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In today's article we will consider 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 a degenerative-dystrophic lesion of the intervertebral discs, and then of the vertebral tissues themselves.
The main symptom of osteochondrosis is neck or back pain.Other symptoms include muscle atrophy, sensory disturbances and disturbances in the functioning of internal organs.Depending on the localization of the pathological process, they distinguish cervical, thoracic and lumbar osteochondrosis.If this disease and its treatment do not receive the necessary attention, the process of spinal damage will become irreversible.
In English 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 on one shoulder (for example, a bag, backpack), prolonged sitting in an incorrect position, night rest on an uneven mattress or pillow.Other factors may 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 affects 40-90% of the world's population, mainly between 30 and 35 years old.Under unfavorable conditions, this disease develops in adolescents, which is most often facilitated by carrying a heavy and uncomfortable backpack, especially on one shoulder, uncomfortable shoes and injuries.
Development of osteochondrosis
The development of osteochondrosis occurs in 4 distinct stages (degrees):
Osteochondrosis stage 1.It is characterized by the appearance of a pathological process in the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc - its dehydration (dehydration) occurs, then the height of the disc decreases.At the same time, cracks begin to appear in the annulus fibrosus.At this stage, the patient usually does not feel any changes.Discomfort may occur when sitting in a sitting position unusual for a person or during active exercise.
Osteochondrosis stage 2.As the height of the discs decreases, the distance between adjacent vertebrae also decreases and the muscles and ligaments of the spine begin to sag slightly.This process causes hypermobility of two adjacent vertebrae, which can lead to their sliding and/or displacement.A spondylolisthesis forms.Due to the displacement of vertebrae, the patient, under a certain load, feels real discomfort and sometimes pain in the pathological area.
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 certain movements, tingling in the limbs and sometimes numbness.At the 3rd degree of osteochondrosis, there are already pains in the back, neck and coccyx region, depending on the localization of the disease.
Osteochondrosis stage 4.The body tries to correct excessive mobility of the vertebrae and normalize the functioning of the spine.At the junction of pathological vertebrae, new bone formations develop on each of them - osteophytes, which, when forming in an unnecessary place, can cause microtrauma to the nerve root and sometimes to the neighboring vertebra.Fibrous ankylosis can begin in the discs and joints.The vertebral-motor segment becomes overgrown and becomes, so to speak, walled off.In this case, the main signs of osteochondrosis are minimized and sometimes even practically invisible.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis
The main symptoms of osteochondrosis are discomfort and pain in the back or neck.The severity of pain and other signs accompanying this disease depend on the degree (stage) of osteochondrosis.
Of course, due to the pathology of the intervertebral discs, their herniation, growths on the vertebrae (osteophytes), a large number of disorders arise, 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, back stiffness during certain movements, lifting something;
- numbness of the extremities (arms and/or legs);
- painful feeling in arms and legs, chills;
- muscle spasms;
- disorders in the functioning of the genital organs;
- headache, dizziness;
- pain in the heart region;
- 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, headaches, dizziness, spots or spots before the eyes, and noises in the head predominate.These signs can 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 there.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine.Pain in the chest, in the heart region and respiratory discomfort predominate.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral spine.Lower back pain predominates, radiating towards 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 (vertebral herniation);
- protrusion;
- kyphosis;
- radiculitis;
- deposition of salts in the intervertebral space;
- spinal cord stroke;
- weight loss of the limbs and their atrophy;
- paralysis of the legs
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 from a young age;
- overweight, obesity;
- flat feet;
- wear 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.
Let's highlight the most popular methods for dividing this disease.
I distinguish osteochondrosis:
By location:
- Cervical region ©
- Thoracic (Th or D)
- Lumbar (L)
- Sacred region (S)
According to clinical manifestations:
1. Cervical level ©.
1.1.Reflex syndromes.
- neck pain;
- neck and neck pain;
- cervicobrachialgia with vegetative-vascular, neurodystrophic or musculo-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 musculo-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 musculo-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:
- history;
- 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 involves the use of a set of measures that must be carried out over a fairly long period (from 1 to 3 months + about 1 year for rehabilitation), to which many patients react very ambiguously.It should therefore be noted that by indirectly following the recommendations of the attending physician, the patient's prognosis for 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, the clinical picture of this disease is quite ambiguous and broad.The patient, without a diagnosis, begins to select medications for what hurts and, eliminating the pain, continues to go about his daily business, while the disease continues to progress.
Important!Timely consultation with a doctor, 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 to normalize metabolic processes.
To relieve pain and inflammation, various therapeutic blockades are also used.In addition, they help reduce musculo-tonic syndrome.Therapeutic blockages include: trigger point blockages, as well as intraosseous, facet, paravertebral and epidural blockades.
Physiotherapy.It is used to relieve pain, improve the effectiveness of drug treatment and during the rehabilitation period.The treatment is carried out using ultrasound, laser, magnetic fields, low frequency currents, etc.
Physiotherapy (physiotherapy), physiotherapy.Specially selected and dosed exercises aimed at correcting the muscle corset, strengthening it, correcting posture, normalizing the functioning of muscle tissues and their flexibility, decompressing nerve roots and preventing possible complications of the disease.All of the above is achieved by normalizing the metabolism and nutrition of the intervertebral discs, blood circulation, restoring the distance between the 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 to normalize blood circulation, metabolism, increase the tone of muscle tissues and normalize the functioning of the nervous system.It involves massaging the body using a targeted jet of water with a certain pressure.True, in recent years hydromassage has prevailed using 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 lymphatic circulation, metabolism, mobility of the musculoskeletal system, strengthen the immune system and prevent possible complications.
Extension (traction) of the spine.It is used using special equipment to increase the intervertebral space and correct the structure of the spine, which usually leads to minimization or complete elimination 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 medications.
- 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 per day.
What can you eat with osteochondrosis:dairy products, lean meats (chicken, beef), jellies, fish jellies, jellied meat, fresh vegetables (tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, carrots, beets, peppers, cabbage, celery, broccoli), fruits, avocados, nuts, sunflower seeds, spinach, mushrooms, cereals.
What should be minimized in foods 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, the products retain the maximum amount of vitamins and microelements.
Try dressing 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 board of physicians.It can also be used for serious 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 from herbalist A.A. Malgin: Herbal treatment (phytotherapy) has 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 that, 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 specialist doctors based on their many years of experience.
Other folk remedies for osteochondrosis
Dough.Prepare 300 grams of dough from rye flour and let it rest at room temperature for a few days.Drink a glass of milk and rub the area where your back hurts with turpentine.Then wrap the paste in gauze and apply it to the sore spot.Wrap it with cellophane on top, then with a scarf or towel.After a while, you may feel a burning and tingling sensation in the area, but bear with it as long as you can.Do the procedure every other day.Do not use each batch of dough more than 3 times.
Sabelnik.Prepare a potentilla tincture.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 a few drops of cinquefoil tincture before bed.
Ointment for osteochondrosis.Add 1 tbsp to the container.a spoonful of flour, 1 egg, 100 g of butter and 1 tbsp.a spoonful of vinegar, mix everything well and place in a dark place for 2 days to infuse.Then remove any foam 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 - swim, run, do morning exercises, ride a bike;
- monitor your posture during sedentary work - keep your back straight and keep your shoulders relaxed;
- carry out sedentary work only on comfortable chairs, armchairs that can support the spine;
- when working sedentary, periodically do exercises and warm up;
- sleep on a comfortable (orthopedic) mattress and pillow;
- try to avoid carrying heavy objects and, if you do, lift them slowly;
- do exercises to maintain excellent physical condition and pump up your abdominal muscles;
- wear comfortable shoes, avoid wearing heels, especially during pregnancy;
- try to eat foods enriched with vitamins and microelements.
Which doctor should I consult in case of osteochondrosis?
- Vertebrologist;
- Neurologist;
- Osteopath;
- Orthopedist.