What is osteochondrosis?

Osteochondrosis is a degenerative -dystrophic disease of the intervertebral discs, accompanied by a biochemical change in vertebral tissue.

What changes occur in the spine for osteochondrosis?

With osteochondrosis, the fixing ability of the spine is deteriorating, that is, the condition of the pericate muscles and ligaments, especially with load. Under the influence of many factors (mechanical overload of the spine, its constant trauma in adverse working and life, violation of posture, metabolic disorders), the destruction and decay of the intervertebral disc occurs. The elasticity of the cartilage is reduced, it seems that the intervertebral disc seems to dry out. This process is especially rapidly progressing with insufficient mobility of the spine, as local blood circulation worsens. As a result, the components of the intervertebral disc are degenerate and gradually destroy, and an inflammatory reaction develops around them and the so -called regional osteophytes are formed. All this causes a decrease in distances between the vertebrae. But the arcs of the vertebrae form a spinal canal and therefore are damaged beams of nerve fibers (roots) extending from the spinal cord. The compression of the vessels and nerve roots, firstly, is the cause of acute pain in the spine itself, (the so-called roying syndrome), especially with a sharp turn or tilting of the head or body or during physical exertion, and, ultimately, leads to the development of secondary radiculitis. Secondly, due to the fact that the compression of the nerve roots emerging from the spinal cord occurs, the function and internal organs are disrupted, which are also partially innervated from the roots. Most often, osteochondrosis begins in the cervical and lumbar region. This is explained by the fact that intervertebral discs are usually damaged on the boundaries of the mobile part of the spine with a relatively motionless department (lumbar in relation to the sacral, cervical in relation to the breast).

What can be used for exacerbation of osteochondrosis?

The complex of therapeutic measures, with exacerbation of osteochondrosis, includes drug treatment, physiotherapy exercises, massage, and physiotherapy.

Is it possible to prevent exacerbations of osteochondrosis?

Yes, maybe. In the prevention of osteochondrosis of the spine, an important role is given to a decrease in micro and macro -trauma of the intervertebral discs, as well as static and dynamic overload of the spine.

It should be recognized as particularly unfavorable tilts of the torso forward from the position of standing. When performing household works associated with the tilt of the body forward (washing linen, rinsing, sweeping and whining floors), it is advisable to unload the spine, having under a free hand, any support. To clean the apartment with a vacuum cleaner, it is advisable to build up the pipe of the vacuum cleaner so that the torso does not bend forward, since otherwise rhythmic movements in the semi -toned forward when working with a non -restrained vacuum cleaner will be called uploading the spine. You should especially warn against work related to tense of the same type of movements, for example: a saw and a cut of firewood, garden work with a shovel and chisel, jerk movements when transferring heavy objects, washing on the washing board, since the loads on the vertebrae, ligaments and muscles increase sharply.

The incorrect position of the body and the uncoordinated muscle work when lifting and carrying weights are especially unfavorable. The best option is the straightened back when the spine firmly rests against the pelvis. In this case, the intervertebral discs are loaded evenly and are not deformed. Along with this, carrying and especially the rise of not even a very heavy cargo with a bent back (for example, in front of itself and on outstretched hands) often leads to exacerbation. In this case, the load should be kept as close to the body as possible. When lifting weights from the ground, you can not lean forward and lift the load, straightening the body. It is necessary to bend your knees, sit down, leaving the back straight and lift the load by straightening the legs in the knees. When driving in a car, a roller is placed under the lumbar region. And the headrest is required to avoid trauma of the cervical spine with sharp jerks of the car. Holding the shoes, you need to stand on one knee, touch the body’s body and only then lace the shoes.

However, the convenient position of the body can cause undesirable changes in the spine if the professional pose remains unchanged. Therefore, it is necessary to periodically change the position of the body during operation. For example, in a standing position - a periodic change in the support of one leg to a bench not only gives rest to the legs, but also helps to kyphosis of the lumbar spine in lightweight conditions.

When transporting in the elevator, it is advisable to take a facilitating pose to reduce the vertical load on degenerated discs with accelerations and slowdown of the elevator. This pose is recommended to be taken several times during the day with a shutter speed of 10-60 seconds, and as an physical exercise.

The undoubted effect on the overload of the spine is exerted by irrationally selected working furniture, especially chairs. In this aspect, it is advisable to use chairs with a low seat, with its inner inclination and with a slightly convex back in place of the lumbar bend of the spine. It is better if the knees are slightly higher than the hip joints in the sitting position.

It should also be considered appropriate to carry shoes on elastic soles, since the depreciation overload of degenerated discs is reduced. Prolonged riding in the car is not recommended, especially on uneven roads.

It is necessary to eliminate factors that increase the lumbar lordosis: wearing high -heeled shoes, overweight. You should sleep on a solid bed, for which a wooden shield and a thin mattress are used.

The constant wearing of corsets of all types or belts of the barlist in some cases gives a good effect. The mechanical limitation of the mobility of the spine (especially in the lumbar region) is of no small importance for the prevention of exacerbations, especially in the presence of instability of the spine.

But the most important thing is the activity of physiotherapy exercises.The growing weakness (detrusion) of the body muscles in patients not involved in therapeutic gymnastics is a rather common occurrence. The trained and well -developed muscle “corset” of the body largely facilitates and unloads the “spring” apparatus of the spine. Exercises that strengthen the muscles of the abdominal press, chest, large gluteal muscles, back muscles, especially the extensors of the back, create muscle corset and thereby prevent the exacerbation of osteochondrosis.

If there is a limb injury, then when is it necessary to engage in physical exercises?

First of all, you need to consult a doctor.  For each patient, a recovery treatment program is compiled, where it is taken into account:

1. general condition of the patient;
2. the state of bone tissue (the severity of bone corns, osteoporosis) and the correct comparison of bone fragments;
3. The nature of immobilization (gypsum bandage, skeletal traction, osteosynthesis, etc.);
4. the condition of the skin, tendons, capsule-ligamentous apparatus, muscle tissue, blood vessels and nerves;
5. localization of injury (upper, lower, limbs, pelvic bones, spine) and its character (open or closed, impressive or peri -human damage);
6. The period of the disease.