Humans are the only mammal species that walk with their backs straight.This results in severe overloading of the spine.On the one hand, a sedentary lifestyle prevails, and on the other hand, physical activity associated with lifting heavy objects, sudden movements and even riding in 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 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 unfavorable factors, the intervertebral disc loses fluid, becomes more compact and less flexible.This happens due to the load on the spine during movement: pressure on the axis of the intervertebral disc forces fluid out of it.During a night's rest, the spine should fully recover, but with a sedentary lifestyle this does not happen, as the muscles and ligaments gradually lose their ability to stretch and therefore 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 has serious consequences: headaches, pressure surges, heart pain.If the disease is advanced, numbness in the limbs, tinnitus, difficulty breathing and vision problems may occur.Some symptoms can easily be confused with a normal headache or fatigue.However, if symptoms recur regularly, you should see a doctor as soon as possible to ensure a correct diagnosis is made in a timely manner.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine
The main symptom of this type is chest pain.It most commonly occurs on one side and is defined as pain or stabbing.The connection with movement is characteristic; the pain increases with static stress.There are two types of chest pain: one is an acute but short-lived attack, the other is mild but persistent.If you consult a doctor in a timely manner, it is possible to cure the disease without resorting to surgical methods.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
This is the most common form of osteochondrosis.It affects both men and women equally commonly.Acute pain occurs in the area of the transition from the lumbar region to the sacral region.The main problem is the reduction of cartilage tissue, which leads to a decrease in the distance between the vertebrae and is a direct path to the formation of an intervertebral hernia.Pain can occur 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 likelihood of hernias increases many times.Constant pain makes it impossible to lead a normal lifestyle.Before the process of changes in cartilage tissue becomes irreversible, treatment of the disease must be started as soon as possible.
The disease progresses in four stages:
- The initial stage is manifested by mild and short-term pain due to unstable function of the spine.
- in the second stage, the vertebrae are displaced, shortening the distance between them;
- in the third stage, serious deformations of the intervertebral discs are possible, including the formation of an inguinal hernia;
- In the final stage, the person feels stiffness of movements, which may be accompanied by acute pain.
Symptoms and signs
The onset of the disease is difficult to understand because there are no pronounced symptoms.Sometimes after sitting or lying in one position for a long time, your back becomes numb and you experience a tingling sensation in your legs.All these unpleasant sensations pass quickly, you just need to move or rub your stiff leg.Acute pain, as always, comes unexpectedly: a person stumbles, turns abruptly - and a pain syndrome arises, in which it is scary to even think about the next step.The pressure on the offending area causes pain, movements are restricted and the muscles are 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 can relax.
Therefore, signs of osteochondrosis are discomfort in various parts of the body, accompanied by pain.Pain 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 limbs.Based on the localization of the pain syndrome, the doctor can 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 intervertebral disc and make its recovery impossible:
- prolonged stay of the body in positions that impair the functioning of the spine (mainly sitting);
- injuries;This point is especially true for people who practice sports that place a lot of strain on the spine (e.g. weightlifting);
- Work involving long-term static stress (e.g. an assembly line worker, a hairdresser, etc.);Such work leads to overloading of the muscles and poor blood circulation.
Since the main reason for the development of osteochondrosis is the uneven distribution of loads on the spine, other factors that at first glance seem unimportant can also affect human health.Carrying a bag only in one hand, the habit of sitting hunched over, with a hunched back, sleeping on a soft feather bed, a curvature of the neck position during sleep (high pillow), uncomfortable (albeit fashionable) shoes - 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;
- anyone who leads a sedentary lifestyle;
- those who are forced by their profession to lift weights;
- Truck drivers suffer from persistent vibrations;
- former athletes;
- those who have had similar cases of illness in their family;
- Pregnant and menopausal women;
- older people;
- Smoker.
How to diagnose the disease
If the patient notices the above symptoms, he should go to the local doctor who will refer the patient to a neurologist.To clarify the diagnosis, a neurologist may 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, a trauma surgeon is essential.
Instrumental methods are also used to make the diagnosis:
- X-ray of the spine;
- myelography (this is an image not only of bones, but also of nerve endings and other structures);
- Examination of reflexes (the infamous neurologist's hammer);
- computed tomography;
- nuclear magnetic resonance (the most accurate and safe diagnostic method);
- Magnetic resonance imaging (an indispensable method for intervertebral disc pathology).
The doctor also prescribes the patient the usual examinations.
During a general blood test you should pay attention to the leukocyte count and the ESR.An increase in values indicates an inflammatory process in the body.A low level of hemoglobin indicates a lack of protein-containing food, which can directly affect the development of degenerative processes.
A general urine test shows what percentage of mineral salts are present in the body.An increased rate indicates a violation of the correct balance of nutrients in the diet.
Elevated blood sugar levels also indicate that the patient is not eating properly.In addition, this can be the first symptom of diabetes, leading to complications for all organs of the human body.
An analysis of the cholesterol level in the blood is also very important as it provides information about the condition of the blood vessels.
Treatment of osteochondrosis
At the initial stage of the disease, drug treatment is used in a minimal amount.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 quite an effective remedy.Older people are prescribed medications that do not accumulate in the body.
Physiotherapy complements drug treatment well.Physiotherapeutic methods include: ultrasound, use of a magnetic field, low-frequency current, laser therapy, etc. The principle of action is aimed at expanding blood vessels and increasing blood circulation.This creates a pain-relieving effect and normalizes the impaired immune response.
Physiotherapy also has a beneficial effect on the spine.A properly selected set of exercises can bring the most neglected patients back on their feet.Under the influence of physical activity, not only impaired functions are restored, but also the general psychological state of the patient improves.The very prescription of such therapy gives the patient confidence that he can return to a full-fledged lifestyle.A simulator such as a special treatment board has proven itself excellent.This is an inexpensive and effective way to restore spinal function.
The effect of the massage is based on complex metabolic processes.This improves blood and lymphatic circulation in the affected area, which promotes metabolism, relaxation of muscle tone, joint mobility and improvement in skin condition.Massage relieves pain, fatigue and improves the physical condition of the body.
Manual therapy should only be carried out 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 blocks and restore the ability to fully use the affected organ.The impact occurs through pressure, twisting, pushing, jerking, etc.
Spinal traction gives good results.It can be underwater or dry.Used to increase the space between hard drives.Underwater, as the name suggests, takes place underwater and dry - on tables with special equipment.Depending on your posture, the stretching can be done vertically or horizontally.
Complications of ignoring the disease
It is believed that everyone suffers from chondrosis.However, this is not a reason to ignore the problem.This is not a completely benign diagnosis.In particularly advanced cases, the disease can lead to disability.
Failure to comply with treatment may result in the following complications:
- 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 turns into intercostal neuralgia.The lumbar spine causes consequences such as inflammation of the sciatic nerve and malfunction of the genitourinary system.The most important condition for the treatment of osteochondrosis is compliance with the stages, and only constant targeted efforts lead to a good result.
Disease prevention
Prevention plays an important role in maintaining a healthy spine.The first step is to reduce the risk of injury in the workplace.This applies to dynamic and static loads.If such a possibility exists, you should move to another job at the first pain in your back.Otherwise, you need to take the necessary measures: constantly change your posture, optimize your workplace, do gymnastics or at least some exercises.Yoga courses can play a special role.This ancient Indian system of poses, called asanas, can help release all tension in the body, relax and stretch the spine.
The correct use of 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 stand up with a straight back, pressing the load to the chest;
- 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 regularly and rest your hands.
- the spine must be prepared for the load;Regular exercises to strengthen the back, i.e. the muscle corset, can help.
If regular exercise is not possible, you can replace it with more familiar walking.It is advisable to walk at least 8,000 steps every day, but you must maintain good posture and combine the steps with correct breathing;When walking, you can try different walking options: on your toes, on your heels, lifting your legs up, running.If you don't have time for that, a short but energetic walk to work and back is also good for the body.
Swimming provides an opportunity to relax the vertebrae and feel physical activity.In water, Archimedes' law applies, which reduces the weight of the human body so that the muscles relax and the spine straightens.In addition, swimming allows you to keep your body in shape.
Running can also help prevent illness.It is important to remember that both lack and excess physical activity are harmful to the spine.You need to carefully monitor the condition of your body and avoid pain.
If signs of inflammation occur, a medical applicator can provide relief.When the needles come into contact with the patient's skin, the nerve endings are irritated, blood vessels dilate, blood circulation improves, and the pain syndrome subsides.Longer exposure of up to 40 minutes leads to muscle relaxation.
Proper nutrition is one of the most effective ways to prevent it.
It should pursue several goals:
- fight against excess weight;
- the required amount of vitamins and minerals;
- preventing dehydration of the body;
- Slowing down destructive processes.
In order for the diet to achieve its goals, the food must be low in calories and contain dairy products, fish, eggs, herbs and vegetable oil.Doctors advise eating dishes based on broths: soups, borsch, jellied meat, aspic.In fact, such foods contain protectors that protect cartilage tissue.But older people should approach such a 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 the hands of every person.If you start doing gymnastics at the first pain, sign up for a swimming pool and revise your diet, you can not only slow down the process of destruction of the vertebrae, but also improve the health of the body as a whole.If you do not have the time or desire to lead an active lifestyle, you must follow the basic safety rules described above in this article.