Undoubtedly, the human spine is the most reliable part of the skeleton, but it is also the most prone to degenerative diseases due to repetitive physical exertion. Almost every fifth person on 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 to the entire spine. Osteochondrosis is a possible cause of pain and other uncomfortable symptoms related to the back.
The concept of the disease and the process of its occurrence
A disease in which there is degenerative damage to the intervertebral discs and hardening of the cartilage, which leads to a decrease in the performance of a person, is known as osteochondrosis. The pathology affects only 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 related to the structure of the spine, which is designed to absorb under load. Intervertebral discs that connect 33-35 vertebrae in humans consist of a central core and surrounding fibrous tissue. It is they who serve the spinal skeleton as a reliable and strong support during moderate physical exertion.
With the development of the pathological process, there is damage to the connective tissue and the central core of the intervertebral discs, which leads to a loss of their elasticity, elasticity and strength. The intervertebral disc literally collapses and deforms, which contributes to the curvature of the spine and the growth of sharp bony outgrowths. Against the background of the disease, the structure of the vertebrae itself changes, becoming thinner and ossified.
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, which leads to unpleasant complications.
Reasons for the development of osteochondrosis and risk factors
A very common symptom of changes in the intervertebral discs is pain. Patients begin to feel it as early as 16-20 years of age, but they turn to doctors closer to 40. Reasons for the onset of the disease early are flat feet, poor physical fitness, poor posture or being overweight. Modern adolescents lead a sedentary lifestyle, which also has a negative effect on 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 lifestyle;
- Stressful situations and the presence of bad habits.
People who overload the spine, stay in a standing position (sitting) for a long time or abruptly stop regular training are at risk of such a disease. The risk group also includes pregnant women, women who abuse the wearing of high heels and uncomfortable shoes.
Types and degrees of the disease
Osteochondrosis is a headache in modern medicine because a frequent diagnosis often turns into judgment for patients. A pathology recognized ahead of time leads to advanced forms of the pathological process. Slowly but inevitably, a person approaches a disability.
Doctors distinguish several types of diseases, depending on the location of the lesion:
- cervical;
- Breast;
- cervicothoracic;
- lumbosacral.
There is also a concept like polysegmental osteochondrosis, which is characterized by the simultaneous development of a pathological condition in several segments of the spine. 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 unusual lesion that can disrupt not only a person's motor but also speech functions.
In medicine, osteochondrosis is also classified according to the stages of development:
- 1st degree osteochondrosis (the presence of sudden pain similar to an electric shock);
- 2nd degree osteochondrosis (irritation of the elements of the peripheral nervous system occurs);
- 3rd degree osteochondrosis (formation of a herniated disc);
- Grade 4 osteochondrosis (development of spondyloarthrosis and ischemia of the spinal cord).
The fourth stage of the disease is called restorative because it is a consequence of treating emerging intervertebral hernias. During this period, spondylolisthesis is often observed, which is characterized by 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 that are completely independent of the bony skeleton. The annoying pain in the back area is not considered to be very important by people and is attributed to physical fatigue after a strenuous day at work.
But even the smallest complaints or stiffness of the spinal muscles, which are the first "bells" of the disease, should alarm and be a reason to consult a specialist.
Clinically, osteochondrosis is manifested in a variety of symptoms that depend on the location of the pathological process. With a lesion of the cervical spine, the following symptoms occur:
- Annoyance;
- compressive headache;
- Numbness of fingers;
- Restriction of mobility of the cervical spine;
- aching pain in the shoulder;
- Crunching when turning the head.
When thoracic osteochondrosis develops, pain in the interscapular space and in the chest itself is visible. Patients also complain of pain in the heart area, compression between the shoulder blades, and symptoms that mimic 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 and causes severe muscle cramps. Limited mobility of the lumbar spine, numbness and tingling in the lower extremities, functional disorders of the pelvic organs. The stiffness and limited mobility of the lower back make it difficult to flex and straighten the back.
Polysegmental osteochondrosis, which occurs rarely, is characterized by the fact that only those symptoms occur that affect the spine. Sharp pain, restricted range of motion, aching limbs, muscle cramps - all of these signs appear in different parts of the spine.
In most cases, pain is caused by excessive stress on the spine, such as lifting weights or staying in an uncomfortable position for a long time. Sometimes even coughing and sneezing can make the pain worse.
If the diagnosis is confirmed, how can one go on living?
Today, spinal osteochondrosis, while 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 initiated in a timely manner. Preventive measures that are carried out to prevent the disease from recurring are also of great importance.
To defeat osteochondrosis it is necessary to prescribe complex therapy, which includes:
- the use of drugs;
- Spinal traction;
- Massage;
- Exercise therapy;
- Physical therapy;
- Acupuncture;
- manual therapy;
- surgical intervention (if indicated).
Each patient should be assigned an individual course of treatment depending on the shape and degree of the spinal lesion. First, doctors need to stop the process of tissue inflammation destroying the intervertebral discs.
After that, a method of restoring and strengthening the muscles of the back is selected, designed to support the spine in the required position. Such a complex treatment allows you to achieve a highly effective result without surgical intervention.
Recommendations for the prevention of diseases
Preventive measures should always come first in order to keep the body healthy. Since osteochondrosis occurs mainly due to increased pressure on the intervertebral discs, it is necessary to prevent such a condition from developing.
First and foremost, it is recommended to avoid overloading the spine from a sedentary lifestyle, sudden jumps, and lifting weights with arms outstretched. It is very important to maintain the natural physiological curves of the spine that are formed from childhood.
Maintaining posture is a common and necessary principle of life for everyone, regardless of age and gender.
Everyday sport is ideal for strengthening the muscle corset, because osteochondrosis rarely affects hardened and physically developed people. All exercises should be performed to the best of your knowledge and belief and serve to support the spine.