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 the disease is characteristic only of the elderly, but in recent years, young patients are increasingly suffering from osteochondrosis. According to statistics, every second inhabitant of the planet is prone to back pain.
The human spine consists of 32-34 vertebrae, interconnected in a vertical position. Between the vertebrae are cartilaginous layers - the so-called cartilaginous discs. They provide flexibility, mobility of the spine during movement.
What is osteochondrosis? This is a disease of the spine, the basis of which is the destruction of the intervertebral discs, and then the vertebrae themselves. These disc destructions over time lead to complications such as protrusion (bulging of part of the disc) and vertebral herniation.
Most often, osteochondrosis affects residents of large cities. Sitting work, as a result, the lack of movement, leads to a static overload of the spine.
reason
When a person walks, the load on the spine is unevenly distributed. The intervertebral discs are compressed, the distance between the vertebrae decreases, as a result of which the intervertebral cartilage tissue is destroyed. If the disease starts, the nerve roots are also damaged. In this case, a person may have pain in the area of nerve roots, as well as tingling, burning, a "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 provoke 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 diseases. Lifestyle also affects the course of the disease. If a person often stands 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 discs. Malnutrition with a predominance of fats and lack of vitamins and minerals can also provoke problems with the spine. If a person had injuries, bruises and operations on the back, this can provoke an exacerbation of osteochondrosis.
Heredity negatively affects the course of the disease.
Bad habits (smoking, excessive alcohol consumption) also have a negative effect on the spine. Nicotine negatively affects metabolism, which causes weakening of the intervertebral discs. Excess weight adds extra stress to all parts of the spine, eventually damaging the intervertebral discs. A sedentary lifestyle also does not benefit the spine. With a lack of movement, the load on the back increases, the intervertebral discs are "hidden" and the cartilage is damaged. With excessive physical strain 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 lateral turns every day. There are seven small vertebrae in the neck, interconnected by special discs. The disease of this department is considered quite serious, since in the cervical region there are many vessels (arteries and veins), as well as nerve roots that are 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 in the entire body.
thoracic
The vertebrae of the thoracic region are not as mobile as the lower back and neck. For this reason, thoracic osteochondrosis is less common than other types. People who lift weights, as well as athletes, are more likely than others to suffer from the disease of this part of the back. There are cases when thoracic osteochondrosis is confused with a heart attack, lung disease. To establish the correct diagnosis, examinations and consultations with the doctor are necessary.
Lumbar (or lumbosacral)
The lumbar spine consists of five vertebrae connected by intervertebral discs. These vertebrae are large and strong, able to withstand the weight of the human body. However, if the metabolic processes are disturbed, the vertebrae quickly become less elastic and inelastic, and the nerve roots of the lower back are damaged. As a result, a person experiences severe pain in the lower back that radiates to the leg 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, as the spinal cord and nerve roots that go to the lower extremities are damaged. Possibly urinary incontinence.
Main symptoms
There is cervical, thoracic and lumbar osteochondrosis. The disease has many symptoms, which depend on the level of the lesion.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
The main symptoms are pain in the neck, which is aggravated by turning and tilting the head. Painkillers help, but not for long. Dizziness and tinnitus are common. Some patients report numbness of the face and neck, weakness in the arms.
Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis
It happens less often. With this type of osteochondrosis, a person has pain in the chest area, between the shoulder blades. The pain is worsened by 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
The most common type of this disease. The main symptom is back pain, which radiates to one or both legs, groin, abdomen. Sensations especially often arise when you turn to the side, tilting the body.
Diagnosing
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 herniation of the spine, an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is prescribed. In some cases, ultrasound of the vessels of the vertebral arteries is performed.
Treatment
Treatment of osteochondrosis depends on the stage of the disease, age and individual characteristics of the person.
The therapy aims to relieve pain, relax muscles and prevent complications. The main group in the treatment of the disease are 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. It is issued with a prescription.
In addition, muscle relaxants are used - drugs that relax spasmodic muscles, due to this, muscle pain decreases. It is usually used for external use. Such drugs reduce pain, create an "attractive" 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.
Medicines do not have a cumulative effect and, most importantly, they are dispensed without a prescription. These funds reliably relieve pain in any part of the spine.
Among them, warming ointments can be distinguished - their effect occurs in about half an hour. Their action is that they expand the blood vessels of the skin, preventing the transmission of a nerve impulse to the brain.
However, it is worth remembering that ointments with an analgesic effect can negatively affect people with exacerbations of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
In addition, there are other external agents - patches, which also relieve pain and swelling. These patches are available without a prescription.
Along with pain relief, prescribe drugs that restore the nerve roots. These are B vitamins. They are prescribed in the form of injections or tablets in courses.
In addition to drug treatment, the patient is prescribed to wear special bandages and corsets. Such products unload the spine, improve metabolic processes and strengthen the disc structure. Named after relieving back pain.
As written above, with osteochondrosis, the elasticity and mobility of the intervertebral disc deteriorates. To restore this important structure, chondroprotectors are used in the treatment, these drugs restore cartilage and prevent their destruction. They are used only as directed by a doctor, whereas.
After the removal of pain and inflammation, healing is required. Physiotherapy is used for this: massage, acupuncture, electrical stimulation. Massage is prescribed no earlier than 3-6 months after treatment. If a person has protrusion and herniation, spinal traction is recommended.
Exercise therapy for osteochondrosis
Exercise therapy and gymnastics are an important adjunct to the treatment of osteochondrosis. A prerequisite is that the exercises are performed 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 this strengthening, spasms and strains in the spine pass, the back becomes more elastic. Regularity of performance and individual selection of exercises is 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 the back.
How to sleep properly?
It is believed that it is more beneficial to sleep on the back. This is the most comfortable position for the spine, as 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 knees. It is not recommended to sleep on the stomach - it is harmful to 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, blood does not reach the head enough, dizziness and headaches appear, and a feeling of numbness in the hands may appear. Side body position is also considered acceptable.
Pillow and mattress
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 a 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 sleeps enough.
Mattresses are different: hard, soft, medium firm. It is worth choosing individually.
- For children and teenagers, a mattress with medium and high firmness will be useful.
- For people over 25 years of age with healthy backs, a medium firm mattress is recommended.
- In the presence of scoliosis and other back diseases, it is worth buying a firm mattress.
Pillow
An important factor for healthy sleep is the choice of pillow. It should be soft and comfortable enough to support the curves of the spine and relieve tension from the neck muscles. The pillow has a beneficial effect on sleep, relaxes the cervical region and the head, improves blood circulation. These pillows help to maintain posture as well as get rid of snoring.
I want to add that comfort and a favorable environment are required for healthy sleep. Before going to bed, do not worry, avoid physical activity. You can take a relaxing bath with salt or herbs (lavender, chamomile). You should sleep in a well-ventilated room with humidity (40-60%).
prevention
It is probably no secret to anyone that prevention is always easier and less expensive than treatment. It is necessary to take care of the spine from childhood. It is important to monitor your posture during lessons and meals, to choose the right furniture.
If your work is sedentary, then try to interrupt every two hours, take five-minute breaks for gymnastics. Try not to stay in one position for a long time - this increases the load on the back. For sleep, choose a firm mattress without springs. Engage in physical activity. Swimming, fitness, dancing - choose active leisure activities.
Try not to lift weights in one sitting. It is better to divide the load into several parts. Don't lift heavy things with one hand - spread the weight across both hands. Take vitamins and trace elements, vitamins of group B, vitamins D, E, calcium, phosphorus are especially useful for the back.
For back pain, seek medical advice.
Take care of your back!