Back pain is a problem that most people don't pay due 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 holds a special place.
What is osteochondrosis?
Osteochondrosis is a disease that affects the tissues of the spine, as a result of which deformation of the spine occurs (a disease of the intervertebral discs and the spine as a whole). As a result, the spine loses its absorbency, the intervertebral discs become thinner, and in the future they can swell or pinch, which leads to the development of complications such as herniated discs and so on.
The main danger of osteochondrosis of the spine lies in its latent course. Most often, it is diagnosed in patients already in the late stages, when severe pain caused by complications does not allow to lead a normal life.
Reasons for development
There are many theories that explain the onset of spinal diseases, including heredity, hormonal disorders, and vascular problems. However, none of them provide a clear explanation of why osteochondrosis of the spine occurs.
We highlight a number of factors that increase the likelihood of developing osteochondrosis:
- spinal injuries - congenital or acquired;
- heredity;
- overweight, poor metabolism;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- age criterion;
- flat feet, curvature of posture, underdevelopment of the muscular system;
- work associated with heavy loads on the back;
- incorrect distribution of the load on the spine during training;
- bad habits, unbalanced diet;
- the wrong choice of shoes, frequent use of high heels (in women);
- environmental factors: high humidity, too low temperatures, and so on.
Stages of development of osteochondrosis
There are several stages in the development of osteochondrosis, due to different symptoms and sensations. The disease progresses slowly, and signs of this disease are formed for a long time. Determining the stage of development allows doctors to come up with an effective treatment plan for the spine.
- Phase one.There is a compaction of the spinal disc, the hook-shaped processes increase. During this period, patients feel discomfort during physical exertion or are in one position for a long time (sitting, standing, lying down). Treatment of osteochondrosis involves the use of decongestants, antihistamines and painkillers, chondoprotectors.
- Phase two.The cartilage structures of the spine become unstable, the distance between the intervertebral discs decreases, the holes become narrower. This development of the disease leads to pinched nerves and severe pain. According to statistics, it is at this stage that patients first visit a doctor with complaints. Doctors prescribe treatment: manual therapy, pain relievers, physiotherapy.
- Phase three.Changes in the structure of the spine and intervertebral discs are pronounced. Almost complete closure of the holes between the discs leads to the occurrence of an intervertebral hernia. It will be possible to get rid of painful sensations in osteochondrosis not only with the help of drugs, but also through surgical intervention.
- Step four.The last stage flows very quickly from the third and is the most dangerous (final). In this case, patients are unable to move normally. Osteochondrosis is treated with constructive methods.
Symptoms of the disease
The main symptom of spinal osteochondrosis is pain of varying intensity and character. However, in addition to this, 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;
- a feeling of stiffness in the shoulder girdle;
- pain in the neck, arms;
- impaired vision and hearing is possible.
Thoracic spine:
- pain in the chest and shoulder blades, sharply worsening after physical exertion, hypothermia and during sleep;
- shortness of breath (pain in the chest area when inhaling-exhaling);
- frequent "chills" on the skin, poor blood circulation leads to frequent frostbite of the limbs.
Lumbar:
- painful lower back pain, aggravated after exertion;
- periodic bursts of sharp pain radiating to the legs, pelvic region;
- limited trunk mobility;
- decreased sensitivity of the lower limbs (in the later stages).
Any of the symptoms listed should be a reason for seeking medical attention. The earlier the disease is diagnosed, the easier and more effective the treatment will be.
Diagnostics
Before discovering the inherent disease of the spine, it is necessary to visit a doctor to undergo an examination. Note that osteochondrosis in the early stages can be confused with other diseases. This is why it is so important to have a full spine exam.
Diagnostics begins with the collection of anamnesis: the study of patient complaints, familiarization with the history of the disease. Next, a physiological examination is performed:
- a painful area of the spine is felt;
- the patient's gait is assessed, his body position;
- the amount of movement is determined;
- a visual examination of the skin is performed: the presence of peeling, redness, rashes;
- pain sensitivity of the spine is checked;
- the localization areas of pain are determined.
The patient is sent for an x-ray of the spine without fail. Also in practice, the study of the spine using computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used. The images of these devices will help to examine not only the intervertebral discs and their position, but also to determine the height of the disc, the compression of the nerve endings and the marginal growths.
Which doctor should I go to?
If you've already been diagnosed or suspected of back osteochondrosis, you need to 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 with a thorough examination by a doctor. After consulting with your doctor, you will be examined and then referred for CT or MRI. The specialist will determine the localization of pain in the spine and prescribe a course of treatment.
Treatment by surgical intervention for osteochondrosis is justified in the late stages of the disease, if it is necessary to treat complications (hernia) or in case of a threat to the bone marrow. In other cases, conservative treatment is recommended, including:
- physiotherapy (magnetic and laser treatments, vibration massagers, spinal traction);
- physiotherapy exercises;
- massage;
- manual therapy.
Physical therapy, exercise and gymnastics
Moderate and correct physical activity with osteochondrosis of the spine makes the body more resilient. All exercises are specifically designed to strengthen the spinal muscles for more effective treatment.
The elastic and reinforced ligaments do not allow the vertebrae to move during daily movements. In addition, physical activity normalizes metabolism, which has a positive effect on the regeneration of cartilage tissue. Doctors recommend gymnastics and physical therapy to treat patients with a diagnosis such as osteochondrosis.
Pharmacological treatment
The use of drugs 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 can prescribe various drugs:
- analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve pain;
- antispasmodics to eliminate muscle spasms;
- preparations to restore the structure of cartilage;
- means to improve blood circulation and normalize blood vessels;
- antioxidants.
The appropriate direction of treatment is determined by the attending physician and involves a systematic and comprehensive approach. It is extremely dangerous to engage in self-treatment, to rely on acupuncture, questionable massage therapists and chiropractors who do not have the proper qualifications. This will in no way speed up the healing process and can also lead to serious consequences, which will be very difficult to resolve.
To avoid this, it is enough to think in time about the prevention of osteochondrosis. Regular sports, swimming, running. Reconsider your diet - reducing salt intake, eating foods rich in protein, vitamins and minerals will also significantly reduce the risk of developing osteochondrosis.
Ointments
Ointments are used in the complex treatment of osteochondrosis. They are combined with other medicines. They are effective for local 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 even move normally without relieving pain. 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 makes dealing with osteochondrosis quicker and easier. The diet does not require strict restrictions, but the patient will have to revise the menu. It is advisable to give up harmful, too salty and fatty foods. It is best to eat often and in small portions (5-6 times a day). Treatment products should be saturated with:
- magnesium- avocado, seaweed, cucumbers, bananas, dried apricots, beans, oatmeal;
- football- eggs, seeds, nuts, dairy products, beets;
- phosphorus- broccoli, cabbage, hard cheeses, ricotta, figs, dates, seafood, fish;
- vitamin B- red meat, milk, seafood;
- vitamin A- potatoes, carrots, apricots, peaches, tomatoes, peas;
- vitamin D- sea fish, hard cheeses, eggs, beans, butter;
- C vitamin- citrus fruits, sauerkraut, dog rose, viburnum, sea buckthorn, black currant, pepper.
Surgical intervention
Doctors prescribe an operation for osteochondrosis in the event that conservative treatment is not effective. Indications for surgery can be:
- loss of sensation of the leg muscles or their progressive weakness;
- large spinal hernia;
- a sharp narrowing and squeezing of the spinal canal;
- situations where cervical osteochondrosis carries the risk of developing a stroke;
- the presence of a risk of paralysis of the feet.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is prescribed in the presence of dangerous intervertebral muscle pains. By acting on the acupuncture points, the doctor relieves tension and pincers, edema and improves blood microcirculation.
Possible complications
Osteochondrosis of the spine doesn't just 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;
- dysfunction of the genitourinary system;
- infertility;
- the development of an intervertebral hernia.
Is it possible to fully recover?
With effective treatment of spinal osteochondrosis, it is possible to avoid the progression of the disease and its relapses, relieve tension, strengthen muscles and normalize metabolic processes.
Methods of prevention
If you initially take care of your health, you can avoid the questions: "What is osteochondrosis? What are its causes, symptoms and methods of treatment? "
Effective preventive methods for the treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine are:
- correct organization of the workplace: comfortable orthopedic chair, sufficient lighting, acceptable table height;
- the place to sleep should be as comfortable as possible: an orthopedic mattress, pillow;
- it is worth checking your posture while walking in front of the computer (do not bend over);
- balanced and healthy nutrition;
- systematic physical activity: jogging, exercise, gymnastics, swimming;
- massage procedures for the spine.