osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis is a diseaseDegenerative and dystrophic changes occur in spinal cartilage tissue, accompanied by impairment of intervertebral disc function.

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

Causes of osteochondrosis:

1. Uneven load on the spine: habit of carrying bags on one shoulder or one hand, incorrect sitting posture, sleeping on soft mattresses, high pillows, wearing uncomfortable shoes or high heels.
2. Sedentary lifestyle, being overweight.
3. Back and lower extremity injuries.
4. flatfoot.
5. The body is overworked.
6. Genetic predisposition.
7. Postural disorders, scoliosis during active growth.
8. Malnutrition, dieting.
9. bad habits.
10. Pregnant.

Stages of development of osteochondrosis

1. Stage 1 Osteochondrosis: Mild discomfort may occur if you maintain uncomfortable postures for a long time, actively exercise, etc.
2. Stage II Osteochondrosis: Significant discomfort and pain with certain types of stress and movement.
3. The third stage of osteochondrosis: Stiffness in movement, tingling and numbness in the limbs, and obvious pain in the back, neck, and lumbosacral region.
4. Stage IV Osteochondrosis: Osteophytes form. New bone formation improves the fixation of the vertebrae, but in some cases osteophytes can cause nerve compression and damage the vertebrae.

Symptoms of osteochondrosis:

1. Periodic feelings of back fatigue and severe pain in the neck, back, chest and shoulder girdle.
2. Discomfort, stiffness in body movements.
3. Headache, dizziness, and fatigue worsen.
4. Pain in the heart area.Lower back pain radiates to the legs.

Classification of osteochondrosis:

• Osteochondrosis is a disease of the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral or mixed or combined types.

Diagnosis of osteochondrosis:

1. Spine X-ray;
2. neurological examination of sensitivity, reflexes;
3. Spine computed tomography (CT);
4. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR);
5. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Treatment of osteochondrosis:

Treatment of osteochondrosis goes in two directions, depending on the extent of the osteochondrosis and the health of the patient.

Conservative treatment of osteochondrosis

The goals of conservative treatment are to relieve pain, normalize spinal function, and prevent negative changes.

1. drug treatment;
2. Physical therapy (ultrasound, low-frequency current, 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 spaces;
4. spinal cord stroke;
5. Paralysis of lower limbs.

Prevent osteochondrosis:

1. Active lifestyle, fitness classes;
2. If you need to sit for a long time, you should choose a suitable chair with spinal support, ensure that the position of your hands on the table and feet on the floor or on a special support meets the standard, and learn to maintain your posture;
3. orthopedic bedding;
4. Choose the right shoes;
5. balanced nutrition and drinking habits;
6. Healthy lifestyle.