Back pain is a problem that most people do not give it due attention 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 takes 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 spinal column occurs (a disease of the intervertebral discs and the spine as a whole). As a result, the spine loses its ability to absorb, the intervertebral discs become thinner, and in the future they can bulge or pinch, which leads to the development of complications such as intervertebral hernia and so on.
The main danger of osteochondrosis of the spine is its latent course. Most often, it is diagnosed in patients already in the last stages, when severe pain caused by complications does not make it possible to lead a normal life.
Reasons for development
There are many theories explaining the occurrence of spinal disease, including heredity, hormonal disruptions, and vascular problems. However, none of them gives a clear explanation of why spinal osteochondrosis occurs.
Let's highlight a number of factors that increase the likelihood of developing osteochondrosis:
- spine 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 wearing of high heels (in women);
- environmental factors - high humidity, too low temperatures, and so on.
Stages of development of osteochondrosis
There are different stages in the development of osteochondrosis, due to differing 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 doctors to draw up an effective treatment plan for the spine.
- Stage one.There is a compaction of the spinal disc, the hook-shaped processes increase. During this period, patients feel discomfort during physical exertion or being in one position for a long time (sitting, standing, lying). Treatment of osteochondrosis involves the use of decongestants, antihistamines and pain relievers, chondoprotectors.
- Stage two.The cartilaginous structures of the spinal column 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, pain relievers, physiotherapy.
- Stage 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 eliminate painful sensations in osteochondrosis not only with the help of drugs, but also through surgical intervention.
- Stage four.The last stage very quickly flows from the third and is the most dangerous (final). In this case, patients are unable to move around 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 features.
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;
- impairment of vision and hearing is possible.
Thoracic spine:
- pain in the chest and shoulder blades, markedly worsening 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 freezing of the limbs.
Lumbar spine:
- aching lower back pain, aggravated after exertion;
- periodic bursts of acute pain radiating to the legs, pelvic region;
- limited mobility of the trunk;
- decreased sensitivity of the lower extremities (in the last stages).
Any of the listed symptoms should be a reason for seeking medical attention. The sooner the disease is diagnosed, the easier and more effective the treatment will be.
Diagnostics
Before you find out about the inherent disease of the spine, you need to visit a doctor in order 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 complete spinal examination.
Diagnostics begins with the collection of anamnesis - the study of patient complaints, familiarization with the history of the disease. Next, a physiological examination is carried out:
- a painful area of the spine is felt;
- the patient's gait, position of his body is assessed;
- the amount of movement is determined;
- a visual examination of the skin is carried out - the presence of peeling, redness, rashes;
- pain sensitivity of the spine is checked;
- the zones of localization 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. Pictures 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 go to?
If you have already been diagnosed or suspected of osteochondrosis of the back, you must 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 comprehensive 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 the pain in the spine and prescribe a course of treatment.
Treatment through surgery for osteochondrosis is justified in the last stages of the disease, if it is necessary to treat complications (hernia) or if the bone marrow is threatened. In other cases, conservative treatment is recommended, including:
- physiotherapy (magnetic and laser treatment, vibration massagers, spinal traction);
- physiotherapy exercises;
- massage;
- manual therapy.
Exercise therapy, exercise and gymnastics
Moderate and correct physical activity with osteochondrosis of the spine makes the body more resilient. All exercises are designed specifically to strengthen the muscles of the spine for more effective treatment.
Elastic and strengthened ligaments do not allow the vertebrae to move during daily movements. Also, 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 such a diagnosis as osteochondrosis.
Drug treatment
The use of medications can be of a different nature for osteochondrosis. Depending on the stages, type of osteochondrosis of the spine, the nature of its symptoms during treatment, doctors may prescribe various drugs:
- analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs for pain relief;
- antispasmodics to eliminate muscle spasms;
- preparations for restoring cartilage structure;
- means to improve blood circulation and normalize blood vessels;
- antioxidants.
The appropriate direction of treatment is determined by the attending physician and provides for a systematic and comprehensive approach. It is extremely dangerous to engage in self-treatment, 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 lead to serious consequences, which will be very difficult to fix.
In order to avoid this, it is enough to think in time about the prevention of osteochondrosis. Regular sports, swimming, running. Reconsidering your diet - reducing salt intake, eating foods rich in proteins, 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.
Diet treatment
Diet is part of therapy that makes it easier and faster to cope with osteochondrosis. The diet does not require strict restrictions, but the patient will have to revise the menu. It is recommended to give up harmful, too salty and fatty foods. It is better to eat often and in small portions (5-6 times a day). Products for treatment should be saturated with:
- magnesium- avocado, seaweed, cucumbers, bananas, dried apricots, beans, oatmeal;
- calcium- eggs, seeds, nuts, dairy products, beets;
- phosphorus- broccoli, cabbage, hard cheeses, cottage cheese, figs, dates, seafood, fish;
- vitamin B- red meat, milk, seafood;
- vitamin A- potatoes, carrots, apricots, peaches, tomatoes, green peas;
- vitamin D- sea fish, hard cheeses, eggs, beans, butter;
- vitamin C- citrus fruits, sauerkraut, rose hips, viburnum, sea buckthorn, black currant, bell pepper.
Surgical intervention
Doctors prescribe an operation for osteochondrosis in the case when conservative treatment is not effective. Indications for surgery may be:
- loss of sensitivity of the muscles of the legs or their progressive weakness;
- large spinal hernia;
- a sharp narrowing and squeezing of the spinal canal;
- situations when cervical osteochondrosis carries risks 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 acupuncture points, the doctor relieves tension and clamps, edema, and improves blood microcirculation.
Possible complications
Osteochondrosis of the spine does not 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 recover completely?
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.
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, pillow;
- it is worth controlling your posture while in front of the computer, walking (do not slouch);
- balanced and healthy nutrition;
- systematic physical activity - jogging, exercising, gymnastics, swimming;
- massage procedures for the spine.