The essence of the disease boils down to a disruption in the structure of the tissues of the vertebrae and intervertebral discs, which leads to a decrease in 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 compression of nerve endings coming from the spinal cord and leads to constant tension in the spinal muscles.There is the occurrence of back pain and other symptoms inherent to osteochondrosis.The weakening of the intervertebral discs causes the development of such a pathology as a vertebral hernia, and the further course of the disease leads to the degradation of the spinal joints 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 an unnatural position for the spine, postural disorders and degradation of the spinal muscles are formed, leading to various spinal pathologies.
Symptoms of the disease
Back osteochondrosis is a chronic disease characterized by alternating periods of exacerbation and remission.The exacerbation period is largely facilitated by numerous physical activities.
The clinical picture of the disease largely depends on the location of the pathology;osteochondrosis syndromes also differ:
- Cervical osteochondrosis is expressed by pain in the neck, arms and is characterized by attacks of headaches and numbness in the fingers.In severe cases, the vertebral artery becomes compressed, which causes an even greater deterioration in the patient's condition;
- Signs of thoracic osteochondrosis are expressed in sharp or aching pain in the back, difficulty breathing, pain in the heart region;
- Lumbar osteochondrosis begins with pain in the lower back and lower extremities, gradually increasing with movement.Patients often present with disorders of the genitourinary system;weakened potency in men and ovarian dysfunction in women may occur.
- In some cases, a mixed type of 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 made?
The primary diagnosis of osteochondrosis of intervertebral discs is established taking into account the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the back indicated by the patient when contacting the clinic.The examination for spinal osteochondrosis consists of checking the patient's spine in different positions, under conditions of rest and movement.After completing the examination procedures, the patient undergoes hardware diagnostics, with which the initial diagnosis is confirmed, clarified or refuted.Often, test results 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 only be carried out under your 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 genetic 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, related to age or occupational regression;
- Spinal injuries and bruises;
- Excess weight, lack of normal nutrition and non-adherence to the diet, vitamin deficiency and dehydration also lead to osteochondrosis;
- Bad habits and periodic stress.
- Indirect causes of osteochondrosis are identified, but all of them can 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 fairly long period of time (from 1-3 months + about 1 year for rehabilitation), to which many patients react very ambiguously.Therefore, it is worth noting that, indirectly following the recommendations of the attending physician, the patient's recovery prognosis is minimal.Self-medication often becomes an additional problem in the treatment of osteochondrosis.The fact is that with this disease the clinical picture is quite ambiguous and broad.The patient, without a diagnosis, begins to select medications for what hurts and, eliminating the pain, continues with his daily life, while the disease progresses.
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 relieving pain, normalizing the functioning of the spine and its components, as well as preventing further degenerative changes in the human “axis”.It includes: drug therapy, physiotherapy, physiotherapy (physiotherapy), massage, hydromassage, manual therapy, spinal traction.Surgical treatment of osteochondrosis is used when the conservative method is ineffective.Prescribed by your attending physician 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 to follow a proper diet and exercise.For osteochondrosis of the spine and gymnastics treatment, the following have shown the greatest effectiveness:
- Massage of the lumbar area, back and limbs, performed in the morning;
- Jumping in place, exercises on the horizontal bar;
- Periodic breaks for physical exercise during work, 7 to 9 exercises are enough to prevent the disease;
- A visit to the pool, especially recommended by backstroke experts.
Most patients think about how to start treating osteochondrosis of the back when the disease begins to progress.In this case, in addition to general recommendations, it is necessary to perform exercises from a physiotherapy complex aimed at stretching the spine.
When osteochondrosis appears, it is necessary to follow a strictly balanced diet, based mainly on protein foods, but exclude mushrooms from the daily diet as much as possible.You should limit yourself to eating salty and fatty foods, including homemade pickles.Sugar, flour and confectionery products 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 kept to 5–7 per day.The lack of vitamins and nutrients demonstrated by tests requires immediate replacement.
The disease osteochondrosis, its symptoms and treatment have been thoroughly studied and combating it is quite possible.Timely consultation with a doctor, a complete health diagnosis and strict adherence to all recommendations of the attending physician increase a positive prognosis for recovery!