Humans are the only mammals that walk vertically with a straight back.In this regard, the spinal column experiences a great overload.On the one hand, a sedentary lifestyle prevails, on the other hand, physical activity associated with lifting heavy objects, sudden movements and even traveling in public transport;All these factors contribute to the occurrence of such a common disease as osteochondrosis.Moreover, this disease occurs most often 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 disturbed.Under the influence of unfavorable factors, the disc loses fluid, becomes more compact and less flexible.This happens due to the load on the spine during movement: the pressure on the axis of the disc pushes the fluid out of it.During a night's rest, the spine should be completely restored, but with a sedentary lifestyle, this does not happen because the muscles and ligaments gradually lose their ability to stretch and, therefore, their ability 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 leads to serious consequences: headache, increased blood pressure, heartache.If the disease progresses, numbness of the limbs, ringing in the ears, difficulty breathing and vision problems may appear.Some symptoms can easily be confused with regular headaches or fatigue, but if the symptoms recur regularly, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible so that a correct diagnosis can be 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 pain or a throb.A characteristic sign is the connection with movement, and with static loads, the pain intensifies.There are two types of chest pain: one is an acute but brief attack, the other is mild but prolonged.If you consult a doctor in time, it is possible to cure the disease without surgical methods.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
This is the most common type of osteochondrosis.It occurs with equal frequency in both men and women.In the area where the lumbar region passes into the sacral region, a sharp pain appears.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 due to various reasons: compression of nerve endings, narrowing of veins, stretching of the sciatic nerve.The doctor will determine the exact cause.
Damage to two or more parts of the spine
Osteochondrosis, which affects the entire spine or several parts, worsens the general condition of a person.The probability of a hernia increases many times.Constant pain makes it impossible to lead a normal life.Before the process of cartilage tissue changes becomes irreversible, it is necessary to start treating the disease as soon as possible.
There are four stages in the development of the disease:
- 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 move, which reduces the distance between them;
- In the third stage, serious deformations of the intervertebral discs are already possible, up to the formation of a hernia;
- At the last stage, a person feels the stiffness of movements, which may be accompanied by severe pain.
Symptoms and signs
It is difficult to trace the onset of the disease, because there are no pronounced symptoms.Sometimes your back feels numb after sitting or lying in one position for a long time, and your legs feel like pins and needles.All these unpleasant sensations will pass quickly, you just need to move or rub your strong leg.Acute pain comes, as always, suddenly: a person stumbles, turns sharply - and a pain syndrome appears, during which it is scary to even think about the next stage.Pressing on the troublesome area causes pain, limited movement and muscle tension.There is a protective spasm;In this way, the body protects the painful area from further movements.This condition usually lasts for about 24 hours until the muscles relax.
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 extremities.Depending on the location of the pain syndrome, the doctor will be able to determine where the changes in the spine started.
Reasons for development
The causes of the disease include factors that prevent proper nutrition of the disc and make its recovery impossible:
- Prolonged standing of the body in positions that have a bad effect on the functioning of the spine (first of all, sitting);
- injuries;This point is especially relevant for people who are engaged in sports that involve heavy loads on the spine (for example, weightlifting);
- work related to long-term static load (for example, assembly line worker, hairdresser, etc.);With such work, muscle swelling 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 seem insignificant at first glance can also affect a person's health.Carrying a bag in only one hand, the habit of sitting bent over, with a bent back, sleeping on a soft feather bed, a curved neck position during sleep (a high pillow), uncomfortable (but fashionable) shoes - all this also serves as a prerequisite for back diseases.Unhealthy lifestyle, obesity and teenage scoliosis can further worsen the condition.
Risk factors include:
- tall people, because their back muscles are poorly developed;
- To all who lead a lifeless lifestyle;
- Those who are forced to lift weights by profession;
- Truck drivers experience prolonged vibration;
- former athletes;
- those who already had similar cases of the disease in their family;
- pregnant women and women during menopause;
- the elderly;
- smokers.
How to recognize the disease
If the patient finds the symptoms listed above, then he should go to the local doctor, who will refer the patient to a neurologist.To clarify the diagnosis, the 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 disease by palpating the spine.If the patient suspects a hernia, then a traumatologist is indispensable.
Instrumental methods are also used to determine the 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 (known hammer of a neurologist);
- computed tomography;
- nuclear magnetic resonance (the most accurate and safe diagnostic method);
- Magnetic resonance imaging (noninvasive method for intervertebral disc pathology).
The doctor also prescribes routine tests for the patient.
During the general blood analysis, you should pay attention to the number of leukocytes and ESR.An increase in values indicates the presence of an inflammatory process in the body.A low level of hemoglobin indicates a lack of protein food, which can directly affect the development of degenerative processes.
A general urine test shows the percentage of mineral salts 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, it can be the first symptom of diabetes, which causes complications in all organs of the human body.
It is also very important to analyze the level of cholesterol in the blood, which shows the condition of the blood vessels.
Treatment of osteochondrosis
At the initial stage of the disease, drug treatment is used in minimal amounts.Medicines are needed to alleviate the patient's condition, relieve inflammation and improve metabolism.If these procedures are not enough, the doctor prescribes blockade, i.e. injections, which are quite effective means.Medicines that do not accumulate in the body are prescribed to the elderly.
Physiotherapy is a good complement to drug treatment.Physiotherapy methods include: ultrasound, use of magnetic field, use of low frequency current, laser therapy, etc.The principle of action aims to expand blood vessels and increase blood circulation.In this way, the pain-relieving effect is achieved and the reduced immune response is normalized.
Physiotherapy also has a positive effect on the spine.A properly 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 the general mental state of the patient improves.It is the appointment of such therapy that gives the patient confidence that he will be able to return to a full-fledged lifestyle.A simulator such as a special treatment board has proven to be excellent.This is a cheap and effective way to restore the function of the spine.
Massage action is based on complex metabolic processes.Thanks to it, the circulation of blood and lymph in the damaged area improves, which contributes to metabolism, relaxation of muscle tone, movement 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 uneducated specialist can harm the patient.Such therapy is a combination 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 by pressure, twisting, pushing, cartilage, etc.
Traction of the spine gives good results.It can be under water or dry.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 disease neglect
It is believed that everyone has chondrosis.But this is not a reason to ignore the problem.This is not a completely harmless diagnosis.Especially in advanced cases, the disease can cause disability.
If treatment is neglected, the following complications may occur later:
- hernia
- Protrusion (initial change in the intervertebral disc);
- kyphosis (back hump);
- sciatica;
- salt deposits;
- spinal cord stroke;
- blood circulation disorder;
- Leg paralysis
Untreated cervical osteochondrosis can cause headaches, dizziness and insomnia.Chest turns into intercostal neuralgia.The waist causes such consequences as inflammation of the sciatic nerve, malfunction of the genitourinary system.The main condition for the treatment of osteochondrosis is to follow the steps, and only constant and purposeful efforts will give you 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 there is such a possibility, at the first feeling of pain in the back, you should move to another workplace.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 postures, the so-called asana, will help you release all the tension in the body, relax and stretch the spine.
Proper weight training is of no small importance in prevention.
There are a few rules that everyone who protects their back should follow:
- Do not lift weights with outstretched arms;It would be correct to sit down and, pressing the burden on the chest, stand up with a straight back;
- You cannot carry a load with one hand;It would be correct to divide its weight into two approximately equal parts;
- Even if the luggage weighs a little, you should periodically stop and rest your hands;
- The spine must be ready for loading;A regular set of exercises to strengthen the back, or muscle corset, will help in this.
If it is not possible to perform the exercises regularly, you can replace it with a more familiar walk.It is advisable to take at least 8000 steps every day, but you must ensure good posture and combine steps with proper breathing;When walking, you can try different options of walking: on toes, heels, raising the legs, racing walking.If you don't have time for this, then even a short but vigorous walk to work and back will benefit the body.
Swimming combines the ability to relax the spine and feel physical activity.Archimedes' law works in water, 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 be disease prevention.We must remember that both the lack of physical activity and its excess are harmful to the spine.You should carefully monitor your body condition and avoid pain.
If signs of inflammation appear, the healing applicator will 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, causes muscle relaxation.
A proper diet is one of the most effective means of prevention.
It should have several goals:
- fight against excess weight;
- the necessary amount of vitamins and minerals;
- prevention of body dehydration;
- Slowing down destructive processes.
For the diet to achieve its goals, the food should be low in calories and contain dairy products, fish, eggs, herbs and vegetable oil.Doctors recommend eating dishes based on broths: soups, borscht, jellied meat, aspic.Indeed, such food contains defenders that protect the cartilage tissue.But elderly people should be careful with such a diet, because the fat in concentrated broths can clog the blood vessels in the brain.
The health of the spine is in everyone's hands.If you start exercising at the first pain, sign up for a pool and review your diet, you can not only slow down the process of spine destruction, but also generally improve the health of the body.If you don't have the time or desire to live an active lifestyle, then you should follow the basic safety rules described above in this article.