Osteochondrosis is a systemic disease

Degenerative spinal dystrophy disease, or more simply, osteochondrosis, not only affects more and more adult populations on the planet, but also becomes younger. Today, more than 80% of the working-age population on the planet suffers from spinal pain periodically.

Osteochondrosis-A spinal disease that causes degenerative dystrophic damage to the intervertebral discs and underlying bone tissue, accompanied by thickening of the vertebral process and loss of elasticity along the spinal ligaments. This can lead to aging, dehydration and loss of stability of cartilage tissue.

Osteochondrosis is not only a manifestation of spinal pain or impaired sensitivity of the limbs, it is also a systemic disease. Many studies have proved that osteochondrosis has a direct impact on almost all internal organs. For example, cervical spine disease can affect the function of vision, hearing, mental and mental activity organs. In the chest area, they disrupt the work of the cardiovascular system and gastrointestinal tract. Lumbar degenerative dystrophy can cause organ problems in the small pelvis, including the genitourinary area and lower extremities. For example, in the same lower extremity, it is accompanied by various pains, muscle cramps, "peristalsis", numbness of the extremities, and subsequent atrophy. Therefore, the early detection and qualified treatment of this pathology is very important. Many people facing the diagnosis of intervertebral hernia for the first time are faced with the choice of treatment. The proposal for surgical treatment left many people in a state of shock, forcing them to seek alternative treatments. Some immediately turned to traditional healers and bone fixers, some took various medications, and some did nothing, insisting that the disease should be treated when it is very worrying. In this regard, neurosurgeons have a winged expression-"Walking with a hernia is like walking with a grenade. No one knows when it will explode! " Unfortunately, surgical treatment, whether it is neurosurgery orOrthopedics is not a panacea. In many patients, even after surgery, spinal pain persists, is associated with the development of scar adhesions, and recurrences (new deterioration of the disease ("regression") after significant recovery)-repeated hernias often occur.

With osteochondrosis, the intervertebral disc is most commonly affected. These unique cartilage washers not only connect our 33 vertebrae to the spine. Its good working condition, mobility, elasticity, elasticity, and ability to bear load directly depend on the state of the intervertebral disc. They are used as elastic shock absorbers to cushion the load.

Osteochondrosis has been manifested in the first few decades of life. According to observations, boys are more common than girls.

If the prevention and treatment of osteochondrosis is not done well, the disease will develop and gradually affect the entire spine, eventually leading to herniated discs, nerve endings and part of the spinal cord being compressed. In severe cases, the consequences of osteochondrosis can only be eliminated through surgical intervention with a longer recovery and rehabilitation period.

Types of osteochondrosis

According to the part of the spine affected by the disease, the following types of osteochondrosis can be distinguished:

• Cervical osteochondrosisOr cervical osteochondrosis.
• Thoracic osteochondrosisOr thoracic osteochondrosis.
• Lumbar osteochondrosisOr lumbosacral osteochondrosis.
• Common osteochondrosis,This is when the disease spreads to two or three parts of the spine at the same time.
• The first:The main symptom of osteochondrosis at this stage is instability, which is the initial disorder of the intervertebral disc. Feeling uncomfortable and uncomfortable.
• second:The main symptom of the second stage of osteochondrosis is a herniated disc. The destruction of the annulus fibrosus begins, and the gap between the vertebrae decreases, which may cause the nerve endings of the pain syndrome to be squeezed.
• third:At this stage of osteochondrosis, the destruction of the ring will occur with the appearance of an intervertebral hernia. The third stage is characterized by obvious deformity of the spine.
• fourth:The last and most serious stage of osteochondrosis. Moving becomes difficult. Any exercise can cause severe pain. Periodically, the condition will improve and the pain will subside, but this clearly indicates the formation of bone growth. They connect to the vertebrae, limit mobility and cause disability.

The four stages of osteochondrosis development

Characteristic symptoms of osteochondrosis

Patients with osteochondrosis complain of back pain, often accompanied by numbness and soreness in the limbs. Without adequate treatment, weight loss and limb atrophy will occur. The main symptoms are:

• Persistent painful back pain, numbness and pain in the extremities;
• Pain worsens during sudden exercise, physical exertion, weight lifting, coughing and sneezing;
• Reduced range of motion, muscle cramps;
• Cervical osteochondrosis: arm pain, shoulder pain, headache; possible development of the so-called vertebral artery syndrome, including the following complaints: head noise, dizziness, flashing "flies", colored spots in front of the eyes, and burning throbbing headache. Vertebral artery syndrome may be caused by bone growth, intervertebral disc herniation, spasticity caused by direct stimulation of the sympathetic nerve plexus caused by intervertebral joint arthropathy, as well as the reflex response caused by any receptor that stimulates the spine. The presence of vertebral artery syndrome can aggravate the course of coronary artery or myocardial pathology (if present);
• Thoracic osteochondrosis: pain in the chest (such as "piles" in the chest), heart and other visceral areas;
• Accompanied by lumbosacral osteochondrosis: back pain, radiation to the sacrum, lower limbs, and sometimes to the pelvic organs;
• Nerve root injury (intervertebral disc herniation, bone growth, spondylolisthesis, spondyloarthropathy): injection pain and impaired sensitivity, atrophy, hypotension, weakness of innervated muscles, weakened reflexes.

Diagnosis of osteochondrosis

The initial diagnosis is established during the initial examination of the patient. The examination is usually performed by a neurologist based on the patient’s complaints of local changes, which can manifest as pain, deformity, or restricted mobility. Examine the spine while the patient is standing, sitting and lying down, stationary, and moving. The level of spinal lesions is determined by counting the number of vertebrae in certain anatomical landmarks or according to a special plan.

When examining the back, pay attention to the posture and structural characteristics of the trunk, mark the spinous process line (the median groove of the back), the lower corner of the scapula, the contours of the iliac crest, the lateral waist and the neck, the position of the shoulder straps, and the deviation of the gluteal groove from the vertical line. Expose the protrusion, the protrusion of the spinous process. Pay attention to the relaxation of the muscles next to the spine.

The sensation of the spine allows you to supplement the examination data (with or without deformity) to determine the location, degree and nature of the pain. When palpating, you will also notice the tension of the muscles next to the spine. Most spinal injuries and diseases are accompanied by increased muscle tone.

Spinal flexion is used to determine the range of motion in different parts of the spine.

The main role of spine research is radiography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, with the help of them to determine the level of the disease, clarify and specify the diagnosis, and reveal the hidden pathology. The diagnostic data enables the attending physician to determine the treatment strategy and choose the most effective treatment method.

Spinal osteochondrosis, exercise therapy

Complex conservative treatments include physical therapy exercises, physical therapy, massage, manual therapy, spinal traction (traction), reflexology, and medication.

Physiotherapy exercises (exercise therapy)-The main method of conservative treatment of musculoskeletal diseases is to create a dose load aimed at decompressing nerve roots, correcting and strengthening muscle corsets, increasing the volume of a certain stereotype and developing exercise and correct posture, Give the necessary flexibility to the ligament muscle device and prevent complications. This is achieved through regular exercises using rehabilitation equipment and joint gymnastics. As a result of exercise, blood circulation is improved, the metabolism and nutrition of the intervertebral disc are normalized, the intervertebral space is enlarged, the muscle waist is formed, and the load on the spine is reduced.

Physiotherapy is a treatment method that uses physical factors: low-frequency current, magnetic field, ultrasound, laser, etc. , to relieve pain, inflammation, injury, and rehabilitation after surgery. The use of physical therapy methods shortens the treatment time of many diseases, increases the effect of the use of drugs, reduces the dosage, and does not have the inherent side effects of drug treatment.

Massage is a set of mechanical measuring actions, in the form of friction, pressure, and vibration, directly on the surface of the human body by hand. Effectively relieve muscle tension and muscle pain, improve blood circulation, and have a nourishing effect.

Manipulative therapy is a personalized customized manipulation effect on the musculoskeletal system to relieve acute and chronic pain of the spine and joints, and increase the range of motion and correct posture. One of the directions of manipulation therapy is visceral manipulation therapy, which helps restore the normal activity of organs, improve blood supply, lymphatic circulation, normalize metabolism, restore immunity, and prevent the deterioration of chronic diseases.

Spinal traction (traction) is an effective way to treat spinal and joint pain syndromes using special equipment and individually selected loads. The surgery aims to increase the intervertebral space, relieve pain and restore the anatomically correct shape of the spine.

Reflexology-various treatment techniques and methods that affect the body's reflex areas and acupoints. Combining reflexology with other treatments can significantly increase its effectiveness. In most cases, reflexology is used to treat osteochondrosis associated with pain, neurological diseases, sleep disorders, mental imbalances, and overweight and smoking. By taking action in certain areas, you can harmonize your body and treat many diseases.

Drug therapy is suitable for the worsening period of the disease, and aims to relieve pain, alleviate inflammatory processes and enhance metabolic processes by taking or administering drugs through muscle or intravenous injection.

Although the above methods are very effective, only with exercise with rehabilitation equipment can the lasting therapeutic effect be obtained, that is, when creating a mature muscular corset.

Recommendations for the prevention and prevention of osteochondrosis

In order to prevent osteochondrosis or reduce pain, it is recommended that people with this disease stay in the position where the load on the intervertebral disc is the least for as long as possible, and at the same time need to stretch the back muscles to support the metabolic processes around the spine. The general advice boils down to following the rules of a healthy lifestyle. In addition, in each case, the attending doctor will determine the private advice.

For prevention, the following rules should be observed:

1. Do not overload the spine and do not create conditions that are conducive to the increase in pressure on the intervertebral disc:
   • Limit vertical load;
   • Don't make sudden movements, especially the turning of your body when you bend over;
   • Avoid falling and jumping from high places, and avoid spinal injuries and bruises;
   • Change your body posture more frequently;
   • Keep your back straight;
   • Try to maintain the natural physiological curve of the spine: in the supine position, the load on the spine is minimal, but the bed should be semi-rigid (preferably sleeping on a firm orthopedic mattress and orthopedic pillow); in the sitting position, keep the back due to musclesStraighten up or press it on the back of the chair or chair (the seat should be firm enough, the back should be bent at the waist), keep your head straight; when standing, change the leg you are resting on more frequently; get up orFrom the chair, as well as lying down and sitting down, should be done by hand, do not strain or bend the back;
   • Drink water before exercise and massage the back, which can clear the blood, accelerate the metabolism, and allow the intervertebral disc to absorb enough water;
   • Do not lift or hold heavy objects with outstretched arms, lift objects, squat down, and then stand up. The objects should be as close to the body as possible;
   • When carrying heavy objects, try to evenly distribute the load, that is, do not carry the object in front of you, please make it as close to your body as possible, and when passing it, do not extend your arms forward, and useFor carrying heavy objects, trolleys, bags or suitcases and backpacks with wheels;
   • When carrying out heavy work related to lifting, moving or carrying heavy objects, please use a wide waist belt or a special corset;
   • Do not lift a load exceeding 10 kg;
   • When doing any work, try to bend as little as possible, keep the bent state, and regularly unload the spine (hang on the pole, raise the arm and stretch, and lie down);
   • Wear comfortable shoes; women should restrict walking in high heels.
2. Exercise regularly to strengthen and maintain your corset. Swimming is very useful.
3. Take a contrast shower and exercise.
4. Don't get too cold.
5. Avoid scandals, stressful situations.
6. Eat well and drink well.
7. do not smoke.