Back pain is a problem that most people don't pay 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 deformity of the spine (a disease of the intervertebral discs and the spine as a whole) occurs. As a result, the spine loses its absorption capacity, the intervertebral discs become thinner, and in the future they can swell or pinch, which leads to the development of complications such as herniated discs, etc.
The main danger of osteochondrosis of the spine lies in its latent course. Most often it is diagnosed in patients already in the late stages, when severe pain caused by complications does not allow a normal life.
Reasons for development
There are many theories behind the onset of diseases of the spine, including heredity, hormonal disturbances, and vascular problems. However, none of them give a clear explanation of why osteochondrosis of the spine occurs.
Note a number of factors that increase the likelihood of developing osteochondrosis:
- spinal 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, 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 form for a long time. Determining the stage of development allows doctors to develop an effective treatment plan for the spine.
- First stage.There is a compaction of the spinal disc, hook-shaped processes increase. During this period, patients experience discomfort during physical exertion or being in the same position for a long time (sitting, standing, lying). Treatment of osteochondrosis involves the use of decongestants, antihistamines and analgesics, chondoprotectors.
- Second step.The cartilage structures of the spine become unstable, the distance between the intervertebral discs decreases, the holes narrow. This development of the disease results in pinched nerves and severe pain. According to statistics, it is at this stage that patients first see a doctor with a complaint. Doctors prescribe treatment - manual therapy, pain relievers, physiotherapy.
- Third step.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 occurrence of an intervertebral hernia. It will be possible to eliminate the painful sensations of osteochondrosis not only with the help of drugs, but also with surgery.
- Fourth step.The last stage follows very quickly 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 is manifested by 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;
- visual and hearing impairment 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, worse after exercise;
- periodic bursts of sharp pain radiating to the legs, pelvic area;
- limited mobility of the trunk;
- decreased sensitivity of the lower limbs (in the later stages).
One of the symptoms listed should be a reason to see a doctor. The earlier the disease is diagnosed, the easier and more effective the treatment will be.
Diagnostic
Before educating yourself about the inherent disease of the spine, you should consult 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 comprehensive spinal examination.
Diagnosis begins with the collection of the anamnesis - the study of complaints of patients, familiarization with the history of the disease. Then a physiological examination is carried out:
- a painful area of the spine is felt;
- the patient's gait, his body position is evaluated;
- the momentum is determined;
- a visual examination of the skin is carried out - the presence of peeling, redness, rashes;
- sensitivity to pain in the spine is checked;
- the areas of pain localization are determined.
The patient is sent for a flawless spinal x-ray. Also in practice, the study of the spine by computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used. Images from these devices will help not only to examine 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 full examination by a doctor. After seeing your doctor, you will be examined and referred for a CT scan or MRI. The specialist will determine the localization of the pain in the spine and prescribe treatment.
Surgical treatment of osteochondrosis is justified in the later stages of the disease, if it is necessary to treat complications (hernia) or when there is a threat to the bone marrow. 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.
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.
Medical treatment
The use of drugs may 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 the structure of cartilage;
- means for improving blood circulation and normalizing 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, 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 lead to serious consequences, which will be very difficult to correct.
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 drugs. 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 the pain associated with compression syndrome (pinched nerves). In this case, the patient cannot even move normally without relieving the pain. Injections are prescribed in case of 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.
Dietetic treatment
Diet is part of the therapy that makes dealing with osteochondrosis easier and faster. 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 best to eat often and in small portions (5-6 times a day). The products to be treated must 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, sauerkraut, rose hips, viburnum, sea buckthorn, blackcurrant, pepper.
Surgical intervention
Doctors prescribe operation for osteochondrosis in the event that conservative treatment is not effective. The indications for surgery may be:
- loss of sensitivity of the leg muscles or their progressive weakness;
- large spinal hernia;
- sudden narrowing and compression of the spinal canal;
- situations where 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, edemas, and improves blood microcirculation.
Possible complications
Osteochondrosis of the spine doesn't 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 fully recover?
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 take care of your health first, 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 slouch);
- a balanced and healthy diet;
- systematic physical activity - jogging, exercise, gymnastics, swimming;
- massage procedures for the spine.