Humans are the only species of mammals that move with a straight back. In this regard, the spine experiences great overload. On the one hand, the predominance of a sedentary lifestyle, on the other hand, physical activity associated with lifting weights, sudden movements and even the use of public transport; all of these factors contribute to the emergence of such a common disease as osteochondrosis. In addition, this disease is most often detected in the working population.
<1_img_centerxx>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 axis of the disc expels the fluid from it. During a night's rest, the spine should fully recover, but with an inactive lifestyle this does not happen, as muscles and ligaments gradually lose their ability to stretch, which means they can recover. completely.
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: headaches, water hammer, heart pain. When the disease is overlooked, numbness in the limbs, tinnitus, difficulty breathing, and vision problems may appear. Some signs can be easily mistaken for a headache or common fatigue, but if symptoms return regularly, you should see a doctor as soon as possible to make the correct diagnosis in time.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine
The main symptom of this type is chest pain. Most often it manifests on one side and is defined as pain or stabbing. A characteristic feature is the connection with movement, and with static loads the pain increases. There are two types of chest pain: one is an acute attack but of short duration, the other is mild but prolonged. If you see a doctor in time, it is possible to cure the disease without resorting to surgical methods.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
It is the most common type of osteochondrosis. Both men and women suffer from it with the same frequency. In the area of transition from the lumbar to the sacral, sharp 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 appear 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
The defeat with osteochondrosis of the entire spine or several sections worsens the general condition of a person. The probability of hernias increases several times. The constant pain makes it impossible to lead a normal life. Until the process of changing 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 stage is manifested by minor, short-term pain due to unstable work of the spine;
- in 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;
- at the last stage, a person feels stiffness in movements, which may be accompanied by sharp pain.
Symptoms and signs
It is difficult to trace the onset of the disease, since there are no pronounced symptoms. Sometimes the back becomes numb after a long sitting or lying down 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. Acute pain arises, as always, unexpectedly: a person tripped, suddenly turned around - and a pain syndrome appeared, in which it is frightening to 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 for subsequent movements. It usually takes about 24 hours before the muscles can relax.
So, 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 signs described can be added headaches, dizziness, fatigue, heart pain, altered sensitivity of the limbs. The doctor on the localization of the pain syndrome will be able to establish where the changes started in the spine.
Reasons for development
The causes of the onset of the disease include factors that interfere with proper nutrition of the disc and make its restoration impossible:
- prolonged stay of the body in poses that have a detrimental effect on the work of the spine (first of all sitting);
- trauma; this point applies in particular to people playing sports involving heavy loads on the spine (eg weight lifting);
- work associated with prolonged static loads (for example, a worker on an assembly line, a hairdresser, etc. ); with such work, congestion of 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, seemingly unimportant at first glance, can also affect human health. Carrying a bag in one hand, the habit of sitting bent over with a hunched back, sleeping on a soft feather bed, the curvature of the neck position during sleep (high pillow), uncomfortable shoes (wellonly in fashion) - all this also serves as a prerequisite for back diseases. Improper lifestyle, obesity, scoliosis in adolescents can also make the situation worse.
The risk factor includes:
- tall people, because their back muscles are poorly developed;
- all those who lead a sedentary life;
- those who are obliged 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;
- the elderly;
- smokers.
How to diagnose a disease
If the patient finds out the above symptoms, then you need to go to the local therapist, who will refer the patient to a neurologist. To clarify the diagnosis, a neuropathologist may 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 disease by palpating the back. If the patient suspects a hernia, a trauma surgeon is essential.
Instrumental methods are also used to make a diagnosis:
- X-ray of the spine;
- myelography (this is a snapshot of not only bones, but also nerve endings and other structures);
- reflex research (the notorious hammer of a neuropathologist);
- computed tomography;
- nuclear magnetic resonance (the most accurate and safe diagnostic method);
- Magnetic resonance imaging (an indispensable method for the pathology of intervertebral discs).
The doctor prescribes the usual tests for the patient.
In the general analysis of blood, attention should be paid to the indicator of leukocytes and ESR. An increase in values will indicate the presence of an inflammatory process in the body. Low hemoglobin will indicate a lack of protein foods, 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 indicator indicates a violation of the correct balance of nutrients in food.
High blood sugar also speaks of poor diet of the patient. Moreover, it can be the first symptom of diabetes, which leads to complications for all organs in the human body.
A test of the cholesterol level in the blood is also very important, as it shows the condition of the blood vessels.
Treatment of osteochondrosis
At the initial stage of the disease, drug therapy is used as a minimum. Medicines are needed to relieve the patient's condition, relieve inflammatory processes and improve metabolism. If these procedures are not enough, the doctor prescribes a blockage, that is, injections, which are quite effective. The elderly are prescribed drugs that do not accumulate in the body.
Physiotherapy complements medication well. Physiological methods include: ultrasound, 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. Thus, an analgesic effect is obtained, the impaired 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 impaired functions are restored, but also the general mental state of the patient improves. The very appointment of such therapy gives the patient the assurance that he will be able to resume a full-fledged way of life. Such a simulator as a special processing panel has proven itself perfectly. It is an inexpensive and effective way to restore spinal function.
Massage is based on complex metabolic processes. Thanks to it, blood and lymphatic circulation improves in the affected area, which promotes metabolism, relaxation of muscle tone, mobility of joints and improvement of the condition of the skin. 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 significantly 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. Impact is performed using pressure, twist, push, jerk, etc.
A good result is achieved by stretching the spine. It can be underwater and dry. It is used to increase the space between discs. Underwater, as the name suggests, takes place underwater and dry - on tables with special equipment. The traction can be vertical or horizontal, depending on the position of the body.
Complications of ignoring the disease
Everyone is believed to have chondrosis. But that's no reason to ignore the problem. It's a completely harmless diagnosis. In particularly advanced cases, the disease can lead to disability.
If you ignore the treatment, there may be such complications later:
- hernia;
- protrusion (initial change in the intervertebral disc);
- kyphosis (lump 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 gives consequences such as inflammation of the sciatic nerve, dysfunctions of the genitourinary system. The main condition for the treatment of osteochondrosis is compliance with step by step, and only constant and focused 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 at work. This applies to dynamic and static loads. If there is such an opportunity, at the first pain in the back you need to move to another place of work. 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 relieve tension in the body, relax and stretch the spine.
Correct work with weights is of great importance in prevention.
There are several rules that should be followed by anyone who takes care of their back:
- you cannot lift weights with outstretched arms; it will be correct to sit and, resting the load on the chest, to stand up with a straight back;
- you cannot carry a load in one hand; it will be correct to divide its weight into two roughly equal parts;
- even if the luggage weighs a little, periodically you need to stop and rest your hands;
- the spine must be prepared for the load; this can be helped by a series of regular exercises to strengthen the back, that is, the muscle corset.
If it is not possible to exercise regularly, it can be replaced by a more familiar walk. It is advisable to take at least 8000 steps a day, but at the same time it is necessary to maintain a good posture, to combine the steps with correct breathing; While walking, you can try different walking options: on toes, on heels, lifting legs high, running. If there is no time for it, then even a short but energetic 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 is stretched. In addition, swimming helps keep your body in shape.
Running can also prevent illnesses. We must not forget that the lack of physical activity and its excess are destructive for the spine. You need to carefully monitor the condition of your body and avoid pain.
If signs of inflammation appear, a medicated applicator can help. When the needles come in contact with the patient's skin, the nerve endings are irritated, the blood vessels dilate, blood circulation improves, and the pain syndrome weakens. Longer exposure, up to 40 minutes, results in muscle relaxation.
Good nutrition is one of the most effective prevention methods.
It should serve several purposes:
- the fight against overweight;
- the required amount of vitamins and minerals;
- prevent dehydration of the body;
- slow down destructive processes.
For the diet to achieve its goals, foods must be low in calories and include dairy products, fish, eggs, herbs, and vegetable oil. Doctors advise to eat broth dishes: soups, borscht, jellied meat, aspic. Indeed, these foods contain protectors that protect the cartilage tissue. But the elderly should approach such a diet with caution, since the fat 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 doing gymnastics, enroll in a swimming pool, revise your diet, you can not only slow down the process of destruction of the vertebrae, but also improve the body overall. If there is no time or desire to lead an active lifestyle, then you need to follow the basic safety rules, which were written above in this article.