Undoubtedly, the human spine is the most reliable part of the skeleton, but it is also the most vulnerable to degenerative diseases due to repeated physical exertion. Almost one in five people on Earth between the ages of 18 and 40 suffers from back pain.
This symptom is often overlooked and does not cause serious concern, leading 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
Osteochondrosis is a disease in which degenerative damage to the intervertebral discs and hardening of the cartilage occurs, leading to a decrease in human performance. The pathology affects only the skeleton of the spine, but gradual changes in height and deformity can adversely affect the work of the internal organs and body systems.
The pathogenesis of the development of the disease is related to the structure of the spinal column, which is absorbed during exercise. In humans, the intervertebral discs connecting the 33-35 vertebrae consist of a central nucleus and surrounding fibrous tissue. They are the ones who serve as a reliable and strong support for the spine in case of moderate physical exertion.
With the development of the pathological process, the connective tissue and the central nucleus of the intervertebral discs are damaged, leading to a loss of their elasticity, elasticity, and strength. The plate literally collapses and deforms, contributing to the curvature of the spine and the growth of sharp bony outgrowths. In the background of the disease, the structures of the vertebrae themselves change, becoming thinner and more ossified.
Osteochondrosis of the spine is often confused with the natural "wear and tear" of the skeleton. However, the pathological lesions may slow down or accelerate, allowing this condition to be considered a real disease, leading to unpleasant complications.
Causes and risk factors for osteochondrosis
Pain is a very common symptom of intervertebral disc lesions. Patients begin to feel as early as 16 to 20 years of age, but at the age of 40 they seek medical attention. The cause of the early onset of the disease is flat feet, poor physical fitness, poor posture, or being 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:
- disease;
- obesity;
- spinal injuries (fractures, bruises);
- excessive physical activity;
- metabolic disorders in the body;
- hereditary predisposition;
- unfavorable environmental conditions;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- presence of stressful situations and bad habits.
Individuals who overload their spine, stand in a position for a long time (sit), or suddenly stop exercising regularly are at risk for this disease. The risk group also includes pregnant women who abuse high-heeled and uncomfortable shoes.
Types and degrees of disease
Osteochondrosis causes headaches in modern medicine because frequent diagnosis often becomes a sentence for patients. Pathology not detected in time leads to advanced forms of the pathological process. Slowly but inevitably, one approaches the disability.
Doctors differentiate between several types of disease depending on the location of the lesion:
- cervical;
- chest;
- cervicothoracic;
- lumbosacral.
There is also a concept such as polysegmental osteochondrosis, which is characterized by the simultaneous development of a pathological condition in several segments of the spine. A dangerous manifestation of this type of disease is the compression of the nerve endings and blood vessels in the immediate vicinity of the brain.
Pain syndrome is the most common symptom of an extreme lesion that can disrupt not only motor but also speech functions.
In medicine, osteochondrosis can also be classified according to the degree of development:
- degree of osteochondrosis (sudden pain similar to an electric shock);
- degree of osteochondrosis (irritation of the elements of the peripheral nervous system occurs);
- Grade 3 osteochondrosis (development of intervertebral disc herniation);
- degree of osteochondrosis (development of spondyloarthrosis and spinal ischemia).
The fourth stage of the disease is called restorative because it is a consequence of treating the developing intervertebral hernias. Spondylolisthesis, characterized by slippage of the vertebrae, is common during this period.
How and what hurts in osteochondrosis?
Osteochondrosis of the spine is not a simple disease and can be disguised as other pathological processes that are completely independent of the skeleton. Back disturbing pain is not considered by people to be of great importance and is attributed to physical fatigue after a hard day’s work.
However, even the slightest discomfort or stiffness of the spinal muscles, which are the first "bells" of the disease, warns and gives reason to consult a specialist.
Clinically, osteochondrosis manifests itself in a variety of symptoms that depend on the location of the pathological process. If there is a lesion in the cervical spine, the following symptoms occur:
- neck pain;
- compression headache;
- numbness of the fingers;
- restriction of cervical spine mobility;
- pain in the shoulder;
- crackles as you turn your head.
If chest osteochondrosis develops, pain is seen in the interscapular space and in the chest itself. Patients also complain of heart pain, compression between the shoulder blades, and discomfort that mimics damage to the intestines, stomach, or gallbladder.
With the loss of the lumbar spine, the symptoms are completely different. The pain is mainly localized in the lower back and legs, causing severe muscle cramps. Mobility of the lumbar spine is limited, numbness and tingling in the lower extremities, and dysfunction of the pelvic organs. Due to the stiffness and limited mobility of the lower back, there are difficulties in bending and stretching the back.
Rare polysegmental osteochondrosis is characterized only by symptoms where the spine is affected. Shooting pain, decreased range of motion, limb pain, muscle cramps - all of these signs are common in different parts of the spine.
In most cases, the pain is caused by a sharp overload of the spine, such as lifting weights or being in an uncomfortable position for a long time. Sometimes even coughing and sneezing can increase the pain.
Once the diagnosis is confirmed, how to live on
Today, spinal osteochondrosis, although a common diagnosis, is not fatal. The point is that the cause of the disease is eliminated and productive treatment is started on time. Significant importance is also attached to preventive measures aimed at preventing the relapse of the disease.
To overcome osteochondrosis, complex therapy should be prescribed, which includes:
- drug use;
- spinal traction;
- massage;
- Practice therapy;
- Physiotherapy;
- acupuncture;
- manual therapy;
- surgery (if necessary).
Each patient should be prescribed individual treatment, depending on the form and extent of the spinal lesion. First, doctors need to stop the destruction process of intervertebral discs caused by tissue inflammation.
They then select a method to restore and strengthen the back muscles that should support the spine in the desired position. Such a complex treatment allows an extremely effective result to be achieved without surgery.
Recommendations for disease prevention
Preventive measures must always come first in order to maintain the health of the body. Because osteochondrosis occurs primarily due to increased pressure on the intervertebral discs, such a condition should be prevented.
Above all, it is recommended to avoid spine overload caused by a sedentary lifestyle, sudden jumps and weight lifting on extended arms. It is very important to preserve the natural physiological curves of the spine from infancy.
Maintaining posture is a common and necessary principle of life for all people, regardless of age or gender.
Everyday sports are great for strengthening the sphincter because osteochondrosis rarely affects trained and physically developed people. All exercises should be performed to the best of their knowledge and are used to support the spine.