Back pain is a problem that most people do not pay proper 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 occupies a special place.
What is osteochondrosis?
Osteochondrosis is a disease that affects the tissues of the spine, as a result of which a deformation of the spine occurs (a disease of the intervertebral discs and the spine as a whole). As a result, the spine loses its absorption capacity, the intervertebral discs become thinner, and in the future they may bulge or become pinched, leading to the development of complications such as herniated discs, etc.
The main danger of osteochondrosis of the spine lies in its latent course. Most of the time, it is diagnosed in patients who are already in the later stages, when severe pain caused by complications does not allow a normal life.
Reasons for development
There are many theories that explain the onset of spinal diseases, including heredity, hormonal disturbances, and vascular problems. However, none of them give a clear explanation of why osteochondrosis of the spine occurs.
Let's highlight a number of factors that increase the probability of developing osteochondrosis:
- spinal injuries, congenital or acquired;
- inheritance;
- 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 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, etc.
Stages of development of osteochondrosis.
There are different stages in the development of osteochondrosis, due to different symptoms and sensations. The disease progresses slowly, and the signs of this disease are formed for a long time. Determining the stage of development allows physicians to develop an effective treatment plan for the spine.
- Stage one.There is a compaction of the spinal disc, hook-shaped processes increase. During this period, patients feel discomfort during physical exertion or when being in one position for a long time (sitting, standing, lying down). Treatment of osteochondrosis involves the use of decongestants, antihistamines and painkillers, chondroprotectors.
- Stage two.The cartilaginous structures of the spine become unstable, the distance between the intervertebral discs decreases, the holes narrow. 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, painkillers, physical therapy.
- Stage three.Changes in the structure of the spine and intervertebral discs are pronounced. The almost complete closure of the holes between the discs leads to the appearance of an intervertebral hernia. It will be possible to eliminate painful sensations in osteochondrosis not only with the help of drugs, but also by surgical intervention.
- Stage four.The last stage flows very quickly from the third and is the most dangerous (final). In this case, patients cannot move normally. Osteochondrosis is treated with constructive methods.
Symptoms of the disease.
The main symptom of spinal osteochondrosis is pain of different 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;
- Vision and hearing problems are possible.
Thoracic spine:
- pain in the chest and shoulder blades, which is noticeably worse after physical exertion, hypothermia and during sleep;
- shortness of breath (pain in the chest area during inhalation-exhalation);
- frequent "chills" on the skin, poor blood circulation leads to frequent frostbite of the extremities.
Lumbar spine:
- painful low back pain, aggravated after exertion;
- periodic outbursts of sharp pain radiating to the legs, pelvic region;
- limited mobility of the trunk;
- decreased sensation of the lower extremities (in the later stages).
Any of the listed symptoms should be reason to seek 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, you need to visit a doctor for 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 complete spinal exam.
Diagnosis begins with the collection of anamnesis: the study of the patient's 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, the position of his body is evaluated;
- 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;
- Pain localization areas are determined.
The patient is sent for a spinal X-ray without fail. Also in practice, the study of the spine by computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used. The images from these devices will help to examine not only the intervertebral discs and their position, but also to determine the height of the disc, compression of nerve endings, and marginal growths.
Which doctor should I see?
If you have already been diagnosed or suspected of osteochondrosis of the back, you should make an appointment with a neurologist and a 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 comprehensive examination by a doctor. After consulting with your doctor, you will be examined and then referred for a CT scan or MRI. The specialist will determine the location of the pain in the spine and prescribe a course of treatment.
Treatment by surgical intervention for osteochondrosis is justified in the later stages of the disease, if it is necessary to treat complications (hernia) or in case of threat to the bone marrow. In other cases, conservative treatment is recommended, including:
- physiotherapy (magnetic and laser treatment, vibrators, spinal traction);
- physical therapy exercises;
- massage;
- manual therapy.
Exercise therapy, exercise and gymnastics.
Moderate and correct physical activity with osteochondrosis of the spine makes the body more resistant. All exercises are specifically designed to strengthen the muscles of the spine for a 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 exercise therapy for the treatment of patients with a diagnosis such as osteochondrosis.
Drug 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 may prescribe various drugs:
- analgesics and anti-inflammatories to relieve pain;
- antispasmodics to eliminate muscle spasms;
- preparations for restoring the structure of cartilage;
- means for improving blood circulation and normalizing blood vessels;
- antioxidants.
The proper direction of treatment is determined by the treating physician and provides 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 not speed up the healing process in any way and can also have serious consequences, which will be very difficult to fix.
To avoid this, it is enough to think in time about the prevention of osteochondrosis. Regular sports, swimming, running. Reconsider your diet: reducing your 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 medications. They are effective for local treatment and pain relief. Specialists prescribe warm, 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 pain relief. 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 an effective treatment.
Dietary treatment
Diet is part of the therapy that makes it easier and faster to deal with osteochondrosis. The diet does not require strict restrictions, but the patient will need to review the menu. It is recommended to give up harmful, too salty and fatty foods. It is better to eat frequently and in small portions (5-6 times a day). Products for treatment should be saturated with:
- magnesium- avocado, seaweed, cucumbers, bananas, dried apricots, beans, oats;
- calcium- eggs, seeds, nuts, dairy products, beets;
- match- broccoli, cabbage, hard cheeses, cottage cheese, figs, dates, shellfish, fish;
- Vitamin B- red meat, milk, seafood;
- Vitamin A- potatoes, carrots, apricots, peaches, tomatoes, peas;
- vitamin D- sea fish, hard cheeses, eggs, beans, butter;
- vitamin C- citrus, sauerkraut, rose hip, viburnum, sea buckthorn, black currant, bell 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 compression of the spinal canal;
- situations in which 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 pain. By acting on the acupuncture points, the doctor relieves tension and clamps, edema and improves blood microcirculation.
Possible complications
Osteochondrosis of the spine does not only cause pain and discomfort. It also has a number of negative complications, the most common of which are:
- listening to problems;
- migraine and frequent headaches;
- vision impairment;
- radiculitis;
- dysfunction of the genitourinary system;
- sterility;
- the development of an intervertebral hernia.
Is it possible to make a full recovery?
With effective treatment of spinal osteochondrosis, it is possible to prevent the progression of the disease and its relapses, relieve tension, strengthen muscles and normalize metabolic processes.
Prevention methods
If you initially take care of your health, you can avoid the questions: "What is osteochondrosis? What are its causes, symptoms and treatment methods? "
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, a pillow;
- it is worth checking your posture in front of the computer, walking (do not stoop);
- balanced and healthy nutrition;
- systematic physical activity: jogging, exercising, gymnastics, swimming;
- massage procedures for the spine.