A therapist with 50 years of experience once remarked: "When I started working, there was not a single young patient with osteochondrosis on the site. And today, almost every second 30-year-old has such a problem. "
Osteochondrosis - a disease caused by the deposition of salts in the spine
Bad. The intervertebral disc consists of the nucleus pulposus, the annulus fibrosus and the hyaline cartilage covering it from above and below.
With the destruction of these elements, the balance between the load and carrying capacity of the spinal column is disrupted. As a result, the vertebrae begin to compress the adjacent nerve and muscle tissues, they grow along the edges, forming the so-calledosteophytes, which emit a characteristic crunch when moving (patients mistakenly explain it as "salt deposits").
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 the pathology belonging to the group of degenerative-dystrophic changes of the spine, there is also osteoarthritis and osteoporosis, and they can only be distinguished after a comprehensive examination.
- Degenerative-dystrophic lesions occur in 30-50% of cases in 30-40-year-olds, and in 75-100% in those over 40.
- These pathological processes account for 20. 4% of total disability resulting from diseases of the osteoarticular system.
- Long walks are harmful to the spine
Back and forth. Motor activity has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the spine: it maintains muscle tone, preserves mobility between the vertebrae, stimulates blood circulation and metabolism. In the progression of the disease, hypodynamia and prolonged stay in a particularly uncomfortable position are "culprits".
Another thing, if an overweight person walks a lot, carries heavy things, the spine experiences increased load.
Flat feet contribute to the development of osteochondrosis
Right. The arches of the foot, as well as the physiological arches of the spine, are designed to absorb shock-like loads that occur during walking, running, and jumping. If the foot does not provide adequate protection during the interaction with the support, then the spinal column receives an additional load, which significantly impairs nutrition, the functioning of its structures, and accelerates the development of the disease.
Back pain is the only symptom of the disease.
Not sure in this way. Usually, patients complain of constant back pain, which is often accompanied by numbness and pain in the extremities. Over time, if it is not treated, the muscles of the limbs atrophy, the joints of the spine become less mobile, and muscle spasms occur.
Such an acute condition occurs due to arterial spasm as a response to the effects of bone growth, as well as disc herniation, arthrosis of the intervertebral joint, and a reflex reaction to irritation of spinal receptors.
- If a person suffers from coronary artery or cardiovascular pathology, then the vertebral artery syndrome aggravates the course.
- In case of osteochondrosis of the chest region, chest pain is disturbing (it feels like a stake is stuck there) - in the area of the heart and other internal organs; with lumbosacral lesions - in the lower back (irradiation to the sacrum, lower limbs, sometimes to the pelvic organs).
- If complications of osteochondrosis develop (intervertebral disc herniation, bone growth, spondylolisthesis, spondylarthrosis), nerve root damage is observed - 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.
In the case of osteochondrosis, the risk of circulatory disorders in the cerebellar, peduncle and occipital regions of the brain increases.
A constant headache appears - first in the back of the head, then spreads to the area of the crown and temples, which is aggravated by movement of the neck (more often in the morning).
Elderly people who turn their head sharply may lose consciousness. This is preceded by dizziness, tinnitus, blurred vision and hearing, nausea and vomiting.
Sometimes there is pain in the area of the heart - long, pressing, dull. With osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, especially in old and senile age, the soft tissues often change - they become denser.
Degenerative processes of the spinal column can cause congestion in the gastrointestinal tract, disturb the bronchopulmonary system, which is full of inflammatory and other diseases.
Vegetovascular dystonia, intercostal neuralgia - consequences of osteochondrosis
Not sure in this way. Osteochondrosis can be one (far from the only) reason for the development of these diseases.
With the "wiping out" of the intervertebral discs and the growth of osteophytes, the intervertebral openings and the vertebral artery channel become narrowed and deformed, and this leads to damage to 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
In fact, the structures of the spinal column that have undergone degenerative changes cannot be completely restored. Nevertheless, appropriate complex treatment can eliminate the symptoms of the disease, stop the development of pathology and avoid complications.
In case of intervertebral disc problems, it is useful to heat the painful spots
Bad. Fluctuations in temperature, especially extreme ones (for example, bathing for beginners), can cause severe exacerbations. In the complex treatment, moderate thermal procedures are used, but these must be prescribed by a doctor.
If you make circular head movements with osteochondrosis of the neck region, your health will deteriorate
Right. These exercises are best done as a preventative measure - they help maintain range of motion in the intervertebral joints. In severe osteochondrosis, careless circular movements can aggravate vertebral artery syndrome, radiculopathy, etc.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are essential for treatment
Not really. During the period of remission, or if the pain is not strong, conservative therapy (physio-, reflex and manual) is performed; physical therapy and traction techniques are used. Drug treatment is recommended during exacerbations and aims to relieve pain, relieve the inflammatory process and speed up metabolic processes (intramuscular or intravenous injections).
The most effective agents include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are prescribed to relieve inflammation and pain; in case of severe pain, novocaine blockades are used; steroid drugs (epidural, 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 the metabolic processes of the spine (B1, B6, B12).
Osteochondrosis can have serious consequences
Yes. Due to compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots, osteochondrosis can cause paralysis, and injury to the vertebral artery can cause loss of consciousness.
Exercises aimed at "stretching" the spine help to improve the condition
Traction or traction makes it possible to increase the intervertebral space, relieve pain and restore the anatomically correct shape of the spine. However, the individual load must be calculated correctly. A "rash" can lead to a reflex contraction of the paravertebral muscles and worsen the condition.
Only a traumatologist-orthopedic has the right to treat osteochondrosis
Bad. Most patients are treated by a neurologist, with significant severity of the pathology - a neurosurgeon or an orthopedic vertebrologist.
A local therapist may also prescribe drug therapy to alleviate the exacerbation.
Osteochondrosis of the spine: causes and treatment
76% of people experience back pain every year. This statistic applies to all age groups and professions. The causes of pain can be different, one of them is osteochondrosis of the spine.
Osteochondrosis of the spine is becoming more and more common due to a sedentary lifestyle, which cannot always be overcome alone. Let's talk about why it happens and how to treat it.
What is osteochondrosis of the spine
There are several views on the definition. Some experts believe that it is more correct to use the general name - dorsalgia or non-specific back pain.
The difficulties of definition are also associated with the fact that many 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 "spinal osteochondrosis" was proposed by Hildebrandt in 1933 as a multifactorial degenerative disease of the spinal motor segment (as defined by Popeljansky). What is a spinal motion segment? These are two vertebrae that are located one above the other, with an intervertebral disc between them.
Thanks to this articulation, the human spine can bend and flex, bend and twist. But due to various reasons, the intervertebral discs lose their properties, degenerate, 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 high load, osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is the most common. Symptoms include:
- lower back pain, which may be sharp or dull, constant, 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 limbs.
The second most common is cervical osteochondrosis, which is more often associated with prolonged uncomfortable head positions, such as when working on a computer or working with documents. Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is manifested by the following symptoms:
- headache and dizziness, migraine;
- visual or hearing disturbances, flashing "flies" in front of the eyes;
- pain may radiate to the back of the head, shoulders, collarbone;
- possible violation of the sensitivity of the hands.
Less often, osteochondrosis affects the thoracic spine, since the vertebrae are inactively connected to each other. A lesion in this area can be disguised as a 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 may increase with bending, turning, inhalation or exhalation;
- skin sensitivity disorders.
Regardless of the extent of the damage, the pain in osteochondrosis of the spine may increase due to pressure on the vertebrae involved in the process.
With the defeat of several departments, we can immediately talk about widespread osteochondrosis of the spine.
Risk factors and causes of the disease
The spine is very strong, and the development of the disease requires the effect of several provoking factors at the same time. It is important to understand that most, if not all, of these factors can be controlled by the patient and thus reduce the likelihood of developing the disease.
- lack of movement - this impairs the blood supply and thus the nutrition of all elements of the spine;
- excessive physical activity is also harmful and can damage the intervertebral discs;
- staying for a long time in a bad, non-physiological position - the inappropriate height of the table or chair leads to the fact that a person is forced to constantly tilt his head, hunch over;
- stress - excessive tension of the muscles can lead to compression of the blood vessels supplying the spine;
- overweight;
- smoking damages the microcirculation in all tissues of the body;
- insufficient water and protein intake 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 possibilities can be distinguished:
- hereditary tendency - genetically programmed characteristics of cartilage and bone tissue, in which the wear process is faster;
- spinal injuries - various complications may develop at the site of 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 of developing osteochondrosis of the spine. These are builders and athletes, surgeons and office workers.
Stages of osteochondrosis and possible complications
The description of four stages of osteochondrosis of the spine was proposed by Osna in 1971. They do not serve to formulate a diagnosis, but enable an understanding of the course of the disease.
- The intervertebral discs are less flexible. The disc may be slightly deformed, and the internal nucleus pulposus may be displaced within the disc. This stage either does not occur at all, or there are minor 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 disabling acute pain attacks.
- 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 vertebral segment can completely lose mobility.
As a result of osteochondrosis of the spine, various complications occur in some cases. Disc problems, herniation and protrusion can lead to narrowing of the spinal canal, compression of the spinal cord and disability.
Depending on the extent of the lesion, various problems related to the involvement of the nerve roots are possible. These are intercostal neuralgia, violation of the sensitivity and motor functions of the upper and lower limbs, disorders of 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 the nerve roots, osteochondrosis can compress the vertebral vessels. If blood flow is interrupted in the vertebral arteries that pass through the neck region and feed the brain, brain abnormalities, vision or hearing, breathing or heart dysfunction may develop.
Approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of osteochondrosis: traditional and alternative methods
Within the framework of official medicine, the diagnosis of osteochondrosis includes an examination by a neurologist to determine the degree of damage to the nerve roots, to check reflexes and sensitivity.
Among the instrumental methods, the following can be used:
- Ultrasound of the vessels makes it possible to identify the degree of circulatory disorders, for example, in the vertebral arteries;
- X-ray of the spine;
- CT also uses radiological methods, but it enables the construction of a three-dimensional image of the examined area, the identification of small displacements of the vertebrae;
- MRI specializes in the examination of soft tissues, it enables the assessment of the condition of the spinal cord and the visualization of the internal structure of the intervertebral disc.
Laboratory tests, general blood and urine tests, and indicators of calcium metabolism are used for differential diagnosis.
The therapy of osteochondrosis is complex.
- The first and very important means of treating osteochondrosis is lifestyle. Normalizing working conditions, moderate and regular exercise, and healthy sleep significantly improve the condition of patients.
- The neurologist or the general practitioner can prescribe drugs for the medical treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine. Most often, nonsteroidal 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, all drugs have side effects, for example NSAIDs can adversely affect the stomach.
- In addition to drugs, physiotherapy is also used, for example, massage for osteochondrosis of the spine, as well as manual therapy. In case of severe complications of osteochondrosis, surgery may be necessary, but it is prescribed only if long-term conservative treatment has no effect.
Treatment of osteochondrosis in classical medicine is in most cases a lengthy process and can have a negative impact on human health.
So, many drugs, especially pain relievers and muscle relaxants (especially with a sedative effect), can cause addiction, and some drugs adversely affect the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
Alternatively, you can consider methods such as those used in traditional Chinese medicine.
Traditional Chinese medicine is very popular all over the world, with special centers and trainings in many countries. The therapeutic approaches and methods of the Heavenly Empire differ from the usual European understanding of the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
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 herbs, animal ingredients, minerals, and various external methods such as acupuncture and acupressure are used.
These techniques have a wide range of indications and a minimal number of side effects.
Acupuncture
The synonymous names of this method are acupuncture and reflexology. The principle of acupuncture treatment is to place needles on bioactive points. Each point is associated with the organ on which the stroke is performed.
Reflexology makes it possible to relieve tension and muscle spasms, has an anesthetic effect and helps reduce pain. The method is safe as most doctors use disposable sterile needles.
When using needles coated with gold or silver, they must be sterilized. The sensations developed during the procedure depend on individual sensitivity, the patient may experience tingling or numbness.
It is important that the procedure is performed by a highly qualified and experienced specialist. Improper placement of the needle can be useless or even harmful. In some cases, acupuncture is combined with exposure to low doses of electric current.
Moxibustion
This is a special way of influencing active points with the help of special wormwood cigars. The principle of effect is similar to acupuncture and is often used in combination. In a special wooden house, a smoldering cigar is placed on the body while the active points are heated. Wormwood has an antiseptic, 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 are used which affect the skin.
Massage
Massage therapy is practiced in China by several different schools. Rotational techniques, one-finger pressure, and manual therapy methods are used. Traditional massage techniques enable the training of muscles and joints, and indirectly affect other organs and tissues and help to increase the body's defenses.
qigong
Traditional Chinese gymnastics, like massage, has several schools. Smooth, stretching and twisting Qigong movements are great as exercises for the osteochondrotic spine.
Qigong techniques do not require special equipment and can be performed at home.
However, before that, it is best to choose the right exercises together with your doctor and develop 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. One example of the achievements of Chinese science is the methods of DNA therapy and DNA vaccines—methods currently being used to develop cancer treatments and fight HIV.
Osteochondrosis of the spine in the elderly. Characteristics of rehabilitation
People grow old in different ways: some remain sane, optimistic about life situations, and cheerful. Others lose interest in life once they reach retirement age.
- The rate at which the body ages depends on many factors, including:
- 1) the genetic program of the development and decay of the organism;
- 2) the impact of various unfavorable life events on people.
- The harmful effect on people is caused by poor housing conditions, harmful working conditions, unfavorable climatic conditions, the inability to provide full medical and social assistance in time, and an unhealthy lifestyle (malnutrition, bad habits, long-lasting emotional stress). ).
- When organizing treatment and rehabilitation measures for the elderly, age-related and functional changes in this period of life must be taken into account.
- With aging, the volume of the muscle mass decreases, the contractility of the muscles weakens, and changes occur in all parts of the spine.
Cervical osteochondrosis. The primary stage of the disease does not require special treatment. Standard preventive measures are able to cope with the pathology at this stage.
The greatest danger is a violation of blood circulation in the brain, which leads to general dysfunction and the formation of many foci of necrosis of brain tissue.
Prevention
Regardless of the chosen treatment methods, the prevention of osteochondrosis plays an equally important role. What can we do for spine health:
- drink enough water;
- control body weight, do not overeat;
- choose the right shoes, if necessary - orthopedic insoles;
- choose a good mattress for sleeping, not too soft and sufficiently supporting the spine;
- eat foods rich in collagen (fish, turkey, aspic, various gels);
- exercise regularly;
- adjust the height of the table and chair, taking into account growth.
As far as alternative prevention methods go, massage, qigong and acupuncture have all worked well, for reasons that are understandable and described above.
It is important to remember that back pain can and should be treated. It is not necessary to wait for the first signs of the disease to change your lifestyle.
Now you can get up from the computer, stretch your neck, add walks or massages to your to-do list.
And if osteochondrosis of the spine has become a problem that prevents you from living in peace, then the joint efforts of science and traditional medicine will help restore health and the joy of movement.