Man is the only species of mammal that moves with a straight and erect back. In this sense, the spine is suffering a great overload. On the one hand, the predominance of sedentary lifestyle, on the other, physical activity associated with weight lifting, sudden movements and even taking public transport; all of these factors contribute to the emergence of a disease as common as osteochondrosis. Furthermore, this disease is more often detected 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 disk loses fluid, becomes more compacted and less flexible. This is due to the load on the column during movement: the pressure on the disc shaft expels the fluid. During a night's rest, the spine should fully recover, but with an inactive lifestyle this does not happen, as the muscles and ligaments gradually lose their ability to stretch, meaning they can fully recover.
Cervical spine osteochondrosis
This type of osteochondrosis is considered the most insidious. The vertebrae that make up the neck are very close together. Even a slight deformation of one of them has serious consequences: headache, pressure spikes, heart pain. When the disease is neglected, numbness in the limbs, tinnitus, difficulty breathing, and vision problems can result. Some signs can easily be mistaken for a common headache or fatigue, but if symptoms regularly reappear, you should see a doctor as soon as possible to make the correct diagnosis in time.
Thoracic spine osteochondrosis
The main symptom of this type is chest pain. Most of the time, it manifests on one side and is defined as pain or twinge. One characteristic is the connection with movement and, with static loads, the pain increases. There are two types of chest pain: one is an acute but short-lived attack, the other is mild but prolonged. If you go to the doctor at the right 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. Men and women suffer from it with equal frequency. In the transitional area from the lumbar to the sacral region, acute pain occurs. The main problem is the reduction of the cartilaginous tissue, which leads to a reduction in the distance between the vertebrae, and this is a direct path towards the formation of an intervertebral hernia. Pain can appear for several reasons: compression of the nerve endings, narrowing of the veins, compression of the sciatic nerve. The exact reason will be determined by the doctor.
The defeat of two or more parts of the spine
Defeat with osteochondrosis of the entire spine or several sections worsens a person's general condition. The probability of hernias increases many times. The constant pain makes it impossible to lead a normal life. Until the process of alteration of the cartilaginous tissue becomes irreversible, it is necessary to start treating the disease as soon as possible.
The disease in its development has four phases:
- the early stage manifests as mild, short-term pain due to unstable spinal work;
- 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 possible, up to the formation of a hernia;
- in the last stage, the person experiences stiffness in movement, which may be accompanied by sharp pain.
Symptoms and Signs
It is difficult to track the onset of the disease as there are no pronounced symptoms. Sometimes the back becomes numb after sitting for a long time or lying in one position, a chilling sensation appears in the legs. All these unpleasant sensations pass quickly, just move or rub a stiff leg. Acute pain arrives, as always, unexpectedly: a person stumbled, turned sharply - and a pain syndrome appeared, in which you are afraid to even think about the next step. Pressure on the disturbing area causes pain, movement is limited, muscles tense. There is a protective spasm; thus, the body protects the painful area from further movement. This usually takes about 24 hours before the muscles can relax.
Thus, signs of osteochondrosis include discomfort in various parts of the body, accompanied by pain. Painful sensations may be concentrated in the neck, shoulders, back, chest. The described signs can be added headache, dizziness, tiredness, headache, decreased sensitivity in the limbs. The doctor at the location of the painful syndrome will be able to establish where the changes in the spine began.
Reasons for development
The causes of disease onset include factors that interfere with proper disc nutrition and make it impossible to restore it:
- prolonged stay of the body in postures that affect the work of the spine (first, sitting);
- trauma; especially this point applies to people involved in sports that involve heavy back loads (eg, weight lifting);
- work associated with prolonged static loads (for example, a worker on an assembly line, a hairdresser, and so on); with this work, muscle congestion and circulatory disorders are observed.
Since the main reason for the development of osteochondrosis is the uneven distribution of load in the spine, other factors, apparently unimportant at first glance, can also affect human health. Carrying a purse in one hand, the habit of sitting hunched over with a bent back, sleeping on a soft feather mattress, bending the neck in sleep (high pillow), uncomfortable shoes (albeit fashionable) - all these too it serves as a prerequisite for back ailments. An improper lifestyle, obesity, teen scoliosis can also worsen the condition.
The risk factor includes:
- tall people because their back muscles are underdeveloped;
- everyone who leads a sedentary life;
- those who are forced by their profession to lift weights;
- truck drivers with long-term vibration;
- former athletes;
- those who have had similar cases of the disease in their family;
- pregnant women and women during menopause;
- old people;
- smokers.
How to diagnose an illness
If the patient discovers the above symptoms, you should see the local therapist, who will redirect you to a neurologist. To clarify the diagnosis, a neuropathologist can refer the patient to a more narrowly specialized specialist - a vertebral neurologist (a doctor who deals exclusively with spinal disorders). A good chiropractor can also detect ailments by feeling your back. If the patient suspects a hernia, a trauma surgeon is essential.
Instrumental methods are also used to make a diagnosis:
- X-ray of the spine;
- myelography (this is a snapshot of not just bones but also nerve endings and other structures);
- reflex research (the notorious hammer of a neuropathologist);
- Computed tomography;
- nuclear magnetic resonance (the most accurate and safest diagnostic method);
- magnetic resonance imaging (an indispensable method for intervertebral disc pathology).
The doctor prescribes the usual tests for the patient.
In the general analysis of blood, attention should be paid to the leukocyte and ESR indicator. An increase in values will indicate the presence of an inflammatory process in the body. A low hemoglobin level indicates a lack of dietary protein, which can directly affect the development of degenerative processes.
A general urine test will show the percentage of minerals in the body. An increased indicator indicates a violation of the correct balance of nutrients in food.
Elevated blood glucose also speaks to the patient's inadequate diet. Also, it can be the first symptom of diabetes, which leads to complications for every organ in the human body.
An analysis of the blood cholesterol level is also very important as it shows the state of the blood vessels.
Osteochondrosis Treatment
In the early stage of the disease, drug treatment is minimal. Medications are needed to alleviate the patient's condition, relieve inflammatory processes, and improve metabolism. If these procedures were not enough, the doctor prescribes a block, that is, injections, which are quite effective. Elderly people receive medications that do not accumulate in the body.
Physiotherapy complements medication well. Physiological methods include: ultrasound, the use of a magnetic field, low-frequency current, laser therapy, and so on. The action principle aims to expand blood vessels and increase blood circulation. Thus, an analgesic effect is achieved, the impaired immune response is normalized.
Physical therapy also has a beneficial effect on the spine. A correctly selected set of exercises can put the most neglected patients on their feet. Under the influence of physical activity, not only are impaired functions restored, but also the patient's general mental state improves. Consulting this therapy itself gives the patient the confidence that he will be able to return to a full-fledged lifestyle. A simulator like a special treatment board proved itself perfectly. It is an inexpensive and effective way to restore spinal function.
Massage is based on complex metabolic processes. Thanks to it, it improves the circulation of blood and lymph in the affected region, which favors metabolism, relaxation of muscle tone, joint mobility and improvement in the condition of the skin. Massage relieves pain, fatigue, improves the physical condition of the body.
Only one professional should be involved with manual therapy, as an illiterate specialist can harm the patient. This 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 use the affected organ. Impact is accomplished through pressure, twisting, pushing, jerking, and so on.
A good result is obtained by lengthening the spine. It can be underwater and dry. It is used to increase the space between discs. Underwater, as the name implies, occurs underwater, and on dry tables with special equipment. Traction can be vertical or horizontal, depending on body position.
Complications of Ignoring the Disease
Everyone is believed to have chondrosis. But that's no reason to ignore the problem. This is a totally harmless diagnosis. In especially advanced cases, the disease can lead to disability.
If you skip the treatment, there may be such complications later:
- hernia;
- protrusion (initial change in the intervertebral disc);
- kyphosis (humped back);
- radiculitis;
- salt deposits;
- spinal cord effusion;
- circulatory disorders;
- paralysis of the legs.
Untreated cervical osteochondrosis can cause headaches, dizziness, and insomnia. The pectoral changes to intercostal neuralgia. The lumbar has consequences such as inflammation of the sciatic nerve, dysfunctions of the genitourinary system. The main condition for the treatment of osteochondrosis is the step-by-step observance, and only constant and purposeful efforts will give a good result.
Disease prevention
Prevention plays an important role in maintaining spinal health. The first step is to reduce the risk of workplace injuries. This applies to both dynamic and static loads. If there is this opportunity, you should move to another place of work when you first experience back pain. Otherwise, it is necessary to take the necessary measures: constantly changing the position of the body, optimizing the work environment, exercising or at least some exercises. Yoga classes can play a special role. This ancient Indian system of postures, called asanas, can help remove all tension from the body, relax and stretch the spine.
Correct work with weights is not of little importance in prevention.
There are several rules that must be followed by those who take care of your back:
- you cannot lift weights with your arms outstretched; it will be okay to sit down and, pressing the load against your chest, get up with your back straight;
- you cannot carry a load in one hand; it will be okay to distribute your weight into two approximately equal parts;
- even if the luggage is a little heavy, you need to stop periodically and rest your hands;
- the column must be prepared for the load; this can be helped by a regular series of exercises to strengthen the back, ie the muscular corset.
If regular exercise is not possible, it can be replaced by a more familiar walk. It is advisable to take at least 8, 000 steps daily, but at the same time it is necessary to maintain good posture, combine the steps with correct breathing; During the walk, you can try out various walking options: tiptoe, heel, lifting your legs high, jogging. 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 water, Archimedes' law works, which reduces the weight of the human body, so that the muscles relax and the spine is elongated. 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 excess are destructive to the spine. You need to carefully monitor your body's condition 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 the 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 overweight;
- the amount of vitamins and minerals needed;
- prevent dehydration of the body;
- slow down destructive processes.
For the diet to achieve its goals, the diet must be low in calories and include dairy products, fish, eggs, herbs, vegetable oil. Doctors advise eating broth-based dishes: soups, borscht, cold meat, gelatin. In fact, these foods contain protectors that protect cartilage tissue. But seniors should approach this diet with caution, as the fat contained in concentrated broths can clog brain vessels.
The health of the spine is in the hands of each person. If, at the first pains, you start exercising, signing up for a swimming pool, reviewing your diet, you can not only slow down the destruction of the vertebrae, but also improve the body in general. If you don't have the time or desire to lead an active lifestyle, you will need to follow the elementary safety rules, which were written above in this article.