Osteochondrosis is a degenerative lesion of intervertebral discs and joint tissue.In medicine, this term is usually used to denote a complex of processes that take place specifically in the intervertebral discs.Changes in the vertebral bodies themselves are an adaptive mechanism.This may also include a limitation of mobility.Which is noticeable with age.
Osteochondrosis can be cervical, thoracic and lumbar.Elderly people suffer more often from this disease.But today this disease often occurs in young people.The reason for this is a sedentary lifestyle and bad habits: school, computers, cars, excess weight, smoking, alcohol, etc.Modern children prefer the computer instead of playing outside.In this regard, insufficiently developed muscles, poor "nutrition" of intervertebral discs and surrounding tissues.This also includes modern food products: sweets, carbonated food, 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 discs lose their elasticity, shape, percentage of moisture and lose their function over time: they ensure the mobility of the spinal column, shock absorption when lifting heavy objects or other loads.The normal relationship between the discs and the vertebrae is disturbed.The spine decreases in length, stability is impaired, and spasms of certain muscle groups are possible.Although the latter sometimes acts as a cause rather than an effect.In advanced cases, nerve endings are compressed.Hence the pain.
I would like to continue and say that today there is no definitive answer about the causes of osteochondrosis.It is believed to be influenced by a very large number of factors, which will be discussed in more detail.If the doctor's recommendations are not followed, osteochondrosis can cause protrusions (bulging of part of the disc), as well as hernia (bulging of part of the disc with rupture of the fibrous ring).In the latter case, the contents of the disc enter the spinal canal.After that, the body tries to adapt to the changes and bone tissue begins to grow to limit the mobility of the affected areas.The person cannot bend/unfold as before.
Causes of osteochondrosis
There are many reasons for the development of osteochondrosis:
- Sedentary lifestyle;
- Improper posture (kyphosis, scoliosis, etc.);
- Unbalanced diet;
- Constant stress and neuroses;
- Past infections, viruses and diseases;
- Metabolic disorders;
- Hidden infection;
- Excessive weight;
- Constant load.This also includes sedentary professions;
- Wearing low-quality or uncomfortable shoes;
- Weak muscular frame;
- weak immunity;
- Hormonal changes or use of replacement therapy;
- Side effects of some medicines;
- 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, ringing in the ears, stiffness of movement, numbness of the fingers, floating in the ears or other artifacts.When an artery is compressed, a throbbing headache, dizziness, deterioration of hearing, vision, etc. occurs.Possible depression or similar conditions, drowsiness, loss of strength;
- Thoracic osteochondrosis: pain in the chest, back between the shoulder blades, discomfort, possible pain in the heart or other organs, difficulty breathing;
- Lumbar osteochondrosis: pain in the lower back, which can be acute or painful, discomfort in the lower back, numbness of the legs, tingling, loss of sensitivity, disorders of the internal organs of the pelvis.
During the remission period, the acute pain subsides, but the nagging 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 accompanying diseases, the symptoms may vary.Therefore, it is important to undergo a comprehensive examination.Pain in the lower back 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.
Main symptoms of nervous system disorders:
- Bad dream;
- irritability;
- Nausea, vomiting;
- chills or fever;
- Loss of strength;
- Laziness;
- Changes in blood pressure;
- Headache.
It is worth noting that such symptoms can be a manifestation of neurosis or depression.In this case, it is necessary to contact not only a neurologist, but also a psychotherapist.
Diagnostics
In order to make a diagnosis and make an accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to undergo an examination by a neurologist and an osteopath.Based on your medical history, you will be prescribed an examination: tests, magnetic resonance or X-ray.When the results are received, the appropriate treatment will be prescribed.
It is necessary to understand that the treatment is very slow and requires the patient to follow a large number of 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, the pain is first eliminated by using:
- Muscle relaxants;
- Pain relievers;
- chondroprotectors (depending on the symptoms);
- Vitamins;
- vasodilators;
- Medicines for the normalization of metabolic processes.
After that, physical therapy is prescribed to strengthen the muscle corset;diet, daily routine, mattress and pillow are recommended.Thanks to exercise therapy, blood supply and tissue nutrition are also improved.In some cases, breathing exercises are indicated, which have a positive effect not only on the spasmodic muscles, but also on the central nervous system as a whole.Because osteochondrosis can be caused by long-term stress, depression or neurosis.Additionally, consultation with a psychotherapist is recommended to resolve internal conflicts.
Helper Methods
- Massage;
- Manual therapy;
- Physiotherapy (electrophoresis);
- Traction (not suitable for everyone and not always);
- Reflexology.
Prevention and prognosis
It is important to realize that everything you did before led you to the disease.It is necessary to slowly and gradually change your lifestyle towards health: eat right, exercise, move more (walking is natural from a physiological point of view), relax in nature, avoid or learn to deal with stress (psychotherapist or meditative practices), reduce excess weight, monitor your posture.If possible, change the place of work or the type of activity, eliminate harmful food: fast food, smoked meat, canned food, carbonated drinks, alcohol, smoking, strong coffee, fatty food, etc.Pay attention to fruits, vegetables, herbs.
Treat your health properly;as a rule, it is a non-renewable resource.Slowly and gradually the disease can be stopped or completely eliminated.