Osteochondrosis is a common disease in which a person feels 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 spine consists of 32-34 vertebrae, interconnected in a vertical position. Between the vertebrae are cartilaginous layers - the so-called cartilaginous discs. They provide flexibility, mobility of the spinal column 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 (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 a static overload of the spine.
The reasons
When a person walks, the load on the spinal column is unevenly distributed. The intervertebral discs are compressed, the distance between the vertebrae decreases, as a result of which the tissue of the intervertebral cartilage is destroyed. If the disease is started, the nerve roots are also damaged. In this case, a person may have pain in the area of \u200b\u200bthe nerve roots, as well as tingling, burning, a feeling of "crawling". Pain can appear with prolonged sitting in an uncomfortable position, squeezing the arms or legs. In addition, there are risk factors.
Osteochondrosis can provoke 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 often stays in an uncomfortable position, stands or sits for a long time, leads a sedentary lifestyle, then 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 provoke problems with the spine. If a person 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 adversely affects the metabolism, which causes weakening of the intervertebral discs. Excess weight adds extra 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, intervertebral discs are "erased" and cartilage is damaged. With excessive physical exertion and professional sports, microtrauma of the spine also occurs. 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 numerous turns to the sides 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 that are responsible for important body systems. Cervical osteochondrosis often complicates the saturation of the head with blood, so the brain also suffers with it. 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 of the thoracic region are not as mobile as the lower back and neck. Thoracic osteochondrosis for this reason is less common than other types. Persons 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 needed.
Lumbar (or lumbosacral)
The lumbar spine consists of five vertebrae connected by intervertebral discs. These vertebrae are large and strong, able to bear the weight of the human body. However, if metabolic processes are disturbed, the vertebrae quickly become less resilient and inelastic, and the nerve roots of 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, then 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, 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 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 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. Pain is aggravated by bending and moving. There is a sensation of a lump in the throat, breathing is 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. Sensations especially often arise when turning to the side, tilting the body.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis
Diagnostics
The 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, on the 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 drugs are available in the form of injections, as well as tablets. Released by prescription.
In addition, muscle relaxants are used - drugs that relax spasmodic muscles, due to this, muscle pain decreases. Usually used for external use. Such drugs reduce pain, create a "distracting" effect, that is, warm or cool.
For pain relief, topical agents are excellent. Such ointments and creams relieve swelling, relieve inflammation and reduce pain at the site of the lesion.
Medicines do not have a cumulative effect and, 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 is worth remembering that ointments with an analgesic effect can adversely affect people with 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.
Along with pain relief, prescribe drugs that restore nerve roots. These are B vitamins. They are prescribed in the form of injections or tablets in courses.
In addition to drug treatment, the patient is prescribed the wearing of special bandages and corsets. Such 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 doctor, courses.
After removing the pain and inflammation, recovery is required. For this, physiotherapy is used: massage, acupuncture, electrical stimulation. Massage is prescribed no earlier than 3-6 months after treatment. If a person has protrusions and hernia, traction of the spine is recommended.
Exercise therapy for osteochondrosis
Exercise therapy and gymnastics are an important addition to the treatment of osteochondrosis. A prerequisite is that exercises are carried out only after the back pain subsides. For each patient, exercises are selected individually, depending on the age and characteristics of the body.
Gymnastics with osteochondrosis improves blood circulation and metabolism, strengthens the back muscles. Thanks to this strengthening, spasms and overstrain in the spine pass, the back becomes more resilient. The regularity of performance and individual selection of exercises is 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 the workplace, 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, since in this position there is a complete relaxation of all muscles. In addition, 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 for 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, the blood does not get enough to the head, dizziness and headaches occur, and a feeling of numbness in the hands may appear. The body position on the side is also considered acceptable.
Osteochondrosis can occur due to long work at the computer
Pillow and mattress
Mattress
For proper 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 firmness mattress will be useful.
- For persons over 25 years of age 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 the choice of pillow. It should be soft and comfortable enough to support the curves of the spine and relieve tension from the muscles of the neck. The pillow has a beneficial effect on sleep, relaxes the cervical region and head, improves blood circulation. These pillows help to maintain posture, as well as get rid of snoring.
I would like to add that comfort and a favorable environment are required 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 is probably not a secret for 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 work is sedentary, then try to interrupt every two hours, take five-minute pauses for gymnastics. Try not to stand in one position for a long time - this increases the load on the back. For sleep, choose a hard springless mattress. Engage in physical activity. Swimming, fitness, dancing - choose active leisure activities.
Try not to lift weights in one sitting. It is better to divide the load into several parts. Don't lift heavy things with one hand - distribute the weight on both hands. Take vitamins and microelements, vitamins of group B, vitamin D, E, calcium, phosphorus are especially useful for the back.
For back pain, seek medical advice.
Take care of your back!