Back pain is a problem that most people do not pay enough attention to until the condition becomes critical. However, timely treatment of low back pain significantly reduces the risk of developing chronic diseases of the spine, in which osteochondrosis has a special place.
What is osteochondrosis?
Osteochondrosis is a disease that affects the spine due to deformity of the spine (intervertebral discs and disease of the spine as a whole). As a result, the spine loses its ability to move, the intervertebral discs become thinner, and in the future it may swell or pinch, which can lead to herniated discs and so on. As it leads to the development of complications.
The main danger of osteochondrosis of the spine is hidden. Often, patients are diagnosed at a later stage when the severe pain caused by complications does not allow them to lead a normal life.
Reasons for development
There are many theories that explain the development of spinal diseases, including heredity, hormonal disorders and vascular problems. However, none of this gives a clear explanation as to why osteochondrosis of the spine occurs.
Let's highlight a number of factors that increase the development of osteochondrosis:
- spinal injuries - congenital or acquired;
- heredity;
- overweight, poor metabolism;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- age criterion;
- straight legs, posture curvature, underdevelopment of the muscular system;
- work related to heavy loads on the rear;
- incorrect distribution of the load on the spine during training;
- bad habits, unbalanced diet;
- wrong choice of shoes, often wear high heels (in women);
- environmental factors - high humidity, very low temperature, etc.
Stages of development of osteochondrosis
There are different stages in the development of osteochondrosis due to different symptoms and feelings. The disease progresses slowly and the symptoms of this disease appear for a long time. Determining the stage of development allows doctors to develop an effective treatment plan for the spine.
- The first stage.There is a compression of the spinal disc, the processes in the form of hooks increase. During this period, patients feel uncomfortable during physical exertion or prolonged stay (sitting, standing, lying). Treatment of osteochondrosis includes the use of decongestants, antihistamines and painkillers, chondroprotectors.
- The second stage.The cartilaginous structures of the spine become unstable, the distance between the intervertebral discs decreases, and the holes narrow. This development of the disease causes constricted nerves and severe pain. According to statistics, patients first consult a doctor with their complaints. Doctors prescribe treatment - manual therapy, painkillers, physiotherapy.
- The third stage.Changes in the structure of the spinal and intervertebral discs are noticeable. Almost complete closure of the holes between the discs leads to the formation of an intervertebral hernia. Pain in osteochondrosis can be eliminated not only with medication, but also with surgery.
- The fourth stage.The last stage runs faster than the third and is the most dangerous (last). In this case, patients can not move normally. Osteochondrosis is treated with constructive methods.
Symptoms of the disease
The main symptom of spinal osteochondrosis is pain of varying intensity and nature. However, in addition, each type of osteochondrosis manifests itself in a number of features.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is characterized by:
- headaches that do not respond to treatment;
- dizziness, weakness, fainting;
- feeling of stiffness in the shoulder girdle;
- pain in the neck, arms;
- visual and hearing impairment is possible.
Chest:
- pain in the chest and shoulder blades, exacerbated by physical exertion, hypothermia and during sleep;
- shortness of breath (chest pain during exhalation);
- Frequent "chills" on the skin, poor blood circulation often lead to freezing of the limbs.
Bel bel:
- low back pain aggravated after tension;
- periodic bursts of acute pain spreading to the legs, pelvic region;
- limited highway mobility;
- Decreased sensitivity of the lower extremities (in the final stages).
Any of these symptoms should be a reason to seek medical attention. The sooner the disease is diagnosed, the easier and more effective the treatment will be.
Diagnostics
Before getting information about a specific disease of the spine, you should consult a doctor for an examination. Remember that osteochondrosis in the early stages can be confused with other diseases. Therefore, it is very important to have a complete spinal examination.
Diagnosis begins with the collection of medical history - the study of patient complaints, acquaintance with the history of the disease. Then a physiological examination is performed:
- a painful area of the spine is felt;
- the patient's gait, body condition is assessed;
- the amount of movement is determined;
- visual examination of the skin - peeling, redness, the presence of rashes;
- the sensitivity of the spine to pain is checked;
- localization zones of pain are determined.
The patient fails to be sent for spinal radiography. In practice, the study of the spine using computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is also used. Images of these devices will help not only to check the intervertebral discs and their position, but also to determine the height of the disc, the compression of the nerve endings and the growth of the periphery.
Which doctor should I see?
If you have already been diagnosed or suspect osteochondrosis of the spine, you should make an appointment with a neurologist and therapist.
Treatment
Timely diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the spine is the key to its successful treatment. It is possible to diagnose osteochondrosis by a thorough examination by a doctor. You will be examined after consulting your doctor and then you will have a CT or MRI scan. The specialist will determine the location of the pain in the spine and determine the course of treatment.
If complications (hernia) need to be treated or if there is a threat to the bone marrow, surgical treatment for osteochondrosis is justified in the later stages of the disease. In other cases, conservative treatment is recommended, including:
- physiotherapy (magnetic and laser therapy, vibration massages, spinal traction);
- physiotherapy exercises;
- massage;
- treated by hand.
Sports therapy, sports and gymnastics
With osteochondrosis of the spine, moderate and proper physical activity makes the body more elastic. All exercises are specifically designed to strengthen the spinal muscles for a more effective treatment.
Elastic and reinforced ligaments prevent the vertebrae from moving during daily activities. Physical activity also normalizes metabolism, which has a positive effect on the regeneration of cartilage tissue. Doctors recommend gymnastics and exercise therapy to treat patients with a diagnosis of osteochondrosis.
Drug treatment
The use of drugs for osteochondrosis may have a different nature. Depending on the stage, type of osteochondrosis of the spine, the nature of the symptoms during treatment, doctors may prescribe different drugs:
- analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs for pain relief;
- antispasmodics to relieve muscle spasms;
- preparations to restore cartilage structure;
- means to improve blood circulation and normalize blood vessels;
- antioxidants.
The appropriate course of treatment is determined by the attending physician and provides a systematic and comprehensive approach. It is extremely dangerous to engage in self-medication, acupuncture, relying on dubious massage therapists and therapists who do not have the appropriate qualifications. This will not speed up the healing process in any way, and at the same time can lead to serious consequences that will be very difficult to correct.
To prevent this, it is enough to think in time about the prevention of osteochondrosis. Regular sports, swimming, running. Rethinking your diet - reducing salt intake, eating foods rich in protein, vitamins and minerals will also significantly reduce the risk of developing osteochondrosis.
Ointments
Ointments are used in the complex treatment of osteochondrosis. Combined with other drugs. They are effective for local treatment and analgesia. Specialists prescribe warming, anti-inflammatory and analgesic ointments, chondroprotective substances that help to restore damaged cartilage tissue.
Injections
In compression syndrome (compressed nerves), doctors prescribe injections to quickly relieve pain. In this case, the patient can not move normally without relieving pain. Injections are prescribed during relapse, when treatment with ointments and tablets becomes ineffective. With this manipulation, the necessary nutrients are quickly delivered to the affected area and contribute to effective treatment.
Dietary treatment
Diet is part of a therapy that makes it easier and faster to fight osteochondrosis. The diet does not require strict restrictions, but the patient should reconsider the menu. It is recommended to avoid harmful, too salty and fatty foods. It is good to eat often and in small portions (5-6 times a day). Therapeutic products should be saturated with:
- magnesium- avocado, seaweed, cucumber, banana, dried apricot, bean, oatmeal;
- calcium- eggs, seeds, nuts, dairy products, beets;
- phosphorus- broccoli, cabbage, hard cheeses, cottage cheese, figs, dates, seafood, fish;
- vitamin B- red meat, milk, seafood;
- A vitamin- potatoes, carrots, apricots, peaches, tomatoes, green peas;
- Vitamin D.- sea fish, hard cheeses, eggs, beans, butter;
- Vitamin C.- Citrus fruits, cabbage acid, rose hips, viburnum, sea buckthorn, black currant, bell pepper.
Surgical intervention
If conservative treatment is not effective, doctors prescribe surgery for osteochondrosis. Tips for surgery may be:
- loss of sensitivity of the muscles of the legs or their progressive weakness;
- large spinal hernia;
- sharp narrowing and compression of the spinal canal;
- conditions at risk of developing cervical osteochondrosis;
- risk of paralysis of the legs.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is prescribed when there is dangerous intervertebral muscle pain. By acting on acupuncture points, the doctor relieves tension and cramps, edema, and improves blood microcirculation.
Possible complications
Osteochondrosis of the spine is not only a cause of pain and discomfort. It also has a number of negative complications, the most common of which are:
- hearing problems;
- migraine and frequent headaches;
- impaired vision;
- radiculitis;
- dysfunction of the genitourinary system;
- infertility;
- development of intervertebral hernia.
Is it possible to fully recover?
With effective treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine, it is possible to avoid the development of the disease and its recurrence, reduce tension, strengthen muscles and normalize metabolic processes.
Methods of prevention
If you look at your health first, you can avoid the questions: "What is osteochondrosis? What are the causes, symptoms and treatment methods? "
Effective prophylactic methods for the treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine are:
- Proper organization of the workplace - a comfortable orthopedic chair, adequate lighting, acceptable table height;
- the place to sleep should be as comfortable as possible - orthopedic mattress, pillow;
- in front of the computer, it is worth to control your posture while walking (do not bend);
- balanced and healthy nutrition;
- systematic physical activity - running, sports, gymnastics, swimming;
- massage procedures for the spine.