intervertebral osteochondrosis- Pathology, from which the elderly mainly suffered earlier. Today this disease also occurs in young patients. This is due to the fact that an increasing number of people lead a sedentary lifestyle, spend a lot of time at the computer and physical activityOsteochondrosis develops with unnatural position of the spine and weakness of the back muscles. Pathology is successfully treated, but it is important to consult a specialist as soon as possible!
What is osteochondrosis?
Osteochondrosis is a disease of the spine, which is characterized by lesions of the intervertebral discs, as well as the tissues of the vertebrae themselves. Pathology is dangerous by a number of complications, the most serious of which are vertebral hernias and protrusions. Preventing the condition from progressing and osteochondrosis of the backIt is very important to start treatment immediately.
reason
The main reasons for the development of osteochondrosis,According to many experts, the load on the spine is distributed incorrectly. The result of excess pressure is a change in the structure of the cartilage.
The development of osteochondrosis is also facilitated by such factors:
- hereditary predisposition
- Spinal cord injury
- metabolic disease
- lack of physical activity
- pregnancy
- the stress
- More Work
- overweight
- bad habits
The risk group of morbidity includes office workers, drivers, cashiers and athletes.
stages of development
There are 4 stages of disease development:
- first round. . . It is characterized by dehydration of the disc nuclei between the vertebrae. Subsequently, the height of the disc decreases. At this stage, the patient does not experience significant discomfort. Sometimes during active exercise or in abnormal positionsThere may be unpleasant sensations.
- second stage. . . It is characterized by protrusion of the disc, in which the gap between the vertebrae is narrowed. As a result, nerve endings are pinched, which causes local pain with increasing intensity with sudden movements
- third step. . . It is characterized by the friction of the cartilage between the vertebral tissues. The symptoms of this stage are obvious. Patients complain of severe pain that can only be relieved with potent drugs
- step four. . . It is characterized by complete or partial limited mobility.
It is better to start treatment at the first symptoms of osteochondrosis of the spine! In this case, the chances of a complete recovery are quite high.
Types of osteochondrosis
Depending on the place of origin of the pathological process, several types of osteochondrosis are distinguished:
- Cervical. . . This type of osteochondrosis occurs when there are disorders in the cervical vertebrae. The most common symptoms of pathology are sharp pain when turning the head, sneezing and coughing, and lumbago.
- chest cover. . . This type of osteochondrosis is less common than other forms. Acute pains are uncharacteristic for pathology. Osteochondrosis is characterized by symptoms of many other diseases. Pain in the sternum, for example, cause the patient to suspect anginais made
- lumbar. . . This type of osteochondrosis occurs more often than in other forms. This is due to the fact that it is the lumbar spine that experiences increased stress. Patients not only complain of severe pain, but alsoThere is also a feeling of numbness (including in the legs).
In some cases, coccyx osteochondrosis is diagnosed. There is also the concept of mixed pathology, in which 2 parts of the spine are involved in the pathological process. With diffuse osteochondrosis, all segments of the spinal column are affected.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis in adults
The main symptoms of pathological changes in the spinal cord in adult patients include:
- Pain that can occur in the neck, shoulders, lower back, and even the ribs
- Stiffness in back and lower back
- numbness in limbs
- muscle cramps or weakness
- chills and body aches
- increased fatigue
- Dizziness and headache provoked by pinching of nerve endings
In advanced stages, patients complain of sensory disturbances in the back, legs and arms, pain in the heart region, disturbances in the functioning of the genitourinary system (eg, difficulty urinating).
Symptoms of pathology often intensify after hard work, intense sports, exposure to low temperatures on the body.
Complications
Destructive processes that affect the discs between the vertebrae, reduce their density and lead to a loss of shock absorption capacity. This damages the muscles, joints and ligaments. With a long course of osteochondrosis, not onlyIndividual nerve endings are squeezed, but also the spinal cord as a whole, leading to complications from the nervous system.
Deterioration of blood supply throughout the body leads to an increase in the manifestation of chronic diseases.
Osteochondrosis can also provoke such pathologies:
- lumbago(acute pain in the lumbar region)
- spondylosis(destruction of vertebrae)
- spinal stenosis, in which the function of the entire central nervous system is significantly impaired
diagnosis
Osteochondrosis is diagnosed using several instrumental methods. The primary diagnosis is made on the basis of examination and collection of history.
The doctor interviews the patient and clarifies:
- Time of onset of first symptoms
- duration of pain
- Features of the signs of a pathological condition
During the inspection:
- The patient's body position is assessed while standing and sitting.
- The amount of movement is determined
- gait and its changes are assessed
- The skin condition is examined to identify areas of peeling and redness
- The areas where the patient has pain are examined
- The general condition of the body is assessed
- Areas where muscle spasms are prescribed
The main instrumental methods for the diagnosis of osteochondrosis include:
- X-ray examination. . . This allows you to determine the narrowing of the gaps between individual vertebrae
- computed tomography. . . In the course of such a study, the vertebrae that suffered during the pathological process are determined.
- MRI(magnetic resonance imaging). This study is the most accurate and allows you to assess all destructive processes of the spine.
Treatment
Treatment of osteochondrosis is always carried out in a comprehensive manner.
Therapy includes:
- taking medicines
- massage
- do special exercises
- physical treatment
- Traction (including underwater)
- manual therapy
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical, thoracic, lumbar spine largely depends on the symptoms.
massage, for example, is prescribed when the patient does not have severe pain. Sessions allow you to reduce muscle tone, improve blood flow and strengthen the intervertebral discs.
physical treatmentAllows you to strengthen the muscles of the back, form a reliable corset that ensures the correct distribution of the load on the spinal column. During the lesson, tissue nutrition improves, blood circulation increases. Physiotherapy lessAlso helps with mobility. To get desired results, exercise should be done regularly, slowly and smoothly, and monitoring your breathing and heart rate. Before starting classes, consult a doctorBe sure to consult. All exercises are supervised by an experienced instructor. Only in this case, the treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar or other spine will relieve the symptoms of the disease and eliminate its causes.
physical treatmentEffective in combating pain. Typically, patients are referred to ultrasound therapy, magnetotherapy and exposure to low-frequency currents. Physiotherapy allows you to normalize metabolic processes, reduce inflammation, improve joint mobilityand allows to relieve inflammation.
rehabilitation treatment
Rehabilitative treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine is also carried out under the supervision of a doctor. It is aimed at restoring health after pathology. Therapy is carried out only when the pain subsides and the patient no longer experiences severe discomfort.
The most popular restoration techniques include:
- regular swimming
- manual therapy
- massage
- electrophoresis and magnetotherapy
- Treatment by exposing the affected area to a laser beam
- nutritional improvement
- working with a psychologist
- sauna visit
- hydro massage
- Application of remedial sludge
Patients are advised to undergo spa treatments in specialized institutions. Also, therapy can be performed on an outpatient basis. Rehabilitative treatment of osteochondrosis of the lower back and other departments is carried out mainly in the same way. In this case, its high performance is noted.
prophylaxis
If the prevention of osteochondrosis is carried out in a timely manner, then you will not have to deal with the treatment of pathology.
Experts have developed a whole range of preventive measures.
This includes:
- heavy lifting restrictions
- proper nutrition
- maintaining a daily routine and taking regular rest
- swimming
- taking special dietary supplementsContaining elements valuable to cartilage tissue (mucopolysaccharides)
- doing simple exercises
If at work or at home you have to spend a lot of time sitting, then you need to take regular breaks, get up, walk, relieve the tension of your back.
All recommendations for the prevention of osteochondrosis will be given by the doctor. Contacting him, you can prevent the development of a dangerous pathological process.
Advantages of treatment in a professional clinic:
- It employs highly qualified doctors. They carry out both comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of osteochondrosis using modern techniques and latest achievements.
- Treatment of osteochondrosis is carried out using a unique injection method. This allows you to permanently and quickly eliminate pain and reduce swelling in the tissues.
- The clinic employs doctors who skillfully perform blockades and other specialized treatments, eliminating the symptoms of the disease even in advanced stages.
- Specialists have successfully applied rehabilitation techniques that consolidate the results of therapy and prevent the development of the pathological process. Thanks to this, patients, even with advanced stages of the disease, maintain physical activity.
- Doctors prevent many complications of osteochondrosis, including curvature of the spine, hernias and paralysis of the limbs.
- Examination, therapy and disease prevention are always carried out in a comfortable environment for the patient. All attention is paid to those who turn to professionals for help.
- Participation in therapy of not only orthopedists, but also other specialists.