80% of people suffer from osteochondrosis of varying degrees of manifestation. It affects not only adults and the elderly, but also young people. Given the prevalence of the disease, every person should know the methods of treatment and prevention.
What is this disease?
Osteochondrosis is a degeneration of intervertebral discs, degenerative processes in the joints, ligaments and muscles surrounding them. The discs act as shock absorbers in the spine between the individual vertebrae (there are 32 to 34 of them). They are also responsible for their mobility.
Negative factors, which we will talk about below, lead to cracking and destruction of the intervertebral discs. They lose their elasticity and the spine loses flexibility. The discs are surrounded by tissues containing nerve fibers, so dystrophic and degenerative processes are accompanied by pain.
Causes of osteochondrosis
Muscle spasms and dystrophy
The discs are surrounded by muscles responsible for the stability of the spine. Over time, some spasm due to constant tension, others atrophy from lack of stress.
This happens because a person, day after day:
- makes monotonous movements;
- performs physically difficult work;
- spends a lot of time still.
As a result, spasmed muscles compress the intervertebral disc and atrophied muscles cease to support it.
Blood supply problems
The nutrition of the discs also depends on the work of the muscles surrounding the spine. With normal muscle tone, the required volume of nutrient synovial fluid enters the intervertebral joint.
Lack of fluid in the body
The condition of cartilage tissue is affected by the amount of fluid a person absorbs every day. With its deficiency, the cartilage dries out quickly and, ideally, it should consist of 80% water.
Metabolic disease
Problems with the endocrine system affect the condition of cartilage tissue. Osteochondrosis is often caused by a deficiency or excess of vitamins and calcium.
Stressful conditions
Nervous tension causes muscle spasms, especially those supporting the intervertebral discs. Normally, after tension, the muscles relax. If stress constantly haunts a person, this does not happen. Muscle tissue tightly compresses the cartilage between the vertebrae, gradually destroying them.
Risk factors
- Genetic background.
- Nervous tension.
- Constant physical activity.
- Sedentary work, sedentary lifestyle.
- Passion for junk food, excess weight.
- Bad habits that lead to metabolic disorders in cartilage tissues.
- Diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
Developmental stages
Stage I
The nucleus of the intervertebral disc becomes dehydrated. It lowers and its fabric cracks. Painful sensations are almost imperceptible. Discomfort may occur if the patient adopts an unusual position or exercises.
Stage II
The disc tissues flatten and bulge. As a result, the distance between the vertebrae decreases and the roots of the spinal nerves are pinched. The fibrous membrane is destroyed, the fluid is therefore poorly retained in the heart of the disc. When moving, characteristic clicks and crunching sounds appear in the spine. Due to pinching of the nerves, point pain appears, which increases with active movements.
Stage III
The cartilaginous lining between the discs gradually wears out and becomes thinner. At this stage, the symptoms appear intensely, in the form of acute pain. Only painkillers for neuralgia can stop them quickly.
Stage IV
The damage is so severe that the joints become immobile. A complete loss of mobility of the spinal joints is possible. Due to pronounced degenerative processes, the space between the vertebrae is overgrown with bone tissue. These growths injure nearby tissues and compress nerves, causing sharp pain.
Classification and symptoms
Cervical
There are 7 vertebrae in this section, they are close together and the neck muscles are relatively weak. Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a fairly common disease. When this section is affected, the patient feels pain both throughout the neck and in certain parts of it, for example, at the collarbone or behind the ears.
The most characteristic symptoms:
- headache, heaviness in the back of the head, dizziness;
- tingling in the hands;
- the neck is most often tense;
- when you turn your head, the vertebrae snap and crack;
- periodically there is a sore throat, a feeling of a lump in the throat;
- due to muscle tension in the cervical region, it is difficult to move the arm to the side or raise it.
Manifestations of an insidious disease do not always correspond to its localization. The problem may lie in the cervical vertebrae and pain may occur in the chest or shoulder. Some patients complain of discomfort in the heart.
Lumbar
In the lumbar region are the lumbar, sacral and coccygeal vertebrae. This section is most sensitive to shock absorption and motor loads, which is why lumbar osteochondrosis is so common. Painful sensations occur in the lumbar region. These are most often aching pains that intensify during active bends, exercise, or long periods of sitting.
Panels:
- the spine is limited in its movements;
- the patient may feel discomfort in the hip accompanied by spasms;
- we notice dryness, peeling of the skin of the legs and goosebumps;
- periodic sharp shooting pain may occur;
- During sleep, a person cannot take a comfortable position, because he is not comfortable in any of them.
Additional symptoms: fatigue, constant tiredness, malaise. Some patients report problems urinating and discomfort in the kidneys. In men, potency can suffer; in women, the uterus and ovaries may suffer.
Chest
It affects 12 vertebrae located in the thoracic region. It is most often a complication of scoliosis.
Main symptoms:
- girdling pain that becomes stronger if you move actively;
- tingling sensation in the region of the heart;
- feeling of fullness in the armpits;
- restriction of shoulder movements;
- shortness of breath, difficulty breathing.
Sharp pain appears between the ribs, at the level of the sternum, at the level of one of the shoulder blades. There may be numbness in the fingers, hand and forearm.
Diagnostic
At home, it is almost impossible to determine the location of the problem. Special medical equipment will help you correctly collect anamnesis, and only a doctor will be able to determine the symptoms and treatment.
For diagnosis, use:
- Magnetic resonance imaging is the most accurate method for obtaining objective information about tissue condition.
- Spinal x-ray.
- CT scan.
How to treat the disease?
Unfortunately, it is impossible to quickly get rid of the symptoms at home. Treatment involves an integrated approach.
General recommendations:
- observe bed rest during exacerbation of pain;
- avoid physical activity;
- wear a support corset, bandage, belt.
Drugs
During periods of exacerbation, the following are prescribed:
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- chondroprotectors;
- muscle relaxers;
- B vitamins.
Applications using anti-inflammatory ointments also help relieve the inflammatory process. They have a local anesthetic effect.
Prescription of medications must be carried out exclusively by a doctor. Doing this yourself is strictly prohibited.
Physiotherapy
To strengthen the muscular corset, the doctor prescribes exercises that must be performed daily at home. They depend on the part of the spine affected. Physical activity improves blood circulation and allows the muscles to properly support the spine.
Massage therapy
One of the most effective methods in the treatment of this disease. Quickly, in 7 to 10 sessions, you will be able to restore tone to the muscles that have started to atrophy, as well as relax tense muscles.
Prevention
Treatment of osteochondrosis is difficult and takes a long time. It is easier to monitor the condition of the spine and not lead to serious damage. To do this, you need to lead a healthy and active lifestyle and moderately strain the spine.
Other preventive measures:
- Watch your posture, don't slouch.
- Do exercises at home to keep all muscle groups toned.
- Perform exercises to relax the muscles in your back, shoulders and neck.
- Attend yoga classes and therapeutic massage sessions.
- Do not lift heavy objects, distribute the load evenly across your arms.
We wish you to permanently get rid of osteochondrosis and keep your back and neck healthy.