Osteochondrosis is a degenerative lesion of intervertebral discs and articular tissues.In medicine, this term is usually used to refer to a complex of processes occurring specifically in the intervertebral discs.Changes in the vertebral bodies themselves are an adaptive mechanism.This may also include limitation of mobility.Which is noticeable with age.
Osteochondrosis can be cervical, thoracic and lumbar.Elderly people suffer from this disease more often.But today this disease often occurs in young people.This is due to a sedentary lifestyle and bad habits: school, computers, cars, excess weight, smoking, alcohol, etc.Modern children prefer the computer instead of playing outside.In this regard, insufficiently developed muscles, poor “nutrition” of the intervertebral discs and surrounding tissues.This also includes modern food products: sweets, carbonated foods, various fast foods, stress, neuroses, etc.According to statistics, osteochondrosis affects about 80% of the working population around the globe.
What is osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis is a change in the intervertebral discs and vertebrae.As a result, the discs lose their elasticity, shape, percentage of moisture and over time lose their function: ensuring mobility of the spinal column, shock absorption when lifting heavy objects or other loads.The normal relationship between the discs and vertebrae is disrupted.The spine becomes smaller in length, stability is impaired, and spasms of certain muscle groups are possible.Although the latter sometimes acts as a cause rather than an effect.In advanced cases, compression of the nerve endings occurs.Hence the pain.
I would like to go ahead and say that today there is no definite answer about the causes of osteochondrosis.It is believed that this is influenced by a very large number of factors, which will be discussed further.If the doctor's recommendations are not followed, osteochondrosis can cause protrusions (bulging of part of the disc), as well as hernia (bulging of part of the disc with rupture of the fibrous ring).In the latter case, the contents of the disc enter the spinal canal.Subsequently, the body tries to adapt to the changes and bone tissue begins to grow to limit the mobility of the affected areas.A person cannot bend/unbend as before.
Causes of osteochondrosis
There are many reasons for the development of osteochondrosis:
- Sedentary lifestyle;
- Incorrect posture (kyphosis, scoliosis, etc.);
- Unbalanced diet;
- Constant stress and neuroses;
- Past infections, viruses and diseases;
- Metabolic disorders;
- Hidden infection;
- Overweight;
- Constant load.This also includes sedentary professions;
- Wearing poor quality or uncomfortable shoes;
- Weak muscle frame;
- Poor immunity;
- Hormonal changes or use of replacement therapy;
- Side effects of some drugs;
- Injuries;
- Lack of vitamins and microelements;
- Heredity;
- Using uncomfortable pillows and mattresses;
- Bad habits (smoking, alcohol, drug addiction);
- Professional or extreme sports.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis
Symptoms depend on the location and stage of the disease:
- Cervical osteochondrosis: pain in the neck, head, arms, squeaking in the ears, stiffness of movements, numbness of the fingers, floaters in the ears or other artifacts.When the artery is compressed, a throbbing headache, dizziness, deterioration of hearing, vision, etc. appear.Possible depression or similar conditions, drowsiness, loss of strength;
- Thoracic osteochondrosis: pain in the chest, in the back between the shoulder blades, discomfort, possible pain in the heart or other organs, difficulty breathing;
- Lumbar osteochondrosis: pain in the lower back, which can be acute or aching, discomfort in the lower back, numbness of the legs, tingling, loss of sensitivity, disorders of the internal organs of the pelvis.
During periods of remission, acute pain subsides, but nagging pain or discomfort persists.It becomes more pronounced after exercise, heavy lifting, or severe stress.Depending on the location and stage, as well as other concomitant diseases, symptoms may vary.Therefore, it is important to undergo a comprehensive examination.Lower back pain can be caused by diseases of the reproductive and urinary systems.
Osteochondrosis and the nervous system
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine can lead to compression of nerve roots and blood vessels.This affects not only well-being, but also memory, vision, hearing, the central nervous system, and the functioning of internal organs.
The main symptoms of a nervous system disorder:
- Poor sleep;
- Irritability;
- Nausea, vomiting;
- chills or fever;
- Loss of strength;
- Laziness;
- Changes in blood pressure;
- Headache.
It is worth noting that such symptoms may be a manifestation of neurosis or depression.In this case, it is imperative to contact not only a neurologist, but also a psychotherapist.
Diagnostics
To diagnose and make an accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to undergo examination by a neurologist and osteopath.Based on your medical history, an examination will be prescribed: tests, MRI or X-ray.Once the results are received, appropriate treatment will be prescribed.
It is necessary to understand that the treatment is very slow and requires the patient to follow a large number of rules.Everything you did previously led to the development of the disease: bad habits, reaction to stress, activity, work, nutrition, physical activity, etc.
Treatment of osteochondrosis
Depending on the stage of the disease, pain is first relieved using:
- Muscle relaxants;
- Painkillers;
- Chondroprotectors (depending on symptoms);
- Vitamins;
- Vasodilators;
- Drugs to normalize metabolic processes.
Afterwards, physical therapy is prescribed to strengthen the muscle corset; a diet, daily routine, mattress and pillow are recommended.Thanks to exercise therapy, blood supply and tissue nutrition also improves.In some cases, breathing practices are indicated that have a positive effect not only on spasmodic muscles, but also on the central nervous system as a whole.Since osteochondrosis can be caused by prolonged stress, depression or neurosis.Additionally, it is recommended to consult a psychotherapist to resolve internal conflicts.
Helper Methods
- Massage;
- Manual therapy;
- Physiotherapy (electrophoresis);
- Traction (not suitable for everyone and not always);
- Reflexology.
Prevention and prognosis
It is important to understand that everything you did before led you to the disease.It is necessary to slowly and gradually change your lifestyle towards health: eat right, do exercise therapy, move more (walking is natural from a physiological point of view), relax in nature, avoid or learn to cope with stress (psychotherapist or meditative practices), reduce excess weight, monitor your posture.If possible, change your place of work or type of activity, eliminate harmful foods: fast food, smoked meats, canned food, carbonated drinks, alcohol, smoking, strong coffee, fatty foods, etc.Pay attention to fruits, vegetables, herbs.
Treat your health properly; as a rule, it is a non-renewable resource.Slowly and gradually the disease can be stopped or completely eliminated.