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 is characteristic only of older people, but in recent years, young patients increasingly suffer 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 an upright position. Between the vertebrae 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 protrusions (swelling of part of the disc) and herniated vertebrae.
Most often, osteochondrosis affects residents of large cities. Sedentary work, therefore, 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 is triggered, the nerve roots are also damaged. In this case, a person may experience pain in the nerve roots, as well as tingling, burning, a feeling of "crawling". The pain may appear during prolonged sitting in an uncomfortable position, squeezing the arms or legs. In addition, there are risk factors.
Osteochondrosis can cause certain diseases of the musculoskeletal system, such as: flat feet, scoliosis, diseases of the muscular system. In addition, osteochondrosis is also present 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 awkward position, stands or sits for a long time, leads a sedentary lifestyle, all this leads to the destruction of intervertebral discs. Malnutrition with a predominance of fats and a deficiency of vitamins and minerals can also cause spinal problems. If a person has suffered injuries, bruises and operations on the spine, this can provoke 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 weakening of the intervertebral discs. Excess weight adds additional stress to all parts of the spine, eventually damaging the intervertebral discs. A sedentary lifestyle also does not benefit the spine. 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, microtraumas of the spine also occur. The first symptoms of osteochondrosis may not appear immediately.
Types of osteochondrosis
Cervical
The neck is a very mobile part of the body, it undergoes many sideways turns 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 responsible for important body systems. Cervical osteochondrosis often complicates the saturation of the head with blood, so the brain also suffers. It is believed that operations in 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 the disease of this part of the back. There are cases when thoracic osteochondrosis is confused with a heart attack, lung diseases. To establish the correct diagnosis, examinations and consultation with a doctor are necessary.
Lumbar (or lumbosacral)
The lumbar spine is made up of five vertebrae connected by intervertebral discs. These vertebrae are large and strong, capable of supporting the weight of the human body. However, if metabolic processes are disrupted, the vertebrae quickly become less resilient and inelastic, and the nerve roots in 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, such osteochondrosis is called lumbosacral. In this form, the defeat is stronger and more serious. It is difficult for a person to walk, sometimes paralysis of the legs occurs, since the spinal cord and the nerve roots that go to the lower extremities are damaged. Maybe urinary incontinence.
Main symptoms
There are cervical, thoracic and lumbar osteochondrosis. The disease has many symptoms, which depend on the level of the lesion.
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 in the face and neck, weakness in the arms.
Symptoms of chest osteochondrosis
Occurs less frequently. With this type of osteochondrosis, a person has pain in the chest, between the shoulder blades. The pain is aggravated by bending and movement. There is a lump in the throat, breathing becomes difficult. There may be numbness in the chest, pain in the heart, stomach.
Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
The most common type of this disease. The main symptom is pain in the lower back, radiating to one or both legs, to the groin, to the abdomen. Especially often sensations arise when turning to the side, tilting the body.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis
Diagnostic
Treatment of osteochondrosis is carried out by a neurologist. In order 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 (magnetic resonance imaging) 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 aims to relieve pain, relax muscles and prevent complications. The main group in the treatment of the disease are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These are drugs that relieve pain, eliminate inflammation. Anti-inflammatories are available in the form of injections, as well as tablets. Released on prescription.
Additionally, muscle relaxants are used - drugs that relax spastic muscles, due to this, muscle pain decreases. Generally used for external use. These drugs reduce pain, create a "distracting" effect, that is, hot or cold.
For pain relief, topical agents are excellent. These ointments and creams relieve swelling, relieve inflammation and reduce pain at the site of injury.
Medicines do not have a cumulative effect and, most importantly, they are dispensed without a prescription. These funds reliably relieve pain in any part of the spine.
Among them, warming 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 should be remembered that ointments with an analgesic effect can harm people suffering from 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.
In addition to pain relief, prescribe drugs that restore nerve roots. These are B vitamins. They are prescribed in the form of injections or tablets as a cure.
In addition to drug therapy, the patient is prescribed to wear special bandages and corsets. These products unload the spine, improve metabolic processes and strengthen the structure of the disc. Appointed after the removal of pain in the spine.
As it was written above, with osteochondrosis, the elasticity and mobility of the intervertebral disc deteriorates. To restore this important structure, chondroprotectors are used in the treatment, these drugs restore cartilage and prevent their destruction. They are used only as directed by a physician, of course.
After eliminating pain and inflammation, recovery is necessary. For this, physiotherapy is used: massage, acupuncture, electrostimulation. Massage is prescribed no earlier than 3-6 months after treatment. If a person has protrusions and a hernia, spinal traction is recommended.
Exercise therapy for osteochondrosis
Exercise therapy and gymnastics are an important supplement to the treatment of osteochondrosis. A prerequisite is that the exercises should only be performed after the back pain subsides. For each patient, exercises are selected individually, depending on age and characteristics of the body.
Gymnastics with osteochondrosis improves blood circulation and metabolism, strengthens back muscles. Thanks to this strengthening, spasms and overstrain in the passage of the spine, the back becomes more resistant. Consistency of performance and individual exercise selection are important. In addition, 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 work, will benefit your back.
How to sleep well?
It is believed to be more helpful to sleep on your back. This is the most comfortable position for the spine, because in this position there is complete relaxation of all muscles. Also, with lumbar osteochondrosis, it is recommended to put a small roller or pillow under the knees. It is not recommended to sleep on your stomach - 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, 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. The position of the body on the side is also considered acceptable.
Osteochondrosis can occur due to long work at the computer
pillow and mattress
The mattress
For correct 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 - this 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 hardness. It is worth choosing individually.
- For children and teenagers, a medium to high firm mattress will be useful.
- For people over 25 with a healthy back, a medium-firm mattress is recommended.
- In the presence of scoliosis and other back diseases, it is worth buying a hard mattress.
Pillow
The choice of pillow is an important factor for healthy sleep. It should be soft and comfortable enough to support the curves of the spine and relieve tension from the neck muscles. The pillow has a beneficial effect on sleep, relaxes the cervical region and the head, improves blood circulation. These pillows help maintain posture and eliminate snoring.
I would like to add that comfort and a supportive 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 and humid (40-60%) room.
Prevention
It's probably no secret that prevention is always easier and cheaper than treatment. It is necessary to take care of the spine from childhood. It is important to monitor your posture during classes and meals, to select the right furniture.
If your work is sedentary, try to interrupt every two hours, take five-minute breaks for gymnastics. Try not to stay in one position for a long time - this increases the load on your back. To sleep, choose a hard mattress without springs. Engage 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 objects with one hand - distribute the weight between both hands. Take vitamins and microelements, vitamins of group B, vitamin D, E, calcium, phosphorus are especially useful for the back.
For back pain, consult a doctor.
Take care of your back!