A therapist with 50 years of experience once said, "When I started work, there wasn't a single young osteochondrosis patient in the field. Today, almost every second 30-year-old has this problem. "
Osteochondrosis - a disease caused by deposits of salt in the spine
Incorrect. The intervertebral disc consists of the nucleus pulposus, the annulus fibrosus, and the hyaline cartilage overlying it.
With the destruction of these elements, the balance between load and carrying capacity on the spine is disturbed. As a result, the vertebrae begin to compress the adjacent nerve and muscle tissue, growing along the edges, forming what is known as a. Osteophytes, which make a characteristic creaking sound when moved (misinterpreted by patients as "salt deposits").
If the back and neck are injured then it's totally osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis is not the only cause of back pain. This diagnosis is usually made by the patient himself. However, in addition to this pathology that is part of the degenerative dystrophic changes of the spine, there is also osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, which can only be differentiated after a comprehensive examination.
- Degenerative malnutrition changes occur in 30-50% of cases in people aged 30-40 years and in 75-100% of people over 40 years of age.
- These pathological processes account for 20. 4% of the total disability from diseases of the bone and joint system.
- Long walks are bad for the spine
vice versa. Motor activity is beneficial to the function of the spine: it maintains muscle tone, maintains mobility in the intervertebral spine, stimulates blood circulation and metabolism. In the development of the disease, fatigue and prolonged periods of time in one, especially uncomfortable posture are "guilty".
Another thing is that if an overweight person walks a lot and wears heavy things, then there is a greater load on the spine.
Flat feet contribute to the development of osteochondrosis
correct. The arch of the foot, as well as the physiological curve of the spine, is designed to absorb the shock loads of walking, running, and jumping. If the foot does not provide adequate protection when interacting with the support, the spine is subjected to additional loads that can significantly impair the nutrition and function of its structures and accelerate disease progression.
Back pain is the only symptom of this disease.
It doesn't have to be that way. Often, patients complain of persistent back pain, often accompanied by numbness and pain in the extremities. Over time, if left untreated, the muscles of the limbs atrophy, the joints of the spine become inflexible, and muscle spasms occur.
This acute condition occurs due to arterial spasm as a response to effects on bone growth, and due to disc herniation, arthropathy of the intervertebral joints as a reflex response to stimulation of spinal receptors.
- Vertebral artery syndrome can be exacerbated if a person has coronary or cardiovascular disease.
- With osteochondrosis in the chest area, disturbing pain in the chest (it feels as if a wooden stake is stuck there) - in the area of the heart and other internal organs; lumbosacral lesions - in the lower back (irradiates to the sacrum, lower extremities, sometimes irradiatedto the pelvic organs).
- In case of complications of osteochondrosis (disc herniation, bone growth, spondylolisthesis, spondyloarthropathy), nerve root damage is noted - increased pain, worsening sensitivity, weakness of innervated muscles, severity of reflexesreduce.
- Osteochondrosis can cause dysfunction of various organs and tissues.
With osteochondrosis, there is an increased risk of circulatory disturbances in the cerebellar, stalk, and occipital regions of the brain.
Persistent headache occurs - first in the back of the head, then spreads to the top of the head and temple area, with increased neck movement (more common in the morning).
Older adults with a sharp head turn may lose consciousness. Dizziness, ringing in the ears, blurred vision and hearing, nausea, and vomiting are preceded by this.
Sometimes pain in the heart area - long, pressing, boring. With cervical osteochondrosis, especially in old age and old age, the soft tissues often change - they become denser.
The degenerative process of the spine can lead to congestion of the gastrointestinal tract, destruction of the bronchopulmonary system, which is full of inflammation and other diseases.
Phytovascular Dystonia, Intercostal Neuralgia - Consequences of Osteochondrosis
It doesn't have to be that way. Osteochondrosis may be one of the reasons for the development of these diseases (by far not the only one).
When the intervertebral disc is "erased" and osteophytes grow, the intervertebral foramen and vertebral artery canal become narrowed and deformed, resulting in the invasion of various structures.
In particular, there are signs of intercostal neuralgia when the nerve root is compressed, and the same symptoms as vegetative vascular dystonia appear when the vertebral artery is compressed.
There is no cure for osteochondrosis
In fact, spinal structures that have undergone degenerative changes cannot fully recover. However, appropriate complex treatment can eliminate the symptoms of the disease, stop the development of the pathology and avoid complications.
Warming the painful area is useful if there is a problem with the disc
Incorrect. Temperature fluctuations, especially extreme temperature fluctuations (eg, a beginner going to a bath), can cause serious exacerbations. Moderate heat procedures are used for complex treatments but must be prescribed by a doctor.
If you perform head circular motions with osteochondrosis of the neck, your health will deteriorate
correct. These exercises are best used for prevention—they help maintain the range of motion of the intervertebral joints. In severe osteochondrosis, careless circular movements can aggravate vertebral artery syndrome, radiculopathy, etc.
NSAIDs are essential for treatment
Not really. During periods of relief or when the pain is not intense, conservative treatment (physiological, reflex and manual) is performed; physiotherapy, traction techniques are used. Drug therapy is indicated during acute exacerbations, aimed at relieving pain, relieving inflammatory processes and accelerating metabolic processes (intramuscular or intravenous injection).
The most effective drugs are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are used to relieve inflammation and pain; neocaine blockers for severe pain; steroid drugs (epidural, intramuscular); analgesic and stimulatingNSAIDs in the form of ointments, gels and creams; muscle relaxants - relieve muscle spasms; B vitamins - improve metabolic processes in the spine (B1, B6, B12).
Osteochondrosis can have serious consequences
Yes. Osteochondrosis can cause paralysis due to compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots, and loss of consciousness if the vertebral arteries are violated.
Exercise to "stretch" the spine can help improve the condition
Traction, or traction, allows you to increase intervertebral space, reduce pain, and restore the anatomically correct shape of the spine. However, the individual loads must be calculated correctly. "Blasting" can cause the paravertebral muscles to contract reflexively, making the condition worse.
Only traumatologists have the authority to treat osteochondrosis
Incorrect. Most patients are seen by a neurologist with very severe pathology - by a neurosurgeon or an orthopaedic chiropractor.
A local therapist can also prescribe medication to ease the deterioration.
Osteochondrosis of the spine: causes and treatment
As many as 76% of people experience back pain each year. This statistic affects people of all ages and occupations. The causes of pain can vary, one of which is osteochondrosis of the spine.
Osteochondrosis of the spine is becoming more common due to a sedentary lifestyle, and it is not always possible to beat it on your own. Let's talk about why it happens and what to do about it.
What is Spinal Osteochondrosis
There are several different views on the definition. Some experts believe that it is more correct to use a generic name—back pain or nonspecific back pain.
Definitional difficulties are also related to the fact that multiple specialists treat the disease - neurologists, orthopedists, neurosurgeons and general practitioners.
Sometimes people diagnosed with osteochondrosis of the spine turn to a cardiologist because the disease can be very similar to heart pain.
The term "spinal osteochondrosis" was coined by Hildebrandt in 1933 as a multifactorial degenerative disease of the motor segments of the spine (defined by Popelyansky). What are spinal motion segments? These are two vertebrae, one on top of the other, with a disc between them.
Because of this joint, the human spine can bend and straighten, bend and twist. But for various reasons, the intervertebral disc loses its properties, degenerates, and then gradually changes, affecting the vertebrae themselves.
That is, the essence of spinal osteochondrosis is the progressive destruction of the intervertebral discs.
Osteochondrosis can develop anywhere in the spine.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is most common due to the heavy load. Symptoms are:
- Low back pain, which may be severe or dull, persistent, and may increase with exercise;
- Pain may be felt in the legs, pelvic organs, and sacrum;
- In severe cases, there may be a violation of sensitivity or mobility, muscle atrophy of the lower extremities.
The second most common is cervical osteochondrosis, which is often associated with prolonged uncomfortable head positions, for example, while working in front of a computer or working with documents. Cervical osteochondrosis presents with the following symptoms:
- headache and dizziness, migraine;
- Visual or hearing impairment, flashing "flies" in front of the eyes;
- Pain can radiate to the back of the head, shoulders, and collarbone;
- May violate the sensitivity of the hand.
Less often, osteochondrosis affects the thoracic spine because the vertebrae are not actively connected to each other. Lesions in this area may disguise as heart or lung disease. Symptoms of spinal thoracic osteochondrosis:
- Back pain at the level of the scapula, chest pain that worsens with bending and turning when inhaling or exhaling;
- Skin sensitivity disorder.
Regardless of the degree of damage, the pain of spinal osteochondrosis increases with pressure on the vertebrae involved in the process.
With several divisions failing, we can immediately talk about widespread spinal osteochondrosis.
Risk factors and causes of disease
The strength of the spine is high, and the development of the disease requires the simultaneous action of multiple stimuli. It's important to understand that most, if not all, of these factors are influenced by the patient, reducing the likelihood of developing the disease.
- lack of exercise - this deteriorates 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;
- Persistently in wrong, non-physiological postures - an inappropriate height of a table or chair can cause a person to be forced to constantly tilt their head and stoop their back;
- Stress - excessive muscle tension can cause compression of the blood vessels that feed the spine;
- overweight;
- Smoking damages the microcirculation of all tissues in the body;
- Inadequate water and protein intake can affect the condition of the discs.
The immediate cause of spinal osteochondrosis is not always obvious, but the following options can be distinguished:
- Genetic susceptibility - genetically programmed characteristics of cartilage and bone tissue, in which the process of wear and tear is faster;
- Spinal Injury - Various complications can occur at the injury site, including osteochondrosis;
- occupational hazards such as vibration;
- exposure to infection or chemicals;
- The body ages naturally.
People from all walks of life are at risk for spinal osteochondrosis. These are builders and athletes, surgeons and office workers.
Stages and possible complications of osteochondrosis
A description of the four stages of spinal osteochondrosis was proposed by Osna in 1971. They are not used to make a diagnosis, but they can give you an idea of how the disease is progressing.
- The disc elasticity is reduced. The disc may be slightly deformed, with displacement of the internal nucleus pulposus within the disc. This stage is either not manifested in any way or is mildly painful.
- In the second stage, the disc may become cracked and the surrounding ligaments may weaken. The connection of the vertebrae becomes unstable. Disabling acute pain episodes.
- The third stage is characterized by complete disc damage. A disc herniation occurs when the nucleus pulposus leaves the disc. Spinal deformity or nerve root entrapment may occur.
- In the fourth stage, surrounding tissues are affected - vertebrae, ligaments, spinal membranes. As a result, the vertebral segment may be completely incapacitated.
Due to osteochondrosis of the spine, various complications can occur in some cases. Problems with discs, hernias, and herniations can lead to narrowing of the spinal canal, compression of the spinal cord, and disability.
Depending on the extent of the lesion, various problems with the nerve root can occur. These are intercostal neuralgias, violations of sensitivity and motor function of the upper and lower extremities, dysfunction of internal organs. Not only can a sciatic nerve or sciatica cause severe pain, it can also lead to pelvic organ disease and infertility.
In addition to nerve roots, osteochondrosis can also compress the spinal canal. If blood flow in the vertebral arteries that pass through the neck area and supply the brain is disturbed, brain disease, vision or hearing problems, breathing or heart activity problems may occur.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Osteochondrosis: Conventional and Alternative Approaches
Within the framework of official medicine, the diagnosis of osteochondrosis involves examination by a neurologist to determine the extent of damage to the nerve roots, checking reflexes and sensitivity.
In an instrument method, the following methods can be used:
- Vascular ultrasound allows you to determine the extent of circulatory disease, such as the vertebral arteries;
- Spine X-rays;
- CT also uses radiology, but allows you to build a 3D image of the area under study to identify tiny displacements of the vertebrae;
- MRI specializes in the study of soft tissue and allows you to assess the condition of the spinal cord and visualize the internal structures of the discs.
For differential diagnosis, laboratory tests, general blood and urine tests, and markers of calcium metabolism are used.
The treatment of osteochondrosis is complex.
- The first and very important tool in the treatment of osteochondrosis is lifestyle. Normalization of working conditions, moderate and regular exercise, and healthy sleep significantly improved the patient's condition.
- For medical treatment of spinal osteochondrosis, a neurologist or general practitioner may prescribe medication. In most cases, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - which are the standard treatment for spinal osteochondrosis - are prescribed. They reduce pain and reduce inflammation. Muscle relaxants help reduce muscle spasms. Vitamins and antioxidants are used to protect nerve tissue from damage. However, any drug has side effects, for example, NSAIDs can adversely affect the stomach.
- In addition to medication, physical therapy, such as massage for spinal osteochondrosis, and manual therapy is used. In severe complications of osteochondrosis, surgery may be necessary, but it is only prescribed if long-term conservative treatment is ineffective.
In most cases, classical medical treatment of osteochondrosis is a lengthy process and can negatively impact human health.
Therefore, many drugs, especially analgesics and muscle relaxants (especially those with a sedative effect) can be addictive, and some drugs can adversely affect the function of the gastrointestinal tract.
Alternatively, you can consider the methods used, for example, in traditional Chinese medicine.
Traditional Chinese medicine is very popular all over the world, and there are specialized centers and training courses in many countries. Celestial methods and methods of treatment differ from the usual European view of disease diagnosis and treatment.
All diseases are thought to disrupt the balance and movement of chi energy in the body, and treatments aim to restore this balance. In China, various medicinal materials, animal ingredients, minerals, and various external influence methods such as acupuncture and acupressure are used.
These techniques have a wide range of indications and minimal side effects.
acupuncture
Synonyms for this method are acupuncture, reflexology. The principle of acupuncture treatment is to place needles on biologically active points. Each point is associated with the organ performing the effect.
Reflexology relieves tension and muscle spasms, and has a narcotic effect that can help reduce pain. The method is safe because most doctors use sterile disposable needles.
And in the case of needles coated with gold or silver, they must be thoroughly sterilized. Sensations during the procedure depend on individual sensitivities, and patients may experience tingling or numbness.
It is very important that the procedure is performed by highly qualified specialists with extensive experience. Improper placement of needles will be useless and even harmful. In some cases, acupuncture is combined with exposure to weak electrical currents.
moxibustion
This is a specific way of affecting the activity points with the help of special wormwood cigars. The principle of action is similar to that of acupuncture and is often used in combination. A smoking cigar is installed in a special wooden house, while the active point is heated. Wormwood has antiseptic, soothing and relaxing properties.
This method is safe because the light-emitting part of the cigar does not come into contact with the skin, although direct-to-skin methods are used in some parts of China.
massage
In China, massage therapy is practiced by several different schools. They use rotational techniques, pressing with one finger, and manual treatments. Traditional massage techniques not only exercise muscles and joints, but also indirectly affect other organs and tissues, helping to strengthen the body's defenses.
qigong
There are several schools of traditional Chinese gymnastics, such as massage. Qigong movements are smooth, stretched and twisted, which is very suitable for spinal exercises for osteochondrosis.
Qigong techniques do not require special equipment and can be performed at home.
However, until then, it is best to work with your doctor to choose the right exercises and develop proper execution techniques under the guidance of a qualified specialist.
The level of science and medicine in China is very high, and the combination of tradition and innovation has achieved amazing results. An example of China's scientific achievements are DNA therapeutics and DNA vaccines - which are currently used to develop cancer treatments and fight HIV.
Spinal osteochondrosis in the elderly. Features of Rehabilitation
People come in different ages: some are clear-headed, optimistic about life situations, and have a cheerful personality. Others are past retirement age and have lost interest in life.
- The rate at which the body ages depends on many factors, these are:
- 1) Genetic programs of organism development and decay;
- 2) The impact of various adverse life events on people.
- Poor housing conditions, harmful working conditions, living in an unfavorable climate, lack of timely access to comprehensive medical and social assistance, unhealthy lifestyles (malnutrition, bad habits and chronic emotional stress) can adversely affect a person).
- Age-related functional changes during this period should be taken into account when organizing treatment and rehabilitation measures for the elderly.
- With age, muscle mass decreases, muscle contractility weakens, and various parts of the spine change.
Cervical osteochondrosis. The primary stage of the disease does not require special treatment. Standard precautions are available for the current stage of pathology.
The greatest danger is to disrupt the blood circulation of the brain, resulting in a general disturbance of function and the formation of a large number of necrotic foci of brain tissue.
prevention
Regardless of the treatment chosen, the prevention of osteochondrosis plays an equally important role. What can be done for spine health:
- drink enough water;
- Control your weight and don't overeat;
- If necessary, choose suitable shoes - orthopedic insoles;
- Choose a mattress that is suitable for sleeping, not very soft, and has enough support for the spine;
- Eat collagen-rich foods (fish, turkey, aspic, various jellies);
- exercise regularly;
- Adjust the height of tabletops and chairs to account for growth.
As far as other prevention methods go, massage, qigong, and acupuncture all work well for reasons that are easy to understand and described above.
It's important to remember that back pain can and should be managed. There is no need to wait for the first signs of illness in order to make changes to your lifestyle.
You can now get up from your computer, stretch your neck, and add a walk or massage to your to-do list.
And if osteochondrosis of the spine has become a problem preventing you from living and working, then the combined efforts of science and traditional medicine will help restore health and the joy of exercise.