochondrosis, pain in the lower back area often radiates to the sacrum, and nerve root involvement occurs. This condition can lead to intervertebral disc herniation, bone growths, spondylolisthesis, and spondyloarthrosis.

Severe shooting pain may also occur, along with a possible decrease in sensitivity and reflex disturbances.

Thoracic Osteochondrosis

As mentioned earlier, thoracic osteochondrosis causes severe pain in the chest area. It can often be mistaken for heart-related conditions, especially since some patients only experience chest pain. The pain can be described as a feeling of "something stuck in the chest."

Since the pain in thoracic osteochondrosis can be mistaken for other conditions, seeking prompt medical attention is crucial.

25/05/2023

Causes of the Condition

Strangely enough, the main cause of osteochondrosis is the structure of the intervertebral disc. The disc is designed in such a way that even the slightest disruption in its nutrition and blood supply leads to its "withering" and shrinking, which in turn causes the displacement of the vertebrae and subsequent compression of the spinal nerves. Additionally, the natural shock-absorbing properties of the spine are compromised. All of this results not only in severe pain sensations in various sections of the spine but also in numbness in the limbs.

Initially, the disc bulges, and if the underlying cause is not addressed at this stage, it may lead to disc herniation. Sometimes the disc herniates towards the spinal cord, causing compression of the cord, which can have serious consequences.

Not only nerve fibers but also blood vessels supplying the entire body can be compressed, leading to impaired blood circulation throughout the body. Overall, disc herniation can potentially result in disability for the patient.

25/05/2023

Massage for Osteochondrosis

The third method is massage. It is capable of significantly reducing the load on the already affected tissues, improving the transmission of nerve impulses, and alleviating pain.

And, of course, no treatment with Chinese medicine is complete without a balanced and individually tailored herbal therapy. Medicinal herbs have worked wonders since ancient times, and Chinese herbalists have possessed knowledge that allowed them to easily overcome even the most advanced and serious conditions.

The entire complex of therapeutic procedures aims not only to initiate the process of self-restoration of damaged disc tissues but also to boost the immune system, reduce the risk of intervertebral herniation, improve blood circulation, and optimize the function of both skeletal and smooth muscles. In short, it strives to enable you to experience life in its new manifestations.

25/05/2023

Osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis is characterized by degenerative (destructive) changes in the intervertebral disc tissues. It is usually associated with inflammatory processes, metabolic disorders, and inadequate tissue nutrition, leading to destructive processes. Osteochondrosis is most commonly caused by excessive loads on the spinal column. Unfortunately, this diagnosis affects over 80% of the global population.

In addition to the strictly "internal" processes occurring in the spinal area, there is an external aspect - intense, almost constant pain that contributes to reduced productivity, nervousness, and a decreased quality of life. Since the pain is not severe in the early stages of the condition, patients are often reluctant to seek medical help. However, osteochondrosis does not resolve on its own; instead, the situation tends to worsen over time. Even the slightest movement can sometimes trigger unbearable pain, and pain-relieving medications only provide temporary relief.

What is the main cause of the pain? The degenerative processes lead to a reduction in the distance between the vertebrae, resulting in compression of the spinal nerve roots, which causes pain. Ignoring significant pain can lead to the death of nerve fibers, making the treatment more prolonged. Nowadays, more and more patients choose "unconventional" methods, such as seeking the assistance of Chinese medicine specialists, for treating this condition.

25/05/2023

Degenerative Osteoarthritis

Degenerative osteoarthritis is characterized by pathological changes in joint tissue due to aging, metabolic disorders, sports injuries, or non-specific arthritis.

During osteoarthritis, not only the joint tissues but also the ligaments and the surface of the bone adjacent to the joint are affected.

Cervical Osteoarthritis

Cervical osteoarthritis is the most common "age-related" condition.

The main symptoms of this type of osteoarthritis include neck pain, ringing in the ears, "unexplained" dizziness, difficulty in turning and rotating the head, vision problems, frequent headaches, and numbness in the upper face area.

Rheumatoid Osteoarthritis

Rheumatoid osteoarthritis is a severe condition that can lead to complete loss of affected cartilage tissue. It primarily affects individuals over 50, although it can also occur in children.

The causes of this condition include frequent injuries, infectious diseases, etc. Patients often fail to pay attention to such symptoms, allowing the condition to progress.

Post-Traumatic Osteoarthritis

The diagnosis of "post-traumatic osteoarthritis" speaks for itself. This condition occurs after a previous injury and is classified as secondary osteoarthritis.

Post-traumatic osteoarthritis does not always manifest itself immediately and is often discovered during preventive examinations.

Stages of Osteoarthritis

There are three stages of osteoarthritis. The first stage does not show significant morphological changes in the joint; there are only pain sensations and difficulties in movement.

In the second stage, cartilage tissue is destroyed, and bone growth begins. The third stage is characterized by severe bone deformities, ligament shortening, and serious joint mobility impairments.

Difference between Arthritis and Osteoarthritis

Distinguishing between arthritis and osteoarthritis is relatively straightforward. Osteoarthritis arises as a result of age-related changes, injuries, metabolic disorders, and so on.

Arthritis, on the other hand, involves inflammatory changes in the joints and occurs due to infection.

The symptoms of both arthritis and osteoarthritis are generally similar. They include swelling, cracking, and pain. However, the pain differs in several aspects. In osteoarthritis, severe pain may arise exclusively during movement and specifically in the affected joint, while it is virtually absent at rest. In arthritis, pain occurs during physical exertion, sometimes during sleep, and with prolonged immobility. Changing body position can relieve the pain.

The nature of the pain also differs. In arthritis, it is sharp, intermittent, and "stabbing," while in osteoarthritis, it is dull and "aching."

25/05/2023

Types of Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis can be categorized into primary and secondary types. In the case of primary osteoarthritis, the cause leading to this condition is unknown. Secondary osteoarthritis, on the other hand, usually has a well-known cause. Among the main causes are injuries, immune system disorders, arthritis, endocrine system diseases, and serious autoimmune conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus.

A severe form of osteoarthritis is polyarthritis, where multiple joints are affected, such as the knee and hip joints.

Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis is prevalent in one out of every five people on Earth. Typically, this condition affects individuals over the age of 40.

The disease starts with mild pain after sleep or prolonged sitting. However, the second stage of knee osteoarthritis poses a significant danger.

Foot Osteoarthritis

Foot osteoarthritis is characterized by the destruction of cartilage tissue in the foot and inflammatory processes in the soft tissues. The causes of this condition are still unknown.

Common symptoms include pain, redness, swelling, and increased temperature in the inflamed area of the foot. It is often accompanied by a slightly limping gait.

Hip Osteoarthritis

Hip osteoarthritis rarely occurs before the age of 40 and affects both men and women.

Key features include severe pain in the groin area, restricted movement, and difficulty rising from a chair. Walking becomes easier after taking a few steps.

Shoulder Osteoarthritis

Shoulder osteoarthritis affects not only the cartilage but also the adjacent bone tissue. The progression of this condition is relatively slow.

Initially, the patient experiences pain with excessive physical exertion, followed by a decrease in shoulder mobility.

Ankle Osteoarthritis

Ankle osteoarthritis leads to the deterioration of both cartilage tissue and the growth of bone tissue. It is divided into primary and secondary types.

Primary ankle osteoarthritis can develop due to excessive physical strain, while secondary ankle osteoarthritis is characterized by changes in cartilage tissue, such as after a fracture or cartilage injury.

25/05/2023

Causes of the Condition

The main cause of osteoarthritis is considered to be a disruption in metabolic processes. As a result, joint tissues thin out, there is a deficiency of cartilage tissue, and the organ fails to perform its function properly. Inflammation and pain occur as a result. Moreover, this process is rapid and progressive, often causing unbearable pain and significantly reducing the quality of life. Nevertheless, many people are not in a hurry to seek a diagnosis and proper treatment.

Excess weight, the onset of menopause, and improper distribution of loads during physical training are also among the main causes of osteoarthritis.

When it comes to Chinese diagnostics, specialists attribute the causes of osteoarthritis to a disruption in the energy balance of the kidney meridian. Essentially, this refers to metabolic disorders, as well as problems with the lymphatic and endocrine systems, general and local immunity disorders.

All about healthy joints

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