Good day, dear readers!
In today's article we will look at such a spinal disease as osteochondrosis, as well as its symptoms, causes, types, diagnosis, treatment and prevention.So…
What is osteochondrosis?
Osteochondrosis– a disease of the spine, a characteristic feature of which is degenerative-dystrophic damage to the intervertebral discs, and then to the vertebral tissues themselves.
The main symptom of osteochondrosis is pain in the neck or back.Other symptoms include muscle atrophy, sensory disturbances, and disturbances in the functioning of internal organs.Depending on the location of the pathological process, they distinguish between cervical, thoracic and lumbar osteochondrosis.If this disease and its treatment are not given the necessary attention, the process of damage to the spine will become irreversible.
In the English-language literature, the term “osteochondrosis” refers to a group of diseases of the musculoskeletal system such as osteochondropathy.
The main factor or reason that leads to the development of osteochondrosis is the uneven distribution of the load on the spine, which occurs when carrying heavy objects in one hand or shoulder (for example, a bag, a backpack), prolonged sitting in an incorrect position, night rest on an uneven mattress or pillow.Additional factors may also include a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, injury and flat feet.
All of the above situations lead to frequent pain in the cervical, thoracic or sacral spine over the years.
According to statistics, osteochondrosis occurs in 40 to 90% of the world's population, mainly between the ages of 30-35 years.Under unfavorable conditions, this disease develops in adolescents, which is most often facilitated by wearing a heavy, uncomfortable backpack, especially on one shoulder, uncomfortable shoes and injury.
Development of osteochondrosis
The development of osteochondrosis occurs in 4 distinct stages (degrees):
Osteochondrosis stage 1.It is characterized by the onset of a pathological process in the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc - its dehydration (dehydration) occurs, and subsequently the height of the disc decreases.At the same time, cracks begin to appear in the fibrous ring.At this stage, the patient usually does not feel any changes.Discomfort may occur when sitting in a sitting position that is unusual for a person, or when actively exercising.
Osteochondrosis stage 2.As the height of the discs decreases, the distance between adjacent vertebrae also decreases, and the spinal muscles and ligaments begin to sag slightly.This process causes hypermobility of two adjacent vertebrae, which can lead to their slipping and/or displacement.Spondylolisthesis is formed.Due to displaced vertebrae, the patient, under a certain load, feels real discomfort and sometimes pain in the area of pathology.
Osteochondrosis stage 3.It is characterized by the formation of prolapses and protrusions of discs, sometimes subluxations and arthrosis occur in the intervertebral joints.The patient may feel stiffness in some movements, tingling in the limbs, and sometimes numbness appears.With the 3rd degree of osteochondrosis, there is already pain in the back, neck, and tailbone area, depending on the location of the disease.
Osteochondrosis stage 4.The body is trying to correct excessive mobility of the vertebrae, as well as normalize the functioning of the spine.At the junction of vertebrae with pathology, new bone formations grow on each of them - osteophytes, which, when formed in an unnecessary place, can cause microtrauma to the nerve root, and sometimes to the neighboring vertebra.Fibrous ankylosis may begin in the discs and joints.The vertebral-motor segment becomes overgrown and becomes, as it were, walled up.In this case, the main signs of osteochondrosis are minimized, and sometimes even practically not noticeable.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis
The main symptoms of osteochondrosis are discomfort and pain in the back or neck.The severity of pain and other accompanying signs of this disease depend on the degree (stage) of osteochondrosis.
Of course, due to the pathology of the intervertebral discs, their hernia, growths on the vertebrae (osteophytes), a large number of disorders occur, such as circulatory disorders, pinched nerves, irritation and disturbances in the normal functioning of the spinal cord, swelling and even fibrosis of the structures surrounding the vertebrae.All these disorders can cause an extensive clinical picture of the disease and be expressed by a large number of different symptoms, therefore, without a thorough diagnosis of osteochondrosis, it is very difficult to make a correct diagnosis and prescribe adequate treatment.
However, let's consider the main symptoms of osteochondrosis:
- pain in the back, cervical region, lower back, shoulders and even ribs;
- discomfort, stiffness of the back during certain movements, lifting something;
- numbness of the extremities (arms and/or legs);
- aching sensation in the arms and legs, chills;
- muscle spasms;
- disturbances in the functioning of the genital organs;
- headaches, dizziness;
- pain in the heart area;
- sensory disturbance;
- muscle hypotension;
- increased fatigue, sometimes even in the eyes.
In addition, depending on the area of the spine affected by osteochondrosis, the following symptoms are distinguished:
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.Pain in the arms and shoulders, headache, dizziness, spots or spots before the eyes, and noise in the head predominate.These signs may also indicate the presence of vertebral artery syndrome, which can also cause complications in the functioning of the heart muscle and myocardial vessels if other diseases are present in them.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine.Pain in the chest, heart area, and breathing discomfort predominate.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral spine.Lower back pain predominates, radiating to the legs or pelvic organs.Sexual dysfunction.
Complications of osteochondrosis
If osteochondrosis is not treated and left to chance, it can lead to the development of the following diseases and pathologies:
- intervertebral disc herniation (spinal herniation);
- protrusion;
- kyphosis;
- radiculitis;
- deposition of salts in the intervertebral space;
- spinal cord stroke;
- weight loss of limbs and their atrophy;
- leg paralysis
Causes of osteochondrosis
The causes of osteochondrosis are not fully understood, so let’s consider the most popular of them:
- mechanical injury to the back (spine);
- physical overstrain of the body, hard work;
- nervous exhaustion, stress;
- metabolic disorders, poisoning;
- frequent stay in places with increased vibration;
- hereditary predisposition;
- sedentary lifestyle, sedentary work;
- poor posture at an early age;
- overweight, obesity;
- flat feet;
- wearing uncomfortable shoes (tight, heels);
- night rest on an uncomfortable bed - mattress, pillow;
- frequent dehydration;
- malnutrition, hypovitaminosis;
- smoking;
- pregnancy.
Classification of osteochondrosis
The classification of osteochondrosis is very diverse, becausethe disease itself is not fully understood.
Let us highlight the most popular methods of dividing this disease.
I distinguish osteochondrosis:
By localization:
- Cervical region ©
- Thoracic (Th or D)
- Lumbar (L)
- Sacral region (S)
According to clinical manifestations:
1. Cervical level ©.
1.1.Reflex syndromes.
- cervicalgia;
- cervicocranialgia;
- cervicobrachialgia with vegetative-vascular, neurodystrophic or muscle-tonal manifestations.
1.2.Radicular syndromes.
- Discogenic lesion of the roots of the cervical spine.
1.3.Radicular-vascular syndromes.
2. Thoracic level (Th or D).
2.1.Reflex syndromes.
- thoracalgia with vegetative-visceral, neurodystrophic or muscle-tonal manifestations.
2.2.Radicular syndromes.
- Discogenic lesion of the thoracic roots.
3. Lumbosacral level (L, S).
3.1.Reflex syndromes.
- lumbago (lumbago);
- lumbodynia;
- lumboischialgia with vegetative-vascular, neurodystrophic or muscle-tonal manifestations.
3.2.Radicular syndromes.
- Discogenic damage to the roots of the lumbosacral region.
3.3.Radicular vascular syndromes - radiculoischemia.
Diagnosis of osteochondrosis
Diagnosis of osteochondrosis includes the following examination methods:
- anamnesis;
- X-ray examination (X-ray);
- myelography;
- neurological examination.
Additionally, they may assign:
- computed tomography (CT);
- nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR);
- magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Treatment of osteochondrosis
Treatment of osteochondrosis involves the use of a set of measures that must be performed over a fairly long period of time (from 1-3 months + about 1 year for rehabilitation), to which many patients react very ambiguously.Therefore, it should be noted that, by indirectly following the recommendations of the attending physician, the prognosis for the patient’s recovery is minimal.
Self-medication often becomes an additional problem in the treatment of osteochondrosis.The fact is that, as was already written earlier in the article, with this disease the clinical picture is quite ambiguous and broad.The patient, without diagnosis, begins to select medications for what hurts, and, eliminating the pain, continues to go about his daily life, while the disease continues to progress.
Important!Timely consultation with a doctor, a thorough health diagnosis and strict adherence to all recommendations of the attending physician increase a positive prognosis for recovery!
Treatment of osteochondrosis is carried out by two main methods: conservative and surgical treatment.In addition, there are general recommendations for the treatment of osteochondrosis, such as diet and rehabilitation.
Conservative treatment of osteochondrosis
Conservative treatment of osteochondrosis is aimed at relieving pain, normalizing the functioning of the spine and its components, as well as preventing further degenerative changes in the human “axis”.
Conservative treatment of osteochondrosis includes:
Drug therapy.It is used to relieve pain and inflammation of the tissues that make up the spine, as well as normalize metabolic processes.
To relieve pain and inflammation, various therapeutic blockades are also used.Moreover, they help reduce muscle-tonic syndrome.Among the therapeutic blockades there are: trigger point blockades, as well as intraosseous, facet, paravertebral and epidural blockades.
Physiotherapy.It is used to relieve pain, enhance the effectiveness of drug therapy and during the rehabilitation period.Treatment is carried out using ultrasound, laser, magnetic fields, low frequency currents, etc.
Physical therapy (physical therapy), kinesitherapy.Specially selected, dosed exercises aimed at correcting the muscle corset, strengthening it, correcting posture, normalizing the functioning of muscle tissues and their flexibility, decompressing the nerve roots, and preventing possible complications of the disease.All of the above is achieved by normalizing metabolism and nutrition of intervertebral discs, blood circulation, restoring the distance between discs and vertebrae, and distributing the load on the entire musculoskeletal system.
Massage.Used to improve blood circulation, relieve stiffness and tension in muscle tissue, and improve overall health.
Hydromassage.Helps normalize blood circulation, metabolism, increase the tone of muscle tissue, and normalize the functioning of the nervous system.It involves massaging the body using a targeted stream of water with a certain pressure.True, in recent years hydromassage has prevailed with the help of air bubbles applied to the body in specially equipped baths or pools.
Manual therapy.It is used according to an individually selected program, targeting the musculoskeletal system.Helps improve blood and lymph circulation, metabolism, mobility of the musculoskeletal system, strengthen the immune system and prevent possible complications.
Extension (traction) of the spine.It is used with the help of special equipment to increase the intervertebral space and correct the structure of the spine, which usually leads to minimization or complete removal of pain.
The combined use of the above methods for treating osteochondrosis has a good effect.
Medicines for osteochondrosis
Among the remedies for osteochondrosis are:
- Anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Antispasmodics.
- Antioxidants:vitamin C, vitamin E.
- Blood microcirculation stimulants.
- Means for preventing further degeneration of cartilage tissue.
Diet for osteochondrosis
For osteochondrosis, you need to eat 6 times a day, in small portions, drinking at least 1.5 liters of water daily.
What can you eat with osteochondrosis:dairy products, lean meats (chicken, beef), jelly, jellied fish, jellied meat, fresh vegetables (tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, carrots, beets, peppers, cabbage, celery, broccoli), fruits, avocados, nuts, sunflower seeds, spinach, mushrooms, cereals.
What needs to be minimized in food for osteochondrosis:grapes, legumes (peas, beans, etc.), flour products, hot seasonings, sugar, salty foods, meat broths and smoked meats.
It is better to steam food, because...With this method of preparation, products retain the maximum amount of vitamins and microelements.
Try to season salads with olive oil.
Surgical treatment of osteochondrosis
Surgical treatment of osteochondrosis is used when the conservative method is ineffective.Prescribed by the attending physician or a council of doctors.It can also be used for severe damage to the spine and its components.
Treatment of osteochondrosis with folk remedies
Important!Before treating osteochondrosis at home with folk remedies, be sure to consult your doctor!
Treatment of osteochondrosis with ready-made herbal preparations
Comment by herbalist A.A. Malgin: herbal treatment (herbal medicine) has certain wonderful advantages, for example:
- herbal medicine eliminates the causes of the disease,
- herbs have a minimal number of contraindications (usually individual intolerance),
- herbal treatment has minimal side effects,
- herbs contain a large number of vitamins and other useful substances, which, in addition to treating the disease, also contribute to the health of the body as a whole,
- affordability.
Herbalists offer ready-made solutions that already take into account the specific composition of the collection, dosage, sequence, etc.The courses are developed by medical specialists based on their many years of experience.
Other folk remedies against osteochondrosis
Dough.Prepare some dough from rye flour, 300 grams, and let it lie at room temperature for a couple of days.Drink a glass of milk and rub the area where your back hurts with turpentine.Then wrap the dough in gauze and apply it to the sore spot.Wrap it with cellophane on top, and then with a scarf or towel.After a while, you may feel a burning and tingling sensation in that area, but bear with it as long as you can.Do the procedure every other day.Use each batch of dough no more than 3 times.
Sabelnik.Make a tincture of cinquefoil.Before going to bed, rub the area where your back hurts with the prepared tincture and tie a scarf around it.Additionally, you can take cinquefoil tincture a few drops before bed.
Ointment for osteochondrosis.Add 1 tbsp to the container.a spoonful of flour, 1 egg, 100 g butter and 1 tbsp.a spoonful of vinegar, mix everything thoroughly and place in a dark place for 2 days to infuse.Then remove any foam that has formed from the mixture.Mix the mixture well again and rub the resulting ointment into the sore spot.
Radish.Mix 300 ml of radish juice, 200 g of honey and 100 ml of vodka.Rub the resulting mixture onto your back.This folk remedy also helps with radiculitis and rheumatism.
Prevention of osteochondrosis
To prevent pathological changes in the spine, follow these recommendations:
- lead an active lifestyle - swim, run, do morning exercises, ride a bike;
- watch your posture during sedentary work - keep your back straight and keep your shoulders relaxed;
- perform sedentary work only on comfortable chairs, armchairs that can provide support to the spine;
- when working sedentarily, periodically do exercises and warm up;
- sleep on a comfortable (orthopedic) mattress, pillow;
- try to avoid carrying heavy objects, and if you do, lift them slowly;
- do exercises to maintain excellent condition and pump up your abdominal muscles;
- wear comfortable shoes, avoid wearing heels, especially during pregnancy;
- try to eat food enriched with vitamins and microelements.
Which doctor should I consult for osteochondrosis?
- Vertebrologist;
- Neurologist;
- Osteopath;
- Orthopedist.