Undoubtedly, the human spine is the most reliable part of the skeleton, but it is also the most vulnerable to degenerative diseases due to repeated exercise. Almost every fifth inhabitant of the Earth between the ages of 18 and 40 suffers from back pain.
This symptom is often ignored and does not cause 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
A disease in which degenerative damage to the intervertebral discs and hardening of the cartilage occurs, which leads to a decrease in a person's ability to work, is called osteochondrosis. The pathology exclusively affects the skeleton of the spine, but the gradual change in its height and deformation can adversely affect the work of internal organs and body systems.
The pathogenesis of the development of the disease is related to the structure of the spine, which is designed to absorb under load. The intervertebral discs connecting the 33-35 vertebrae in humans consist of a central nucleus and surrounding fibrous tissue. They serve as a reliable and strong support for the spine during moderate exercise.
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 a loss of their elasticity, resilience and strength. The disc literally collapses and deforms, contributing to the curvature of the spine and the growth of sharp bone growths. Against the background of the disease there is a change in the structure of the vertebrae themselves, which thin and ossify.
Osteochondrosis of the spine is often confused with 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 leading to unpleasant complications.
Causes of osteochondrosis and risk factors
A very common symptom of changes in the intervertebral discs is pain. Patients begin to feel it at the age of 16-20, but turn to doctors for help closer to 40 years. The reasons for the early onset of the disease are flat feet, poor physical fitness, improper posture or overweight. Modern adolescents lead a sedentary lifestyle, which also negatively affects 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 way of life;
- stressful situations and the presence of bad habits.
People who overload the spine, stand for a long time in an upright position (sitting) or abruptly stop regular exercise are at risk of developing such a disease. The risk group also includes pregnant women, women who abuse high heels and uncomfortable shoes.
Types and degrees of the disease
Osteochondrosis is a headache in modern medicine, as a common diagnosis often becomes a verdict for patients. Improperly detected pathology leads to advanced forms of the pathological process. Slowly but inevitably, one approaches injury.
Doctors distinguish several types of disease depending on the location of the lesion:
- cervical;
- chest;
- cervical-thoracic;
- lumbosacral.
There is also such a concept as polysegmental osteochondrosis, which is characterized by the development of a pathological condition in several segments of the spine simultaneously. A dangerous manifestation of this type of disease is the compression of nerve endings and blood vessels in the back next to the brain.
Pain syndrome is the most common symptom of an extraordinary lesion, which can impair not only motor but also speech functions.
In medicine, osteochondrosis is also classified according to the stages of development:
- Grade 1 osteochondrosis (sudden pain similar to electric shock);
- 2nd degree osteochondrosis (irritation of the elements of the peripheral nervous system);
- grade 3 osteochondrosis (intervertebral disc herniation);
- grade 4 osteochondrosis (development of spondyloarthritis and ischemia of the spinal cord).
The fourth stage of the disease is called restorative, as it is a consequence of the treatment of emerging intervertebral hernias. Spondylolisthesis, characterized by vertebral slippage, is common during this period.
How and what hurts in osteochondrosis?
Osteochondrosis of the spine is not just a disease and can be disguised as other pathological processes that are completely unrelated to the bone skeleton. Disturbing back pain is not considered important by people and is attributed to physical fatigue after a hard day's work.
However, even the slightest discomfort or stiffness of the spinal muscles, which are the first "bells" of the disease, should warn and become a reason to consult a specialist.
Clinically, osteochondrosis manifests itself in various symptoms that depend on the location of the pathological process. If there is a lesion in the cervical spine, the following symptoms occur:
- neck pain;
- compression headache;
- numbness of the fingers;
- restriction of the mobility of the cervical vertebrae;
- painful pain in the shoulder;
- crunching when turning the head.
If thoracic osteochondrosis develops, then the pain is seen in the interscapular space and the chest itself. Patients also complain of pain in the heart, compression between the shoulder blades and discomfort that mimics damage to the intestines, stomach or gallbladder.
With the defeat of the lumbar spine, the symptoms are completely different. The pain is localized mainly in the lower back and legs, causing severe muscle spasm. There is limited mobility of the lumbar spine, tingling and numbness of the lower extremities, disorders of the pelvic organs. Difficulty in folding and unfolding the back occurs due to stiffness and limited mobility of the waist.
Rare polysegmental osteochondrosis is characterized by the appearance of only those symptoms in which the spine is affected. Shooting pain, reduced range of motion, limb pain, muscle spasm - all these signs are common to different parts of the spine.
The pain in most cases is provoked by sharp excessive loads on the spine, such as lifting weights or for a long time in an awkward position. Sometimes even coughing and sneezing can increase the pain.
If the diagnosis is confirmed, how to live
Today, spinal osteochondrosis, although a common diagnosis, is not fatal. The main thing is that the cause that led to the development of the disease is eliminated and timely productive treatment is started. Significant importance is also given to preventive measures that are taken to prevent recurrence of the disease.
To defeat osteochondrosis, it is necessary to prescribe complex therapy, which includes:
- drug use;
- tightening of the spine;
- massage;
- Exercise therapy;
- Physiotherapy;
- acupuncture;
- manual therapy;
- surgical intervention (if indicated).
Each patient should be assigned an individual course of treatment, depending on the form and degree of spinal cord injury. To begin with, doctors must stop the process of destruction of the intervertebral discs caused by inflammation of the tissues.
Then a method is chosen to restore and strengthen the muscles of the back, which must maintain the spine in the required position. Such a complex treatment allows you to achieve a highly effective result without the use of surgery.
Recommendations for disease prevention
Preventive measures should always come first to maintain the health of the body. Since osteochondrosis occurs mainly due to increased pressure on the intervertebral discs, it is necessary to prevent the development of such a condition.
In the first place, it is recommended to avoid overloading the spine caused by a sedentary lifestyle, sudden jumps and lifting weights with outstretched arms. It is very important to preserve the natural physiological curves of the spine, which are formed from early childhood.
Maintaining a posture is a common and necessary life principle of every person, regardless of age and gender.
Daily sports are great for strengthening the muscular corset, as osteochondrosis rarely affects hardened and physically developed people. All exercises should be performed in the best way and serve to support the spine.