Osteochondrosis

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

Osteochondrosis: what is it?

Osteochondrosis is an extremely common disease, accounting for more than half of the cases of chronic back pain. 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 in the structure of vertebral tissue and intervertebral discs begin, as well as bones and ligaments associated with them. This is reflected in a change in their 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 are constricted, as a result of which the back muscles are constantly in hypertonicity. Due to the movement of the vertebrae, the risk of developing protrusions or intervertebral hernias, as well as spondylosis (the appearance of bone processes - osteophytes) increases.

Types of osteochondrosis and stages of its development

When making the diagnosis, the location of the degenerative process is taken into account. Osteochondrosis is of 4 types:

• lumbar;
• chest;
• cervical;
• widespread (when multiple wards are affected).

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is diagnosed more often than others, because it is the load on the upper half of the body.

In the initial phase, osteochondrosis hides under the mask of local symptoms, due to which the patient does not receive timely treatment and the disease continues to progress. Sequential stages of the disease are characterized by the following features:

• Intervertebral disc displacement and vertebral instability.
• Reduction of intervertebral space due to destruction of the fibrous ring of discs (compression of the vertebrae).
• Deformation of the spinal line and the appearance of protrusions or intervertebral hernias due to rupture of the annular fiber and protrusion of the disc nucleus due to inappropriate load on them.
• The presence of bony growths (spondylosis), due to which the spine loses flexibility. The patient's movements are extremely difficult and cause severe pain and discomfort.

As with any disease, the earlier osteochondrosis is diagnosed, the better the chances of a successful cure. At the same time, after stabilization of the patient's condition, lifelong prevention is needed to eliminate the risk of recurrence: 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 immediately.

Reasons for the development of osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis is a disease that is more often diagnosed in the elderly due to the natural causes of aging of the body and slowing down of metabolic processes. However, in the absence of physical activity and leading a predominantly "inactive" lifestyle, this disease can develop in younger people. In this case, weakening of the back muscles can lead to the development of a degenerative process that disrupts blood flow and nutrition of vertebral and intervertebral disc tissues.

Despite the prevalenceosteochondrosis, causeshisoccurrenceit is not entirely understandable. The combination of factors always leads to the development of the disease, which also includes:

• malformations of the nervous and musculoskeletal systems, hereditary factors; impaired physical development;
• violation of metabolic processes in the body, improper absorption of nutrients, disorders of the endocrine and digestive systems;
• lack of vitamins and minerals in the diet, unbalanced diet, frequent dehydration;
• long-term use of certain medications;
• overweight and increased stress on the spine, heavy physical work with improper load distribution;
• inactive lifestyle, prolonged stay in static uncomfortable positions, for example, when working in the office;
• spinal cord injury; transmitted infectious diseases, stress.

It is possible to speak with certainty about the disease in the case when, due to the difficult access of nutrients to the tissues of the intervertebral discs and vertebrae, degenerative processes begin to develop in them. In this case, regeneration becomes impossible completely, and on the background of the accompanying factors, the vertebrae and discs are gradually destroyed. As a result of the body's natural processes of self-regulation, osteophytes can appear on the vertebrae, a kind of thorns made of bone tissue, which seem to cement the intervertebral space. In this case, the flexibility of the spine is lost, and the movements bring pain and discomfort.

Symptoms of the disease

If there is a general similarity, different typesosteochondrosishave differentsymptoms and signs. . . This is due to the fact that, depending on the location of the localization, as a result of pinching the veins, painful sensations affect the organs and parts of the body that are located nearby.

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar region is characterized by painful pain in the lower back with sudden movements or prolonged stay in a static position. Due to the constriction of the nerve endings, pain may appear on one or both legs, the nature of the pain varies from painful to cracking. By taking a comfortable position, the pain disappears.

The second most common type of osteochondrosis, cervical, is characterized by the following symptoms: the presence of dull headache and dizziness. Unpleasant sensations are intensified by the movement of the head, while taking analgesics does not alleviate the pain syndrome. Pain may be given in the chest area, the sensations are similar to attacks of angina pectoris, but more prolonged. Also, there are sharp painful sensations in the hands and fingers, their numbness. Perhaps a feeling of numbness of the tongue, difficulty in conducting speech activity.

Osteochondrosis of the chest is relatively rare. The main reason for its development is curvature of the spine, less often injuries. This type of disease is the most difficult to diagnose because the clinical signs are similar to other diseases. In addition to painful sensations in the back, which are intensified by movements and bending, in osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, pain in the area of the heart, liver and gastrointestinal tract can also occur. Numbness of the sternum muscles is felt and genital functions are impaired.

Common osteochondrosis combines the signs of several types of osteochondrosis.

How is the diagnosis made?

When diagnosing osteochondrosis, an external examination of the patient is not sufficient. In addition to collecting data, a neurologist or vertebrologist prescribes the following types of examinations to clarify the nature and determine the degree of spinal damage:

• X-ray;
• MRI;
• CT scanner.

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

How to treat back osteochondrosis

Since the appearanceosteochondrosisa combination of different factors affectstreatmentit always includes a whole range of measures. After removal of the acute condition with the help of painkillers (if there is such a need) and the appointment of a balanced diet, the following methods of recovery are used:

1. Exercise therapy is a physical therapy whose set of exercises is aimed at the development of damaged areas of the spine and the normalization of muscle tone. At the same time, limited physical activity is aimed at strengthening the back muscles and restoring the flexibility of the joints and ligaments. Exercise therapy is considered to be the most effective method of dealing with osteochondrosis, but it should be performed under the supervision of a specialist. There are several areas of exercise therapy, which include kinesitherapy, health path, classes on special simulators. Exercise therapy has virtually no limitations, as in most cases each patient is assigned an individual set of exercises. You cannot exercise in the acute phase of the disease or with serious spinal injuries.
2. Physiotherapy that has a complex of procedures aimed at reducing pain and stimulating natural regenerative processes in the tissues of the vertebrae and discs. They use the influence of lasers, ultrasound, magnetic vibrations. As an additional method for relaxing muscles and general strengthening of the body, as well as restoring the nervous system, a course of coniferous or pearl baths can be prescribed.
3. Massage is used to relieve pain and restore blood circulation in the muscles. Massage is not prescribed in the acute phase of the disease.
4. Pulls the spine or pulls. In this procedure, the vertebrae return to their natural position, so that the load on the spine becomes uniform.
5. Reflexology, in which a specialist acts on reflex zones and pain, thus reducing pain. It is used in combination with massage.
6. Preventive measures that give a tangible therapeutic effect include the use of special orthopedic aids: mattresses, pillows, orthopedic shoes or insoles, special corsets that support the damaged parts of the spine in the correct position.
7. Reception of chondroprotectors, which become an additional source of nutrition for damaged tissues. You should also introduce into the diet the use of gelatin-based dishes: jelly, jelly meat, aspic.
8. According to the doctor's prescription, after taking the appropriate tests, foreign experts recommend taking vitamin D3, omega fatty acids and vitamin B complex.

What happens if you do not treat osteochondrosis

With untimely or improper treatment, osteochondrosis can cause the development of the following pathologies:

• Vegetovascular dystonia.
• Oxygen starvation of the brain.
• Intervertebral hernia, which can lead to impaired 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 primarily applies to people who have:

• genetic predisposition to spinal diseases;
• 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 cord injury;
• extra pounds.

Prevention is very important for people who have an inactive lifestyle, who have increased stress on the spine and women who plan to have children.

The main and easiest way to prevent osteochondrosis is moderate and regular physical activity: gymnastics or swimming. It is necessary to monitor the posture of the body, and not to sit in unnatural positions for a long time. During inactive work, it is necessary to take breaks, during which to organize physical exercises - to knead stiff muscles, restoring blood circulation in them.

Everyday normal movements, which are performed incorrectly, without taking into account the load on the spine, become an accompanying factor in the development of osteochondrosis. For example, you should avoid lifting weights, 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 first sit down. When doing household chores - cooking, cleaning, washing, take the right position - standing, not bending.

Another secret is to wear comfortable shoes, ideally orthopedic or with an orthopedic insole. It is better to completely reject high heels or at least not wear them constantly.