Osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis is a disease in whichspinal osteochondrosisdegenerative and dystrophic changes occur in the cartilaginous tissues of the spine, accompanied by impaired functionality of the intervertebral discs.

Osteochondrosis is divided into cervical, thoracic and lumbar.The average age of onset of osteochondrosis is 30 to 35 years.

Reasons for the development of osteochondrosis:

  1. irregular load on the spine: habits of carrying a bag on the shoulder or in the hand, incorrect sitting position, sleeping on an excessively soft mattress, high pillow, wearing uncomfortable shoes or high heels.
  2. sedentary lifestyle, overweight.
  3. back and lower extremity injuries.
  4. flat feet.
  5. physical overload of the body.
  6. genetic predisposition.
  7. postural disorders during the period of active growth, scoliosis.
  8. malnutrition, diets.
  9. bad habits.
  10. pregnancy.

Stages of development of osteochondrosis

  1. Stage 1 osteochondrosis: minor discomfort occurs when staying in an uncomfortable position for a long time, active movements, etc.
  2. Stage 2 osteochondrosis: Noticeable discomfort and pain occurs with certain types of stress and movement.
  3. Stage 3 osteochondrosis: stiffness in movements appears, tingling sensation, numbness in the limbs may occur, pain in the back, neck and lumbosacral region can be clearly felt.
  4. Stage 4 osteochondrosis: osteophytes form, new bone formations that improve the fixation of the vertebra, but in some cases osteophytes can cause compressed nerves and damage the vertebrae.

Symptoms of osteochondrosis:

  1. periodic feeling of fatigue in the back, severe pain in the neck, back, chest and shoulder girdle.
  2. discomfort, stiffness of body movements.
  3. headaches, dizziness, increased fatigue.
  4. pain in the heart area.low back pain radiating to the legs.

Classification of osteochondrosis:

  • osteochondrosis of cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral or mixed, combined types of disease.

Diagnosis of osteochondrosis:

  1. Radiographic examination of the spine;
  2. neurological examination of sensitivity, reflexes;
  3. spinal computed tomography (CT);
  4. nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR);
  5. magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Treatment of osteochondrosis:

Therapy for osteochondrosis disease is carried out in two directions, depending on the degree of osteochondrosis and the patient's health status.

Conservative treatment of osteochondrosis

Conservative therapy aims to relieve pain, normalize the functionality of the spine and prevent negative changes.

  1. drug therapy;
  2. physiotherapy (ultrasound waves, low frequency currents, etc.);
  3. physiotherapy (physiotherapy);
  4. massage;manual therapy;
  5. balanced nutrition, diet.

Complications of osteochondrosis:

  1. spinal hernia;
  2. radiculitis;
  3. salt deposits in the intervertebral space;
  4. strokes in the spinal cord;
  5. paralysis of the lower limbs.

Prevention of osteochondrosis:

  1. active lifestyle, fitness classes;
  2. if you need to sit for a long time, you must choose the right chairs that support your spine, ensure compliance with the rules for positioning your hands on the table, feet on the floor or a special support, and learn to maintain your posture;
  3. orthopedic bedding;
  4. choosing the right shoes;
  5. balanced diet and consumption;
  6. healthy lifestyle.