Osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic change of the vertebrae, their uncle discs and lengths, derived from the word osteo - bone, chondrosis - uncle. Although its first symptoms appear in the 20s and 30s, most patients turn to specialists when they are over 40 years old.
How osteochondrosis develops (information for those interested).
The human spinal column consists of 33-35 vertebrae and elastic discs between them. Due to these discs, the mobility of the spine is ensured. Each disc is composed of a fibrous ring surrounded by a fibrous ring and covered with a hyaline uncle. In osteochondrosis, blood circulation and metabolism in the spine are disrupted, the elasticity and strength of the discs are reduced, and dehydration occurs. As the height of the intervertebral discs decreases, the resistance of the fibrous ring to tension in the spine decreases. As a result of its rupture or bulging, an intervertebral hernia is formed.
Causes of osteochondrosis
The human spine is considered an active lifestyle. His lack of mobility and overexertion can lead to spinal problems. The following are the main causes of osteochondrosis:
• Spinal injuries and birth defects;
• Genetic predisposition;
• Metabolic disorders, obesity;
• Infectious diseases;
• Aging of the body;
• Spinal tension under the influence of sports or heavy physical exertion;
• Effects of chemicals;
• Mechanical impact - vibration (long-distance drivers and drivers of agricultural machinery);
• Flat feet;
Factors causing osteochondrosis:
• Malnutrition, overweight;
• Inactivity;
• Duplicating in front of a computer or driving a car;
• Smoking;
• Cold freezing;
• Wear uncomfortable, high-heeled shoes;
• Constant stresses.
Types of osteochondrosis:
1. Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is the most common disease, which develops under the influence of heavy stresses on the lumbar region. Lumbar osteochondrosis leads to scoliosis and intervertebral hernia.
2. Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is the second most common and is most common among drivers and people sitting in front of a computer. As the neck muscles develop, light tension also leads to rubbing of the spine.
3. Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine - rarely, mainly due to scoliosis. It is difficult to diagnose and is confused with other diseases.
Stages of osteochondrosis:
1. In the first stage, brittleness of the discs, decrease in height, slight swelling are observed. People feel numbness in the waist in the morning.
2. In the second stage - defects appear in the fibrous ring of the spinal disc, and the spine becomes unstable. The pain is so intense that the person becomes unable to move.
3. In the third stage - as a result of rupture of the fibrous ring, the nucleus accumbens is pushed into the spinal canal and a hernia is formed.
Complications of osteochondrosis.
Late confirmation or incorrect treatment of osteochondrosis leads to a number of diseases:
1. Radiculitis - inflammation of the sciatic nerve (sciatica);
2. Protrusion of the intervertebral disc (bulge);
3. Intervertebral hernia and later paralysis;
4. Hypertension, hypotension, vegetative vascular dystonia;
5. Intercostal neuralgia;
6. Infertility (in women), impotence (in men);
7. As a result of constriction of blood vessels in the spine, there is a violation of nutrition of the brain, impaired functioning of the heart, respiratory system, hearing, vision and coordination.
Clinical signs of osteochondrosis.
The symptoms of the disease vary depending on which part of the spine and to what extent it is damaged. Therefore, we will discuss these in more detail in the following articles.
