Translated from Greek, the word "chondrosis" can be translated into "cartilage".In general, however, the word "osteochondrosis" does not mean that cartilage tissue (which would be logical) is to be damaged, but only the spine of the cartilage.
In patients with osteochondrosis, the structure (and therefore function) of intervertebral discs - special cartilage structures, ensuring the mobility and elasticity of the human spine.
As the disease progresses, irreversible changes arise and develop in the vertebrae themselves.
Causes of osteochondrosis
All the reasons for a person have a disease such as osteochondrosis, professionals are endogenous (or internal) and exogenous (or accordingly external).
Endogenous (internal) causes are considered to be disorders of the spine, which have arisen in the womb, and the hereditary predisposition of osteochondrosis.
The main exogenous (external) cause of the experts takes into account improper distribution of load on the spine.This is a distribution that causes changes in the cartilage in places where there is the highest excessive pressure.
In addition, the causes of osteochondrosis are the causes of spinal trauma and various infections, bending and inadequate posture, weakness of the back muscles and the side (s -shaped) curvature of the spine.In addition, the negative consequences of the spine have weight or last longer in an uncomfortable or unnatural position.
Contrary to popular belief, not only mental labor and people who do not follow their posture can suffer (and suffer) osteochondrosis.This disease is even those who are physically well prepared.For example, movers, drivers and professional athletes.
In addition to the causes of purely mechanical properties, the lack of metabolic problems (largely calcium and phosphorus) and trace elements and vitamins (especially magnesium, manganese, zinc and vitamin D) can lead to the appearance and development of osteochondrosis.Many doctors are confident that the predisposition to osteochondrosis, which is inherited, also plays an important role in the occurrence of the disease.
What happens to osteochondrosis?
When a person is in a difficult position, jumps or falls, often sits in an uncomfortable position, and so on, they get a microtrauma of intervertebral plates.If these injuries occur more often, over time, the plates will lose their elasticity and flatten and at the same time decrease the distance between the vertebrae.As a result, it is pressed by the spinal cord roots.This causes back pain.At the same time, where the nerve vascular bundle pushes, it develops as an edema result, increasing the load on the same bundle and increasing the pain.
When the destruction of the intervertebral disk has begun, it does not play a role in the role of the shock absorber, causing more and more injuries.Over time, it loses the spine of man to its natural elasticity.
How does osteochondrosis manifest?
The main manifestation of osteochondrosis is back pain.From which intervertebral discs are injured, the patient feels different pain.You can hurt not only your back, but also your neck, or maybe your hands or heart.Osteochondrosis sometimes even gives the chest.One can easily decide that something is happening to his heart, but it was actually one of the nerves.In addition to the pain, people often numb for muscle and overstrain.Headaches, nausea, vomiting, ears ears, dizziness and double in the eyes, and fainting may indicate that the blood vessels are squeezed, which carry blood into the brain.
Diagnosis for osteochondrosis
If one of the symptoms described above are manifested in you, this is the opportunity to seek consultation with a traumatologist or neurologist.One of these experts examines the spinal column and studies the cerebral circulation.If your doctor considers it necessary, you can send you to an X -ray or prescribe a computer or magnetic resonance tomography (MRI) of the spine.
Treatment of osteochondrosis
Prepare to allocate a lot of time to treat osteochondrosis.In addition, you will need willpower.There are quite a variety of ways to overcome osteochondrosis.These are drug methods, towing, massage, and therapeutic gymnastics and needle flexotherapy.In addition, manual therapists have their own methods - in some cases, those who show great efficiency.Rich medicine is also rich in ideas, offering the treatment of osteochondrosis with bee poisoning, massage and many other wonderful methods.If osteochondrosis has a complication of intervertebral discs in the form of hernia, unfortunately you cannot do without surgery - you need an operation.
Preventing osteochondrosis
This is what profile doctors usually recommend to prevent radiculitis and osteochondrosis:
- Over time, adjust the curvature of the spine and posture disorders.It is especially worth paying attention to this element to school parents.
- Play sports and physical education regularly.Due to the sports load, the so -called muscle lining develops.Muscles - make your posture much more effective than a different job of wood and straight back seats.In addition, its own muscles protect the spine, even if they forget.
- Try to eat well, keep your diet.Follow the presence of products with high vitamins, calcium and magnesium content (they are plentiful in fish and other seafood, spinach, cabbage, nuts and seeds, beans and peas, fresh milk and coarse bread).
- Do not allow overweight to appear.The extra pound of excess load on the spine.
- Distribute the burdens in both hands as simple as possible, taking into account the severity.If possible, use backpacks, not bags.If something needs to be very difficult at the foot and not on the spine, see how broatists do it.