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 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 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.Weakening of the intervertebral discs provokes the development of a pathology such as spinal hernia, and the further course of the disease leads to degradation of the spinal joints and intervertebral ligaments.The formation of bone processes occurs - osteophytes.
There are three forms of osteochondrosis: cervical, thoracic and lumbar.All symptoms inherent in the disease osteochondrosis are often observed in people who prefer to sit at a computer rather than active physical activity.As a result of prolonged stay in an unnatural position for the spine, postural disorders and breakdown of the spinal muscles are formed, leading to various spinal 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 largely facilitated by numerous physical activities.
The clinical picture of the disease depends largely on the location of the pathology;osteochondrosis syndromes also differ:
- Cervical osteochondrosis is expressed by pain in the neck and arms, and is characterized by attacks of headaches and numbness of the fingers.In severe cases, the vertebral artery becomes pinched, leading to an even greater deterioration in the patient's condition;
- Signs of thoracic osteochondrosis are expressed as sharp or aching pain in the back, difficulty breathing, pain in the heart region;
- Lumbar osteochondrosis begins with pain in the lumbar region and lower extremities, gradually increasing with movement.Patients often suffer from disorders of the genitourinary system;weakened potency in men and ovarian dysfunction in women may occur.
- In some cases, a mixed type of osteochondrosis appears, which is the most severe form of the disease, and the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the spine in this case are also mixed.
How is the diagnosis carried out?
The primary diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the intervertebral discs is established taking into account the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the back indicated by the patient when contacting the clinic.A spinal osteochondrosis examination involves 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 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 correct diagnosis.It should be remembered that diagnosis and recommendations on how to get rid of 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 cause spinal diseases;
- A predisposition to pathology, fixed at the genetic 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 injuries of the musculoskeletal system, age-related or occupational regression;
- Spinal injuries and contusions;
- Excess weight, lack of normal nutrition and non-compliance with the diet, vitamin deficiency and dehydration of the body also lead to osteochondrosis;
- Bad habits and periodic stress.
- Indirect causes of osteochondrosis are 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 fairly long period (from 1 to 3 months + about 1 year for rehabilitation), to which many patients react very ambiguously.It should therefore be noted that by indirectly following the recommendations of the attending physician, the patient's prognosis for 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 select medications for what hurts and, eliminating the pain, continues to go about his daily business, 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 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 Commission.It can also be used for serious damage to the spine and its components.
Prevention methods
The most effective way to treat osteochondrosis is to follow a proper diet and exercise.For osteochondrosis of the spine and treatment with gymnastics, the following showed the greatest effectiveness:
- Massage of the lumbar area, back and limbs, carried out in the morning;
- Jumping in place, exercises on the horizontal bar;
- Periodic 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 back experts.
Most patients think about how to start treatment of osteochondrosis of the back when the disease begins to progress.In this case, in addition to general recommendations, it is necessary to offer exercises of a physiotherapy complex aimed at stretching the spine.
When osteochondrosis appears, it is necessary to adhere to a strictly balanced diet, mainly based 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 need to give up bad habits, refrain from excessive consumption of coffee and coffee products.The daily volume of fluid consumed should not exceed 1 liter and the number of meals should be kept between 5 and 7 per day.The lack of vitamins and nutrients revealed by the tests requires their immediate replenishment.
The disease of osteochondrosis, its symptoms and treatment have been thoroughly studied and the fight against it is quite possible.Timely consultation with a doctor, thorough health diagnosis and strict adherence to all recommendations of the attending physician increase a positive prognosis for recovery!