The most common ageless disease of the musculoskeletal system is osteochondrosis.Back disease can appear in a person even at 15 years of age and be latent during the initial stages of the disease.
About 90% of the world's population suffers from this disease.This statistical number is associated with the modern lifestyle: poor nutrition, lack of time for sports, etc.Damage to the musculoskeletal system can cause serious complications, cause limited capacity and disruption of the functioning of internal organs.
What is osteochondrosis and what are its causes?
Osteochondrosis of the spine is defined as a disease that begins with inflammation of the intervertebral discs, after which it affects the tissues of the spine.The cartilaginous tissue and bone tissue of the spine are affected by the process of degenerative changes.
When the disease occurs, the normal structure of the spinal tissues changes.The cartilaginous disc changes structure and consistency, loses elasticity and the distance between the vertebral discs narrows.In this regard, the nervous processes of the spinal cord are pinched, causing a painful sensation.Subsequently, the smaller joints of the spine undergo changes, degenerative bone growths are formed, which subsequently prevent the patient from bending and cause pain.
Main causes of the disease:
- The main reason for the manifestation of this disease lies in the unevenly distributed load on the spine (carrying a bag, obesity, heavy lifting, pregnancy).
- Also, the cause may be prolonged sitting or lying in an incorrect position (uneven surface for rest, sedentary lifestyle, consequences of injuries).
- The cause of the disease can also be flat feet.
- There is a congenital predisposition to the disease.
- Poor and unhealthy diet.
- Previous back injuries are the cause of the disease.
- Frequent stress and excessive exertion can also cause the disease.
Today there is an unfavorable trend;osteochondrosis begins at a young age when the correct posture is not observed, when the musculoskeletal system is not yet fully formed.Young patients cannot take their health seriously, so the duty of parents obliges them to teach their children correct posture and the rules of a healthy lifestyle.If you do not pay attention to your health, the disease can develop into an advanced form, which will manifest itself with more severe symptoms over the years.
Osteochondrosis of the back: classification of the disease, main stages
Since the human back can be divided into several sections, osteochondrosis of the back is also classified into different varieties.
There are several types of osteochondrosis:
- Osteochondrosis of the cervical spinecharacterized by painful sensations in the neck and shoulder girdle, as the degenerative processes of the vertebral discs of the cervical region progress.
- Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine- the affected thoracic part of the spine causes pain not only in the chest, but also between the shoulder blades, muscular dystrophy is noted in this area.
- Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spineoccurs in people who have increased physical activity, which can impact reproductive function.
- Osteochondrosis of the sacral columnIt is dangerous because due to the course of the disease the nerve endings and blood arteries can be compressed.
- Extended osteochondrosis of the spinecharacterized by a combination of lesions of two or more of its parts.This case is considered the most serious and difficult to treat.
Like many other diseases, osteochondrosis of the back is painful and progresses at different stages of severity.
In medicine, there are several stages of back disease:
- First phase- onset of the disease.The patient does not notice any particular changes in the body;only slight discomfort is felt in one of the parts of the back during an unusual position or active movements.As a rule, these symptoms are not given much importance and are associated with other causes of manifestation.
- Second phaseit is characterized by the manifestation of pain, since in this phase the process of destruction of the cartilaginous tissue begins;without timely medical intervention, the process of narrowing the intervertebral gap can accelerate, which will lead to pinching of nerves, lymphatic vessels or blood arteries.
- To the third phasethere is a pronounced deformation of the spine.Treatment at this stage will reduce the rate of development of the disease and perhaps stop further curvature of the spine.
- Last phasethe development of the disease leads to the complete disability of the patient.At this stage, all processes associated with the disease are irreversible.The patient may have difficulty moving, insurmountable pain accompanies every movement, the spine shifts significantly, the cartilage tissue becomes denser, and the bone tissue grows pathologically.
Osteochondrosis: symptoms and diagnosis
Many symptoms of the disease can be confused with other diseases.
The fact is that the deformed parts of the back put pressure on nearby organs, causing the corresponding pain.
Some young patients do not even know or do not realize that they may have such a disease, believing that osteochondrosis is the fate of old age, which, of course, is wrong.
Symptoms of the disease:
- pain and discomfort in the cervical region, sternum or lower back;
- a secondary symptom is muscle atrophy in the affected area;
- due to postural deformation the internal organs suffer which in turn also present dysfunctions;
- there is numbness in the arms or legs;
- increased sensation of cold in the lower limbs;
- headache, dizziness occur;
- nausea appears;
- the patient may lose consciousness;
- the appearance of floaters or spots in the eyes is possible;
- Arterial spasm of the foot occurs.
With age, the secretion of intervertebral fluid decreases, the intervertebral discs become less elastic and undergo flattening, which is an intervertebral hernia.
This is important.If similar symptoms appear, contact the right specialist!
To undergo an examination you need to contact the following specialists when the first signs are detected: a neurologist, a neurosurgeon, a traumatologist.They will refer you for an exam and make an accurate diagnosis.
To timely prevent the development of the disease, it is necessary to identify it at an early stage of development.To do this, fluoroscopy, magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography of the spine is performed.Sometimes further examination of the blood vessels and nerve endings is necessary.
Treatment of osteochondrosis: drugs and surgery
Back disease can be treated in several ways, depending on the severity of the injury.Treatment methods and other areas of health improvement and prevention are selected by a specialist who first carries out diagnostic measures.The treatment of osteochondrosis takes an integrated approach.First of all, the main goal is to relieve pain and distribute the load on the spine.
To keep the spine in the correct position and due to muscle atrophy, it is necessary to purchase and wear a special support corset.In the acute course of the disease, strict bed rest on a hard surface is indicated.
In some cases, a conservative approach to treatment is not suitable and surgery is necessary.Additionally, specialists sometimes diagnose spinal muscular atrophy, a disease previously considered incurable.Currently, a medicine has emerged that can cope with this disease.
Pharmacological treatment of osteochondrosis
Treatment without the use of drugs is almost impossible, since inflammation and pain can only be relieved with the use of the appropriate drug.The drugs block the pain.There are blocks for intramuscular, punctual, epidural, intraosseous administration.Only a specialist will determine what type of block is needed in your case.Restorative vitamin therapy is carried out comprehensively.
Surgical treatment of osteochondrosis
It happens that conservative treatment of osteochondrosis is unsuccessful and the pain interferes with life, the disease progresses, takes on a complex form and there is nothing left to do but resort to surgical resolution.The main goal of such surgery is to reduce pressure on the spinal cord, which is most often caused by a hernia.This approach to treating the disease can only be determined by the attending physician.
Massage and manual therapy
Treatment of osteochondrosis must be carried out in a complex manner.This may include massage and manual therapy.These procedures should be performed by a qualified specialist who will not harm or worsen the existing condition.
Massage and hydromassage help to normalize the general condition, muscle tone, improve blood circulation and normalize the functioning of the nervous system.
Treatment is possible with manual therapy.Manual therapy is used in an individually developed treatment program.The therapy helps to improve blood circulation, lymphatic circulation, strengthen the immune system and improve the functioning of the musculoskeletal system.
Osteochondrosis disease: treatment with traditional methods, complications and prevention
Osteochondrosis can be treated in combination with specially selected physiotherapy exercises.Some exercises with measured load on the desired areas of the body will strengthen the muscles and create a muscular corset for the spine.Thus, metabolism and blood circulation are normalized, and the nutrition of the intervertebral discs is restored.The disease osteochondrosis stops developing after a course of therapeutic physical training.
A useful habit would be to start the morning with therapeutic exercises, which will prepare your motor system for the upcoming loads.
Swimming, in this case as a therapeutic sport, will have a beneficial effect on the health of the spine.
Physiotherapy
The therapy also has an effect on osteochondrosis.Physiotherapy increases the effect of drugs and relieves pain.The procedures are performed with laser, current, ultrasound and magnet.The therapeutic dose is specially selected and individually adjusted.Therapy can be carried out at any stage of osteochondrosis disease.
Treatment with folk remedies
Osteochondrosis disease can also be treated with folk remedies, but you should definitely consult your doctor.Folk remedies have a minimum of side effects, but allergic reactions to some components are possible.
There are many herbal recipes that help cure the disease.Harvesting helps relieve inflammation and also eliminate pain.It is possible to select ready-made preparations for the treatment of the disease, in a certain dosage.
You can prepare your own ointment, rubbing mixture or compress according to the recipe.For example, a mixture for rubbing: radish juice (200-300 ml), honey (200-300 g), vodka (100 ml).
You can also prepare a cinquefoil tincture and rub the sore spot before going to bed, then tie it with a warm scarf.
Sea salt tablet (300 g), dried seaweed (5-6 packs).The listed ingredients are poured with water, about 50 degrees, left to brew for about 30 minutes, then applied to the affected area using gauze covered with polyethylene and a warm cloth on top.The compress is left for 5-6 hours, the course includes 10 procedures.
Steam the burdock leaf for 10-15 minutes, then apply to the painful area, covering with polyethylene and a warm cloth.
Half a glass of elderberry is infused with 0.5 liters of vodka for 7 days, then rubbed into the surface of the skin in the affected area.
This is important.Do not forget that treatment with folk remedies alone will not have the desired effect;treatment must be complete.
Diet
Everyone has long known that a healthy diet is the key to health, but not everyone understands the connection between nutrition and musculoskeletal diseases.To prevent further progression of the disease and the occurrence of complications, it is necessary to follow a diet.Since excess weight puts stress on the affected spine, it is necessary to monitor the intake and elimination of liquids and food and to control weight.
The menu should include foods that satisfy hunger and help cleanse the intestines (vegetables, fruits, cereals, dairy and fermented milk products).
It is worth abstaining from foods that retain salts in the body and promote the accumulation of fluid (pickles, smoked foods, coffee, alcohol, soda).
Do not abuse baked goods and sweets, as the consumption of these products leads to excess weight.
Meals can be 4 to 6 times a day.If the body weight is not excessive, 4-5 times are sufficient;if your body weight exceeds the norm, you should eat small portions of food 5-6 times a day.
The drinking regime should be limited to: 2-2.5 liters per day, no more, no less.
With the help of some products containing chondroitin, it is possible to strengthen the ligaments of the intervertebral discs and restore the structure of the cartilage (gelatin, jellied meat, chicken wing broth, jellied fish).
Proper nutrition is the key to preventing diseases such as osteochondrosis.
Complications
If osteochondrosis begins, complications are more than likely to occur.
Complications that arise due to osteochondrosis become serious and irreversible.
- The first complication may be a vertebral hernia due to a decrease in intervertebral fluid and flattening of the discs.
- Protrusions appear: protrusion of the spinal disc into the spinal canal.
- Salt deposits in the spine.
- A spinal cord stroke may occur.
- Limb atrophy.
- Paralysis of the lower limbs.
- Subluxations of the vertebrae are possible.
- Kyphosis, scoliosis and other pathological curvatures of the spine occur.
- Sciatica may occur.
To avoid complications, it is necessary to regularly carry out a course of preventive treatment while respecting diet and physical activity.
Prevention
Preventing a disease is much easier than treating it later.
To prevent the development of osteochondrosis, it is necessary to follow a number of rules:
- Lead an active lifestyle: play sports (swimming is especially good for back health), do exercises in the morning.
- When doing long periods of sedentary work, take breaks to warm up.
- Watch your diet, drinks and excess weight.
- Make sure your posture is correct while working and walking.
- Minimize the use of high heels.
- Try to assume a comfortable and correct position while sleeping.
- Buy an orthopedic mattress or pillow.
- Try to reduce carrying heavy objects or make sure you lift weights correctly.
- Choose a seat with a comfortable backrest for support.
It is worth remembering that the disease of the spine is quite serious and does not have a specific age.Osteochondrosis can occur both at a young age and at an advanced age.When the first symptoms of the disease appear, you should consult a neurologist or traumatologist.
If the disease has already manifested itself, do not forget that you need to periodically visit a doctor who will monitor the course of the disease, give recommendations and prescribe an appropriate course of treatment or preventive measures.For existing osteochondrosis, seasonal treatment and preventive courses are carried out 2 times a year.
By following simple rules, you can preserve your health or avoid complications and further development of the disease.
The spine is the foundation of our body, which must be protected.Movement, correct nutrition, healthy lifestyle are the key to health!