Osteochondrosis is a common disease in which a person feels pain and limitation of movement in different parts of the back. Previously, it was believed that this disease was characteristic only for the elderly, but in recent years, young patients are increasingly suffering from osteochondrosis. According to statistics, every inhabitant of this planet is prone to back pain.
The human spine consists of 32-34 vertebrae, interconnected in a vertical position. Between the vertebrae is a layer of cartilage - the so-called cartilaginous disc. They provide flexibility, mobility of the spinal column during movement.
What is osteochondrosis? This is a disease of the spine, the basis of which is the destruction of the intervertebral disc, and then the vertebra itself. The destruction of this disc over time leads to complications such as protrusion (bulging part of the disc) and herniated vertebrae.
Most often, osteochondrosis affects residents of large cities. Sedentary work, as a result, lack of movement, leads to static load on the spine.
The reasons
When a person walks, the load on the spine is unevenly distributed. The intervertebral disc is compressed, the distance between the vertebrae decreases, as a result the intervertebral cartilage tissue is destroyed. If the disease begins, the nerve root is also damaged. In this case, a person may experience pain in the area of the nerve root, as well as tingling, burning, "crawling" feeling. Pain can appear with prolonged sitting in an uncomfortable position, squeezing the arms or legs. In addition, there are risk factors.
Osteochondrosis can trigger several diseases of the musculoskeletal system, such as: flat feet, scoliosis, diseases of the muscular system. In addition, osteochondrosis is also found in endocrine pathologies, for example, metabolic disorders, diabetes mellitus, and thyroid disease. Lifestyle also affects the course of the disease. If a person is often in an uncomfortable position, stands or sits for a long time, leads a sedentary lifestyle, then all this leads to the destruction of the intervertebral disc. Malnutrition with excess fat and lack of vitamins and minerals can also cause problems with the spine. If a person has injuries, bruises and surgery on the spine, this can provoke the exacerbation of osteochondrosis.
Heredity has a negative effect on the course of the disease.
Bad habits (smoking, excessive alcohol consumption) also have a negative effect on the spine. Nicotine adversely affects metabolism, which causes weakening of the intervertebral disc. Excess body weight adds additional pressure to all parts of the spine, eventually damaging the intervertebral discs. A sedentary lifestyle is also not good for the spine. With a lack of movement, the load on the back increases, the intervertebral disc is "erased" and the cartilage is damaged. With excessive physical exertion and professional sports, microtrauma of the spine also occurs. The first symptoms of osteochondrosis may not appear immediately.
Types of osteochondrosis
Cervix
The neck is a very mobile part of the body, it undergoes many turns to the side every day. There are seven small vertebrae in the neck, interconnected by special discs. Diseases of this department are considered quite serious, because in the cervical area there are many vessels (arteries and veins), as well as nerve roots responsible for important body systems. Cervical osteochondrosis often complicates the saturation of the head with blood, so the brain also suffers from it. It is believed that operations on this part of the spine can cause immobilization, that is, a violation of movement throughout the body.
thorax
The vertebrae of the thoracic region do not move like the lower back and neck. Thoracic osteochondrosis for this reason is less common than other types. People who lift weights, as well as athletes, are more likely than others to develop this back condition. There are cases when thoracic osteochondrosis is confused with heart attack, lung disease. To establish the correct diagnosis, examination and consultation with a doctor is required.
Lumbar (or lumbosacral)
The lumbar spine consists of five vertebrae connected by intervertebral discs. The spine is large and strong, able to bear the weight of the human body. However, if the metabolic process is disturbed, the vertebrae quickly become less resilient and inelastic, and the nerve roots of the lower back are damaged. As a result, a person experiences severe back pain that spreads to the legs or groin.
If the sacral spine is also affected, then such osteochondrosis is called lumbosacral. In this form, the defeat is stronger and more serious. It is difficult for a person to walk, sometimes paralysis of the legs occurs, because the spinal cord and the nerve roots that go to the lower part of the legs are damaged. Possibly urinary incontinence.
Main symptoms
There are cervical, thoracic and lumbar osteochondrosis. This disease has many symptoms, which depend on the level of the lesion.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
The main symptom is pain in the neck, which is aggravated by turning and tilting the head. Painkillers help, but not for long. Dizziness and ringing in the ears are common. Some patients report numbness of the face and neck, weakness in the arms.
Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis
Happens less often. With this type of osteochondrosis, a person experiences pain in the chest area, between the shoulder blades. The pain worsens with bending and moving. There is a sensation of a lump in the throat, breathing becomes difficult. There may be numbness in the chest, pain in the heart, in the stomach.
Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
This type of disease is the most common. The main symptom is lower back pain, radiating to one or both legs, to the groin, to the abdomen. Sensation especially often arises when turning to the side, tilting the body.
Diagnostics
Treatment of osteochondrosis is carried out by a neurologist. To make a diagnosis, he will prescribe an examination. Basically, this is an x-ray of the affected back, if complications are suspected - protrusion and hernia of the spine, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is prescribed. In some cases, ultrasound of the vertebral artery is performed.
Treatment
Treatment of osteochondrosis depends on the stage of the disease, on the age and individual characteristics of a person.
Therapy aims to relieve pain, relax muscles and prevent complications. The main group in the treatment of this disease is non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These are drugs that relieve pain, eliminate inflammation. Anti-inflammatory drugs are available in the form of injections, as well as tablets. Issued by prescription.
In addition, muscle relaxants are used - drugs that relax spasmodic muscles, because of this, muscle pain decreases. Usually used for external use. Such drugs reduce pain, create a "disturbing" effect, that is, warm or cold.
For pain relief, topical agents are excellent. Such ointments and creams relieve swelling, relieve inflammation and reduce pain at the site of the lesion.
The drug has no cumulative effect and, importantly, it is issued without a prescription. This fund is sure to relieve pain in any part of the spine.
Among them, warming ointment can be distinguished - the effect occurs in about half an hour. Their action is that they dilate the blood vessels of the skin, preventing the transmission of nerve impulses to the brain.
However, it should be remembered that ointments with analgesic effects can have an adverse effect on people suffering from diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
In addition, there are other external agents - patches, which also relieve pain and swelling. This patch is available without a prescription.
Along with pain relief, prescribe drugs that restore nerve roots. This is vitamin B. It is prescribed in the form of injections or tablets in a course.
In addition to drug treatment, patients are prescribed special bandages and corsets. Such products unload the spine, improve metabolic processes and strengthen the disc structure. Appointed after the removal of pain in the spine.
As written above, with osteochondrosis, the elasticity and mobility of the intervertebral disc deteriorates. To restore this important structure, chondroprotectors are used in treatment, these drugs restore cartilage and prevent its destruction. They are used only as directed by the doctor, course.
After removing the pain and inflammation, recovery is required. For this, physiotherapy is used: massage, acupuncture, electrical stimulation. Massage is prescribed no earlier than 3-6 months after treatment. If a person has protrusions and hernias, spinal traction is recommended.
Exercise therapy for osteochondrosis
Exercise therapy and gymnastics are important additions to the treatment of osteochondrosis. The prerequisite is that the exercise is carried out only after the back pain subsides. For each patient, exercises are selected individually, depending on age and body characteristics.
Gymnastics with osteochondrosis improves blood circulation and metabolism, strengthens the back muscles. Thanks to the strengthening, spasms and excessive fatigue in the spinal pass, the back becomes more resilient. Regularity of performance and selection of individual exercises are important. In addition, gymnastics is a proven and effective way to prevent the development of the disease itself. Therefore, a little exercise in the morning, as well as five minutes at work, will benefit your back.
How to sleep properly?
It is believed that it is most useful to sleep on the back. This is the most comfortable position for the spine, because in this position there is complete relaxation of all muscles. In addition, with lumbar osteochondrosis, it is recommended to place a small roller or pillow under the knee. It is not recommended to sleep on your stomach - it is dangerous for the cervical spine.
In this position, a person turns his head, and as a result, important vessels and nerve roots in the neck are compressed, blood circulation is disturbed. As a result, there is not enough blood to the head, dizziness and headaches occur, and numbness in the hands may appear. Body position on the side is also considered acceptable.
Pillows and mattresses
Mattress
For proper and healthy sleep, it is better to choose orthopedic products. An orthopedic mattress is useful for all parts of the spine, it allows you to maintain the natural anatomical curve - this improves blood circulation in the back. The back muscles on such a mattress are in the most comfortable and relaxed state, and the person gets enough sleep.
Mattresses are different: hard, soft, medium hardness. It is worth choosing individually.
- For children and teenagers, medium to high firmness mattresses will be useful.
- For those over 25 with a healthy back, a medium-firm mattress is recommended.
- With the presence of scoliosis and other diseases in the back, it is worth buying a hard mattress.
Pillow
An important factor for healthy sleep is the choice of pillow. It should be soft and comfortable enough to support the curve of the spine and relieve tension from the neck muscles. The pillow has a good effect on sleep, relaxes the cervical area and the head, improves blood circulation. This pillow helps maintain posture, as well as eliminate snoring.
I would like to add that comfort and a favorable environment are necessary for healthy sleep. Before going to bed, don't be nervous, avoid physical activity. You can take a relaxing bath with salt or herbs (lavender, chamomile). You need to sleep in a room that has good ventilation with humidity (40-60%).
Prevention
It is probably not a secret for anyone that prevention is always easier and cheaper than treatment. It is necessary to take care of the spine from childhood. It is important to monitor your posture during classes and meals, to choose the right furniture.
If your work is inactive, try to interrupt every two hours, take a five-minute break for gymnastics. Try not to stand in one position for a long time - this increases the load on the back. To sleep, choose a mattress without hard springs. Engage in physical activity. Swimming, fitness, dancing - choose an active leisure activity.
Try not to lift weights in one sitting. It is better to divide the load into several parts. Do not lift heavy objects with one hand - distribute the load on both hands. Take vitamins and microelements, group B vitamins, vitamins D, E, calcium, phosphorus are very useful for the back.
For back pain, consult a doctor.
Watch your back!