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 made of cartilage.In the middle of the intervertebral disc is the nucleus pulposus - a semi-liquid structure in the shape of a "sphere", which performs the function of shock absorption and is surrounded by dense cartilage tissue (fibrous ring).The spinal canal, which contains the spinal cord and the nerves that radiate from it, runs through the entire spine.This entire structure is surrounded by muscles and ligaments.The main functions of the spine are musculoskeletal function, shock absorption and protection.
Imagine the Ostankino TV tower, which is held in a vertical position thanks to a whole system of cables running from the base to the top.Likewise, our spine is held in the desired position by a group of stabilizing muscles that normally distribute the load evenly across the spine and joints.Unlike the Ostankino TV tower, our spine 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 monotonous, repetitive movements associated with work or leisure.When the same muscles work for a long time, overload and cramps occur, while other muscles at this time experience no load at all and atrophy.This leads to a change in the “geometry” of the body, the load on the intervertebral disc is redistributed, cramped muscles tighten the vertebrae, and nutrition deteriorates.The same processes occur during monotonous, heavy physical work.In addition, the intervertebral disc has no blood vessels and is supplied with nutrients by the surrounding muscles, and during movement in the intervertebral joint, nutrient-rich synovial fluid enters the intervertebral disc.
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, the intervertebral disc becomes dehydrated (drying out), the cartilage tears and collapses.
In my practice, I have long noticed that stress, fears and worries often contribute to the development of back pain.Our body perceives every stressful situation as a danger.At the same time, the sympathetic part of the nervous system is activated, the adrenal glands “inject” stress hormones into the blood, blood pressure rises, the heartbeat accelerates and the muscles tense.In nature, when an animal is afraid of something, it runs or defends itself, accordingly stress hormones burn and the muscles relax after work.Humans are social creatures, they start to worry more often and move less, so there is no relaxation.The result is pain in the spine, headaches, motor tics and more.
In the literature you can find different formulations of osteochondrosis, but their essence is the same.Osteochondrosis is a “collapse” of the motor segment, destruction and degeneration of cartilage tissue.The reason is an incorrect motor stereotype and, as a result, malnutrition of the cartilage.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis
The manifestations of osteochondrosis depend on the location and severity of the lesion in the motor segment of the spine.In the initial stages, patients complain of dull, aching back pain, malaise, slight limitation of spinal mobility, periodic numbness in the arms or legs, headaches and fatigue.If you start treatment and change your lifestyle during this period, the result will not be long in coming and recovery will be quick.
If the intervertebral disc is severely damaged, there will be severe pain, persistent numbness and/or weakness in the arm or leg (depending on the extent of the damage).These signs can indicate destruction of the intervertebral disc and the presence of a hernia.It is therefore necessary to immediately consult a doctor and start treatment.
In the most severe cases, the pain syndrome can be extremely severe, possibly 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 required to address the issue of surgical treatment.
With cervical osteochondrosis, pain occurs in the neck, which can radiate to the shoulder, arm or head, numbness or weakness in the arm, headache, dizziness.
With osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, pain occurs in the chest, radiates to the sternum or scapula, increases with breathing and movement, and sometimes there is a feeling of lack of air.Patients often mistake this condition for heart pain.
If the lumbosacral spine is affected, the pain is localized to the lower back, increases with movement, radiates to the leg or perineum, and may cause numbness or weakness in the leg.
It must be remembered that our body is a single whole and the division of osteochondrosis into cervical, thoracic and lumbar is arbitrary.As a rule, the disease develops along the entire spine, but manifests itself in the part that is subject to the greatest load.
Who to contact, methods of examining osteochondrosis
As a rule, in case of pain in the spine, patients turn to a neurologist who, based on the complaints and a neurological examination, can make a preliminary diagnosis, prescribe additional examination methods (X-ray of the spine, MRI, CT, general urinalysis, general blood test) and develop a treatment regimen.
Treatment
Treatment should be comprehensive and aimed at:
- Elimination of pain syndrome;
- Elimination of dysfunction of the spinal roots;
- Prevention of the progression of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the structures of the spine.
During the acute phaseIf the pain is severe, drug treatment is prescribed: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, B vitamins, chondroprotectors or a blockade.
Then the massage is followed,manual therapy, physiotherapy, acupuncture, spinal traction.
Therapeutic exerciseis the most important method for the conservative treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system.Exercise therapy is aimed at building, correcting and strengthening the muscle corset;increased range of motion of the spine and joints;Development of a motor stereotype and correct posture;Reducing the load on the spine.
Regular exercise therapy, joint exercises, yoga or swimming improve blood circulation and tissue nutrition, normalize metabolism and increase the intervertebral space, which leads to recovery.
Listen to your body.If you notice symptoms of osteochondrosis or your lifestyle includes prolonged sitting at the computer, driving, or insufficient physical activity, seek help from a specialist without waiting for exacerbations.