Osteochondrosis is a degenerative lesion of intervertebral discs and articular tissues.In medicine, this term is usually used to refer to a complex of processes that occur specifically in the intervertebral discs.The changes in the vertebral bodies themselves are an adaptive mechanism.This may also include restricted mobility.Which is noticed with age.
Osteochondrosis can be cervical, thoracic and lumbar.The elderly suffer more often from this disease.But today this disease often appears in young people.This is due to a sedentary lifestyle and bad habits: school, computers, cars, excess weight, smoking, alcohol, etc.Modern children prefer the computer instead of playing outside.In this regard, insufficiently developed muscles, poor "nutrition" of intervertebral discs and surrounding tissues.This also includes modern food products: sweets, carbonated foods, various fast foods, stress, neuroses, etc.According to statistics, osteochondrosis affects about 80% of the working population around the globe.
What is osteochondrosis?
Osteochondrosis is a change in the intervertebral discs and vertebrae.As a result, the discs lose elasticity, shape, percentage of moisture and over time lose their function: ensuring the mobility of the spine, absorbing shocks when lifting heavy objects or other loads.The normal relationship between the discs and vertebrae is disrupted.The spine becomes smaller in length, stability is impaired and spasms of certain muscle groups are possible.Although the latter sometimes acts as a cause and not as an effect.In advanced cases, compression of nerve endings occurs.Hence the pain.
I would like to go ahead and say that today there is no clear answer to the causes of osteochondrosis.It is believed that this is influenced by a very large number of factors, which will be discussed further.If the doctor's recommendations are not followed, osteochondrosis can cause protrusion (bulging of a part of the disc), as well as herniation (bulging of a part of the disc with rupture of the fibrous ring).In the latter case, the contents of the disk enter the spinal canal.The body then tries to adapt to the changes and bone tissue begins to grow to limit the mobility of the affected areas.A person cannot bend/unbend like before.
Causes of osteochondrosis
There are many reasons for the development of osteochondrosis:
- Sedentary lifestyle;
- Incorrect posture (kyphosis, scoliosis, etc.);
- Unbalanced diet;
- Constant stress and neuroses;
- Past infections, viruses and diseases;
- Metabolic disorders;
- Hidden infection;
- Overweight;
- Continuous load.This includes sedentary occupations;
- Wearing poor quality or uncomfortable shoes;
- Weak muscle frame;
- Weak immunity;
- Hormonal changes or use of replacement therapy;
- Side effects of some drugs;
- Injuries;
- Lack of vitamins and microelements;
- Inheritance;
- Using uncomfortable pillows and mattresses;
- Bad habits (smoking, alcohol, drug addiction);
- Professional or extreme sports.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis
Symptoms depend on the location and stage of the disease:
- Cervical osteochondrosis: pain in the neck, head, arms, ringing in the ears, stiffness of movements, numbness of the fingers, floaters in the ears or other objects.When the artery is pressed, a throbbing headache appears, dizziness, deterioration of hearing, vision, etc.Possible depression or similar conditions, drowsiness, loss of strength;
- Thoracic osteochondrosis: pain in the chest, in the back between the shoulder blades, discomfort, possible pain in the heart or other organs, difficulty breathing;
- Lumbar osteochondrosis: pain in the lower back, which can be acute or aching, discomfort in the lower back, numbness in the legs, tingling, loss of sensitivity, disorders of the internal organs of the pelvis.
During periods of remission, acute pain subsides, but nagging pain or discomfort persists.It becomes more pronounced after exercise, weight lifting or severe stress.Depending on the location and stage, as well as other accompanying diseases, the symptoms may vary.Therefore, it is important to undergo a comprehensive examination.Back pain can be caused by diseases of the reproductive and urinary system.
Osteochondrosis and the nervous system
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine can lead to compression of nerve roots and blood vessels.This affects not only well-being, but also memory, vision, hearing, the central nervous system and the functioning of internal organs.
The main symptoms of a nervous system disorder:
- Poor sleep;
- Irritation;
- Nausea, vomiting;
- chills or fever;
- Loss of strength;
- laziness;
- Changes in blood pressure;
- Headache.
It is worth noting that such symptoms can be a manifestation of neurosis or depression.In this case, it is necessary to contact not only a neurologist, but also a psychotherapist.
Diagnosing
To diagnose and establish an accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to undergo an examination by a neurologist and osteopath.Based on your medical history, an examination will be prescribed: analysis, MRI or X-ray.Once the results are received, the appropriate treatment will be prescribed.
It is necessary to understand that the treatment is very slow and requires the patient to follow a large number of rules.Everything you did before led to the development of the disease: bad habits, reaction to stress, activity, work, food, physical activity, etc.
Treatment of osteochondrosis
Depending on the stage of the disease, the pain is first relieved using:
- Muscle relaxants;
- pain relievers;
- Chondroprotectors (depending on the symptoms);
- Vitamins;
- Vasodilators;
- Drugs for the normalization of metabolic processes.
Then, physical therapy is prescribed to strengthen the muscular corset;a diet, daily routine, mattress and pillow are recommended.Thanks to exercise therapy, blood supply and tissue nutrition are also improved.In some cases, breathing practices are shown that have a positive effect not only on spasmodic muscles, but also on the central nervous system as a whole.Since osteochondrosis can be caused by prolonged stress, depression or neurosis.In addition, it is recommended to consult a psychotherapist to resolve internal conflicts.
Auxiliary methods
- Massage;
- Manual therapy;
- Physiotherapy (electrophoresis);
- Withdrawal (not suitable for everyone and not always);
- Reflexology.
Prevention and prognosis
It is important to understand that everything you did before led you to the disease.It is necessary to slowly and gradually change the lifestyle towards health: eat right, do exercise therapy, move more (walking is natural from a physiological point of view), relax in nature, avoid or learn to cope with stress (psychotherapeutic or meditative practices), reduce excess weight, monitor your posture.If possible, change the place of work or the type of activity, eliminate harmful foods: fast food, smoked meat, canned food, carbonated drinks, alcohol, tobacco, strong coffee, fatty foods, etc.Pay attention to fruits, vegetables, herbs.
Treat your health properly;as a rule, it is a non-renewable resource.Slowly and gradually the disease can be stopped or completely eliminated.