Undoubtedly, the human spine is the most reliable part of the skeleton, but it is also the most susceptible to degenerative diseases due to constant physical exertion. Almost every fifth inhabitant of the Earth between the ages of 18 and 40 suffers from back pain.
This symptom is often ignored and does not cause serious concern, leading to the spread of the pathological process to the entire spine. Osteochondrosis is a possible cause of back pain and other unpleasant symptoms.
The concept of disease and the process of its occurrence
The disease in which there is degenerative damage to the intervertebral discs and hardening of the cartilage, which leads to a decrease in the person's performance, is called osteochondrosis. The pathology affects only the skeleton of the spine, but the gradual change in its height and deformation can adversely affect the work of internal organs and body systems.
The pathogenesis of the development of the disease is related to the structure of the spinal column, which is designed to absorb when it is loaded. The intervertebral discs that connect 33-35 vertebrae in humans consist of a central nucleus and surrounding fibrous tissue. They serve as a reliable and strong support to the skeleton of the spine when there is moderate physical stress.
The development of the pathological process leads to damage to the connective tissue and the central nucleus of the intervertebral discs, which leads to the loss of their elasticity, resilience and strength. The disc literally collapses and deforms, contributing to the curvature of the spine and the growth of sharp bony outgrowths. In the background of the disease there is a change in the structure of the vertebrae themselves, which become thinner and more ossified.
Spinal osteochondrosis is often mistaken for a natural "wear and tear" of the skeleton. However, pathological changes can be slowed down or accelerated, which allows us to consider this condition a real disease that leads to unpleasant complications.
Reasons for the development of osteochondrosis and risk factors
A very common symptom of changes in the intervertebral discs is pain. Patients begin to feel this at the age of 16-20, but they turn to doctors for help closer to the age of 40. Reasons for the early onset of the disease are flat feet, poor physical fitness, poor posture or being overweight. Modern adolescents lead a sedentary lifestyle, which also negatively affects the stability of the spine.
The following factors also contribute to the development of the disease:
- Age;
- obesity;
- spinal injuries (fractures, bruises);
- excessive physical activity;
- metabolic disorders in the body;
- hereditary predisposition;
- unfavorable environmental conditions;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- stressful situations and the presence of bad habits.
People who overload their spine, stay in one standing position for a long time or abruptly stop regular training are at risk of getting such a disease. The risk group also includes pregnant women, women who abuse wearing high heels and uncomfortable shoes.
Types and degrees of disease
Osteochondrosis is a headache in modern medicine, because the usual diagnosis often becomes a punishment for patients. Untimely detected pathology leads to advanced forms of the pathological process. Slowly but inevitably, the person approaches disability.
Doctors distinguish several types of disease, depending on the location of the lesion:
- cervical;
- chest;
- cervicothoracic;
- lumbosacral.
There is also such a concept as polysegmental osteochondrosis, which is characterized by the development of a pathological condition in several segments of the spine at the same time. A dangerous manifestation of this type of disease is the compression of nerve endings and blood vessels in the back in the immediate vicinity of the brain.
Pain syndrome is the most common symptom of an extraordinary lesion that can disrupt not only the motor, but also the speech functions of a person.
In medicine, osteochondrosis is also classified according to the stages of development:
- 1st degree osteochondrosis (presence of sudden pain similar to electric shock);
- 2nd degree osteochondrosis (irritation of the elements of the peripheral nervous system occurs);
- grade 3 osteochondrosis (formation of an intervertebral disc herniation);
- grade 4 osteochondrosis (development of spondyloarthritis and spinal cord ischemia).
The fourth stage of the disease is called restorative, because it is a consequence of the treatment of intervertebral hernias. During this period, spondylolisthesis is often observed, which is characterized by slipping of the vertebrae.
How and what hurts with osteochondrosis?
Osteochondrosis of the spine is not a simple disease and can be disguised in other pathological processes that are not fully related to the skeleton. Disturbing pain in the back area is not considered by people to be of great importance and is attributed to physical fatigue after a hard day's work.
However, even the slightest discomfort or stiffness of the spine muscles, which are the first "bells" of the disease, should warn and become a reason to consult a specialist.
Clinically, osteochondrosis is manifested by various symptoms, which depend on the localization of the pathological process. If there is a lesion on the cervical spine, the following symptoms occur:
- neck pain;
- compression headache;
- numbness of the fingers;
- restriction of cervical spine mobility;
- aching pain in the shoulder;
- crunching when turning his head.
If thoracic osteochondrosis develops, then pain is visible in the interscapular space and the chest itself. Patients also complain of pain in the heart area, compression between the shoulder blades, and discomfort that mimics damage to the intestines, stomach, or gallbladder.
With the defeat of the lumbar spine, the symptoms are completely different. The pain is mainly localized in the lower back and legs, causing severe muscle spasms. The mobility of the lumbar part of the spine is limited, numbness and tingling in the lower extremities, disorders in the work of the pelvic organs. Difficulties occur in flexion and extension of the back, due to stiffness and limited mobility of the lower back.
Rarely, polysegmental osteochondrosis is characterized by the appearance of only those symptoms in which the spine is affected. Shooting pain, decreased range of motion, limb pain, muscle cramps - all these signs are common to different parts of the spine.
Pain in most cases is caused by sharp excessive loads on the spine, for example, lifting weights or staying in an awkward position for a long time. Sometimes even coughing and sneezing can increase the pain.
If the diagnosis is confirmed, how to continue living
Today, osteochondrosis of the spine, although a common diagnosis, is not fatal. The main thing is to eliminate the cause that led to the development of the disease and to start productive treatment in a timely manner. Significant importance is also attached to preventive measures that are implemented to prevent recurrence of the disease.
To overcome osteochondrosis, it is necessary to prescribe a complex therapy, which includes:
- drug use;
- spinal traction;
- massage;
- Exercise therapy;
- physiotherapy;
- acupuncture;
- manual therapy;
- surgical intervention (if indicated).
Each patient should be assigned an individual course of treatment depending on the shape and degree of the spinal lesion. To begin with, doctors must stop the process of destroying intervertebral discs caused by tissue inflammation.
The method is then selected to restore and strengthen the back muscles, which should support the spine in the required position. Such a complex treatment enables the achievement of a highly effective result without the use of surgical intervention.
Recommendations for disease prevention
Preventive measures should always be in the first place in order to maintain the health of the organism. Since osteochondrosis mainly occurs due to increased pressure on the intervertebral discs, it is necessary to prevent the development of such a condition.
First of all, it is recommended to avoid overloading the spine caused by a sedentary lifestyle, sudden jumps and lifting weights on outstretched arms. It is very important to preserve the natural physiological curves of the spine, which are formed from childhood.
Maintaining posture is a common and necessary life principle of every person, regardless of age and gender.
Everyday sports are great for strengthening the muscular corset, because osteochondrosis rarely affects hardened and physically developed people. All exercises should be performed as best they can and serve to support the spine.