The essence of the disease comes down to a disruption 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 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 occurrence of back pain and other symptoms inherent in osteochondrosis.Weakening of the intervertebral discs causes the development of a pathology such as vertebral hernia, and the further course of the disease leads to degradation of the joints of the spinal column 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 position unnatural for the spine, postural disorders and degradation of the spinal muscles are formed, leading 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 activities.
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, arms, and is characterized by attacks of headaches and numbness in the fingers.In severe cases, the vertebral artery becomes pinched, which causes an even greater deterioration of the patient’s condition;
- Signs of thoracic osteochondrosis are expressed in acute or aching pain in the back, difficulty breathing, pain in the heart area;
- Lumbar osteochondrosis begins with pain in the lumbar region and lower extremities, gradually increasing with movement.Patients often experience disorders of the genitourinary system; weakened 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 diagnostics carried out?
The primary diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the intervertebral discs is established taking into account the symptoms of back osteochondrosis indicated by the patient when contacting the clinic.An examination for spinal osteochondrosis consists of checking the patient’s spine in various 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 disease;
- A predisposition to pathology, fixed at the gene level, is the cause of the disease osteochondrosis;
- Defective physical development.This includes problems with posture, various 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;
- Injuries and bruises of the spinal column;
- Excess weight, lack of normal nutrition and non-compliance with diet, vitamin deficiency and dehydration of the body 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 unhealthy lifestyle.
Principles of treatment of osteochondrosis
Treatment of osteochondrosis involves the use of a set of measures that must be performed 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 should be noted that, by indirectly following 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 with this disease the clinical picture is quite ambiguous and broad.The patient, without diagnosis, begins to select medications for what hurts, and, eliminating the pain, continues to go about his daily 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 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, 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 attending physician or the Medical Panel.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 treatment with gymnastics, the following have shown 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 pool, especially recommended by backstroke experts.
Most patients think about how to begin 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 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 foods, but exclude mushrooms from the daily diet as much as possible.You should limit yourself from eating salty, 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 at 5–7 per day.The lack of vitamins and nutrients shown by tests requires their immediate replenishment.
The disease osteochondrosis, its symptoms and treatment have been studied thoroughly and the fight against it is quite possible.Timely consultation with a doctor, a thorough health diagnosis and strict adherence to all recommendations of the attending physician increase a positive prognosis for recovery!