To understand why your back hurts, you need to understand how our spine is built, how it works, what functions it performs and what factors can lead to injuries.
The human spine consists of 32-34 vertebrae (7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 sacral, 3-5 coccygeal), between which there is an intervertebral disc consisting of cartilage tissue.In the center of the intervertebral disc there is nucleus pulposus - a semi-fluid formation in the form of a "ball", which performs the function of shock absorption and is surrounded by dense cartilaginous tissue (fibrous ring).The spinal cord, which contains the spinal cord and the nerves that extend from it, runs through the entire spine.This entire structure is surrounded by muscles and ligaments.The main functions of the spine are musculoskeletal, shock absorbing and protective.
Imagine the Ostankino TV tower, which is held in a vertical position thanks to a whole system of cables stretched from the bottom to the top.Likewise, our spine is held in the desired position by a group of stabilizer muscles, which normally evenly distributes the load on the spine and joints.Unlike the Ostankino TV tower, our spine is more complex;it can bend in different directions and even twist, all this is possible due to the presence of an intervertebral disc, muscles and ligaments.
Every day, a person makes some monotonous, repetitive movements associated with work or leisure.If the same muscles work for a long time, they become overstrained and cramp, while other muscles at this time do not experience stress and atrophy at all.This leads to a change in the "geometry" of the body, the load on the intervertebral disc is redistributed, spasmodic muscles tighten the vertebrae, and nutrition deteriorates.During monotonous hard physical work, the same processes occur.In addition, the intervertebral disc does not have blood vessels, and its nutrition is provided by the surrounding muscles, and during movement in the intervertebral joint, nutritious synovial fluid enters it.
Cartilage tissue consists of 80-85% water, so the drinking regime is very important.During the day, a person should drink at least 2 liters of clean water.If not enough water enters the body, dehydration (drying out) of the intervertebral disc occurs, the cartilage cracks and collapses.
In my practice, I have long noticed that stress, anxiety and worries often contribute to the occurrence of back pain.Our body perceives any stressful situation as danger.At the same time, the sympathetic part of the nervous system is activated, the adrenal glands "inject" stress hormones into the blood, the blood pressure rises, the heartbeat becomes faster and the muscles tense.In nature, if an animal is afraid of something, it runs or defends itself, therefore stress hormones burn and muscles relax after work.Man is a social being, he began to worry more often and move less, so there is no relaxation.As a result, pain in the spine, headaches, motor tics and more occur.
In the literature you can find different formulations of osteochondrosis, but their essence is the same.Osteochondrosis is a "breakdown" of the motor segment, destruction, degeneration of cartilage tissue.The reason is an incorrect motor stereotype and, as a result, a malnutrition of the cartilage.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis
Manifestations of osteochondrosis will depend on the location and severity of the lesion in the spinal motion segment.In the initial phase, patients complain of dull, aching back pain, discomfort, slight limitation of movement in the spine, periodic numbness in arms or legs, headache and fatigue.By starting treatment and changing your lifestyle during this period, the result will not wait to come, and the recovery will come quickly.
Severe damage to the intervertebral disc causes severe pain, persistent numbness and/or weakness in the arm or leg (depending on the level of damage).These signs may indicate destruction of the intervertebral disc and the presence of a hernia, and it is necessary to immediately consult a doctor and begin treatment.
In the most severe cases, the pain syndrome can be extremely severe, possible dysfunction of the pelvic organs, severe weakness and numbness in the arm or leg.If these signs are present, urgent admission to a hospital is necessary to solve the problem with surgical treatment.
With cervical osteochondrosis, pain occurs in the neck, may radiate to the shoulder, arm or head, numbness or weakness in the arm, headache, dizziness.
With osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, pain occurs in the chest, radiates to the sternum or scapula, intensifies with breathing and movement, and sometimes there is a feeling of lack of air.Patients often confuse this condition with heart pain.
When the lumbosacral spine is affected, the pain is localized in the lower back, intensifies with movement, radiates to the leg or perineum, and numbness or weakness in the leg may occur.
It is necessary to remember that our body is a single whole, and the division of osteochondrosis into cervical, thoracic and lumbar is arbitrary.As a rule, the disease develops in the entire spine, but manifests itself in the part that experiences the greatest strain.
Who to contact, methods of examination of osteochondrosis
For pain in the spine, patients usually turn to a neurologist who, based on complaints and a neurological examination, can make a preliminary diagnosis, prescribe additional examination methods (X-ray of the spine, MRI, CT, general urinalysis, general blood test) and develop a treatment regimen.
Treatment
The treatment must be comprehensive, aimed at:
- elimination of pain syndrome;
- elimination of impaired function of the spinal roots;
- prevention of progression of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the structures of the spine.
During the acute period,in case of severe pain, drug treatment is prescribed: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, B vitamins, chondroprotectors or a blockade is performed.
Then the massage is connected,manual therapy, physiotherapy, acupuncture, spinal traction.
Therapeutic exerciseis the most important method for conservative treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system.Exercise therapy is aimed at forming, correcting and strengthening the muscular corset;increased range of motion in the spine and joints;development of a motor stereotype and correct posture;reduce the load on the spine.
With regular exercise therapy, joint exercises, yoga or swimming, blood supply and tissue nutrition are improved, metabolism is normalized and the intervertebral space is increased, leading to recovery.
Listen to your body, if you find symptoms of osteochondrosis or your lifestyle involves prolonged sitting at the computer, driving a car or insufficient physical activity, seek help from a specialist without waiting for exacerbations.