Up to 76% of people per year experience back pain. These statistics affect people of all ages and professions. The causes of pain can be different, one of them is the osteochondrosis of the spine. Due to the sedentary lifestyle, the osteochondrosis of the column is increasingly found, and it is not always possible to defeat it on its own. Let's talk about why it arises and how to deal with that.
What is the osteochondrosis of the column?
There are several different views about the definition. Some experts believe it is more correct to use the general name: dorsalgia or non -specific back pain. The difficulties in the definition are also associated with the fact that a variety of specialists work with this disease: neurologists, orthopedists, neurosurgeons and general professionals. Sometimes, a person with a "osteochondrosis of the spine" osteochondrosis "becomes a cardiologist, since the manifestations of the disease are very similar to the pain in the heart.
Hildondt proposed the term "column osteochondrosis" as a multifactorial degenerative disease of the spinal motor segment. What is a spinal motor segment? These are two vertebrae located with each other, and among them, an intervertebral disc. Thanks to such an articulation, a person's backbone can be fold and bend, inclination and twist. But as a result of different reasons, intervertebral discs lose their properties, suffer degeneration and then the changes affect the vertebrae themselves. That is, the essence of the spine osteochondrosis is in the gradual destruction of the intervertebral discs.
Osteochondrosis can develop in any spine.
Due to the large load, osteochondrosis is most frequentlylumbar column. The symptoms are:
- Lumbar pain, which can be acute or stupid, constant, can intensify when moving;
- Pain can be given to the feet, pelvic organs, the sacrum;
- In severe cases, a violation of sensitivity or mobility, atrophy of the lower extremities muscles can occur.
The second in occurrence is the osteochondrosis of the cervical region, which is often associated with a long and uncomfortable position of the head, for example, when working on a computer or with documents. OsteochondrosisThe cervical columnIt is manifested by the following symptoms:
- Headaches and dizziness, migraines;
- Vision or hearing disorders, "flies" to the eyes;
- The pain can give the back of the head, shoulders, clavicles;
- Perhaps the deteriorated sensitivity in the hands.
Osteochondrosis is less likely to surprisethoracic column, since the vertebrae are inactive with each other. The defeat in this area can disguise itself from the heart or lungs. Symptoms of the thoracic osteochondrosis of the spine:
- Back pain at the level of the shoulder blades, in the chest, which can be intensified with trends, turns, during inspiration or exhalation;
- Skin sensitivity disorders.
Regardless of the level of damage, the pain in the osteochondrosis of the column can be intensified when pressed in those vertebrae that participate in the process.
With the damage to several departments, we can immediately talk about the common osteochondrosis of the spine.
Risk factors and disease causes
The column has high resistance and the effect of several provocative factors is necessary for the development of the disease. It is important to understand that the majority, if not all factors, can affect and thus reduce the probability of developing the disease.
- Lack of movement: at the same time, the blood supply worsens and, therefore, the nutrition of all the elements of the spine;
- Excessive physical activity is also harmful and can cause damage to intervertebral discs;
- Long -term stay in an incorrect and non -physiological situation: the inappropriate height of the desk or the chair leads to the fact that a person is forced to constantly incline the head, the cradle;
- Stress: excessive voltage in the muscles can lead to the compression of the vessels that feed the column;
- overweight;
- Smoking worsens microcirculation in all body tissues;
- The insufficient use of water and protein is also affected by the state of intervertebral discs.
The direct causes of the spine osteochondrosis are not always obvious, but the following options can be distinguished:
- Hereditary predisposition: genetically programmed characteristics of cartilage and bone tissue, in which the wear process is faster;
- Column injuries: several complications can be developed in the place of damage, including osteochondrosis;
- Professional repeal, such as vibration;
- exposure to infections or chemicals;
- Natural aging of the body.
In the risk zone in the development of the spine osteochondrosis there are people from several professions. These are builders and athletes, surgeons and office workers.
Stages of osteochondrosis and possible complications
The description of the four stages of the spine osteochondrosis was proposed in 1971. They are not used to formulate a diagnosis, but allow it to understand how the disease proceeds.
- Intervertebral discs become less elastic. The disc can deform slightly, a change of internal octopus core inside the disc. This stage is not shown in any way, or that minor pains arise.
- In the second stage, cracks may appear on the disc, the weakening of the surrounding ligaments occurs. The connection 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 octopoe nucleus goes out of the disc, there is a hernia of the intervertebral disc. The deformation of the column or the infraction of the nerve roots can occur.
- In the fourth stage, surrounding fabrics are affected: vertebrae, ligaments, spinal shells. As a result, the spinal segment can completely lose mobility.
As a result of the spine osteochondrosis in some cases, several complications occur. The problems of intervertebral discs, hernias and bumps can lead to the narrowing of the spinal channel, the compression of the spinal cord and disability.
Depending on the level of damage, several problems are possible with the participation of nerve roots. This is the intercostal neuralgia, the altered sensitivity and the 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 cause disease of pelvic organs and infertility.
In addition to nerve roots with osteochondrosis, vertebral vessels can be squeezed. In case of violation of the blood flow in the vertebral arteries that pass in the cervical region and nourish the brain, brain disorders, vision or audition problems, breathing or heart activity can be developed.
Approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of osteochondrosis: generally accepted and alternative methods
Within the framework of official medicineOsteochondrosis diagnosisIt includes an inspection of a neurologist to determine the degree of damage to nerve roots, the test reflexes and sensitivity.
Of the instrumental methods, the following can be used:
- The ultrasound of the vessels allows you to identify the degree of circulatory disorders, for example, in the vertebral arteries;
- column x -ray;
- CT also uses X -Ray methods, but allows you to build a three -dimensional image of the area studied, identify even small vertebral displacements;
- The magnetic resonance specializes in the study of soft tissues, allows it to evaluate the condition of the spinal cord, visualize the internal structure of the intervertebral disc.
For differential diagnoses, laboratory tests, a general blood and urine test, and calcium metabolism indicators.
Osteochondrosis therapyIt is integral.
- The first and very important means in the treatment of osteochondrosis is a way of life. The normalization of working conditions, moderate and regular physical exercises, as well as healthy dream, significantly improve the condition of patients.
- For the pharmacological treatment of the Osteochondrosis of the spine, a neurologist or a general professional can prescribe medications. Most of the time, non -steroidal anti -inflammatory medications are prescribed; This is the standard for the treatment of the spine osteochondrosis. They reduce pain and reduce inflammation. Musodeloxants contribute to a decrease in muscle spasm. Vitamins and antioxidants are prescribed to protect the nerve tissue from the damage. However, any drug has side effects, for example, NSAs can negatively affect the stomach.
- In addition to drugs, physiotherapy products are used, such as massage for the spine osteochondrosis, as well as manual therapy. In serious complications of osteochondrosis, surgical surgery may be required, but is prescribed only in the absence of the effect of prolonged conservative treatment.
The treatment of osteochondrosis in classical medicine in most cases is a long process and can have negative effects on human health. Therefore, a series of medications, in particular analgesics and muscle relaxants (especially with a sedative effect), can cause addiction, and some means negatively affect the work of the gastrointestinal tract. As an alternative, it can consider methods that are used, for example, in traditional Chinese medicine.
Traditional Medicine of China is very popular worldwide, in many countries there are special centers and training courses. The approaches and methods of therapy in the Middle Kingdom differ from the family and European vision of diagnosis and the 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, mineral components, as well as several external influences methods, such as acupuncture and compression. These methods have a wide range of indications and the minimum number of side effects.
Acupuncture
The synonyms of this method are acupuncture, reflexology. The principle of treatment through acupuncture is to establish needles in bioactive points. Each point is associated with the organ in which the impact is carried out. Reflexotherapy allows relief and muscle cramps, has an anesthetic effect and helps reduce pain syndrome. The method is safe, since most doctors use sterile disposable needles. And in the case of using needles with a layer of gold or silver, they are mandatory. The sensations during the procedure depend on individual susceptibility, the patient may experience tingling or numbness. It is important that the procedure is carried out by a highly qualified specialist with extensive experience. The incorrect needle installation will be useless or even harmful. In some cases, acupuncture is combined with the influence of weak doses of electric current.
Moksotherapy
This is a specific way to influence active points using special Wormwood cigarettes. The principle of action is similar to acupuncture and is often used in combination. The burning cigar is installed in the body in a special wooden house, while the active points are heated. Wormwood has a disinfectant, relaxing and relaxing effect.
This method is safe, since the burning area of cigarettes does not come into contact with the skin, although in some areas of China, direct methods that act on the skin are also used.
Massage
Massage in China practices several different schools in China. They use rotation techniques, pressing with one finger, manual therapy methods. Traditional massage techniques allow you to solve muscles and joints, as well as act indirectly on other organs and tissues, contribute to an increase in body protective forces.
Surgical
Traditional Chinese gymnastics, such as massage, has several schools. Qigong, soft, stretching and twist movements are perfect as exercises for the spine for osteochondrosis. Qigong techniques do not require special equipment and can be done at home. However, before that, it is better to choose the right exercises with the doctor, as well as resolve the correct execution technique under the guidance of a qualified specialist.
The level of science and medicine in China is very high, a combination of traditions and innovations offers surprising results. An example of the achievement of Chinese science are the methods of DNA therapy and DNA vaccines, it is these methods that are currently used to develop cancer treatment and the fight against HIV.
Prevention
Regardless of the treatment methods chosen, the prevention of osteochondrosis plays no less paper. What can be done for the health of the column?
- use a sufficient amount of water;
- Control the weight, not eating in excess;
- Choose the right shoes, if necessary, orthopedic templates;
- Choose a good sleeping mattress, not very soft and providing enough support to the spine;
- consume foods rich in collagen (fish, turkey, gelatin, several jellies);
- perform regular physical exercises;
- Adjust the height of the desktop and feces, taking into account growth.
As for alternative prevention methods, massage, qigong and acupuncture have been established well, for quite understandable reasons and described above.
It is important to remember that with pain on the back can and should be fought. 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 the neck, include walks or massages in your issuance list. And if the osteochondrosis of the column has become a problem that interferes with life calmly, then the joint efforts of science and traditional medicine will help return the health and joy of movement.