Humans are the only mammal species that walks with their backs vertically straight.In this sense, the spine suffers great overload.On the one hand, a sedentary lifestyle predominates, on the other, physical activity associated with lifting heavy objects, sudden movements and even using public transport;All these factors contribute to the occurrence of such a common disease as osteochondrosis.In addition, this disease is most often detected in the active part of the population.
What is osteochondrosis, its types and stages
Osteochondrosis is a process in which the elasticity of the intervertebral discs is impaired.Under the influence of unfavorable factors, the disc loses fluid, becomes more compacted and less flexible.This happens due to the load on the spine during movement: the pressure on the disc axis expels fluid from it.During a night's rest, the spine should be fully restored, but with a sedentary lifestyle this does not happen, as the muscles and ligaments gradually lose their ability to stretch and, therefore, recover completely.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
This type of osteochondrosis is considered the most insidious.The vertebrae that make up the neck are very close to each other.Even a slight deformation of one of them leads to serious consequences: headaches, pressure surges, heart pain.If the disease is advanced, numbness in the limbs, tinnitus, difficulty breathing and vision problems may appear.Some symptoms can be easily confused with regular headaches or fatigue, but if symptoms reappear regularly, you should see a doctor as soon as possible to ensure a correct diagnosis is made in time.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine
The main symptom of this type is chest pain.Most often, it appears on one side and is defined as painful or piercing.A feature is the connection with movement, and with static loads the pain intensifies.There are two types of chest pain: one is an acute but short-lived attack, and the other is mild but prolonged.If you consult a doctor in time, it is possible to cure the disease without resorting to surgical methods.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
This is the most common type of osteochondrosis.It affects men and women equally frequently.In the area where the lumbar region transitions to the sacral region, sharp pain occurs.The main problem is the reduction of cartilaginous tissue, which leads to a decrease in the distance between the vertebrae, and this is a direct path to the formation of an intervertebral hernia.Pain can appear for several reasons: compression of nerve endings, narrowing of veins, compression of the sciatic nerve.The exact cause will be determined by the doctor.
Damage to two or more parts of the spine
Osteochondrosis that affects the entire spine or several parts worsens the person's general condition.The likelihood of hernias increases many times over.Constant pain makes it impossible to lead a normal lifestyle.Before the process of changes in cartilaginous tissue becomes irreversible, it is necessary to start treating the disease as soon as possible.
The disease has four stages of development:
- the initial stage is manifested by mild, short-term pain due to unstable spinal function;
- in the second stage, the vertebrae are displaced, which reduces the distance between them;
- in the third phase, severe deformations of the intervertebral discs are already possible, up to the formation of a hernia;
- in the last phase, the person feels stiffness in movements, which may be accompanied by sharp pains.
Symptoms and signs
The onset of the disease is difficult to trace, since there are no pronounced symptoms.Sometimes your back becomes numb after sitting or lying in the same position for a long time, and a pins and needles sensation appears in your legs.All these unpleasant sensations pass quickly, just move or rub the stiff leg.Acute pain appears, as always, unexpectedly: a person stumbles, turns sharply - and a pain syndrome appears, in which it is scary to even think about the next step.Pressing on the disturbing area causes pain, movement is limited, and muscles become tense.A protective spasm occurs;In this way, the body protects the painful area from further movement.This condition usually lasts about 24 hours until the muscles relax.
Thus, signs of osteochondrosis include discomfort in various parts of the body, accompanied by pain.Painful sensations can be concentrated in the neck, shoulders, back, chest.Symptoms described may include headache, dizziness, fatigue, heart pain and loss of sensation in the limbs.Based on the location of the pain syndrome, the doctor will be able to determine where the changes in the spine began.
Reasons for development
The causes of the disease include factors that interfere with adequate nutrition of the disc and make it impossible to recover:
- prolonged stay of the body in positions that impair the functioning of the spine (mainly sitting);
- injuries;This point especially applies to people involved in sports that involve heavy loads on the spine (e.g. weight lifting);
- work associated with long-term static loads (for example, a worker on an assembly line, a hairdresser, and so on);With this work, muscle congestion and poor circulation are observed.
Since the main reason for the development of osteochondrosis is the uneven distribution of the load on the spine, other factors that at first glance seem unimportant can also affect human health.Carrying a bag in only one hand, the habit of sitting hunched over, with a hunched back, sleeping on a soft feather bed, bending the neck during sleep (high pillow), uncomfortable (although fashionable) shoes - all this also serves as a prerequisite for back diseases.An unhealthy lifestyle, obesity and scoliosis in adolescence can make the condition even worse.
Risk factors include:
- tall people because their back muscles are poorly developed;
- everyone who leads a sedentary lifestyle;
- those who are obliged by their profession to lift weights;
- truck drivers experiencing prolonged vibration;
- former athletes;
- those who have had similar cases of the disease in their family;
- pregnant women and women during menopause;
- elderly;
- smokers.
How to diagnose the disease
If the patient detects the above symptoms, they should contact their local doctor, who will redirect them to a neurologist.To clarify the diagnosis, the neurologist may refer the patient to a more specialized specialist - the vertebroneurologist (a doctor who deals exclusively with spinal diseases).A good chiropractor can also detect the disease by palpating the back.If a patient suspects a hernia, a trauma surgeon is indispensable.
Instrumental methods are also used to make a diagnosis:
- spine x-ray;
- myelography (this is an image of not only bones, but also nerve endings and other structures);
- examination of reflexes (the notorious neurologist's hammer);
- computed tomography;
- nuclear magnetic resonance (more accurate and safe diagnostic method);
- magnetic resonance imaging (an indispensable method for pathology of the intervertebral disc).
The doctor also prescribes the usual tests for the patient.
In a general blood test, you should pay attention to the leukocyte count and ESR.An increase in values will indicate the presence of an inflammatory process in the body.A low level of hemoglobin will indicate a lack of protein foods, which can directly affect the development of degenerative processes.
A general urine test will show what percentage of mineral salts are in the body.An increased rate indicates a violation of the correct balance of nutrients in food.
High blood glucose also indicates that the patient is not eating properly.In addition, this may be the first symptom of diabetes, which leads to complications for all organs of the human body.
An analysis of blood cholesterol levels is also very important as it shows the condition of the blood vessels.
Treatment of osteochondrosis
In the initial stage of the disease, drug treatment is used in minimal quantities.Medicines are needed to alleviate the patient's condition, relieve inflammation and improve metabolism.If these procedures are not enough, the doctor prescribes a blockade, that is, injections, which are a fairly effective remedy.Elderly people receive medicines that do not accumulate in the body.
Physiotherapy complements drug treatment well.Physiotherapy methods include: ultrasound, use of magnetic field, low frequency current, laser therapy and so on.The principle of action aims to dilate blood vessels and increase blood circulation.In this way, an analgesic effect is achieved and the impaired immune response is normalized.
Physiotherapy also has a beneficial effect on the spine.A properly selected set of exercises can get the most neglected patients back on their feet.Under the influence of physical activity, not only impaired functions are restored, but also the general mental state of the patient improves.The very prescription of this therapy gives the patient confidence that he will be able to return to a full lifestyle.A simulator like a special treatment board has proven itself excellently.This is an inexpensive and effective way to restore spinal function.
The action of massage is based on complex metabolic processes.Thanks to it, it improves blood and lymphatic circulation in the affected area, which promotes metabolism, relaxation of muscle tone, joint mobility and improvement in the condition of the skin.Massage relieves pain, fatigue and improves the body's physical condition.
Manual therapy should only be carried out by a professional, as an illiterate specialist can harm the patient.This therapy is a set of measures that can radically improve a person's condition.A good specialist can free the patient from functional blockage and restore the ability to fully use the affected organ.The impact is carried out through pressure, twisting, pushing, jolting, and so on.
Spinal traction gives good results.It can be underwater or dry.Used to increase space between disks.Underwater, as the name implies, takes place under water, and dry - on tables with special equipment.The extension can be vertical or horizontal, depending on the position of the body.
Complications of ignoring the disease
It is believed that everyone has chondrosis.But that's no reason to ignore the problem.This is not a completely harmless diagnosis.In particularly advanced cases, the disease can lead to disability.
If treatment is ignored, the following complications may subsequently occur:
- hernia;
- protrusion (initial change in the intervertebral disc);
- kyphosis (back hump);
- radiculitis;
- salt deposits;
- stroke in the spinal cord;
- circulatory disorders;
- leg paralysis
Untreated cervical osteochondrosis can cause headaches, dizziness and insomnia.The chest turns into intercostal neuralgia.Lower back pain causes consequences such as inflammation of the sciatic nerve and malfunction of the genitourinary system.The main condition for the treatment of osteochondrosis is compliance with the steps, and only constant and targeted efforts will give a good result.
Disease prevention
Prevention plays an important role in maintaining a healthy spine.The first step is to reduce the risk of workplace injuries.This applies to dynamic and static loads.If such a possibility exists, you should move to another workplace at the first feeling of back pain.Otherwise, you need to take the necessary measures: constantly change your body position, optimize your workplace, do gymnastics or at least some exercises.Yoga classes can play a special role.This ancient Indian system of postures, called asanas, can help remove all tension from the body, relax and lengthen the spine.
Correct work with weights is of no small importance in prevention.
There are several rules that everyone who protects their back must follow:
- Do not lift weights with your arms outstretched;it would be correct to sit down and, pressing the load to your chest, stand up with your back straight;
- You cannot carry a load with one hand;it would be correct to distribute its weight into two approximately equal parts;
- even if the luggage weighs little, you need to stop periodically and rest your hands;
- the column must be prepared for the load;A regular series of exercises to strengthen the back, i.e. the muscle corset, can help with this.
If it is not possible to exercise regularly, you can replace it with a more familiar walk.It is advisable to take at least 8,000 steps every day, but you need to ensure good posture and combine your steps with adequate breathing;When walking, you can try different walking options: on toes, on heels, raising your legs high, athletic walking.If you don't have time for this, even a short but brisk walk to and from work will benefit the body.
Swimming combines the opportunity to relax the vertebrae and feel physical activity.In water, Archimedes' law applies, which reduces the weight of the human body, causing the muscles to relax and the spine to stretch.Furthermore, swimming allows you to keep your body in good shape.
Running can also serve as disease prevention.It is important to remember that both the lack of physical activity and its excess harm the spine.You need to carefully monitor your body's condition and avoid pain.
If signs of inflammation appear, a medication applicator can help.When the needles come into contact with the patient's skin, the nerve endings become irritated, the blood vessels dilate, blood circulation improves and the pain syndrome weakens.Longer exposure, up to 40 minutes, leads to muscle relaxation.
A proper diet is one of the most effective forms of prevention.
It must pursue several objectives:
- fight against excess weight;
- the required amount of vitamins and minerals;
- prevent dehydration of the body;
- slowing down destructive processes.
For the diet to achieve its goals, the diet must be low in calories and include dairy products, fish, eggs, herbs and vegetable oil.Doctors advise eating broth-based dishes: soups, borscht, jellied meat, formaldehyde.In fact, these foods contain protectors that protect cartilaginous tissue.But elderly people should approach this diet with caution, as the fat contained in concentrated broths can block a blood vessel in the brain.
The health of the spine is in each person's hands.If, at the first pain, you start doing gymnastics, sign up for the pool and review your diet, you can not only slow down the process of destruction of the vertebrae, but also improve the health of the body in general.If you do not have the time or desire to lead an active lifestyle, then you need to follow the basic safety rules described above in this article.