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 physical exertion. 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 any 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 occurrence
A disease in which degenerative damage to the intervertebral discs and cartilage hardening occurs, leading to a decrease in a person's performance, is called osteochondrosis. Pathology affects exclusively 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 the development of the disease is associated with the structure of the spinal column, which is designed to absorb when loaded. Intervertebral discs connecting 33-35 vertebrae in humans consist of a central nucleus and surrounding fibrous tissue. It is they who serve as a reliable and strong support for the spinal skeleton when moderate physical stress occurs.
With the development of the pathological process, damage to the connective tissue and the central nucleus of the intervertebral discs occurs, 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 outgrowths. Against the background of the disease, there is a change in the structure of the vertebrae themselves, which become thinner and ossified.
Osteochondrosis of the spine is often mistaken for the natural "wear" 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.
Reasons for the development of osteochondrosis and risk factors
A very common symptom with changes in the intervertebral discs is pain. Patients begin to feel it as early as 16-20 years old, but turn to doctors for help closer to 40 years old. The reasons for the early onset of the disease are flat feet, poor physical fitness, poor posture or overweight. Modern adolescents lead a sedentary lifestyle, which also negatively affects the stability of the spinal column.
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 the presence of bad habits.
Persons who overload the spine, stay in one standing position (sitting) for a long time, or abruptly stop regular training are at risk of acquiring such a disease. The risk group also includes pregnant women, women who abuse wearing high heels and uncomfortable shoes.
Types and degrees of the disease
Osteochondrosis is a headache in modern medicine, because a common diagnosis often becomes a sentence for patients. Untimely detected pathology leads to advanced forms of the pathological process. Slowly but inevitably, a person is approaching disability.
Doctors distinguish several types of disease, depending on the location of the lesion:
- cervical;
- chest;
- cervicothoracic;
- 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 at the same time. A dangerous manifestation of this type of disease is compression of the nerve endings and blood vessels of the back in close proximity to the brain.
Pain syndrome is the most common symptom of an extraordinary lesion, which can disrupt not only motor, but also speech functions of a person.
In medicine, osteochondrosis is also classified according to the degrees of development:
- osteochondrosis of the 1st degree (the presence of sudden pain similar to an electric shock);
- osteochondrosis of the 2nd degree (irritation of the elements of the peripheral nervous system occurs);
- osteochondrosis of the 3rd degree (formation of a herniated intervertebral disc);
- osteochondrosis of the 4th degree (development of spondyloarthrosis 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. During this period, spondylolisthesis is often observed, characterized by slipping 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 that are completely unrelated to the bone skeleton. The 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 at work.
However, even the slightest discomfort or stiffness of the back muscles, which are the first "bells" of the disease, should alert and become a reason to consult a specialist.
Clinically, osteochondrosis manifests itself in 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 occur:
- pain in the neck;
- compressive headache;
- numbness of the fingers;
- limitation of mobility of the cervical spine;
- aching pain in the shoulder;
- crunch when turning the head.
If thoracic osteochondrosis develops, then pain is visible in the interscapular space and the chest itself. Patients also complain of pain in the region of 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 mainly localized in the lower back and legs, causing severe muscle spasm. 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 stiffness and limited mobility of the lower back.
Rarely occurring polysegmental osteochondrosis is characterized by the occurrence of only those symptoms where the spine is affected. Shooting pain, decreased range of motion, aching in the limbs, muscle spasm - all these signs are common to different parts of the spine.
Pain in most cases is provoked by sharp excessive loads on the spinal column, for example, lifting weights or staying in an uncomfortable position for a long time. Sometimes even coughing and sneezing can increase the pain.
If the diagnosis was confirmed, how to live on
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 productive treatment is started in a timely manner. Considerable importance is also given to preventive measures that are carried out to prevent relapse of the disease.
In order to defeat osteochondrosis, it is necessary to prescribe complex therapy, which includes:
- the use of drugs;
- spinal traction;
- 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 lesion. To begin with, doctors must stop the process of destruction of intervertebral discs caused by tissue inflammation.
After that, a method is selected to restore and strengthen the muscles of the back, which should support the spine in the required position. Such a complex treatment allows you to achieve a highly effective result without the use of surgical intervention.
Recommendations to prevent illness
Preventive measures should always come first to maintain the health of the body. Since osteochondrosis mainly occurs 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 lifting weights on outstretched arms. It is very important to preserve the natural physiological curves of the spine, which are formed from infancy.
Maintaining posture is a common and necessary life principle of every person, regardless of age and gender.
Everyday sports are excellent for strengthening the muscle corset, because osteochondrosis rarely affects hardened and physically developed people. All exercises should be performed to the best of their ability and serve to support the spine.