The essence of the disease comes down to the disruption of the tissue structure 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.Pathological tissue destruction is accompanied by pinching of 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 characteristic of osteochondrosis.The weakening of the intervertebral discs causes the development of pathology such as spinal hernia, and the further course of the disease leads to the degradation of the joints of the spinal column and intervertebral ligaments.The creation of bone processes - osteophytes.
There are three forms of osteochondrosis - cervical, thoracic and lumbar.All symptoms characteristic of osteochondrosis are often observed in people who prefer sitting at the computer to active physical activity.As a result of prolonged stay in an unnatural position for the spine, posture disorders and spinal muscle degradation occur, which leads to various spine pathologies.
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 greatly facilitated by numerous physical activities.
The clinical picture of the disease largely depends on the localization of the pathology;Osteochondrosis syndromes also differ:
- Cervical osteochondrosis is manifested by pain in the neck and hands, and is characterized by headache attacks and numbness of the fingers.In severe cases, the vertebral artery is compressed, which causes an even greater deterioration of the patient's condition;
- Signs of thoracic osteochondrosis are expressed in acute or painful back pain, difficulty breathing, pain in the heart area;
- Lumbar osteochondrosis begins with pain in the lumbar region and lower extremities, which gradually increase with movement.Patients often have disorders of the genitourinary system;there may be a weakened potency in men and ovarian dysfunction in women.
- 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 made taking into account the symptoms of back osteochondrosis that the patient indicated when contacting the clinic.Examination for osteochondrosis of the spine consists of examination of the patient's spine in different positions, in conditions of rest and movement.After the examination, the patient undergoes hardware diagnostics with the help of which the initial diagnosis is confirmed, clarified or refuted.Often, the results of the examination reveal a number of accompanying 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 on how to get rid of osteochondrosis are the responsibility 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 diseases;
- A predisposition to pathology, fixed at the gene level, is the cause of the disease osteochondrosis;
- Defective physical development.These include posture problems, varying degrees of flat feet, and other skeletal disorders;
- Toxic poisoning of the body and some infections can cause osteochondrosis;
- Acquired injuries of the musculoskeletal system, age-related or professional regression;
- Injuries and bruises of the spinal column;
- Excess weight, lack of normal nutrition and non-compliance with 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 combined into one group related to an unhealthy lifestyle.
Principles of treatment of osteochondrosis
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, by following the doctor's recommendations indirectly, 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 the clinical picture of this disease is quite ambiguous and broad.The patient, without a diagnosis, begins to choose drugs for what hurts, and, eliminating the pain, continues to deal with everyday life, while the disease continues to progress.
Treatment of osteochondrosis is carried out by two main methods: conservative and surgical treatment.In addition, there are general recommendations for the treatment of osteochondrosis, such as diet and rehabilitation.Conservative treatment of osteochondrosis is aimed at alleviating pain, normalizing the work of the spine and its components, as well as preventing further degenerative changes in the human "axis".Includes: drug therapy, physiotherapy, physical therapy (physical therapy), massage, hydromassage, manual therapy, spinal traction.Surgical treatment of osteochondrosis is used when the conservative method is ineffective.Prescribed by your doctor or medical council.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 showed the greatest effectiveness:
- Massage of the lumbar area, back and limbs, performed in the morning;
- Jumping in place, exercises on a horizontal bar;
- Periodic breaks for physical activity during work, 7-9 exercises are quite enough for disease prevention;
- A visit to the swimming pool, especially recommended by backstroke 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 general recommendations, it is necessary to give exercises from the complex of physical therapy aimed at stretching the spinal column.
When osteochondrosis appears, it is necessary to adhere to a strictly balanced diet, mainly based on protein food, but as much as possible exclude mushrooms from the daily diet.You should limit yourself from eating 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 coffee products.The daily amount 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 quite possible.Timely consultation with a doctor, detailed health diagnosis and strict adherence to all doctor's recommendations increase the positive prognosis for recovery!