Osteochondrosis is a degenerative lesion of the intervertebral discs and joint tissues.In medicine, this term is usually used to refer to a complex of processes that occur specifically in the intervertebral discs.Changes in the vertebral bodies themselves are an adaptive mechanism.This may also include limitation of mobility.Which becomes noticeable with age.
Osteochondrosis can be cervical, thoracic and lumbar.Older people suffer from this disease more often.But today this disease often manifests itself in young people.This is due to a sedentary lifestyle and bad habits: school, computers, cars, excess weight, smoking, alcohol, etc.Modern children prefer computer instead of playing outdoors.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 worldwide.
What is osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis is a change in the intervertebral discs and vertebrae.As a result, the discs lose elasticity, shape, percentage of moisture and over time lose their function: ensuring the mobility of the spine, absorbing shock when lifting heavy objects or other loads.The normal relationship between the discs and the vertebrae is disrupted.The spine is reduced in length, stability is compromised and spasms of some 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 definitive answer on the causes of osteochondrosis.This is believed to be influenced by a very large number of factors, which will be discussed further.If you do not follow the doctor's recommendations, osteochondrosis can cause protrusions (bulging of a part of the disc), as well as hernias (bulging of a part of the disc with rupture of the fibrous ring).In the latter case, the contents of the disk 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 fold/unfold 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 neurosis;
- Previous infections, viruses and diseases;
- Metabolic disorders;
- Hidden infection;
- Overweight;
- Constant load.This also includes sedentary professions;
- Wearing poor quality or uncomfortable shoes;
- Weak muscle structure;
- Poor immunity;
- Hormonal changes or use of replacement therapy;
- Side effects of some drugs;
- injuries;
- Lack of vitamins and microelements;
- Inheritance;
- 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 in the fingers, floaters in the ears or other artifacts.When the artery is compressed, throbbing headaches, dizziness, deterioration of hearing, vision, etc. appear.Possible depression or similar conditions, drowsiness, loss of strength;
- Thoracic osteochondrosis: pain in the chest, back between the shoulder blades, discomfort, possible pain in the heart or other organs, difficulty breathing;
- Lumbar osteochondrosis: pain in the lower back, which may be sharp or aching, discomfort in the lower back, numbness in the legs, tingling, loss of sensation, disorders of the internal organs of the pelvis.
During periods of remission, acute pain decreases, 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 complete examination.Low 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 the 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;
- Heachache.
It is worth noting that such symptoms can 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, you need to undergo examination by a neurologist and an osteopath.Based on your medical history, you will be prescribed an examination: tests, MRI or x-ray.Once the results are received, the 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, the pain is first relieved using:
- Muscle relaxants;
- Painkillers;
- Chondroprotectors (depending on symptoms);
- Vitamins;
- Vasodilators;
- Drugs to normalize metabolic processes.
Subsequently, physiotherapy is prescribed to strengthen the muscular corset;a diet, daily routine, mattress and pillow are recommended.Thanks to physical therapy, blood supply and tissue nutrition also improves.In some cases, breathing practices are indicated that have a positive effect not only on the spasmodic muscles, but also on the central nervous system as a whole.Since osteochondrosis can be caused by prolonged stress, depression or neurosis.In addition, it is recommended to consult a psychotherapist to resolve internal conflicts.
Help 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 in the direction of health: eat well, exercise, move more (walking is natural from a physiological point of view), relax in nature, avoid or learn to manage 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 meat, canned food, carbonated drinks, alcohol, smoking, strong coffee, fatty foods, etc.Pay attention to fruits, vegetables, herbs.
Treat your health properly;it is normally a non-renewable resource.Slowly and gradually the disease can be stopped or completely eliminated.