The essence of the disease is a violation of the structure of the tissues of the vertebrae and intervertebral discs, which leads to a decrease in their elasticity and a change in shape.The space between the vertebrae is significantly reduced and the stability of the spinal column is reduced in this area.Abnormal tissue destruction involves the pinching of nerve endings from the spinal cord and leads to constant tension in the spinal muscles.Back pain and other symptoms inherent in osteochondrosis occur.The weakening of the intervertebral discs causes the development of a pathology such as vertebral hernia, and the further course of the disease leads to the degradation of the joints of the spinal column and intervertebral ligaments.The formation of bone processes - osteophytes - takes place.
Osteochondrosis has three forms - cervical, thoracic and lumbar.All the symptoms inherent in the disease of osteochondrosis are often observed in people who prefer to sit at the computer instead of active physical activity.As a result of staying in an unnatural position for the spine for a long time, posture disorders and degeneration of the spinal muscles develop, which leads to various pathologies of the spine.
Symptoms of the disease
Osteochondrosis of the back is a chronic disease characterized by alternating periods of exacerbation and remission.The period of exacerbation is greatly facilitated by many physical activities.
The clinical picture of the disease largely depends on the localization of the pathology;The syndromes of osteochondrosis are also different:
- Cervical osteochondrosis is characterized by pain in the neck and arms, headache and numbness of the fingers.In severe cases, the vertebra of the artery is pinched, which causes the patient's condition to deteriorate even more;
- Signs of thoracic osteochondrosis are expressed in acute or painful back pain, difficulty breathing, pain in the area of the heart;
- Lumbar osteochondrosis begins with pain in the lumbar region and lower limbs, gradually increasing with movement.Patients often experience abnormalities in the urogenital system;weakened potency in men, ovarian dysfunction may occur in women.
- In some cases, there is a type of mixed osteochondrosis, which is the most severe form of the disease, and in this case, the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the spine are also mixed.
How is the diagnosis made?
The primary diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the intervertebral discs is established by taking into account the symptoms of back osteochondrosis indicated by the patient during contact with the clinic.The examination of osteochondrosis of the spine consists of checking the patient's spine in different positions, at rest and in motion.After performing the examination procedures, the patient undergoes hardware diagnostics, with the help of which the initial diagnosis is confirmed, clarified or refuted.The test results often reveal several simultaneous diseases that can be classified as complications - hernia, radiculitis, etc.The success of determining the form and stage of osteochondrosis largely depends on the correct diagnosis.It should be remembered that the diagnosis and recommendations for getting rid of osteochondrosis are within the competence of the neurologist;all procedures must be carried out only under his supervision.
Causes of osteochondrosis
In medicine, there is a rule according to which osteochondrosis is a combination of several factors and begins to manifest itself in the following cases:
- Metabolic problems can cause spinal disease;
- A predisposition to pathology fixed at the genetic level is the cause of osteochondrosis;
- Defective physical development.This includes postural problems, varying degrees of flat feet, and other skeletal abnormalities;
- Toxic intoxication of the body and some infections can lead to osteochondrosis;
- Acquired injuries of the locomotor system, age-related or occupational regression;
- Injuries and bruises of the spinal column;
- Excess weight, lack of normal nutrition and non-compliance with the diet, vitamin deficiency and dehydration of the body also lead to osteochondrosis;
- Bad habits and periodic stress.
- Indirect causes of osteochondrosis are identified, but all of them can be grouped into one group related to an unhealthy lifestyle.
Principles of treatment of osteochondrosis
Treatment of osteochondrosis involves the use of measures that must be carried out for a rather long time (1-3 months + about 1 year for rehabilitation), to which many patients react very ambiguously.Therefore, it should be noted that by indirectly following the recommendations of the attending physician, the prognosis of the patient's recovery is minimal.Self-medication is often an additional problem in the treatment of osteochondrosis.The fact is that the clinical picture with this disease is quite ambiguous and wide.Without a diagnosis, the patient begins to choose drugs for what hurts, and after eliminating the pain, continues with his daily life, while the disease progresses.
Treatment of osteochondrosis is carried out by two main methods: conservative and surgical treatment.In addition, there are general recommendations for the treatment of osteochondrosis, such as diet and rehabilitation.Conservative treatment of osteochondrosis is aimed at relieving pain, normalizing the function of the spine and its components, and preventing further degenerative changes in the human "axis".This includes: drug therapy, physiotherapy, physical therapy (physiotherapy), massage, hydromassage, manual therapy, spinal traction.Surgical treatment of osteochondrosis is used when the conservative method is ineffective.It is prescribed by the attending physician or the health committee.It can also be used for severe damage to the spine and its components.
Prevention methods
The most effective way to treat osteochondrosis is to follow a proper diet and exercise.In osteochondrosis of the spine and gymnastic treatment, the following showed the greatest effectiveness:
- Massage of the lumbar area, back and limbs in the morning;
- Jumping in place, exercises on the horizontal bar;
- Regular breaks for physical exercises during work, 7-9 exercises are enough to prevent illness;
- A visit to the swimming pool, especially recommended by backstroke experts.
Most patients think about how to start treating osteochondrosis of the back when the disease progresses.In this case, in addition to the general recommendations, exercises from the physical therapy complex aimed at stretching the spine should be given.
At the onset of osteochondrosis, a strictly balanced diet should be followed, mainly protein-containing foods, but mushrooms should be excluded from the daily diet if possible.You should limit the consumption of salty, fatty foods, including homemade pickles.Sugar, flour and confectionery products are also contraindicated.You should give up bad habits, refrain from excessive consumption of coffee and products based on it.The daily amount of fluid consumed should not exceed 1 liter, and the number of meals should be kept between 5-7 per day.The vitamin and nutrient deficiency shown by the tests requires immediate replacement.
The disease, symptoms and treatment of osteochondrosis have been thoroughly studied, and the fight against it is quite possible.A timely consultation with a doctor, a thorough health diagnosis and strict adherence to all the recommendations of the attending physician increase the positive prognosis of recovery!