The essence of the disease boils down to 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 a loss of spinal stability occurs 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.Back pain and other symptoms inherent to osteochondrosis occur.The 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 spine and intervertebral ligaments.The formation of bone processes - osteophytes occurs.
There are three forms of osteochondrosis: cervical, thoracic and lumbar.All symptoms inherent in the disease of osteochondrosis are often observed in people who prefer to sit at the computer rather than engage in 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, which lead 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 headache and numbness of the fingers.In more severe cases, the vertebral artery is compressed, which causes an even greater worsening of the patient's condition;
- Signs of thoracic osteochondrosis are expressed in sharp 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;a weakening of sexual 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 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.The 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.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 eliminate osteochondrosis fall within the competence of a 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 the pathology, fixed at a genetic level, is the cause of the disease osteochondrosis;
- Faulty 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 professional regression;
- Injuries and bruises of the spine;
- 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 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 for 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, 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 rather ambiguous and broad.The patient, without diagnosis, begins to select drugs for what hurts and, eliminating the pain, continues to carry out 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.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 the 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 greatest effectiveness has been demonstrated by:
- Massage of the lumbar area, back and limbs, carried out in the morning;
- Jumping on the spot, exercises on the horizontal bar;
- Periodic breaks for exercise during work, 7-9 exercises are enough to prevent the disease;
- A visit to the swimming pool, recommended especially 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 administer exercises from the physical therapy complex aimed at lengthening the spine.
When osteochondrosis appears, it is necessary to adhere to 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 abandon bad habits, refrain from excessive consumption of coffee and products based on it.The daily volume of liquids 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 highlighted 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 observance of all recommendations of the attending physician increase a positive prognosis for recovery!