Without a doubt, the human spine is the most reliable part of the skeleton, but it is also the most vulnerable to degenerative diseases due to repeated physical exertion. Almost one in five people on Earth between the ages of 18 and 40 suffer from back pain.
This symptom is often ignored and does not cause serious concern, which leads to the spread of the pathological process to the entire spine. Osteochondrosis is a possible cause of pain and other unpleasant symptoms associated with the back.
The concept of the disease and the process of its onset
A disease characterized by degenerative damage to the intervertebral discs and hardening of the cartilage, resulting in decreased performance of a person, is called osteochondrosis. Pathology exclusively affects the skeleton of the spine, but a gradual change in its height and deformation can adversely affect the work of internal organs and body systems.
The pathogenesis of disease development is associated with the structure of the spine, which is designed to absorb when loaded. The intervertebral discs connecting 33 to 35 vertebrae in humans consist of a central nucleus and surrounding fibrous tissue. It is they who serve as a reliable and solid support for the spinal skeleton in cases of moderate physical stress.
With the development of the pathological process, the connective tissue and the central nucleus of the intervertebral discs are damaged, which leads to a loss of their elasticity, elasticity and strength. The disc literally collapses and deforms, contributing to the curvature of the spine and the growth of sharp bony 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 mistaken for natural "wear and tear" of the skeleton. However, pathological changes can be slowed down or accelerated, which makes it possible to consider this condition as a real disease, leading to unpleasant complications.
Reasons for the development of osteochondrosis and risk factors
A very common symptom with changes in the intervertebral discs is pain. Patients start to feel it when they are 16 to 20 years old, but turn to doctors for help around 40 years old. The reasons for the early onset of the disease are flat feet, poor physical shape, poor posture or excess weight. 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;
- adverse environmental conditions;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- stressful situations and the presence of bad habits.
People who overload the spine, stay in a standing (sitting) position for a long time or suddenly stop regular training, are at risk of getting 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 phrase for patients. An untimely detected pathology leads to advanced forms of the pathological process. Slowly but inevitably, a person approaches disability.
Doctors distinguish several types of pathologies depending on the location of the lesion:
- cervical;
- chest;
- cervicothoracic;
- lumbosacral.
There is also a concept such as polysegmental osteochondrosis, which is characterized by the development of a pathological condition in several segments of the spine at the same time. A dangerous manifestation of this type of disease is the compression of the nerve endings and blood vessels of the back in the immediate vicinity of the brain.
Pain syndrome is the most common symptom of an extraordinary injury that can disrupt not only motor functions, but also speech functions of a person.
In medicine, osteochondrosis is also classified according to the degrees of development:
- 1st degree osteochondrosis (the presence of sudden pain similar to an electric shock);
- osteochondrosis of the 2nd degree (irritation of elements of the peripheral nervous system occurs);
- 3rd degree osteochondrosis (formation of a herniated intervertebral disc);
- 4th degree osteochondrosis (development of spondylarthrosis and ischemia of the spinal cord).
The fourth stage of the disease is called restorative, since it is a consequence of the treatment of emerging intervertebral hernias. During this period, one often observes a spondylolisthesis characterized by a slippage of the vertebrae.
How and what hurts with osteochondrosis?
Osteochondrosis of the spine is not a simple disease and can be disguised as other pathological processes unrelated to the bone skeleton. Disturbing pain in the back area is not considered by people to be of great importance and is attributed to physical fatigue after a hard day's work.
However, the slightest discomfort or stiffness of the vertebral muscles, which are the first "bells" of the disease, should alert and become a reason to consult a specialist.
Clinically, osteochondrosis is manifested by a variety of symptoms, which depend on the location of the pathological process. If there is a lesion in the cervical spine, the following symptoms appear:
- pain in the neck;
- compressive headache;
- numbness of the fingers;
- limitation of the mobility of the cervical spine;
- aching pain in the shoulder;
- crackle when turning his head.
If thoracic osteochondrosis develops, pain is visible in the interscapular space and in the chest itself. Patients also complain of pain in the heart area, compression between the shoulder blades, and discomfort mimicking damage to the intestines, stomach, or gallbladder.
With the defeat of the lumbar spine, the symptoms are completely different. The pain is mainly localized in the lower back and legs, causing severe muscle spasms. There is limited mobility of the lumbar spine, numbness and tingling in the lower extremities, disturbances in the functioning of the pelvic organs. Difficulties appear in flexion and extension of the back, due to the stiffness and limited mobility of the lower back.
Rare polysegmental osteochondrosis is characterized by the appearance of only symptoms where the spine is affected. Throbbing pain, decreased range of motion, pain in limbs, muscle spasms - all of these are common to different parts of the spine.
Pain in most cases is caused by excessive loads on the spine, for example, lifting weights or being in an awkward position for a long time. Sometimes even coughing and sneezing can increase the pain.
If the diagnosis is confirmed, how to live
Today, spinal osteochondrosis, although it is a common diagnosis, is not fatal. The main thing is that the cause that led to the development of the disease be eliminated and timely productive treatment be started. Considerable importance is also attached to the preventive measures implemented to prevent the relapse of the disease.
In order to overcome osteochondrosis, it is necessary to prescribe complex therapy, which includes:
- drug use;
- spinal traction;
- massage;
- Exercise therapy;
- Physiotherapy;
- acupuncture;
- manual therapy;
- surgical intervention (if indicated).
Each patient should be assigned an individual treatment, depending on the shape and degree of spinal injury. To begin with, doctors must stop the process of destruction of intervertebral discs caused by inflamed tissue.
After that, a method is selected to restore and strengthen the back muscles, which should support the spine in the required position. Such a complex treatment allows you to achieve a very effective result without resorting to surgical intervention.
Recommendations to prevent the disease
Preventive measures should always come first to maintain the health of the body. Since osteochondrosis is mainly due to increased pressure on the intervertebral discs, it is necessary to prevent the development of such a condition.
First of all, it is recommended to avoid overloading the spine caused by a sedentary lifestyle, sudden jumps and weight lifting on the outstretched arms. It is very important to preserve the natural physiological curves of the spine, which are formed from early childhood.
Maintaining posture is a common principle of life and necessary for each person, regardless of age and sex.
Everyday sports are great for strengthening the muscle corset, as osteochondrosis rarely affects hardened and physically developed people. All exercises should be performed to the best of their ability and used to support the spine.