Man is the only species of mammal that moves with its back upright. In this sense, the spine is experiencing great overload. On the one hand, the predominance of sedentary lifestyle, on the other, physical activity associated with lifting weights, sudden movements and even driving on public transport; All these factors contribute to the appearance of such a common disease as osteochondrosis. In addition, this disease is detected more frequently in the working population.
What is osteochondrosis, its types and stages?
Osteochondrosis is a process in which the elasticity of the intervertebral discs is altered. Under the influence of unfavorable factors, the disc loses fluid, becomes more compacted and less flexible. This is due to the load on the column during movement: the pressure on the axis of the disk squeezes the liquid. During a restful night, the spine must fully recover, but with an inactive lifestyle, this does not happen, because the muscles and ligaments gradually lose their 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 close together. Even a slight deformation of one of them carries serious consequences: headache, pressure spikes, pain in the heart. When the disease is neglected, numbness in the extremities, tinnitus, shortness of breath, and vision problems can occur. Some signs can easily be mistaken for a common headache or fatigue, but if the symptoms recur regularly, you should see a doctor as soon as possible to establish the correct diagnosis in time.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine.
The main symptom of this type is chest pain. Most of the time it manifests itself on one side and is defined as painful or stabbing. A characteristic feature is the connection with movement, and with static loads, the pain increases. There are two types of chest pain: one is a sharp but short-lived attack, the other is mild but long-lasting. If you visit a doctor in 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, sharp pain occurs. The main problem is a decrease in cartilage tissue, which leads to a reduction in the distance between the vertebrae, and this is a direct path to the formation of an intervertebral hernia. Pain can appear for various reasons: compression of the nerve endings, narrowing of the veins, pinching of the sciatic nerve. The doctor will determine the exact reason.
The defeat of two or more parts of the column.
Defeat with osteochondrosis of the entire spine or several sections worsens the general condition of a person. The probability of hernias increases many times. Constant pain makes it impossible to lead a normal life. Until the process of change in cartilage tissue becomes irreversible, it is necessary to begin treatment of the disease as soon as possible.
The disease in its development has four stages:
- the initial stage is manifested by a slight and brief pain due to the unstable work of the spine;
- in the second stage, the vertebrae are displaced, which shortens the distance between them;
- in the third stage, serious deformations of the intervertebral discs are already possible, up to the formation of a hernia;
- in the last stage, a person feels stiffness in movements, which may be accompanied by sharp pain.
Signs and symptoms
It is difficult to trace the onset of the disease, since there are no pronounced symptoms. Sometimes the back becomes numb after a long time sitting or lying in one position, a feeling of goose bumps appears on the legs. All these unpleasant sensations pass quickly, you just have to move or rub a stiff leg. Acute pain comes, as always, unexpectedly: a person stumbled, turned sharply, and a pain syndrome arose, in which it is scary even to think about the next step. Pressure on the annoying area causes pain, movement is limited, and muscles are tight. There is a protective spasm; thus, the body secures the sore area from subsequent movements. This usually lasts about 24 hours before the muscles can relax.
Therefore, the signs of osteochondrosis include discomfort in various parts of the body, accompanied by pain. Painful sensations can be concentrated in the neck, shoulders, back, chest. To the described signs, headache, dizziness, fatigue, heart pain, impaired sensitivity in the extremities can be added. The doctor in the location of the pain syndrome will be able to establish where the changes began in the spine.
Reasons for development
The causes of the onset of the disease include factors that interfere with proper nutrition of the disc and make it impossible to restore it:
- prolonged stay of the body in postures that have a negative effect on the work of the spine (first of all, sitting);
- trauma; especially this point applies to people involved in sports that involve heavy loads on the spine (for example, weight lifting);
- work associated with prolonged static charges (for example, a worker on an assembly line, a hairdresser, etc. ); with such work, congestion in the muscles and circulatory disorders are observed.
Since the main reason for the development of osteochondrosis is the uneven distribution of load on the spine, other factors, seemingly unimportant at first glance, can also affect human health. Carrying a bag in one hand, the habit of sitting hunched over with a hunched back, sleeping on a soft feather bed, curvature of the neck position during sleep (high pillow), uncomfortable shoes (although fashionable), everything this also serves as a prerequisite for back diseases. An improper lifestyle, obesity, and adolescent scoliosis can also make the condition worse.
The risk factor includes:
- tall people, as their back muscles are underdeveloped;
- all those who lead a sedentary lifestyle;
- those who are forced by their profession to lift weights;
- long-term vibration truck drivers;
- former athletes;
- those who have already had similar cases of the disease in their family;
- pregnant women and women during menopause;
- elderly people;
- smokers.
How to diagnose an ailment
If the patient discovers the above symptoms, he should go to the local therapist, who will redirect him to a neurologist. To clarify the diagnosis, a neuropathologist may refer the patient to a more specialized specialist: a vertebral neurologist (a doctor who deals exclusively with diseases of the spine). A good chiropractor can also detect disease by feeling the back. If the patient is suspected of having a hernia, then a trauma surgeon is indispensable.
Instrumental methods are also used to make a diagnosis:
- X-ray of the spine;
- myelography (this is a snapshot not only of bones, but also of nerve endings and other structures);
- reflex research (the notorious hammer of a neuropathologist);
- Computed tomography;
- nuclear magnetic resonance (the most accurate and safe diagnostic method);
- Magnetic resonance imaging (an indispensable method for the pathology of intervertebral discs).
The doctor prescribes the usual tests for the patient.
In the general blood test, attention should be paid to the indicator of leukocytes and ESR. An increase in the values will indicate the presence of an inflammatory process in the body. A low hemoglobin level 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 correct balance of nutrients in food.
Elevated blood glucose also speaks of an improper diet of the patient. Also, it can be the first symptom of diabetes, leading to complications for all organs of the human body.
A blood cholesterol level test is also very important, as it shows the condition of the 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, relieve inflammatory processes, and improve metabolism. If these procedures are not enough, the doctor prescribes a blockade, that is, injections, which are quite effective. Older people are prescribed drugs that do not accumulate in the body.
Physical therapy complements medication well. Physiological methods include: ultrasound, the use of a magnetic field, low-frequency current, laser therapy, etc. The principle of action is aimed at expanding blood vessels and increasing blood circulation. Thus, an analgesic effect is achieved, the impaired immune response is normalized.
Physiotherapy also has a beneficial effect on the spine. A properly selected set of exercises can put the most neglected patients on their feet. Under the influence of physical activity, not only impaired functions are restored, but also the general mental state of the patient improves. The very appointment of such therapy gives the patient the confidence that she will be able to return to a full lifestyle. A simulator such as a special treatment plate has proven itself. It is an inexpensive and effective way to restore spinal function.
Massage is based on complex metabolic processes. Thanks to it, blood and lymphatic circulation improves in the affected area, which favors metabolism, relaxation of muscle tone, joint mobility and improvement of the condition of the skin. Massage relieves pain, fatigue, improves the physical condition of the body.
Only a professional should participate in manual therapy, as 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 free the patient from functional blockage and restore the ability to fully utilize the affected organ. The impact is made by pressure, twisting, pushing, jerking, etc.
A good result is obtained by stretching the spine. It can be underwater and dry. It is used to increase the space between disks. Underwater, as the name implies, is carried out under water and dried on tables with special equipment. The traction can be vertical or horizontal, depending on the position of the body.
Complications of ignoring the disease.
Everyone is believed to have chondrosis. But this is not a reason to ignore the problem. This is a completely harmless diagnosis. In especially advanced cases, the disease can lead to disability.
If you ignore the treatment, then later there may be such complications:
- hernia;
- protrusion (initial change in the intervertebral disc);
- kyphosis (hump on the back);
- radiculitis;
- salt deposits;
- stroke of the spinal cord;
- circulatory disorders;
- leg paralysis.
Untreated cervical osteochondrosis can cause headache, dizziness, and insomnia. The pectoral passes to intercostal neuralgia. The lumbar area gives consequences such as inflammation of the sciatic nerve, malfunction of the genitourinary system. The main condition for the treatment of osteochondrosis is observance of the stage by stage, and only constant and determined 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 injury in the workplace. This applies to dynamic and static loads. If there is such an opportunity, you should move to another workplace at the first pain in the back. 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 postures, called asanas, can help to remove all tension in the body, relax and stretch the spine.
The correct work with weights is of great importance in prevention.
There are several rules that anyone who takes care of their back must follow:
- you can't lift weights with your arms outstretched; it will be correct to sit down and, pressing the load against the chest, stand up straight;
- you cannot carry a load in one hand; it will be correct to distribute its weight in two approximately equal parts;
- even if the luggage is a little heavy, you need to periodically stop and rest your hands;
- the column must be ready for loading; This can be helped with a regular series of exercises to strengthen the back, that is, the muscular corset.
If regular exercise is not possible, you can replace it with a more familiar walk. It is advisable to take at least 8000 steps a day, but at the same time it is necessary to maintain good posture, combine steps with correct breathing; During the walk, you can try various walking options: on your toes, with your heels, lifting your legs up, walking in a run. If there is no time for this, even a short but brisk walk to and from work will benefit the body.
Swimming combines the ability to relax the vertebrae and exercise. In the water, Archimedes' law works, which reduces the weight of the human body, so that the muscles relax and the spine is stretched. In addition, swimming allows you to keep your body in good shape.
Running can also prevent illness. It should be remembered that both the lack of physical activity and its excessive are destructive to the spine. You must carefully monitor the state of your body and avoid pain.
If signs of inflammation appear, a medicated applicator can help. When the needles come into contact with the patient's skin, nerve endings become irritated, blood vessels dilate, blood circulation improves, and pain syndrome weakens. Longer exposure, up to 40 minutes, leads to muscle relaxation.
The correct diet is one of the most effective prevention methods.
It should serve several purposes:
- the fight against excess weight;
- the required amount of vitamins and minerals;
- prevent dehydration of the body;
- slow down destructive processes.
For the diet to achieve its goals, foods must be low in calories and include dairy products, fish, eggs, herbs, and vegetable oil. Doctors advise eating broth-based dishes: soups, borscht, jellied meat, aspic. In fact, these foods contain protectants that protect cartilage tissue. But the elderly should approach this diet with caution, since the fat contained in concentrated broths can clog the cerebral vessel.
The health of the spine is in the hands of all people. If, at the first pains, you start to do gymnastics, join a pool, check your diet, you can not only slow down the process of destruction of the vertebrae, but also improve the body in general. If there is no time or desire to lead an active lifestyle, you must follow the elementary safety rules, which were written earlier in this article.