Man is the only type of mammal that moves with its back straight. In this regard, the spinal column experiences a great overload. On the one hand, the predominance of inactive life, on the other hand, physical activity associated with weight lifting, sudden movements, and even driving on public transport; all these factors contribute to the development of such a common disease as osteochondrosis. Moreover, this disease is most often detected in the working 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 disk loses fluid, becomes denser and less flexible. This is due to the load on the spine during movement: the pressure on the axis of the disc squeezes the fluid out of it. During a night's rest, the spine should fully recover, but with an inactive lifestyle, this does not happen, because the muscles and ligaments gradually lose the ability to stretch, which means that they can 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. Even a slight deformation of one of them entails serious consequences: headache, pressure surges, heart pain. When the disease is ignored, numbness of the limbs, tinnitus, shortness of breath and vision problems can occur. You can easily confuse some signs with the usual headache or fatigue, but if the symptoms recur regularly, you should see a doctor as soon as possible to make an accurate diagnosis in time.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine
The main symptom of this type is chest pain. It most commonly manifests on one side and is defined as pain or sting. 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 but short-lived attack, the other is mild but long-lasting. If you visit a doctor on 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. Both men and women suffer from it with the same frequency. In the area of the transition from the lumbar to the sacral, acute pain occurs. The main problem is the reduction of cartilage tissue, which leads to a reduction in the distance between the vertebrae, which is a direct path to the formation of an intervertebral hernia. Pain can occur for various reasons: compression of nerve endings, narrowing of veins, constriction of the sciatic nerve. The exact reason will be determined by a doctor.
Defeat two or more parts of the spine
Defeat of osteochondrosis of the whole spine or several sections worsens the general condition of the person. The probability of developing a hernia increases many times over. Constant pain prevents a normal life. Until the process of change in 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 phase is manifested by minor and short-term pain due to unstable work of the spine;
- in the second stage, the vertebrae are displaced, which shortens the distance between them;
- in the third phase, serious deformations of the intervertebral discs are already possible, all the way 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
It is difficult to follow the beginning of the disease, because there are no pronounced symptoms. Sometimes the back becomes numb after a long sitting or lying in one position, a feeling of goosebumps appears in the legs. All these unpleasant sensations pass quickly, you just need to move or rub a stiff leg. Acute pain comes, as always, unexpectedly: the person stumbles, turns abruptly - and a pain syndrome has arisen in which it is frightening to even 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 from further movements. This usually takes about 24 hours before the muscles can relax.
Thus, signs of osteochondrosis include discomfort in various parts of the body, followed by pain. Painful sensations can be concentrated on the neck, shoulders, back, chest. Headache, dizziness, fatigue, heart pain, impaired limb tenderness may be added to the described signs. The doctor for the localization of the pain syndrome will be able to determine where the changes in the spine started.
Reasons for development
Causes of the disease include factors that interfere with the proper nutrition of the disc and prevent its recovery:
- prolonged stay of the body in poses that adversely affect the work of the spine (above all, sitting);
- trauma; this is especially true for people who do sports that involve heavy loads on the spine (for example, weightlifting);
- work associated with long-term static loads (for example, assembly line worker, hairdresser, and so on); such work results in muscle congestion and circulatory disorders.
Since the main reason for the development of osteochondrosis is the uneven distribution of the load on the spine, other factors, which at first glance do not seem to be important, can also affect human health. Carrying a bag in just one hand, the habit of sitting with your back bent, sleeping on a soft feather bed, curvature of the neck position during sleep (high pillow), uncomfortable (though modern) shoes - all this also serves as a prerequisite for back diseases. Improper lifestyle, obesity, adolescent scoliosis can further aggravate the condition.
The risk factor includes:
- tall people because their back muscles are poorly developed;
- all who lead a sedentary lifestyle;
- those who are forced to lift weights because of their profession;
- long-term vibrating 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 the disease
If a patient discovers the above symptoms, you should see a local therapist who will refer you to a neurologist. To clarify the diagnosis, the neuropathologist can refer the patient to a narrowly specialized specialist - a vertebral neurologist (a doctor who deals exclusively with spinal diseases). A good chiropractor can also detect the disease by feeling your back. If the patient suspects that he has a hernia, then a trauma surgeon is necessary.
Instrumental methods are also used to make the diagnosis:
- X-ray of the spine;
- myelography (this is an image not only of bones, but also of nerve endings and other structures);
- reflex research (the notorious hammer of a neuropathologist);
- CT scanner;
- nuclear magnetic resonance (the most accurate and safest diagnostic method);
- magnetic resonance imaging (an indispensable method for intervertebral disc pathology).
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 value will indicate the presence of an inflammatory process in the body. Low hemoglobin levels 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 proper balance of nutrients in food.
Elevated blood glucose also indicates an improper diet of the patient. In addition, it can be the first symptom of diabetes, leading to complications for all organs of the human body.
Analysis of blood cholesterol levels is also very important, because it shows the condition of blood vessels.
Treatment of osteochondrosis
In the initial stage of the disease, drug treatment is used to a minimum. Medications are needed to alleviate the patient's condition, alleviate inflammatory processes, and improve metabolism. If these procedures are not enough, the doctor prescribes a blockade, or injections, which are quite effective. Older people are prescribed medications that do not accumulate in the body.
Physiotherapy complements medications well. Physiological 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. Thus, an analgesic effect is achieved, the weakened immune response is normalized.
Physical therapy also has a beneficial effect on the spine. Properly chosen set of exercises can put the most neglected patients on their feet. Under the influence of physical activity, not only damaged functions are restored, but also the general mental condition of the patient improves. The mere appointment of such therapy gives the patient the confidence that he will be able to return to a full-fledged lifestyle. Such a simulator like a special treatment board proved to be perfect. It is a cheap and effective way to restore spinal function.
Massage is based on complex metabolic processes. Thanks to it, blood and lymph circulation in the affected area is improved, which improves metabolism, relaxes muscle tone, joint mobility and improves the condition of the skin. Massage relieves pain, fatigue, improves the physical condition of the body.
Only an expert should be involved in manual therapy, because an illiterate specialist can harm the patient. Such therapy is a set of measures that can dramatically improve a person’s condition. A good specialist can relieve the patient of functional blockade and restore his ability to fully use the affected organ. The impact is done by pressing, twisting, pushing, twitching and so on.
A good result is achieved by stretching the spine. It can be under water and dry. Used to increase the space between disks. Under water, as the name suggests, takes place under water, and dry - on tables with special equipment. Traction can be vertical or horizontal, depending on body position.
Complications of ignoring the disease
Everyone is thought to have chondrosis. But that is no reason to ignore the problem. This is a completely harmless diagnosis. In particularly advanced cases, the disease can lead to disability.
If you neglect treatment, such complications can occur later:
- hernia;
- protrusion (initial change in 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. Pectoral transitions to intercostal neuralgia. The lumbar region gives consequences such as inflammation of the sciatic nerve, malfunctions of the genitourinary system. The main condition for the treatment of osteochondrosis is the observance of phase by phase, and only constant purposeful efforts will give a good result.
Disease prevention
Prevention plays an important role in keeping the spine healthy. The first step is to reduce the risk of workplace injuries. This applies to dynamic and static loads. If there is such an opportunity, you should move to another place of work at the first 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 holding the body, the so-called asanas, can help remove all the tension in the body, relax and stretch the spine.
Proper work with weights is not a small importance in prevention.
There are a few rules that a back caregiver must follow:
- you cannot lift weights with outstretched arms; it will be correct to sit down and, pressing the load on the chest, stand up straight back;
- you cannot carry a load in one hand; it will be correct to distribute its weight into two approximately equal parts;
- even if the luggage is a little heavy, you should occasionally stop and rest your hands;
- the spine must be prepared for the load; this can be helped by a regular set of exercises to strengthen the back, ie the corset muscles.
If it is not possible to exercise regularly, it can be replaced by more familiar walking. It is recommended to do at least 8000 steps a day, but at the same time it is necessary to maintain good posture, combine steps with proper breathing; During the walk you can try various walking options: on your toes, on your heels, raise your legs high, jogging. If there is no time for this, even a short but energetic walk to and from work will benefit the body.
Swimming combines the ability to relax the spine and exercise. Archimedes' law works in water, reducing 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 prevent disease. It should be borne in mind that both lack of physical activity and its excess are destructive to the spine. You need to carefully monitor the condition of your body and avoid pain.
If signs of inflammation appear, a medical applicator can help. When the needles come in contact with the patient's skin, the nerve endings are irritated, the blood vessels dilate, the circulation improves and the pain syndrome weakens. Prolonged exposure, up to 40 minutes, leads to muscle relaxation.
Proper nutrition is one of the most effective methods of prevention.
It should serve several purposes:
- fight against overweight;
- required amount of vitamins and minerals;
- preventing dehydration of the body;
- slowing down destructive processes.
In order for the diet to achieve its goals, the food should be low in calories and contain dairy products, fish, eggs, herbs, vegetable oil. Doctors advise to eat dishes based on broth: soups, borscht, meat jellies, aspic. Indeed, such foods contain protectors that protect cartilage tissue. But the elderly should approach such a diet with caution, because the fat contained in concentrated broths can clog the cerebral vessels.
The health of the spine is in the hands of every person. If at the first pain you start doing gymnastics, sign up for the pool, revise your diet, you can not only slow down the process of destroying the vertebrae, but also improve the body in general. If you do not have the time or desire for an active lifestyle, then you need to follow the basic safety rules written above in this article.