The essence of the disease comes down to 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 there is a loss of stability of the spine in this area.The pathological destruction of the tissues is accompanied by pinching of the nerve endings coming from the spinal cord and leads to constant tension in the spinal muscles.There is the appearance of back pain and other symptoms inherent in osteochondrosis.The weakening of the intervertebral discs leads to the development of pathology such as vertebral hernia, and the further course of the disease leads to the degradation of the joints of the spine and intervertebral ligaments.The formation of bone processes - osteophytes - occurs.
There are three forms of osteochondrosis - cervical, thoracic and lumbar.All the symptoms inherent in the disease osteochondrosis are often observed in people who prefer sitting at a computer to active physical activity.As a result of prolonged stay in a posture unnatural for the spine, postural disorders and degeneration of the spinal muscles are formed, 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 largely facilitated by numerous physical exertions.
The clinical picture of the disease largely depends on the localization of the pathology;Osteochondrosis syndromes also differ:
- Cervical osteochondrosis is expressed by pain in the neck, hands and is characterized by attacks of headache and numbness of the fingers.In severe cases, the vertebral artery is compressed, which leads to an even greater deterioration of the patient's condition;
- Signs of thoracic osteochondrosis are expressed in sharp or painful back pain, difficulty breathing, pain in the heart area;
- Lumbar osteochondrosis begins with pain in the lumbar region and lower limbs, which gradually increases with movement.Patients often experience disorders of the genitourinary system;reduced potency in men and ovarian dysfunction in women may occur.
- In some cases, a type of mixed osteochondrosis occurs, which is the most severe form of the disease, and the symptoms of spinal osteochondrosis in this case are also mixed.
How is the diagnosis performed?
The primary diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the intervertebral discs is established by taking into account the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the back indicated by the patient when contacting the clinic.Examination for spinal osteochondrosis consists of checking the patient's spine in various positions, in conditions of rest and movement.After the patient's examination procedures are completed, hardware diagnostics are performed, with the help of which the initial diagnosis is confirmed, clarified or refuted.Often, the results of the study reveal a number of concomitant diseases that can be classified as complications - hernia, radiculitis, etc.Success in determining the form and stage of osteochondrosis largely depends on the correct diagnosis.It should be remembered that the diagnosis and recommendations on how to get rid of osteochondrosis are within the competence of the neurologist;all procedures should be performed only 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 cause spinal disease;
- The predisposition to pathology, fixed at the gene level, is the cause of the disease osteochondrosis;
- Defective physical development.This includes posture problems, varying degrees of flat feet, and other skeletal disorders;
- Toxic poisoning of the body and some infections can cause osteochondrosis;
- Acquired disabilities of the musculoskeletal system, related to age or professional regression;
- Injuries and bruises of the spine;
- Excess weight, lack of normal nutrition and non-compliance with the diet, lack of vitamins and dehydration of the body also lead to osteochondrosis;
- Bad habits and periodic stress.
- Indirect causes of osteochondrosis have been identified, but they can all be united in one group related to an unhealthy lifestyle.
Principles of treatment of osteochondrosis
The treatment of osteochondrosis involves the use of a set of measures that must be carried out over a rather 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 with indirect compliance with the recommendations of the attending physician, the prognosis for the patient's recovery is minimal.Self-medication often becomes an additional problem in the treatment of osteochondrosis.The fact is that in this disease the clinical picture is quite ambiguous and wide.The patient, without a diagnosis, begins to choose drugs for what hurts, and, eliminating the pain, continues to deal with his daily life, while the disease continues to progress.
Treatment of osteochondrosis is carried out by two main methods: conservative and surgical.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 functioning of the spine and its components, as well as preventing further degenerative changes in the human "axis".Includes: drug therapy, physical therapy, physiotherapy (physical therapy), massage, hydromassage, manual therapy, spinal traction.Surgical treatment of osteochondrosis is used when the conservative method is ineffective.It is prescribed by your treating doctor or a 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 to follow a proper diet and exercise.In osteochondrosis of the spine and treatment with gymnastics, the greatest effectiveness has been shown:
- Massage of the lumbar region, back and limbs, performed in the morning;
- Jumping in place, exercises on the horizontal bar;
- Periodic breaks for physical exercises during work, 7-9 exercises are quite enough to prevent the disease;
- A visit to a pool, especially recommended by back experts.
Most patients think about how to start treatment for osteochondrosis of the back when the disease begins to progress.In this case, in addition to the general recommendations, it is necessary to give exercises from a complex of physiotherapy aimed at stretching the spine.
When osteochondrosis appears, it is necessary to adhere to a strictly balanced diet, based mainly on protein foods, but as much as possible to exclude mushrooms from the daily diet.You should limit yourself from the consumption of salty, fatty foods, including homemade pickles.Sugar, flour and confectionery are also contraindicated.You will have to give up bad habits, refrain from excessive consumption of coffee and products based on it.The daily volume of liquid consumed should not exceed 1 liter, and the number of meals should be 5-7 per day.The lack of vitamins and nutrients shown by the tests requires their immediate replenishment.
The disease osteochondrosis, its symptoms and treatment have been studied in detail, and the fight against it is completely possible.Timely consultation with a doctor, thorough health diagnostics and strict compliance with all recommendations of the attending physician increase the positive prognosis for recovery!