Undoubtedly, the human spine is the most reliable part of the skeleton, but it is also vulnerable to degenerative diseases due to repeated physical exertion. About every fifth inhabitant of the earth between the ages of 18 and 40 suffers from back pain.
This symptom is often ignored and does not cause any serious concern, allowing the disease process to spread to the entire spinal cord. Osteochondrosis is a possible cause of pain and other unpleasant symptoms associated with the back.
The concept of disease and the process of its occurrence
A disease in which there is degenerative damage to the intervertebral discs and cartilage hardening, leading to a decrease in a person's performance, is called osteochondrosis. The pathology specifically affects the skeleton of the spine, but its height and deformity have a differentGradual changes can adversely affect the work of internal organs and body systems.
The pathogenesis of the development of the disease is associated with the structure of the spinal column, which is designed to absorb loads when loaded. A central nucleus and surrounding fibrous tissue in the intervertebral disc connecting vertebrae 33–35 in humansIt is they that serve as a reliable and strong support for the spinal skeleton when there is moderate physical stress.
With the development of the pathological process, there is damage to the connective tissue and the central nucleus of the intervertebral discs, which leads to a loss of their elasticity, elasticity and strength. The discs literally collapse and deform, leading to curvature of the spine and sharp bonyAgainst the background of the disease, changes occur in the structure of the vertebrae themselves, which become thin and fractured.
Osteochondrosis of the spine is often mistaken for the natural "wear out" of the skeleton. However, pathological changes can be slowed down or accelerated, which allows us to consider this condition as a real disease, causing unpleasantThere are complications.
Causes of the development of osteochondrosis and risk factors
A very common symptom with changes in the intervertebral discs is pain. Patients begin to feel it already at the age of 16-20, but closer to 40 years turn to doctors for help. Early on the disease. The reasons for the onset are flat feet, poor physical fitness, poor posture or overweight. Modern adolescents lead a sedentary lifestyle, which also negatively affects the stability of the spinal column.
The following factors also contribute to the development of the disease:
- Age;
- obesity;
- spinal cord injury (fractures, bruises);
- excessive physical activity;
- metabolic disorders in the body;
- hereditary predisposition;
- unfavorable environmental conditions;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- The presence of stressful situations and bad habits.
Persons who overload the spine, stay in one position (sitting) for a long time, or suddenly stop regular training, are prone to this type of disease. Pregnant women in the risk group, Women wearing high heels and uncomfortable shoes are also included.
Type and degree of disease
Osteochondrosis is a headache in modern medicine, as a general diagnosis often becomes a sentence for patients. Untimely detected pathology leads to advanced forms of the pathological process. Slowly but inevitably, a person is subject to disability. Getting closer.
Doctors distinguish several types of diseases depending on the location of the lesion:
- cervical;
- Chest;
- uterine cervix;
- Lumbosacral.
There is also such a concept as polysegmental osteochondrosis, which is characterized by the development of a pathological condition in several parts of the spine at the same time. A dangerous manifestation of this type of disease is compression of nerve endings close to the brain and blood vessels of the back.
Pain syndrome is the most common symptom of an extrahepatic lesion that can impair not only motor, but also speech functions of a person.
In medicine, osteochondrosis is also classified according to the degree of development:
- osteochondrosis of the first degree (the appearance of sudden pain, similar to an electric shock);
- osteochondrosis of the second degree (there is irritation of the elements of the peripheral nervous system);
- osteochondrosis of the third degree (formation of a herniated intervertebral disc);
- Osteochondrosis of the 4th degree (development of spondyloarthrosis and ischemia of the spinal cord).
The fourth stage of the disease is called restorative, as it is the result of healing of emerging intervertebral hernias. During this period, spondylolisthesis is often observed, which is characterized by sliding of the vertebrae.
How and what hurts with osteochondrosis?
Osteochondrosis of the spine is not a simple disease and can be disguised as other pathological processes that are completely unrelated to the bone skeleton. People do not attach much importance to troubling pain in the back region and at workPhysical fatigue is attributed after a hard day.
However, even the slightest discomfort or stiffness of the spinal muscles, which are the first "bells" of the disease, should be alert and cause to consult a specialist.
Clinically, osteochondrosis is manifested in a variety of symptoms, depending on the location of the pathological process. If the lesion occurs in the cervical spine, the following symptoms occur:
- Unhappiness;
- compressive headache;
- numbness of fingers;
- limitation of mobility of the cervical spine;
- aching pain in the shoulder;
- Do crunches while turning your head.
If thoracic osteochondrosis develops, pain appears in the interscapular space and in the chest itself. Patients also experience pain in the region of the heart, compression between the shoulder blades and discomfort that mimics damage to the intestines, stomach or gallbladder. There is complaint.
With the defeat of the lumbar spine, the symptoms are completely different. The pain is localized mainly in the lower back and legs, causing severe muscle spasms. Mobility of the lumbar spine is limited, numbness and tingling in the lower extremities, there is a disturbance in the functioning of the pelvic organs. Due to the stiffness and limited mobility of the lower back, difficulties appear in flexion and extension of the back.
Rarely occurring polysegmental osteochondrosis is characterized by the occurrence of symptoms only where the spine is affected. Shooting pain, decreased range of motion, pain in the limbs, muscle spasms - all these symptoms are common in different parts of the spine.
In most cases the pain is provoked by a sharp excessive load on the spinal column, for example, lifting weights or being in an uncomfortable position for a long time. Coughing and sneezing at times can also aggravate the pain.
If the diagnosis is confirmed, how to live
Today, spinal osteochondrosis, although a common diagnosis, is not fatal. The main thing is that the cause of the development of the disease is eliminated, and productive treatment is started in a timely manner. Things to be done to prevent recurrence of the disease. Preventive measures are also given great importance.
To defeat osteochondrosis, it is necessary to prescribe complex therapy, which includes:
- use of drugs;
- spinal traction;
- massage;
- exercise therapy;
- physical treatment;
- acupuncture;
- manual therapy;
- Surgical intervention (if indicated).
An individual course of treatment should be assigned to each patient depending on the form and degree of spinal cord lesion. First of all, doctors must stop the process of destruction of the intervertebral discs due to tissue inflammation.
After that, a method is selected to restore and strengthen the muscles of the back, which should support the spine in the required position. Such a complex treatment will give you a highly effective result without the use of surgical intervention. allows to receive.
Tips to prevent illness
Preventive measures should always come first to maintain the health of the body. Since osteochondrosis is mainly caused by increased pressure on the intervertebral discs, it is necessary to prevent the development of such a condition.
First of all, it is recommended that a sedentary lifestyle, sudden jumps and lifting of weights on outstretched arms do not put too much load on the spine. It is very important to preserve the natural anatomical curves of the spine formed from infancy.
Maintaining posture is a common and essential life principle of every person, regardless of age and gender.
Everyday sports are excellent for strengthening the muscular corset, as osteochondrosis rarely affects hard and physically developed people. All exercises should be performed to the best of their ability and work to support the spine. should do.