A therapist with 50 years of experience once remarked: "When I started working, there was not a single young patient with osteochondrosis at the site. And today, almost every second of 30-year-olds has this problem. "
Osteochondrosis - a disease caused by the deposition of salts in the spine
Wrong. The intervertebral disc consists of the nucleus pulposus, the annulus fibrosus and the hyaline cartilage that covers it above and below.
By destroying these elements, the balance between the load on the spine and its carrying capacity is disturbed. As a result, the vertebrae begin to compress the adjacent nerve and muscle tissues, they grow along the edges, forming the so-called. osteophytes, which emit a characteristic tingling sensation during movement (patients mistakenly interpret this as "salt deposition").
If the back and neck hurt, then this is exclusively osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis is not the only cause of back pain. This diagnosis is often made by the patients themselves. However, in addition to this pathology, which belongs to the group of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the spine, there is also osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and differentiation is possible only after a comprehensive examination.
- Degenerative-dystrophic changes occur in 30-50% of cases at the age of 30-40 years, in 75-100% of people over 40 years old.
- These pathological processes constitute 20. 4% of the total disability from diseases of the osteoarticular system.
- Long walking is bad for the spine
vice versa. Motor activity has a beneficial effect on the function of the spine: it maintains muscle tone, maintains the mobility of the intervertebral discs, stimulates blood circulation and metabolism. In the progression of the disease, the "culprits" are weakness and a long stay in a particularly uncomfortable position.
Another thing is if an overweight person walks a lot, wears heavy things, then the spine experiences an increased load.
Flat feet contribute to the development of osteochondrosis
Correctly. The arches of the foot, as well as the normal curves of the spine, are designed to absorb shock loads during walking, running, jumping. If the leg does not provide sufficient protection when it interacts with the support, then the spine receives an additional load, which significantly impairs the nutrition and functioning of its structures and accelerates the development of the disease.
Back pain is the only symptom of the disease.
Certainly not in this way. As a rule, patients complain of constant back pain, often accompanied by numbness and pain in the extremities. Over time, if left untreated, the muscles of the limbs atrophy, the joints of the spine become less mobile, muscle spasms appear.
Such an acute condition occurs due to arterial spasm in response to the effects of bone growths, as well as due to disc herniation, arthropathy of the intervertebral joint, as a reflex reaction to irritation of spinal receptors.
- If a person suffers from coronary or cardiovascular pathology, then the vertebral artery syndrome will worsen the course.
- With osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, the pain in the chest is annoying (feeling as if a stake is stuck there) - in the region of the heart and other internal organs. with lumbosacral lesions - in the lower back (radiation to the sacrum, lower extremities, sometimes to the pelvic organs);
- If complications of osteochondrosis develop (herniation of intervertebral discs, bone growths, spondylolisthesis, spondyloarthritis), then damage to the nerve root occurs - the pain becomes shooting, the sensitivity worsens, weakness appears in the innervated muscles, and the severity of reflexes decreases.
- Osteochondrosis can cause dysfunction of various organs and tissues.
With osteochondrosis, the risk of circulatory disorders in the cerebellum, stems and occipital regions of the brain increases.
A constant headache appears - first in the back of the head, then spreads to the crown and temples, aggravated by neck movements (more often in the morning).
Elderly people with a sudden turn of the head may lose consciousness. They are preceded by dizziness, tinnitus, blurred vision and hearing, nausea, vomiting.
Sometimes there is pain in the region of the heart - long, pressing, boring. With osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, especially in the elderly and in senility, the soft tissues often change - they become denser.
Degenerative processes in the spine can cause congestion in the gastrointestinal tract, disruption of the bronchopulmonary system, which is fraught with inflammatory and other ailments.
Phytovascular dystonia, intercostal neuralgia - consequences of osteochondrosis
Certainly not in this way. Osteochondrosis can be one of the reasons (far from the only one) for the development of these diseases.
When the intervertebral discs "turn off" and osteophytes grow, the intervertebral foramina, the canal of the vertebral artery narrow and deform, and this leads to a violation of various structures.
In particular, when the nerve roots are compressed, signs of intercostal neuralgia appear and when the vertebral artery is compressed, the same symptoms as in vegetative-vascular dystonia appear.
It is impossible to cure osteochondrosis
Indeed, spinal structures that have undergone degenerative changes cannot be fully restored. However, adequate complex treatment can eliminate the symptoms of the disease, stop the development of the pathology and avoid complications.
In case of problems with intervertebral discs, it is useful to heat the painful points
Wrong. Fluctuations in temperature, especially extremes (for example, a beginner's trip to the bathroom), can cause a severe flare-up. Moderate thermal procedures are used in complex treatment, but must be prescribed by a doctor.
If you make circular head movements with cervical osteochondrosis, your health will deteriorate
Correctly. These exercises are best done for prevention - they help maintain range of motion in the intervertebral joints. With severe osteochondrosis, careless circular movements can aggravate vertebral artery syndrome, radiculopathy, etc.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are essential for treatment
Not really. During the remission period or when the pain is not strong, conservative treatment (physio-, reflex and manual) is carried out. physical therapy, traction techniques are used. Medication is indicated during an exacerbation and is aimed at relieving pain, relieving the inflammatory process and accelerating metabolic processes (intramuscular or intravenous injections).
Among the most effective agents are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are prescribed to relieve inflammation and pain. with severe pain, novocaine blocks are used. steroid drugs (epidurals, intramuscular injections); NSAIDs in the form of ointments, gels and creams with analgesic and irritant effects. muscle relaxants - to relieve muscle spasms. B vitamins - to improve metabolic processes in the spine (B1, B6, B12).
Osteochondrosis can lead to serious consequences
Yes. Due to compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots, osteochondrosis can cause paralysis, and if the vertebral artery is affected, it can cause loss of consciousness.
Exercises for "stretching" the spine help to improve the condition
Traction, or traction, allows you to increase the intervertebral space, relieve pain and restore the anatomically correct shape of the spine. However, the individual load must be calculated correctly. "Bucking up" can lead to reflex contraction of the paraspinal muscles and worsen the condition.
Only a traumatologist-orthopedic has the right to treat osteochondrosis
Wrong. Most patients are monitored by a neurologist, with significant severity of the pathology - by a neurosurgeon or orthopedic spondylologist.
A local healer may also prescribe drug therapy to relieve a flare-up.
Osteochondrosis of the spine: causes and treatment
Up to 76% of people experience back pain each year. This statistic affects people of all ages and professions. The causes of pain can be different, one of them is osteochondrosis of the spine.
Due to the sedentary lifestyle, osteochondrosis of the spine is becoming more common, and it is not always possible to defeat it on your own. Let's talk about why it occurs and how to deal with it.
What is osteochondrosis of the spine
There are many different opinions about the definition. Some experts believe that it is more correct to use the general name - dorsal, or non-specific back pain.
Difficulties in definition are also associated with the fact that a variety of specialists work with this disease - neurologists, orthopedists, neurosurgeons and general practitioners.
Sometimes a person diagnosed with osteochondrosis of the spine turns to a cardiologist, since the manifestations of the disease are very similar to pain in the heart.
The term "osteochondrosis of the spine" was proposed by Hildebrandt in 1933 as a multifactorial degenerative disease of the motion segment of the spine (as defined by Popelyansky). What is the range of motion of the spine? These are two vertebrae that are located one above the other and between them there is an intervertebral disc.
Thanks to this joint, the human spine can bend and unbend, bend and twist. But as a result of various reasons, the intervertebral discs lose their properties, undergo degeneration, and then gradually the changes affect the vertebrae themselves.
That is, the essence of osteochondrosis of the spine is the gradual destruction of the intervertebral discs.
Osteochondrosis can develop in any part of the spine.
Due to the large load, osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is more common. The symptoms are:
- Pain in the lower back, which may be sharp or dull, continuous, may increase with movement.
- pain can be given to the legs, pelvic organs, sacrum.
- in severe cases, there may be a violation of sensitivity or mobility, atrophy of the muscles of the lower extremities.
The second most common is cervical osteochondrosis, which is most often associated with a prolonged uncomfortable position of the head, for example, when working on a computer or with documents. Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is manifested by the following symptoms:
- headaches and dizziness, migraines.
- visual or hearing disorders, flashing "flies" in front of the eyes.
- The pain can radiate to the back of the head, shoulders, collarbones.
- possible violation of sensitivity in the hands.
Less often, osteochondrosis affects the thoracic spine, as the vertebrae are inactively connected to each other. A lesion in this area can masquerade as heart or lung disease. Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis of the spine:
- pain in the back at the level of the shoulder blades, in the chest, which can increase with bending, turning, when inhaling or exhaling.
- skin sensitivity disorders.
Regardless of the level of damage, pain in osteochondrosis of the spine can increase with pressure on those vertebrae involved in the process.
With the defeat of several parts, we can immediately talk about extensive osteochondrosis of the spine.
Risk factors and causes of the disease
The spine has a high resistance and the development of the disease requires the action of many causative factors at the same time. It is important to understand that most, if not all, of these factors can be influenced by the patient and thus reduce the likelihood of developing the disease.
- lack of movement - this worsens the blood supply and therefore the nutrition of all elements of the spine.
- Excessive physical activity is also harmful and can damage the intervertebral discs.
- long stay in the wrong, not normal position - the inappropriate height of the desktop or chair leads to the fact that a person is forced to constantly tilt his head, hunched over.
- stress - excessive tension in the muscles can lead to compression of the vessels that supply the spine.
- overweight;
- Smoking damages microcirculation in all tissues of the body.
- insufficient intake of water and protein affects, among other things, the condition of the intervertebral discs.
The direct causes of osteochondrosis of the spine are not always obvious, but the following options can be distinguished:
- hereditary predisposition - genetically programmed characteristics of cartilage and bone tissue, in which the wear process is faster.
- spinal injuries - a variety of complications can develop at the site of the injury, including osteochondrosis.
- occupational hazards such as vibration.
- exposure to infections or chemicals.
- natural aging of the body.
People of various professions are at risk for developing osteochondrosis of the spine. These are builders and athletes, surgeons and office workers.
Stages of osteochondrosis and possible complications
The description of the four stages of osteochondrosis of the spine was proposed by Osna in 1971. They are not used to formulate a diagnosis, but allow you to understand how the disease progresses.
- Intervertebral discs become less elastic. The disc may be slightly distorted, there is a displacement of the inner pulpy nucleus within the disc. This stage either does not manifest itself in any way, or there are small pains.
- In the second stage, cracks may appear in the disc and the surrounding ligaments may weaken. The connection of the vertebrae becomes unstable. There are bouts of acute, disabling pain.
- The third stage is characterized by complete damage to the intervertebral disc. When the nucleus pulposus leaves the disc, a disc herniation occurs. Spinal deformity or nerve root entrapment may occur.
- In the fourth stage, the surrounding tissues are affected - vertebrae, ligaments, spinal membranes. As a result, the spinal segment can completely lose mobility.
As a result of vertebral osteochondrosis, various complications occur in some cases. Problems with intervertebral discs, herniation and protrusion can lead to spinal canal narrowing, spinal cord compression and disability.
Depending on the level of damage, various problems involving the nerve roots are possible. These are intercostal neuralgia, violations of the sensitivity and motor function of the upper and lower limbs, disorders in the functioning of internal organs. Inflammation of the sciatic nerve, or sciatica, not only causes severe pain, but can also lead to pelvic organ disease and infertility.
In addition to nerve roots, osteochondrosis can compress vertebral vessels. If blood flow is disrupted in the vertebral arteries that pass through the neck and supply the brain, brain disorders, problems with vision or hearing, breathing or heart activity may develop.
Approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of osteochondrosis: conventional and alternative methods
In the context of official medicine, the diagnosis of osteochondrosis includes an examination by a neurologist to determine the degree of damage to the nerve roots, checking reflexes and sensitivity.
Of the instrumental methods, the following can be used:
- Vascular ultrasound allows you to determine the degree of circulatory disorders, for example, in the vertebral arteries.
- X-ray of the spine;
- CT also uses radiological methods, but allows you to create a three-dimensional image of the area under study, to detect even small displacements of the vertebrae.
- Magnetic resonance imaging specializes in the study of soft tissues, allows you to assess the condition of the spinal cord, visualize the internal structure of the intervertebral disc.
For the differential diagnosis, laboratory tests, general examination of blood and urine and indicators of calcium metabolism are used.
The treatment of osteochondrosis is complex.
- The first and very important tool in the treatment of osteochondrosis is lifestyle. The normalization of working conditions, moderate and regular exercise, as well as healthy sleep significantly improve the condition of patients.
- For the drug treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine, a neurologist or general practitioner can prescribe drugs. Most often, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed - this is the standard treatment for osteochondrosis of the spine. They reduce pain and reduce inflammation. Muscle relaxants help reduce muscle spasm. Vitamins and antioxidants are prescribed to protect nerve tissue from damage. However, any drugs that have side effects, for example, NSAIDs can adversely affect the stomach.
- In addition to drugs, physiotherapy is used, for example, massage for osteochondrosis of the spine, as well as manual therapy. In severe complications of osteochondrosis, surgery may be required, but it is prescribed only if there is no result from long-term conservative treatment.
Treatment of osteochondrosis in classical medicine in most cases is a time-consuming process and can have negative effects on human health.
Thus, some drugs, especially analgesics and muscle relaxants (especially with a sedative effect), can be addictive, and some drugs adversely affect the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
Alternatively, you can consider methods used in, for example, traditional Chinese medicine.
Traditional Chinese medicine is very popular all over the world, in many countries there are special centers and training courses. Approaches and methods of treatment in the Heavenly Empire differ from the usual, European view of diagnosing and treating disease.
All diseases are considered a violation of the balance and movement of Qi energy in the body, and therapeutic measures are aimed at restoring this balance. In China, various medicinal herbs, animal ingredients, minerals are used, as well as various methods of external influence such as acupuncture and acupressure.
These techniques have a wide range of indications and a minimal number of side effects.
Acupuncture
Synonyms of this method are acupuncture, reflexology. The principle of acupuncture treatment is the placement of needles in bioactive points. Each point relates to the instrument on which the impact is performed.
Reflexology allows you to relieve tension and muscle spasms, has an anesthetic effect, helps reduce pain. The method is safe, as most doctors use sterile disposable needles.
And in case of using needles coated with gold or silver, they must be sterilized without fail. Feelings during the procedure depend on individual sensitivity, the patient may experience tingling or numbness.
It is important that the procedure is carried out by a qualified specialist with extensive experience. Improper placement of the needle will be useless or even harmful. In some cases, acupuncture is combined with exposure to low doses of electricity.
Moxibustion
This is a specific way of influencing the active points with the help of special wormwood cigars. The principle of action is similar to acupuncture and is often used in combination. A smoldering cigar is placed on the body in a special wooden house, while the active points are heated. Wormwood has a disinfecting, soothing and relaxing effect.
This method is safe because the glowing part of the cigar does not come into contact with the skin, although in some parts of China direct methods that work on the skin are used.
Massage
Massage therapy in China is practiced by many different schools. They use rotation techniques, pressure with one finger, manual therapy methods. Traditional massage techniques allow you to exercise muscles and joints, as well as indirectly affect other organs and tissues and help to increase the body's defenses.
qigong
Traditional Chinese gymnastics, like massage, has many schools. Qigong movements, smooth, stretching and twisting, are excellent as exercises for the spine with osteochondrosis.
Qigong techniques do not require special equipment and can be performed at home.
However, before that, it is best to choose the right exercises with your doctor, as well as work out the correct execution technique under the guidance of a qualified specialist.
The level of science and medicine in China is very high, the combination of tradition and innovation gives amazing results. An example of the achievement of Chinese science is DNA therapy methods and DNA vaccines - these are the methods currently used to develop cancer treatments and fight HIV.
Osteochondrosis of the spine in the elderly. Features of restoration
People age differently: some keep a clear mind, are optimistic about life situations and are happy. Others, having passed retirement age, lose interest in life.
- The rate of aging of the body depends on many factors, these are:
- 1) the genetic program for the growth and decay of the organism.
- 2) the impact on a person of various, adverse life events.
- A negative effect on a person is caused by poor housing conditions, harmful working conditions, living in an unfavorable climate, inability to receive full medical and social assistance in time, unhealthy lifestyle (malnutrition, bad habits and prolonged emotional stress).
- When organizing treatment and rehabilitation measures for the elderly, it is necessary to take into account age-related changes and functional changes in this period of life.
- With aging, the volume of muscle mass decreases, muscle contractility weakens, changes occur in all parts of the spine.
Osteochondrosis of the cervix. The primary stage of the disease does not require special treatment. Standard preventive measures are able to deal with the pathology at this stage.
The greatest danger is a violation of the blood circulation of the brain, which leads to a general disruption of functions and the formation of numerous foci of necrosis of the brain tissues.
Prevention
Regardless of the chosen treatment methods, the prevention of osteochondrosis plays an equally important role. What can be done for spine health:
- do you drink enough water?
- control weight, don't overeat.
- choose the right shoes, if necessary - orthopedic insoles.
- choose a good mattress to sleep on, not too soft and provide sufficient support for the spine.
- eat foods rich in collagen (fish, turkey, aspicia, various jellies).
- do you exercise regularly
- adjust the height of the desktop and chair, taking into account the growth.
As for alternative methods of prevention, massage, qigong and acupuncture have worked well, for reasons that are quite understandable and described above.
It is important to remember that back pain can and should be treated. To change your lifestyle, it is not necessary to wait for the first signs of the disease.
Now you can get up from the computer, stretch your neck, include walks or massages in your to-do list.
And if osteochondrosis of the spine has become a problem that prevents you from living peacefully, then the joint efforts of science and traditional medicine will help restore health and the joy of movement.