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, the 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 neck or back pain.Other symptoms include muscle atrophy, sensory disturbances, and dysfunction of internal organs.Depending on the location of the pathological process, cervical, thoracic and lumbar osteochondrosis are distinguished.If sufficient attention is not paid to this disease and its treatment, the process of damage to the spine becomes irreversible.
In English-language literature, the term "osteochondrosis" refers to a group of diseases of the musculoskeletal system, such as osteochondropathy.
The main factor or reason for the development of osteochondrosis is the uneven distribution of the load on the spine, which occurs when carrying heavy objects in one hand or on the shoulder (for example, a bag, a backpack), sitting in an incorrect position for a long time, resting on an uneven mattress or pillow at night.Other factors 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 30-35.Under unfavorable conditions, this disease develops in adolescence, which is most often helped by carrying a heavy, uncomfortable backpack, especially on one shoulder, uncomfortable shoes, and injury.
Development of osteochondrosis
The development of osteochondrosis occurs in 4 different stages (degrees):
Osteochondrosis 1 stage.It is characterized by the fact that a pathological process begins in the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc - it dries out (dehydration) and then the height of the disc decreases.At the same time, cracks appear in the fibrous ring.At this stage, the patient usually does not feel any changes.Unpleasant sensations may occur when a person sits in an unusual sitting position or actively exercises.
Osteochondrosis stage 2.As the height of the discs decreases, the distance between adjacent vertebrae also decreases, and the spinal muscles and ligaments sag slightly.This process causes hypermobility of two adjacent vertebrae, which can lead to their slipping and/or displacement.Spondylolisthesis is formed.Due to the displaced vertebrae, the patient feels real discomfort and sometimes pain in the pathology area under certain loads.
Osteochondrosis stage 3.It is characterized by the formation of disc prolapses and protrusions, sometimes subluxations and arthrosis occur in the intervertebral joints.The patient may feel stiffness in some of his movements, tingling in his limbs, and sometimes numbness.With the 3rd degree of osteochondrosis, depending on the location of the disease, pain appears in the back, neck and coccyx.
Osteochondrosis stage 4.The body tries to correct excessive mobility of the vertebrae and to normalize the function of the spine.At the junction of pathological vertebrae, new bone formations grow on each of them - osteophytes, which, forming in an unnecessary place, can cause microtrauma to the nerve root and sometimes to the adjacent vertebra.Fibrous ankylosis may begin in the discs and joints.The vertebral-motor segment is overgrown and almost walled up.In this case, the main signs of osteochondrosis are reduced to a minimum, and sometimes they are practically not noticeable.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis
The main symptoms of osteochondrosis are discomfort and pain in the back or neck.The severity of the pain and other accompanying signs of the disease depend on the degree (stage) of osteochondrosis.
Of course, due to the pathology, herniation, and vertebral growths (osteophytes) of the intervertebral discs, many abnormalities occur, such as circulatory disturbances, pinched nerves, irritation and disturbance of the normal functioning of the spinal cord, swelling and even fibrosis of the structures surrounding the vertebra.All these disorders can cause an extensive clinical picture of the disease and can be expressed in many 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 region, lower back, shoulders and even ribs;
- discomfort, back stiffness during certain movements, lifting something;
- numbness of the limbs (arms and/or legs);
- soreness in the arms and legs, chills;
- muscle spasms;
- disorders in the functioning of the genital organs;
- headache, dizziness;
- pain in the area of the heart;
- 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 arm and shoulder, headache, dizziness, spots or spots before the eyes, and noise in the head predominate.These signs can also indicate the presence of vertebral artery syndrome, which can also cause complications in the functioning of the heart muscle and heart muscles if other diseases are also present.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine.Chest pain, in the area of the heart and breathing discomfort dominate.
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 hernia);
- protrusion;
- kyphosis;
- radiculitis;
- deposition of salts in the intervertebral space;
- spinal cord stroke;
- weight loss and atrophy of the limbs;
- leg paralysis
Causes of osteochondrosis
The causes of osteochondrosis are not completely clear, so let's look at the most popular ones:
- mechanical damage to the back (spine);
- physical overload 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, since the disease itself is not fully understood.
We highlight the most popular methods of dividing the disease.
I distinguish osteochondrosis:
By localization:
- Neck region ©
- Chest (Th or D)
- Waist (L)
- Sacral region (S)
According to clinical manifestations:
1. Neck level ©.
1.1.Reflex syndromes.
- cervical pain;
- cervicocranial pain;
- 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 - radiculoischaemia.
Diagnosis of osteochondrosis
The diagnosis of osteochondrosis includes the following examination methods:
- medical history;
- X-ray examination (x-ray);
- myelography;
- neurological examination.
In addition, you can 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 carried out for a rather long time (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 of the patient's recovery is minimal.
Self-medication is often an additional problem in the treatment of osteochondrosis.The fact is that, as it was written earlier in the article, the clinical picture with this disease is quite ambiguous and wide.Without a diagnosis, the patient begins to choose drugs for what hurts, and after eliminating the pain, continues with his daily life, while the disease progresses.
Important!A timely consultation with a doctor, a thorough medical diagnosis and strict adherence to all the recommendations of the attending physician increase the positive prognosis of 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 function 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 that make up the spine, as well as to normalize metabolic processes.
Various therapeutic blockades are also used to relieve pain and inflammation.They also help reduce muscle tone syndrome.Therapeutic blocks include: trigger point blocks, as well as intraosseous, facet, paravertebral and epidural blocks.
Physiotherapy.It is used for pain relief, to increase the effectiveness of drug therapy and during the rehabilitation period.Treatment with ultrasound, laser, magnetic fields, low-frequency currents, etc.
Physiotherapy (physiotherapy), kinesitherapy.Specially selected, dosed exercises for correcting and strengthening the ligaments, improving posture, normalizing the function and flexibility of muscle tissues, decompressing nerve roots, and preventing possible complications of the disease.All of the above can be achieved by normalizing the metabolism and nutrition of the intervertebral discs, blood circulation, restoring the distance between the discs and the vertebrae, and distributing the load on the entire musculoskeletal system.
Massage.It is used to improve blood circulation, relieve stiffness and tension in muscle tissue, and improve general health.
Hydromassage.It normalizes blood circulation, metabolism, increases the tone of muscle tissue and normalizes the functioning of the nervous system.It involves massaging the body with a targeted jet of water with a certain pressure.It is true that 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 applied according to an individually selected program targeting the musculoskeletal system.It helps improve blood and lymph circulation, metabolism, mobility of the locomotor system, strengthens the immune system and prevents possible complications.
Extension (traction) of the spine.With the help of special devices, it is used to increase the space between the vertebrae and correct the structure of the spine, which usually leads to the minimization or complete elimination of pain.
The combined use of the above methods has a good effect on the treatment of osteochondrosis.
Anti-osteochondrosis drugs
Remedies for osteochondrosis include:
- Anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Anticonvulsants.
- Antioxidants:Vitamin C, Vitamin E.
- Agents that stimulate blood microcirculation.
- Tools to prevent further degeneration of cartilage tissue.
Diet for osteochondrosis
In case of osteochondrosis, you should eat 6 times a day, in small portions, and drink at least 1.5 liters of water a day.
What can be eaten in case of 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.
What should be minimized in food in osteochondrosis:grapes, legumes (peas, beans, etc.), flour products, spicy spices, sugar, salty foods, broths and smoked meats.
It is better to steam food because... With this method of preparation, the products retain the vitamins and microelements to the maximum.
Try seasoning salads with olive oil.
Surgical treatment of osteochondrosis
Surgical treatment of osteochondrosis is used when the conservative method is ineffective.It is prescribed by the attending physician or a medical advice.It can also be used for severe damage to the spine and its components.
Treatment of osteochondrosis with folk remedies
Important!Be sure to consult your doctor before treating osteochondrosis with home remedies!
Treatment of osteochondrosis with ready herbal preparations
A note from herbalist A.A.Malgin: herbal treatment (herbal medicine) has some wonderful benefits, such as:
- herbs eliminate the causes of the disease,
- medicinal herbs have a minimal number of contraindications (usually individual intolerance),
- The herbal treatment has minimal side effects,
- medicinal 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, dosage, sequence, etc. of the collection.The courses are developed by specialists based on their many years of experience.
Other folk remedies against osteochondrosis
Pasta.Make dough from 300 grams of rye flour and let it stand for a few days at room temperature.Drink a glass of milk and rub turpentine on the area where your back hurts.Then wrap the dough in gauze and apply it to the sore spot.Wrap the top with cellophane and then a scarf or towel.You may feel a burning and tingling sensation in the area after a while, but bear with it as long as you can.Do the procedure every other day.Use each portion of dough no more than 3 times.
Sabelnik.Make a tincture of cinquefoil.Before going to bed, rub the prepared tincture on the area where your back hurts and tie a scarf over it.You can also take a few drops of cinquefoil tincture before going to bed.
Ointment for osteochondrosis.Add 1 tbsp to the container.a spoon of flour, 1 egg, 100 g of butter and 1 tbsp.a spoonful of vinegar, mix everything thoroughly and put it in a dark place for 2 days to infuse it.Then remove the foam from the mixture.Mix the mixture well again and rub the resulting ointment into the painful area.
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 the recommendations below:
- leads an active lifestyle - swimming, running, doing morning exercises, cycling;
- pay attention to your posture while sitting - keep your back straight and relax your shoulders;
- perform sitting work only on comfortable chairs and armchairs that can support the spine;
- if you do sedentary work, do regular exercises and warm up;
- sleeping on a comfortable (orthopedic) mattress or pillow;
- try to avoid carrying heavy objects, and if you do, lift them slowly;
- do exercises to maintain excellent condition and pump up the abdominal muscles;
- wear comfortable shoes, avoid wearing heels, especially during pregnancy;
- try to eat foods rich in vitamins and microelements.
What kind of doctor should I see for osteochondrosis?
- Vertebrologist;
- Neurologist;
- osteopath;
- Orthopedic doctor.