Up to 76% of people per year have back pain. These statistics affect people of all ages. The causes of pain can be different, one of them is osteochondrosis of the spine. Due to the sitting lifestyle, osteochondrosis of the spine is increasingly found, and it is not always possible to defeat it yourself. Let us talk about why it is created and how to deal with it.
What is osteochondrosis of the spine
There are different views of the definition. Some experts believe that it is more correct to use the general names - dorsalgy or non -specific back pain. Difficulties in the definition are also associated with the fact that a large number of specialists work together with this disease - neurologists, orthopedists, neurosurgeons and general practitioners. Sometimes a person with the diagnosis of an "osteochondrosis of the spine" turns to a cardiologist because the manifestations of the disease are very similar to the heart.
The term "osteochondrosis of the spine" was proposed in 1933 by Hilderandt as a multifactorial degenerative disease of the segment with a spinal engine. What is a spinal engine segment? These are two vertebrae that are mutually and between them - a intervertebral disc. Thanks to such a joint, a person's spine can bend and bend, tend and twist. However, as a result of various reasons, the intervertebral discs lose their properties, degenerate and then gradually affect the vertebrae. This means that the essence of osteochondrosis of the spine is the gradual destruction of the intervertebral discs.
Osteochondrosis can develop on any spine.
Due to the large load, osteochondrosis is found most frequentlyLumbar spine. Symptoms are:
- Pain in the lower back, which can be sharp or stupid and constant, can intensify when moving;
- The feet, pelvic organs, pain can be granted to the sacrum;
- In severe cases, violation of sensitivity or mobility, atrophy of the muscles of the lower extremities can occur.
The second appearance is osteochondrosis of the cervix region, which is more often connected to a long unpleasant position of the head, for example when working on a computer or with documents. OsteochondrosisThe cervical spineIt manifests itself through the following symptoms:
- Headache and dizziness, migraines;
- Visual disturbances or hearing, flickering of "flying" in front of the eyes;
- Pain can give the back of the head, shoulders, clavicles on the back of the head;
- Perhaps sensitivity in the hands affect.
Osteochondrosis is the least surprisedThoracic spineBecause the vertebrae are inactive. The defeat in this zone can be camouflaged as a heart or lung. Symptoms of chest osteochondrosis of the spine:
- Back pain at the level of the shoulder blades, in the chest, which can intensify during inspiration or exhale with uses, twists and twists;
- Disorders of skin sensitivity.
Regardless of the degree of damage, the pain in the osteochondrosis of the spine can tighten if you are pressed on the vertebrae involved in the process.
With the damage to several departments, we can immediately talk about the common osteochondrosis of the spine.
Risk factors and causes of the disease
The spine has a high strength and the effect of several provocative factors is required to develop the disease. It is important to understand that the majority, if not all of these factors, can influence and thus reduce the probability of a disease.
- Lack of movement - at the same time the blood supply and therefore the diet of all elements of the spine worsen;
- Excessive physical activity is also harmful and can cause damage to the intervertebral discs.
- Long -term stay in a false, non -physiological situation -the inappropriate amount of the desktop or chair means that a person is forced to constantly tilt his head;
- Tension - excessive tension in the muscles can lead to the compression of the vessels that feed the spine.
- Obesity;
- Smoking worsens the microcirculation in all tissues of the body;
- The insufficient use of water and protein is also influenced by the condition of the intervertebral discs.
The direct causes of osteochondrosis of the spine are not always obvious, but the following options can be distinguished:
- Inheritance tension - genetically programmed features of cartilage and bone tissue, in which the wear process is faster;
- Spine injuries - various complications can develop in the place of the damage, including osteochondrosis;
- Professional harmfulness such as vibration;
- Exposure to infections or chemicals;
- Natural aging of the body.
The risk zone for the development of osteochondrosis of the spine are people of different professions. These are builders and athletes, surgeons and office workers.
Stages of osteochondrosis and possible complications
The description of the four stages of osteochondrosis of the spine was proposed in 1971. They are not used to formulate a diagnosis, but to understand how the disease takes place.
- Intervertebral discs become less elastic. The hard drive can be easily deformed, an internal pulpoose shift in the disk. This phase is either in no way or small pain arises.
- In the second stage, cracks can occur in the pane, making the surrounding ribbons weaker. The combination of the vertebrae becomes unstable. There are attacks of acute pain with disabilities.
- The third stage is characterized by complete damage to the intervertebral disc. When the pulpoose core runs out outside the pane, a hernia of the intervertebral disc occurs. A deformation of the spine or the violation of nerve roots can occur.
- In the fourth stage, the surrounding substances are affected - vertebrae, ligaments, spine. As a result, the spine segment can completely lose mobility.
As a result of osteochondrosis of the spine, various complications occur in some cases. Problems from the intervertebral discs, hernia and protrusions can lead to a narrowing of the vertebral canal, the compression of the spinal cord and the disability.
Depending on the degree of damage, various problems with the participation of nerve roots are possible. This is intercostal neuralgia, impaired sensitivity and motor function of the upper and lower extremities, violations in the work of the internal organs. The inflammation of the sciatic nerve or Ishias not only causes severe pain, but can also lead to diseases of the pelvic organs and infertility.
In addition to nerve roots with osteochondrosis, vertebral vessels can be pressed. In the event of a violation of the blood flow in the vertebrae arteries, which pass in the cervix region and nourish the brain, brain disorders, visual problems or hearing, breathing or cardiac activity can develop.
Approaches to diagnose and treat osteochondrosis: generally recognized and alternative methods
As part of official medicineDiagnosis of osteochondrosisIt includes an inspection of a neurologist to determine the degree of damage to the nerve roots, the test reflexes and the sensitivity.
The following can be used by the instrumental methods:
- With the ultrasound of the vessels, you can identify the degree of circulatory diseases, for example, in the vertebral arteries.
- Spinal radiography;
- CT also uses X -Ray methods, however, enables you to create a three -dimensional image of the examined area, even to identify small vertebral descriptions.
- MRI specializes in the examination of soft tissues and enables you to evaluate the condition of the spinal cord and visualize the internal structure of the intervertebral disc.
Labort tests, a general blood and urine test and calcium metabolic indicators are used for differential diagnostics.
Osteochondrosis therapyIt is comprehensive.
- The first and very important means in the treatment of osteochondrosis is a way of life. Normalization of working conditions, moderate and regular physical exercises and healthy sleep significantly improve the condition of the patient.
- A neurologist or general practitioner can prescribe medication for drug treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine. In most cases, non -steroid antoiding drugs are prescribed -this is the standard for the treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine. They reduce pain and reduce inflammation. Musodeloxants contribute to a decrease in the muscle cramp. Vitamins and antioxidants are prescribed to protect the nerve tissue from damage. However, all medications have side effects, for example, NSAIDs can negatively influence the stomach.
- In addition to medication, physiotherapy products are used, such asB. massage for osteochondrosis of the spine and manual therapy. In the case of serious complications of osteochondrosis, surgical surgery may be required, but is only prescribed in the absence of the effect of an extended conservative treatment.
Treatment of osteochondrosis in classical medicine in most cases is a long process and can have a negative impact on human health. Thus, a number of drugs, in particular analgesics and muscle relaxants (especially with a calming effect), can cause addiction, and some funds have a negative impact on the work of the stomach tract. Alternative you can take into account methods used in traditional Chinese medicine, for example.
Traditional China medicine is very popular worldwide. There are special centers and training courses in many countries. The approaches and methods of therapy in the middle kingdom differ from the familiar European perspective of diagnosis and treatment of diseases. All diseases are considered a violation of the balance and the movement of Qi energy in the body, and therapeutic measures aim to restore this balance. China uses various therapeutic herbs, animal components, minerals and various methods of external influences such as acupuncture and acupressure. These methods have a variety of indications and the minimal number of side effects.
acupuncture
The synonymous names of this method are acupuncture, reflex zone massage. The principle of treatment by acupuncture is to put the needles on bioactive points. Each point is connected to the organ on which the impact is carried out. Reflexotherapy enables relief and muscle cramps, has an anesthetic effect and helps reduce pain syndrome. The method is certain because most doctors use disposable sterilades. And when using needles with gold or silver coating, they are mandatory. The sensations during the procedure depend on the individual susceptibility. The patient can experience tingling or deafness. It is important that the process is carried out by a highly qualified specialist with extensive experience. A wrong needle installation is useless or even harmful. In some cases, acupuncture is combined with the influence of weak electrical current.
Moksotherapy
This is a specific way to influence the active points with special Werwald cigars. The principle of action is similar to acupuncture and is often used in combination. The smoldering cigar is installed in a special wooden house on the body, while the active points are heated. Wormwood has a disinfectant, a calming and relaxing effect.
This method is certain because the smoldering area of cigars does not come into contact with the skin, although in some areas of China, direct methods that react to the skin are applied.
massage
Massage in China practices several different schools in China. You use rotation techniques that press with a finger and manual therapy method. With the techniques of traditional massage, you can work out muscles and joints and have an indirect effect on other organs and tissues, and contribute to an increase in the body's protective forces.
Qigun
Traditional Chinese gymnastics, like massage, has several schools. The movements of Qigong, smooth, stretchy and twisting are perfect as exercises for the spine for osteochondrosis. Qigong techniques do not require special equipment and can be carried out at home. Before that, however, it is best to choose the right exercises with the doctor and work out the correct execution technology under the guidance of a qualified specialist.
The level of science and medicine in China is very high, a combination of traditions and innovations provides amazing results. An example of the achievement of Chinese science is the methods of DNA therapy and DNA vaccines. These are these methods that are currently being used to develop the treatment of cancer and the fight against HIV.
prevention
Regardless of the chosen treatment methods, the prevention of osteochondrosis does not play a lesser role. What can be done for the health of the spine:
- Use a sufficient amount of water;
- Control weight, not to be overeated;
- If necessary, choose the right shoes - orthopedic insoles;
- Choose a good mattress for sleeping, not very soft and give the spine sufficient.
- Consume foods that are rich in collagen (fish, turkey, jelly, various jellies);
- carry out regular physical exercises;
- Adjust the height of the desktop and the chair taking into account the growth.
With regard to alternative prevention methods, massage, Qigong and acupuncture have established themselves well - for a completely understandable and described reasons.
It is important to remember that they can and should be fought with pain in the back. In order to change the lifestyle, it is not necessary to wait for the first signs of the disease. You can already get up from the computer, knead your neck, walks or massages in your list of affairs. And if osteochondrosis of the spine has become a problem that is quietly affecting life, the joint efforts of science and traditional medicine will help to bring back the health and joy of the movement.