Up to 76% of people annually experience back pain. These statistics affect people of all ages and professions. The causes of the pain may be different, one of them is osteochondrosis of the spine. Due to the sedentary lifestyle, osteochondrosis of the spine is increasingly found and it is not always possible to beat it yourself. Let's talk about why it arises and how to deal with it.
What is the osteochondrosis of the spine
There are several different views of the definition. Some experts believe that it is more appropriate to use the common name - dorsalgia or non -specific back pain. The difficulties in the definition are also related to the fact that different specialists work with this disease - neurologists, orthopedists, neurosurgeons and general practitioners. Sometimes a person diagnosed with "osteochondrosis of the spine" turns to a cardiologist because the manifestations of the disease are very similar to pain in the heart.
The term "osteochondrosis of the spine" was proposed by Hilderand in 1933 as a multifactorial degenerative disease of the spinal segment. What is a spinal motor segment? These are two vertebrae located on top of each other and between them - intervertebral disc. Thanks to such a joint, the spine of a person can bend and bend, make tilting and twisting. But as a result of various reasons, the intervertebral discs lose their properties, undergo degeneration, then gradually the changes affect the vertebrae themselves. That is, the essence of osteochondrosis of the spine is in the gradual destruction of the intervertebral discs.
Osteochondrosis can develop in any spine.
Due to the high load, osteochondrosis is most often foundlumbar spineSSymptoms are:
- Lower back pain, which can be acute or stupid, constant, can be exacerbated by movement;
- The pain can be applied to the legs, the pelvic organs, the sacrum;
- In severe cases, a violation of the sensitivity or mobility of the muscles of the lower limbs may occur.
The second in the occurrence is osteochondrosis of the cervical region, which is more commonly associated with a long uncomfortable position of the head, for example, when working on a computer or with documents. Osteochondrosiscervical spineIt manifests itself with the following symptoms:
- headache and dizziness, migraines;
- vision disorders or hearing, flies in front of the eyes;
- The pain can add to the back of the head, shoulders, keyboards;
- Perhaps impaired sensitivity in the hands.
Osteochondrosis is the least likely to be amazedThoracic spineSince the vertebrae are inactive. Defeat in this area can be disguised as a heart or lungs. Symptoms of breast osteochondrosis of the spine:
- Back pain levels of shoulder blades, in the chest, which can be strengthened with slopes, turns, during inspiration or exhalation;
- Skin sensitivity disorders.
Regardless of the level of damage, pain in the osteochondrosis of the spine can be exacerbated by pressing those vertebrae involved in the process.
With the damage of several departments, we can immediately talk about ordinary osteochondrosis of the spine.
Risk factors and causes of illness
The spine has high strength and the effect of several provocative factors is necessary for the development of the disease. It is important to understand that the majority, if not all such factors, can affect and thus reduce the likelihood of developing the disease.
- Lack of movement - at the same time the blood supply worsens and hence the nutrition of all the elements of the spine;
- Excessive physical activity is also harmful and can lead to damage to the intervertebral discs;
- Long -term stay in an incorrect, non -physical situation -the inopportune height of the desktop or chair leads to the fact that a person is forced to constantly tilt his head, abstract;
- Stress - excessive muscle tension can lead to compression of the vessels that feed the spine;
- overweight;
- Smoking impairs microcirculation in all tissues of the body;
- Insufficient use of water and protein is also affected by the condition of the intervertebral discs.
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 - various complications, including osteochondrosis, may develop at the site of damage;
- professional harm, such as vibration;
- exposure to infections or chemicals;
- Natural aging of the body.
In the risk zone regarding the development of osteochondrosis of the spine are people of different professions. These are builders and athletes, surgeons and office workers.
Stages of osteochondrosis and possible complications
The description of the four stages of spinal osteochondrosis was proposed in 1971. They are not used to formulate a diagnosis, but allow you to understand how the disease goes.
- The intervertebral discs become less elastic. The disc can be slightly deformed, internal displacement of the pulpuna nucleus in the disc. This stage is either not displayed in any way, or small pain occurs.
- In the second stage, cracks may occur in the disc, there is a weakening of the surrounding connections. The vertebral connection becomes unstable. There are attacks of acute pain with damage.
- The third stage is characterized by complete damage to the intervertebral disc. When the pulpulated nucleus comes out of the disc, the hernia occurs on the intervertebral disc. Deformation of the spine or impaired nerve roots may occur.
- In the fourth stage, the surrounding tissues are affected - vertebrae, ligaments, spinal shells. As a result, the spinal segment can completely lose mobility.
As a result of osteochondrosis of the spine, various complications occur in some cases. Problems from intervertebral discs, hernia and convexity can lead to narrowing of the spinal canal, compression of the spinal cord and damage.
Depending on the level of damage, various problems with the participation of nerve roots are possible. It is inter -row neuralgia, impaired sensitivity and motor function of the upper and lower limbs, disorders of internal organs. Inflammation of the sciatic nerve or needles not only causes severe pain, but can also lead to diseases of the pelvic organs and infertility.
In addition to nerve roots with osteochondrosis, vertebrae can be squeezed. In the event of a disruption of the blood flow in the arteries of the vertebrae that pass into the cervical region and nourish the brain, brain disorders, vision or hearing problems, breathing or cardiac activity may develop.
Approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of osteochondrosis: generally accepted and alternative methods
Within official medicineDiagnosis of osteochondrosisIt involves checking a neurologist to determine the degree of damage to nerve roots, testing of reflexes and sensitivity.
The following can be used of instrumental methods:
- The ultrasound of the vessels allows you to identify the degree of blood disorders, such as in the spinal arteries;
- Radiography of the spine;
- CT also uses X -ray methods, but allows you to build a three -dimensional image of the study area, to identify even small displacements to the vertebrae;
- MRI specializes in soft tissue examination, allows you to evaluate the condition of the spinal cord, to visualize the internal structure of the intervertebral disc.
Laboratory tests are used for differential diagnostics, a common blood and urine test are used and calcium metabolism metabolism.
Osteochondrosis therapyIt is exhaustive.
- The first and very important agent in the treatment of osteochondrosis is a way of life. Normalizing working conditions, moderate and regular exercise, as well as healthy sleep, significantly improve patients' condition.
- For drug treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine, neurologist or general practitioner may prescribe medicines. Most often, non -steroidal anti -inflammatory drugs are prescribed -this is the standard for treating osteochondrosis of the spine. They reduce pain and reduce inflammation. Musodeloxantes contribute to the reduction of muscle spasm. Vitamins and antioxidants are prescribed to protect nerve tissue from damage. However, all medicines have side effects, for example, NSAIDs can negatively affect the stomach.
- In addition to medicines, physiotherapy products are used as a massage for osteochondrosis of the spine, as well as manual therapy. In severe complications of osteochondrosis, surgical surgery may be required, but it is only prescribed in the absence of the effect of prolonged conservative treatment.
Treatment of osteochondrosis in classical medicine is in most cases a long process and can have negative effects on human health. Thus, a number of drugs, more special analgesics and muscle relaxants (especially in sedative effect), can cause addiction, and some of them have a negative effect on the work of the gastrointestinal tract. Alternatively, you can see methods used, for example, in traditional Chinese medicine.
Traditional Chinese medicine is very popular around the world, in many countries there are special centers and training courses. The approaches and methods of therapy in the Middle Kingdom differ from the known, European view of the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. All diseases are considered to be a violation of the balance and movement of QI energy in the body, and therapeutic measures are aimed at restoring this balance. China uses various therapeutic herbs, animal components, minerals, as well as various methods of external influences, such as acupuncture and acupressure. These methods have a wide range of indications and the minimum number of side effects.
Acupuncture
The synonymous names of this method are acupuncture, reflexology. The principle of acupuncture treatment is to place needles on bioactive points. Each point is related to the body on which the impact is made. Reflexology allows relief and muscle cramps, has an anesthetic effect and helps reduce pain syndrome. The method is safe as most doctors use sterile disposable needles. And in the case of use of gold or silver needles, they are mandatory. The sensations during the procedure depend on individual sensitivity, the patient may experience numbness or tingling. It is important that the procedure be performed by a highly qualified specialist with extensive experience. Improper needle installation will be useless or even harmful. In some cases, acupuncture is combined with the influence of weak doses of electric current.
Moxotherapy
This is a specific way to influence active points using special cigars. The principle of action is similar to acupuncture and is often used in combination. The smoldering cigar is installed on the body in a special wooden house while the active points are heated. Wormwood has a disinfectant, soothing and relaxing effect.
This method is safe because the smoldering area of the cigars does not come into contact with the skin, although direct methods that act on the skin are also used in some areas of China.
Massage
Massage in China practices several different schools in China. They use rotation techniques by pressing one finger, manual therapy methods. Traditional massage techniques allow you to make muscles and joints, as well as to indirectly act on other organs and tissues, contribute to increasing the body's defenses.
Niggard
Traditional Chinese gymnastics, as a massage, have several schools. The movements of Chigong, smooth, stretch and twist, are perfect as exercises for the spine for osteochondrosis. Viigung techniques do not require special equipment and can be carried out at home. However, before that, it is best to choose the right exercises with your doctor, as well as to work out the right technique of performance under the guidance of a qualified specialist.
The level of science and medicine in China is very high, a combination of traditions and innovations produces incredible results. An example of the achievement of Chinese science are the methods of DNA therapy and DNA vaccines-IT are the methods that are currently used to develop cancer treatment and the fight against HIV.
Prevention
Regardless of the methods of treatment selected, the prevention of osteochondrosis plays no less role. What can be done for the health of the spine:
- Use enough water;
- control weight, do not overeat;
- Choose the right shoes, if necessary - orthopedic insoles;
- Choose a good mattress for sleep, not very soft and give sufficient support to the spine;
- Consume foods rich in collagen (fish, turkey, jelly, various jelly);
- perform regular exercise;
- Adjust the height of the desktop and the stool, taking into account growth.
As for the alternative methods of prevention, massage, Qigong and acupuncture have been well established - for reasons, fully understandable and described above.
It is important to remember that with back pain you can and should fight. In order to change the lifestyle, you do not need to wait for the first signs of the disease. You can now get out of your computer, mix your neck, include walks or massage in your list of cases. And if the osteochondrosis of the spine has become a problem that interferes with life calmly, then the joint efforts of science and traditional medicine will help to restore the health and joy of movement.