Humans are the only mammal species that walks with vertically straight backs.In this regard, the spine 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 driving in public transport.All these factors contribute to the occurrence of such a common disease as osteochondrosis.In addition, this disease is more often found 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 affected.Under the influence of adverse 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 fully restored, but with a sedentary lifestyle this does not happen, because 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 distortion of one of them entails serious consequences: headaches, pressure increases, heart pain.If the disease is advanced, numbness in the extremities, tinnitus, difficulty breathing and vision problems may occur.Some symptoms can easily be confused with a normal headache or 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.Most often it occurs 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 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.
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 sacrum, sharp 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 creation 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 that affects the entire spine or several parts worsens the general condition of a person.The probability of a hernia is increased many times.Constant pain makes it impossible to lead a normal life.Before the process of changes in the cartilage tissue becomes irreversible, it is necessary to start the treatment of 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 unstable spinal function.
- in the second stage, the vertebrae are displaced, which reduces the distance between them.
- in the third stage, severe 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 detect, as there are no strong symptoms.Sometimes your back goes numb after sitting or lying in one position for a long time and you get a pins and needles feeling in your 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 appears, in which it is scary to even think about the next step.Pressing on the offending area causes pain, movements are limited and muscles are tense.A protective spasm occurs.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 various 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.Based on the localization of the pain syndrome, the doctor will be able to determine where the changes in the spine started.
Development reasons
The causes of the disease include factors that interfere with the proper nutrition of the disc and make its recovery impossible:
- prolonged stay of the body in positions that have a bad effect on the function of the spine (mainly sitting).
- injuries;This point is especially true for people who engage in sports that involve heavy loads on the spine (for example, weightlifting).
- work associated with 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, 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 adolescent scoliosis can further aggravate the condition.
Risk factors include:
- tall people because their back muscles are underdeveloped.
- all those who lead a sedentary life.
- those who are forced by their profession to carry burdens.
- truck drivers who experience prolonged vibration.
- former athletes;
- those who already had similar cases of the disease in their family.
- pregnant and menopausal women.
- elderly people;
- smokers.
How to diagnose the disease
If the patient detects the above symptoms, then he should contact 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 spinal neurologist (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 necessary.
Instrumental methods are also used to diagnose:
- 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 notorious hammer of a neurologist).
- CT scan;
- nuclear magnetic resonance (the most accurate and safe diagnostic method);
- magnetic resonance imaging (necessary 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.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 food protein, which can directly affect the development of degenerative processes.
A general urine test will show what percentage of minerals are present in the body.An increased rate indicates a violation of the correct balance of nutrients in food.
Elevated 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.
The 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 therapy 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 blockade, that is, injections, which is a fairly effective treatment.Elderly people are prescribed drugs that do not accumulate in the body.
Physiotherapy complements medication well.Physiotherapy methods include: ultrasound, use of magnetic field, low frequency current, laser therapy and so on.The principle of action is aimed at dilating blood vessels and increasing blood circulation.In this way, an analgesic effect is achieved and the weakened immune response is normalized.
Physiotherapy also has a beneficial effect on the spine.A properly selected set of exercises can get the most neglected patients back on their feet.Under the influence of physical activity, not only the weakened functions are restored, but the general mental state of the patient is also improved.The very prescription of such treatment gives the patient confidence that he will be able to return to a full lifestyle.A simulator such as a dedicated processing board has proven to be excellent.This is an inexpensive and effective way to restore spinal function.
The action of the massage is based on complex metabolic processes.Thanks to this, blood and lymph circulation in the affected area is improved, which promotes metabolism, relaxation of muscle tone, joint mobility and improvement of skin condition.Massage relieves pain, fatigue and improves the physical condition of the body.
Manual therapy should only be done by a professional, as an illiterate specialist can harm the patient.Such treatment is a set of measures that can radically improve a person's condition.A good specialist can relieve the patient of functional blockade and restore the ability to fully use the affected organ.The impact is carried out by pressure, twisting, thrusting, jerking and so on.
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 suggests, is carried out under water, and dry - on tables with special equipment.The extension can be vertical or horizontal, depending on the position of the body.
Complications from ignoring the disease
It is believed that everyone has cartilage.But this is no 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, the following complications may subsequently appear:
- hernia?
- protrusion (initial change in intervertebral disc).
- kyphosis (hunchback).
- radiculitis?
- salt deposits;
- spinal cord stroke;
- circulatory disorders;
- paralysis of legs
Untreated cervical osteochondrosis can cause headaches, dizziness and insomnia.Chest turns into 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 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, you should move to another workplace at the first feeling of pain in your back.Otherwise, you need to take the necessary measures: constantly change the position of your body, 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 remove any tightness in the body, relax and stretch the spine.
Proper weight training is of no small importance in prevention.
There are several 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 load to your chest, stand up with a straight back.
- You cannot carry a load with one hand.it would be correct to distribute its weight in two, approximately equal parts.
- 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 for strengthening the back, that is, the muscle corset, can help with this.
If it is not possible to do exercises regularly, you can replace it with more familiar walking.It is recommended to take at least 8,000 steps every day, but you must ensure good posture and combine steps with proper breathing.When walking, you can try different walking options: on your toes, on your heels, lift your legs up, run.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.We must remember that both the lack of physical activity and its excess are harmful to the spine.You need to carefully monitor the condition of your body and avoid pain.
If signs of inflammation occur, a medicated applicator can help.When the needles come into contact with the patient's skin, nerve endings are stimulated, blood vessels dilate, blood circulation improves and the pain syndrome weakens.Longer exposure, up to 40 minutes, leads to muscle relaxation.
Proper nutrition is one of the most effective ways of prevention.
It should pursue several objectives:
- fight excess weight;
- the required amount of vitamins and minerals;
- prevention of body dehydration;
- slowing down destructive processes.
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 dishes based on broths: soups, borscht, jellied meats, aspic.Indeed, such foods contain preservatives that protect cartilage tissue.But the elderly should approach such a 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 every person.If, at the first pain, you start exercising, join 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 in general.If you do not have the time or desire to lead an active lifestyle, then you must follow the basic safety rules described above in this article.