Undoubtedly, the human spine is the most reliable part of the skeleton, but it is also more vulnerable to degenerative diseases due to repetitive 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 any serious concern, which leads to the spread of the pathological process throughout the spine. Osteochondrosis is a possible cause of back pain and other unpleasant symptoms.
The concept of the disease and the process of its occurrence
A disease in which degenerative damage to the intervertebral discs and cartilage stiffness occurs, leading to a decrease in a person's performance, is called osteochondrosis. The pathology exclusively affects the skeleton of the spine, but a gradual change in its height and deformation can negatively affect the work of internal organs and body systems.
The pathogenesis of disease development is associated with the structure of the spine, which is designed to absorb when loaded. The intervertebral discs that connect 33-35 vertebrae in humans consist of a central nucleus and surrounding fibrous tissue. They are the ones that serve as a reliable and strong support for the spine when moderate physical stress occurs.
With the development of the pathological process, damage occurs to the connective tissue and the central nucleus of the intervertebral discs, which leads to loss of their elasticity, resilience and strength. The disc literally collapses and deforms, contributing to curvature of the spine and increased sharp bone outgrowths. Against the background of the disease, there is a change in the structure of the vertebrae themselves, which become thinner and bony.
Spinal osteochondrosis is often confused with a natural skeletal "dressing". However, pathological changes can be slowed down or accelerated, which allows us to consider this condition as a real disease, leading to unpleasant complications.
Reasons for the development of osteochondrosis and risk factors
A very common symptom with changes in the intervertebral discs is pain. Patients begin to feel it already at the age of 16-20 years, but turn to doctors for help closer to 40 years. Reasons for early onset of the disease are flat feet, poor physical fitness, poor posture or 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 cord injuries (fractures, bruises);
- excessive physical activity;
- metabolic disorders in the body;
- hereditary predisposition;
- adverse environmental conditions;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- stressful situations and the presence of bad habits.
People who overload the spine, stay in a standing position (sitting) for a long time or abruptly interrupt regular exercise are at risk of being affected by such a disease. The risk group also includes pregnant women, women who abuse wearing high heels and uncomfortable shoes.
Types and degrees of the disease
Osteochondrosis is a headache in modern medicine because a common diagnosis often becomes a punishment for patients. Timely detected pathology leads to advanced forms of the pathological process. Slowly but inevitably, a person is approaching disability.
Doctors distinguish several types of diseases, depending on the location of the lesion:
- cervix;
- chest;
- cervicothoracic;
- lumbosacral.
There is also a concept such 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 the nerve endings and blood vessels of the spine near the brain.
Pain syndrome is the most common symptom of an extraordinary lesion that can disrupt not only a person’s motor functions but also a person’s speech functions.
In medicine, osteochondrosis is also classified according to the degree of development:
- first degree osteochondrosis (presence of sudden pain similar to an electric shock);
- grade 2 osteochondrosis (irritation of elements of the peripheral nervous system occurs);
- grade 3 osteochondrosis (formation of a herniated intervertebral disc);
- grade 4 osteochondrosis (development of spondyloarthritis and spinal ischemia).
The fourth stage of the disease is called restorative, as it is a consequence of the treatment of developing intervertebral hernias. During this period, spondylolisthesis is often observed, characterized by slipping of the vertebrae.
How and what hurts with osteochondrosis?
Spinal osteochondrosis is not a simple disease and can be disguised as other pathological processes that are not completely related to the bone skeleton. Worrying back pain is not considered by people to be of great importance and is attributed to physical fatigue after a hard day at work.
However, even the slightest discomfort or stiffening of the spinal muscles, which are the first "bells" of the disease, should alarm and become a reason to consult a specialist.
Clinically, osteochondrosis manifests itself in a variety of symptoms, which depend on the location of the pathological process. If there is a lesion in the cervical spine, the following symptoms appear:
- neck pain;
- compressive headaches;
- numbness of the fingers;
- restriction of cervical spine mobility;
- shoulder pain;
- crackling when turning the head.
If thoracic osteochondrosis develops, then the pain is visible in the intercapular space and the chest itself. Patients also complain of pain in the heart region, tightness between the shoulder blades, and discomfort that mimics damage to the intestines, stomach, or gallbladder.
With spinal cord loss, the symptoms are completely different. The pain is localized mainly in the lower back and legs, causing severe muscle spasm. There is limited spinal mobility, numbness and tingling sensation in the lower extremities, disturbances in the functioning of the pelvic organs. Difficulties appear in bending and stretching the back, due to stiffness and limited mobility of the lower back.
Rare polysegmental osteochondrosis is characterized by the appearance of only those symptoms where the spine is affected. Pain from shooting, reduced range of motion, pain in the limbs, muscle spasms - all of these signs are common to different parts of the spine.
The pain in most cases is provoked by sharp excessive loads on the spine, for example, lifting weights or staying in an uncomfortable position for a long time. Sometimes even coughing and sneezing can increase the pain.
If the diagnosis is confirmed, how to live
Today, spinal osteochondrosis, although a common diagnosis, is not fatal. The main thing is that the cause that led to the development of the disease be eliminated and productive treatment to begin in a timely manner. Significant importance is also attached to the preventive measures taken to prevent the recurrence of the disease.
To defeat osteochondrosis, it is necessary to prescribe complex therapy, which includes:
- use of drugs;
- 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 form and degree of spinal cord injury. To begin with, doctors need to stop the process of destroying the intervertebral discs caused by tissue inflammation.
After that, a method is chosen to restore and strengthen the back muscles, which should support the spine in the required position. Such a complex treatment allows you to achieve a very effective result without the use of surgical intervention.
Recommendations for disease prevention
Preventive measures should always be the first to maintain the health of the body. Since osteochondrosis occurs mainly due to increased pressure in the intervertebral discs, it is necessary to prevent the development of such a condition.
First of all, it is recommended to avoid spinal overload caused by a sedentary lifestyle, sudden jumps and lifting weights on outstretched arms. It is very important to maintain the natural physiological curves of the spine, which are formed in infancy.
Maintaining attitude is a common and necessary life principle of every person, regardless of age and gender.
Daily sports are great for strengthening the muscle corset because osteochondrosis rarely affects hardened and physically developed people. All exercises should be performed to the maximum and serve to support the spine.