The essence of the disease leads to a violation of the structure of the tissues of the vertebrae and intervertebral discs, 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 from the spinal cord and causes constant tension in the spinal muscles.There is the occurrence of back pain and other symptoms characteristic of osteochondrosis.The weakening of the intervertebral discs leads to the development of pathology such as vertebral hernia, and the subsequent course of the disease leads to the degradation of the joints of the spine and intervertebral ligaments.Formation of bone processes - osteophytes occurs.
There are three forms of osteochondrosis - cervical, thoracic and lumbar.All symptoms characteristic of osteochondrosis are often observed in people who prefer sitting at the computer to active physical activity.As a result of staying in an unnatural position for the spine for a long time, postural disorders and degeneration of the spinal muscles occur, which lead to various pathologies of the spine.
Symptoms of the disease
Back osteochondrosis is a chronic disease characterized by alternating periods of exacerbation and remission.The period of exacerbation is facilitated by a large number of physical activities.
The clinical picture of the disease mainly 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 in the fingers.In severe cases, the vertebral artery is compressed, which causes the patient's condition to worsen;
- Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis are expressed by sharp or painful pain in the back, difficulty in breathing, pain in the heart region;
- Lumbar osteochondrosis begins with pain in the lower back and lower limbs, which gradually increases with movement.Patients often experience disorders of the genitourinary system;reduced potency in men and ovarian dysfunction in women may occur.
- In some cases, a type of mixed osteochondrosis, the most severe form of the disease, occurs, and the symptoms of spinal osteochondrosis are also mixed.
How is the diagnosis made?
The initial diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the intervertebral discs is established by taking into account the symptoms of back osteochondrosis that the patient showed when applying to the clinic.The examination of spinal osteochondrosis consists of examining the patient's spine in various positions, in 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, examination results reveal a number of accompanying diseases that can be classified as complications - hernia, radiculitis, etc.The success of determining the form and stage of osteochondrosis mainly depends on the correct diagnosis.It should be remembered that diagnosis and recommendations on how to get rid of osteochondrosis are within the authority of a neurologist;all procedures should be carried out only under his supervision.
Reasons for the development of osteochondrosis
In medicine, there is a rule that osteochondrosis consists of 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 postural 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 occupational regression;
- Injuries and bruises of the spine;
- Excess weight, lack of normal nutrition and failure to follow a diet, vitamin deficiency and dehydration of the body also cause osteochondrosis;
- Bad habits and periodic stress.
- Indirect causes of osteochondrosis are identified, but all of them can be combined in one group related to an unhealthy lifestyle.
Principles of treatment of osteochondrosis
The treatment of osteochondrosis involves the use of a number of measures that must be carried out over a long enough period of time (from 1-3 months + about 1 year for rehabilitation), which many patients have a very uncertain response to.Therefore, it should be noted that following the recommendations of the indirectly involved doctor, the prognosis for the patient's recovery is minimal.Self-treatment often becomes an additional problem in the treatment of osteochondrosis.The fact is that the clinical picture with this disease is quite vague and wide.The patient, without a diagnosis, begins to choose drugs that cause pain and goes about his daily life with pain relief, 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 function of the spine and its components, as well as preventing further degenerative changes in the "axis" of a person.It includes: drug treatment, physiotherapy, physiotherapy (physical therapy), massage, hydromassage, manual therapy, traction of the spine.Surgical treatment of osteochondrosis is used when the conservative method is ineffective.Prescribed by your attending physician or Medical Panel.It can also be used to cause serious damage to the spine and its components.
Prevention methods
The most effective way to fight osteochondrosis is to follow a proper diet and exercise.For the treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine and gymnastics, the following showed the greatest effectiveness:
- Morning massage of the lumbar region, back and limbs;
- Jumping in place, exercises on the horizontal bar;
- Periodic breaks for physical exercises during work, 7-9 exercises are enough to prevent illness;
- A visit to the pool is especially recommended by backstroke experts.
Most patients think about how to start the treatment of back osteochondrosis when the disease begins to progress.In this case, in addition to the general recommendations, it is necessary to give exercises from the physical therapy complex aimed at stretching the spine.
When osteochondrosis appears, it is necessary to follow a strictly balanced diet based mainly on protein foods, but it is necessary to exclude mushrooms from the daily diet as much as possible.You should limit yourself from salty, fatty foods, including homemade pickles.Sugar, flour and confectionery are also contraindicated.You will have to give up bad habits and avoid 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 indicated by the tests requires their immediate replenishment.
Osteochondrosis disease, its symptoms and treatment have been thoroughly studied and it is quite possible to fight against it.Timely consultation with a doctor, comprehensive health diagnosis and strict adherence to all the recommendations of the attending physician increase the positive prognosis for recovery!