Intervertebral osteochondrosis- pathology that the elderly previously suffered. Today, the disease also occurs in young patients. This is due to the growing number of people who lead a sedentary lifestyle, spend a lot of time on the computer and do not pay enough attention to physical activity. Osteochondrosis develops with abnormal lumbar position and weakness of the back muscles. The pathology is successfully treated, but it is important to consult a specialist as early as possible!
What is osteochondrosis?
Osteochondrosis is a disease of the spine characterized by damage to the intervertebral discs, as well as the tissues of the vertebrae. The pathology is dangerous due to many complications, the most serious of which are spinal hernias and protrusions. It is very important to prevent aggravation of the condition and start treatment of posterior osteochondrosis immediately.
Reasons
The main reason for the development of osteochondrosis,According to many experts, the load is distributed incorrectly in the spine. The result of excessive pressure is a change in cartilage structure.
The development of osteochondrosis is also facilitated by the following factors:
- Hereditary predisposition
- Spinal cord injury
- Metabolic disease
- Lack of physical activity
- Pregnancy
- Stress
- Excessive work
- Overweight
- Bad habits
The disease risk group includes office workers, drivers, cashiers and athletes.
Stages of development
There are 4 stages in the development of the disease:
- The first stage. . . It is characterized by dehydration of the disc nucleus between the vertebrae. Then the disk height decreases. At this stage, the patient does not feel significant discomfort. Occasionally, you may experience discomfort during active exercise or in an unusual situation.
- The second stage. . . It is characterized by the appearance of discs, in which the gaps between the vertebrae are reduced. As a result, the nerve endings are constricted, which causes local pain with increasing intensity with sudden movements
- The third stage. . . It is characterized by erosion of cartilage between vertebral tissues. The symptoms of this stage are clearly expressed. Patients complain of severe pain that can only be relieved with strong medications
- The fourth stage. . . It is characterized by complete or partial limited mobility.
It is better to start treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine at the first symptoms! In this case, the chances of complete recovery are very high.
Types of osteochondrosis
There are several types of osteochondrosis, depending on the origin of the pathological process:
- Cervical. . . This type of osteochondrosis occurs when there are disorders in the cervical vertebrae. The most common symptoms of the pathology are dizziness, sneezing and coughing, and sharp pain in the lumbar spine.
- Pectoral. . . Such osteochondrosis is less common than other forms. Acute pain is not characteristic of pathology. Osteochondrosis is characterized by symptoms of a number of other diseases. Pain in the sternum, for example, causes the patient to suspect angina
- Bel. . . Such osteochondrosis occurs more often than other forms. This is because of the increased stress on the back. Patients complain not only of severe pain, but also a feeling of numbness (including in the legs).
In some cases, coccygeal osteochondrosis is diagnosed. There is also the concept of mixed pathology, in which two parts of the spine are involved in the pathological process. Diffuse osteochondrosis affects all segments of the spine.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis in adults
The main symptoms of pathological changes in the spine in adult patients are:
- Pain that can occur in the neck, shoulders, back and even the ribs
- Feeling of stiffness in the back and lumbar region
- Incompatibility in the extremities
- Muscle spasms or a feeling of weakness in them
- Cold and body aches
- Increased fatigue
- Dizziness and headache due to compressed nerve endings
In the advanced stages, patients complain of sensory disturbances in the back, legs and arms, pain in the heart area, disorders of the genitourinary system (for example, difficulty urinating).
Pathological symptoms often worsen after hard work, intense exercise, exposure to low body temperatures.
Complications
Destructive processes that affect the discs between the vertebrae, reducing their density and causing loss of shock absorption. This causes damage to muscles, joints and ligaments. With a long course of osteochondrosis, not only the nerve endings, but also the spinal cord causes complications from the nervous system.
Deterioration of the blood supply to the whole body leads to an increase in the incidence of chronic diseases.
Osteochondrosis can also cause such pathologies:
- Lumbaqo(acute pain in the lower back)
- Spondylosis(destruction of the spine)
- Spinal stenosis, the functioning of the entire central nervous system is significantly impaired
Diagnostics
Diagnosis of osteochondrosis is made using a number of instrumental methods. The initial diagnosis is made on the basis of examination and collection of medical history.
The doctor asks the patient and clarifies:
- Time of onset of the first symptoms
- Duration of pain
- Features of the symptoms of the pathological condition
During inspection:
- The patient's body position is assessed while standing and sitting
- The amount of movement is determined
- Progress and changes are evaluated
- The condition of the skin is examined to identify areas of peeling and redness
- Areas where the patient experiences painful sensations are investigated
- The general condition of the body is assessed
- Locations of muscle spasms are identified
The main instrumental methods for the diagnosis of osteochondrosis are:
- X-ray examination. . . Allows you to determine the narrowing of the gaps between individual vertebrae
- Computed tomography. . . During such a study, the vertebrae that suffer from the pathological process are identified.
- MRI(Magnetic resonance imaging). This study is the most accurate and allows you to assess all the destructive processes in the spine.
Treatment
The treatment of osteochondrosis is always complex.
Therapy includes:
- Take medicine
- Massage
- Do special exercises
- Physiotherapy
- Traction (including underwater)
- Manual therapy
Treatment of cervical, thoracic, lumbar osteochondrosis depends mainly on the symptoms.
Massagefor example, it is prescribed in the absence of severe pain in the patient. Sessions allow you to reduce muscle tone, improve blood flow and strengthen the intervertebral discs.
PhysiotherapyIt allows you to strengthen the lumbar muscles and create a reliable corset that ensures the correct distribution of the load on the spine. During the lesson, tissue nutrition improves, blood circulation increases. Physical therapy helps even with reduced mobility. To achieve the desired result, the exercises should be performed regularly, slowly and smoothly, breathing and monitoring your pulse. Be sure to consult a doctor before starting classes. All exercises are conducted by an experienced teacher. Only in this case, treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine or other spine will eliminate the symptoms and eliminate the causes of the disease.
Physiotherapyis effective in combating pain. Typically, patients are referred for ultrasound therapy, magnetotherapy, and exposure to low-frequency currents. Physiotherapy helps to normalize metabolic processes, reduce inflammation, improve joint mobility and eliminate swelling.
Rehabilitation treatment
Rehabilitation treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine is also carried out under the close supervision of a physician. It aims to restore health after pathology. Therapy is performed only when the pain subsides and the patient no longer feels serious discomfort.
The most popular recovery methods are:
- Regular swimming
- Manual therapy
- Massage
- Electrophoresis and magnetotherapy
- Treat the affected area by exposing it to laser beams
- Nutritional correction
- Work with a psychologist
- Visit the sauna
- Hydromassage
- Application of therapeutic mud
Patients are advised to undergo spa treatment in specialized facilities. In addition, treatment can be performed in an outpatient setting. Rehabilitation treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine and other departments is carried out in the same way as in the complex. High performance is noted in this situation.
Prophylaxis
If osteochondrosis is prevented in time, you will not be able to treat the pathology.
Specialists have developed many preventive measures.
It consists of:
- Limit lifting of heavy objects
- Proper nutrition
- Follow a daily routine and get regular rest
- Swimming
- To take special dietary supplementsContains valuable elements for cartilage tissue (mucopolysaccharides)
- Do simple exercises
If you have to sit at work or at home a lot, you should take regular breaks, get up, walk, and relieve tension in your back.
All recommendations for the prevention of osteochondrosis will be given by a doctor. By contacting it, you can prevent the development of a dangerous pathological process.
Benefits of treatment in a professional clinic:
- Highly qualified doctors work here. Comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of osteochondrosis is carried out using modern techniques and the latest achievements.
- Osteochondrosis is treated with a unique injection method. Allows you to relieve pain permanently and quickly and reduce inflammation in the tissues.
- The clinic employs doctors who skillfully perform blockades and other specialized treatments, eliminating the symptoms of the disease, even in advanced stages.
- Specialists have successfully applied rehabilitation methods that combine the results of treatment and prevent the development of the pathological process. As a result, patients maintain physical activity, even in the early stages of the disease.
- Doctors prevent numerous complications of osteochondrosis, such as curvature of the spine, hernia and paralysis of the limbs.
- Examinations, therapies and disease prevention are always carried out in a comfortable environment for the patient. Attention is paid to anyone who asks for help from experts.
- Involvement of not only orthopedists, but also other specialists in treatment.