Undoubtedly, the human spine is the most reliable skeletal part, but it is also the most susceptible to degenerative diseases as a result of repetitive physical exercise. Nearly every fifth of Earth’s population between the ages of 18 and 40 suffers from back pain.
These symptoms are often ignored and do not cause any serious concern, which leads to the spread of pathological processes throughout the spine. Osteochondrosis is a possible cause of back pain and other unpleasant symptoms.
The concept of disease and the process of its occurrence
The disease in which degenerative damage to the intervertebral disc and hardening of the cartilage occurs, which leads to a decrease in a person’s performance, is called osteochondrosis. Pathology affects exclusively the skeleton of the spine, but gradual changes in its height and deformation can affect the work of internal organs and body systems.
The pathogenesis of disease progression is associated with the structure of the spinal column, which is designed to absorb when loaded. The intervertebral disc that connects 33-35 vertebrae in humans consists of a central nucleus and fibrous tissue around it. They are the ones that serve as a reliable and strong support for the spinal skeleton when moderate physical stress occurs.
With the development of pathological processes, damage to the connective tissue and the central nucleus of the intervertebral disc occurs, leading to loss of its elasticity, resilience and strength. The disc completely collapses and deforms, contributing to the curvature of the spine and the growth of sharp bone growth. Against the background of the disease, there are changes in the structure of the vertebrae themselves, which become thinner and ossified.
Spinal osteochondrosis is often mistaken for a natural "wear" of the skeleton. However, pathological changes can be slowed or accelerated, which allows us to consider this condition as a real disease, leading to unpleasant complications.
Reasons for the development of osteochondrosis and risk factors
A very common symptom with changes in the intervertebral disc is pain. Patients begin to feel it at the age of 16-20 years, but turn to doctors for help over nearly 40 years. The causes of the onset of the disease are flat feet, poor physical fitness, poor posture or being overweight. Modern adolescents lead an inactive lifestyle, which also negatively affects the stability of the spine.
The following factors also contribute to the development of the disease:
- age;
- obesiti;
- spinal injuries (fractures, bruises);
- excessive physical activity;
- metabolic disorders in the body;
- hereditary tendencies;
- unfavorable environmental conditions;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- stressful situations and the presence of bad habits.
People who strain the spine, remain in a standing (sitting) position for long periods of time, or abruptly stop regular exercise are at risk of getting such a disease. At -risk groups also include pregnant women, women who abuse high heels and uncomfortable shoes.
Type and degree of disease
Osteochondrosis is a headache in modern medicine, as a common diagnosis is often a sentence for patients. The detected pathology does not in time lead to an advanced form of the pathological process. Slowly but inevitably, one approaches disability.
Doctors distinguish several types of disease, depending on the location of the lesion:
- cervix;
- dada;
- cervicothoracic;
- lumbosacral.
There are also concepts such as polysegmental osteochondrosis, which is characterized by the development of pathological conditions in several segments of the spine at the same time. A dangerous manifestation of this type of disease is compression of nerve endings and back blood vessels adjacent to the brain.
Pain syndrome is the most common symptom of an unusual lesion that can interfere with not only motor, but also a person’s speech function.
In medicine, osteochondrosis is also classified according to its stage of development:
- stage 1 osteochondrosis (presence of sudden pain similar to electric shock);
- stage 2 osteochondrosis (irritation of elements of the peripheral nervous system occurs);
- stage 3 osteochondrosis (formation of a herniated intervertebral disc);
- stage 4 osteochondrosis (development of spondyloarthrosis and spinal cord ischemia).
The fourth stage of the disease is called recovery, because it is the result of treatment of an emerging intervertebral hernia. During this period, spondylolisthesis is often observed, characterized by vertebral slippage.
How and what is painful with osteochondrosis?
Osteochondrosis of the spine is not a simple disease and can masquerade as another pathological process that is completely unrelated to the skeleton. Annoying pain in the back is not considered by people as very important and is associated with physical fatigue after a day of work.
However, even a slight discomfort or stiffness of the spinal muscles, which are the first "bells" of the disease, should warn and be a reason to consult a specialist.
Clinically, osteochondrosis manifests itself in a variety of symptoms, which depend on the location of the pathological process. If there is a lesion on the cervical spine, the following symptoms occur:
- pain in the neck;
- compression headache;
- numb fingers;
- limitation of mobility of the cervical spine;
- aching pain in the shoulder;
- crunchy when dizzy.
If thoracic osteochondrosis develops, then pain can be seen in the interscapular space and the chest itself. Patients also complain of pain in the heart area, compression between the shoulder blades and discomfort that mimics damage to the intestines, stomach or gallbladder.
With the defeat of the lumbar spine, the symptoms are completely different. The pain is mainly localized in the lower back and legs, causing severe muscle spasms. There is limited mobility of the lumbar spine, numbness and tingling in the lower legs, disturbances in the function of the pelvic organs. Difficulties appear in flexion and extension of the back, due to stiffness and limited movement of the lower back.
Rare polysegmental osteochondrosis is characterized by the occurrence of only symptoms in which the spine is affected. Shooting pain, reduced range of motion, pain in the limbs, muscle cramps - all these signs are common in different parts of the spine.
Pain in most cases is provoked by a sharp excessive load on the spinal column, for example, lifting weights or staying in an uncomfortable position for a long time. Sometimes coughing and sneezing can increase the pain.
If the diagnosis is confirmed, how to live
Today, spinal osteochondrosis, despite a common diagnosis, is not fatal. The main thing is that the cause leading to the development of the disease is eliminated, and productive treatment is started in a timely manner. Great importance is also given to the preventive measures taken to prevent recurrence of the disease.
To beat osteochondrosis, it is necessary to prescribe complex therapy, which includes:
- drug use;
- spinal traction;
- massage;
- Exercise therapy;
- Physiotherapy;
- acupuncture;
- manual therapy;
- surgical intervention (if indicated).
Each patient should be given an individual course of treatment, depending on the shape and extent of the spinal lesion. For a start, the doctor must stop the process of destruction of the intervertebral disc caused by tissue inflammation.
After that, the method is chosen to restore and strengthen the back muscles, which are supposed to support the spine in the required position. Such a complex treatment allows you to achieve very effective results without the use of surgical intervention.
Recommendations for disease prevention
Preventive measures should always be a priority to maintain the health of the body. Since osteochondrosis mainly occurs as a result of increased pressure on the intervertebral disc, it is necessary to prevent the development of such conditions.
First of all, it is recommended to avoid excessive load on the spine caused by an inactive lifestyle, sudden jumps and lifting weights on outstretched arms. It is very important to preserve the natural physiological curve of the spine, which is formed since infancy.
Maintaining posture is a common and necessary life principle for everyone, regardless of age and gender.
Daily exercise is great for strengthening the muscular corset, as osteochondrosis rarely affects people who are hard and physically advanced. All exercises should be done as well as possible and work to support the spine.