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 was 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 spinal column 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. This destruction of the disc eventually leads to complications such as protrusions (bulging of part of the disc) and herniation of the vertebrae.
Osteochondrosis most often affects residents of large cities. Sitting work, as a result, lack of movement, leads to static overload of the spine.
Reasons
When a person walks, the load on the spine is unevenly distributed. The intervertebral discs are compressed, the distance between the vertebrae decreases, due to which the intervertebral cartilage tissue is destroyed. If the disease starts, the nerve roots are also damaged. In this case, the person may have pain in the area of the nerve roots, as well as tingling, burning, "crawling" feeling. Pain can appear when sitting for a long time in an uncomfortable position, squeezing the arms or legs. In addition, there are risk factors.
Osteochondrosis can cause some 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 often remains 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 fat 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 cause osteochondrosis to worsen.
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 the metabolism, which causes the intervertebral discs to weaken. Excess weight adds extra stress to all parts of the spine, eventually damaging the intervertebral discs. A sedentary lifestyle also does not affect the spine. With a lack of movement, the load on the back increases, the intervertebral discs are "erased" and the cartilage is damaged. With excessive physical effort and professional sports, microtrauma of the spine also occurs. The first symptoms of osteochondrosis may not appear immediately.
Types of osteochondrosis
Cervical
The neck is a very mobile part of the body, it is subjected to numerous turns to the side every day. There are seven small vertebrae in the neck, interconnected by special discs. The disease of this department is considered quite serious, because 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 makes it difficult to saturate 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.
thoracic
The vertebrae of the thoracic region are not as mobile as the lower back and neck. For this reason, thoracic osteochondrosis is rarer than other types. People who lift weights, as well as athletes, suffer from diseases of this part of the back more often than others. There are cases when thoracic osteochondrosis is confused with heart attack, lung diseases. To establish an accurate 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, capable of supporting the weight of the human body. However, if the metabolic processes are disturbed, the vertebrae quickly become less resistant and inelastic, and the nerve roots of the lower back are damaged. As a result, the 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, because the spinal cord and the roots of the nerves that go to the lower extremities are damaged. Possible urinary incontinence.
Main symptoms
There are 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 hands.
Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis
It occurs less often. With this type of osteochondrosis, a person has pain in the chest area, between the shoulder blades. The pain is aggravated by bending and moving. A lump is felt in the throat, breathing becomes difficult. Numbness in the chest, pain in the heart, stomach can occur.
Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
The most common type of this disease. The main symptom is pain in the lower back, which spreads to one or both legs, to the groin, to the abdomen. Sensations occur especially often when turning to the side, tilting the body.
Diagnostics
Treatment of osteochondrosis is carried out by a neurologist. In order to make a diagnosis, he will prescribe an examination. Basically, this is an X-ray of the affected back, if complications are suspected - protrusions and hernias of the spine, an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is prescribed. In some cases, an 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 is aimed at alleviating pain, relaxing muscles and preventing 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 available on prescription.
In addition, muscle relaxants are used - drugs that relax spasmodic muscles, due to which muscle pain decreases. It is usually used for external use. Such drugs reduce pain, create a "distraction" effect, i. e. hot 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 drugs do not have a cumulative effect and, most importantly, are issued without a prescription. These means 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 to expand the blood vessels of the skin, inhibiting the transmission of nerve impulses to the brain.
However, it is worth remembering that ointments with an analgesic effect can have a negative effect on people with exacerbation of gastrointestinal tract diseases.
In addition, there are other external agents - plasters, which also relieve pain and swelling. These patches are available without a prescription.
Along with pain relief, prescribe drugs that restore 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 relieve the spine, improve metabolic processes and strengthen the disc structure. It is appointed after the removal of pain in the spine.
As written above, in osteochondrosis, the elasticity and mobility of the intervertebral disc deteriorates. Chondroprotectors are used in treatment to restore this important structure, these drugs restore cartilage and prevent its destruction. They are used only on the recommendation of a doctor, courses.
After the removal of pain and inflammation, recovery is required. Physiotherapy is used for this: massage, acupuncture, electrical stimulation. Massage is prescribed no later than 3-6 months after the treatment. If a person has protrusions and a hernia, spinal traction is recommended.
Exercise therapy for osteochondrosis
Exercise therapy and gymnastics are an important addition to the treatment of osteochondrosis. It is a prerequisite that the exercises are performed only after the back pain has disappeared. Exercises are selected individually for each patient, depending on age and body characteristics.
Gymnastics with osteochondrosis improves blood circulation and metabolism, strengthens back muscles. Thanks to this strengthening, spasms and overstrain of the spine pass, the back becomes more resistant. 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 help your back.
How to sleep properly?
It is considered to be most beneficial to sleep on your back. This is the most comfortable position for the spine, because in this position all muscles are completely relaxed. In addition, in the case of 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 harmful to the cervical spine.
In this position, the person turns his head, and as a result, important vessels and nerve roots in the neck are squeezed, blood circulation is disturbed. As a result, blood does not reach the head enough, dizziness and headache occur, and a feeling of numbness in the hands may also appear. The position of the body on the side 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 gets enough sleep.
The mattresses are different: hard, soft, medium hardness. It is worth choosing individually.
- For children and teenagers, a medium to high firm mattress will be beneficial.
- For people over 25 years old with a healthy back, a medium-firm mattress is recommended.
- In the presence of scoliosis and other back diseases, it is worth buying a hard mattress.
A 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, and improves blood circulation. These pillows help maintain posture as well as relieve snoring.
I would add that a healthy sleep requires comfort and a favorable environment. Before going to sleep, do not be nervous, avoid physical activity. You can take a relaxing bath with salt or herbs (lavender, chamomile). You must sleep in a well-ventilated room with humidity (40-60%).
Prevention
It is 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 is important to monitor your posture during classes and meals, choose the right furniture.
If your work is sedentary, try to break every two hours, take five-minute breaks for gymnastics. Try not to stand for a long time in one position - this increases the load on the back. For sleeping, choose a hard mattress without springs. Engage in physical activity. Swimming, fitness, dancing - choose active activities in your free time.
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 - distribute the weight on both hands. Take vitamins and microelements, group B vitamins, vitamin D, E, calcium, phosphorus are especially useful for the back.
For back pain, seek medical advice.
Watch your back!