The human spine is without a doubt the most reliable part of the skeleton, but it is also the most vulnerable to degenerative diseases due to repeated physical exertion. Nearly one in five people on Earth between the ages of 18 and 40 suffer from back pain.
This symptom is often ignored and does not cause any serious concern, leading to the spread of the pathological process to the entire spine. Osteochondrosis is a possible cause of pain and other unpleasant symptoms associated with the back.
The concept of the disease and the process of its occurrence
A disease in which degenerative damage occurs to the intervertebral discs and cartilage hardening, leading to a decrease in a person's performance, is called osteochondrosis. Pathology affects only the skeleton of the spine, but a gradual change in its height and deformation can adversely affect the work of internal organs and body systems.
The pathogenesis of the development of the disease is associated with the structure of the spine, which is designed to absorb when loaded. Intervertebral discs connecting 33-35 vertebrae in humans consist of a central nucleus and surrounding fibrous tissue. They are the ones that serve as a reliable and strong support for the spinal cord when moderate physical stress occurs.
With the development of the pathological process, damage occurs to the connective tissue and the central core of the intervertebral discs, leading to loss of their elasticity, resilience and strength. The disc literally collapses and deforms, contributing to the curvature of the spine and the growth of sharp bone outgrowths. Due to the disease, there is a change in the structure of the vertebrae themselves, which becomes thinner and bony.
Osteochondrosis of the spine is often confused with a natural "wear" of the skeleton. However, pathological changes can be slowed or accelerated, allowing us to consider this condition as a real disease, leading to unpleasant complications.
Causes of the development of osteochondrosis and risk factors
A very common symptom of changes in the intervertebral discs is pain. Patients start to notice it already at the age of 16-20, but turn to doctors for help closer to 40 years. The causes of the early onset of the disease are flat feet, poor physical condition, poor posture or overweight. Modern young people lead a sedentary lifestyle, which also negatively affects the stability of the spine.
The following factors also contribute to the development of the disease:
- age;
- obesity;
- spinal cord injuries (fractures, bruises);
- excessive physical activity;
- metabolic disorders in the body;
- hereditary disposition;
- adverse environmental conditions;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- stressful situations and the presence of bad habits.
People who overload the spine, remain in a standing position (sitting) for a long time or abruptly stop exercising regularly, are at risk of contracting such an illness. The risk group also includes pregnant women, women who abuse high heels and uncomfortable shoes.
Types and degrees of the disease
Osteochondrosis is a headache in modern medicine because a common diagnosis often becomes a phrase for patients. Early detection of pathology leads to advanced forms of the pathological process. Slowly but inevitably a person approaches disability.
Doctors distinguish between several types of disease, depending on the location of the lesion:
- cervical;
- breast;
- cervicothoracal;
- lumbosacral.
There is also such a concept as polysegmental osteochondrosis, which is characterized by the development of a pathological condition in several segments of the spine at the same time. A dangerous manifestation of this type of disease is compression of the nerve endings and blood vessels in the back in the immediate vicinity of the brain.
Pain syndrome is the most common symptom of an extraordinary lesion that can disrupt not only a person's motor but also speech functions.
In medicine, osteochondrosis is also classified according to degrees of development:
- 1st degree osteochondrosis (the presence of sudden pain equivalent to an electric shock);
- 2nd degree osteochondrosis (irritation of the elements of the peripheral nervous system occurs);
- 3rd degree osteochondrosis (formation of a herniated intervertebral disc);
- 4th degree osteochondrosis (development of spondyloarthrosis and ischemia of the spinal cord).
The fourth stage of the disease is called restorative as it is a consequence of the treatment of new intervertebral hernia. During this period, spondylolisthesis is often observed, characterized by slipping of the vertebrae.
How and what hurts with osteochondrosis?
Osteochondrosis of the spine is not a simple disease and can be disguised as other pathological processes that are completely unrelated to the bone skeleton. The bothersome pain in the back area is not considered by people to be of great importance and is attributed to physical fatigue after a hard day at work.
However, even the slightest discomfort or stiffness in the spinal muscles, which are the first "bells" of the disease, should be alarming and become 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 in the cervical spine, the following symptoms occur:
- pain in the neck;
- compressive headache;
- numbness in the fingers;
- limiting the mobility of the cervical spine;
- tender pain in the shoulder;
- crunch when the head is turned.
If thoracic osteochondrosis develops, pain is visible in the interscapular space and the chest itself. Patients also complain of pain in the area of the heart, 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 extremities, disturbances in the function of the pelvic organs. Difficulty occurs with bending and extension of the back due to stiffness and limited movement in the lower back.
Rare polysegmental osteochondrosis is characterized by the occurrence of only those symptoms in which the spine is affected. Shooting pains, reduced range of motion, soreness in the limbs, muscle spasms - all these signs are common to different parts of the spine.
Pain is in most cases caused by sharp excessive loads on the spine, for example by lifting weights or staying in an uncomfortable position for a long time. Sometimes even coughing and sneezing can increase the pain.
If the diagnosis was confirmed, how to live on
Today, spinal osteochondrosis, although a common diagnosis, is not fatal. Most importantly, the cause that led to the development of the disease is eliminated and productive treatment is started in a timely manner. Great emphasis is also placed on preventive measures taken to prevent recurrence of the disease.
To defeat osteochondrosis, it is necessary to prescribe complex therapy, which includes:
- the use of drugs;
- spinal traction;
- massage;
- Exercise therapy;
- Physiotherapy;
- acupuncture;
- manual therapy;
- surgery (if indicated).
Each patient should be assigned an individual course of treatment, depending on the form and degree of spinal lesion. To begin with, doctors must stop the process of destruction of intervertebral discs caused by tissue inflammation.
Then a method is chosen to restore and strengthen the muscles of the back, which should support the spine in the required position. Such a complex treatment allows you to achieve a highly effective result without the use of surgery.
Recommendations for disease prevention
Preventive measures should always come first to maintain the health of the body. Since osteochondrosis mainly occurs due to increased pressure on the intervertebral discs, it is necessary to prevent the development of such a condition.
First of all, it is recommended to avoid overloading the spine caused by a sedentary lifestyle, sudden jumps and lifting of weights on outstretched arms. It is very important to preserve the natural physiological curves of the spine, which are formed from infancy.
Maintaining posture is a common and necessary life principle for any person, regardless of age and gender.
Everyday sports are excellent for strengthening the muscle corset because osteochondrosis rarely affects hardened and physically developed people. All exercises should be performed to the best of their ability and serve to support the spine.