Back pain is a problem that is ignored by most people until the condition becomes critical. But timely treatment of back pain can reduce the risk of 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, resulting in deformation of the spinal canal (disease of the intervertebral disc 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 herniated discs and so on.
The main danger of spinal osteochondrosis lies in its latent state. Often, it is diagnosed in patients who are already in the final stages, when severe pain caused by complications does not make it possible to lead a normal life.
Reasons for development
There are many theories that explain the incidence of spinal diseases, including heredity, hormonal disorders, and vascular problems. However, no one provides a clear explanation of why spinal osteochondrosis occurs.
Let's look at some factors that increase the likelihood of osteochondrosis:
- spinal cord injury - congenital or acquired;
- descent;
- overweight, poor metabolism;
- inactive lifestyle;
- age criteria;
- flat feet, postural curvature, lack of muscular system;
- work associated with heavy loads on the back;
- improper load distribution on the spine during exercise;
- bad habits, unbalanced diet;
- wrong choice of shoes, frequent wearing of high heels (in women);
- environmental factors - high humidity, too low temperature, and so on.
The stage of development of osteochondrosis
There are different stages in the development of osteochondrosis, due to different symptoms and sensations. The disease develops slowly, and the symptoms of the disease form over a long period of time. Determining the stage of development allows the doctor to devise an effective treatment plan for the spine.
- Level one.There is compaction of the spinal disc, the hook -shaped process increases. During this period, the patient feels uncomfortable while doing physical exercise or being in one position for a long time (sitting, standing, lying down). Treatment of osteochondrosis involves the use of decongestants, antihistamines and painkillers, chondoprotectors.
- Level two.The cartilage structure of the spine becomes unstable, the distance between the intervertebral discs decreases, the holes become narrow. The development of this disease causes pinched nerves and severe pain. According to statistics, at this stage the patient first sees a doctor with a complaint. The doctor prescribes treatment - manual therapy, painkillers, physiotherapy.
- Level three.Changes in the structure of the spine and intervertebral discs are pronounced. The near -perfect closure of the hole between the discs leads to the occurrence of an intervertebral hernia. It is possible to get rid of the painful sensation in osteochondrosis not only with the help of drugs, but also through surgical intervention.
- Level four. The last stage is very fast flowing from the third stage and is the most dangerous (final). In this case, the patient is unable to move 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, apart from this, each type of osteochondrosis manifests itself in several features.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is characterized by:
- headaches that do not respond to treatment;
- dizziness, weakness, fainting;
- feeling of stiffness in the shoulder girdle;
- pain in neck, arms;
- visual and hearing impairments are possible.
Thoracic spine:
- pain in the chest and shoulders, worsening after physical exercise, hypothermia and during sleep;
- shortness of breath (pain in the chest during inhalations);
- frequent "chills" on the skin, poor blood circulation causes frequent limb freezing.
Lumbar spine:
- back pain, worsening after exercise;
- periodic sprays of acute pain radiating to the legs, pelvic area;
- limited movement of the trunk;
- decreased sensitivity of the lower limbs (in the last stage).
Any of the symptoms listed should be a reason to seek medical attention. The sooner the disease is diagnosed, the easier and more effective the treatment will be.
Diagnostics
Before you find out about an existing spinal disease, you need to see 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 undergo a complete spinal examination.
Diagnostics begins with the collection of anamnesis - a study of patient complaints, familiarization with the history of the disease. Next, a physiological examination is performed:
- painful areas of the spine;
- the patient's gait, his body position assessed;
- the amount of movement is determined;
- visual examination of the skin is carried out - the presence of peeling, redness, rash;
- pain sensitivity in the spine is examined;
- pain localization zones are determined.
The patient was sent for a spinal X-ray without fail. Also in practice, studies of the spine using computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are used. Pictures from this device will help examine not only the intervertebral disc and its position, but also to determine the height of the disc, nerve end compression, and marginal growth.
Which doctor should I go to?
If you have been diagnosed or suspected of back osteochondrosis, you must make an appointment with a neurologist and chiropractor.
Treatment
Timely diagnosis of the disease with spinal osteochondrosis is the key to its successful treatment. It is possible to identify osteochondrosis with a thorough examination by a doctor. After consulting your doctor, you will be examined and then referred for a CT or MRI. The specialist will determine the localization of pain in the spine and prescribe treatment.
Treatment with surgical intervention for osteochondrosis is allowed in the last stages of the disease, if necessary to overcome complications (hernia) or if there is a threat to the bone marrow. In other cases, conservative treatment is recommended, including:
- physiotherapy (magnetic and laser treatments, vibration massagers, spinal traction);
- physiotherapy training;
- massage;
- manual therapy.
Exercise therapy, exercise and gymnastics
Moderate and proper physical activity with spinal osteochondrosis makes the body more resilient. All exercises are specifically designed to strengthen the muscles of the spine for more effective treatment.
The elastic and strong ligaments do not allow the vertebrae to move during daily movements. Also, physical activity normalizes metabolism, which has a positive effect on the regrowth of cartilage tissue. Doctors recommend exercise and exercise therapy for the treatment of patients with diagnoses such as osteochondrosis.
Drug treatment
Medication use can be of a different nature for osteochondrosis. Depending on the stage, type of spinal osteochondrosis, the nature of its symptoms during treatment, the doctor may prescribe various medications:
- analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve pain;
- antispasmodics to relieve 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 a systematic and comprehensive approach. It is very dangerous to undergo self -treatment, relying on acupuncturists, 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 result in serious consequences, which will be very difficult to repair.
To avoid this, it is enough to think in time about the prevention of osteochondrosis. Regular sports, swimming, running. Reconsider your diet - reducing salt intake, eating foods rich in protein, vitamins and minerals will also reduce the risk of osteochondrosis.
Ointment
Ointments are used in the complex treatment of osteochondrosis. They are combined with other drugs. They are effective for local treatment and pain relief. Specialists prescribe warming ointments, anti-inflammatory and analgesic, chondroprotective agents that help restore damaged cartilage tissue.
Injections
Doctors prescribe injections to relieve pain in compression syndrome quickly (pinched nerves). In this case, the patient is unable to move normally without relieving the pain. Injections are prescribed during a relapse, when treatment with ointments and tablets becomes ineffective. With this manipulation, the required nutrients are quickly delivered to the affected area and contribute to effective treatment.
Diet treatment
Diet is part of the therapy that makes it easier and faster to overcome osteochondrosis. The diet does not require strict restrictions, but patients should review the menu. It is recommended to leave out harmful, too salty and fatty foods. It is better to eat regularly and in small portions (5-6 times a day). Products for treatment should be saturated with:
- magnesium- avocados, seaweed, cucumbers, bananas, dried apricots, nuts, oatmeal;
- calcium- eggs, seeds, nuts, dairy products, beets;
- phosphorus- broccoli, cabbage, hard cheese, cottage cheese, figs, dates, seafood, fish;
- vitamin B- red meat, milk, seafood;
- vitamin A- potatoes, carrots, apricots, peaches, tomatoes, green beans;
- vitamin D- sea fish, hard cheese, eggs, nuts, butter;
- vitamin C- citrus fruits, sauerkraut, rose hips, viburnum, sea buckthorn, black currant, bell pepper.
Surgical intervention
Doctors prescribe surgery for osteochondrosis if conservative treatment is ineffective. Indications for surgery may be:
- loss of leg muscle sensitivity or its progressive weakness;
- large spinal hernia;
- sharp narrowing and squeezing of the spinal canal;
- conditions when cervical osteochondrosis carries a risk of stroke;
- the presence of a risk of leg paralysis.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is prescribed if there is dangerous intervertebral muscle pain. By acting on acupuncture points, doctors relieve tension and clamps, edema, and improve blood circulation.
Possible complications
Osteochondrosis of the spine not only causes pain and discomfort. It also has a number of negative complications, the most common of which are:
- hearing problem;
- frequent migraines and headaches;
- visual impairment;
- radiculitis;
- dysfunction of the genitourinary system;
- infertility;
- development of intervertebral hernia.
Is it possible to fully recover?
With effective treatment of spinal osteochondrosis, it is possible to prevent the progression of the disease and its recurrence, relieve tension, strengthen muscles, and normalize metabolic processes.
Methods of prevention
If you initially take care of your health, you can avoid the question: "What is osteochondrosis? What are its causes, symptoms and treatment methods? "
Effective preventive methods for the treatment of spinal osteochondrosis are:
- proper workplace organization - comfortable orthopedic chairs, adequate lighting, acceptable table height;
- place to sleep must be comfortable - orthopedic mattresses, pillows;
- it is desirable to control your posture while in front of the computer, walking (do not lean);
- a balanced and healthy diet;
- systematic physical activity - jogging, exercising, gymnastics, swimming;
- spinal massage procedure.