The essence of the disease comes to the disruption of the structure of the vertebral tissue and intervertebral disc, which leads to a decrease in 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 are cases of back pain and other symptoms that exist in osteochondrosis.The weakness of the intervertebral disc causes the development of pathologies such as vertebral hernia, and the further course of the disease leads to deterioration of the spinal joints and intervertebral ligaments.The formation of bone processes - osteophytes - occurs.
There are three forms of osteochondrosis - cervical, thoracic and lumbar.All the symptoms that exist in the disease osteochondrosis are often observed in people who prefer to sit in front of the computer rather than active physical activity.As a result of staying for a long time in an unnatural position for the spine, posture disorders and deterioration of the spinal muscles are formed, which leads to various spinal pathologies.
Disease symptoms
Osteochondrosis of the back is a chronic disease characterized by alternating periods of exacerbation and remission.Exacerbation periods are largely facilitated by a lot of physical activity.
The clinical picture of this disease largely depends on the localization of the pathology;osteochondrosis syndrome is also different:
- Cervical osteochondrosis is manifested 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 a greater deterioration of the patient's condition;
- Signs of thoracic osteochondrosis are expressed in acute pain or pain in the back, difficulty breathing, pain in the heart area;
- Lumbar osteochondrosis begins with pain in the lumbar region and lower legs, gradually increasing with movement.Patients often suffer from disorders of the genitourinary system;Weak 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 osteochondrosis of the spine in this case are also mixed.
How are diagnostics carried out?
The main diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the intervertebral disc is established by taking into account the symptoms of back osteochondrosis that the patient shows when contacting the clinic.Examination for osteochondrosis of the spine consists of examining the patient's spine in various positions, under conditions of rest and movement.After completing the examination procedure, the patient undergoes hardware diagnostics, with the help of which the initial diagnosis is confirmed, clarified or refuted.Often, the results of the examination reveal several concomitant diseases that can be classified as complications - hernia, radiculitis, etc.The success of determining the form and stage of osteochondrosis largely depends on the correct diagnosis.It should be noted that diagnosis and recommendations on how to get rid of osteochondrosis are within the competence of neurologists;All procedures should only be carried out under his supervision.
Reasons for the development of osteochondrosis
In the field of medicine, there are rules 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;
- The tendency to pathology, set at the gene level, is the cause of osteochondrosis;
- Damaged physical development.These include 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 to the musculoskeletal system, age-related or work-related regression;
- Injuries and bruises on the spine;
- Excess body weight, lack of normal nutrition and non-compliance with diet, lack of vitamins 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
The treatment of osteochondrosis involves the use of a set of measures that must be carried out over a relatively long period (from 1-3 months + about 1 year for recovery), to which many patients respond 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.Medications themselves are often an additional problem in the treatment of osteochondrosis.The fact is that with this disease the clinical picture is quite vague and broad.The patient, without a diagnosis, begins to choose medicine for what hurts, and, eliminating the pain, continues to live his daily life, while the disease continues to develop.
Treatment of osteochondrosis is carried out by two main methods: conservative treatment and surgery.In addition, there are general recommendations for the treatment of osteochondrosis, such as diet and rehabilitation.Conservative treatment of osteochondrosis aims to relieve pain, normalize the function of the spine and its components, and prevent 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 conservative methods are ineffective.Prescribed by your treating doctor or Medical Panel.It can also be used for severe damage to the spine and its components.
Preventive 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 while working, 7-9 exercises are enough to prevent illness;
- A visit to the swimming pool, especially recommended by backstroke experts.
Most patients think about how to start treatment for back osteochondrosis when the disease begins to develop.In this case, in addition to the general recommendations, it is necessary to provide exercises from the physical therapy complex aimed at stretching the spinal column.
When osteochondrosis appears, it is necessary to adhere to a strict 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 need to abandon bad habits, refrain from excessive consumption of coffee and products based on it.The daily amount of liquid used 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 the test requires immediate replenishment.
Osteochondrosis disease, its symptoms and treatment have been carefully studied and the fight against it is quite possible.Timely consultation with a doctor, a comprehensive health diagnosis and strict adherence to all the recommendations of the attending physician increase the positive prognosis for recovery!