Osteochondrosis is a common condition in which a person feels pain and limited movement in different parts of the back. Previously it was believed that the disease is characteristic only of the elderly, but in recent years more and more young patients suffer from osteochondrosis. According to statistics, every second person on earth suffers from back pain.
Osteochondrosis in a woman
The human spine consists of 32-34 vertebrae that are connected vertically. Between the vertebrae are layers of cartilage called cartilage discs. They ensure flexibility and 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 vertebra itself. This disc destruction leads over time to complications such as bulging (bulging of part of the disc) and herniated vertebrae.
Most often, osteochondrosis affects residents of large cities. Sitting work, resulting in a lack of exercise, leads to a static overload of the spine.
The reasons
When walking, the load on the spine is distributed unevenly. The intervertebral discs are compressed, the distance between the vertebrae is reduced, as a result of which the tissue of the intervertebral cartilage is destroyed. Once the disease has started, the nerve roots also become damaged. In this case, a person may experience pain in the area of \u200b\u200bthe nerve roots, as well as tingling, burning and a feeling of "crawling". Pain can occur with prolonged sitting in an uncomfortable position, squeezing the arms or legs. In addition, there are risk factors.
Osteochondrosis can provoke some diseases of the musculoskeletal system, such as: e. g. : 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 influences the course of the disease. If a person often stays in an uncomfortable position, stands or sits for a long time, leads a sedentary lifestyle, all this leads to the destruction of the intervertebral discs. Malnutrition with an excess of fats and a lack of vitamins and minerals can also cause problems with the spine. If a person has had injuries, bruises and operations on the spine, this can lead to an aggravation of osteochondrosis.
Heredity negatively influences the course of the disease.
Osteochondrosis in a man
Bad habits (smoking, excessive alcohol consumption) also have a negative effect on the spine. Nicotine impairs metabolism, which leads to weakening of the intervertebral discs. Excess weight puts additional strain on all parts of the spine and ultimately damages the intervertebral discs. A sedentary lifestyle is also not good for the spine. With a lack of exercise, the load on the back increases, intervertebral discs are "erased" and cartilage is damaged. With excessive physical exertion and professional sports, there are also microtraumas of the spine. The first symptoms of osteochondrosis may not appear immediately.
Types of osteochondrosis
Cervical
The neck is a very mobile part of the body, making numerous sideways rotations every day. There are seven small vertebrae in the neck, which are connected to each other by special intervertebral discs. The disease of this department is considered quite serious, since in the neck area there are many vessels (arteries and veins), as well as nerve roots responsible for important body systems. Cervical osteochondrosis often makes it difficult to saturate the head with blood, so the brain also suffers. It is believed that operations in this part of the spine can cause immobilization, that is, a violation of movement throughout the body.
Breast
The vertebrae of the thoracic region are not as mobile as the lower back and neck. Because of this, thoracic osteochondrosis is less common than other types. People who lift weights, as well as athletes, suffer from the condition of this part of the back more often than others. There are cases when thoracic osteochondrosis is confused with a heart attack or pulmonary diseases. To make the correct diagnosis, examinations and consultations with a doctor are required.
Lumbar (or lumbosacral)
The lumbar spine consists of five vertebrae connected by intervertebral discs. These vertebrae are large and strong and can support the weight of the human body. However, if metabolic processes are 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 radiates down the leg or groin.
If the sacral spine is also affected, this is referred to as lumbosacral osteochondrosis. In this form, the defeat is stronger and more serious. It is difficult for a person to walk, sometimes paralysis of the legs occurs due to damage to the spinal cord and nerve roots leading to the lower extremities. Possibly urinary incontinence.
main symptoms
There are cervical, thoracic and lumbar osteochondrosis. The disease has many symptoms that depend on the level of the lesion.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
The main symptoms are neck pain, 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 in 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 is made worse by bending over and moving. There is a feeling 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 lower back pain that radiates to one or both legs, groin, or abdomen. Sensations are especially common when you turn sideways and tilt your body.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis
diagnosis
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 there are suspicions of complications - protrusions and hernias of the spine, 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.
Therapy is aimed at relieving pain, relaxing muscles and preventing complications. The main group in the treatment of the disease are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These are medicines that relieve pain and eliminate inflammation. Anti-inflammatory drugs are available in the form of injections as well as tablets. Released by prescription.
In addition, muscle relaxants are used - drugs that relax spasmodic muscles, thereby reducing muscle pain. Usually used for external use. Such drugs relieve pain, create a "distracting" effect, that is, warm or cool.
Topicals are excellent for pain relief. Such ointments and creams reduce swelling, reduce inflammation and relieve pain at the site of the lesion.
Drugs do not have a cumulative effect and, importantly, they are dispensed without a prescription. These remedies reliably relieve pain in any part of the spine.
Among them, warming ointments can be distinguished - their effect occurs in about half an hour. They work by dilating blood vessels in the skin and inhibiting the transmission of nerve impulses to the brain.
However, it is worth remembering that ointments with an analgesic effect can adversely affect people with exacerbations of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
In addition, there are other external means - plasters, which also relieve pain and swelling. These patches are available without a prescription.
In addition to pain relief, prescribe drugs that restore nerve roots. These are B vitamins that are prescribed in courses in the form of injections or tablets.
In addition to drug treatment, the patient is prescribed wearing special bandages and corsets. Such products relieve the spine, improve metabolic processes and strengthen the structure of the intervertebral discs. 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, treatment uses chondroprotectors, these drugs restore cartilage and prevent its destruction. They are used only as directed by a doctor, course.
After removing the pain and inflammation, recovery is required. For this, physiotherapy is used: massage, acupuncture, electrostimulation. 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 an important addition to the treatment of osteochondrosis. The prerequisite is that exercises are only carried out after the back pain has subsided. For each patient, exercises are selected individually, depending on age and characteristics of the body.
Gymnastics with osteochondrosis improves blood circulation and metabolism, strengthens the muscles of the back. Thanks to this strengthening, cramps and overuse in the spine happen, the back becomes more resilient. The regularity of the execution and the individual selection of the exercises are important. In addition, gymnastics is a proven and effective means of preventing the development of the disease itself. Therefore, a little exercise in the morning and five minutes at work are good for your back.
How do you sleep properly?
It is believed that sleeping on your back is most useful. 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 put a small roll or pillow under the knees. It is not recommended to sleep on your stomach - it is harmful to the cervical spine.
In this position, a person rotates his head, as a result of which important vessels and nerve roots in the neck are compressed, blood circulation is disrupted. As a result, blood does not get to the head enough, dizziness and headaches appear, and there may be numbness in the hands. The body position on the side is also considered acceptable.
Osteochondrosis can develop as a result of long work at the computer
pillow and mattress
mattress
For a good 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 are in the most comfortable and relaxed state on such a mattress, and the person gets adequate sleep.
Mattresses are different: hard, soft, medium hardness. It is worth choosing individually.
- For children and young people, a mattress with a medium to high degree of hardness makes sense.
- A medium-firm mattress is recommended for people aged 25 and over with a healthy back.
- If you have scoliosis or other back problems, 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 curves of the spine and relieve tension in the neck muscles. The pillow has a positive effect on sleep, relaxes the cervical spine and head, improves blood circulation. These pillows help maintain posture and get rid of snoring.
I would like to add that a healthy sleep requires comfort and a favorable environment. Do not be nervous before bedtime, avoid physical activity. You can take a relaxing bath with salt or herbs (lavender, chamomile). You need to sleep in a well-ventilated room with humidity (40-60%).
prevention
It's probably no secret to anyone that prevention is always easier and cheaper than treatment. It is necessary to take care of the spine from childhood. It's important to monitor your posture during class and meals to choose the right furniture.
If your work is sedentary, try to break every two hours and take five-minute breaks for calisthenics. Try not to stand in one position for a long time - this will increase the load on your back. Choose a firm springless mattress for sleeping. Engage in physical activity. Swimming, fitness, dancing – decide on active leisure activities.
Don't try to lift weights in one session. It is better to split the load into several parts. Don't lift heavy things with one hand - distribute the weight between both hands. Take vitamins and trace elements, group B vitamins, vitamins D, E, calcium, phosphorus are especially useful for the back.
Seek medical advice if you have back pain.
Watch your back!