Osteochondrosis is a common disease of the musculoskeletal system. It manifests itself as a slight discomfort, and severe pain, limiting a person's activities. In advanced cases, pathology can lead to the need for surgery and even disability. Disease prevention and prevention reduce the risk of its occurrence or help achieve positive treatment results.
Cause
Osteochondrosis is a pathology that occurs due to a combination of factors such as genetic predisposition, human lifestyle, environmental conditions.
This disease is characterized by damage to the articular cartilage, as well as the underlying bone tissue. Normally, it is the cartilage that gives the spine flexibility and mobility, but they can wear out, lose their properties, elasticity and change shape under the pressure of other vertebrae.
The most common causes of the development of pathology are:
- hereditary tendency.
- The weakness of the muscle corset.
- Postural disorders and scoliosis.
- Mechanical injuries of the spine.
- Excessive physical activity.
- Neuro-emotional stress.
- Passive lifestyle.
- Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Uncomfortably tight shoes, high heels.
- General dehydration.
- Lack of essential nutrients, beriberi.
Types of osteochondrosis
cervix
This disease is included in the list of most frequent complaints of patients of working age who spend up to 8-10 hours a day at the computer. Often, patients do not pay attention to pain, which leads to the development of complications. If you do not want to experience constant pain in the neck, head, shoulders, it is important to do prevention as soon as possible, and if necessary, see a doctor as soon as possible.
thorax
The disease may be asymptomatic. Often it is accompanied by pain in the back, neck, forearm. In advanced stages, thoracic osteochondrosis is characterized by symptoms shown by painful conditions of the arms and legs, tinnitus. Also, chondrosis of the chest may be accompanied by nausea, headache in the morning, pain and blinking in the eyes, sweating. For the treatment of the disease, taking medicines and therapeutic exercises are sufficient measures.
Lumbar
The lumbar spine is very vulnerable. If you do not engage in strengthening the back muscles and do not monitor your posture, there is a risk of developing unpleasant symptoms. Chondrosis is characterized by lumbar pain in the lower back, pain in the hip area, and so-called back pain.
Take precautions. Keep your lower back warm, try not to cool it too much. Do not carry or lift objects weighing more than 10 kg. If you are lifting something heavy, do not jerk or make sudden movements. Refrain from any physical work in an inclined position. If you want to mop the floor, use a mop or squat.
Stages and symptoms of the development of osteochondrosis
This disease goes through 4 stages, accompanied by various symptoms. In the early stages, the pathology occurs in the area of the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc. Excessive load causes a decrease in disc height and the appearance of cracks in the fibrous ring. A person may feel a little uncomfortable when they are in a static position for a long time or, conversely, when they move too actively.
In the 2nd stage, the distance between the vertebrae continues to decrease, the vertebral muscles and ligaments lose tone and relax. This leads to increased mobility of the vertebrae with an affected disc, the risk of displacement or subluxation. In the second stage, discomfort and pain appear, especially with a certain type of load or in a certain position.
With osteochondrosis of the 3rd degree, prolapse and protrusion of the intervertebral disc is formed, the development of arthrosis of the intervertebral joint is possible. A person experiences stiffness, becomes inactive. At this pathological stage, pain is clearly felt depending on the location of the lesion.
In the 4th stage, the body tries to adapt to the disruption of spinal function. This can be expressed in bone neoplasms - osteophytes. They act as stabilizers of the vertebrae. But it can cause pinched nerves and other injuries.
Diagnostics
When examining the patient and taking an anamnesis, the specialist carries out the main diagnosis, suggesting the presence of the disease by the visually detectable curvature observed in the transverse or longitudinal plane of the spinal column. After the initial consultation, the surgeon or neurologist may prescribe additional examinations. After determining the localization of the disease and its stage, treatment can begin, the purpose of which is to eliminate the cause of pain.
The most common diagnostic methods:
- x-rays;
- CT;
- MRI;
- doppler ultrasound.
Methods of treatment for osteochondrosis
Treatment brings good results only when it is regular, consistent and systematic. The first stage therapeutic strategy aims to neutralize the pain, the second stage is to activate the blood supply and metabolic processes in the affected area of the spine, and the third stage shows physiotherapy and manual procedures.
With osteochondrosis of any department in the acute stage, accompanied by severe pain, the doctor may prescribe a paravertebral block by administering novocaine, lidocaine and other drugs to relieve muscle tension in the spinal movement segment, reduce swelling and muscle tension.
A combination of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antispasmodics, analgesics and vitamin complexes (group D, nicotinic acid) is considered effective. As local therapy, ointments are prescribed - chondroprotectors and agents with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory components.
It is important to remember that medications help to cope only with severe pain at this time. Physiotherapy treatment helps to eliminate the unpleasant manifestations of the disease in the long term.
The most commonly used therapies include:
- reflexology;
- acupuncture;
- electrophoresis;
- manual therapy;
- massage;
- physiotherapy.
What is the cause of the lack of treatment?
Osteochondrosis is best corrected in the early stages of formation before the appearance of the vertebral pathological syndrome, accompanied by chronic headaches and pain in the shoulder blades, heart, and lower back. Over time, the disease leads to changes in the overall structure of the spinal column due to the active compensatory expansion of connective tissue, fibrillar and bone.
The clinical picture of this disease depends on the localization of the pathology, the level of development of the process, and the individual characteristics of the patient. Displacement of intervertebral discs, protrusions and hernias lead to unpleasant consequences.
Frequent manifestations:
- violation of blood circulation in tissues;
- pinched nerve;
- spinal canal dysfunction;
- edema and tissue fibrosis.
Therefore, the treatment of osteochondrosis should be started as early as possible and carried out in a complex way with an emphasis on neutralizing inflammation and eliminating pain. If the disease manifests itself for many years, is in an advanced stage, and a herniated vertebral disc is diagnosed, a surgical operation may be necessary.
Prevention
Prevention of osteochondrosis and its treatment are closely related to each other. Their goal is to improve the quality of life of patients. If you have a sedentary job, take frequent breaks. Get up every half hour and do simple exercises that relieve tension in the neck and back muscles. Try to sit at the table correctly: your back is straight, your shoulders are relaxed. Choose such a chair, the back of which can provide maximum support to the spine: so it will not burden.
To prevent the onset of disease, it is good to undergo a massage course regularly. Massage can improve blood circulation and lymph flow, increase metabolic processes in muscle tissue, and stop stagnant processes. As a result, there is an increase in overall well-being, increased vitality, and some painful symptoms disappear.
Recommendations for the prevention and prevention of the development of osteochondrosis:
- Limit yourself when lifting weights. Allowed weight up to 10 kg.
- Carrying the load equally on both hands.
- Perform simple exercises systematically aimed at strengthening the spine, muscles, ligaments and joints.
- Go swimming if you can.
- Try not to sit in one position for long.
- Take food supplements that contain mucopolysaccharides - elements that form cartilage.
Prevention of osteochondrosis of the spine is a less difficult task than further treatment. Think about your health and start taking care of it before it reminds you of itself.