Osteochondrosis is a common disease where a person experiences pain and limitation of movement in different parts of the back. Previously, it was believed that the disease is characteristic only for the elderly, but in recent years, young patients are increasingly suffering from osteochondrosis. According to statistics, every second inhabitant of the planet is prone to back pain.
Osteochondrosis in a woman
The human spinal column 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 bulging (bulging of part of the disc) and herniated vertebrae.
Most often, osteochondrosis affects residents of large cities. Sedentary work, as a result, 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, resulting in the destruction of the intervertebral cartilage tissue. If the disease starts, the nerve roots are also damaged. In this case, a person may experience pain in the area of the nerve roots, as well as tingling, burning, a "crawling" sensation. The pain may appear with prolonged standing in an uncomfortable position, squeezing the arms or legs. In addition, there are risk factors.
Osteochondrosis can cause some diseases of the musculoskeletal system, such as: flat feet, scoliosis, diseases of the muscular system. In addition, osteochondrosis is also found in endocrine pathologies, for example, metabolic disorders, diabetes mellitus and thyroid diseases. Lifestyle also influences the course of the disease. If a person is often in an uncomfortable position, stands or sits for a long time, leads a sedentary lifestyle, all this leads to the destruction of the intervertebral discs. Malnutrition with a predominance of fats and a deficiency of vitamins and minerals can also cause problems in the spine. If a person has had 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 metabolism, which causes the intervertebral discs to weaken. Excess weight adds extra stress to all parts of the spine, eventually damaging the intervertebral discs. A sedentary lifestyle does not benefit the spine either. With a lack of movement, the load on the back increases, the intervertebral discs are "erased", and cartilage is damaged. With excessive physical exertion and professional sports, microtraumas in the spine also occur. The first symptoms of osteochondrosis may not appear right away.
Types of osteochondrosis
Cervical
The neck is a very mobile part of the body, it undergoes numerous turns to the sides every day. There are seven small vertebrae in the neck, connected by special discs. The disease of this department is considered quite serious, because in the cervical region there are many vessels (arteries and veins), in addition to nerve roots responsible for important body systems. Cervical osteochondrosis often complicates the saturation of the head with blood, so the brain also suffers from it. It is believed that operations on 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 consists 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 disturbed, the vertebrae quickly become less resistant 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, this osteochondrosis is called lumbosacral. In this form, defeat is stronger and more serious. It is difficult for a person to walk, sometimes paralysis of the legs occurs, as the spinal cord and nerve roots that go to the lower extremities are damaged. Possibly urinary incontinence.
main symptoms
There are cervical, thoracic and lumbar osteochondrosis. The disease has many symptoms, which depend on the level of injury.
Symptoms of Cervical Osteochondrosis
The main symptoms are neck pain, 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 of the face and neck, weakness in the arms.
Symptoms of Thoracic Osteochondrosis
Occurs less frequently. With this type of osteochondrosis, a person has pain in the chest area, between the shoulder blades. The pain is made worse by bending and moving. There is a feeling of a lump in the throat, breathing becomes difficult. There may be numbness in the chest, pain in the heart, in the stomach.
Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
The most common type of this disease. The main symptom is lower back pain, radiating to one or both legs, to the groin, to the abdomen. The sensations usually arise when turning to the side, leaning the body.
Symptoms of Osteochondrosis
Diagnosis
Treatment of osteochondrosis is carried out by a neurologist. To make a diagnosis, he will prescribe an examination. Basically, this is an x-ray of the affected back, if complications are suspected - bulges and hernias of the spine, an MRI (MRI) is prescribed. In some cases, ultrasound of the vessels of the vertebral arteries is performed.
Treatment
The treatment of osteochondrosis depends on the stage of the disease, age and individual characteristics of the person.
Therapy is aimed at relieving pain, relaxing muscles and preventing complications. The main group in the treatment of the disease are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These are medicines that relieve pain, eliminate inflammation. Anti-inflammatory medications are available in the form of injections as well as pills. Released by prescription.
Also, muscle relaxants are used - drugs that relax spasmodic muscles, due to this, muscle pain decreases. Usually used for outdoor use. Such drugs reduce pain, create a "distraction" effect, that is, hot or cold.
For pain relief, topical agents are excellent. Such ointments and creams relieve swelling, relieve inflammation, and reduce pain at the site of injury.
Medicines do not have a cumulative effect and, mainly, 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 blood vessels in the skin, inhibit the transmission of a nerve impulse to the brain.
However, it is worth remembering that ointments with an analgesic effect can negatively affect people with exacerbations of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
In addition, there are other external agents - stains, which also relieve pain and swelling. These patches are available without a prescription.
Along with pain relief, prescribe medications that restore nerve roots. These are B vitamins. They are prescribed in the form of injections or pills in courses.
In addition to drug treatment, the patient is prescribed the use of special bandages and corsets. These products unload the spine, improve metabolic processes and strengthen the disc structure. Named after spinal pain removal.
As 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 its destruction. They are used only as directed by a doctor, courses.
After removing the pain and inflammation, recovery is necessary. For this, physiotherapy is used: massage, acupuncture, electrical stimulation. Massage is prescribed no earlier than 3-6 months after treatment. If a person has bulges and a hernia, spinal traction is recommended.
Exercise therapy for osteochondrosis
Exercise therapy and gymnastics are an important addition to the treatment of osteochondrosis. A prerequisite is that the exercises are performed only after the back pain has subsided. For each patient, exercises are selected individually, depending on age and body characteristics.
Gymnastics with osteochondrosis improves blood circulation and metabolism, strengthens the back muscles. Thanks to this strengthening, the spasms and overload on the spine pass, the back becomes more resistant. Regularity of execution and individual selection of exercises are important. In addition, gymnastics is a proven and effective way of preventing the development of the disease itself. So a little exercise in the morning, as well as five minutes at work, will benefit your back.
How to sleep properly?
It is believed that it is most useful to sleep on your back. This is the most comfortable position for the spine, as in this position all the muscles are completely relaxed. Also, with lumbar osteochondrosis, it is recommended to place a small roll 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 of this, important vessels and nerve roots in the neck are compressed, blood circulation is disturbed. As a result, blood does not get enough to the head, dizziness and headaches occur, and a feeling of numbness in the hands may appear. Side body position is also considered acceptable.
Osteochondrosis can occur due to long computer work
pillow and mattress
Mattress
For adequate and healthy sleep, it is better to choose orthopedic products. An orthopedic mattress is useful for all parts of the spine, as it allows you to maintain a natural anatomical curve - this improves blood circulation in the back. The back muscles of this 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 firmness mattress will be helpful.
- For people over 25 with a healthy back, a medium firm mattress is recommended.
- In the presence of scoliosis and other diseases of the back, it is worth buying a hard mattress.
Pillow
An important factor for healthy sleep is pillow choice. It should be soft and comfortable enough to support the curves of your spine and relieve tension in your neck muscles. The pillow has a beneficial effect on sleep, relaxes the cervical region and head, improves blood circulation. These pillows help maintain posture, as well as 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 need to sleep in a well-ventilated room with humidity (40-60%).
Prevention
It's probably no secret to anyone that prevention is always easier and less expensive 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 job is sedentary, try to break every two hours, take five-minute breaks for gymnastics. Try not to stay in one position for too long - this increases the load on your back. For sleep, choose a hard mattress without springs. Engage in physical activity. Swimming, fitness, dancing - choose active leisure activities.
Try not to lift weights all at once. It is better to split the load into several parts. Don't lift heavy things with one hand - distribute the weight on both hands. Take vitamins and microelements, B group vitamins, vitamin D, E, calcium, phosphorus are especially useful for the back.
For back pain, seek medical advice.
Watch your back!