Humans are the only species of mammals that walk with their backs upright.In this case, the spinal column experiences a great overload.On the one hand, there is a predominance of an inactive lifestyle, on the other hand, physical activity associated with lifting heavy objects, sudden movements, and even riding public transport;All these factors contribute to the occurrence of common diseases such as osteochondrosis.Moreover, this disease is most often detected in the working population.
What is osteochondrosis, its types and stages
Osteochondrosis is a process in which the elasticity of the intervertebral disc is affected.Under the influence of unfavorable factors, the disc loses fluid, becomes denser and less flexible.This happens due to the load on the spine during movement: the pressure on the axis of the disc squeezes the fluid out of it.During a night's rest, the spine should be fully restored, but with a sedentary lifestyle this does not happen, because the muscles and ligaments gradually lose their ability to stretch, and therefore to fully recover.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
This type of osteochondrosis is considered the most dangerous.The vertebrae that make up the neck are very close to each other.Even the slightest deformation of one of them entails serious consequences: headaches, pressure surges, heart attacks.If the disease is advanced, numbness in the limbs, tinnitus, difficulty breathing, and vision problems may appear.Some symptoms can easily be confused with a normal headache or fatigue, but if the symptoms recur frequently, you should see a doctor as soon as possible to ensure that the correct diagnosis is made in time.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine
The main symptom of this type is chest pain.Often it appears on one side and is defined as aching 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 acute but short-lived, the other is mild but long-lasting.If you visit the doctor on time, it is possible to cure the disease without using surgical methods.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
This is the most common type of osteochondrosis.It affects men and women with equal frequency.In the area where the lumbar region shifts to the sacral region, acute pain occurs.The main problem is the reduction of cartilage tissue, which leads to a reduction in the distance between the vertebrae, and this is a direct path to the formation of intervertebral hernia.Pain can appear for various reasons: compression of nerve endings, narrowing of veins, pinching of the sciatic nerve.The exact cause will be determined by the doctor.
Damage to two or more parts of the spine
Osteochondrosis that affects the entire spine or some parts worsens the general condition of a person.The possibility of a hernia increases many times.Constant pain makes it impossible to lead a normal lifestyle.Before the process of change in the cartilaginous tissue becomes irreversible, it is necessary to start the treatment of the disease as soon as possible.
This disease has four stages in its development:
- the initial stage is indicated by minor and short-term pain due to unstable spinal function;
- in the second stage, the vertebrae are displaced, which shortens the distance between them;
- in the third stage, serious deformation of the intervertebral disc is already possible, up to the formation of a hernia;
- in the last stage, the person feels stiffness in movement, which may be accompanied by acute pain.
Symptoms and signs
The onset of this disease is difficult to detect, because there are no obvious symptoms.Sometimes your back becomes numb after sitting or lying in one position for a long time, and a feeling of pins and needles appears in your legs.All these unpleasant sensations pass quickly, you just need to move or rub your stiff legs.Acute pain comes, as usual, unexpectedly: a person stumbles, turns suddenly - and a pain syndrome arises, where it is scary to think about the next step.Pressing on the offending area causes pain, limited movement, and muscle tension.Protective spasms occur;In this way, the body protects the painful area from further movement.This condition usually lasts for about 24 hours until the muscles can rest.
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.Symptoms described may include headache, dizziness, fatigue, heart pain, and loss of sensitivity in the limbs.Based on the localization of the pain syndrome, the doctor will be able to determine where the changes begin in the spine.
Because of development
The causes of the disease include factors that interfere with the proper nutrition of the disc and make its recovery impossible:
- prolonged stay of the body in a position that has an adverse effect on the function of the spine (especially sitting);
- injury;This especially applies to people involved in sports that involve heavy loads on the spine (for example, weightlifting);
- work related to long-term static loads (for example, workers on the assembly line, hairdressers and so on);With such work, congestion in the muscles and poor circulation are observed.
Since the main reason for the development of osteochondrosis is the uneven distribution of the load on the spine, other factors that at first glance seem insignificant can also affect human health.Carrying a bag in only one hand, the habit of sitting hunched, with a bent back, sleeping on a soft feather bed, curvature of the neck position during sleep (high pillow), uncomfortable shoes (even stylish) - all this also serves as a prerequisite for back diseases.Unhealthy lifestyles, obesity, and adolescent scoliosis can worsen the condition.
Risk factors include:
- tall people because their back muscles are underdeveloped;
- everyone who leads a sedentary lifestyle;
- those who are forced by their profession to lift weights;
- truck drivers experience prolonged vibration;
- former athlete;
- those who already have a case of the same disease in their family;
- pregnant women and women during menopause;
- parents;
- smoker.
How to diagnose a disease
If the patient detects the above symptoms, then he should come to the local doctor, who will direct the patient to a neurologist.To clarify the diagnosis, the neurologist can refer the patient to a more specialized specialist - a vertebroneurologist (a doctor who deals exclusively with diseases of the spine).A good chiropractor can also detect disease by palpating the back.If the patient suspects 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 picture of not only bones, but also nerve endings and other structures);
- reflex examination (the well-known hammer of neurologists);
- computed tomography;
- nuclear magnetic resonance (the most accurate and safe diagnostic method);
- magnetic resonance imaging (an indispensable method for intervertebral disc pathology).
The doctor also prescribes regular tests for the patient.
In the general blood test, you should pay attention to the leukocyte count and ESR.An increase in the value will indicate the presence of an inflammatory process in the body.A low level of hemoglobin will indicate a lack of protein food, which can directly affect the development of the degenerative process.
A general urine test will show what percentage of mineral salts exist in the body.An increased rate indicates a violation of the correct balance of nutrients in food.
An increase in blood glucose also indicates that the patient is not eating properly.In addition, this may be the first symptom of diabetes, which leads to complications for all organs of the human body.
The analysis of the level of cholesterol in the blood is also very important, because it shows the condition of the blood vessels.
Treatment of osteochondrosis
In the early stages of the disease, drug treatment is used in minimal amounts.Medicines are needed to ease the patient's condition, relieve inflammation, and improve metabolism.If this procedure is not enough, the doctor prescribes a restriction, which is an injection, which is a relatively effective medicine.Elderly is a prescribed drug that does not accumulate in the body.
Physiotherapy complements drug treatment well.Physiotherapy methods include: ultrasound, the use of magnetic fields, low frequency current, laser therapy and so on.The principle of action aims to widen blood vessels and improve blood circulation.In this way, an analgesic effect is achieved and the impaired immune response is normalized.
Physical therapy also has a beneficial effect on the spine.A properly selected set of exercises can put the most neglected patient back on track.Under the influence of physical activity, not only the impaired functions are restored, but also the general mental state of the patient improves.The prescription of such therapy gives confidence to the patient that he will be able to return to a full lifestyle.Simulators such as special treatment boards have proven themselves very well.This is an inexpensive and effective way to restore spinal function.
Massage action is based on a complex metabolic process.Thanks to it, blood and lymph circulation improves in the affected area, which promotes metabolism, relaxation of muscle tone, joint mobility, and improvement of skin condition.Massage relieves pain, fatigue, and improves the physical condition of the body.
Manual therapy can only be performed by a professional, as an illiterate specialist can harm the patient.Such therapy is a set of measures that can radically improve a person's condition.A good specialist can free the patient from functional restrictions and restore the ability to fully use the affected organs.Impact is done by using pressure, twisting, pushing, jerking and so on.
Spinal traction gives good results.It can be underwater or dry.Used to increase the space between disks.Underwater, as the name suggests, takes place under water, and dry - on a table with special equipment.The connection can be vertical or horizontal, depending on the position of the body.
Complications of ignoring the disease
It is believed that everyone has chondrosis.But this is not a reason to ignore the problem.This is not a completely harmless diagnosis.In particularly advanced cases, the disease can cause disability.
If treatment is neglected, the following complications may occur:
- hernia;
- protrusion (early changes in the intervertebral disc);
- kyphosis (hump in the back);
- radiculitis;
- salt deposits;
- spinal cord stroke;
- circulatory disorders;
- paralyzed legs
Untreated cervical osteochondrosis can cause headaches, dizziness, and insomnia.Chest turns into intercostal neuralgia.Lumbar causes consequences such as inflammation of the sciatic nerve, damage to the genitourinary system.The main condition for the treatment of osteochondrosis is compliance with the stages, and only constant targeted efforts will give good results.
Disease prevention
Prevention plays an important role in maintaining a healthy spine.The first step is to reduce the risk of injury in the workplace.This applies to dynamic and static loads.If such a possibility exists, you should move to another workplace at the first sensation of pain in your back.If not, you need to take the necessary measures: constantly change your body position, optimize your workplace, do gymnastics or at least some exercises.Yoga classes can play a special role.This ancient Indian system of poses, called asana, can help relieve all tension in the body, relax and stretch the spine.
Correct work with weights is not essential in prevention.
There are a few rules that everyone protecting their back must follow:
- Do not lift weights with outstretched arms;it is correct to sit and, pressing the load to your chest, stand with a straight back;
- You cannot carry a load in one hand;it is correct to distribute its weight in two, more or less equal parts;
- even if the luggage is a little heavy, you need to stop periodically and rest your hands;
- the spine must be prepared for the load;A set of regular exercises to strengthen the back, that is, a muscle corset, can help with this.
If you can't exercise regularly, you can replace it with a more regular walk.It is advisable to take at least 8,000 steps per day, but you must ensure good posture and combine steps with proper breathing;While walking, you can try different walking options: on your toes, on your heels, lift your legs high, jogging.If you do not have time for this, then even a short but energetic walk to work and back will benefit the body.
Swimming combines the opportunity to relax the vertebrae and feel physical activity.In water, Archimedes' law applies, which reduces the weight of the human body, so the muscles relax and the spine stretches.In addition, swimming allows you to keep your body in good shape.
Running can also serve as disease prevention.Keep in mind that both lack of physical activity and overdoing it are harmful to the spine.You need to carefully monitor the condition of your body and avoid pain.
If signs of inflammation appear, a medicine applicator can help.When the needle comes into contact with the patient's skin, nerve endings become irritated, blood vessels expand, blood circulation improves and the pain syndrome weakens.Longer exposure, up to 40 minutes, leads to muscle relaxation.
Proper nutrition is one of the most effective preventive measures.
It should pursue several goals:
- fight excess weight;
- the amount of vitamins and minerals needed;
- prevent dehydration of the body;
- slow down the destructive process.
For the diet to achieve its goals, foods must be low in calories and include dairy products, fish, eggs, herbs and vegetable oils.Doctors advise to eat soup-based dishes: soup, borscht, jellied meat, aspic.Indeed, such foods contain protectors that protect cartilage tissue.But older people should approach such a diet with caution, because the fat contained in thick soup can clog blood vessels in the brain.
Spinal health is in everyone's hands.If, at the first pain, you start doing gymnastics, sign up for a swimming pool, and review your diet, you can not only slow down the process of destruction of the vertebrae, but also improve the health of the body in general.If you do not have the time or desire to lead an active lifestyle, then you need to follow the basic safety rules described above in this article.