The essence of the disease is reduced to a disturbance in the structure of the tissues 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 there is a loss of spinal stability in this area.Pathological destruction of tissue is accompanied by pinching of the nerve endings coming from the spinal cord and causes constant tension in the spinal muscles.Back pain and other symptoms inherent to osteochondrosis occur.The weakening of the intervertebral discs provokes the development of such a pathology as a vertebral hernia, and the further course of the disease leads to the degradation of the joints of the spine and intervertebral ligaments.The formation of bone processes occurs: osteophytes.
There are three forms of osteochondrosis: cervical, thoracic and lumbar.All symptoms inherent in the disease osteochondrosis are often observed in people who prefer sitting at a computer to active physical activity.As a result of a long stay in an unnatural position for the spine, postural disorders and degradation of the spinal muscles are formed, which leads 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 exacerbation period is greatly facilitated by numerous physical activities.
The clinical picture of the disease depends largely on the location 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 becomes pinched, which causes even further deterioration of the patient's condition;
- Signs of thoracic osteochondrosis are expressed in sharp or aching pain in the back, shortness of breath, pain in the heart area;
- Lumbar osteochondrosis begins with pain in the lumbar region and lower extremities and gradually increases with movement.Patients often experience disorders of the genitourinary system;Weakened potency in men and ovarian dysfunction in women may occur.
- In some cases, a mixed type of 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 made?
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.An 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 results of the examination 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 diagnosis and recommendations on how to get rid of osteochondrosis are the responsibility of a neurologist;All procedures should only be performed under your 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 pathology, fixed at the genetic level, is the cause of the disease osteochondrosis;
- Defective 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, related to age or occupational regression;
- Injuries and bruises of the spine;
- Excess weight, lack of normal nutrition and non-compliance with 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 over a fairly long period of time (from 1 to 3 months + about 1 year of rehabilitation), to which many patients react very ambiguously.Therefore, it should be noted that, indirectly following the recommendations of the treating doctor, the patient's prognosis for 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 quite ambiguous and broad.The patient, without a diagnosis, begins to select medications for what hurts and, eliminating the pain, continues with 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: pharmacotherapy, physiotherapy, physiotherapy (physiotherapy), massage, hydromassage, manual therapy, spinal traction.Surgical treatment of osteochondrosis is used when the conservative method is not effective.Prescribed by your treating doctor 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 combat osteochondrosis is to follow a proper diet and exercise.For osteochondrosis of the spine and treatment with gymnastics, the following have proven the most effective:
- Massage of the lumbar area, back and extremities, performed in the morning;
- Jumps in place, exercises on the horizontal bar;
- Periodic breaks for physical exercise during work, 7 to 9 exercises are enough to prevent the disease;
- A visit to the pool, especially recommended by back 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 perform exercises from a physiotherapy complex aimed at stretching the spine.
When osteochondrosis appears, it is necessary to follow 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 fatty and salty 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 liquid consumed should not exceed 1 liter and the number of meals should be kept between 5 and 7 per day.The lack of vitamins and nutrients demonstrated by tests requires immediate replacement.
The disease of osteochondrosis, its symptoms and its treatment have been extensively studied and it is quite possible to combat it.Timely consultation with a doctor, a thorough health diagnosis and strict compliance with all recommendations of the treating doctor increase the positive prognosis for recovery!