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In today's article we will look at a spinal disease such as osteochondrosis, as well as its symptoms, causes, types, diagnosis, treatment and prevention.So...
What is Osteochondrosis?
Osteochondrosis– a disease of the spine, the characteristic feature of which is degenerative-dystrophic damage to the intervertebral discs and then to the vertebral tissue itself.
The main symptom of osteochondrosis is pain in the neck or back.Other symptoms include muscle wasting, sensory disturbances and dysfunction of internal organs.Depending on the location of the pathological process, a distinction is made between cervical, thoracic and lumbar osteochondrosis.If this disease and its treatment are not given due attention, the process of damage to the spine becomes 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 leading to the development of osteochondrosis is the uneven distribution of loads on the spine, which occurs when carrying heavy objects in one hand or shoulder (for example, a bag, a backpack), sitting for a long time in an incorrect position, and sleeping at night on an uneven mattress or pillow.Other factors can also include a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, injuries 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 40-90% of the world's population, mainly between the ages of 30 and 35.Under unfavorable conditions, this disease develops in adolescents, which is most often facilitated by carrying a heavy, uncomfortable backpack, especially on one shoulder, uncomfortable shoes and injuries.
Development of osteochondrosis
The development of osteochondrosis occurs in 4 different stages (grades):
Osteochondrosis stage 1.It is characterized by the beginning of a pathological process in the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc - dehydration (dehydration) occurs and subsequently the height of the intervertebral disc decreases.At the same time, cracks begin to appear in the fiber ring.At this stage the patient usually does not feel any changes.Discomfort can occur when sitting in a position that is unusual for a person or during active physical activity.
Osteochondrosis stage 2.As the height of the intervertebral discs decreases, the distance between adjacent vertebrae also decreases and the spinal muscles and ligaments begin to sag slightly.This process leads to hypermobility of two adjacent vertebrae, which can lead to their slipping and/or displacement.Spondylolisthesis occurs.Due to the displacement of the vertebrae, the patient experiences real discomfort and sometimes pain in the area of \u200b\u200bthe pathology under a certain load.
Osteochondrosis stage 3.It is characterized by the formation of intervertebral disc herniations and protrusions, sometimes subluxations and arthrosis occur in the intervertebral joints.The patient may experience stiffness during some movements, tingling in the limbs, and sometimes numbness.In the third degree of osteochondrosis, depending on the location of the disease, pain occurs in the back, neck and coccyx area.
Osteochondrosis stage 4.The body tries to correct excessive mobility of the vertebrae and normalize the function of the spine.At the junction of the vertebrae with the 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 can begin in the intervertebral discs and joints.The vertebral motor segment grows over and becomes walled up, so to speak.In this case, the main symptoms of osteochondrosis are minimized and sometimes even practically imperceptible.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis
The main symptoms of osteochondrosis are malaise and pain in the back or neck.The severity of pain and other symptoms accompanying this disease depends on the degree (stage) of osteochondrosis.
Of course, due to the pathology of the intervertebral discs, their hernias, growths on the vertebrae (osteophytes), a variety of disorders arise, such as circulatory disorders, pinched nerves, irritation and disruption of the normal functioning of the spinal cord, swelling and even fibrosis of the structures surrounding the vertebrae.All of these diseases can cause a comprehensive clinical picture and manifest themselves in a variety of different symptoms.Therefore, without a thorough diagnosis of osteochondrosis, it is very difficult to make a correct diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatment.
However, let's consider the main symptoms of osteochondrosis:
- Pain in the back, neck, lower back, shoulders and even ribs;
- Malaise, stiffness of the back during certain movements, when lifting objects;
- numbness of the extremities (arms and/or legs);
- pain in arms and legs, chills;
- muscle cramps;
- dysfunction of the sexual organs;
- headache, dizziness;
- pain in the heart area;
- sensory disorder;
- hypotonia;
- 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, headaches, dizziness, spots or spots in front of the eyes and noises in the head predominate.These signs may also indicate the presence of vertebral artery syndrome, which can also lead to 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 and heart area as well as difficulty breathing predominate.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral spine.Pain in the lower back predominates, radiating to the legs or pelvic organs.Sexual dysfunction.
Complications of osteochondrosis
If osteochondrosis is not treated and left to chance, the following diseases and pathologies may develop:
- Herniated disc (spine herniation);
- Projection;
- kyphosis;
- radiculitis;
- Deposition of salts in the intervertebral space;
- spinal cord stroke;
- weight loss of the limbs and their atrophy;
- Leg paralysis
Causes of osteochondrosis
The causes of osteochondrosis are not yet fully understood.Therefore, let's consider the most famous of them:
- mechanical injury to the back (spine);
- physical overload on 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 a young age;
- overweight, obesity;
- flat feet;
- Wearing uncomfortable shoes (tight heels);
- Night sleep on an uncomfortable bed – mattress, pillow;
- frequent dehydration;
- malnutrition, hypovitaminosis;
- Smoke;
- Pregnancy.
Classification of osteochondrosis
The classification of osteochondrosis is very diverse, since the disease itself is not fully understood.
Let's highlight the most popular methods of dividing this disease.
I distinguish osteochondrosis:
By localization:
- Neck area ©
- Thorax (Th or D)
- Lumbar spine (L)
- Sacral region (S)
By clinical manifestations:
1. Cervical spine ©.
1.1.Reflex syndromes.
- cervicalgia;
- cervicocranialgia;
- Cervicobrachialgia with vegetative-vascular, neurodystrophic or muscular tone 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 tone manifestations.
2.2.Radicular syndromes.
- Discogenic lesion of the pectoral roots.
3. Lumbosacral level (L, S).
3.1.Reflex syndromes.
- lumbago (lumbago);
- lumbodynia;
- Lumbosciatica with vegetative-vascular, neurodystrophic or muscle tone manifestations.
3.2.Radicular syndromes.
- Discogenic damage to the roots of the lumbosacral region.
3.3.Radicular vascular syndromes – radiculoischemia.
Diagnosis of osteochondrosis
The diagnosis of osteochondrosis includes the following examination methods:
- anamnesis;
- X-ray examination (X-ray);
- myelography;
- neurological examination.
Additionally, they can assign:
- Computed tomography (CT);
- nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR);
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Treatment of osteochondrosis
Treatment of osteochondrosis requires a set of measures that must be carried out over a 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 if one indirectly follows the recommendations of the attending physician, the prognosis for the patient's recovery is minimal.
When treating osteochondrosis, self-medication often becomes an additional problem.The fact is that, as already written earlier in the article, the clinical picture of this disease is quite unclear and comprehensive.Without a diagnosis, the patient begins to select medications for the pain and, to eliminate the pain, go about his daily life as the disease continues to progress.
Important!Timely consultation of 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 mainly carried out by two methods: conservative and surgical treatment.In addition, there are general recommendations for the treatment of osteochondrosis, such as nutrition and rehabilitation.
Conservative treatment of osteochondrosis
Conservative treatment of osteochondrosis is aimed at relieving pain, normalizing the functioning of the spine and its components, and 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 of the spine and to normalize metabolic processes.
Various therapeutic blockades are also used to relieve pain and inflammation.In addition, they help reduce muscle tone syndrome.Therapeutic blocks include: trigger point blocks as well as intraosseous, facet, paravertebral and epidural blocks.
Physiotherapy.It is used to relieve pain, to improve the effectiveness of drug therapy and during the rehabilitation period.Treatment is carried out using ultrasound, lasers, magnetic fields, low-frequency currents, etc.
Physiotherapy (physiotherapy), exercise therapy.Specially selected, dosed exercises are aimed at correcting the muscle corset, strengthening it, correcting posture, normalizing the function of muscle tissue and its flexibility, relieving the load on the nerve roots and preventing possible complications of the disease.All this is achieved by normalizing the metabolism and nutrition of the intervertebral discs, improving blood circulation, restoring the distance between intervertebral discs and vertebrae, and distributing the load across 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 and metabolism, increases the tone of muscle tissue and normalizes the functioning of the nervous system.The body is massaged with a targeted jet of water and a specific pressure.In recent years, hydromassage has become popular with the help of air bubbles, which are applied to the body in specially equipped baths or pools.
Manual therapy.The application takes place according to an individually selected program specifically targeting the musculoskeletal system.Helps to improve blood and lymph circulation, metabolism and mobility of the musculoskeletal system, strengthen the immune system and prevent possible complications.
Extension (traction) of the spine.With the help of special devices, the intervertebral space is enlarged and the structure of the spine is corrected, which usually leads to a minimization or complete elimination of pain.
The combined use of the above methods of treating osteochondrosis has a good effect.
Drugs for osteochondrosis
Remedies for osteochondrosis include:
- Anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Antispasmodics.
- Antioxidants:Vitamin C, Vitamin E
- Stimulants for blood microcirculation.
- Agents for preventing further degeneration of cartilage tissue.
Diet for osteochondrosis
With osteochondrosis, you need to eat 6 times a day in small portions and drink at least 1.5 liters of water every day.
What can you eat for 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, grains.
What needs to be minimized in the diet for osteochondrosis:Grapes, legumes (peas, beans, etc.), flour products, hot spices, sugar, salty foods, meat broths and smoked meats.
It is better to steam food because... With this method of preparation, the products retain the maximum amount of vitamins and microelements.
Try seasoning salads with olive oil.
Surgical treatment of osteochondrosis
Surgical treatment of osteochondrosis is used when the conservative method is ineffective.Prescribed by the treating doctor or a medical association.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
Commentary from herbalist A.A. Malgin: Herbal treatment (herbal medicine) has some wonderful benefits, 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 for osteochondrosis
Dough.Prepare a dough from 300 grams of rye flour and let it rest at room temperature for a few days.Drink a glass of milk and rub turpentine on the area where your back hurts.Then wrap the dough in gauze and apply to the sore spot.Wrap it on top with cellophane and then with a scarf or towel.After a while, you may feel some burning and tingling in the area, but endure it as long as possible.Carry out the procedure every other day.Do not use each batch of dough more than three times.
Sabelnik.Make a tincture of cinquefoil.Before going to bed, rub the place where your back hurts with the prepared tincture and tie a scarf around it.Additionally, you can take a few drops of cinquefoil tincture before going to bed.
Ointment for osteochondrosis.Add 1 tbsp to the container.a spoonful of flour, 1 egg, 100 g butter and 1 tbsp.Add a spoonful of vinegar, mix everything thoroughly and leave to infuse in a dark place for 2 days.Then remove any foam that may have 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 on 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 – swimming, running, doing morning exercises, riding a bike;
- When sitting, pay attention to your posture – keep your back straight and your shoulders relaxed;
- Only carry out sedentary work on comfortable chairs and armchairs that can support the spine.
- If you are sedentary, do regular exercises and warm up.
- sleep on a comfortable (orthopedic) mattress, pillow;
- Avoid carrying heavy objects and if so, lift them slowly.
- Do exercises to maintain excellent conditioning and pump up your abdominal muscles.
- Wear comfortable shoes and avoid wearing heels, especially during pregnancy.
- Try to eat foods fortified with vitamins and microelements.
Which doctor should I see if I have osteochondrosis?
- vertebrologist;
- Neurologist;
- Osteopath;
- Orthopedist.