Back pain is a problem, and most people don't pay the attention it deserves until the situation becomes serious. However, timely treatment of back pain can significantly reduce the risk of chronic spine diseases, in which osteochondrosis occupies a special place.
What is osteochondrosis?
Osteochondrosis is a disease that affects the tissues of the spine. The result is deformation of the spine (disorders of the intervertebral disc and the entire spine). As a result, the spine loses absorptive capacity, the intervertebral discs become thinner, and they will bulge or contract in the future, leading to the development of complications such as herniated discs.
The main danger of spinal osteochondrosis lies in its latent process. In most cases, this condition has been diagnosed in terminal patients because the severe pain caused by complications does not allow them to lead a normal life.
Reasons for development
There are many theories to explain the occurrence of spinal diseases, including genetics, hormonal disorders and vascular problems. However, none of them clearly explained why spinal osteochondrosis occurred.
Let us highlight some factors that increase the likelihood of osteochondrosis:
- Spinal injury-congenital or acquired;
- Genetic
- Overweight, poor metabolism;
- A sedentary lifestyle;
- Age standard
- Flat feet, bent posture, poor muscle system development;
- Work related to heavy back work;
- Incorrect spine load distribution during training;
- Bad habits, unbalanced diet;
- Wrong choice of shoes, often wearing high heels (female);
- Environmental factors-high humidity, low temperature, etc.
Stages of development of osteochondrosis
Due to different symptoms and feelings, the development of osteochondrosis has different stages. The disease progresses slowly, and signs of the disease develop for a long time. Determining the stage of development allows the doctor to develop an effective treatment plan for the spine.
- The first stageThe intervertebral disc is compressed and the hook-shaped protrusions increase. During this period, the patient will feel discomfort during physical exercise or in a position (sitting, standing, lying) for a long time. The treatment of osteochondrosis involves the use of decongestants, antihistamines, analgesics, and moisture-proof drugs.
- second stage.The cartilage structure of the spine becomes unstable, the distance between the intervertebral discs decreases, and the foramen narrows. The development of this disease leads to nerve compression and severe pain. According to statistics, the patient is the first to see a doctor at this stage. The doctor prescribes therapies-manual therapy, painkillers, physical therapy.
- The third phase.The structural changes of the spine and intervertebral discs are obvious. The foramen between the intervertebral discs are almost completely closed, leading to the occurrence of intervertebral hernias. Not only can the medicine be used, but also the pain of osteochondrosis can be eliminated through surgery.
- The fourth stage.The final stage starts quickly from the third stage and is the most dangerous (final). In this case, the patient cannot move around normally. Osteochondrosis is treated with constructive methods.
Disease symptoms
The main symptom of spinal osteochondrosis is pain of varying intensity and characteristics. However, in addition to this, each type of osteochondrosis exhibits many characteristics.
The characteristics of cervical osteochondrosis are:
- Headache that does not respond to treatment;
- Dizziness, weakness, fainting;
- A feeling of stiffness in the shoulder straps;
- Neck and arm pain;
- Vision and hearing may be impaired.
thoracic:
- Pain in the chest and shoulder blade bones is obviously aggravated during physical exertion, hypothermia and sleep;
- Shortness of breath (chest pain when inhaling-exhaling);
- Often "chills" on the skin and poor blood circulation can cause frequent freezing of the limbs.
Lumbar spine:
- Pain in the lower back, which worsens after fatigue;
- Periodic sudden acute pain, radiating to the leg and pelvic area;
- The luggage has limited mobility;
- Decreased sensitivity of the lower limbs (in the final stage).
Any symptoms listed should be a reason for seeking medical care. The earlier the disease is diagnosed, the easier and more effective the treatment will be.
Diagnostic procedure
Before you find an inherent disease of the spine, you need to see a doctor for an examination. Note that early osteochondrosis can be confused with other diseases. This is why a comprehensive spine examination is so important.
Diagnosis starts with the collection of memories-the study of the patient's main complaint and the knowledge of the disease history. Next, perform a physical examination:
- Areas where pain in the spine is felt;
- Assess the patient's gait and body position;
- Determine the amount of exercise;
- Visually inspect the skin-for peeling, redness, rash;
- Check the pain sensitivity of the spine;
- Identify the local area of pain.
The patient was sent for an X-ray examination of the spine without failure. Also in practice, computer tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are used to study the spine. The pictures of these devices not only help to check the disc and its position, but also to determine the height of the disc, the compression of nerve endings and edge growth.
Which doctor should I go to?
If you have been diagnosed or suspected of having back osteochondrosis, you must make an appointment with a neurologist and chiropractor.
treatment
Timely diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the spine is the key to successful treatment. Through a comprehensive examination by a doctor, it is possible to identify osteochondrosis. After consulting a doctor, you will be examined and then referred for CT or MRI. The expert will determine the location of the pain in the spine and prescribe a treatment plan.
If it is necessary to treat a complication (hernia) or a threat to the bone marrow, it is reasonable to treat osteochondrosis by surgical intervention in the final stage of the disease. In other cases, conservative treatment is recommended, including:
- Physiotherapy (magnetic therapy and laser therapy, vibration massager, spine traction);
- Physical therapy exercises;
- massage;
- Manual therapy.
Kinesiology, exercise and gymnastics
Moderate and correct physical exercise for spine osteochondrosis will make the body more elastic. All exercises are specifically designed to strengthen the muscles of the spine for more effective treatment.
The elastic ligaments do not allow the vertebrae to move in daily exercise. Similarly, physical activity can normalize metabolism, which has a positive effect on the regeneration of cartilage tissue. The doctor recommends the use of gymnastics and exercise therapy to treat patients with osteochondrosis.
medical treatement
The use of drugs for osteochondrosis may have different properties. Depending on the stage, the type of osteochondrosis of the spine, and the nature of its symptoms during treatment, the doctor may prescribe various drugs:
- Analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs can relieve pain;
- Antispasmodics, eliminate muscle spasms;
- Preparations for restoration of cartilage structure;
- Means to improve blood circulation and normalize blood vessels;
- Antioxidants.
The appropriate treatment direction is determined by the attending doctor, and a systematic and comprehensive approach is provided. Self-treatment, relying on acupuncture without proper qualifications, suspicious massage therapists and chiropractors is extremely dangerous. This will not speed up the healing process in any way, but will also lead to serious consequences, which will be difficult to repair.
In order to avoid this situation, it is enough to consider the prevention of osteochondrosis in time. Exercise, swim, and run regularly. Reconsider your diet-reducing salt intake and eating more foods rich in protein, vitamins and minerals will also greatly reduce the risk of osteochondrosis.
ointment
The ointment is used for the comprehensive treatment of osteochondrosis. They are used in combination with other drugs. They are effective for local treatment and pain relief. Experts prescribe heating, anti-inflammatory and analgesic ointments, cartilage protectants to help restore damaged cartilage tissue.
injection
The doctor prescribes injections to quickly relieve the pain of compression syndrome (nerve compression). In this case, the patient cannot even exercise normally without alleviating the pain. When treatment with ointments and tablets is ineffective, injections should be prescribed during the relapse period. Through this operation, the necessary nutrients can be quickly delivered to the affected area and help effective treatment.
Diet therapy
Diet is part of the treatment, which makes it easier and faster to cope with osteochondrosis. The diet does not need to be strictly restricted, but the patient will have to modify the menu. It is recommended to give up harmful, salty and high-fat foods. It is best to eat small amounts frequently (5-6 times a day). The product to be processed should be filled with the following substances:
- magnesium-Avocado, seaweed, cucumber, banana, dried apricots, beans, oatmeal;
- calcium-Eggs, seeds, nuts, dairy products, beets;
- phosphorus-Broccoli, cabbage, hard cheese, cheese, figs, dates, seafood, fish;
- Vitamin B-Red meat, milk, seafood;
- Vitamin A-Potatoes, carrots, apricots, peaches, tomatoes, green peas;
- Vitamin D-Marine fish, hard cheese, eggs, beans, butter;
- Vitamin C-Citrus fruits, sauerkraut, rose hips, burn pods, sea buckthorn, black currant, sweet peppers.
operation treatment
If conservative treatment fails, the doctor will prescribe surgery for osteochondrosis. Indications for surgery may be:
- Loss of sensitivity or progressive weakness of leg muscles;
- Large spinal hernia;
- Sharp narrowing and squeezing of the spinal canal;
- Cervical osteochondrosis has a stroke risk;
- There is a risk of foot paralysis.
acupuncture
In the presence of dangerous intervertebral muscle pain, acupuncture should be performed. By acting on acupuncture points, doctors can relieve tension, clamp, swelling and improve blood microcirculation.
Possible complications
Spinal osteochondrosis not only causes pain and discomfort. It also has many negative complications, the most common of which are:
- Hearing problems;
- Migraines and frequent headaches;
- Decreased vision;
- Radiculitis;
- Abnormal function of the genitourinary system;
- Infertility
- Development of intervertebral disc hernia.
Can it be completely restored?
Through effective treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine, the progression and recurrence of the disease can be avoided, tension can be relieved, muscles can be strengthened, and metabolic processes can be normalized.
Prevention method
If you take care of your health initially, you can avoid the following questions: "What is osteochondrosis? What are its causes, symptoms and treatments? "
The effective prevention methods for treating osteochondrosis of the spine are:
- Properly arrange the workplace-comfortable orthopedic chairs, adequate lighting, acceptable table height;
- Sleeping places should be as comfortable as possible-orthopedic mattresses, pillows;
- It is worth controlling your posture when walking in front of the computer (don't relax);
- Balanced and healthy nutrition;
- Systematic physical exercise-jogging, exercise, gymnastics, swimming;
- Chiropractic procedure.