The essence of the disease is due to a disruption in 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 there is a loss of spinal stability in this area.The pathological tissue destruction is accompanied by pinching of the nerve endings coming from the spinal cord and leads to constant tension in the spinal muscles.Back pain and other symptoms typical of osteochondrosis occur.Weakening of the intervertebral discs leads to the development of a pathology such as a vertebral fracture, and the further course of the disease leads to deterioration of the joints of the spine and intervertebral ligaments.This leads to the formation of bone processes – osteophytes.
There are three forms of osteochondrosis: cervical, thoracic and lumbar.All symptoms associated with the disease osteochondrosis are often observed in people who prefer to sit at the computer rather than engage in active physical activity.Staying in a position that is unnatural for the spine for a long time leads to posture disorders and a breakdown of the spinal muscles, 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 exacerbation phase is largely relieved by numerous physical activities.
The clinical picture of the disease largely depends on the localization of the pathology;Osteochondrosis syndromes also differ:
- Cervical osteochondrosis manifests itself as pain in the neck and arms and is characterized by headaches and numbness in the fingers.In severe cases, the vertebral artery is pinched, which leads to an even greater deterioration in the patient's condition;
- Signs of thoracic osteochondrosis are manifested by acute or aching pain in the back, difficulty breathing and pain in the heart area;
- Lumbar osteochondrosis begins with pain in the lumbar region and lower extremities, which gradually increases with movement.Patients often experience disorders of the genitourinary system;In men it can lead to reduced potency and in women it can lead to ovarian dysfunction.
- In some cases, a type of mixed osteochondrosis occurs, the most severe form of the disease, and the symptoms of spinal osteochondrosis in this case are also mixed.
How is the diagnosis carried out?
The primary diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the intervertebral discs is made taking into account the symptoms of back osteochondrosis indicated by the patient when contacting the clinic.An examination for spinal osteochondrosis consists in examining the patient's spine in various positions, in conditions of rest and movement.After completing the examination procedures, the patient undergoes hardware diagnostics, with the help of which the initial diagnosis is confirmed, clarified or refuted.Often, the examination results reveal a number of concomitant 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 eliminating osteochondrosis are within the competence of a neurologist;All procedures should only be carried out under his supervision.
Reasons for the development 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 lead to spinal diseases;
- A predisposition to pathology fixed at the gene level is the cause of the disease osteochondrosis;
- Poor physical development.These include posture problems, varying degrees of flat feet and other skeletal diseases;
- Toxic poisoning of the body and some infections can cause osteochondrosis;
- Acquired injuries of the musculoskeletal system, age-related or work-related regression;
- Spinal injuries and bruises;
- Excess weight, lack of normal nutrition and non-compliance with a diet, vitamin deficiency and dehydration of the body also lead to osteochondrosis;
- Bad habits and regular stress.
- There are indirect causes of osteochondrosis, but they can all be combined into a group associated with an unhealthy lifestyle.
Principles of treatment of osteochondrosis
Treatment of osteochondrosis requires a number of measures that must be carried out over a long period of time (from 1-3 months + about 1 year for rehabilitation), to which many patients react very ambiguously.Therefore, it should be noted that if one indirectly follows the recommendations of the attending physician, the prognosis for the patient's recovery is minimal.When treating osteochondrosis, self-medication often becomes an additional problem.The fact is that with this disease the clinical picture is quite ambiguous and wide.Without a diagnosis, the patient begins to select medications for the pain and, to eliminate the pain, go about his daily life as the disease continues to progress.
Treatment of osteochondrosis is mainly carried out by two methods: conservative and surgical treatment.In addition, there are general recommendations for the treatment of osteochondrosis, such as nutrition and rehabilitation.Conservative treatment of osteochondrosis is aimed at relieving pain, normalizing the functioning of the spine and its components, and preventing further degenerative changes in the human “axis”.It 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.Prescribed by your treating doctor or the medical board.It can also be used for severe damage to the spine and its components.
Prevention methods
The most effective way to deal with osteochondrosis is proper nutrition and exercise.In osteochondrosis of the spine and treatment with gymnastics, the following measures have proven to be the most effective:
- Massage of the lumbar region, back and limbs, performed in the morning;
- Jumping in place, exercises on the horizontal bar;
- Regular breaks for physical exercise during work, 7-9 exercises are quite enough to prevent the disease;
- A visit to the swimming pool, particularly recommended by backstroke experts.
Most patients think about how to start treating osteochondrosis of the back as the disease progresses.In this case, in addition to the general recommendations, it is necessary to perform exercises from a complex of physiotherapy to stretch the spine.
When osteochondrosis occurs, it is necessary to adhere to a strictly balanced diet based mainly on protein foods, but exclude mushrooms from the daily diet as much as possible.You should limit the consumption of salty, fatty foods, including homemade pickles.Sugar, flour and confectionery are also contraindicated.You need to give up bad habits and give up excessive consumption of coffee and products based on it.The daily amount of fluid should not exceed 1 liter and the number of meals should be 5-7 per day.The lack of vitamins and nutrients proven by tests requires their immediate replacement.
The disease osteochondrosis, its symptoms and treatment have been thoroughly studied and the fight against it is quite possible.Timely consultation of a doctor, a thorough health diagnosis and strict adherence to all recommendations of the attending physician increase a positive prognosis for recovery!