Low back pain – causes, symptoms and methods of treatment of the disease

21 April 2020

The disease low back pain – what it is, causes, stages, and methods of treatment, consider more in this article.

The disease low back pain – description and mode of treatment

According to modern medical statistics, currently osteochondrosis are affected in almost 90% of the population of the planet.

In this number are included, and the people with mild manifestations of the symptoms of degenerative disc disease, and those with the disease has moved well beyond, and causes already dying of suffering and pain.

The physicians of all countries sounded the alarm: in recent years, this disease is considerably "young", and now the average age of onset of degenerative disc disease is 30 years old!!!

But the most worrying thing, according to the doctors, that in adverse conditions the signs of osteoarthritis can manifest itself in the earlier period of life, especially if there are long, irregular or excessive load on the back and the legs, and also how the consequences of accidents.

What is back pain?

As the progression (development) of degenerative disc disease, these degenerative-dystrophic defeat, also apply to the tissue of the vertebrae.

The main feature that should alert you is the appearance of pain in the neck, back, in the lumbar area.

Often the pain will "donate" to arms, chest, shoulders, upper thigh, etc

All this, of course, says that in the spine started pathological, and it is necessary to adopt urgent measures, until the disease is not gone too far, because, when the negative trend of degenerative disc disease are possible:

the atrophy of muscle tissue;
disorders of sensitivity;
disorders of the internal organs;
the movement of the internal organs, etc.

In the absence of prompt treatment of low back pain develops up incurable state!!!

Causes of degenerative disc disease

The main factor in the development of degenerative disc disease is the unbalanced load on the spine.

The most common cause cause incorrect (irregular) distribution of the load on the spine, you need:

the habit of carrying the bag on one shoulder or in the same hand;
incorrect posture in the seated position;
sleep on a too soft mattress;
sleeping on a pillow top;
wear anatomically correct types of shoes.

Additional risk factors include:

physical inactivity (sedentary life);
the presence of an excess of weight;
a back injury;
lesions of the lower limbs;
flat foot;
any other disorders of the musculoskeletal system;
of age, the degenerative processes of the spine, for the reason of which is deteriorating the flow of blood to the spinal column.

In the etiology (origin) of the degenerative disc disease may play a role and factors like:

the physical surge of the body;
neuro-emotional exhaustion;
metabolic disorders, poisoning from unhealthy food, alcohol, drugs, diseases of the gastro-intestinal tract – all of this prevents normal and the full absorption of nutrients from food;
of the occupational hazards (the work, in which there is unhealthy and adjust the load on the spinal column, in which he ordered the wrong position for a long period of time, or trial of short duration, but super heavy load);
genetic predisposition (the percentage is small, but the probability is possible);
improper posture during the period of active growth of the body;
not identified on time or is not treated timely scoliosis in children;
wearing tight, uncomfortable and high-heeled shoes 3 cm;
a long and/or new dehydration;
defective and not a balanced diet, hypovitaminosis;
structure;
pregnancy (especially multiple), in combination with underdeveloped muscle-ligamentous machine: due to the displacement of the center of gravity of the body to begin the degenerative processes of the spinal column.

The stages of development of degenerative disc disease

Developing low back pain always passes through four stages:

The first phase is characterized by the appearance of malocclusion in the nucleus of the intervertebral disc. For a reason unnatural load begins the process of dehydration (dehydration) of the kernel, which leads to a reduction in height of the intervertebral disc, and the appearance of cracks ring the fibrous.The symptoms in this stage are usually absent or very mild, may experience a little discomfort, prolonged stay in a static pose, during active movement, etc.
During the second phase of the disease occurs discomfort in the form of pain, especially when certain types of loads, movements and body positions. During the second phase occurs a reduction of the distance between the vertebrae and collapse of the vertebrae muscles and ligaments. All this causes a higher mobility of the vertebrae with the slain of the disks, which is very dangerous and runs the risk of them moving or requires it.
The third stage of degenerative disc disease is characterized by the formation of prolapses and the protrusion. It may be accompanied by subluxation and/or development of osteoarthritis of the intervertebral. In some of the movements perhaps the sensation of stiffness and lack of mobility. At the ends may experience sensations of tingling and numbness. In this phase of degenerative disc disease is felt clearly the pain in the back, neck, spine and sacral department of a backbone, the coccyx (it all depends on localization of affected discs).
During the fourth stage of degenerative disc disease of the body, trying to correct the consequences of hypermobility (excessive mobility) of the vertebrae, begins to adapt to the violations feature of the vertebral column, and at the points of contact of the vertebrae begin to form osteophytes (new bone formation) in order to improve the fixing of the vertebra.

But, unfortunately, in some cases, osteophytes cause violations of the nerves and even more hurt by the vertebrae. Leading to the intervertebral discs and joints, the treatment begins ankylosis.

The symptoms of degenerative disc disease

The main symptoms of degenerative disc disease is a feeling of discomfort and/or pain in the area of the neck and back.

As will be serious hardship, and even then, what other symptoms manifest in the course of the development of degenerative disc disease, depends on the stage of the disease, and every single case.

Discopathy of the cervical and lumbar are much more often of degenerative and dystrophic changes in the area of the sternum.

To the symptoms of degenerative disc disease refers to:

periodic or permanent feeling of tiredness in the back;
mild or marked (depending on the stage of the disease) a syndrome of pain in the neck, back, chest, shoulder girdle;
embarrassing, and chained movement of the upper limbs.

The clinical picture of degenerative disc disease is largely depend on the location (position) of malocclusion, the degree of development of the process, the individual characteristics of the patients.

Malocclusion of the intervertebral discs, offset, protrusion, herniation, and the accumulation osteophytes lead to different consequences.

Among the most common is the violation of the normal circulation of the blood in the tissues, blockage of the nerve endings, dysfunction of the spinal canal, swelling, non-fibrous tissue and structures.

These consequences may be accompanied by a wide variety of different symptoms, which leads to difficulty of a precise diagnosis of the disease.

Among the common symptoms of degenerative disc disease refers to these events:

the pain in the back, neck, lower back, the shoulder girdle, in the area of the ribs;
the discomfort and stiffness of the movements of the trunk, which occur in certain positions of the body: the slopes, in a curve, with an increase of the muscle tension;
sensation of numbness of upper and lower limbs;
muscular and articulated discomfort, muscle spasms;
headache, dizziness, tiredness;
the pain in the heart;
violation of the sensitivity of the hands;
muscle weakness.

The symptoms of degenerative disc disease vary depending on where it is localized malocclusion:

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is dominated by pain in the neck, in the hands, into the shoulder girdle, that I can "give" in the shoulder blade and shoulder. There are also headaches, dizziness, flickering "flies" or spots before the eyes, noise in the ears.
With the defeat of the department of the mother is the pain localized in the chest area, the heart, the inner surface of the shoulder, under the armpit. Possible discomfort when breathing, shortness of breath.
Low back pain lumbosacral spine is manifested by pain, lumbar "giving" pain in the foot, in the upper part of the thighs, in the pelvic organs. Very often joins in the sexual dysfunction.

Important!!! The symptoms of the surface, such as fatigue and back pain – can bear witness to not only the presence of degenerative disc disease, but also on the accession of other diseases or in the development of other pathological processes, and the violations associated with a dystrophy of intervertebral disks, therefore, the diagnosis of "low back pain" must put only one specialist, and self-treatment with these symptoms is unacceptable!!!

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The diagnosis of degenerative disc disease

For a precise diagnosis, the specialist prescribes such instrumental techniques of investigation, such as:

x-ray of the spinal column;
if necessary – myelography of the spinal column;
the neurological examination of the sensitivity and reflexes of the spine.

Additional methods that can be assigned to a physician for the diagnosis and the stage of pathological processes have been installed as close as possible, relate to:

computed tomography of the spine;
nuclear magnetic resonance;
tomography, magnetic resonance imaging.

Indications of the therapy in the treatment of degenerative disc disease – how to cure the disease

A proper treatment is always based on an integrated approach. It is chosen on the basis of the degree of tweak degenerative disc disease, in every case, and on the state of health of the individual patient.

The conservative treatment of the disease consists of intake of drugs and the performance of a complex of healing exercises corrective.

The surgical treatment in virtually any situation may not be a method of first choice.

Surgical treatment is only assigned in the absence of a positive dynamic and active progression of the disease on the background of a long conservative therapy, in which you do not experience a positive change in the direction of an improvement.

In addition to technical, medical therapy is necessary to follow a specific diet, and to take other measures, which are extremely important and necessary for healing.

The conservative treatment of degenerative disc disease

Conservative therapy is aimed at relief (resolution) of pain, the normalization of the functionality of the spine and on the prevention of negative changes in the future.

In the conservative treatment of degenerative disc disease includes the following types of therapy:

Medical therapy

Drugs osteochondrosis apply for the relief of pain, resolution of inflammation in the tissues and the normalization of metabolic processes in the body, improve the process of vascularization of tissues and their regeneration.

When it is highly expressed painful syndrome or in case of acute complications may be prescribed medications to block the nerve endings, which contribute to a reduction in manifestations of muscle rigidity.

Important!!! You must clearly understand that the disease of low back pain it is not possible to treat only the intake of drugs!!!

Know that in the absence of expressed degenerative changes and express the pain, taking drugs can be considered to be unjustified. This information can help you to avoid correctly the prescribed treatment of non-qualified professionals.

Drugs used to relieve pain and the treatment of degenerative disc disease:

the group of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
medications antispasmodics;
drugs antioxidants (vitamins);
tools to improve the vascularity of the tissue;
drugs for the regeneration and/or prevent the degeneration of cartilage tissue.

The drugs can be administered in the form of ointments, creams for local use on the newborn infant, in the form of tablets for via oral, in the form of injection and in the form of plasters, therapeutic, eliminating the pain and improve the condition of the patient for a rather long period of time without the side effects that occur during the intake of tablets and use of injection.

Patches for back pain and osteochondrosis

At this moment there are medicated patches for pain:

patches with an irritant (patch, pepper, mustard patch).
patches with reflective action (to retain heat).
patches with analgesic effect based on the anti-inflammatory drugs funds, on the basis of anesthetic action local, herbal medicines and dietary supplements (nanoplastyri).
based plasters, chondroprotectors.
patches combined exposure.

Medicated patches have a number of advantages:

the almost total absence of contraindications;
the lack of side effects;
the release of the load on the digestive organs, which occurs when the intake of the means of therapy, which is especially important if you have existing illnesses;
comfort of use;
the preservation is fairly long lasting effect for the relief from pain – from 12 to 24 hours;
also the toxic effects on the body (this is particularly inherent in chinese medicines, pain-relieving patch on the basis of organic components);
and many other advantages.

Methods of physiotherapy.

They help to reduce the pain sensation and increase the effect of medications. During the treatment of osteochondrosis most widespread application of ultrasound waves, magnetic fields, the low frequency current, laser beams, etc.

Physiotherapy (PHYSIOTHERAPY) and kinesitherapy (treatment of traffic). The techniques of physical THERAPY and kinesiotherapy procedures aimed at the normalization of metabolic processes, the recovery nutrition of the intervertebral disc, restoring the position of the vertebrae and the discs between them, for a uniform distribution of the load on the muscle system-engine machine.

Techniques of therapeutic massage. Massage is used to improve the vascularity of the tissues, to relieve muscle spasms and clips, for a total of improve circulation.

Tub, as one of the types of therapeutic massage, supplements the manual method of massage (with the help of the hands) and also promotes the normalization of the nervous system of the body.

The therapy with the method of traction (traction) of the spinal column with the use of special equipment. The purpose of these manipulations – to increase intervertebral space of normal size and correct violations of the vertebral column.

The proper diet osteochondrosis

The task of diet in the case of disease-osteochondrosis – improvement of the metabolism, the saturation of the body of essential nutrients, the vitamins, the minerals, the inclusion of foods with a high content of antioxidants, fatty acids and compounds that promote the regeneration of cartilage tissue.

Mode drink during the disease is extremely important, and includes the consumption of clean water equal to 30 ml for every kg of body weight of a person, that is uniformly distributed throughout the day (most of the water you should drink in the morning).

Eating should be fractional, 5-6 times per day. The basis of the diet – milk and dairy products, lean meats, poultry, fish, fresh vegetables, fruit, nuts and seeds, cereals, vegetables in great quantity and mushrooms.

In particular, it is recommended that you turn on the power supply of meat, fish gelatin, gelatin, and plenty of dishes, the use of extra virgin olive oil, without heat treatment (for salads, etc.).

Are preferable methods of treatment of the food in the steam bath, cooking, kitchen. Restrict the flour, sweet, fat, spicy, salted, canned and smoked. Coffee, tea, strong, sweet, carbonated drinks and alcohol – a complete taboo!

What are the possible complications of osteochondrosis?

If, in bad faith, comply with the assigned medical treatment or long-term to prevent the visit of a specialist investigation and will be promoting the progression of the disease and causing the development of complications, diseases, and new diseases, such as, for example:

herniated intervertebral disc (herniated spine);
protrusion;
kyphosis;
sciatica;
the salt deposits in the intervertebral space;
stroke of the spinal cord;
reduction in muscle mass of the limbs, muscle atrophy due to circulatory disorders;
paralysis of the lower limbs and disability.

Prevention of degenerative disc disease

Recommend that you follow the general rules of a healthy life-style and:

exclude physical inactivity and increase physical activity;
during the prolonged stay in a static pose, you need to take breaks to train every 45 minutes to restore circulation of the blood in the spinal column;
choosing the right chairs and armchairs with software support of the spine, monitoring the position of the hand on the table and the legs on the floor, get used to maintain the posture (smooth back, relax the shoulders);
for a night of sleep, you need to choose a elastic, better to have a orthopaedic mattress and pillow;
if necessary, lift and/or carry heavy objects, lessons, weights, water sports – strictly comply with the technical safety;
choose orthopedic shoes the right;
when possible walk barefoot on an uneven surface: this strengthens the foot muscles and relieves tension with the muscular-skeletal system;
eat properly, observe a mode of drinking;
learn the techniques of total relaxation: it will turn the muscle tension;
regularly the courses of massage and general tonic.

We hope the disease low back pain will be a part of you.

Be in health!