The most common ageless disease of the musculoskeletal system is osteochondrosis.Back disease can appear in a person as young as 15 years of age and remain latent during the early stages of the disease.
Around 90% of the world's population suffers from this disease.This statistical number is associated with the modern lifestyle: inadequate nutrition, lack of time for sports, etc.Damage to the musculoskeletal system can cause serious complications, cause limited capabilities and disrupt the functioning of internal organs.
What is osteochondrosis and what are its causes?
Osteochondrosis of the spine is defined as a disease that begins with inflammation of the intervertebral discs, after which it affects the tissues of the spine.The cartilaginous tissue and bone tissue of the spine are affected by the process of degenerative changes.
When the disease occurs, the normal structure of the vertebral tissues changes.The cartilaginous disc changes its structure and consistency, loses elasticity and the distance between the vertebral discs decreases.In this regard, the nerve processes of the spinal cord are compressed, resulting in a painful sensation.Then, the smaller joints of the spine undergo changes, forming degenerative bone growths, which subsequently prevent the patient from bending over and cause pain.
Main causes of the disease:
- The main reason for the manifestation of this disease is the unevenly distributed load on the spine (carrying a bag, obesity, heavy lifting, pregnancy).
- Additionally, the cause may be sitting or lying for a long time in an incorrect position (uneven resting surface, sedentary lifestyle, consequences of injuries).
- The cause of the disease can also be flat feet.
- There is a congenital predisposition to the disease.
- Poor and unhealthy nutrition.
- Previous back injuries are the cause of the disease.
- Frequent stress and overexertion can also cause the disease.
Today there is a not very favorable trend;osteochondrosis begins at a young age, when correct posture is not observed, when the musculoskeletal system is not yet fully formed.Young patients cannot take their health completely seriously, so the duty of parents obliges them to teach their children the correct posture and rules of a healthy lifestyle.If you are not careful with your health, the disease can progress to an advanced form, which will manifest itself as more serious symptoms over the years.
Osteochondrosis of the back: classification of the disease, main stages
Due to the fact that the human back can be divided into several sections, osteochondrosis of the back is also classified into several varieties.
There are several types of osteochondrosis:
- Osteochondrosis of the cervical spinecharacterized by painful sensations in the neck and shoulder girdle, as degenerative processes progress in the vertebral discs in the cervical region.
- Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine- the affected thoracic part of the spine causes pain not only in the chest, but also between the shoulder blades, muscular dystrophy is observed in this area.
- Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spineIt occurs in people who have increased physical activity, which can impact reproductive function.
- Osteochondrosis of the sacral spineIt is dangerous because, as a result of the course of the disease, nerve endings and blood arteries can be compressed.
- Extensive osteochondrosis of the spinecharacterized by a combination of injuries to two or more of its parts.This case is considered the most serious and difficult to treat.
Like many other diseases, back osteochondrosis is painful and progresses to different stages of severity.
In medicine, there are several stages of back disease:
- First stage- onset of the disease.The patient does not notice any special changes in the body;only slight discomfort is felt in one of the back parts during an unusual position or active movements.As a rule, these symptoms are not given much importance and are associated with other causes of manifestation.
- Second stageit is characterized by the manifestation of pain, as at this stage the process of destruction of cartilaginous tissue begins;Without timely medical intervention, the process of reducing the intervertebral gap may accelerate, which will entail compression of nerves, lymphatic vessels or blood arteries.
- In the third phasethere is a pronounced deformation of the spine.Treatment at this stage will reduce the rate of disease development and possibly stop further curvature of the spine.
- Last stepthe development of the disease leads to total disability for the patient.At this stage, all processes associated with the disease are irreversible.The patient may have difficulty moving, insurmountable pain accompanies every movement, the spine shifts significantly, the cartilaginous tissue becomes denser and the bone tissue grows pathologically.
Osteochondrosis: symptoms and diagnosis
Many symptoms of the disease can be confused with other diseases.
The fact is that the deformed parts of the back press on nearby organs, which causes corresponding pain.
Some young patients do not even know or realize that they may have this disease, believing that osteochondrosis is the fate of old age, which, of course, is wrong.
Symptoms of the disease:
- pain and discomfort in the cervical region, sternum or lower back;
- a secondary symptom is muscle atrophy in the affected area;
- due to postural deformation, internal organs suffer, which in turn also present dysfunctions;
- there is numbness in the arms or legs;
- increased sensation of cold in the lower extremities;
- headache, dizziness occurs;
- nausea appears;
- the patient may lose consciousness;
- the appearance of floaters or spots in the eyes is possible;
- Arterial spasm of the foot occurs.
With age, the secretion of intervertebral fluid decreases, the intervertebral discs become less elastic and undergo flattening, which is an intervertebral hernia.
This is important.If similar symptoms appear, contact the right specialist!
To undergo examination, it is necessary to contact the following specialists when detecting the first signs: neurologist, neurosurgeon, traumatologist.They will refer you for examination and make an accurate diagnosis.
To prevent the development of the disease in a timely manner, it is necessary to identify it at an early stage of development.For this, fluoroscopy, MRI or computed tomography of the spine are performed.Sometimes additional examination of blood vessels and nerve endings is necessary.
Treatment of osteochondrosis: medication and surgery
Back disease can be treated in different ways depending on the severity of the injury.Treatment methods and other areas of health improvement and prevention are selected by a specialist who first carries out diagnostic measures.The treatment of osteochondrosis follows an integrated approach.Firstly, the main goal is to relieve pain and distribute the load on the spine.
To keep the spine in the correct position and due to muscle atrophy, it is necessary to purchase and wear a special support corset.In the acute course of the disease, absolute rest on a hard surface is indicated.
In some cases, a conservative approach to treatment is not appropriate and surgical intervention must be used.Additionally, experts sometimes diagnose spinal muscular atrophy, a disease previously considered incurable.Currently, a medicine has emerged that can deal with this disease.
Drug treatment of osteochondrosis
Treatment without the use of medication is almost impossible, as inflammation and pain can only be relieved with the use of the appropriate medication.Drugs block pain.There are blocks for intramuscular, punctual, epidural, intraosseous administration.Only a specialist will determine what type of blockage is needed in your case.Restorative vitamin therapy is carried out comprehensively.
Surgical treatment of osteochondrosis
It happens that conservative treatment of osteochondrosis is unsuccessful and the pain disrupts life, the disease progresses, takes on a complex form and there is nothing left but to resort to surgical resolution.The main objective of this intervention is to reduce pressure on the spinal cord, which is usually caused by a hernia.This approach to treating the disease can only be determined by the attending physician.
Massage and manual therapy
Treatment of osteochondrosis must be carried out in a complex manner.This may include massage and manual therapy.These procedures must be carried out by a qualified specialist who does not harm or worsen the existing condition.
Massage and hydromassage help to normalize the general condition, muscle tone, improve blood circulation and normalize the functioning of the nervous system.
Treatment is possible with manual therapy.Manual therapy is used in an individually developed treatment program.Therapy helps to improve blood circulation, lymphatic circulation, strengthen the immune system and improve the functioning of the musculoskeletal system.
Osteochondrosis disease: treatment with traditional methods, complications and prevention
Osteochondrosis can be treated in combination with specially selected physiotherapy exercises.Certain exercises with measured load on the desired areas of the body will strengthen the muscles and create a muscular corset for the spine.Thus, metabolism and blood circulation are normalized and the nutrition of the intervertebral discs is restored.The disease osteochondrosis stops developing after a course of therapeutic physical training.
A useful habit would be to start the morning with therapeutic exercises, which will prepare your motor system for the upcoming loads.
Swimming, in this case as a therapeutic sport, will have a beneficial effect on spinal health.
Physiotherapy
Therapy also affects osteochondrosis.Physiotherapy enhances the effect of medications and relieves pain.The procedures are performed with laser, current, ultrasound and magnet.The therapeutic dose is specially selected and adjusted individually.Therapy can be carried out at any stage of osteochondrosis disease.
Treatment with folk remedies
Osteochondrosis disease can also be treated with folk remedies, but you should definitely consult your doctor.Folk remedies have a minimum of side effects, but allergic reactions to some components are possible.
There are many herbal recipes that help treat the disease.The collection helps to relieve inflammation and also eliminate pain.You can select ready-made medicines for the treatment of the disease, in a certain dosage.
You can prepare your own ointment, rubbing mixture or compress according to the recipe.For example, a rubbing mixture: radish juice (200-300 ml), honey (200-300 g), vodka (100 ml).
You can also make a cinquefoil tincture and rub the sore spot before going to bed and then tie it with a warm scarf.
Sea salt compress (300 g), dry seaweed (5-6 packs).The listed ingredients are poured into water, approximately 50 degrees, left to infuse for about 30 minutes, then applied to the affected area with gauze covered with polyethylene and a warm cloth on top.The compress is left for 5-6 hours, the course is 10 procedures.
Steam the burdock leaf for 10-15 minutes and then apply it to the painful area, covering it with polyethylene and a warm cloth.
Half a glass of elderberry is infused with 0.5 liters of vodka for 7 days and then rubbed into the surface of the skin in the affected area.
This is important.Do not forget that treatment with folk remedies alone will not have the desired effect;treatment must be comprehensive.
Diet
Everyone has long known that a healthy diet is the key to health, but not everyone understands the link between nutrition and musculoskeletal diseases.To prevent the progression of the disease and the occurrence of complications, it is necessary to follow a diet.As excess weight puts pressure on the affected spine, it is necessary to control the intake and elimination of liquids and food, in addition to controlling weight.
The menu should include foods that satisfy hunger and help cleanse the intestines (vegetables, fruits, cereals, dairy products and fermented dairy products).
It is worth abstaining from foods that retain salts in the body and promote the accumulation of fluids (pickles, smoked meats, coffee, alcohol, soft drinks).
Do not overuse baked goods and sweets, as consuming these products leads to excess weight.
Meals can be 4 to 6 times a day.If your body weight is not excessive, 4-5 times is enough;If your body weight exceeds normal, you should eat small portions of food 5-6 times a day.
The drinking regime should be limited to: 2-2.5 liters per day, no more, no less.
With the help of some products containing chondroitin, it is possible to strengthen the ligaments of the intervertebral discs and restore the structure of the cartilage (jelly, jellied meat, chicken wing broth, fish jelly).
Proper nutrition is the key to preventing diseases such as osteochondrosis.
Complications
If you start osteochondrosis, complications are more likely to occur.
Complications that arise due to osteochondrosis become serious and irreversible.
- The first complication may be a vertebral hernia as a result of decreased intervertebral fluid and flattening of the discs.
- Protrusions appear – protuberance of the spinal disc in the spinal canal.
- Salt deposits in the spine.
- A stroke in the spinal cord may occur.
- Limb atrophy.
- Paralysis of the lower extremities.
- Subluxations of the vertebrae are possible.
- Kyphosis, scoliosis and other pathological curvatures of the spine occur.
- Sciatica may occur.
To avoid complications, it is necessary to regularly carry out preventive treatment, following a diet and physical activity.
Prevention
Preventing a disease is much easier than treating it later.
To prevent the development of osteochondrosis, you need to follow a number of rules:
- Lead an active lifestyle: do sports (swimming is especially good for back health), exercise in the morning.
- When performing long periods of sedentary work, take warm-up breaks.
- Watch your diet, drinking and being overweight.
- Make sure your posture is correct when working and walking.
- Minimize the use of high heels.
- Try to stay in a comfortable and correct position while sleeping.
- Buy an orthopedic mattress or pillow.
- Try to reduce carrying heavy objects or make sure you lift weights correctly.
- Choose a seat with a comfortable back for support.
It is worth remembering that spinal disease is quite serious and has no specific age.Osteochondrosis can occur both at a young age and in old age.When the first symptoms of the disease appear, you should consult a neurologist or traumatologist.
If the disease has already manifested itself, do not forget that it is necessary to periodically consult a doctor who will monitor the course of the disease, give recommendations and prescribe adequate treatment or preventive measures.For existing osteochondrosis, seasonal treatment and preventive courses are carried out 2 times a year.
By following simple rules, you can maintain your health or avoid complications and further development of the disease.
The spine is the foundation of our body, which must be protected.Movement, proper nutrition, a healthy lifestyle are the key to health!