Humans are the only mammal species that walks vertically with a straight back.In this regard, the spinal column experiences great overload.On the one hand, there is a predominance of a sedentary lifestyle, 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.Moreover, 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 flexibility of the intervertebral discs is impaired.As a result 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 the night's rest, the spine must be fully restored, but with a sedentary lifestyle, this does not happen, because the muscles and ligaments gradually lose their ability to stretch, thus their full recovery.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
This type of osteochondrosis can be considered the most insidious.The vertebrae that make up the neck are very close together.Even a slight deformation of one has serious consequences: headache, increased pressure, heartache.If the disease is advanced, limb numbness, tinnitus, difficulty breathing, and vision problems may occur.Some symptoms can easily be confused with regular headaches or fatigue, but if the symptoms return regularly, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible so that the correct diagnosis can be made in time.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine
The main symptom of this type is chest pain.It most often appears on one side and is defined as pain or stabbing.Its characteristic feature is the connection with movement, with static loads the pain intensifies.There are two types of chest pain: one is an acute but short-lasting attack, and the other is mild but prolonged.If you consult a doctor in time, it is possible to cure the disease without using 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 sacral region, acute 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 development of intervertebral hernia.Pain can occur for various reasons: compression of nerve endings, narrowing of veins, pinching of the sciatic nerve.The exact cause is 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 probability of hernias increases many times.Constant pain makes it impossible to lead a normal life.Before the process of cartilage tissue changes becomes irreversible, the treatment of the disease should be started as soon as possible.
There are four stages in the development of the disease:
- the initial stage manifests itself in minor and short-term pain due to the unstable functioning of the spine;
- in the second stage, the vertebrae move, which shortens 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 his movements, which may be accompanied by acute pain.
Symptoms and signs
The onset of the disease is difficult to trace, as there are no pronounced symptoms.Sometimes your back goes numb after sitting or lying in one position for a long time, and you get a feeling of pins and needles in your legs.All these unpleasant sensations will pass quickly, you just need to move or rub your stiff leg.Acute pain, as always, comes unexpectedly: a person stumbles, turns sharply - and a pain syndrome occurs, in which even the next step is scary to think about.Pressing the disturbing area causes pain, movements are limited, muscles are tense.A protective spasm occurs;In this way, the body protects the painful area from further movement.This condition usually lasts for about 24 hours until the muscles relax.
Thus, 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 began.
Reasons for development
Among the causes of the disease are factors that disrupt the proper nutrition of the disk and make it impossible to restore it:
- prolonged stay of the body in positions that have a bad effect on the functioning of the spine (primarily sitting);
- injuries;This point especially applies to people who participate in sports that put a lot of stress on the spine (for example, weight lifting);
- work related to long-term static loads (for example, working on an assembly line, hairdresser, etc.);With such work, muscle congestion and poor circulation can be 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 human health.Carrying a bag in only one hand, the habit of sitting with a bent, hunched back, sleeping on a soft feather bed, neck support during sleep (high pillow), uncomfortable (although fashionable) shoes - all these are prerequisites for back diseases.An unhealthy lifestyle, obesity and adolescent scoliosis can further worsen the condition.
Risk factors include:
- tall people because their back muscles are poorly developed;
- everyone who leads a sedentary lifestyle;
- those whose profession forces them to lift weights;
- truck drivers experience prolonged vibration;
- former athletes;
- those with a family history of a similar disease;
- pregnant women and women during menopause;
- old people;
- they are smokers.
How to diagnose the disease
If the patient notices the above symptoms, he should contact the local doctor, who will refer the patient to a neurologist.In order to clarify the diagnosis, the neurologist may refer the patient to a 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 the patient suspects a hernia, a trauma surgeon is essential.
Instrumental methods are also used to establish 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 notorious hammer of the neurologist);
- computed tomography;
- nuclear magnetic resonance (the most accurate and safest diagnostic method);
- magnetic resonance imaging (an indispensable method of pathology of the intervertebral disc).
The doctor also prescribes the usual tests for the patient.
The leukocyte count and ESR should be monitored during the general blood test.An increase in values indicates the presence of an inflammatory process in the body.A low hemoglobin level indicates a protein deficiency, which can directly affect the development of degenerative processes.
A general urine test shows the percentage of mineral salts in the body.An increased ratio indicates a violation of the proper balance of nutrients in the food.
Elevated blood sugar also indicates that the patient is not eating properly.In addition, it can be the first symptom of diabetes, which leads to 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
In the initial stages of the disease, medication is used in minimal amounts.Medicines are needed to alleviate the patient's condition, reduce inflammation and improve metabolism.If these procedures are not enough, the doctor prescribes a blockade, that is, he prescribes injections, which are quite effective remedies.Elderly people are prescribed medicines that do not accumulate in the body.
Physiotherapy is a good complement to medication.Physiotherapy methods include: ultrasound, use of magnetic field, low frequency current, laser therapy and so on.The principle of the effect is aimed at widening blood vessels and increasing blood circulation.In this way, an analgesic effect is achieved and 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.As a result of physical activity, not only the damaged functions are restored, but also the general mental state of the patient improves.Prescribing such therapy gives the patient confidence that he will be able to return to a full-fledged lifestyle.A simulator, such as a special control panel, has proven to be excellent.This is a cheap and effective way to restore spinal function.
The effect of massage is based on complex metabolic processes.Thanks to this, the blood and lymph circulation in the affected area improves, which promotes metabolism, relaxation of muscle tone, mobility of the joints, and improvement of the condition of the skin.Massage relieves pain, fatigue, and improves the body's physical condition.
Manual therapy can only be performed by a specialist, 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 blockade and restore the ability to fully use the affected organ.Impact is performed by pressing, twisting, pushing, pulling, and so on.
Traction of the spine gives good results.It can be underwater or dry.It is used to increase the space between the discs.Underwater, as the name suggests, takes place underwater, and dry on tables equipped with special equipment.The extension can be vertical or horizontal, depending on the position of the body.
Complications of ignoring the disease
It is believed that everyone has chondrosis.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 treatment is neglected, the following complications may occur:
- hernia;
- protrusion (initial change of 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.Lumbar causes such consequences as inflammation of the sciatic nerve, failure of the urogenital system.The main condition for the treatment of osteochondrosis is compliance with the stages, and only constant targeted efforts will give good results.
Disease prevention
Prevention plays an important role in maintaining a healthy spine.The first step is to reduce the risk of workplace injuries.This applies to dynamic and static loads.If there is such a possibility, you should move to another workplace 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 classes can have a special role.This ancient Indian system of poses, called asanas, can help remove all tension from the body, relax and stretch the spine.
Correct work with weights is of no small importance in prevention.
There are several rules that everyone who wants to protect their back must follow:
- Do not lift weights with outstretched arms;it would be correct to sit down and stand up with a straight back, pressing the load on the chest;
- You cannot carry a load in one hand;it would be correct to divide its weight into two approximately equal parts;
- even if the weight of the luggage is small, you need to stop and rest your hands from time to time;
- the spine must be prepared for the load;A regular series of back-strengthening exercises, i.e. muscle braces, can help with this.
If it is not possible to do regular exercises, you can replace it with a more familiar walk.It is advisable to take at least 8,000 steps per day, but you must take care of good posture and combine the steps with proper breathing;While walking, you can try different walking options: on toes, on heels, raising your feet high, competitive walking.If you don't have time for this, a short but energetic walk to and from work is good for your body.
Swimming combines the possibility of relaxing the vertebrae and the feeling of physical activity.Archimedes' law applies in water, which reduces the weight of the human body, so the muscles relax and the spine elongates.In addition, swimming allows you to keep your body in good shape.
Running can also serve as disease prevention.It should be remembered that both the lack of physical activity and its excess are harmful to the spine.You need to carefully monitor the condition of the body and avoid pain.
If signs of inflammation appear, a medicated applicator can help.When the needles come into contact with the patient's skin, nerve endings are irritated, blood vessels dilate, blood circulation improves and the pain syndrome is weakened.Longer exposure of up to 40 minutes leads to muscle relaxation.
A proper diet is one of the most effective ways of prevention.
You should pursue several goals:
- fight against excess weight;
- the necessary amount of vitamins and minerals;
- prevents the body from drying out;
- slowing down destructive processes.
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 to eat broth-based foods: soups, borscht, jellied meats, aspic.In fact, such foods contain protective substances that protect the cartilage tissue.However, elderly people should approach this diet with caution, as the fat in concentrated broths can clog the blood vessels of the brain.
The health of the spine is in everyone's hands.If you start exercising at the first pain, join a swimming pool and revise your diet, you can not only slow down the process of the 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 should follow the basic safety rules described above in the article.