The nature of this disease is due to the breakdown of the structure of vertebral tissues and intervertebral discs, leading to reduced elasticity and change in shape.The distance between the vertebrae is significantly reduced and spinal stability is lost in this area.Pathological tissue destruction is accompanied by compression of nerve endings coming from the spinal cord and leads to constant tension in the spinal muscles.There is the appearance of back pain and other symptoms inherent to degenerative joint disease.Weakening of the intervertebral discs causes the development of such a pathology as spondylosis, and the further course of the disease leads to degeneration of the joints of the spine and the ligaments between the vertebrae.Formation of bone processes - osteoporosis - occurs.
There are three forms of osteoarthritis - cervical, thoracic and lumbar.All the inherent symptoms of osteoarthritis are often observed in people who prefer sitting in front of a computer to active physical activity.Due to prolonged lying in an unnatural position for the spine, postural disorders and degeneration of the spinal muscles are formed, leading to various pathologies of the spine.
Symptoms of the disease
Dorsal osteonecrosis is a chronic disease characterized by alternating periods of exacerbation and remission.The stage of exacerbation is largely facilitated by various physical activities.
The clinical picture of the disease largely depends on the location of the pathology;Osteonecrosis syndrome is also different:
- Cervical osteochondrosis is manifested by pain in the neck, arms and is characterized by headaches and numbness in the fingers.In severe cases, the vertebral artery is compressed, causing the patient's condition to worsen;
- Signs of cartilage degeneration in the chest area appear in acute pain or aching pain in the back, difficulty breathing, and pain in the heart area;
- Lumbar cartilage degeneration begins with pain in the lower back and lower limbs, gradually increasing with movement.Patients often have disorders of the genitourinary system;Weakened potency in men and ovarian dysfunction in women may occur.
- In some cases, a mixed type of osteoarthritis occurs, which is the most severe form of the disease, and the symptoms of spinal osteoarthritis in this case are also mixed.
How is the diagnosis made?
The initial diagnosis of osteoarthritis of the intervertebral disc is established taking into account the symptoms of osteoarthritis of the back indicated by the patient when contacting the clinic.Examination of spondylosis includes examining the patient's spine in many different positions, under conditions of rest and movement.After completing the testing procedures, the patient will undergo hardware diagnostics, whereby the initial diagnosis is confirmed, clarified, or refuted.Often, the examination results show a number of comorbidities that can be classified as complications - hernia, radiculitis, etc.The success of determining the form and stage of osteoarthritis largely depends on the correct diagnosis.It should be remembered that diagnosis and recommendations on how to get rid of osteoarthritis are within the competence of a neurologist;All procedures should be performed only under his supervision.
Reasons for the development of osteoarthritis
In medicine, there is a rule according to which osteoarthritis is a combination of many factors and begins to manifest in the following cases:
- Metabolic problems can cause spinal disease;
- A fixed pathological predisposition at the genetic level is the cause of osteonecrosis;
- Defects in physical development.This includes postural problems, varying degrees of flat feet, and other bone disorders;
- Toxicity of the body and some infections can cause osteonecrosis;
- Acquired injuries of the musculoskeletal system, age-related or occupational degeneration;
- Spinal injuries and bruises;
- Overweight, lack of normal nutrition and non-compliance with the diet, lack of vitamins and dehydration of the body also lead to osteoarthritis;
- Bad habits and periodic stress.
- Indirect causes of osteochondrosis have been identified, but they can all be combined into one group related to unhealthy lifestyle.
Principles of treatment of osteoarthritis
Treatment of osteoarthritis involves using a series of measures that must be carried out over a fairly long period of time (from 1-3 months + about 1 year for rehabilitation), causing many patients to react very ambiguously.Therefore, it should be noted that, by indirectly following the recommendations of the treating physician, the prognosis for the patient's recovery is minimal.Self-medication often becomes an additional problem in the treatment of osteoarthritis.The fact is that with this disease, the clinical picture is quite vague and vast.The patient, undiagnosed, began choosing medications to treat the pain and eliminate the pain, continuing with daily activities while the disease continued to progress.
Treatment of osteoarthritis is carried out using two main methods: conservative treatment and surgery.In addition, there are general recommendations for the treatment of cartilage degeneration, such as diet and rehabilitation.Conservative treatment of osteochondrosis is aimed at reducing pain, normalizing the function of the spine and its components, as well as preventing further degenerative changes on the human "axis".It includes: drug treatment, physiotherapy, physiotherapy (physical therapy), massage, hydromassage, manual therapy, spinal traction.Surgical treatment of osteoarthritis is used when conservative methods are ineffective.Prescribed by your treating doctor or Medical Council.It can also be used for severe injuries to the spine and its parts.
Prevention methods
The most effective way to deal with osteonecrosis is to follow a proper diet and exercise regimen.For osteoarthritis of the spine and treatment with gymnastics, the following methods show the most effectiveness:
- Massage the waist, back and limbs, done in the morning;
- Jumping on the spot, exercises on the horizontal bar;
- Periodically take exercise breaks during working hours, 7-9 exercises are quite enough to prevent disease;
- A tour of the pool, highly recommended by backstroke experts.
Most patients think about how to start treatment for lumbar spondylosis when the disease begins to progress.In this case, in addition to general recommendations, it is necessary to offer exercises combined with physical therapy aimed at stretching the spine.
When osteonecrosis appears, it is necessary to adhere to a strictly balanced diet, based mainly on protein-rich foods, but excluding fungi from the daily diet as much as possible.You should limit eating salty and greasy foods, including homemade pickles.Sugar products, flour and confectionery are also contraindicated.You will have to give up bad habits, limit excessive consumption of coffee and products based on it.Daily fluid consumption should not exceed 1 liter and the number of meals should be kept to 5–7 per day.Vitamin and nutrient deficiencies demonstrated by tests require immediate supplementation.
Osteoarthritis, its symptoms and treatment have been thoroughly researched and the fight against it is possible.Timely consultation with a doctor, a thorough health diagnosis and strict compliance with all the doctor's recommendations will increase the positive prognosis for recovery!