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Symptoms and methods of treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine

Signs indicating the development of osteochondrosis - pain in the neck and lower back

Weakening of the intervertebral discs or other spinal disorders that complicate or limit movements indicate the development of a serious disease - osteochondrosis. This can occur in anyone and is not associated with age. The spine is a supporting element of the skeleton, therefore its changes affect the quality of life and the state of many organ systems. Therefore, it is necessary to know the causes, signs of osteochondrosis, as well as treatment methods in order to detect disorders in time and prevent the development of pathology.

What is osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis is a complex of degenerative disorders of the human spine, which are manifested by dystrophic changes in the cartilage of this system.The disease can occur in any joint, but much more often it develops in the intervertebral discs.

The main sign indicating the development of the disease is pain in the back, neck and lower back. In the future, pain may be felt in the shoulders, arms and upper thighs. In the absence of treatment, atrophy of muscle tissue begins, disruption of the sensitivity and activity of internal organs, which leads to an incurable disease.

ICD-10 code

The World Health Organization developed ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision).Its essence is as follows: each disease has its own specific code, consisting of numbers and letters. The doctor, seeing such a code in front of him, knows exactly what disease it is and what treatment should be prescribed to save the patient from this problem.

According to ICD-10, osteochondrosis has the code M42 and belongs to the class "Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue" (group "Dorsopathies", subgroup "Deforming dorsopathies").

Causes of development and risk factors

The causes of osteochondrosis are numerous. They all depend on the part of the spine in which the disease develops: cervical, thoracic or lumbar. There are several main reasons for the development of the disease:

  • Hereditary predisposition. Congenital anomalies contribute to the development of diseases of the musculoskeletal system;
  • Hormonal imbalance. Disruption of the endocrine system, overweight or underweight negatively affect the musculoskeletal system;
  • Age-related body changes. As a result, muscle, bone and cartilaginous tissues are destroyed, intervertebral discs wear out with age;
  • Spinal injuries and bruises. Many people stay in one position for a long time, for example sitting at a table, while others do the same type of physical work. All this causes damage to the bone and ligamentous apparatus of the spine, as well as injury to the intervertebral discs;
  • Degenerative changes in muscle tissue. These processes appear due to overstrain of individual muscle groups, which most often leads to thoracic osteochondrosis.
  • Sedentary lifestyle. Muscle atrophy occurs, which causes circulatory disorders and poor formation of the bone skeleton.

Most people don't pay attention to their diet and eat foods that are not healthy at all. As a result, nutritional deficiency occurs, which negatively affects the integrity of the intervertebral cartilage, its mobility and elasticity.

There are several risk factors for developing this disease:

  • hypothermia;
  • flat foot;
  • complications after infectious diseases;
  • Overweight;
  • sedentary lifestyle;
  • spinal injuries.

When the intervertebral discs and cartilage tissue are damaged, it is important to determine the cause of the disease and begin appropriate treatment.

Types and symptoms

Depending on the location of the pathological process, several types of osteochondrosis are distinguished.

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

It manifests itself as pain in the neck, at the back of the head and between the shoulder blades. During sleep, neck mobility may be limited. Often with cervical osteochondrosis, numbness of the fingers occurs. Dizziness and tinnitus are also noted. Varieties of cervical osteochondrosis differ in clinical manifestations:

  • neck pain– accompanied by neck pain and limited mobility; pain can spread to the shoulder area and the space between the shoulder blades; Tingling and burning sensations in the hands and fingers can often be observed;
  • cervico-cranialgia– accompanied by pain going from the neck to the parietal and occipital parts of the head, shoulder girdle; muscular tension is characteristic, a feeling of petrification is created; headaches, nausea, tinnitus, imbalances are observed;
  • cervicobrachialgia– characterized by throbbing, aching, shooting, shooting pain; turning and tilting the head can cause an attack of sharp pain and physical tension in the affected area, pain occurs in the arms and fingers, leading to weakness in the upper limbs;
  • discogenic root lesion– characterized by paroxysmal pain in the shoulder, forearms and fingers, accompanied by numbness and a feeling of cold; symptoms intensify when coughing, sneezing, or suddenly turning the head; may worsen at night, leading to insomnia.

Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine

Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is a rare form of the disease

This is a fairly rare form. In terms of symptoms, thoracic osteochondrosis is similar to other diseases and therefore requires differential diagnosis.Due to the immobility of the thoracic vertebrae in this area, severe pain is not observed during movement.The pain syndrome extends to the sternum and under the shoulder blade. Thoracic osteochondrosis can disrupt the functioning of internal organs. The main clinical manifestations of thoracic osteochondrosis are:

  • Thoracalgia or intercostal neuralgia– this is irritation or compression of the intercostal nerves by muscles and tissues, which is accompanied by pain in the chest when bending, bending and rotating the body, under theribs, on front of chest, pain on inspiration, on expiration; the pain may radiate towards the shoulder and between the shoulder blades;
  • pain syndrome, in which the pain is throbbing in nature; pain can be felt inside the chest, abdomen; worsens with movement, coughing, sneezing, laughing; sensitivity disorders are observed.

Thoracalgia (chest pain) is one of the most serious symptoms a person can experience. Sometimes even a doctor cannot immediately determine the cause of chest pain and whether this symptom is a sign of a threat to the patient's life.

Osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral region

The main reason for these changes is lack of nutrients and heavy loads. The metabolism slows down, so the discs do not have time to renew themselves, their structure and properties are disrupted. There are several types of lumbar osteochondrosis:

  • lumbago (acute lumbar lumbago)– acute pain in the lumbar spine that occurs when lifting weights, physical activity or bending; characterized by shooting pain to the right or left in the lumbar region; they also distinguish lumbago with sciatica, when the pain spreads to the buttocks and legs;
  • radicular vascular syndrome (radiculoischemia)occurs when the radiculomedullary artery is damaged and is accompanied by paralysis of the extensors and flexors of the gluteal muscle group, the foot hangs limply, there is no movement.

Osteochondrosis of the spine with radicular-vascular syndrome is a very dangerous pathology, which results in acute pain, since CSS is often the consequence of a disease.

Developmental stages

The stages of osteochondrosis are characterized as follows:

  1. The first stage begins with the loss of fluid reserves in the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral discs. Thereforethe physiological position of the disc and the structure of the nucleus pulposus are disrupted.
  2. Further development of the disease (first degree) is due to a decrease in the height of the disc.Muscles and ligaments become overstrained and lose their ability to function normally.At this stage, vertebral displacement may appear.
  3. The second degree is characterized by changes in bone tissue.Forms of osteoarthritis, subluxations appear.
  4. The third degree is determined by the fact thatbony growths (osteophytes) form on the spine,which leads to nerve root damage.

The development of osteochondrosis should not be neglected, because with each subsequent stage the course of treatment and rehabilitation increases. Complications that develop during the disease can lead to undesirable consequences.

What is the difference between radiculitis and osteoarthritis?

The symptoms of osteochondrosis and radiculitis are very similar, but the main difference between them is that in the first case they occur only in later stages, while radiculitis is characterized by the early manifestation of serious symptoms.In addition, with radiculitis, pressure on the paraspinal muscles and even tilting the head cause severe pain., resembling an electric shock, which does not happen with osteochondrosis.

Comparing osteochondrosis and osteoarthritis, it should be noted that with the second disease all elements of the joint are affected, which leads to creaking and limited mobility. Osteochondrosis, for its part, is characterized by the destruction of intervertebral discs with the formation of hernial protuberances.

Differential diagnostic methods are used to determine the disease. This is a comprehensive approach that requires effort and time.

Diagnostic

If osteochondrosis is suspected, the doctor prescribes a comprehensive diagnosis, including the following studies.

Checking reflexes during a neurological examination to diagnose osteochondrosis

Neurological examination

It is carried out by a neurologist. This exam includes checking reflexes, muscle strength, and the extent of pain in other parts of the body.Neurological examination is very important for osteochondrosis, because this disease affects the functioning of nerve endings and the spinal cord.


Spinal myelography

Allows you to see how cerebrospinal fluid spreads within the spinal membranes. This makes it possible to identify pathologies of the spine, diseases of the nerve roots and spinal cord. Under local anesthesia, a special dye is injected into the area of the spinal cord and nerves. An x-ray machine provides a complete picture of the spine, especially the bones. This method allows you to identify possible discrepancies.

Computed tomography (CT)

These are images of one or two segments of the spine. Using this procedure, you can see an image of the bone tissue of a certain spinal region. The doctor interprets the resulting image and, if a narrowing of the space between the vertebrae is visible, this indicates that the patient suffers from osteochondrosis.

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)

NMR uses strong magnetic fields along with radio waves to create images of the human body from individual scans.With this method, ligaments, tendons and bone structures are very well differentiated.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

This is an effective procedure because it has a safe effect on the body: during the procedure, results are achieved through the use of a magnetic field rather than radiation.

You cannot accept prescribed treatment without a complete prior diagnosis. This can only lead to a deterioration in health.

Treatment methods

Treatment of osteochondrosis involves many complex measures.Depending on the severity of the disease, a specific treatment strategy is selected.

Drug therapy

As a rule, treatment of osteochondrosis begins with taking a certain group of drugs:

  • analgesics and various analgesics;
  • medications that relieve spasms;
  • vitamins B and C;
  • medications that relieve inflammation;
  • medicines that promote better blood circulation.

In addition to taking oral medications, patients are prescribed various non-steroidal ointments and gels that can relieve pain and reduce swelling in problem areas.

Physiotherapy

In addition to drug treatment, various physiotherapeutic procedures are used. Using this method, medications can be delivered directly to the site of inflammation. Main types of physiotherapy:

  • Electrophoresis– carry out physiotherapy with electric fields modulated by currents. This allows medications to be introduced into the body. Helps relieve pain and muscle spasms;
  • Magnetotherapy. This painless physiotherapy uses the positive effect of a magnetic field on the active cells of nerve and muscle fibers. As a result, the work of molecular structures is activated and the functional properties of blood vessels are improved;
  • Ultrasound therapy. Ultrasounds are sound waves produced in a range that the human ear cannot perceive. Thanks to this, blood circulation in the affected areas improves, spasms are relieved, pain is eliminated and inflammatory processes stop;
  • Vibration effect. With the help of mechanical vibrations, the affected area is affected;
  • Balneotherapy. The essence of the method lies in the use of mineral water, which relaxes muscles and has a beneficial effect on the musculoskeletal system. Use mineral water in the shower or bath.
Magnetotherapy is a physiotherapy procedure that improves the condition of osteochondrosis.

Physiotherapy should be carried out during the period of weakening of symptoms, when there is no pain. At the acute stage of the disease, the doctor selects a set of procedures to eliminate the pain syndrome. Through proper physical treatment, the patient stops feeling pain, the spine becomes more mobile, which indicates healing.

Traditional methods

Treatment of osteochondrosis may include the use of traditional recipes, the effectiveness of which depends on the individual characteristics of the body. Here are a few:

  1. You will need 300 g of radish juice, 200 g of honey and 100 g of vodka. Mix all the ingredients and lubricate the affected areas 2 times a day.
  2. You will need 1 tbsp. L. rye flour, 100 g butter, 1 tbsp. L. vinegar and 1 egg. Mix all the ingredients and leave for two days. Rub the affected areas.
  3. Grate the raw potatoes and mix them with a little honey. Apply the prepared pulp to the sore spot for 2 hours.

Traditional treatment methods cannot act as an independent therapy.To achieve a visible and lasting result, you need to combine medicinal, conservative and traditional methods.

Traction

Spinal traction to eliminate vertebral displacement in a patient with osteochondrosis

Spinal traction is often used for osteochondrosis. Thanks to traction, muscle spasms are relieved, displacement of the vertebrae and deformation of the spine are eliminated. The procedure is performed in a hospital. There are dry and underwater methods of spinal traction.

Dry traction is carried out under the influence of the weight of the patient, lying on an inclined plane.To increase traction force, the doctor may use additional weights. With underwater traction, the healing effect is enhanced due to the effect of hot water on the body.


Under the influence of water, the distance between the vertebrae increases, vascular spasms in the affected area are eliminated, and blood supply improves.

Surgery

Surgical treatment of osteochondrosis is carried out in case of serious complications.These complications include: intervertebral disc herniation, vertebral displacement and significant reduction in the lumen of the spinal canal.

In this case, different types of operations are performed. These include operations to secure displaced vertebrae with metal plates, insert artificial implants of intervertebral joints or remove individual bone growths.

Fixation of displaced vertebrae by implants at an advanced stage of osteochondrosis

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy for osteochondrosis is one of the most important aspects of treatment. As a result, blood circulation is gradually restored, the vertebrae return to their normal position and the spine is significantly strengthened.

In the early stages of the disease, it involves gymnastics.In cases where gymnastics does not bring positive results, the doctor selects a set of individual exercises for the patient., combined with other physiotherapy procedures.

Complications

The disease can cause the following complications:

  • inflammatory diseases of the nerve roots (radiculitis, radiculopathy);
  • intervertebral hernia;
  • vegetative-vascular dystonia;
  • various neurological complications;
  • severe headaches, migraines;
  • limb atrophy;
  • spinal canal stenosis;
  • spondyloarthrosis (proliferation of the edges of the joint surface following deforming osteoarthritis);
  • spinal cord stroke.

If drug treatment does not bring positive results, surgical treatment is prescribed. The slightest delay and failure to start treatment on time can lead to disability, as the spine will lose its properties and mobility.

If treatment is not started on time, complications such as dysfunction of the reproductive and urinary system organs may occur.

Prevention

Treating osteochondrosis is quite difficult. Therefore, every effort should be made to prevent the disease from developing in the body. To prevent the occurrence of osteochondrosis, it is necessary to constantly take preventive measures:

  • RIGHTorganize a workplace;
  • when you work, you needtake short breaksdo light gymnastics;
  • watch your posture;
  • every daythe approach must be easy, without constriction;
  • choose the right comfortable pillow, the elastic mattress.The sleeping surface must be flatand elastic;
  • The daily diet should contain a minimum of salty and sweet dishes, and more foods enriched with calcium. Vitamins C, E, B must be present. They will strengthen the cartilaginous tissue and make it elastic.
  • active lifestyle.
  • prophylacticmassage.
  • medicinalgymnastic.

Preventive measures are also the main requirements during the rehabilitation period. Following these simple rules allows you to avoid relapses of the disease even after complete recovery.

conclusions

  1. Osteochondrosis is a degenerative disease of the human spine. Symptoms depend on the type of disease and the place of its appearance (cervical, thoracic, lumbosacral).
  2. Complications of the disease can not only disrupt the integrity of the spine, but also significantly affect the functioning of other organ systems.
  3. Osteochondrosis can only be cured comprehensively, combining medications, physiotherapy and therapeutic exercises.
  4. Not complicatedpreventive measures will help protect your body from serious pathology.