There is no doubt that 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, leading to the spread of the pathological process throughout the spine. Osteochondrosis is a possible cause of pain and other unpleasant symptoms related to the back.
The concept of the disease and the process of its origin
The disease in which degenerative damage to the intervertebral discs and hardening of the cartilage occurs, leading to impaired human function, is called osteochondrosis. The pathology affects exclusively the skeleton of the spine, but the gradual change and deformation of its height can adversely affect the functioning of internal organs and body systems.
The pathogenesis of the disease is related to the structure of the spinal column, which is designed for absorption during exercise. In humans, the intervertebral discs connecting the 33-35 vertebrae consist of the central nucleus and surrounding fibrous tissue. They serve as a reliable and strong support for the spinal cord when moderate physical stress occurs.
With the development of the pathological process occurs damage to the central nucleus of connective tissue and intervertebral discs, leading to a loss of their elasticity, resilience and strength. The disc literally collapses and deforms, which contributes to the curvature of the spine and the growth of sharp bony growths. Against the background of the disease there is a change in the structure of the vertebrates themselves, which become thinner and thinner.
Osteochondrosis of the spine is often mistaken for natural "wear and tear" of the skeleton. However, pathological changes can be slowed down or accelerated, allowing us to think of the condition as a real disease, leading to unpleasant complications.
Causes and risk factors for the development of osteochondrosis
A very common symptom of changes in the intervertebral discs is pain. Patients start feeling it at the age of 16-20, but they turn to doctors for help before the age of 40. Causes of early onset of the disease are flat feet, poor physical training, poor posture or being overweight. Modern adults 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;
- A lifeless lifestyle;
- Stressful situations and the existence of bad habits.
At risk of such a disease are people who overload the spine, stay on one leg (sitting) for a long time or abruptly stop regular exercise. The risk group also includes pregnant women, women who abuse high-heeled shoes and uncomfortable shoes.
Types and degree of disease
Osteochondrosis is a headache in modern medicine because a common diagnosis often becomes a punishment for patients. Timely detected pathology leads to advanced forms of the pathological process. Slowly but surely, people are approaching disability.
Doctors distinguish several types of disease, depending on the location of the lesion:
- Cervix;
- Breasts;
- Cervicothoracic;
- Lumbosacral.
There is also a concept such as 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 near the brain.
Pain syndrome is the most common symptom of an unusual injury that can disrupt not only motor but also speech functions.
In medicine, osteochondrosis is also classified according to the degree of development:
- Grade 1 osteochondrosis (presence of sudden pain similar to electroshock);
- Grade 2 osteochondrosis (irritation of elements of the peripheral nervous system);
- Grade 3 osteochondrosis (intervertebral disc herniation);
- Grade 4 osteochondrosis (development of spondyloarthritis and spinal cord ischemia).
The fourth stage of the disease is called restorative because it is the result of treatment of developing intervertebral hernias. Spondylolisthesis, characterized by swimming in the spine, is often observed during this period.
How and what hurts during osteochondrosis?
Osteochondrosis of the spine is not a simple disease and can be masked by other pathological processes that are not entirely related to the bone marrow. Annoying back pain people do not attach much importance to it and attribute it to physical fatigue after a hard day's work.
However, even the slightest discomfort or strain of the spinal muscles, which are the first "calls" of the disease, should be warned and become a reason for specialist consultation.
Clinically osteochondrosis is manifested by a variety of symptoms, depending on the localization of the pathological process. In case of damage to the cervical spine, the following symptoms appear:
- Neck pain;
- Compressive headaches;
- Numbness of the fingers;
- Restriction of cervical spine mobility;
- Excruciating pain in the shoulder area;
- Convulsions when turning.
If osteochondrosis of the chest has developed, then the pain is noticeable in the interstitial space and in the chest itself. Patients also complain of pain in the heart area, compression between the shoulder blades, and discomfort that reflects 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 back and legs, causing severe muscle spasm. Restricted lumbar spine mobility, numbness and tingling in the lower extremities, dysfunction of the pelvic organs. Difficulties arise during spinal flexibility and extension due to stiffness of the lower spine and limited mobility.
Rarely occurring polysegmental osteochondrosis is characterized only by the onset of symptoms where the spine is injured. Shooting pain, decreased range of motion, pain in the extremities, muscle spasms - all these signs are characteristic of different parts of the spine.
The pain is most often provoked by a sharp overuse of the spine, for example, by lifting weights or being in an uncomfortable posture for a long time. Sometimes coughing and even wheezing can increase the pain.
If the diagnosis is confirmed, how to live
Today spinal osteochondrosis, although a common diagnosis, is not fatal. The main thing is to eliminate the cause that led to the development of the disease and start productive treatment in a timely manner. Also of great importance is the preventive measures taken to prevent recurrence of the disease.
To defeat osteochondrosis it is necessary to prescribe complex therapy, which includes:
- Drug use;
- Spine traction;
- Massage;
- Exercise therapy;
- Physiotherapy;
- Acupuncture;
- Manual therapy;
- Surgical intervention (if indicated).
Each patient should be prescribed an individual course of treatment according to the form and degree of spinal cord injury. To begin with, doctors need to stop the process of destruction of the intervertebral discs caused by tissue inflammation.
A method is then selected to restore and strengthen the spinal muscles, 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 disease
Preventive measures should always be first and foremost to maintain the health of the body. Since osteochondrosis mainly occurs due to increased pressure on the intervertebral discs, it is essential to prevent the development of this condition.
First of all, it is recommended to avoid overloading the spine caused by a sedentary lifestyle, sudden jumps and lifting weights on the outstretched arms. 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 all human life, regardless of age and gender.
Daily sports are perfect for strengthening the muscle corset, as osteochondrosis rarely occurs in fortified and physically developed people. All exercises should be performed as much as possible and serve to support the spine.