Man is the only mammal species that moves with an upright back. In this regard, the spine is experiencing a great overload. On the one hand, the predominance of a sedentary lifestyle, on the other hand, physical activity associated with weight lifting, sudden movements and even driving on public transport; all these factors contribute to the emergence of such a common disease as osteochondrosis. In addition, this disease is most often detected in the active population.
What is osteochondrosis, its types and stages
Osteochondrosis is a process in which the elasticity of the intervertebral discs is disturbed. Under the influence of unfavorable factors, the disc loses fluid, becomes more compact and less flexible. This is due to the load on the spine during movement - the pressure on the disk axis pushes the fluid out of it. During the night's rest, the spine should fully recover, but with an inactive lifestyle, this does not happen, because the muscles and ligaments gradually lose the ability to stretch, which means that they can 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: headache, pressure surges, pain in the heart. When the disease is neglected, numbness of the limbs, tinnitus, breathing difficulties and vision problems can appear. Some signs can be easily confused with a common headache or fatigue, but if symptoms recur regularly, you should see a doctor as soon as possible to establish the correct diagnosis in time.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine
The main symptom of this type is chest pain. It most often occurs on one side and is referred to as aching or stabbing. A feature is the connection with movement, and with static loads, pain increases. There are two types of chest pain: one is an acute 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.
Lumbar spine osteochondrosis
This is the most common type of osteochondrosis. Both men and women suffer from it with the same frequency. In the area of the transition from the lumbar to the sacral, acute pain occurs. The main problem is a decrease in cartilage 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 occur for various reasons: compression of nerve endings, narrowing of the veins, pinching of the sciatic nerve. The exact reason will be determined by the doctor.
The defeat of two or more parts of the spine
Defeat with osteochondrosis of the entire spine or several sections worsens the general condition of a person. The likelihood of hernias grows many times. Constant pain makes it impossible to lead a normal life. Until the process of change in cartilage tissue becomes irreversible, it is necessary to begin treatment of the disease as soon as possible.
The disease in its development has four stages:
- the initial phase is manifested by minor and short-term pain due to the unstable work of the spine;
- at the second stage, the vertebrae are displaced, which shortens the distance between them;
- at the third stage severe deformations of the intervertebral discs are already possible, up to the formation of a hernia;
- in the last stage, a person feels stiffness in movements, which can be accompanied by acute pain.
Symptoms and signs
It is difficult to trace the onset of the disease, as there are no pronounced symptoms. Sometimes the back becomes numb after a long sitting or lying in one position, a feeling of goosebumps appears in the legs. All these unpleasant sensations pass quickly, it is enough to move or rub a stiff leg. Sharp pain comes, as always, unexpectedly: a person stumbled, turned sharply - and a pain syndrome arose, in which it is frightening to even think about the next step. Pressure on the disturbing area causes pain, movement is limited, muscles are tense. There is a protective spasm; thus, the body secures the painful area from further movement. This usually takes about 24 hours before the muscles can relax.
Therefore, the 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. To the described signs, headache, dizziness, fatigue, heartache, reduced sensitivity of the limbs can be added. The doctor on the localization of the pain syndrome will be able to establish where the changes in the spine began.
Reasons for development
The causes of the onset of the disease include factors that interfere with the proper feeding of the disc and make it impossible to restore it:
- prolonged stay of the body in poses that have a bad effect on the work of the spine (first of all, sitting);
- trauma; in particular this point applies to people involved in sports that involve heavy loads on the spine (for example, weight lifting);
- jobs associated with prolonged static loads (for example, a worker on an assembly line, a hairdresser, etc. ); with such work, congestion in the muscles and circulatory disorders are observed.
Since the main reason for the development of osteochondrosis is the uneven distribution of the load on the spine, other factors, apparently not important at first glance, can also affect human health. Carrying a bag in one hand, the habit of sitting bent over with your back bent, sleeping on a soft feather bed, curvature of the neck position during sleep (high pillow), uncomfortable (albeit fashionable) shoes - everything this also serves as a prerequisite for back diseases. An incorrect lifestyle, obesity, adolescent scoliosis can further worsen the condition.
The risk factor includes:
- people of tall stature, as their back muscles are poorly developed;
- all those who lead a sedentary lifestyle;
- those who are forced by their profession to lift weights;
- long-term vibration truck drivers;
- former athletes;
- those who have already had similar cases of the disease in their family;
- pregnant women and women during menopause;
- Senior citizens;
- smokers.
How to diagnose a disorder
If the patient discovers the above symptoms, you should come to the local therapist, who will redirect the patient to a neurologist. To clarify the diagnosis, a neuropathologist may refer the patient to a more strictly specialized specialist: a vertebral neurologist (a doctor who deals exclusively with diseases of the spine). A good chiropractor can also detect the disease by feeling the back. If the patient suspects he has a hernia, a trauma surgeon is indispensable.
Instrumental methods are also used to make a diagnosis:
- X-ray of the spine;
- myelography (this is a snapshot not only of the bones, but also of nerve endings and other structures);
- reflex research (the infamous hammer of a neuropathologist);
- CT scan;
- nuclear magnetic resonance (the most accurate and safe diagnostic method);
- magnetic resonance (indispensable method for the pathology of the intervertebral discs).
The doctor prescribes the usual tests for the patient.
In the general blood analysis, attention should be paid to the indicator of leukocytes and ESR. An increase in the values will indicate the presence of an inflammatory process in the body. A low hemoglobin level will indicate a lack of protein food, which can directly affect the development of degenerative processes.
A general urinalysis will show what percentage of mineral salts exist in the body. An increased indicator indicates a violation of the correct balance of nutrients in food.
The high blood sugar also speaks of an incorrect diet of the patient. Also, it can be the first symptom of diabetes, which leads to complications for all organs of the human body.
Also very important is the analysis of the level of cholesterol in the blood, which shows the state of the blood vessels.
Treatment of osteochondrosis
At the initial stage of the disease, drug treatment is used to a minimum. Medicines are needed to alleviate the patient's condition, relieve inflammatory processes and improve metabolism. If these procedures are not enough, the doctor prescribes a blockade, that is, injections, which are quite effective. Older people are prescribed drugs that do not accumulate in the body.
Physiotherapy complements medications well. Physiological methods include: ultrasound, use of a magnetic field, low frequency current, laser therapy, and so on. The principle of action is aimed at expanding blood vessels and increasing blood circulation. Thus, an analgesic effect is achieved, the impaired immune response is normalized.
Physiotherapy also has a beneficial effect on the spine. A correctly selected set of exercises can put the most neglected patients 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 appointment of such therapy gives the patient the confidence that he will be able to return to a full-fledged lifestyle. A simulator such as a special treatment table proved itself perfectly. It is an inexpensive and effective way to restore spinal function.
The massage is based on complex metabolic processes. Thanks to him, blood and lymphatic circulation improves in the affected area, promoting metabolism, relaxation of muscle tone, joint mobility and improving skin conditions. Massage relieves pain, fatigue, improves the physical condition of the body.
Only a professional should be involved in manual therapy, as an illiterate specialist can harm the patient. Such therapy is a set of measures that can greatly improve a person's condition. A good specialist can free the patient from functional block and restore the ability to fully use the affected organ. The impact is made using pressure, twisting, pushing, jerking, and so on.
A good result is achieved by stretching the spine. It can be underwater and dry. It is used to increase the space between disks. Underwater, as the name suggests, takes place under water and dries up - on tables with special equipment. The pull can be vertical or horizontal, depending on the position of the body.
Complications of ignoring the disease
Everyone is believed to have chondrosis. But this is no reason to ignore the problem. This is a completely harmless diagnosis. In particularly advanced cases, the disease can lead to disability.
If you ignore the treatment, then there may be such complications later:
- hernia;
- protrusion (initial change in the intervertebral disc);
- kyphosis (hump on the back);
- radiculitis;
- salt deposits;
- stroke of the spinal cord;
- circulatory disorders;
- paralysis of the legs.
Untreated cervical osteochondrosis can cause headaches, dizziness, and insomnia. The pectoral passes into intercostal neuralgia. The lumbar has consequences such as inflammation of the sciatic nerve, malfunctions of the genitourinary system. The main condition for the treatment of osteochondrosis is the observance of the phase by phase, and only constant and targeted efforts will give a good result.
Disease prevention
Prevention plays an important role in keeping the spine healthy. The first step is to reduce the risk of workplace injuries. This applies to dynamic and static loads. If there is such an opportunity, you should move to another job at the first back pain. Otherwise, you need to take the necessary measures: constantly change the position of the body, optimize the workplace, do gymnastics or at least some exercises. Yoga classes can play a special role. This ancient Indian system of postures, the so-called asanas, can help remove all tension in the body, relax and stretch the spine.
Proper work with weights is of no small importance in prevention.
There are several rules that must be followed by anyone who takes care of their back:
- you cannot lift weights with outstretched arms; it will be correct to sit down and, pressing the load on the chest, stand up with a straight back;
- you can not carry a load in one hand; it will be correct to distribute the weight in two approximately equal parts;
- even if the luggage weighs a little, it is necessary to periodically stop and rest your hands;
- the spine must be prepared for loading; this can be helped by a regular series of exercises to strengthen the back, i. e. the muscle corset.
If it is not possible to exercise regularly, it can be replaced by a more familiar walk. It is recommended to take at least 8000 steps a day, but at the same time it is necessary to maintain good posture, combine the steps with proper breathing; While walking, you can try various walking options: on tiptoes, heels, lifting your legs high, running walking. If there is no time for this, even a short but brisk walk to and from work will benefit the body.
Swimming combines the ability to relax the vertebrae and exercise. In water, Archimedes' law works, which reduces the weight of the human body, so the muscles relax and the spine lengthens. Also, swimming allows you to keep your body in good shape.
Running can also prevent disease. It should be remembered that both the lack of physical activity and its excessive excessive are destructive to the spine. You need to carefully monitor the state of your body and avoid pain.
If signs of inflammation appear, a medicated applicator can help. When the needles make contact with the patient's skin, the nerve endings become irritated, the blood vessels dilate, the blood circulation improves and the pain syndrome weakens. The longest exposure, up to 40 minutes, leads to muscle relaxation.
Proper nutrition is one of the most effective prevention methods.
It should serve several purposes:
- the fight against excess weight;
- the required amount of vitamins and minerals;
- prevent dehydration of the body;
- slowing down of destructive processes.
In order for the diet to achieve its goals, food should be low in calories and include dairy products, fish, eggs, herbs, vegetable oil. Doctors advise to eat broth dishes: soups, borscht, jellied meat, aspic. Indeed, such food contains protectors that protect cartilage tissue. But the elderly should approach such a diet with caution, as the fat contained in concentrated broths can clog the brain vessel.
The health of the spine is in the hands of each person. If, at the first pains, you start exercising, sign up for a swimming pool, review your diet, you can not only slow down the process of destruction of the vertebrae, but also improve the body in general. If there is no time or desire to lead an active lifestyle, then you need to follow the elementary safety rules, which were written above in this article.