Undoubtedly, the human spine is the most reliable part of the skeleton, but it is also the most vulnerable to degenerative diseases due to repetitive physical exertion. Almost every fifth inhabitant of the Earth between 18 and 40 years old suffers from back pain.
This symptom is often ignored and does not cause serious concern, which leads to the spread of the pathological process throughout the spine. Osteochondrosis is a potential cause of pain and other unpleasant back-related symptoms.
The concept of the disease and the process of its occurrence
A disease in which degenerative damage occurs to the intervertebral discs and hardening of the cartilage, which leads to a decrease in a person's performance, is called osteochondrosis. The pathology affects only the skeleton of the spine, but a gradual change in height and its deformation can adversely affect the work of internal organs and systems of the body.
The pathogenesis of disease development is related to the structure of the spine, which is designed to absorb when loaded. The intervertebral discs that connect 33-35 vertebrae in humans are composed of a central nucleus and the surrounding fibrous tissue. They are the ones that serve as a reliable and strong support for the skeleton of the spine when moderate physical stress occurs.
With the development of the pathological process, damage occurs to the connective tissue and the central nucleus of the intervertebral discs, which leads to a loss of their elasticity, resilience and strength. The disc literally collapses and deforms, contributing to the curvature of the spine and the development of sharp bone shoots. In the context of the disease, there is a change in the structure of the vertebrae themselves, which become thinner and ossified.
Osteochondrosis of the spine is often confused with a natural "wear" of the skeleton. However, pathological changes can be slowed down or accelerated, which allows us to consider this condition as a real disease, leading to unpleasant complications.
Reasons for the development of osteochondrosis and risk factors
A very common symptom with changes in the intervertebral discs is pain. Patients begin to feel it at the age of 16-20 years, but turn to doctors for help close to 40 years. The reasons for the early onset of the disease are flat feet, poor physical condition, poor posture or being overweight. Modern teenagers follow a sedentary lifestyle, which also negatively affects the stability of the spine.
The following factors also contribute to the development of the disease:
- age;
- portliness;
- spinal injuries (fractures, bruises).
- excessive physical activity;
- metabolic disorders in the body;
- hereditary predisposition?
- adverse environmental conditions;
- sedentary life?
- stressful situations and the presence of bad habits.
People who overload the spine, stay in an upright position (sit) for a long time or abruptly interrupt regular training are at risk of developing such a disease. The risk group also includes pregnant women, women who are abused to wear high heels and uncomfortable shoes.
Types and degrees of the disease
Osteochondrosis is a headache in modern medicine because a common diagnosis is often suggested to patients. Untimely detected pathology leads to advanced forms of the pathological process. Slowly but inevitably, a person approaches disability.
Doctors distinguish different types of disease, depending on the location of the lesion:
- cervical;
- bosom;
- cervical thorax;
- lumbar.
There is also such a concept as multislice osteochondrosis, which is characterized by the development of a pathological condition in several parts of the spine simultaneously. A dangerous manifestation of this type of disease is the compression of the nerve endings and blood vessels in the back in close proximity to the brain.
Pain syndrome is the most common symptom of an emergency injury that can disrupt not only a person's motor skills but also speech functions.
In medicine, osteochondrosis is also classified according to the degree of development:
- 1st degree osteochondrosis (presence of sudden pain similar to electric shock).
- Grade 2 osteochondrosis (irritation of the peripheral nervous system).
- Grade 3 osteochondrosis (intervertebral disc herniation).
- Grade 4 osteochondrosis (development of vertebral joints and ischemia of the spinal cord).
The fourth stage of the disease is called remedial, as it is a consequence of the treatment of emerging intervertebral hernias. During this period, spondylolisthesis is often observed, which is characterized by slippage of the vertebrae.
How and what hurts with osteochondrosis?
Osteochondrosis of the spine is not a simple disease and can be disguised as other pathological processes that are completely unrelated to the bone skeleton. Annoying pain in the back area is not considered important by people and is attributed to physical fatigue after a hard day at work.
However, even the slightest discomfort or stiffness of the muscles of the spine, which are the first "bell" of the disease, should be alerted and become an occasion for expert advice.
Clinically, osteochondrosis manifests itself with a variety of symptoms, which depend on the location of the pathological process. If there is damage to the cervical spine, the following symptoms occur:
- sore throat;
- compressive headache;
- numbness of the fingers;
- restriction of the mobility of the cervical spine.
- shoulder pain;
- crease when turning your head.
If thoracic osteochondrosis develops, then the pain is visible in the intercostal space and in the chest itself. Patients also complain of pain in the heart area, compression between the shoulders and discomfort that mimics damage to the intestines, stomach or gallbladder.
With the defeat of the lumbar spine, the symptoms are completely different. The pain is located mainly in the lower back and legs, causing intense muscle spasm. There is limited mobility of the lumbar spine, numbness and tingling in the lower extremities, disorders of the pelvic organs. There are difficulties in bending and stretching the back, due to stiffness and limited mobility of the back.
Rare multislice osteochondrosis is characterized by the appearance of only those symptoms where the spine is affected. Shot pain, reduced range of motion, pain in the extremities, muscle spasm - all of these signs are common in different parts of the spine.
Pain in most cases is caused by sharp excessive loads on the spine, for example, lifting weights or staying in an uncomfortable position for a long time. Sometimes even coughing and sneezing can increase the pain.
If the diagnosis is confirmed, how to live
Today, vertebral osteochondrosis, although a common diagnosis, is not fatal. The main thing is that the cause that led to the development of the disease is eliminated and productive treatment begins in time. Particular importance is given to the preventive measures taken to prevent recurrence of the disease.
In order to defeat osteochondrosis, it is necessary to prescribe a complex treatment, which includes:
- drug use;
- spinal traction;
- massage;
- Exercise therapy?
- Physiotherapy;
- acupuncture;
- manual therapy;
- surgery (if appropriate).
Each patient should be given an individual course of treatment, depending on the form and degree of spinal cord injury. First, doctors must stop the process of destroying the intervertebral discs caused by inflammation of the tissues.
After that, a method of rehabilitation and strengthening of the back muscles is chosen, which should support the spine in the required position. Such a complex treatment allows you to achieve an extremely effective result without the use of surgery.
Recommendations for disease prevention
Precautions must always be taken to maintain the body's health. Since osteochondrosis occurs mainly due to increased pressure on the intervertebral discs, it is necessary to avoid the development of such a condition.
First of all, it is recommended to avoid spinal overload caused by sedentary lifestyle, sudden jumps and weight lifting in outstretched arms. It is very important to maintain the natural normal curves of the spine, which are formed from infancy.
Maintaining an attitude is a common and necessary principle of life of every human being, regardless of age and gender.
Daily sports are great for strengthening the corset muscle, because osteochondrosis rarely affects hardened and physically developed people. All exercises should be performed to the maximum of their potential and serve to support the spine.