The essence of the disease comes down to a disruption of the tissue structure 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 tissue destruction is accompanied by compression of the nerve endings coming from the spinal cord and leads to constant tension in the spinal muscles.There is the appearance of back pain and other symptoms inherent in osteochondrosis.The weakening of the intervertebral discs causes the development of a pathology such as vertebral hernia, and the further progress of the disease leads to the degradation of the spinal joints and intervertebral ligaments.The formation of bone processes - osteophytes occurs.
There are three forms of osteochondrosis - cervical, thoracic and lumbar.All the natural symptoms of osteochondrosis disease are often observed in people who prefer to sit at the computer instead of active physical activity.As a result of prolonged standing in an unnatural position for the spine, postural disorders and degradation of the spinal muscles are formed, leading to various spinal pathologies.
Symptoms of the disease
Osteochondrosis of the back is a chronic disease characterized by alternating periods of aggravation and remission.The period of aggravation is mainly relieved by numerous physical activities.
The clinical picture of the disease depends mainly on the localization 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 clots, which causes an even greater deterioration of the patient's condition;
- Signs of thoracic osteochondrosis are expressed in acute or painful pain in the back, difficulty in breathing, pain in the heart area;
- Lumbar osteochondrosis begins with pain in the waist and lower extremities, gradually increasing with movement.Patients often experience disorders of the genitourinary system;impotence in men and ovarian dysfunction in women may occur.
- In some cases, a mixed type of osteochondrosis appears, 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 performed?
The main diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the intervertebral discs is established by taking into account the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the back shown by the patient when contacting the clinic.An examination for spinal osteochondrosis consists of checking the patient's spine in different positions, in conditions of rest and movement.After the completion of the examination procedures, the patient undergoes hardware diagnostics, with the help of which the initial diagnosis is confirmed, clarified or rejected.Often, the results of the examination reveal a number of accompanying diseases that can be classified as complications - hernia, radiculitis, etc.The success of determining the form and stage of osteochondrosis mainly depends on the correct diagnosis.It should be remembered that the diagnosis and recommendations on how to get rid of osteochondrosis are within the competence of a neurologist;all procedures should be performed only under his supervision.
Causes of the development of osteochondrosis
In medicine, there is a rule according to which osteochondrosis is a combination of several factors and begins to appear in the following cases:
- Metabolic problems can cause diseases of the spine;
- A predisposition to pathology, fixed at the gene level, is the cause of the disease of osteochondrosis;
- Impaired physical development.This includes posture problems, various 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, age-related or professional regression;
- Injuries and bruises of the spine;
- Excess weight, lack of normal food and non-compliance with the diet, lack of vitamins and dehydration of the body also lead to osteochondrosis;
- Bad habits and periodic stress.
- Indirect causes of osteochondrosis have been identified, but all of them can be combined into a group related to an unhealthy lifestyle.
Principles of osteochondrosis treatment
The treatment of osteochondrosis involves the use of a series of measures that must be carried out over a fairly long period of time (from 1-3 months + about 1 year for rehabilitation), to which many patients react very vaguely.Therefore, it should be emphasized that, indirectly following the recommendations of the attending physician, the prognosis for the patient's 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 vague and wide.The patient, without a diagnosis, begins to select medications for what hurts and, eliminating the pain, continues to do his daily life, while the disease continues to progress.
Treatment of osteochondrosis is carried out with 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".It includes: drug therapy, physiotherapy, physiotherapy (physiotherapy), massage, hydromassage, manual therapy, spinal traction.Surgical treatment of osteochondrosis is used when the conservative method is ineffective.Prescribed by your attending physician or the Medical Panel.It can also be used for severe injuries to the spine and its components.
Prevention methods
The most effective way to deal with osteochondrosis is to follow a proper diet and exercise.For osteochondrosis of the spine and treatment with gymnastics, the following have shown the greatest effectiveness:
- Massage of the waist area, back and limbs, performed in the morning;
- Jumping in place, exercises on the horizontal bar;
- Periodic breaks for physical exercises during work, 7–9 exercises are quite enough to prevent illness;
- A visit to the pool, especially recommended by backpacking 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 give exercises from a complex of physical therapy aimed at stretching the spine.
When osteochondrosis appears, it is necessary to adhere to a balanced diet, mainly based on protein foods, but exclude mushrooms as much as possible from the daily diet.You should limit yourself from eating salty and fatty foods, including homemade pickles.Sugar, flour and confectionery products are also contraindicated.You will have to give up 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 at 5-7 per day.The lack of vitamins and nutrients indicated by the analyzes requires their immediate replenishment.
The disease of osteochondrosis, its symptoms and treatment have been thoroughly studied and the fight against it is quite possible.Timely consultation with a doctor, a complete health diagnosis and strict adherence to all recommendations of the attending physician increase a positive prognosis for recovery!