Back pain is a problem that most people do not pay due attention to until the situation becomes critical. But timely treatment of back pain significantly reduces the risk of developing chronic diseases of the spine, among which osteochondrosis occupies a special place.
What is osteochondrosis?
Osteochondrosis is a disease that affects the tissues of the spine, resulting in a deformity of the spine (a disease of the intervertebral discs and the spine in general). As a result, the spine loses its ability to absorb, the intervertebral discs become thinner, and in the future they may swell or pinch, leading to the development of complications such as herniated discs and so on.
The main danger of osteochondrosis of the spine lies in its latent course. It is most often diagnosed in patients in the last stages, when the severe pain caused by complications does not allow to lead a normal life.
Reasons for development
There are many theories explaining the occurrence of spinal diseases, including heredity, hormonal disorders and vascular problems. However, none of them gives a clear explanation for why osteochondrosis of the spine occurs.
Let's highlight a number of factors that increase the likelihood of developing osteochondrosis:
- spinal injuries - congenital or acquired;
- heredity;
- overweight, poor metabolism;
- sedentary way of life;
- age criterion;
- flat feet, distortion of posture, underdevelopment of the muscular system;
- work involving heavy loads on the back;
- improper distribution of the load on the spine during exercise;
- bad habits, unbalanced diet;
- wrong choice of shoes, frequent wearing of high heels (for women);
- environmental factors - high humidity, too low temperatures, etc.
Stages of development of osteochondrosis
There are different stages in the development of osteochondrosis due to different symptoms and sensations. The disease progresses slowly and the signs of this disease form over a long period of time. Determining the stage of development allows doctors to develop an effective treatment plan for the spine.
- Stage one.There is a thickening of the spinal disc, the hook-shaped processes increase. During this period, patients experience discomfort during exercise or for a long time in one position (sitting, standing, lying down). Treatment of osteochondrosis includes the use of decongestants, antihistamines and painkillers, chondroprotectors.
- Stage two.The cartilaginous structures of the spine become unstable, the distance between the intervertebral discs decreases, the holes narrow. This development of the disease leads to nerve compression and severe pain. According to statistics, it is at this stage that patients first visit a doctor with complaints. Doctors prescribe treatment - manual therapy, painkillers, physiotherapy.
- Third stage.Changes in the structure of the spine and intervertebral discs are pronounced. Almost complete closure of the holes between the discs leads to the appearance of an intervertebral hernia. It will be possible to eliminate the painful sensations of osteochondrosis not only with the help of drugs, but also through surgery.
- Stage four.The last stage passes very quickly from the third and is the most dangerous (final). In this case, patients cannot move normally. Osteochondrosis is treated with constructive methods.
Symptoms of the disease
The main symptom of spinal osteochondrosis is pain of varying intensity and nature. In addition, each type of osteochondrosis manifests itself in a number of characteristics.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is characterized by:
- headache that does not respond to treatment;
- dizziness, weakness, fainting;
- feeling of stiffness in the shoulder girdle;
- pain in the neck, arms;
- damage to vision and hearing is possible.
Thoracic spine:
- chest and shoulder pain, significant deterioration after exercise, hypothermia and during sleep;
- shortness of breath (chest pain during inhalation-exhalation);
- frequent "chills" on the skin, poor blood circulation leads to frequent freezing of the limbs.
Lumbar spine:
- lower back pain worsened after exercise;
- periodic outbursts of sharp pain radiating to the legs, pelvic area;
- limited trunk mobility;
- decreased sensitivity of the lower extremities (in the last stages).
Each of these symptoms should be a reason to seek medical attention. The sooner the disease is diagnosed, the easier and more effective the treatment will be.
Diagnosis
Before you find out about the inherent disease of the spine, you should visit a doctor to undergo an examination. Keep in mind that osteochondrosis in the early stages can be confused with other diseases. That is why it is so important to have a complete spinal examination.
Diagnosis begins with the collection of anamnesis - a study of patients' complaints, acquaintance with the history of the disease. A physiological examination is then performed:
- a painful area of the spine is felt;
- the patient's gait, body position are assessed;
- the amount of movement is determined;
- a visual examination of the skin is performed - the presence of peeling, redness, rashes;
- the pain in the spine is checked;
- the areas of pain localization are determined.
The patient is sent for an X-ray of the spine without failing. Spinal examination using computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is also used in practice. Photographs of these devices will help to examine not only the intervertebral discs and their position, but also to determine the height of the disc, the compression of nerve endings and marginal growths.
Which doctor should I go to?
If you have already been diagnosed or suspect osteochondrosis of the back, you should make an appointment with a neurologist and chiropractor.
Treatment
Timely diagnosis of the disease with osteochondrosis of the spine is the key to its successful treatment. It is possible to identify osteochondrosis with a thorough examination by a doctor. After consultation with your doctor you will be examined and then referred for CT or MRI. The specialist will determine the location of the pain in the spine and will prescribe a course of treatment.
Treatment with surgery for osteochondrosis is justified in the later stages of the disease if treatment of complications (hernia) is required or in case of a threat to the bone marrow. In other cases, conservative treatment is recommended, including:
- physiotherapy (magnetic and laser treatment, vibration massagers, spinal traction);
- physiotherapy exercises;
- massage;
- manual therapy.
Exercise therapy, exercises and gymnastics
Moderate and proper physical activity with osteochondrosis of the spine makes the body more resilient. All exercises are designed specifically to strengthen the muscles of the spine for more effective treatment.
Elastic and strengthened ligaments do not allow the vertebrae to move during daily movements. Also, physical activity normalizes metabolism, which has a positive effect on the regeneration of cartilage tissue. Doctors recommend gymnastics and exercise to treat patients with such a diagnosis as osteochondrosis.
Medication treatment
The use of drugs can be of a different nature in osteochondrosis. Depending on the stages, the type of osteochondrosis of the spine, the nature of its symptoms during treatment, doctors may prescribe different drugs:
- analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve pain;
- antispasmodics to eliminate muscle spasms;
- preparations for restoring cartilage structure;
- means for improving blood circulation and normalizing blood vessels;
- antioxidants.
The appropriate direction of treatment is determined by the attending physician and provides a systematic and comprehensive approach. It is extremely dangerous to engage in self-medication, to rely on acupuncture, dubious masseurs and chiropractors who do not have the appropriate qualifications. This will in no way speed up the healing process and can also lead to serious consequences that will be very difficult to eliminate.
To avoid this, it is enough to think in time about the prevention of osteochondrosis. Regular sports, swimming, running. Revising your diet - reducing salt intake, eating foods rich in protein, vitamins and minerals, will also significantly reduce the risk of developing osteochondrosis.
Ointments
Ointments are used in the complex treatment of osteochondrosis. They are combined with other drugs. They are effective for topical treatment and pain relief. Specialists prescribe warming, anti-inflammatory and analgesic ointments, chondroprotective agents that help to repair damaged cartilage tissue.
Injections
Doctors prescribe injections to quickly relieve the pain of compression syndrome (pinched nerves). In this case, the patient cannot even move normally without relieving the pain. Injections are prescribed during a relapse when treatment with ointments and tablets becomes ineffective. With this manipulation, the necessary nutrients are quickly delivered to the affected area and contribute to effective treatment.
Dietary treatment
Diet is part of the therapy that makes osteochondrosis easier and faster. The diet does not require strict restrictions, but the patient will have to reconsider the menu. It is advisable to give up harmful, too salty and fatty foods. It is better to eat often and in small portions (5-6 times a day). Treatment products must be saturated with:
- magnesium- avocados, seaweed, cucumbers, bananas, dried apricots, beans, oats;
- calcium- eggs, seeds, nuts, dairy products, beets;
- phosphorus- broccoli, cabbage, hard cheese, cottage cheese, figs, dates, seafood, fish;
- vitamin B.- red meat, milk, seafood;
- vitamin A.- potatoes, carrots, apricots, peaches, tomatoes, green peas;
- vitamin D.- sea fish, hard cheeses, eggs, beans, butter;
- vitamin C- citrus fruits, sauerkraut, rose hips, viburnum, sea buckthorn, blackcurrant, bellflower.
Surgical intervention
Doctors prescribe surgery for osteochondrosis in case conservative treatment is not effective. Indications for surgery can be:
- loss of sensitivity of the leg muscles or their progressive weakness;
- large spinal hernia;
- sharp narrowing and compression of the spinal canal;
- situations where cervical osteochondrosis carries risks of developing stroke;
- the presence of a risk of paralysis of the legs.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is prescribed in the presence of dangerous pain in the intervertebral muscles. By acting on the acupuncture points, the doctor relieves tension and staples, swelling and improves blood microcirculation.
Possible complications
Osteochondrosis of the spine does not only cause pain and discomfort. It also has a number of negative complications, the most common of which are:
- hearing problems;
- migraine and frequent headaches;
- deterioration of vision;
- radiculitis;
- urogenital dysfunction;
- infertility;
- the development of an intervertebral hernia.
Is it possible to fully recover?
With effective treatment of spinal osteochondrosis it is possible to avoid the progression of the disease and its recurrence, to relieve tension, to strengthen muscles and to normalize metabolic processes.
Preventive methods
If you initially take care of your health, you can avoid the questions: "What is osteochondrosis? What are the causes, symptoms and treatment methods? "
Effective preventive methods for the treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine are:
- proper organization of the workplace - comfortable orthopedic chair, sufficient lighting, acceptable table height;
- the sleeping place should be as comfortable as possible - orthopedic mattress, pillow;
- it is worth controlling your posture while you are in front of the computer, walking (do not move);
- balanced and healthy diet;
- systematic physical activity - jogging, exercise, gymnastics, swimming;
- massage procedures for the spine.