Osteochondrosis is a degenerative damage to the intervertebral discs and joint tissue.In medicine, this term is usually used to describe a complex of processes that take place specifically in the intervertebral discs.Changes in the vertebral bodies themselves are an adaptive mechanism.This can also include restrictions on mobility.Which becomes noticeable as you get older.
Osteochondrosis can occur cervical, thoracic and lumbar.Older people are more likely to suffer from this disease.However, today this disease is common in young people.This is due to a sedentary lifestyle and bad habits: school, computers, cars, obesity, smoking, alcohol, etc. Modern children prefer the computer to playing outside.In this regard, insufficiently developed muscles, poor “nutrition” of the intervertebral discs and the surrounding tissue.This also includes modern foods: sweets, carbonated foods, various fast foods, stress, neuroses, etc. According to statistics, osteochondrosis affects about 80% of the working population worldwide.
What is Osteochondrosis?
Osteochondrosis is a change in the intervertebral discs and vertebrae.As a result, the intervertebral discs lose their elasticity, shape, moisture content and over time lose their function: ensuring the mobility of the spine, absorbing shock when lifting heavy objects or other loads.The normal relationship between intervertebral discs and vertebrae is disrupted.The spine becomes shorter, stability is impaired and cramps in certain muscle groups are possible.Although the latter sometimes acts as a cause rather than an effect.In advanced cases, compression of the nerve endings occurs.Hence the pain.
I would like to say in advance that today there is no clear answer to the causes of osteochondrosis.This is believed to be influenced by a variety of factors, which will be discussed below.If the doctor's recommendations are not followed, protrusions (bulging of a part of the intervertebral disc) and hernias (bulging of a part of the intervertebral disc with rupture of the fibrous ring) may occur in osteochondrosis.In the latter case, the contents of the intervertebral disc enter the spinal canal.Subsequently, the body tries to adapt to the changes and bone tissue begins to grow, limiting the mobility of the affected areas.A person cannot bend/bend as before.
Causes of osteochondrosis
There are many reasons for the development of osteochondrosis:
- lack of exercise;
- Incorrect posture (kyphosis, scoliosis, etc.);
- Unbalanced diet;
- Constant stress and neuroses;
- Previous infections, viruses and diseases;
- metabolic disorders;
- Hidden infection;
- obesity;
- Constant load.This also includes sedentary jobs;
- wearing poor quality or uncomfortable shoes;
- Weak muscle development;
- Poor immunity;
- Hormonal changes or use of replacement therapy;
- side effects of some medications;
- injuries;
- lack of vitamins and microelements;
- heredity;
- Using uncomfortable pillows and mattresses;
- Bad habits (smoking, alcohol, drug addiction);
- Professional or extreme sports.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis
Symptoms depend on the location and stage of the disease:
- Cervical osteochondrosis: pain in the neck, head, arms, squeaking in the ears, stiffness of movement, numbness in the fingers, floating in the ears or other artifacts.When the artery is compressed, throbbing headaches, dizziness, hearing and vision problems, etc. occur.Possible depression or similar conditions, drowsiness, loss of strength;
- Breast osteochondrosis: pain in the chest, in the back between the shoulder blades, malaise, possibly pain in the heart or other organs, difficulty breathing;
- Lumbar osteochondrosis: pain in the lower back, which can be acute or aching, discomfort in the lower back, numbness in the legs, tingling, loss of sensitivity, disorders of the internal organs of the pelvis.
During the remission phases, the acute pain subsides, but the excruciating pain or discomfort remains.It becomes more pronounced after exercise, heavy lifting or severe stress.Depending on the location and stage as well as other comorbidities, the symptoms can vary.Therefore, it is important to undergo a comprehensive examination.Lower back pain can be caused by diseases of the reproductive and urinary systems.
Osteochondrosis and the nervous system
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine can lead to compression of nerve roots and blood vessels.This affects not only well-being, but also memory, vision, hearing, the central nervous system and the functioning of internal organs.
The main symptoms of a nervous system disorder:
- Poor sleep;
- Irritability;
- nausea, vomiting;
- chills or fever;
- loss of strength;
- Idleness;
- changes in blood pressure;
- Headache.
It is worth noting that such symptoms can be an expression of neurosis or depression.In this case, it is imperative to contact not only a neurologist, but also a psychotherapist.
diagnosis
To make a diagnosis and make an accurate diagnosis, an examination by a neurologist and osteopath is necessary.Based on your medical history, an examination will be prescribed: tests, MRI or X-ray.Once the results are available, appropriate treatment will be prescribed.
It is necessary to understand that the treatment is very slow and requires the patient to comply with numerous rules.Everything you did before led to the development of the disease: bad habits, reaction to stress, activity, work, diet, physical activity, etc.
Treatment of osteochondrosis
Depending on the stage of the disease, pain relief initially occurs through:
- muscle relaxants;
- painkillers;
- chondroprotectors (depending on symptoms);
- vitamins;
- vasodilators;
- Drugs to normalize metabolic processes.
Physiotherapy is then prescribed to strengthen the muscle corset;A diet, daily routine, mattress and pillow are recommended.Thanks to exercise therapy, blood supply and tissue nutrition also improves.In some cases, breathing exercises are indicated, which not only have a positive effect on the spasmodic muscles, but also on the central nervous system as a whole.Because osteochondrosis can be caused by prolonged stress, depression or neuroses.It is also advisable to consult a psychotherapist to resolve internal conflicts.
Auxiliary methods
- Massage;
- manual therapy;
- physiotherapy (electrophoresis);
- traction (not suitable for everyone and not always);
- Reflexology.
Prevention and prognosis
It is important to understand that everything you did before led to the disease.It is necessary to slowly and gradually change your lifestyle towards health: eat right, do exercise therapy, move more (walking is natural from a physiological point of view), relax in nature, avoid stress or learn to deal with stress (psychotherapist or meditative practices), reduce excess weight, monitor your posture.If possible, change your place of work or type of activity, eliminate harmful foods: fast food, smoked meats, canned food, carbonated drinks, alcohol, smoking, strong coffee, fatty foods, etc. Pay attention to fruits, vegetables, herbs.
Treat your health right;usually it is a non-renewable resource.Slowly and gradually the disease can be stopped or completely eliminated.