Humans are the only mammal species that walks with their backs vertically straight.In this regard, the spine experiences a large overload.On the one hand, a sedentary lifestyle predominates, on the other, physical activity linked to lifting heavy objects, sudden movements and even driving public transport;All these factors contribute to the occurrence of such a common disease as osteochondrosis.In addition, this disease is often detected 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 impaired.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: pressure on the axis of the disc squeezes 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 the 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 together.Even a slight deformation of one of them leads to serious consequences: headaches, changes in blood pressure, heart pain.If the disease is in an advanced stage, numbness in the limbs, tinnitus, breathing difficulties and vision problems may appear.Some symptoms can easily be confused with a normal headache or tiredness, but if the symptoms recur regularly, you should see a doctor as soon as possible to ensure that a correct diagnosis is 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 called painful or stabbing.A feature is the connection with movement and with static loads the pain intensifies.There are two types of chest pain: one is a sharp 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 the same frequency.In the area where the lumbar region passes to the sacral region, sharp pain occurs.The main problem is the reduction of cartilaginous 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 the nerve endings, narrowing of the veins, pinching of the sciatic nerve.The exact cause will be determined by your doctor.
Damage to two or more parts of the spine
Osteochondrosis that affects the entire spine or multiple parts worsens a person's general condition.The probability of hernias increases many times.Constant pain makes it impossible to lead a normal lifestyle.Before the process of alteration of the cartilage tissue becomes irreversible, it is necessary to begin treatment of the disease as soon as possible.
The disease has four stages in its development:
- the initial stage is manifested by mild and short-lasting pain due to unstable functioning of the spine;
- in the second phase the vertebrae are moved, which reduces the distance between them;
- at the third stage, serious 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 trace, since there are no pronounced symptoms.Sometimes the back becomes numb after sitting or lying in the same position for a long time and a pins and needles sensation appears in the legs.All these unpleasant sensations pass quickly, you just need to move or rub the stiff leg.Sharp pain comes, as always, unexpectedly: a person stumbles, turns sharply - and a painful syndrome arises, in which it is scary to even think about the next step.Pressure on the disturbing 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 about 24 hours until the muscles can relax.
Therefore, 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 limbs.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
The causes of the disease include factors that interfere with proper nutrition of the disk and make its recovery impossible:
- prolonged stay of the body in positions that have a negative effect on the functioning of the spine (mainly sitting);
- injuries;This point especially applies to people who practice sports that place 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, and so on);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 unimportant can also affect human health.Carrying a bag with one hand, the habit of sitting bent, with a sagging back, sleeping on a soft feather bed, the curved position of the neck 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 worsen the condition.
Risk factors include:
- tall people because their back muscles are poorly developed;
- all those who lead a sedentary lifestyle;
- those who are forced by their profession to lift weights;
- truck drivers experiencing prolonged vibrations;
- former athletes;
- those who already had similar cases of illness in the family;
- pregnant women and women in menopause;
- elderly people;
- smokers.
How to diagnose the disease
If the patient detects the above symptoms, 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 vertebroneurologist (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, a trauma surgeon is essential.
Instrumental methods are also used to make a diagnosis:
- spinal x-ray;
- myelography (this is an image of not only bones, but also nerve endings and other structures);
- examination of reflexes (the infamous hammer of a neurologist);
- computed tomography;
- nuclear magnetic resonance (the most accurate and safe diagnostic method);
- MRI (an indispensable method for intervertebral disc pathology).
The doctor also prescribes the usual tests for the patient.
In a general blood test, you should pay attention to the white blood cell count 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 protein food, which can directly affect the development of degenerative processes.
A general urine test will show what percentage of mineral salts exists in the body.An increased rate indicates a violation of the correct balance of nutrients in food.
A high blood glucose level also indicates that the patient is not eating properly.Furthermore, this may 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 state of the blood vessels.
Treatment of osteochondrosis
In the initial stage of the disease, drug treatment is used in minimal quantities.Medicines are needed to alleviate the patient's condition, relieve inflammation and improve metabolism.If these procedures are not enough, the doctor prescribes a blockade, that is, injections, which are a fairly effective remedy.Elderly people are prescribed drugs that do not accumulate in the body.
Physiotherapy complements pharmacological treatment well.Physiotherapy methods include: ultrasound, use of a 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 compromised immune response is normalized.
Physiotherapy also has a beneficial effect on the spine.A series of properly selected exercises can get the most neglected patients back on their feet.Under the influence of physical activity, not only impaired functions are restored, but the general mental state of the patient also improves.The very prescription of such therapy gives the patient confidence that he will be able to return to a full-fledged lifestyle.A simulator such as a special treatment panel has proven itself excellently.This is an inexpensive and effective way to restore spinal function.
The action of massage is based on complex metabolic processes.Thanks to it, blood and lymphatic circulation improves in the affected area, promoting metabolism, relaxation of muscle tone, joint mobility and improvement of skin conditions.Massage relieves pain, fatigue and improves the physical condition of the body.
Manual therapy should be performed only by a professional, since 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 the functional block and restore the ability to fully use the affected organ.Impact is made by pressing, twisting, pushing, pulling and so on.
Spinal traction gives good results.It can be underwater or dry.Used to increase space between disks.Underwater, as the name suggests, takes place underwater and dry, on tables with special equipment.The extension can be vertical or horizontal, depending on the position of the body.
Complications resulting from ignoring the disease
It is believed that everyone has chondrosis.But this is no reason to ignore the problem.This is not an entirely harmless diagnosis.In particularly advanced cases, the disease can lead to disability.
If treatment is ignored, the following complications may subsequently occur:
- hernia;
- protrusion (initial change in the intervertebral disc);
- kyphosis (hump on the back);
- radiculitis;
- salt deposits;
- spinal cord stroke;
- circulatory disorders;
- paralysis of the legs
Untreated cervical osteochondrosis can cause headaches, dizziness and insomnia.The chest turns into intercostal neuralgia.Lumbar causes consequences such as inflammation of the sciatic nerve, malfunction of the genitourinary system.The main condition for the treatment of osteochondrosis is compliance with the stages and only constant 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 accidents at work.This applies to dynamic and static loads.If there is such a possibility, you should move to another workplace at the first feeling of 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 poses, the so-called asanas, can help remove any tension from the body, relax and lengthen the spine.
Correct work with weights is of no small importance in prevention.
There are several rules that everyone who protects their back must follow:
- Don't lift weights with straight arms;it would be correct to sit down and, pressing the load on your chest, stand up with a straight back;
- You can't carry a load with one hand;it would be correct to distribute the weight into two approximately equal parts;
- even if the luggage weighs little, it is necessary to stop periodically and rest your hands;
- the spine must be prepared for the load;A regular set of exercises to strengthen the back, that is, muscle corset, can help with this.
If it is not possible to perform exercises regularly, you can replace them with a more familiar walk.It is advisable to take at least 8,000 steps every day, but it is necessary to ensure good posture and combine the steps with correct breathing;While walking, you can try different walking options: on tiptoe, on heels, with legs raised, running walking.If you don't have time for this, even a short but vigorous walk to work and back will benefit the body.
Swimming combines the possibility of relaxing the vertebrae and feeling physical activity.In water, Archimedes' law applies which reduces the weight of the human body, so the muscles relax and the spine lengthens.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 excessive are harmful to the spine.You need to carefully monitor the condition of your body and avoid pain.
If signs of inflammation appear, a medicinal applicator can help.When the needles come into contact with the patient's skin, the nerve endings become irritated, the blood vessels dilate, blood circulation improves, and the pain syndrome weakens.Longer exposure, up to 40 minutes, leads to muscle relaxation.
A correct diet is one of the most effective ways of prevention.
It should pursue several objectives:
- fight against excess weight;
- the required amount of vitamins and minerals;
- prevent dehydration of the body;
- slowing down destructive processes.
For the diet to achieve its goals, food must be low-calorie and include dairy products, fish, eggs, herbs and vegetable oil.Doctors recommend eating broth-based dishes: soups, borscht, jellied meat, jelly.Indeed, such foods contain protectants that protect cartilage tissue.But older people should approach such a diet with caution, as the fat contained in concentrated broths can block a blood vessel in the brain.
Spinal health is in the hands of every person.If, at the first pain, you start doing gymnastics, sign up for a pool and review 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 don't have the time or inclination to lead an active lifestyle, you need to follow the basic safety rules described above in this article.