Osteochondrosis can often be observed in the area of the back, especially in people without complaints, by random findings. Behind the medical Greek is the flattening of the intervertebral discs, whereby the bones ('osteo'), the vertebral body and the cartilage ('chondro') of the intervertebral discs adapt. This adjustment is evident in an enlargement of the joint surfaces due to the stress. In addition, the intervertebral discs change their elasticity and shape.
Like many other age-related changes in the spine, osteochondrosis is usually completely harmless and is not noticed by most people. Often, one-sided loads and little movement, sitting at a desk, behind the wheel or the frequent use of the smartphone are blamed for the development of osteochondrosis. In fact, it is the case that intervertebral discs are specially made to be compressed in order to absorb themselves with liquid again when relieved. More precisely, this is the only mechanism that a disc can eat at all. However, with age, the ability of the intervertebral discs to absorb fluid decreases. Therefore, it occurs completely physiologically to a flattening of intervertebral discs. This has hardly a disease value and is rarely the decisive cause of back pain. In no case do intervertebral discs remain in the pressed form after one of the above-mentioned loads and impacts on the spine are therefore not worse cushioned.
In case of painful back complaints with associated osteochondrosis, the treatment with medication usually only provides short-term relief and should always be discussed by the doctor. In the long term, regular and sustainable training of the back and abdominal muscles as well as the muscles of the cervical spine can counteract a lot of effective back problems. Because after a load, in the relief phase, every form of tissue, including disc tissue, builds up again and becomes more resilient. It usually takes a long breath, since many structures in the body only adapt over a period of several weeks to several months. If such an adjustment has taken place, further training and the associated change in behavior ensure long-term success. Incidentally, it is not decisive whether this happens in the context of therapy or in the context of health-oriented training or recreational sports. The best therapy is prevention. Adequate load and exercise, a lot of variety and conscious back training are often the key to a better quality of life in this case.
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