With osteochondrosis, the structure and function of the intervertebral discs is impaired, which provide the spine with flexibility and mobility.As the disease intensifies, irreversible changes arise in the vertebrae themselves.
The causes of osteochondrosis are internal (endogenous) and external (exogenous).
Endogenous reasons include:
- violation of the intrauterine development of the spine,
- hereditary predisposition and age -related changes in cartilage.
The main exogenous cause of osteochondrosis is the improper distribution of the load on the spine, which leads to a change in cartilage in the places of excess pressure.
Provoke the disease:
- trauma of the spine,
- infections,
- Weakened back muscles,
- stoop and lateral s-shaped curvature of the spine,
- Drugging weights
- A long retention of an uncomfortable posture.
Osteochondrosis can develop not only in people with improper posture engaged in mental work, but also those who are well trained physically.
In addition to mechanical reasons for the development of osteochondrosis, they also lead to:
- metabolic disorders (mainly calcium and phosphorus),
- lack of trace elements and vitamins (magnesium, manganese, zinc, vitamin D),
- The hereditary predisposition plays a rather big role.
When lifting weights, jumps, falls, static loads, micro injuries of intervertebral discs appear.If this happens systematically, damaged intervertebral discs lose their elastic properties over time, flatten, and the distance between the vertebrae decreases.And this means that the nerve roots extending from the spinal cord are clamped, pain occurs.At the same time, swelling appears in the neuro-vascular bundle clip, which leads to an even greater infringement and increased pain.If the intervertebral disc has already begun to collapse, it ceases to amortize, is injured even more, and gradually the spine loses its flexibility.
The main sign of osteochondrosis is pain.Depending on where the damaged intervertebral discs are located, they can hurt: neck, shoulder, arm, back and even a chest.Sometimes a person thinks that he has heart problems, but in fact, this is aching a nerve compressed as a result of osteochondrosis.Simultaneously with pain, a person often feels overstrain and numbness of the muscles.If the blood vessels that feed the brain are squeezed, a headache, dizziness, noise in the ears, double eyes, nausea and vomiting, fainting appear.
You need to contact such complaints to the neurologist.He will examine the spinal column, check how things are with cerebral circulation, and if necessary will prescribe radiography, computer or magnetic resonance tomography of the corresponding spine.
Treatment of osteochondrosis is a long process that requires a person with great willpower and free time.To date, there are many methods of combating the disease: medicine, manual therapy, traction, massage and therapeutic gymnastics.
Tips for the prevention of radiculitis and osteochondrosis:
- Timely carry out correction of curvature of the spine and posture disorders in early school age.
- Actively engage in physical education, which will allow you to form a muscle corset.
- Adhere to a diet, consuming products with a sufficient content of vitamins, calcium and magnesium (fish and other gifts of the sea, cabbage, spinach, beans, nuts, seeds, peas, coarse bread and fresh milk).
- Fight over excess weight.
- When carrying weights, ensure uniform load on both hands, wearing backpacks instead of bags.Lift weights only with the use of legs, not the spine.