To understand why your back hurts, you need to understand how our spine is structured, how it works, what functions it performs and what factors can lead to its damage.
The human spine consists of 32-34 vertebrae (7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 sacral, 3-5 coccygeal), between which there is an intervertebral disc consisting of cartilage tissue.In the middle of the intervertebral disc there is a nucleus pulposus - a semi-fluid formation in the form of a "ball", which performs the function of cushioning and is surrounded by dense cartilaginous tissue (fibrous ring).The spinal canal, which contains the spinal cord and the nerves exiting it, runs through the entire spine.This entire structure is surrounded by muscles and ligaments.The main functions of the spine are musculoskeletal, cushioning and protective.
Imagine the Ostankino TV tower, which is held in a vertical position thanks to a whole system of cables stretched from the base to the top.Similarly, our spine is held in the desired position by a group of stabilizing muscles, which usually evenly distribute the load on the spine and joints.Unlike the Ostankino TV tower, our backbone is more complex;it can bend in different directions and even twist, all this is possible due to the presence of an intervertebral disc, muscles and ligaments.
Every day, a person performs some monotonous, repetitive movements related to work or leisure.If the same muscles work for a long time, they are overloaded and spasm, while other muscles at that time do not experience any stress and atrophy.This leads to a change in the "geometry" of the body, the load on the intervertebral disc is redistributed, spasmodic muscles tighten the vertebrae, and nutrition deteriorates.The same processes take place during monotonous hard physical work.In addition, the intervertebral disc has no blood vessels and its nutrition is provided by the surrounding muscles, and during movement in the intervertebral joint, nutritious synovial fluid enters it.
Cartilage tissue consists of 80-85% water, so the drinking regime is of great importance.During the day, a person should drink at least 2 liters of clean water.If not enough water enters the body, dehydration (drying) of the intervertebral disc occurs, the cartilage cracks and falls.
In my practice, I have long noticed that stress, anxiety and worries often contribute to the appearance of back pain.Our body perceives any stressful situation as a danger.At the same time, the sympathetic part of the nervous system is activated, the adrenal glands "introduce" stress hormones into the blood, blood pressure rises, heart rate accelerates, muscles tense up.In nature, if an animal is scared of something, it runs away or defends itself, accordingly, stress hormones burn and muscles relax after work.Man is a social being, he began to worry more often and move less, so there is no relaxation.As a result, spinal pains, headaches, motor tics, etc. appear.
In the literature, you can find different formulations for osteochondrosis, but their essence is the same.Osteochondrosis is "destruction" of the motor segment, destruction, degeneration of cartilage tissue.The reason is an incorrect motor stereotype and, as a result, malnutrition of the cartilage.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis
Manifestations of osteochondrosis will depend on the location and severity of the lesion in the motion segment of the spine.In the initial stage, patients complain of dull, aching pain in the back, discomfort, slight limitation of movements in the spine, periodic numbness of the hands or feet, headache and fatigue.By starting treatment and changing your lifestyle during this period, the result will not be late and recovery will come quickly.
With severe damage to the intervertebral disc, there is severe pain, constant numbness and/or weakness in the arm or leg (depending on the level of damage).These signs may indicate the destruction of the intervertebral disc and the presence of a hernia, and it is necessary to immediately consult a doctor and start treatment.
In the most severe cases, the pain syndrome can be extremely severe, possible dysfunction of the pelvic organs, severe weakness and numbness in the arm or leg.If these signs are present, urgent hospitalization in a hospital is necessary to solve the problem with surgical treatment.
With cervical osteochondrosis, pain occurs in the neck, it can radiate to the shoulder, arm or head, numbness or weakness in the arm, headache, dizziness.
With osteochondrosis of the chest, the pain appears in the chest, radiates to the sternum or shoulder blade, intensifies with breathing and movement, sometimes there is a feeling of lack of air.Patients often confuse this condition with heart pain.
When the lumbosacral spine is affected, the pain is localized in the lower back, increases with movement, radiates to the leg or perineum, numbness or weakness in the leg may appear.
You must remember that our body is one whole, and the division of osteochondrosis into cervical, thoracic and lumbar is arbitrary.As a rule, the disease develops in the entire spine, but it manifests itself in the part that experiences the greatest load.
Who to contact, methods for researching osteochondrosis
As a rule, with pain in the spine, patients turn to a neurologist who, based on complaints and a neurological examination, can make a preliminary diagnosis, prescribe additional research methods (x-ray of the spine, MRI, CT, general urinalysis, general blood test) and develop a treatment regimen.
Treatment
Treatment should be comprehensive, aimed at:
- elimination of the pain syndrome;
- elimination of impaired function of the spinal roots;
- prevention of the progression of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the structures of the spine.
During the acute period,in case of severe pain, drug treatment is prescribed: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, vitamins of group B, chondroprotectors or blockade is performed.
Then the massage is connected,manual therapy, physiotherapy, acupuncture, spinal traction.
Physical therapyis the main method of conservative treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system.Exercise therapy is aimed at forming, correcting and strengthening the muscle corset;increased range of motion in the spine and joints;development of motor stereotype and correct posture;reducing the load on the spine.
With regular exercise therapy, joint exercises, yoga or swimming, blood supply and tissue nutrition are improved, metabolism is normalized and intervertebral space is increased, leading to recovery.
Listen to your body, if you find symptoms of osteochondrosis or your lifestyle includes prolonged sitting in front of the computer, driving a car or insufficient physical activity, seek help from a specialist without waiting for exacerbations.