Osteochondrosis is a common disease in which a person experiences pain and limitation of movement in different parts of the back. Previously, it was believed that the disease was characteristic only of the elderly, but in recent years, young patients are increasingly suffering from osteochondrosis. According to statistics, every second inhabitant of the planet is prone to back pain.
Osteochondrosis in a woman.
The human spine consists of 32-34 vertebrae, interconnected in a vertical position. Between the vertebrae there are cartilaginous layers, the so-called cartilaginous discs. They provide flexibility, mobility of the spine during movement.
What is osteochondrosis? This is a disease of the spine, the basis of which is the destruction of the intervertebral discs, and then the vertebrae themselves. These disc destructions over time lead to complications such as bulges (bulging of part of the disc) and herniated vertebrae.
Most often, osteochondrosis affects residents of large cities. Sedentary work, as a result, lack of movement leads to static overload of the spine.
The reasons
When a person walks, the load on the spine is unevenly distributed. The intervertebral discs are compressed, the distance between the vertebrae decreases, as a result of which the intervertebral cartilage tissue is destroyed. If the disease starts, the nerve roots are also damaged. In this case, a person may have pain in the area of the nerve roots, as well as tingling, burning, a "crawling" sensation. Pain can appear when sitting for a long time in an uncomfortable position, squeezing the arms or legs. In addition, there are risk factors.
Osteochondrosis can provoke some diseases of the musculoskeletal system, such as: flat feet, scoliosis, diseases of the muscular system. In addition, osteochondrosis is also found in endocrine pathologies, for example, metabolic disorders, diabetes mellitus, and thyroid diseases. Lifestyle also influences the course of the disease. If a person often stays in an uncomfortable position, stands or sits for a long time, leads a sedentary lifestyle, all this leads to the destruction of the intervertebral discs. Fat-predominant malnutrition and vitamin and mineral deficiency can also cause spinal problems. If a person had injuries, bruises and operations on the spine, then this can lead to an exacerbation of osteochondrosis.
Heredity negatively affects the course of the disease.
Osteochondrosis in a man.
Bad habits (smoking, excessive alcohol consumption) also have a negative effect on the spine. Nicotine negatively affects the metabolism, which causes the weakening of the intervertebral discs. Excess weight adds additional stress to all parts of the spine, eventually damaging the intervertebral discs. A sedentary lifestyle does not benefit the spine either. With a lack of movement, the load on the back increases, the intervertebral discs are "erased", and the cartilage is damaged. With excessive physical exertion and professional sports, microtrauma to the spine also occurs. The first symptoms of osteochondrosis may not appear immediately.
Types of osteochondrosis
Cervical
The neck is a very mobile part of the body, undergoing numerous turns to the sides every day. There are seven small vertebrae in the neck, interconnected by special discs. The disease of this department is considered quite serious, since in the cervical region there are many vessels (arteries and veins), as well as nerve roots that are responsible for important body systems. Cervical osteochondrosis often complicates the saturation of the head with blood, due to which the brain also suffers from it. It is believed that operations on this part of the spine can cause immobilization, that is, a violation of movement throughout the body.
thoracic
The vertebrae in the thoracic region are not as mobile as the lower back and neck. Thoracic osteochondrosis for this reason is less common than other types. People who lift weights, as well as athletes, are more likely than others to suffer from this part of the back disease. There are cases when thoracic osteochondrosis is confused with a heart attack, lung diseases. To establish the correct diagnosis, examinations and consultations with a doctor are needed.
Lumbar (or lumbosacral)
The lumbar spine consists of five vertebrae connected by intervertebral discs. These vertebrae are large and strong, capable of supporting the weight of the human body. However, if the metabolic processes are disturbed, the vertebrae quickly become less resistant and inelastic, and the nerve roots of the lower back are damaged. As a result, a person experiences severe lower back pain that radiates to the leg or groin.
If the sacral spine is also affected, then such osteochondrosis is called lumbosacral. In this way, the defeat is stronger and more serious. It is difficult for a person to walk, sometimes paralysis of the legs occurs, as the spinal cord and nerve roots going to the lower extremities are damaged. Possibly urinary incontinence.
main symptoms
There are cervical, thoracic and lumbar osteochondrosis. The disease has many symptoms, which depend on the level of the injury.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
The main symptoms are pain in the neck, which is aggravated by turning and tilting the head. Painkillers help, but not for long. Dizziness and ringing in the ears are common. Some patients report numbness of the face and neck, weakness in the arms.
Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis
It happens less often. With this type of osteochondrosis, a person has pain in the chest area, between the shoulder blades. The pain is aggravated by bending and moving. There is a feeling of a lump in the throat, breathing becomes difficult. There may be numbness in the chest, pain in the heart, in the stomach.
Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
The most common type of this disease. The main symptom is low back pain, which radiates to one or both legs, to the groin, to the abdomen. Sensations arise especially when turning to the side, tilting the body.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis
Diagnosis
Treatment of osteochondrosis is carried out by a neurologist. To make a diagnosis, he will prescribe an examination. Basically, this is an X-ray of the affected back, if complications are suspected - protrusions and hernias of the spine, an MRI (MRI) is prescribed. In some cases, ultrasound of the vessels of the vertebral arteries is performed.
Treatment
Treatment of osteochondrosis depends on the stage of the disease, age and individual characteristics of the person.
Therapy is aimed at relieving pain, relaxing muscles, and preventing complications. The main group in the treatment of the disease is non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These are drugs that relieve pain, eliminate inflammation. Anti-inflammatory drugs are available in the form of injections, as well as tablets. Released by medical prescription.
Also, muscle relaxants are used - drugs that relax spasmodic muscles, due to this, muscle pain decreases. It is usually used for external use. Such drugs reduce pain, create a "distracting" effect, that is, warm or cold.
For pain relief, topical agents are excellent. Such ointments and creams relieve swelling, relieve inflammation and reduce pain at the site of injury.
The drugs do not have a cumulative effect and, more importantly, are dispensed without a prescription. These funds reliably relieve pain in any part of the spine.
Among them, hot ointments can be distinguished - their effect occurs in about half an hour. Their action is that they dilate the blood vessels of the skin, inhibit the transmission of a nerve impulse to the brain.
However, it is worth remembering that ointments with an analgesic effect can negatively affect people with exacerbations of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
In addition, there are other external agents - patches, which also relieve pain and swelling. These patches are available without a prescription.
Along with pain relief, prescribe drugs that restore the nerve roots. These are B vitamins. They are prescribed in the form of injections or tablets in courses.
In addition to drug treatment, the patient is prescribed the use of special bandages and corsets. Such products unload the spine, improve metabolic processes and strengthen the structure of the disc. Named after the elimination of pain in the spine.
As was written above, with osteochondrosis, the elasticity and mobility of the intervertebral disc deteriorate. To restore this important structure, chondroprotectors are used in treatment, these drugs restore cartilage and prevent its destruction. They are used only as directed by a doctor, courses.
After removing pain and inflammation, recovery is required. Physiotherapy is used for this: massage, acupuncture, electrostimulation. Massage is prescribed no earlier than 3-6 months after treatment. If a person has bulges and hernia, spinal traction is recommended.
Exercise therapy for osteochondrosis.
Exercise therapy and gymnastics are an important addition to the treatment of osteochondrosis. A prerequisite is that the exercises are performed only after the back pain disappears. For each patient, exercises are selected individually, depending on the age and characteristics of the body.
Gymnastics with osteochondrosis improves blood circulation and metabolism, strengthens the back muscles. Thanks to this strengthening, spasms and overexertion in the spine pass, the back becomes more resistant. The regularity of execution and individual selection of exercises is important. Also, gymnastics is a proven and effective way to prevent the development of the disease itself. Therefore, a little exercise in the morning, as well as five minutes at the workplace, will benefit your back.
How to sleep properly?
It is believed that it is more useful to sleep on your back. This is the most comfortable position for the spine, since in this position there is a complete relaxation of all the muscles. Also, with lumbar osteochondrosis, it is recommended to put a small roller or pillow under the knees. Sleeping on your stomach is not recommended, as it is harmful to the cervical spine.
In this position, a person turns his head, and as a result, important vessels and nerve roots in the neck are compressed and blood circulation is disturbed. As a result, blood does not get to the head enough, dizziness and headaches occur, and a feeling of numbness in the hands may appear. Sideways body position is also considered acceptable.
Osteochondrosis can occur due to prolonged work at the computer
pillow and mattress
Mattress
For proper and healthy sleep, it is better to choose orthopedic products. An orthopedic mattress is useful for all parts of the spine, it allows you to maintain a natural anatomical curve, which improves blood circulation in the back. The back muscles on such a mattress are in the most comfortable and relaxed state, and the person gets enough sleep.
Mattresses are different: hard, soft, medium hard. It is worth choosing individually.
- For children and adolescents, a mattress of medium to high firmness will be useful.
- For people over the age of 25 with a healthy back, a medium-firm mattress is recommended.
- In the presence of scoliosis and other diseases of the back, it is worth buying a hard mattress.
Pillow
An important factor for a healthy sleep is the choice of pillow. It should be soft and comfortable enough to support the curves of your spine and relieve tension in your neck muscles. The pillow has a beneficial effect on sleep, relaxes the cervical region and head, improves blood circulation. These pillows help maintain posture as well as eliminate snoring.
I would like to add that comfort and a favorable environment are necessary for healthy sleep. Before going to bed, do not be nervous, avoid physical activity. You can take a relaxing bath with salt or herbs (lavender, chamomile). You should sleep in a well-ventilated room with humidity (40-60%).
Prevention
It is probably no secret to anyone that prevention is always easier and less expensive than treatment. It is necessary to take care of the spine from childhood. It is important to control your posture during classes and meals, to select the right furniture.
If your work is sedentary, try to break every two hours, take five-minute breaks for gymnastics. Try not to stand in one position for a long time; this increases the load on the back. For sleeping, choose a hard mattress without springs. Participate in physical activity. Swimming, fitness, dancing - choose active leisure activities.
Try not to lift weights in one session. It is better to divide the load into several parts. Do not lift heavy things with one hand, distribute the weight on both hands. Take vitamins and microelements, vitamins of group B, vitamin D, E, calcium, phosphorus are especially useful for the back.
For back pain, see a doctor.
Take care of your back!