Humans are the only species of mammal that walks with our 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 traveling by public transport;All these factors contribute to the appearance of such a common disease as osteochondrosis.Furthermore, this disease is detected more frequently in the working population.
What is osteochondrosis, its types and stages?
Osteochondrosis is a process in which the elasticity of the intervertebral discs is altered.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 axis of the disc squeezes out the liquid.During a night's rest, the spine must fully recover, but with a sedentary lifestyle this does not happen, because the muscles and ligaments gradually lose their ability to stretch and, therefore, to fully recover.
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 extremities, tinnitus, difficulty breathing, and vision problems may appear.Some symptoms can be easily confused with a regular headache or fatigue, but if symptoms recur 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 of the time it appears on one side and is defined as pain or stabbing.A characteristic feature is the connection with movement and with static loads the pain intensifies.There are two types of chest pain: one is a sharp but short-lived attack, the other is mild but prolonged.If you visit 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 both men and women with equal frequency.In the area where the lumbar region passes into the sacral region, sharp pain occurs.The main problem is the reduction of cartilaginous tissue, which leads to a reduction in the distance between the vertebrae, and this is a direct path to the formation of an intervertebral hernia.Pain can appear for various reasons: compression of nerve endings, narrowing of veins, pinching of the sciatic nerve.The exact cause will be determined by the doctor.
Damage to two or more parts of the spine.
Osteochondrosis affecting the entire spine or several parts worsens the general condition of a person.The probability of hernia increases many times.Constant pain makes it impossible to lead a normal lifestyle.Before the process of changes in cartilage tissue becomes irreversible, it is necessary to start treatment of the disease as soon as possible.
The disease has four stages in its development:
- The initial stage is manifested by mild and short-lasting pain due to unstable functioning of the spine;
- in the second stage, the vertebrae are displaced, which shortens the distance between them;
- in the third stage, serious deformations of the intervertebral discs are already possible, up to the formation of a hernia;
- In the last stage, the person feels stiffness in movements, which may be accompanied by acute pain.
Symptoms and signs
The onset of the disease is difficult to trace, since it does not present pronounced symptoms.Sometimes the back becomes numb after sitting or lying in one position for a long time and a tingling sensation appears in the legs.All these unpleasant sensations pass quickly, you just need to move or rub your stiff leg.Acute pain comes, as always, unexpectedly: a person stumbles, turns sharply, and a pain syndrome arises in which it is scary to even think about the next step.Pressing on the disturbed area causes pain, movements are limited and the muscles are tense.A protective spasm occurs;In this way, the body protects the painful area from new movements.This condition usually lasts approximately 24 hours until the muscles can relax.
Therefore, signs of osteochondrosis include discomfort in various parts of the body, accompanied by pain.Painful sensations may be concentrated in the neck, shoulders, back and chest.Symptoms described may include headache, dizziness, fatigue, heart pain, and loss of sensation in the extremities.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 proper nutrition of the disc and make its recovery impossible:
- prolonged stay of the body in positions that have a negative effect on the functioning of the spine (mainly sitting);
- injuries;This point especially applies to people who play sports that involve heavy loads on the spine (for example, weight lifting);
- work associated with long-term static loads (for example, a worker on an assembly line, a hairdresser, etc.);With such work, congestion in the muscles and poor circulation are observed.
Since the main cause of the development of osteochondrosis is the uneven distribution of load on the spine, other factors that at first glance seem unimportant can also affect human health.Carrying a bag in one hand, the habit of sitting inclined, with a hunched back, sleeping on a soft feather bed, curvature of 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 adolescent scoliosis can further worsen the condition.
Risk factors include:
- tall people because the back muscles are poorly developed;
- anyone who leads a sedentary lifestyle;
- those who are forced to lift weights by their profession;
- truck drivers experiencing prolonged vibrations;
- former athletes;
- those who already had similar cases of the disease in their family;
- pregnant women and women during menopause;
- older people;
- smokers.
How to diagnose the disease.
If the patient detects the above symptoms, they should go to the local doctor, who will refer them to a neurologist.To clarify the diagnosis, a neurologist can refer the patient to a more specialized specialist - a vertebroneurologist (a doctor who deals exclusively with diseases of the spine).A good chiropractor can also detect the disease by palpating the back.If a patient suspects a hernia, then a trauma surgeon is essential.
Instrumental methods are also used to make a diagnosis:
- spine x-ray;
- myelography (this is an image not only of bones, but also nerve endings and other structures);
- reflex examination (the famous hammer of a neurologist);
- computed tomography;
- nuclear magnetic resonance (the most accurate and safest diagnostic method);
- Magnetic resonance imaging (an indispensable method for intervertebral disc pathology).
The doctor also prescribes the usual tests for the patient.
In a general blood test, attention should be paid 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 analysis will show what percentage of mineral salts exist in the body.An increased rate indicates a violation of the correct balance of nutrients in food.
A high blood glucose level also indicates that the patient is not eating properly.Furthermore, this can be the first symptom of diabetes, which causes complications in all organs of the human body.
An analysis of blood cholesterol levels is also very important, as it shows the state of the blood vessels.
Osteochondrosis treatment
At the initial stage of the disease, drug treatment is used in a minimal amount.Medications 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.Older people are prescribed medications that do not accumulate in the body.
Physiotherapy complements pharmacological treatment well.Physiotherapy methods include: ultrasound, use of a magnetic field, low-frequency current, laser therapy, etc.The principle of action is aimed at dilating blood vessels and increasing blood circulation.In this way, an analgesic effect is achieved and the altered immune response is normalized.
Physiotherapy also has a beneficial effect on the spine.A properly selected set of exercises can make the most neglected patients recover.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 such therapy gives the patient confidence that he will be able to return to a full lifestyle.A simulator such as a special treatment plate has proven to be excellent.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 of the condition of the skin.Massage relieves pain, fatigue and improves the physical condition of the body.
Manual therapy should only be performed by a professional, since 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 will be able to free the patient from functional blockage and restore the ability to fully use the affected organ.The impact is carried out by pressure, twisting, pushing, shaking, etc.
Spinal traction gives good results.It can be underwater or dry.It is used to increase the space between disks.Underwater, as the name suggests, is performed underwater 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 this is no reason to ignore the problem.This is not a completely harmless diagnosis.In especially advanced cases, the disease can cause disability.
If treatment is ignored, the following complications may subsequently occur:
- hernia;
- protrusion (initial change in the intervertebral disc);
- kyphosis (hump on the back);
- radiculitis;
- salt deposits;
- spinal cord stroke;
- circulatory disorders;
- leg paralysis
Untreated cervical osteochondrosis can cause headaches, dizziness and insomnia.The chest becomes intercostal neuralgia.The lower back causes consequences such as inflammation of the sciatic nerve and poor functioning of the genitourinary system.The main condition for the treatment of osteochondrosis is compliance with the stages, 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 there is such a possibility, you should move to another workplace at the first sensation of pain in your back.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 eliminate all tension in the body, relax and stretch the spine.
Correct work with weights is of great importance in prevention.
There are several rules that everyone who protects their back must follow:
- Don't lift weights with your arms outstretched;it would be correct to sit down and, pressing the load to the chest, stand up with a straight back;
- You cannot carry a load in one hand;it would be correct to distribute its weight in two approximately equal parts;
- even if the luggage weighs little, it is necessary to periodically stop and rest your hands;
- the column must be prepared for loading;A regular series of exercises to strengthen the back, i.e. muscle corset, can help in this.
If regular exercise is not possible, you can replace it with a more familiar walk.It is advisable to take at least 8,000 steps each day, but you must ensure good posture and combine the steps with adequate breathing;While walking, you can try different walking options: on tiptoe, on heels, raising your legs high, running 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, so the muscles relax and the spine stretches.Plus, swimming allows you to keep your body in good shape.
Running can also serve as disease prevention.It must be remembered that both a lack of physical activity and its excess are harmful to the spine.You should carefully monitor the condition of your body and avoid pain.
If signs of inflammation appear, a medicated applicator can help.When the needles come into contact with the patient's skin, the nerve endings are irritated, the blood vessels dilate, blood circulation improves, and the pain syndrome weakens.Longer exposure, up to 40 minutes, produces 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;
- slow down destructive processes.
For the diet to achieve its goals, foods must be low in calories and include dairy products, fish, eggs, herbs, and vegetable oil.Doctors recommend eating broth-based dishes: soups, borscht, jellied meats, gelatin.In fact, these foods contain protectors that protect cartilage tissue.But older people should approach this diet with caution, as the fat contained in concentrated broths can clog a blood vessel in the brain.
The health of the spine is in the hands of each person.If, at the first pain, you start doing gymnastics, join a pool and review your diet, you will not only be able to slow down the process of destruction of the vertebrae, but also improve the health of the body in general.If you don't have the time or desire to lead an active lifestyle, you should follow the basic safety rules described earlier in this article.