80% of people experience osteochondrosis in varying degrees of manifestation. It affects not only adults and the elderly, but also young people. Taking into account the prevalence of the disease, each person should know the methods of treatment and prevention.
What is this disease?
Osteochondrosis is the degeneration of the intervertebral discs, degenerative processes in the joints, ligaments and muscles that surround them. The discs act as shock absorbers in the spine between the individual vertebrae (there are between 32 and 34). They are also responsible for their mobility.
Negative factors, which we will discuss below, cause cracking and destruction of the intervertebral discs. They lose elasticity and the spine loses flexibility. The discs are surrounded by tissues with nerve fibers, so dystrophic and degenerative processes are accompanied by pain.
Causes of osteochondrosis
Muscle spasm and dystrophy.
The discs are surrounded by muscles responsible for the stability of the spine. Over time, some spasm from constant tension, others atrophy from lack of stress.
This happens because a person day after day:
- makes monotonous movements;
- performs physically difficult work;
- He spends a lot of time immobile.
As a result, the spasmed muscles compress the intervertebral disc and the atrophied muscles stop supporting it.
Blood supply problems
The nutrition of the discs also depends on the work of the muscles that surround the spine. With normal muscle tone, the necessary volume of nutritious synovial fluid enters the intervertebral joint.
Lack of fluid in the body.
The state of cartilage tissue is affected by the amount of fluid a person absorbs per day. With its deficiency, cartilage dries quickly and ideally should be composed of 80% water.
metabolic disease
Problems with the endocrine system affect the state of cartilage tissue. Osteochondrosis is usually caused by a deficiency or excess of vitamins and calcium.
Stressful conditions
Nervous tension causes muscle spasms, including those that support the spinal discs. Normally, after tension, the muscles relax. If stress constantly torments a person, this does not happen. The muscle tissue firmly compresses the cartilage between the vertebrae and gradually destroys them.
Risk factor's
- Genetic background.
- Nervous tension.
- Constant physical activity.
- Sedentary work, sedentary lifestyle.
- Passion for junk food, excess weight.
- Bad habits that cause metabolic disorders in cartilage tissue.
- Diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
Stages of development
Stage I
The nucleus of the intervertebral disc becomes dehydrated. It becomes shorter and its tissue 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. Due to this, the distance between the vertebrae decreases and the roots of the spinal nerves are pinched. The fibrous membrane is destroyed, so fluid is not retained well in the core of the disc. When moving, characteristic clicks and creaks appear in the spine. Due to pinched nerves, a specific pain occurs that increases with active movements.
Stage III
The cartilaginous lining between the discs gradually wears away and becomes thinner. At this stage, the symptoms manifest themselves intensely, in the form of acute pain. Only neuralgia painkillers can stop them quickly.
stage IV
The damage is so severe that the joints become immobile. A complete loss of mobility of the vertebral joints is possible. Due to pronounced degenerative processes, the space between the vertebrae is covered with bone tissue. These growths damage neighboring tissues and compress nerves, causing acute pain.
Classification and symptoms.
Cervical
There are 7 vertebrae in this section, they are located close to each other, 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 in the entire neck and in certain parts of it, for example, in the collarbone or behind the ears.
The most characteristic symptoms:
- headache, heaviness in the neck, dizziness;
- tingling in the hands;
- the neck is often tense;
- when you turn your head, the vertebrae click and creak;
- 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.
The manifestations of an insidious disease do not always correspond to its location. 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 area.
Lumbar
In the lumbar region there are the lumbar, sacral and coccygeal vertebrae. This section is most susceptible to shock absorption and motor stress, which is why lumbar osteochondrosis is so common. Painful sensations occur in the lumbar region. In most cases, these are painful pains that intensify with active spinning, exercises or long periods of sitting.
Signs:
- the spine has limited movement;
- the patient may feel discomfort in the hip with spasms;
- dryness, peeling of the skin on the legs and goosebumps are noted;
- periodic sharp stabbing pains may occur;
- During sleep, a person cannot adopt a comfortable position, since he feels uncomfortable in any of them.
Additional symptoms: fatigue, constant fatigue, malaise. Some patients report problems urinating and discomfort in the kidney area. In men, potency may be affected; In women, the uterus and ovaries may be affected.
Chest
It affects 12 vertebrae located in the thoracic region. In most cases, this is a complication of scoliosis.
Main symptoms:
- stabbing pain that becomes stronger if you actively move;
- tingling sensation in the heart area;
- feeling of fullness in the armpits;
- restriction of shoulder movements;
- shortness of breath, shortness of breath.
Sharp pain appears between the ribs, in the sternum, in the area of one of the shoulder blades. There may be numbness in the fingers, hand, and forearm.
Diagnosis
At home, it is almost impossible to determine the location of the problem. A special medical team will help you collect an appropriate history and only a doctor can determine the symptoms and treatment.
For diagnostic use:
- MRI is the most accurate method for obtaining objective information about the state of tissues.
- Spine x-ray.
- Computed tomography.
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 pain exacerbation;
- avoid physical activity;
- wear a support corset, bandage, or belt.
Medicines
During periods of exacerbation the following is prescribed:
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- chondroprotectors;
- muscle relaxants;
- B vitamins.
Applications using anti-inflammatory ointments also help relieve the inflammatory process. They have a local anesthetic effect.
The prescription of medications must be carried out exclusively by a doctor. It is strictly prohibited to do this on your own.
Physiotherapy
To strengthen the muscle corset, the doctor prescribes exercises that must be performed at home every day. They depend on which part of the spine is 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 7-10 sessions, you will be able to restore the tone of muscles that have begun to atrophy, as well as relax tense muscles.
Prevention
Treatment of osteochondrosis is difficult and time-consuming. It is easier to control the condition of the spine and not cause serious damage. To do this, you need to lead an active, healthy lifestyle and moderately load 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 between your arms.
We wish you to get rid of osteochondrosis forever and keep your back and neck healthy.