Without a doubt, the human spine is the most reliable part of the skeleton, but also the most susceptible to degenerative diseases caused by repeated physical exertion. Almost every fifth inhabitant of Earth between the ages of 18 and 40 suffers from back pain.
This symptom is often overlooked and does not cause any serious concern, which leads to the pathological process spreading to the entire spine. Osteochondrosis is a possible cause of pain and other uncomfortable symptoms related to the back.
The concept of the disease and its occurrence
A disease in which degenerative disc damage and cartilage hardening occurs, leading to a decrease in a person's performance, is called osteonecrosis. The pathology affects only the skeleton of the spine, but the gradual change in height and its deformation can adversely affect the functioning of internal organs and body systems.
The pathogenesis of the development of the disease is related to the structure of the spine, which is designed to absorb under load. The intervertebral disc connecting the 33-35 vertebrae in humans consists of a central nucleus and surrounding fibrous tissue. They are a reliable and solid support for the spine when subjected to moderate physical stress.
With the development of the pathological process, damage to the connective tissue and the central nucleus of the disc occurs, which leads to a loss of their elasticity, elasticity and strength. The discs literally flatten and deform, contributing to the curvature of the spine and the growth of pointed bones. Against the background of the disease, there is a change in the structure of the vertebrae themselves, they become thinner and dry.
Osteochondrosis of the spine is often confused with the natural "wear and tear" of the skeleton. However, pathological changes can be slowed or accelerated, which allows us to treat the condition as a real disease, leading to unpleasant complications.
Reasons for developing osteonecrosis and risk factors
A very common symptom with changes in the disc is pain. Patients begin to feel it between the ages of 16-20, but near the age of 40 turn to a doctor for help. The reasons for the early onset of the disease are flat feet, poor fitness, poor posture, or being overweight. Modern teenagers lead a sedentary lifestyle also negatively affect the stability of the spine.
The following factors also contribute to the development of the disease:
- grow old;
- fat;
- spinal cord injury (fractures, bruises);
- excessive physical activity;
- metabolic disorders in the body;
- genetic predisposition;
- unfavorable environmental conditions;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- stressful situations and the presence of bad habits.
People who overload the spine, stay in a standing (sitting) position for a long time, or suddenly stop exercising regularly are at risk of such a condition. The risk group also includes pregnant women, women who abuse wearing high heels and uncomfortable shoes.
Types and severity of disease
Osteochondrosis is a headache in modern medicine, because a general diagnosis often becomes a sentence for the patient. The pathology is not detected in time leading to advanced forms of the pathological process. Slowly but surely, a person is approaching disability.
Doctors distinguish several types of disease, depending on the location of the lesion:
- Cervical;
- chest;
- thoracic syndrome;
- lumbosacral.
There is also such a concept as multisegment osteonecrosis, which is characterized by the development of a pathological condition in several segments of the spine at once. The dangerous manifestation of this disease is compression of nerves and blood vessels in the back near the brain.
Pain syndrome is the most common symptom of an abnormal lesion that can disrupt not only movement but also a person's speech function.
In medicine, osteonecrosis is also classified according to the degree of development:
- grade 1 osteonecrosis (sudden pain similar to electric shock);
- osteonecrosis of the 2nd degree (stimulation of elements of the peripheral nervous system occurs);
- grade 3 osteonecrosis (forming herniated disc);
- grade 4 osteonecrosis (development of spondylolisthesis and ischemia of the spinal cord).
The fourth stage of the disease is called rehab, as it is the result of treatment for an emerging disc herniation. During this period, spondylolisthesis is often observed, characterized by slippage of the vertebrae.
How and what causes pain with osteonecrosis?
Spinal osteoma is not a simple disease and can be masqueraded as other pathological processes completely unrelated to the skeleton. Uncomfortable back pain is not considered important by everyone and is attributed to the body being tired after a tiring day at work.
However, even the slightest discomfort or stiffness of the spinal muscles, which are the first "rings" of the disease, should alert and become a reason to consult a specialist.
Clinically, osteonecrosis presents with a variety of symptoms, depending on the location of the pathological process. If there is damage to the cervical spine, the following symptoms occur:
- pain in the neck;
- compression headache;
- numbness of the fingers;
- limited mobility of the cervical spine;
- shoulder and neck pain;
- creaking as he turned his head.
If thoracic osteonecrosis develops, pain may be visible in the interstitial and thoracic regions. The patient also complains of pain in the heart area, compression between the shoulder blades, and discomfort resembling damage to the intestines, stomach or gallbladder.
With defeat of the lumbar spine, the symptoms are completely different. The pain is mainly localized to the back and legs, causing severe muscle spasms. The mobility of the lumbar spine is limited, numbness and tingling in the lower extremities, dysfunction of the pelvic organs. Difficulty in flexing and extending the back, due to stiffness in the lower back and limited mobility.
Rare multifocal osteonecrosis is characterized by the appearance of symptoms only when the spine is affected. Pain on imaging, decreased range of motion, soreness in the extremities, muscle spasms - all these signs are common to different parts of the spine.
Pain is in most cases caused by a heavy load that is too hard on the spine, such as lifting weights or being in an uncomfortable position for long periods of time. Sometimes, even coughing and sneezing can increase the pain.
If the diagnosis has been confirmed, how to live?
Today, osteonecrosis of the spinal cord, although a common diagnosis, is not fatal. The main thing is that the cause of the development of the disease is eliminated and effective treatment is started in a timely manner. Precautionary measures taken to prevent recurrence of the disease are also emphasized.
To defeat osteonecrosis, it is necessary to prescribe complex therapy, which includes:
- drug use;
- pull the spine;
- Massage;
- Exercise therapy;
- Physical therapy;
- Acupuncture;
- manual therapy;
- surgical intervention (if indicated).
Each patient should be assigned an individual course of treatment, depending on the type and extent of spinal damage. To begin with, doctors have to stop the destruction of the disc by tissue inflammation.
Then, a method is chosen to restore and strengthen the muscles of the back, helping to support the spine in the required position. Such a complex method of treatment allows you to achieve highly effective results without surgical intervention.
Recommendations to prevent disease
Preventive measures should always come first to maintain the health of the body. Since osteonecrosis mainly occurs due to increased pressure on the disc, it is necessary to prevent the development of such a condition.
First of all, it is advisable to avoid overloading the spine with a sedentary lifestyle, sudden jumps and lifting weights on outstretched arms. It is very important to preserve the natural physiological curves of the spine, which are formed from infancy.
Keeping fit is a common and necessary living principle of each person, regardless of age or gender.
Daily sports are a great way to strengthen the muscles, as bone degeneration rarely affects people who are strong and physically fit. All exercises need to be performed to the best of their ability and work to support the spine.