A certain therapist with an experience of 50 years once said: "When I started working, there was not a single young patient with osteochondrosis on the site. And today, almost every second of those who are 30 years old have this problem. "
Osteochondrosis - a disease caused by the deposition of salt in the spine
wrongThe intervertebral disc consists of nucleus pulposus, annulus fibrosus and hyaline cartilage that covers it from above and below.
With the destruction of these elements, the balance between the load on the spine and the ability to carry it is disturbed. As a result, the vertebrae begin to compress the adjacent nerves and muscle tissue, growing along the edges, forming the so-called. osteophytes, which produce a characteristic crunch when moving (patients mistakenly explain it as "salt deposition").
If the back and neck hurt, then this is exclusively osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis is not the only cause of back pain. This diagnosis is often made by the patient himself. However, in addition to this pathology, which is part of the group of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the spine, there is also osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and it is possible to distinguish only after a comprehensive examination.
- Degenerative-dystrophic changes occur in 30-50% of cases in 30-40 years, in 75-100% of people over 40 years old.
- This pathological process accounts for 20. 4% of total disability from diseases of the osteoarticular system.
- Long walks are not good for the spine
Vice versa. Motor activity has a beneficial effect on the function of the spine: it maintains muscle tone, maintains intervertebral mobility, stimulates blood circulation and metabolism. In the development of the disease, hypodynamia and long stay in one, especially uncomfortable position are "to blame".
Another thing is that if overweight people walk a lot, wear heavy things, then the spine experiences an increased load.
Flat feet contribute to the development of osteochondrosis
That's right. The arch of the foot, as well as the physiological curve of the spine, is designed to absorb shock loads when walking, running, jumping. If the legs do not provide sufficient protection when interacting with the support, then the spinal column receives an additional load, which significantly affects its nutrition and structural function, and accelerates the development of the disease.
Back pain is the only symptom of this disease.
Not sure that way. As a rule, patients complain of constant pain in the back, often accompanied by numbness and pain in the limbs. Over time, if not treated, the muscles of the limbs atrophy, the spinal joints become less mobile, muscle spasms appear.
Such an acute condition occurs as a result of arterial spasm in response to the effects of bone growth, as well as due to disc herniation, intervertebral joint arthrosis, as a reflex response to spinal receptor irritation.
- If a person suffers from coronary or cardiovascular pathology, then the vertebral artery syndrome will worsen the course.
- With osteochondrosis in the thoracic region, pain in the chest bothers (feels as if a spike is stuck there) - in the region of the heart and other internal organs; with lumbosacral lesions - in the lower back (irradiation to the sacrum, lower limbs, sometimes to the pelvic organs).
- If complications of osteochondrosis develop (herniated intervertebral disc, bone growth, spondylolisthesis, spondylarthrosis), then nerve root damage is observed - pain becomes shooting, sensitivity worsens, weakness appears in the innervated muscles, and the severity of reflexes decreases.
- Osteochondrosis can cause dysfunction of various organs and tissues.
With osteochondrosis, the risk of circulatory disorders in the cerebellar, stem and occipital regions of the brain increases.
A constant headache appears - first in the back of the head, then spreads to the crown and temple area, aggravated by neck movement (more often in the morning).
Elderly people with sharp dizziness may lose consciousness. This is preceded by dizziness, tinnitus, blurred vision and hearing, nausea, vomiting.
Sometimes there is pain in the region of the heart - long, pressing, boring. With osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, especially in old age and senility, soft tissues often change - they become denser.
Degenerative processes in the spinal column can cause congestion in the gastrointestinal tract, disorders of the bronchopulmonary system, which are full of inflammatory diseases and others.
Vegetovascular dystonia, intercostal neuralgia - due to osteochondrosis
Not sure that way. Osteochondrosis can be one of the reasons (so far not the only one) for the development of this disease.
When the intervertebral disc is "erased" and osteophytes grow, the intervertebral foramina, the vertebral arterial channels narrow and change shape, and this leads to the violation of various structures.
In particular, when the nerve root is compressed, signs of intercostal neuralgia appear, and when the vertebral artery is compressed, the same symptoms appear as vegetative-vascular dystonia.
It is impossible to cure osteochondrosis
Indeed, spinal structures that have undergone degenerative changes cannot be fully restored. However, adequate complex treatment can eliminate the symptoms of the disease, stop the development of pathology and avoid complications.
If there is a problem with the intervertebral disc, it is useful to heat the sore spots
wrongFluctuations in temperature, especially extreme ones (for example, a beginner's trip to the bathroom), can cause serious aggravation. Simple thermal procedures are used in complex treatment, but they must be prescribed by a doctor.
If you do round head movements with osteochondrosis of the cervical region, your health will worsen
That's right. This exercise is best done for prevention - it helps maintain the range of motion in the intervertebral joints. With severe osteochondrosis, careless circular movements can aggravate vertebral artery syndrome, radiculopathy, etc.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are important for treatment
Not really. During the period of remission or when the pain is not strong, conservative therapy is carried out (physio-, reflex- and manual); physical therapy, traction techniques are used. Drug treatment is indicated during exacerbations and aims to relieve pain, relieve the inflammatory process and accelerate the metabolic process (intramuscular or intravenous injection).
Among the most effective agents are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are prescribed to relieve inflammation and pain; with severe pain, novocaine blocks are used; steroid drugs (epidural, intramuscular injection); NSAIDs in the form of ointments, gels and creams with analgesic and irritating effects; muscle relaxants - to relieve muscle spasms; Vitamin B - to improve metabolic processes in the spine (B1, B6, B12).
Osteochondrosis can lead to serious consequences
yes. Due to the compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots, osteochondrosis can cause paralysis, and if the vertebral artery is violated, it can cause loss of consciousness.
Exercises to "stretch" the spine help improve the situation
Traction, or traction, allows you to increase the intervertebral space, relieve pain and restore the anatomically correct shape of the spine. However, individual loads must be calculated correctly. "Busting" can cause reflex contraction of the paravertebral muscles and worsen the condition.
Only traumatologists-orthopedics have the right to treat osteochondrosis
wrongMost patients are seen by neurologists, with significant pathology - by neurosurgeons or orthopedic vertebrologists.
A local therapist can also prescribe drug therapy to relieve the severity.
Osteochondrosis of the spine: causes and treatment
Up to 76% of people experience back pain each year. These statistics affect people of all ages and professions. The causes of pain can be different, one of which is osteochondrosis of the spine.
Due to a sedentary lifestyle, osteochondrosis of the spine is becoming more common, and it is not always possible to defeat it on your own. Let's discuss why it happens and how to deal with it.
What is osteochondrosis of the spine
There are several different views on the definition. Some experts believe that it is more accurate to use the general name - dorsalgia, or non-specific back pain.
The difficulty in definition is also associated with the fact that various specialists work with this disease - neurologists, orthopedists, neurosurgeons and general practitioners.
Sometimes a person diagnosed with osteochondrosis of the spine turns to a cardiologist, because the manifestations of this disease are very similar to pain in the heart.
The term "osteochondrosis of the spine" was proposed by Hildebrandt in 1933 as a multifactorial degenerative disease of the spinal motion segment (as defined by Popelyansky). What is the range of motion of the spine? These are two vertebrae located one above the other, and between them is an intervertebral disc.
Thanks to this articulation, the human spine can bend and release, bend and twist. But due to various reasons, the intervertebral disc loses its properties, undergoes degeneration, and then gradually changes affecting the vertebra itself.
That is, the essence of osteochondrosis of the spine is the gradual destruction of the intervertebral discs.
Osteochondrosis can develop in any part of the spine.
Due to heavy loads, osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is the most common. The symptoms are:
- lower back pain, which may be sharp or dull, persistent, may increase with movement;
- pain can be given to the legs, pelvic organs, to the sacrum;
- in severe cases, there may be a violation of sensitivity or mobility, atrophy of the muscles of the lower extremities.
The second most common is cervical osteochondrosis, which is more often associated with prolonged uncomfortable head positions, for example, when working at a computer or with documents. Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is indicated by the following symptoms:
- headache and dizziness, migraine;
- visual or hearing disturbances, "flies" flashing before the eyes;
- pain can radiate to the back of the head, shoulders, collarbones;
- possible violation of sensitivity in the hands.
Less often, osteochondrosis affects the thoracic spine, because the vertebrae are not actively connected to each other. Lesions in this area can masquerade as heart or lung disease. Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis of the spine:
- pain in the back at the level of the shoulder blade, in the chest, which can increase with bending, turning, during inhalation or exhalation;
- skin sensitivity disorders.
Regardless of the level of damage, pain in osteochondrosis of the spine can increase with pressure on the vertebrae involved in the process.
With the defeat of several departments, we can immediately talk about extensive spinal osteochondrosis.
Risk factors and causes of disease
The spine has high strength and the development of the disease requires the action of several provoking factors at once. It is important to understand that most, if not all, of these factors can be influenced by the patient and thereby reduce the likelihood of getting the disease.
- lack of movement - this worsens the blood supply, and therefore the nutrition of all elements of the spine;
- excessive physical activity is also dangerous and can damage the intervertebral disc;
- staying for a long time in the wrong, non-physiological position - inappropriate height of the table or chair leads to the fact that a person has to constantly tilt his head, bend over;
- stress - excessive tension in the muscles can cause compression of the vessels that feed the spine;
- overweight;
- smoking affects microcirculation in all body tissues;
- insufficient intake of water and protein affects, among other things, the condition of the intervertebral disc.
The direct cause of osteochondrosis of the spine is not always clear, but the following options can be distinguished:
- hereditary predisposition - genetically programmed characteristics of cartilage and bone tissue, where the wear process is faster;
- spinal injury - various complications can develop at the site of the injury, including osteochondrosis;
- occupational hazards, such as vibration;
- exposure to infection or chemicals;
- natural aging of the body.
People from various professions are at risk for the development of osteochondrosis of the spine. These are builders and athletes, surgeons and office workers.
Stages of osteochondrosis and possible complications
A description of the four stages of osteochondrosis of the spine was proposed by Osna in 1971. They are not used to formulate a diagnosis, but allow you to understand how the disease occurs.
- Intervertebral discs become less elastic. The disc may be slightly deformed, there is a shift of the internal nucleus pulposus in the disc. This stage is either not noticeable in any way, or there is little pain.
- In the second stage, cracks may appear on the disc, and the ligaments around it may weaken. Vertebral joints become unstable. There are attacks of acute pain with disability.
- The third stage is characterized by complete damage to the intervertebral disc. When the nucleus pulposus leaves the disc, a herniated disc occurs. Spinal deformity or nerve root entrapment may occur.
- In the fourth stage, surrounding tissues are affected - vertebrae, ligaments, spinal membrane. As a result, vertebral segments can lose their mobility completely.
As a result of osteochondrosis of the spine, various complications occur in some cases. Problems with intervertebral discs, hernias and protrusions can cause narrowing of the spinal canal, compression of the spinal cord and disability.
Depending on the extent of the lesion, various problems with nerve root involvement are possible. These are intercostal neuralgia, violations of sensitivity and motor function of the upper and lower extremities, disturbances in the functioning of internal organs. Inflammation of the sciatic nerve, or sciatica, not only causes severe pain, but can also cause pelvic organ disease and infertility.
In addition to nerve roots, osteochondrosis can compress the vertebral canal. If blood flow is interrupted in the vertebral artery that passes through the cervical region and feeds the brain, brain disorders, problems with vision or hearing, breathing or heart activity can develop.
Approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of osteochondrosis: conventional and alternative methods
In the framework of official medicine, the diagnosis of osteochondrosis includes an examination by a neurologist to determine the extent of damage to the nerve roots, checking reflexes and sensitivity.
Of the instrumental methods, the following can be used:
- Vessel ultrasound allows you to identify the degree of circulatory disorders, for example, in the vertebral artery;
- X-ray of the spine;
- CT also uses radiological methods, but allows you to build a three-dimensional image of the studied area, to identify even small displacements of the vertebrae;
- MRI specializes in the study of soft tissues, allows you to assess the condition of the spinal cord, visualize the internal structure of the intervertebral disc.
For differential diagnosis, laboratory tests, general blood and urine tests, and indicators of calcium metabolism are used.
Therapy of osteochondrosis is complex.
- The first and very important tool in the treatment of osteochondrosis is lifestyle. Normalization of work conditions, moderate and regular exercise, as well as healthy sleep significantly improve the patient's condition.
- For the drug treatment of spinal osteochondrosis, a neurologist or general practitioner can prescribe drugs. Often, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed - this is the standard treatment for spinal osteochondrosis. They reduce pain and reduce inflammation. Muscle relaxants help reduce muscle spasms. Vitamins and antioxidants are prescribed to protect nerve tissue from damage. However, any drug has side effects, for example, NSAIDs can have adverse effects on the stomach.
- In addition to drugs, physiotherapy is used, for example, massage for spinal osteochondrosis, as well as manual therapy. In severe osteochondrosis complications, surgery may be required, but it is prescribed only if there is no effect from long-term conservative treatment.
Treatment of osteochondrosis in classical medicine in most cases is a long process and can have a negative impact on human health.
Therefore, some drugs, in particular analgesics and muscle relaxants (especially with a sedative effect), can become addictive, and some drugs affect the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
Alternatively, you can consider methods used, for example, in traditional Chinese medicine.
Traditional Chinese medicine is very popular all over the world, in many countries there are special centers and training courses. The approaches and methods of therapy in the Celestial Empire differed from the common European view of disease diagnosis and treatment.
All diseases are considered a violation of the balance and movement of Qi energy in the body, and therapeutic measures aim to restore this balance. In China, various medicinal herbs, animal components, minerals, as well as various methods of external influence such as acupuncture and acupressure are used.
These techniques have various indications and a minimal number of side effects.
Acupuncture
Synonymous names for this method are acupuncture, reflexology. The principle of treatment through acupuncture is to place needles on bioactive points. Each point is associated with an organ where the impact is made.
Reflexology allows you to relieve tension and muscle spasms, has an anesthetic effect, helps reduce pain. This method is safe, as most doctors use disposable sterile needles.
And in the case of using needles coated with gold or silver, they must be sterilized without fail. The feeling during the procedure depends on individual susceptibility, the patient may experience tingling or numbness.
It is important that the procedure is carried out by a highly qualified specialist with extensive experience. Improper needle placement will be futile and even harmful. In some cases, acupuncture is combined with exposure to a weak dose of electric current.
Moxibustion
This is a special way to influence the active points with the help of a special wormwood cigar. The principle of action is similar to acupuncture and is often used in combination. A smoldering cigar is attached to the body in a special wooden house, while the active point is heated. Wormwood has a disinfecting, soothing and relaxing effect.
This method is safe because the glowing part of the cigar does not come into contact with the skin, although in some parts of China direct methods are used that act on the skin.
massage
Massage therapy in China is practiced by several different schools. They use rotation techniques, pressing with one finger, manual therapy methods. Traditional massage techniques allow you to exercise muscles and joints, as well as indirectly affect other organs and tissues, and help improve the body's defenses.
qigong
Traditional Chinese gymnastics, like massage, has several schools. Qigong movements, smooth, stretching and twisting, are very good as exercises for the spine with osteochondrosis.
Qigong techniques do not require special equipment and can be done at home.
However, before that, it is better to choose the right exercises with your doctor, as well as carry out the correct implementation techniques under the guidance of a qualified specialist.
The level of science and medicine in China is very high, the combination of tradition and innovation gives amazing results. Examples of Chinese scientific achievements are DNA therapy methods and DNA vaccines - these are methods currently being used to develop cancer treatments and fight HIV.
Osteochondrosis of the spine in the elderly. Recovery features
People age differently: some maintain a clear mind, optimistic about life situations, and cheerful. Others, having passed retirement age, lose interest in life.
- The rate of aging of the body depends on many factors, these are:
- 1) genetic programs for the development and decay of organisms;
- 2) the impact on a person of various adverse life events.
- Adverse effects on a person are produced by poor housing conditions, dangerous working conditions, living in an unfavorable climate, the inability to receive medical and social assistance in full in time, an unhealthy lifestyle (lack of nutrients, bad habits, and emotional stresswhich is prolonged. ).
- When organizing treatment and rehabilitation measures for the elderly, it is necessary to take into account age-related and functional changes in this period of life.
- With aging, the amount of muscle mass decreases, muscle contraction weakens, changes occur in all parts of the spinal column.
Cervical osteochondrosis. The main stage of this disease does not require special treatment. Standard preventive measures can overcome the pathology at this stage.
The biggest danger is a violation of the blood circulation of the brain, which leads to a general disruption of function and the formation of many foci of necrosis of brain tissue.
Prevention
Regardless of the chosen treatment method, the prevention of osteochondrosis plays an equally important role. What can be done for spine health:
- drink enough water;
- control weight, do not overeat;
- choose the right shoes, if necessary - orthopedic insoles;
- choose a good mattress to sleep on, not too soft and provide sufficient support to the spine;
- eat foods rich in collagen (fish, turkey, aspic, various jellies);
- do regular exercise;
- adjust the height of the desktop and chair, taking into account growth.
As far as alternative prevention methods go, massage, qigong, and acupuncture all work well, for reasons that are quite understandable and explained above.
It is important to remember that back pain can and should be treated. To change your lifestyle, there is no need to wait for early signs of illness.
You can now get up from the computer, stretch your neck, include a walk or a massage in your to-do list.
And if spinal osteochondrosis has become a problem that prevents you from living peacefully, then the joint efforts of science and traditional medicine will help restore health and the joy of movement.