Humans are the only mammals that walk with their backs vertically straight.In this regard, the spine experiences great overload.On the one hand, a sedentary lifestyle prevails, on the other hand, physical activity related to lifting heavy objects, sudden movements, even riding in public transport;All these factors contribute to the occurrence of such a common disease as osteochondrosis.Moreover, this disease is most often detected in the working 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 adverse factors, the disc loses fluid, becomes more compressed and less flexible.This happens due to the load on the spine during movement: the pressure on the axis of the disc squeezes the fluid out of it.During the night's rest, the spine should be fully restored, 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 together.Even a slight deformation of one of them brings serious consequences: headache, increased pressure, pain in the heart.If the disease is advanced, numbness in the limbs, tinnitus, breathing difficulties and vision problems may appear.Some symptoms can easily be confused with a headache or regular fatigue, but if the symptoms recur regularly, you should see a doctor as soon as possible to ensure that the correct diagnosis is made in time.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine
The main symptom of this type is chest pain.It most often appears on one side and is defined as pain or stabbing.Characteristic 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, the other is mild but prolonged.If you visit the 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, acute pain occurs.The main problem is the reduction of cartilage 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 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 that affects the entire spine or some parts worsens the general condition of a person.The possibility of hernia increases many times.Constant pain makes a normal lifestyle impossible.Before the process of changes in cartilage tissues becomes irreversible, it is necessary to start treating the disease as soon as possible.
The disease has four stages in its development:
- the initial stage is manifested by small and short-term pain due to the 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 movement, which may be accompanied by acute pain.
Symptoms and signs
The onset of the disease is difficult to trace, as there are no pronounced symptoms.Sometimes your back goes numb after sitting or lying in one position for a long time and your legs feel like pins and needles.All these unpleasant sensations pass quickly, you just need to move or rub your stiff leg.Acute pain comes, as always, suddenly: a person stumbles, turns sharply - and a pain syndrome arises, in which it is scary to even think about the next step.Pressure on the area of concern causes pain, movements are limited and muscles are tense.A defensive spasm occurs;In this way, the body protects the painful area from further movement.This condition usually lasts about 24 hours until the muscles can rest.
Thus, the signs of osteochondrosis include discomfort in different 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 localization 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 the proper nutrition of the disc and make its recovery impossible:
- prolonged posture of the body in positions that have a bad effect on the functioning of the spine (mainly sitting);
- injuries;This point applies especially to people involved in sports that involve heavy loads on the back (for example, weightlifting);
- work related to long-term static loads (for example, a worker on an assembly line, a hairdresser, etc.);With such 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 insignificant can also affect human health.Carrying a bag in only one hand, the habit of sitting bent over, with a flat back, sleeping on a soft feather bed, bending the neck position during sleep (high pillow), uncomfortable shoes (although fashionable) - all this also serves as a prerequisite for back diseases.An unhealthy lifestyle, obesity and teenage scoliosis can further worsen the condition.
Risk factors include:
- tall people because their back muscles are poorly developed;
- all those who lead a sedentary lifestyle;
- those who are forced by their profession to lift weights;
- truck drivers experiencing prolonged tremors;
- former athletes;
- those who already had similar cases of the disease in their family;
- pregnant women and women during menopause;
- elderly people;
- smokers.
How to diagnose the disease
If the patient discovers the above symptoms, then he should come to the local doctor, who will redirect the patient 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 indispensable.
Instrumental methods are also used to make a diagnosis:
- x-ray of the spine;
- myelography (this is a picture not only of bones, but also of nerve endings and other structures);
- examination of reflexes (the notorious hammer of a neurologist);
- computed tomography;
- nuclear magnetic resonance (the most accurate and safe diagnostic method);
- magnetic resonance (an indispensable method for the 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 number of leukocytes and ESR.Increased values will indicate the presence of an inflammatory process in the body.A low level of hemoglobin will indicate a lack of protein food, which can directly affect the development of degenerative processes.
A general urine test 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.
An increase in blood glucose also indicates that the patient is not eating properly.In addition, this can be the first symptom of diabetes, which leads to complications for all organs of the human body.
An analysis of cholesterol levels in the blood 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 a minimal amount.Medicines are needed to relieve 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 very effective medicine.The elderly are prescribed drugs that do not accumulate in the body.
Physiotherapy complements drug treatment well.Physiotherapy methods include: ultrasound, the 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 impaired immune response is normalized.
Physical therapy also has a beneficial effect on the spine.A properly chosen set of exercises can get the most neglected patients back on their feet.Under the influence of physical activity, not only the damaged functions are restored, but also the general mental state of the patient improves.The very description of such therapy gives confidence to the patient that he will be able to return to a full lifestyle.A simulator such as a special treatment board has proven itself to be excellent.This is a cheap and effective way to restore the function of the spine.
The action of the massage is based on complex metabolic processes.Thanks to it, blood and lymph circulation improves in the affected area, which promotes metabolism, relaxation of muscle tone, mobility of joints and improvement of skin condition.Massage relieves pain, fatigue and improves the physical condition of the body.
Manual therapy should only be performed by a professional, as an illiterate specialist can harm the patient.Such 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 using pressure, twisting, pushing, vibration, etc.
Traction of the spine gives good results.It can be underwater or dry.It is used to increase the 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 this is not a reason to ignore the problem.This is not a completely harmless diagnosis.In particularly advanced cases, the disease can lead to disability.
If the treatment is ignored, then the following complications may occur:
- hernia;
- protrusion (initial change in the intervertebral disc);
- kyphosis (lump in the back);
- radiculitis;
- salt deposits;
- spinal cord injury;
- blood circulation disorders;
- paralysis of the leg
Untreated cervical osteochondrosis can cause headaches, dizziness and insomnia.The chest turns to intercostal neuralgia.Lumbar causes consequences such as inflammation of the sciatic nerve, dysfunction of the genitourinary system.The main condition for the treatment of osteochondrosis is compliance with the stages, and only continuous targeted efforts will give a good result.
Disease prevention
Prevention plays an important role in maintaining a healthy back.The first step is to reduce the risk of injury in the workplace.This applies to dynamic and static loads.If there is such a possibility, you should move to another workplace at the first sensation of back pain.Otherwise, you should 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 poses, called asanas, can help release any tension in the body, relax and stretch the spine.
Correct weight work is of no small importance in prevention.
There are some rules that all back protectors must follow:
- Do not lift weights with outstretched arms;it would be correct to sit down and, pressing the load on 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 parts, approximately equal;
- even if the luggage weighs a little, you need to stop periodically and rest your hands;
- the spine must be prepared for the load;A regular set of exercises to strengthen the back, that is, muscle corset, can help with this.
If it is not possible to exercise regularly, you can replace it with more popular walking.It is recommended to take at least 8000 steps every day, but you must ensure good posture and combine the steps with proper breathing;While walking, you can try different walking options: on the toes, on the heels, lifting the legs up, running.If you do not have time for this, then even a short but energetic walk to work and back 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.In addition, swimming allows you to keep your body in good shape.
Running can also serve as disease prevention.It should be remembered that 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 medicinal applicator can help.When the needles come into contact with the patient's skin, nerve endings are irritated, blood vessels expand, blood circulation improves and the pain syndrome weakens.Longer exposure, up to 40 minutes, leads to muscle relaxation.
Proper diet is one of the most effective ways of prevention.
It should pursue several goals:
- fight against excess weight;
- the necessary amount of vitamins and minerals;
- prevention of body dehydration;
- slowing down destructive processes.
In order for the diet to achieve its goals, food must be low in calories and include dairy products, fish, eggs, herbs and vegetable oil.Doctors advise to eat soup-based dishes: soup, borscht, jellied meat, aspic.Indeed, such foods contain protectors that protect cartilage tissue.But the elderly should approach such a diet with caution, as the fat contained in concentrated liquids can block a blood vessel in the brain.
The health of the spine is in the hands of every person.If at the first pain you start doing gymnastics, sign up for a swimming 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 should follow the basic safety rules described above in this article.