Undoubtedly, the human spine is the most reliable part of the skeleton, but also the most susceptible to degenerative diseases as a result of repeated physical activity. Almost one in five people between the ages of 18 and 40 suffers from back pain.
This symptom is often ignored and does not cause any serious concern, which leads to the spread of the pathological process throughout the spine. Osteochondrosis is a possible cause of back pain and other unpleasant symptoms.
The concept of the disease and the process of its occurrence
Osteochondrosis is a disease that causes degenerative damage to the intervertebral discs and hardening of the cartilage, leading to decreased human performance. Pathology affects only the skeleton of the spine, but a gradual change in its height and deformation can adversely affect the functioning of internal organs and body systems.
The pathogenesis of the disease is associated with the structure of the spine, which is designed to be swallowed when loaded. In humans, the intervertebral discs, which connect 33-35 vertebrae, consist of a central nucleus and fibrous tissue surrounding it. They are a reliable and strong support for the spine in the event of moderate physical stress.
With the development of the pathological process, there is damage to the connective tissue and the central nucleus of the intervertebral discs, which leads to their loss of elasticity, resilience and strength. The disc literally collapses and deforms, contributing to curvature of the spine and the growth of sharp bone protrusions. Against the background of the disease there is a change in the structure of the spine, they become thinner and more bony.
Osteochondrosis of the spine is often mistaken for a natural "wear and tear" of the skeleton. However, pathological changes can be slowed down or accelerated, which allows us to consider this condition as a real disease, which leads to unpleasant complications.
Causes and risk factors for the development of osteochondrosis
Pain is a very common symptom with changes in the intervertebral discs. Patients begin to feel this at the age of 16-20, but at the age of 40 they seek medical help. Causes of early onset of the disease are flat feet, poor physical training, poor posture or overweight. Modern adolescents lead a sedentary lifestyle, which has a negative impact on the stability of the spine.
The following factors also contribute to the development of the disease:
- age;
- obesity;
- spinal injuries (fractures, bruises);
- excessive physical activity;
- metabolic disorders in the body;
- hereditary predisposition;
- unfavorable environmental conditions;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- stressful situations and bad habits.
People who overload their spine, stay on one leg for a long time, or stop exercising abruptly are at risk for such a disease. The risk group also includes pregnant women, women wearing high heels and uncomfortable shoes.
Types and degrees of the disease
Osteochondrosis is a headache in modern medicine, because a common diagnosis is often a sentence for patients. Untimely detection leads to advanced forms of pathological process. Slowly but surely, a person approaches disability.
Doctors distinguish several types of disease depending on the location of the lesion:
- cervical;
- chest;
- cervicothoracic;
- lumbosacral.
At the same time, there is a concept such as polysegmental osteochondrosis, which is characterized by the development of a pathological condition in several segments of the spine. A dangerous manifestation of this type of disease is the constriction of nerve endings and posterior blood vessels close to the brain.
Pain syndrome is the most common symptom of an unusual lesion that can disrupt not only a person's motor but also speech functions.
In medicine, osteochondrosis is also classified according to the degree of development:
- Grade 1 osteochondrosis (sudden pain similar to electric shock);
- Grade 2 osteochondrosis (irritation of elements of the peripheral nervous system occurs);
- Grade 3 osteochondrosis (hernia formation of the intervertebral disc);
- Grade 4 osteochondrosis (development of spondyloarthritis and cerebral ischemia).
The fourth stage of the disease is called restorative because it is the result of treatment of the resulting intervertebral hernia. During this period, spondylolisthesis, often characterized by sliding vertebrae, is observed.
How and why does it hurt with osteochondrosis?
Osteochondrosis of the spine is not a simple disease and can be disguised as other pathological processes that have nothing to do with the skeleton. Anxious pain in the back is not of great importance to people and is associated with physical fatigue after a hard day's work.
However, even the slightest discomfort or stiffness in the spinal muscles, which is the first "call" of the disease, should be aware and a reason to consult a specialist.
Clinically, osteochondrosis manifests itself with various symptoms depending on the location of the pathological process. If there is a lesion in the cervical spine, the following symptoms occur:
- Sore throats;
- squeezing headache;
- numbness of fingers;
- restriction of cervical spine mobility;
- aching pain in the shoulder;
- crunching while turning his head.
If thoracic osteochondrosis develops, pain is seen in the interscapular cavity and in the chest itself. Patients also complain of pain in the heart area, squeezing between the shoulder blades, and discomfort that mimics damage to the intestines, stomach, or gallbladder.
The symptoms of lumbar spine defeat are completely different. The pain is mainly localized in the lower back and legs, causing severe muscle spasm. There is limited mobility of the lower back, numbness and tingling in the lower extremities, disorders of the pelvic organs. Due to the stiffness of the waist and limited mobility, there are difficulties in bending and stretching the back.
Rarely, polysegmental osteochondrosis is characterized only by the onset of symptoms affecting the spine. Shooting pain, decreased range of motion, pain in the extremities, muscle spasms - all these symptoms are specific to different parts of the spine.
In most cases, the pain is triggered by sharp overloads on the spine, such as lifting weights or being restless for long periods of time. Sometimes even coughing and sneezing can increase the pain.
How to live if the diagnosis is confirmed
Today, osteochondrosis of the spine, although a common diagnosis, is not fatal. The main thing is to eliminate the cause of the disease and start productive treatment in a timely manner. Great importance is also attached to preventive measures to prevent the recurrence of the disease.
To overcome osteochondrosis, it is necessary to prescribe a complex therapy, which includes:
- drug use;
- spinal traction;
- massage;
- Exercise therapy;
- Physiotherapy;
- acupuncture;
- hand therapy;
- surgical intervention (if indicated).
Each patient should be prescribed an individual course of treatment, depending on the form and degree of spinal cord injury. To begin, doctors must stop the process of destruction of intervertebral discs caused by inflammation of the tissues.
After that, a method is selected to restore and strengthen the lumbar muscles, which must support the spine in the right position. Such a complex treatment allows you to achieve a highly effective result without the use of surgery.
Recommendations for disease prevention
Preventive measures to protect the health of the body should always come first. Since osteochondrosis occurs mainly due to increased pressure on the intervertebral discs, it is necessary to prevent the development of such a situation.
First of all, it is recommended to avoid overloading the spine caused by a sedentary lifestyle, sudden jumps and lifting weights on outstretched arms. It is very important to protect the natural physiological curves of the spine formed in infancy.
Maintaining posture is a common and necessary principle of life for everyone, regardless of age or gender.
Daily exercise is great for strengthening the muscle corset, as osteochondrosis rarely affects people with stiffness and physical development. All exercises should be performed within their capabilities and serve to support the spine.