Back pain is a problem that most people do not pay proper attention to until the situation becomes critical. But timely treatment of back pain significantly reduces the risk of developing chronic diseases of the spine, among which osteochondrosis occupies a special place.
What is osteochondrosis?
Osteochondrosis is a disease that affects the tissues of the spine, resulting in deformation of the spinal column (a disease of the intervertebral discs and the spine as a whole). As a result, the spine loses its ability to absorb, the intervertebral discs become thinner, and in the future they can bulge or compress, which leads to the development of complications such as disc herniation and so on.
The main danger of osteochondrosis of the spine lies in its latent course. It is most often diagnosed in patients already in the last stages, when severe pain caused by complications does not allow a normal life.
Reasons for development
There are many theories that explain the occurrence of spinal diseases, including heredity, hormonal disorders and vascular problems. However, none of them gives a clear explanation why osteochondrosis of the spine occurs.
Here are a number of factors that increase the likelihood of developing osteochondrosis:
- spinal injuries - congenital or acquired;
- heredity;
- overweight, poor metabolism;
- inactive lifestyle;
- age criterion;
- flat feet, curvature of posture, underdevelopment of the muscular system;
- work associated with heavy loads on the back;
- improper load distribution on the spine during training;
- bad habits, unbalanced diet;
- wrong choice of shoes, frequent wearing of high heels (in women);
- environmental factors - high humidity, low temperatures, etc.
Stages of development of osteochondrosis
There are different stages in the development of osteochondrosis, due to different symptoms and sensations. The disease progresses slowly, and the signs of this disease take a long time to form. Determining the stage of development allows doctors to make an effective treatment plan for the spine.
- The first phase.There is a compression of the spinal disc, the processes in the shape of a hook increase. During this period, patients feel discomfort during physical exertion or for a long time in one position (sitting, standing, lying down). Treatment of osteochondrosis includes the use of decongestants, antihistamines and painkillers, chondoprotectors.
- Second phase.The cartilaginous structures of the spinal column become unstable, the distance between the intervertebral discs decreases, and the holes narrow. This development of the disease leads to nerve compression and severe pain. According to statistics, at this stage patients first visit a doctor with complaints. Doctors prescribe treatment - manual therapy, painkillers, physiotherapy.
- The third phase.Changes in the structure of the spine and intervertebral discs are pronounced. Almost complete closure of the holes between the discs leads to the appearance of an intervertebral hernia. Painful sensations in osteochondrosis will be able to be removed not only with the help of medication, but also with surgery.
- Phase four. The last phase flows very quickly from the third and is the most dangerous (final). In this case, patients cannot move normally. Osteochondrosis is treated by constructive methods.
Symptoms of the disease
The main symptom of osteochondrosis of the spine is pain of different intensity and character. However, in addition, each type of osteochondrosis manifests itself in a number of characteristics.
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;
- neck, arm pain;
- visual and hearing impairment is possible.
Thoracic spine:
- chest and shoulder pain, significantly worsening after physical exertion, hypothermia and during sleep;
- difficulty breathing (chest pain during inhalation-exhalation);
- frequent "shivering" of the skin, poor blood circulation leads to frequent freezing of limbs.
Lumbar spine:
- aching pains in the lower back, intensified after exertion;
- periodic bursts of acute pain radiating to the legs, pelvic region;
- limited trunk mobility;
- decreased sensitivity of the lower extremities (in the last 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.
Diagnosis
Before you find out about the inherent disease of the spine, you must visit a doctor to pass the examination. Keep in mind that osteochondrosis in the early stages can be confused with other diseases. That is why it is so important to have a complete examination of the spine.
Diagnosis begins with collecting anamnesis - studying the patient's complaints, learning about the history of the disease. Then a physiological examination is performed:
- a painful area of the spine is felt;
- the patient's gait, his body position are assessed;
- the amount of movement is determined;
- visual examination of the skin is performed - the presence of peeling, redness, rash;
- sensitivity to spine pain is checked;
- pain localization zones are determined.
The patient is unsuccessfully sent for an X-ray of the spine. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies of the spine are also used in practice. Images from these devices will help to explore not only the intervertebral discs and their position, but also to determine disc height, nerve ending compression, and marginal growths.
Which doctor should I go to?
If you have already been diagnosed or suspected osteochondrosis of the back, you must make an appointment with a neurologist and chiropractor.
Treatment
Timely diagnosis of the disease with osteochondrosis of the spine is the key to its successful treatment. It is possible to identify osteochondrosis by a comprehensive examination by a physician. After consulting your doctor, you will be examined and referred for a CT or MRI. The specialist will determine the localization of the pain in the spine and prescribe a course of treatment.
Treatment with osteochondrosis surgery is justified in the last stages of the disease, if it is necessary to treat complications (hernia) or in case of threat to the bone marrow. In other cases, conservative treatment is recommended, including:
- physiotherapy (magnetic and laser treatment, vibration massagers, spinal traction);
- physiotherapy exercises;
- massage;
- manual therapy.
Exercise therapy, exercise and gymnastics
Moderate and proper physical activity with osteochondrosis of the spine makes the body more resilient. All exercises are designed specifically to strengthen the muscles of the spine for more effective treatment.
Elastic and strengthened ligaments do not allow the vertebrae to move during daily movements. Also, physical activity normalizes metabolism, which has a positive effect on the regeneration of cartilage tissue. Doctors recommend gymnastics and exercise therapy to treat patients with such a diagnosis as osteochondrosis.
Drug treatment
The use of medications can be of a different nature for osteochondrosis. Depending on the stages, the type of osteochondrosis of the spine, the nature of its symptoms during treatment, doctors may prescribe various medications:
- analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve pain;
- antispasmodics to relieve muscle cramps;
- Preparations for restoring cartilage structure;
- agents for improving blood circulation and normalizing blood vessels;
- antioxidants.
The appropriate course of treatment is determined by a physician who provides a systematic and comprehensive approach. It is extremely dangerous to engage in self-medication, rely on acupuncture, questionable massages and chiropractors who do not have the appropriate qualifications. This will in no way speed up the healing process, and can lead to serious consequences, which will be very difficult to repair.
To avoid this, it is enough to think about the prevention of osteochondrosis in time. Regular sports, swimming, running. Reviewing Your Diet - Reducing your salt intake, eating foods rich in protein, vitamins and minerals will also significantly reduce your risk of developing osteochondrosis.
Fats
Ointments are used in the complex treatment of osteochondrosis. They are combined with other drugs. They are effective for topical treatment and pain relief. Specialists prescribe warming, anti-inflammatory and analgesic ointments, chondroprotective agents that help restore damaged cartilage tissue.
Injections
Doctors prescribe injections to quickly relieve pain in compression syndrome (pinched nerves). In this case, the patient cannot move normally without pain relief. 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 the therapy that eases and resolves osteochondrosis faster. The diet does not require strict restrictions, but the patient will need to revise the menu. It is recommended to give up harmful, salty and fatty foods. It is better to eat often and in small meals (5-6 times a day). Treatment products should be saturated:
- magnesium- avocados, algae, cucumbers, bananas, dried apricots, beans, 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;
- vitamin A.- potatoes, carrots, apricots, peaches, tomatoes, green peas;
- vitamin D.- sea fish, hard cheeses, eggs, beans, butter;
- vitamin C- lemon fruit, sauerkraut, pomegranate, viburnum, sea beech, black currant, paprika.
Surgical intervention
Doctors prescribe osteochondrosis surgery in case conservative treatment is not effective. Indications for surgery can be:
- loss of leg muscle sensitivity or their progressive weakness;
- large hernia of the spine;
- sharp narrowing and constriction of the spinal canal;
- situations where cervical osteochondrosis carries a risk of developing stroke;
- the presence of a risk of foot paralysis.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is prescribed in the presence of dangerous pain in the intervertebral muscles. By acting on acupuncture points, the doctor relieves tension and tightness, edema and improves blood microcirculation.
Possible complications
Osteochondrosis of the spine does not only cause pain and discomfort. It also has a number of negative complications, the most common of which are:
- hearing problems;
- migraine and frequent headaches;
- deterioration of vision;
- radiculitis;
- genitourinary system dysfunction;
- infertility;
- development of intervertebral hernia.
Is it possible to fully recover?
Effective treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine can avoid the progression of the disease and its relapse, relieve tension, strengthen muscles and normalize metabolic processes.
Prevention methods
If you take care of your health in the beginning, you can avoid the questions: "What is osteochondrosis? What are the causes, symptoms and methods of treatment? "
Effective preventive methods for the treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine are:
- proper organization of the workplace - comfortable orthopedic chair, enough lighting, acceptable table height;
- sleeping place should be as comfortable as possible - orthopedic mattress, pillow;
- it is worth controlling your posture while you are in front of the computer, walking (do not shy away);
- balanced and healthy diet;
- systematic physical activity - running, exercising, gymnastics, swimming;
- spine massage procedures.