Without a doubt, 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 one in five of Earth's inhabitants between the ages of 18 and 40 suffers from back pain.
This symptom is often ignored and does not cause any serious concern, which leads to the spread of the pathological process to the entire spine. Osteochondrosis is a possible cause of pain and other unpleasant symptoms associated with the back.
The concept of disease and the process of its occurrence
A disease in which there is degenerative damage to the intervertebral discs and hardening of the cartilage, leading to a decrease in a person's performance, is called osteochondrosis. The pathology exclusively affects the skeleton of the spine, but a gradual change in its height and deformation can adversely affect the functioning of the body's internal organs and systems.
The pathogenesis of disease development is associated with the structure of the spine, which is designed to absorb when loaded. The intervertebral discs connecting 33-35 vertebrae in humans consist of a central nucleus and surrounding fibrous tissue. They are what serve as a reliable and strong support for the spinal skeleton when moderate physical stress occurs.
With the development of the pathological process, damage occurs to the connective tissue and to the central nucleus of the intervertebral discs, which leads to a loss of their elasticity, elasticity and strength. The disc literally collapses and deforms, contributing to the curvature of the spine and the growth of sharp bony bulges. In the context of the disease, there is a change in the structure of the vertebrae themselves, which become thinner and ossified.
Osteochondrosis of the spine is often confused with a natural "wear and tear" of the skeleton. However, pathological changes can be delayed or accelerated, which allows us to consider this condition as a real disease, leading to unpleasant complications.
Reasons for the development of osteochondrosis and risk factors
A very common symptom with changes in the intervertebral discs is pain. Patients begin to feel it as early as 16-20 years old, but turn to doctors for help around 40 years old. The reasons for the early onset of the disease are flat feet, poor physical preparation, poor posture or overweight. Modern teenagers lead a sedentary lifestyle, which also negatively affects spinal stability.
The following factors also contribute to the development of the disease:
- was;
- 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, stand a long time (sitting) or abruptly interrupt regular training are at risk of acquiring this disease. The risk group also includes pregnant women, women who abuse high-heeled shoes and uncomfortable shoes.
Types and degrees of disease
Osteochondrosis is a headache in modern medicine because a common diagnosis often becomes a sentence for patients. Prematurely detected pathology leads to advanced forms of the pathological process. Slowly but inevitably a person is approaching disability.
Doctors distinguish several types of disease depending on the location of the lesion:
- cervical;
- chest;
- cervicothoracic;
- lumbosacral.
There is also the concept of polysegmental osteochondrosis, which is characterized by the development of a pathological condition in several segments of the spine at the same time. A dangerous manifestation of this type of illness is the compression of the nerve endings and blood vessels in the back near the brain.
Pain syndrome is the most common symptom of an extraordinary injury that can disrupt not only a person's motor functions but also a person's speech.
In medicine, osteochondrosis is also classified according to the degrees of development:
- 1st degree osteochondrosis (presence of sudden pain similar to electric shock);
- 2nd degree osteochondrosis (irritation of elements of the peripheral nervous system occurs);
- third-degree osteochondrosis (formation of a herniated intervertebral disc);
- 4th degree osteochondrosis (development of spondyloarthrosis and spinal cord ischemia).
The fourth stage of the disease is called restorative, as it is a consequence of the treatment of emerging intervertebral hernias. During this period, spondylolisthesis is frequently observed, characterized by slippage of the vertebrae.
How and what hurts in osteochondrosis?
Spinal osteochondrosis is not a simple disease and can be disguised as other pathological processes that are not completely related to the bone skeleton. Annoying pain in the back is not considered to be of great importance by people and is attributed to physical tiredness after a hard day's work.
However, even the slightest discomfort or stiffness of the spinal muscles, which are the first "bells" of the disease, should alert and become a reason to consult a specialist.
Clinically, osteochondrosis manifests itself in a variety of symptoms, which depend on the location of the pathological process. If there is an injury to the cervical spine, the following symptoms occur:
- neck ache;
- compressive headache;
- numbness of the fingers;
- limited mobility of the cervical spine;
- painful pain in the shoulder;
- crunchy when turning the head.
If thoracic osteochondrosis develops, pain will be visible in the interscapular space and in the chest itself. Patients also complain of heart pain, compression between the shoulder blades, and discomfort that mimics damage to the intestines, stomach, or gallbladder.
With the defeat of the lumbar spine, the symptoms are completely different. The pain is mainly located in the lower back and legs, causing severe muscle spasm. There is limited mobility of the lumbar spine, numbness and tingling in the lower extremities, disturbances in the functioning of Organs pelvic organs. Difficulties appear in the flexion and extension of the back, due to the stiffness and difficulty in locomotion in the lower back.
Rarely occurring polysegmental osteochondrosis is characterized by the occurrence only of symptoms in which the spine is affected. Acute pain, decreased range of motion, limb pain, muscle spasm - all these signs are common to different parts of the spine.
Pain, in most cases, is caused by acute excessive loads on the spine, for example, lifting weights or remaining in an uncomfortable position for a long time. Sometimes, even coughing and sneezing can increase the pain.
If the diagnosis was confirmed, how to live
Today, spinal osteochondrosis, although 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 started in a timely manner. Considerable importance is also given to the preventive measures that are taken to prevent the disease from recurring.
To defeat osteochondrosis, it is necessary to prescribe a complex therapy, which includes:
- drug use;
- spinal traction;
- massage;
- Exercise therapy;
- Physiotherapy;
- acupuncture;
- manual therapy;
- surgical intervention (if indicated).
Each patient must receive an individual course of treatment, depending on the form and degree of spinal injury. To begin with, doctors must stop the process of destroying the intervertebral discs caused by tissue inflammation.
Then, a method is selected to restore and strengthen the back 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 for preventing disease
Preventive measures should always come first to maintain the body's health. Since osteochondrosis occurs mainly due to increased pressure on the intervertebral discs, it is necessary to prevent the development of such a condition.
First of all, it is recommended to avoid straining the spine due to sedentary lifestyle, sudden jumps and weight lifting with arms outstretched. It is very important to preserve the natural physiological curves of the spine, which form since childhood.
Maintaining posture is a common and necessary life principle for all people, regardless of age and gender.
Everyday sports are excellent for strengthening the muscular corset, as osteochondrosis rarely affects hardened and physically developed people. All exercises should be performed in the best possible way and serve to support the spine.