A therapist with 50 years of experience once remarked: "When I started working, there was not a single young osteochondrosis patient on the scene. Today, almost every second 30-year-old has this problem."
A sedentary lifestyle, metabolic disorders, spinal injuries, excess weight, unbalanced nutrition, prolonged uncomfortable posture, stress, hypothermia, and smoking are the modern ways of chronic degenerative processes of the discs and then the vertebrae.This is osteochondrosis (from the ancient Greek words osteon - bone, chondros - cartilage).
Osteochondrosis is a disease caused by salt deposits in the spine
Poorly.The intervertebral disc consists of a nucleus pulposus, a fibrous annulus, and hyaline cartilage covering it below and above.When these elements are destroyed, the balance between the load on the spine and its tolerance is disrupted.As a result, the vertebrae begin to compress the adjacent nerve and muscle tissues and grow along the edges, forming the so-calledosteophytes, which make a characteristic squeaking sound when moving (patients mistakenly explain it as "salt deposits").
If your back and neck hurt, then this is exclusively osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis is not the only cause of back pain.Patients often make this diagnosis themselves.Apart from the pathology belonging to the group of degenerative-dystrophic changes of the spine, however, there is also osteoarthritis and osteoporosis, differentiation is only possible after a comprehensive examination.
Degenerative-dystrophic changes occur in 30-50% of cases in 30-40-year-olds, and in 75-100% in those over 40.
These pathological processes account for 20.4% of the total structure of disability resulting from diseases of the osteoarticular system.
Long walks are harmful to the spine
On the contrary.Physical activity has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the spine: it maintains muscle tone, preserves the mobility between the vertebrae, and stimulates blood circulation and metabolism.Physical inactivity and staying in a particularly uncomfortable position for a long time are "to blame" for the progression of the disease.
Another issue is that if an overweight person walks a lot and carries heavy things, the spine experiences increased stress.
Flat feet contribute to the development of osteochondrosis
it is so.The arches of the foot, like the physiological arches of the spine, are designed to absorb the shock loads that occur during walking, running and jumping.If the foot does not provide adequate protection during interaction with the support, then the spinal column receives an additional load, which significantly impairs nutrition and the functioning of its structures, as well as accelerates the development of the disease.
Back pain is the only symptom of the disease
Not really.Usually, patients complain of constant aching back pain, often accompanied by numbness and painful sensations in the extremities.Over time, if it is not treated, the muscles of the limbs atrophy, the joints of the spine become less mobile, and muscle spasms occur.
With osteochondrosis of the cervical spine (see figure), the arms and head may ache.The so-called vertebral artery syndrome (noise in the head, dizziness, flashing "spots" and colored spots in front of the eyes, burning, throbbing headache).This acute condition develops as a result of arterial spasm as a result of bone growth, disc herniation, arthrosis of the intervertebral joint, and a reflex reaction to spinal receptor irritation.
If a person suffers from coronary artery or cardiovascular pathology, then the vertebral artery syndrome aggravates the course.
In case of osteochondrosis of the chest region, pain appears in the chest (it feels like a stake is stuck there) - in the area of the heart and other internal organs;with lumbosacral lesions - in the lower back (irradiation to the sacrum, lower limbs, sometimes to the pelvic organs).
If complications of osteochondrosis develop (intervertebral disc herniation, bone growth, spondylolisthesis, spondyloarthrosis), damage to the nerve roots is observed - the pain becomes shooting, the sensitivity worsens, weakness appears in the innervated muscles, and the severity of reflexes decreases.
Osteochondrosis can cause dysfunction of many organs and tissues
it is so.Hippocrates also taught that all human diseases are related to the spine, because it is a kind of foundation of the body.
In the case of osteochondrosis, there is an increased risk of circulatory disorders in the cerebellar, pedicle and occipital regions of the brain.A constant headache appears - first in the back of the head, then spreads to the area of the crown and temples, intensifies with movement of the neck (more often in the morning).Elderly people may lose consciousness if they turn their head suddenly.This is preceded by dizziness, tinnitus, blurred vision and hearing, nausea and vomiting.
Sometimes there is pain in the area of the heart - prolonged, oppressive, dull.With osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, especially in old age, soft tissues often change - they become denser.
Degenerative processes of the spinal column can cause congestion in the gastrointestinal tract, disturb the bronchopulmonary system, which is full of inflammatory and other diseases.
Vegetative-vascular dystonia, intercostal neuralgia - consequences of osteochondrosis
Not really.Osteochondrosis can be one (by no means the only) cause of the development of these diseases.With the wear and tear of the intervertebral discs and the growth of osteophytes, the intervertebral openings and the vertebral artery canal narrow and deform, which leads to damage to various structures.In particular, when the nerve roots are compressed, the signs of intercostal neuralgia appear, and when the vertebral artery is compressed, the same symptoms as in vegetative-vascular dystonia appear.
It is impossible to cure osteochondrosis
In fact, the structures of the spinal column that have undergone degenerative changes cannot be completely restored.Nevertheless, proper comprehensive treatment can eliminate the symptoms of the disease, stop the development of pathology and avoid complications.
In case of intervertebral disc problems, it is useful to heat the painful spots
Poorly.Changes in temperature, especially extreme ones (such as an initial trip to the bath), can cause severe exacerbations.In the complex treatment, moderate thermal procedures are used, but these must be prescribed by a doctor.
If you make circular movements with your head during osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, your health will deteriorate
it is so.These exercises are best done as a preventative measure - they help maintain range of motion in the intervertebral joints.In severe osteochondrosis, careless circular movements can aggravate vertebral artery syndrome, radiculopathy, etc.
The treatment cannot be done without non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Not really.During the period of remission or when the pain is not strong, conservative therapy (physio-, reflexology and manual) is performed;physical therapy and traction techniques are used.Drug treatment is recommended during exacerbations and aims to relieve pain, relieve the inflammatory process and accelerate metabolic processes (intramuscular or intravenous injections).
The most effective drugs include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are prescribed to relieve inflammation and pain (meloxicam, diclofenac, ibuprofen);in case of severe pain, novocaine blockades are used;steroid drugs (epidural, intramuscular injections);NSAIDs in the form of ointments, gels and creams with analgesic and irritant effects (diclofenac, fastum gel, nise, capsicam, finalgon);muscle relaxants - to relieve muscle spasms (mydocalm, sirdalud);B vitamins - to improve the metabolic processes of the spine (B1, B6, B12).
Osteochondrosis can have serious consequences
Yes.Due to the compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots, osteochondrosis can cause paralysis, and pinching of the vertebra of the artery can cause loss of consciousness.
Exercises aimed at "stretching" the spine will improve its condition
Lengthening or traction makes it possible to increase the intervertebral space, relieve pain and restore the anatomically correct shape of the spine.However, the individual load must be calculated correctly."Too much" can lead to reflex contraction of the paravertebral muscles and worsen the condition.
Only an orthopedic traumatologist has the right to treat osteochondrosis.
Bad.Most patients are monitored by a neurologist, and in the case of significant pathology, a neurosurgeon or orthopedic vertebrologist.
The local doctor may also prescribe drug therapy to alleviate the exacerbation.