Osteochondrosis is the most common disease of the musculoskeletal system.Lumbar disease can appear in a person even at the age of 15, and it can be hidden in the early stages of the disease.
About 90% of the world's population suffers from this disease.This statistic is related to the modern lifestyle: improper nutrition, lack of time for exercise, etc.Damage to the musculoskeletal system can cause serious complications, limit opportunities, and disrupt the functioning of internal organs.
What is osteochondrosis and what are its causes?
Osteochondrosis of the spine is defined as a disease that begins with inflammation of the intervertebral discs, then affects the tissues of the spine.Cartilage tissue and bone tissue of the spine are affected by the process of degenerative changes.
When the disease occurs, the normal structure of the vertebral tissues changes.The cartilage disc changes its structure and consistency, loses its elasticity, and the distance between the vertebral discs narrows.In this regard, the nerve processes of the spinal cord are compressed, resulting in a painful sensation.Then, the small joints of the spine undergo changes, degenerative bone growths are formed, which subsequently prevents the patient from bending and causes pain.
The main causes of the disease:
- The main reason for the manifestation of this disease is unevenly distributed load on the spine (carrying bags, obesity, weight lifting, pregnancy).
- Also, the cause may be sitting for a long time or lying in the wrong position (uneven resting surface, sedentary lifestyle, consequences of injury).
- Flat feet can also be the cause of the disease.
- There is a congenital tendency to the disease.
- Poor and unhealthy nutrition.
- Previous back injuries are the cause of the disease.
- Frequent stress and overexertion can also cause the disease.
There is not a very favorable trend today;osteochondrosis begins at a young age when correct posture is not observed, when the musculoskeletal system is not yet fully formed.Young patients cannot take their health seriously, so parental duty forces them to teach their children about proper posture and healthy lifestyle.If you do not pay attention to your health, the disease can progress to an advanced form, which manifests itself as more severe symptoms over the years.
Back osteochondrosis: classification of the disease, main stages
Since the human back can be divided into several parts, back osteochondrosis is also classified into several types accordingly.
There are several types of osteochondrosis:
- Osteochondrosis of the cervical spinecharacterized by painful sensations in the neck and shoulder girdle, the degenerative processes of the vertebral discs of the cervical region progress.
- Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine- the affected thoracic part of the spine causes pain not only in the chest, but also between the shoulder blades, muscular dystrophy is noted in this area.
- Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spineoccurs in people who increase physical activity, which can affect reproductive function.
- Osteochondrosis of the sacral spineThis is dangerous, because nerve endings and blood vessels can be compressed as a result of the course of the disease.
- Extensive osteochondrosis of the spinecharacterized by the combination of damage to two or more of its parts.This case is considered the most severe and difficult to treat.
Like many other diseases, lumbar osteochondrosis is painful and passes into different stages of severity.
In medicine, there are several stages of back disease:
- The first stage- the beginning of the disease.The patient does not feel any special changes in the body;only mild discomfort is felt in one of the back parts during an unusual position or active movements.As a rule, these symptoms are not given much attention and they are associated with other causes of the manifestation.
- The second stagecharacterized by the manifestation of pain, because at this stage the process of cartilage tissue destruction begins;without timely medical intervention, the process of reducing the intervertebral space can accelerate, which will cause compression of nerves, lymphatic vessels or blood vessels.
- In the third stagethere is an obvious deformation of the spine.Treatment at this stage will slow the progression of the disease and possibly stop the spine from bending further.
- The final stagethe development of the disease leads to complete disability of the patient.At this stage, all processes associated with the disease are irreversible.The patient may have difficulty moving, every movement is accompanied by excruciating pain, the spine is significantly displaced, the cartilage tissue is dense, and the bone tissue grows pathologically.
Osteochondrosis: symptoms and diagnosis
Many symptoms of the disease can be confused with other diseases.
The point is that the deformed parts of the back put pressure on the nearby organs, which causes corresponding pain.
Some young patients do not even know or do not realize that osteochondrosis is a disease of old age, which, of course, is wrong.
Symptoms of the disease:
- pain and discomfort in the cervical region, sternum or lower back;
- the secondary symptom is muscle atrophy in the affected area;
- internal organs suffer due to postural deformation, which in turn shows dysfunction;
- there is numbness in the arms or legs;
- increased feeling of coldness in the lower extremities;
- headache, dizziness occurs;
- nausea appears;
- the patient may lose consciousness;
- the appearance of floaters or spots in the eyes is possible;
- Arterial spasm of the leg occurs.
With age, the secretion of intervertebral fluid decreases, the intervertebral discs become less elastic and undergo flattening, which is an intervertebral hernia.
This is important.If similar symptoms appear, contact the right specialist!
When the first symptoms are detected, the following specialists should be contacted for examination: neurologist, neurosurgeon, traumatologist.They will send you for examination and make an accurate diagnosis.
In order to prevent the development of the disease in time, it is necessary to identify it at an early stage of development.For this, fluoroscopy, magnetic resonance or computed tomography of the spine is performed.Sometimes additional examination of blood vessels and nerve endings is required.
Treatment of osteochondrosis: medicine and surgery
Back pain can be treated in different ways depending on the severity of the injury.Treatment methods and other areas of health improvement and prevention are selected first by the specialist who carries out diagnostic measures.Treatment of osteochondrosis requires an integrated approach.First of all, the main goal is to relieve pain and distribute the load on the spine.
To maintain the correct position of the spine and due to muscle atrophy, it is necessary to purchase and wear a special support corset.In the acute course of the disease, strict bed rest on a hard surface is indicated.
In some cases, a conservative approach to treatment is not appropriate and surgical intervention should be used.Also, sometimes experts consider spinal muscular atrophy to be a previously incurable disease.Currently, a drug has appeared that can cope with this disease.
Drug treatment of osteochondrosis
Treatment is almost impossible without the use of drugs, because inflammation and pain can only be eliminated with appropriate drugs.Medicines prevent pain.There are blockades for intramuscular administration, point, epidural, intraosseous.Only a specialist will determine what type of blockade is needed in your case.Restorative vitamin therapy is carried out comprehensively.
Surgical treatment of osteochondrosis
It happens that the conservative treatment of osteochondrosis fails and the pain interferes with life, the disease progresses, takes a complex form, and there is nothing left but to resort to a surgical solution.The main goal of such an intervention is to reduce the pressure on the spinal cord, which most often causes hernia.This approach to the treatment of the disease can be prescribed only by the attending physician.
Massage and manual therapy
Osteochondrosis should be treated comprehensively.This may include massage and manual therapy.These procedures should be performed by a qualified professional that will not harm or worsen the existing condition.
Massage and hydromassage help to normalize the general condition, muscle tone, improve blood circulation and normalize the work of the nervous system.
Treatment with manual therapy is possible.Manual therapy is used in an individually designed treatment program.The therapy helps to improve blood circulation, lymphatic circulation, strengthen the immune system and improve the functioning of the musculoskeletal system.
Osteochondrosis disease: treatment, complications and prevention by traditional methods
Osteochondrosis can be treated with specially selected physical therapy exercises.Certain exercises with a measured load in the desired areas of the body will strengthen the muscles and create a muscle corset for the spine.Thus, metabolism and blood circulation are normalized, nutrition of intervertebral discs is restored.Osteochondrosis stops progressing after a course of therapeutic physical education.
A useful habit would be to start the morning with therapeutic exercises that will prepare your motor system for the upcoming loads.
Swimming, in this case, as a therapeutic sport, will have a beneficial effect on the health of the spine.
Physiotherapy
Therapy also affects osteochondrosis.Physiotherapy increases the effect of drugs and relieves pain.Procedures are performed with laser, current, ultrasound and magnet.The therapeutic dose is specially selected and adjusted individually.Therapy can be carried out at any stage of osteochondrosis of the disease.
Treatment with folk remedies
Osteochondrosis can be treated with folk remedies, but you must consult your doctor.Folk remedies have minimal side effects, but allergic reactions to some components are possible.
There are many herbal recipes that help in the treatment of the disease.The collection helps to relieve inflammation and also relieve pain.You can choose ready-made preparations in a certain dose for the treatment of the disease.
According to the recipe, you can prepare an ointment, rubbing mixture or compress yourself.For example, a mixture for rubbing: radish juice (200-300 ml), honey (200-300 g), vodka (100 ml).
You can also make a tincture of cinquefoil and rub the wound before going to bed, then cover it with a warm scarf.
Sea salt (300 g), dry seaweed (5-6 packs) compress.The listed ingredients are poured with water at about 50 degrees, allowed to brew for about 30 minutes, then applied to the affected area using a gauze covered with polyethylene and a warm cloth.The compress is kept for 5-6 hours, the course is 10 procedures.
Steam the burdock leaf over steam for 10-15 minutes, then cover with polyethylene and a warm cloth, apply to the painful area.
Half a glass of birch is brewed with 0.5 liters of vodka for 7 days, then it is rubbed on the surface of the skin.
This is important.Remember that only folk remedies will not give the desired effect;treatment should be comprehensive.
Diet
Everyone has long known that a healthy diet is the key to good health, but not everyone understands the connection between nutrition and musculoskeletal disorders.In order to prevent further progression of the disease and the occurrence of complications, it is necessary to adhere to the diet.Because excess weight puts stress on the injured spine, fluid and food intake and output must be controlled, and weight must be controlled.
The menu should include foods that satisfy hunger and help cleanse the intestines (vegetables, fruits, grains, milk and fermented milk products).
It is worth giving up foods that retain salts in the body and promote fluid accumulation (acidic, smoked foods, coffee, alcohol, soda).
Don't eat too much bread and sweets, because the consumption of these products leads to excess weight.
Food can be 4-6 times a day.If your body weight is not excessive, then 4-5 times is enough;if the body weight is above the norm, you should eat 5-6 times a day in small portions.
The drinking regime should be limited: 2-2.5 liters per day, neither more nor less.
With the help of some products containing chondroitin, it is possible to strengthen the ligaments of the intervertebral discs and restore the cartilage structure (jelly, jellied meat, chicken wing broth, jellied fish).
Proper nutrition is the key to preventing diseases such as osteochondrosis.
Complications
If you start osteochondrosis, complications are more likely to occur.
Complications caused by osteochondrosis are aggravated and irreversible.
- The first complication can be a vertebral hernia as a result of decreased intervertebral fluid and flattening of the discs.
- Protrusions appear - the protrusion of the spinal disc into the spinal canal.
- Salt deposits in the spine.
- Spinal cord injury may occur.
- Atrophy of limbs.
- Paralysis of the lower extremities.
- Vertebral subluxation is possible.
- Kyphosis, scoliosis and other pathological curvatures of the spine occur.
- Sciatica may occur.
In order to prevent complications, it is necessary to regularly conduct a course of preventive treatment in accordance with diet and physical activity.
Prevention
It is easier to prevent the disease than to treat it later.
To prevent the development of osteochondrosis, you should follow a number of rules:
- Live an active lifestyle: do sports (swimming is especially useful for back health), do morning exercises.
- Take breaks to warm up when doing long periods of sitting.
- Watch out for diet, drink and excess weight.
- Make sure your posture is correct when running and walking.
- Minimize wearing high heels.
- Try to take a comfortable and correct position while sleeping.
- Buy an orthopedic mattress or pillow.
- Try to reduce carrying heavy objects or make sure you are lifting weights correctly.
- Choose a seat with a comfortable backrest for support.
It should be remembered that spinal disease is quite serious and does not have a certain age.Osteochondrosis can occur both at a young age and at old age.When the first signs of the disease appear, you should consult a neurologist or traumatologist.
If the disease has already manifested itself, do not forget that you need to visit a doctor from time to time who will monitor the course of the disease, give recommendations and determine the appropriate course of treatment or preventive measures.Seasonal treatment and preventive courses are held twice a year for existing osteochondrosis.
By following simple rules, you can protect your health or avoid complications and further development of the disease.
The spine is the basis of our body, it must be protected.Exercise, proper nutrition, a healthy lifestyle are the keys to health!