The most common disease of the musculoskeletal system that has no age is osteochondrosis.Back pain can appear in a person even at the age of 15 and be latent in the initial stages of the disease.
About 90% of the world's population suffers from this disease.This statistic is related to the modern way of life: poor nutrition, lack of time for sports, etc.Damage to the musculoskeletal system can cause serious complications, cause limited abilities and dysfunction of internal organs.
What is osteochondrosis and what are its causes?
Osteochondrosis of the spine is defined as a disease that begins with inflammation of the intervertebral discs, after which it affects the tissues of the spine.The cartilage tissue and bone tissue of the spine are affected by the process of degenerative changes.
When the disease occurs, the normal structure of the vertebral tissue changes.The cartilage disc changes its structure and consistency, loses elasticity, and the space between the vertebral discs narrows.In this regard, the nerve processes of the spinal cord are compressed, resulting in a painful sensation.Then the smaller joints of the spine change, degenerative bone growths are formed, which subsequently prevent the patient from bending and cause pain.
The main causes of the disease:
- The main reason for the appearance of this disease lies in the unevenly distributed load on the spine (carrying a bag, obesity, lifting loads, pregnancy).
- Also, the cause can be long-term sitting or lying in an incorrect position (uneven resting surface, sedentary lifestyle, consequences of injury).
- The cause of the disease can also be flat feet.
- There is a congenital predisposition to this disease.
- Poor and unhealthy diet.
- Previous back injuries are the cause of the disease.
- Frequent stress and overexertion can also cause the disease.
Today there is a not very favorable trend;Osteochondrosis begins at a young age when proper posture is not observed, when the musculoskeletal system is not yet fully formed.Young patients cannot take their health completely seriously, so their parental duty obliges them to teach their children proper posture and the rules of a healthy lifestyle.If you do not take care of your health, the disease can develop into an advanced form, which will manifest as more severe symptoms for years.
Osteochondrosis of the back: classification of the disease, main stages
Due to the fact that the human back can be divided into several parts, osteochondrosis of the back is accordingly also classified into several variants.
There are several types of osteochondrosis:
- Osteochondrosis of the cervical spineit is characterized by painful sensations in the neck and shoulder girdle, as the degenerative processes of the vertebrae of the cervical region progress.
- Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine- the affected thoracic part of the spine causes pain not only in the chest, but also between the shoulder blades, muscular dystrophy is noted in this area.
- Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spineit occurs in people who have increased physical activity, which can affect reproductive function.
- Osteochondrosis of the sacral spineIt is dangerous because as a result of the course of the disease, nerve endings and blood arteries can be compressed.
- Extensive osteochondrosis of the spinecharacterized by a combination of lesions of two or more of its parts.This case is considered the most difficult and difficult to treat.
Like many other diseases, osteochondrosis of the back is painful and progresses to different stages of severity.
In medicine, there are several stages of back disease:
- The first stage- onset of illness.The patient does not notice any special changes in the body;only slight discomfort is felt in one part of the back during unusual positions or active movements.As a rule, these symptoms are not given much importance, and are associated with other causes of the manifestation.
- The second stageit is characterized by the manifestation of pain, because at this stage the process of destruction of cartilage tissue begins;without timely medical intervention, the process of reducing the intervertebral gap can be accelerated, which will lead to pinching of nerves, lymphatic vessels or blood arteries.
- In the third phasethere is a pronounced deformation of the spinal column.Treatment at this stage will slow the progression of the disease and possibly stop further curvature of the spine.
- The last stagethe development of the disease leads to the complete disability of the patient.At this stage, all processes associated with the disease are irreversible.The patient may have difficulty moving, insurmountable pain accompanies every movement, the spine moves significantly, cartilage tissue becomes denser, and bone tissue grows pathologically.
Osteochondrosis: symptoms and diagnosis
Many symptoms of the disease can be confused with other diseases.
The thing is that the deformed parts of the back put pressure on the nearby organs, which cause corresponding pain.
Some young patients do not even know or do not realize that they can have such a disease, believing that osteochondrosis is the fate of old age, which, of course, is wrong.
Symptoms of the disease:
- pain and discomfort in the area of the cervix, sternum or lower back;
- secondary symptom is muscle atrophy in the affected area;
- internal organs suffer due to postural deformation, which in turn also show dysfunction;
- there is numbness in the arms or legs;
- increased feeling of cold in the lower extremities;
- headache, dizziness occurs;
- nausea appears;
- the patient may lose consciousness;
- the appearance of floaters or spots in the eyes is possible;
- There is a spasm of the arteries of the feet.
With age, the secretion of intervertebral fluid decreases, intervertebral discs become less elastic and subject to flattening, which is intervertebral hernia.
This is important.If similar symptoms appear, contact a real expert!
In order to undergo an examination, it is necessary to contact the following specialists when the first signs are detected: neurologist, neurosurgeon, traumatologist.They will refer you to an examination and make an accurate diagnosis.
In order to timely prevent the development of the disease, it is necessary to identify it at an early stage of development.To do this, fluoroscopy, magnetic resonance or computed tomography of the spine is performed.Sometimes additional examination of blood vessels and nerve endings is necessary.
Treatment of osteochondrosis: drugs and operations
Back pain can be treated in different ways, depending on the severity of the injury.Treatment methods and other areas of health improvement and prevention are chosen by a specialist who first carries out diagnostic measures.Treatment of osteochondrosis has an integrated approach.First of all, the main goal is to relieve pain and distribute the load on the spine.
To maintain the spine in the correct position and due to muscle atrophy, it is necessary to purchase and wear a special supporting corset.In the acute course of the disease, a strict bed on a hard surface is indicated.
In some cases, a conservative approach to treatment is not appropriate and surgical intervention must be used.Also, sometimes experts diagnose spinal muscular atrophy, a disease that was previously considered incurable.Currently, there is a drug that can deal with this disease.
Treatment of osteochondrosis with drugs
Treatment without the use of drugs is almost impossible, because inflammation and pain can only be alleviated with the use of appropriate medicine.Medicines block the pain.There are blockades for intramuscular administration, point, epidural, intraosseous.Only an expert will determine what type of lock is needed in your case.Restorative vitamin therapy is carried out comprehensively.
Surgical treatment of osteochondrosis
It happens that the conservative treatment of osteochondrosis is unsuccessful, and the pain interferes with life, the disease progresses, takes a complex form, and there is nothing left but to resort to surgical treatment.The main goal of this intervention is to reduce the pressure on the spinal cord, which is most often caused by a hernia.This approach to the treatment of the disease can only be determined by a doctor.
Massage and manual therapy
Treatment of osteochondrosis must be carried out in a complex manner.This may include massage and manual therapy.These procedures should be performed by a qualified professional who will not harm or worsen the existing condition.
Massage and hydromassage help in normalizing the general condition, muscle tone, improving blood circulation and normalizing the work of the nervous system.
Treatment is possible with manual therapy.Manual therapy is used in an individually developed treatment program.The therapy helps to improve blood circulation, lymph circulation, strengthen the immune system and improve the work of the musculoskeletal system.
Osteochondrosis: treatment with traditional methods, complications and prevention
Osteochondrosis can be treated in combination with specially selected physical therapy exercises.Certain exercises with a measured load on the desired parts of the body will strengthen the muscles and create a muscular corset for the spine.Thus, the metabolism and blood circulation are normalized, and the nutrition of the intervertebral discs is restored.Osteochondrosis disease stops developing after a course of therapeutic physical training.
A useful habit would be to start the morning with therapeutic exercises, which will prepare your motor system for the upcoming loads.
Swimming, as a therapeutic sport in this case, will have a beneficial effect on the health of the spine.
Physiotherapy
The therapy also works on osteochondrosis.Physiotherapy enhances the effect of drugs and relieves pain.Procedures are performed with laser, electricity, ultrasound and magnet.The therapeutic dose is specially selected and individually adjusted.Therapy can be carried out at any stage of osteochondrosis.
Treatment with folk remedies
Osteochondrosis can be treated with folk remedies, but you should definitely consult your doctor.Folk remedies have a minimum of side effects, but allergic reactions to some components are possible.
There are many herbal recipes that help in the treatment of diseases.The collection helps relieve inflammation and relieve pain.You can choose ready-made preparations for the treatment of diseases, in a certain dose.
You can prepare your own ointment, rubbing compound or poultices according to the recipe.For example, a mixture for rubbing: radish juice (200-300 ml), honey (200-300 g), vodka (100 ml).
You can also make a tincture of marigold and rub it on the painful area before going to bed, then wrap it with a warm scarf.
Sea salt compress (300 g), dry algae (5-6 packs).The mentioned ingredients are poured with water, about 50 degrees, left to boil for about 30 minutes, and then applied to the affected area using gauze, covered with polyethylene and a warm cloth on top.The compress is left for 5-6 hours, the course is 10 procedures.
Steam a burdock leaf for 10-15 minutes, then apply it to the painful area, covering it with polyethylene and a warm cloth.
Half a glass of elderberry is soaked with 0.5 liters of vodka for 7 days, and then rubbed into the surface of the skin on the affected area.
This is important.Do not forget that only treatment with folk remedies will not have the desired effect;treatment must be comprehensive.
Diet
Everyone has known for a long time that a healthy diet is the key to health, but not everyone understands the connection between nutrition and musculoskeletal diseases.In order to prevent the further progression of the disease and the emergence of complications, it is necessary to follow a diet.Due to the fact that excess weight burdens the affected spine, it is necessary to control the intake and excretion of liquids and food, and to control weight.
The menu should include foods that satisfy hunger and help cleanse the intestines (vegetables, fruits, cereals, milk and fermented milk products).
It is worth refraining from foods that retain salts in the body and encourage fluid accumulation (pickles, smoked foods, coffee, alcohol, carbonated drinks).
Do not excessively use pastries and sweets, because consuming these products leads to excess weight.
Meals can be from 4 to 6 times a day.If your body weight is not too much, 4-5 times is enough;if your body weight exceeds the norm, you should eat small portions of food 5-6 times a day.
The drinking regimen should be limited to: 2-2.5 liters per day, no more, no less.
With the help of some products containing chondroitin, it is possible to strengthen the ligaments of the intervertebral discs and restore the cartilage structure (jelly, meat jelly, chicken wing soup, fish jelly).
Proper nutrition is the key to preventing diseases like osteochondrosis.
Complications
If you start osteochondrosis, complications are more likely to occur.
Complications arising from osteochondrosis become severe and irreversible.
- The first complication can be a vertebral hernia as a result of the reduction of the intervertebral fluid and the flattening of the discs.
- Lumps appear - the protrusion of the spinal disc into the spinal canal.
- Salt deposits in the spine.
- Spinal cord stroke may occur.
- Limb atrophy.
- Paralysis of the lower limbs.
- Vertebral subluxations are possible.
- Kyphosis, scoliosis and other pathological curvatures of the spine occur.
- Sciatica may occur.
In order to avoid complications, it is necessary to regularly carry out preventive treatment with adherence to diet and physical activity.
Prevention
It is much easier to prevent a disease than to treat it later.
To prevent the development of osteochondrosis, you must follow a number of rules:
- Lead an active lifestyle: do sports (swimming is especially good for back health), do exercises in the morning.
- During prolonged sitting work, take breaks to warm up.
- Watch your diet, drink and excess weight.
- Make sure your posture is correct while working and walking.
- Reduce wearing high heels.
- Try to take a comfortable and correct position while sleeping.
- Buy an orthopedic mattress or pillow.
- Try to reduce heavy lifting or make sure you lift weights properly.
- Choose a seat with a comfortable backrest for support.
It is worth remembering that the disease of the spine is quite serious and does not have a certain age.Osteochondrosis can occur both in youth and in old age.When the first symptoms of the disease appear, you should contact a neurologist or traumatologist.
If the disease has already manifested itself, then do not forget that you must periodically visit a doctor who will monitor the course of the disease, give recommendations and prescribe the appropriate course of treatment or preventive measures.For existing osteochondrosis, seasonal treatment and preventive courses are carried out 2 times a year.
By following simple rules, you can maintain your health or avoid complications and further development of the disease.
The spine is the foundation of our body, which we must protect.Movement, proper nutrition, healthy lifestyle are the key to health!