Osteochondrosis

Back pain and numbness are symptoms that plague many people. The episodic occurrence of these unpleasant sensations is possible for various reasons - prolonged inactivity, long periods of sitting or sleeping in the wrong position. The constant presence of such symptoms indicates the development of degenerative-dystrophic lesions of the spinal tissues - osteochondrosis.

Osteochondrosis: what is it?

Osteochondrosis is an extremely common condition that accounts for more than half of chronic back pain cases. As a result of a combination of factors (lack of nutrients in the diet, lack of physical activity, disturbed metabolic processes in the body), destructive changes occur in the structure of the tissues of the vertebrae and intervertebral discs on the bones and ligaments associated with them. This is reflected in a change in shape and a decrease in elasticity.

The vertebrae are compressed and the spine loses stability in the affected areas. The nerve endings of the spinal cord become pinched, making the back muscles constantly hypertonic. Due to the displacement of the vertebrae, the risk of protrusions or intervertebral hernias, as well as spondylosis (the appearance of bone processes - osteophytes) increases.

Types of osteochondrosis and stages of its development

When diagnosing, the place of localization of the degenerative process is taken into account. There are 4 types of osteochondrosis:

• Lumbar spine;
• Chest;
• cervical;
• widespread (when more than one department is affected).

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is diagnosed more often than others because it is responsible for the stress on the upper half of the body.

At the initial stage, osteochondrosis is hidden under the guise of local symptoms, which is why the patient is not treated in a timely manner and the disease continues to progress. Sequentially developing stages of the disease are characterized by the following features:

• Dislocation of the intervertebral discs and instability of the vertebrae.
• Reduction of the intervertebral space by destroying the fiber ring of the intervertebral discs (compression of the vertebrae).
• Deformation of the spinal line and appearance of protrusions or intervertebral hernias due to a rupture of the annulus fibrosus and a protrusion of the disc nuclei due to undue loading.
• The presence of bone growth (spondylosis), as a result of which the spine loses its flexibility. The patient's movements are extremely difficult and cause severe pain and discomfort.

As with any disease, the earlier osteochondrosis is diagnosed, the greater the chances of a successful cure. At the same time, after the patient's condition has stabilized, lifelong prevention is necessary to exclude the risk of relapse: exercise and a special diet. And since most modern people are at risk of developing this pathology, it is better to start a healthy habit of morning exercises now.

The reasons for the development of osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis is a disease that is more often diagnosed in the elderly due to natural causes of the aging of the body and the slowing down of metabolic processes. However, without physical activity and with a largely "sedentary" lifestyle, this disease can develop in younger people. In this case, weakening of the muscles of the back can lead to the development of a degenerative process that disrupts blood flow and nutrition of the tissues of the vertebrae and intervertebral discs.

Despite the spreadOsteochondrosis, causeshisEmergencenot fully understood. A combination of factors always leads to the development of a disease, which also includes:

• Malformations of the nervous and musculoskeletal system, hereditary factors; faulty physical development;
• Violation of metabolic processes in the body, incorrect absorption of nutrients, disruption of the work of the endocrine and digestive systems;
• Lack of vitamins and minerals in the diet, unbalanced diet, frequent dehydration;
• Long-term use of certain drugs;
• Overweight and increased load on the spine, hard physical work with improper load distribution;
• a sedentary lifestyle, prolonged stay in statically uncomfortable positions, for example when working in an office;
• Spinal injury; transmitted infectious diseases, stress.

It is possible to talk about the disease with confidence if, due to the difficulty of accessing nutrients to the tissues of the intervertebral discs and vertebrae, degenerative processes begin to develop in them. In this case, complete regeneration becomes impossible, and against the background of the accompanying factors, there is a gradual destruction of the vertebrae and intervertebral discs. As a result of the body's natural processes of self-regulation, osteophytes can appear on the vertebrae, a type of spine made of bone tissue that appears to cement the intervertebral space. In this case, the flexibility of the spine is lost and movements cause pain and discomfort.

Symptoms of the disease

If there is a general resemblance, different typesOsteochondrosishave differentSymptoms and signs. . . This is due to the fact that, depending on the site of localization, as a result of the pinching of the vessels, painful sensations affect the organs and parts of the body in the vicinity.

With osteochondrosis of the lumbar region, aching pain in the lower back is characteristic of sudden movements or a long stay in a static position. Pain in one or both legs may occur due to pinching of the nerve endings. The type of pain varies from pain to shooting. By taking a comfortable position, the pain disappears.

The second most common type of osteochondrosis, the cervix, is characterized by the following symptoms: the presence of dull headache and dizziness. Unpleasant sensations increase with head movement, while taking analgesics does not relieve pain syndrome. The pain can be transmitted to the chest area, sensations are similar to attacks of angina pectoris but are longer. Also there are sharp painful sensations in the hands and fingers, their numbness. Perhaps a feeling of numbness of the tongue, difficulty implementing speech activity.

Breast osteochondrosis is relatively rare. The main reason for its development is the curvature of the spine, less often injuries. This type of disease is the most difficult to diagnose because the clinical symptoms are similar to other diseases. In addition to painful sensations in the back, aggravated by movement and bending, with osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, there may be pain in the heart, liver and gastrointestinal tract. There is a feeling of numbness in the muscles of the sternum and the functions of the genitals are weakened.

Common osteochondrosis combines signs of different types of osteochondrosis.

How is the diagnosis made?

When diagnosing osteochondrosis, an external examination of the patient is not enough. In addition to collecting data, a neurologist or vertebrologist will prescribe the following types of tests to clarify the type and determine the degree of damage to the spine:

• Roentgen;
• MRI;
• CT scan.

The final diagnosis is made on the results of the images, after which the appropriate treatment regimen is selected.

How to treat osteochondrosis back

Because of the occurrenceOsteochondrosisa combination of different factorstreatmentalways includes a whole series of measures. After the elimination of the acute state with the help of pain relievers (if there is such a need) and the appointment of a balanced diet, the following methods of recovery are used:

1. Exercise therapy is physical therapy, the exercise of which is aimed at developing damaged areas of the spine and normalizing muscle tone. At the same time, physical activity is limited in order to strengthen the back muscles and restore the flexibility of the joints and ligaments. Exercise therapy is considered to be the most effective method of treating osteochondrosis, but it should be done under the supervision of a specialist. There are several areas of exercise therapy, including kinesitherapy, health trail, and courses on specialized simulators. There are practically no restrictions on exercise therapy, as in most cases each patient is assigned an individual exercise set. You cannot do exercise therapy in the acute stage of the disease or with severe spinal injuries.
2. Physiotherapy with a complex of procedures for pain relief and stimulation of natural regeneration processes in the tissues of the vertebrae and intervertebral discs. They use the influence of a laser, ultrasound, magnetic vibrations. As an additional method of relaxing muscles and generally strengthening the body, as well as restoring the nervous system, needle or pearl baths can be prescribed.
3. Massage is used to relieve pain and restore blood flow to the muscles. In the acute stage of the disease, massage is not prescribed.
4. Spinal traction or traction. In this procedure, the vertebrae return to their natural position so that the load on the spine becomes even.
5. Reflex therapy, in which a specialist acts on reflex zones and pain points, thereby relieving the pain. It is used in combination with massage.
6. Preventive measures that achieve a noticeable therapeutic effect include the use of special orthopedic devices: mattresses, pillows, orthopedic shoes or insoles, special corsets that keep the damaged parts of the spine in the correct position.
7. Reception of chondroprotectors, which are an additional source of nutrition for damaged tissue. You should also introduce into the diet the use of gelatin-based dishes: jelly, jellied meat, aspic.
8. According to a doctor's prescription, foreign experts recommend taking vitamin D3, omega fatty acids and vitamin B complex after passing the test.

What if you don't treat osteochondrosis?

With untimely or incorrect treatment, osteochondrosis can lead to the development of the following pathologies:

• Vegetovascular dystonia.
• Lack of oxygen to the brain.
• Intervertebral hernia, which can impair the motor function of the arms or legs.

Prevention methods

Prevention of osteochondrosis should be aimed at excluding factors that increase the risk of its development. This is especially true for people who:

• genetic predisposition to diseases of the spine;
• chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract in which the absorption of nutrients is impaired;
• Diseases associated with metabolic disorders;
• severe infectious diseases, rickets transmitted in childhood;
• Spinal injury;
• Obesity.

Prevention is very important for people with sedentary lifestyles, increased stress on the spine and women who want to have children.

The main and easiest way to prevent osteochondrosis is moderate and regular physical activity: gymnastics or swimming. It is imperative to monitor your posture and not sit in unnatural positions for a long time. In sedentary work, it is necessary to take breaks, during which physical exercises are organized - to knead the stiff muscles and restore blood circulation.

Daily routine movements that are performed incorrectly without taking into account the load on the spine usually become an accompanying factor in the development of osteochondrosis. For example, you should avoid lifting weights and get rid of the habit of constantly carrying a heavy bag on the same shoulder. You cannot lift heavy objects off the floor from a standing position; you must sit down first. When doing household chores - cooking, cleaning, washing, taking the correct position - stand, don't bend over.

Another secret is wearing comfortable shoes, ideally orthopedic or with an orthopedic insole. It is better to refuse high heels altogether, or at least not to wear them all the time.