The spine performs the most important functions in the human body. From this article you will learn all about what is osteochondrosis, what are the symptoms and treatment of this disease, what are the signs of pathology and causes of the disease.
What is osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis is a disease that affects the intervertebral discs and other spinal tissues. Dystrophic processes start inside the spinal column. The vertebrae, as if compressed, crush those discs, which gradually leads to constriction of the nerve endings of the spinal cord.
Important! If osteochondrosis is not treated, the pathology can cause disability.
About 80% of the world's population suffers from spinal pathologies. Osteochondrosis is most commonly diagnosed among people aged 15 to 30 years. Although the disease occurs in both men and women, a strong half of humanity finds it harder to tolerate this disease.
The disease begins to develop and manifest in relatively adulthood, when a person leads an active life. Although osteochondrosis is possible in children, it occurs much less frequently than in adults.
Despite the fact that experts around the world have come together to eradicate the disease, new cases of osteochondrosis are recorded every year. Whether problems arise depends a lot on the personal efforts of the individual.
Existing classification
There are many types of osteochondrosis, so different doctors may apply different classifications.
Depending on which part of the spine is affected, there are:
- cervical osteochondrosis;
- osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine;
- osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine;
- osteochondrosis of the sacral region.
Extensive osteochondrosis is also distinguished. This is a form of pathology in which several departments are affected at once. For example, osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral region can often be found, because this part of the spinal column experiences a constantly increased load.
Regardless of the type of disease a person encounters, complications are always severe. Therefore, it is important to recognize the disease as soon as possible and provide qualified first aid.
When the doctor makes a diagnosis, he notices at what stage the pathology is detected. In osteochondrosis, there are 3 phases according to the X-ray examination and 4 phases according to the symptomatic changes.
What happens during pathology
Almost all vertebrae have a similar structure. They consist of vertebral bodies and arches. All vertebrae, "folded", form the spinal canal. The discs are located between the vertebrae - jelly-like tendons that act as shock absorbers.
Pathological changes begin in the intervertebral discs with osteochondrosis. The fibrous part gradually becomes more brittle. Under pressure from the vertebrae, the nucleus pulposus appears to move itself and look for the place where it is easiest to do so.
In most cases, the disc exits into the spinal canal. This leads to compression of the spinal cord and the nerves located there. The result is pain and symptoms in the organs for which these nerves are responsible.
In response to pressure in the body, processes of accelerated division of bone tissue are initiated. As a result, the development of osteophytes begins - growths on the bones that create the main problems with osteochondrosis in humans.
Thus, in osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, the consequences can be sad, because the pathological process affects both the nervous and vascular systems.
Causes of osteochondrosis
Since osteochondrosis is a dangerous enemy, it is important to understand what triggers the onset of the disease. No matter where the disease is located, its causes are always similar.
The main reasons why osteochondrosis can develop are the following:
- premature tissue aging on intervertebral discs;
- constant overexertion of the muscles that support the spine;
- lack of reasonable stress on these muscle groups;
- uneven load distribution between parts of the spine, leading to imbalance and development of pseudospondylolisthesis;
- presence of genetic predisposition for the development of degenerative processes in cartilaginous tissues;
- the presence of autoimmune diseases, due to which their own antibodies disrupt the nutrition of the spine.
Without a doubt, hormonal imbalances and poor nutrition can also affect spine health. Some women first encountered symptoms of the disease during pregnancy when the load increased.
Risk group
Acute osteochondrosis usually develops after exposure to negative factors. The following factors can trigger the onset of symptoms:
- incorrect posture;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- prolonged positioning in an awkward position;
- lifting heavy weights; scoliosis;
- lack of spinal muscular corset;
- lack of vitamins and minerals necessary for the regeneration of bone and cartilage tissue;
- emotional experiences;
- severe infections;
- the impact of unfavorable ecology;
- prolonged hypothermia;
- injury;
- sudden changes in body position;
- powerful sports;
- wearing shoes with uncomfortable heels;
- overweight;
- metabolic disorders; rheumatism;
- congenital malformations.
As you can see, many factors can cause the development of osteochondrosis. However, the sooner the first signs of the disease are detected and the diagnosis is made, the greater the chances of curing the pathology and preserving the quality of life.
Characteristics of the disease by stages
There are 4 stages of the disease and each has its own intensity of symptoms:
- with grade 1 disease, the patient has no general symptoms, but only localized pain may exist;
- with osteochondrosis of the 2nd degree, the pain becomes stronger, protrusion of discs and subluxation of the vertebral body develops, static violations are observed;
- for grade 3 osteochondrosis, significant symptoms, including general ones, are characteristic, and the lesion reaches the stage of development of an intervertebral hernia;
- in 4 stages of pathology disability occurs and any medications no longer bring relief.
Of course, if osteochondrosis is detected in the initial phase, it is quite possible to stop the progression of the disease.
However, intervertebral osteochondrosis is divided depending on the damage to the vertebral body:
- no phase 0 violations;
- in stage 1 the disorders are insignificant, sometimes there are internal tears in the vertebrae;
- in stage 2, the changes on the disc are quite noticeable and pronounced, however, the outer surface is preserved;
- In stage 3, the disc is completely involved, pushed into the spinal cord area or outwards.
If you experience minor symptoms, even lumbar spine instability or discomfort in any other area, seek expert advice.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis
As already mentioned, the intensity of the symptoms depends on the degree of damage to the vertebral body and the location of the damage. Most patients report similar symptoms.
When the pathological process is localized in the cervical spine, the following symptoms are possible:
- blurred vision;
- ear congestion;
- noise in the head;
- ringing in ears;
- dizziness;
- headaches;
- sleep apnea;
- hearing impairment;
- unconsciousness;
- weakness of the vocal cords;
- neck cramps;
- changes in blood pressure;
- numbness of the tongue;
- swelling of the neck;
- eye pain;
- insomnia;
- spasm of blood vessels in the neck;
- dental problems.
The following phenomena occur in spinal lesions in the thoracic region:
- muscle spasm, similar to pain in the heart of cuts, stings and sharp character;
- the patient has difficulty breathing;
- pain and burning in the sternum;
- there is a lump in the throat;
- possible cough and nausea;
- abdominal pain occurs, especially during deep inhalation and exhalation;
- there is a strong weakness in the arms and legs;
- discomfort increases with changing body position.
The following complaints occur for problems in the sacral or lumbar spine:
- back pain radiating to the legs;
- freezing of the lower extremities at normal body temperature;
- numbness in the legs;
- constant tension in the leg muscles;
- varicose veins;
- impotence;
- pale skin;
- dysmenorrhea.
As osteochondrosis of the back progresses, several vertebrae may merge. Then the symptomatology gradually disappears, but reappears during the spring-autumn worsening.
If the vagus nerve is constricted, digestion, heart rate, and bladder and bladder problems may occur.
Syndromes in osteochondrosis
It is common among doctors to divide symptoms into groups, syndromes. In intercostal osteochondrosis there are:
- vertebral syndrome;
- spinal artery syndrome;
- cardiac or scapular rib syndrome;
- radicular.
It is worth taking a closer look at each of the syndromes.
Spine
The following picture is observed in vertebral syndrome:
- is impaired mobility and neck pain occurs;
- changes in the condition of the vertebrae are visible on X-ray;
- The patient cannot turn his head to the side painlessly.
Important! When making a diagnosis, the doctor should distinguish between myositis and vertebral syndrome, because the clinical picture is similar, but the methods of treatment are different.
Vertebral artery
The following manifestations of this osteochondrosis syndrome are observed:
- nausea, vomiting;
- pressure jumps;
- dizziness;
- migraine;
- flies in the eyes;
- drowsiness;
- lethargy;
- fatigue;
- violation of emotional stability.
The physician should distinguish this syndrome from atherosclerotic changes in the vessels and tumor processes.
Heart
This syndrome is characterized by:
- up;
- chest pain;
- difficulty breathing;
- fatigue;
- tachycardia.
An ECG and angiography confirming the absence of atherosclerosis must be performed during the hospital visit.
Radicular
Pathological signs depend on which roots have undergone changes. In general, this group of symptoms includes:
- discomfort in the occipital region;
- unpleasant sensations in the tongue;
- Difficulty chewing food;
- pain on swallowing;
- discomfort in the scapular area;
- Difficulty performing hand movements;
- is not owning 4 and 5 fingers.
Since several parts of the spine are usually involved in the pathological process of osteochondrosis, whole groups of symptoms occur.
Diagnostics
When symptoms of osteochondrosis appear, tests are not usually taken.
Some of the following tests are sufficient to make a diagnosis:
- X-ray;
- computed tomography;
- magnetic resonance imaging.
Although conventional X-ray examination allows diagnosis, CT and MRI are used to more effectively select drugs and determine the degree of spinal cord injury.
Treatment of osteochondrosis
Both during exacerbations and during planned therapy, treatment should be comprehensive. Refers to:
- drug treatment;
- manual therapy;
- Exercise therapy for osteochondrosis.
The most common treatment is at home. The main thing is that the patient strictly adheres to the doctor's prescriptions. When a patient needs injections, a day hospital may be recommended.
Specifics of drug treatment
Drug treatment involves the use of several groups of drugs at once. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed.
NSAIDs were initially prescribed as fats. As the disease progresses, tablets, injections, or some other form of antispasmodic may be recommended. Almost all nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have a pronounced analgesic effect.
In order for the spine to relax, you need to relieve muscle spasms. Muscle relaxants are used for this purpose.
If treatment is started in the early stages of the disease, when the cartilage tissue has not yet been destroyed, it makes sense to take chondroprotectors.
Important! For all of these medications to work, they must be taken systematically, for at least six months.
Vitamin B complexes can positively affect recovery.
The following medications may also be prescribed:
- for dilating blood vessels and improving nutrition;
- to combat dizziness;
- topical gel to improve blood circulation.
Compresses, mustard plasters and special anesthetic plasters with a medicinal composition are applied to the affected areas.
Performing manual therapy
Although massage of the neck and other affected areas is believed to be a folk method, this judgment is wrong. Such procedures can be carried out only after a doctor's prescription and careful training. Misconduct can do even more damage.
You can massage with honey or any healing oils. The following techniques are used:
- light strokes are made with the fingertips, starting from the head to the upper back;
- rubbing in progress;
- squeezing to capture deep layers of tissue;
- kneading.
Cupping massage is effective. Self-massage can be performed. It is highly undesirable to use massagers without consulting a doctor, as reckless impact can damage already fragile discs.
The value of exercise in osteochondrosis
To get rid of the symptoms of osteochondrosis, it is important to perform a set of back exercises regularly. There are now many popular techniques for forming the lumbar and cervical corset. Let us consider only the most effective ones and briefly discuss their essence.
Gymnastics for the neck of a physiotherapist helps to improve blood circulation, relieve pain and restore freedom of movement. It does not give a quick effect, the result is only after long-term therapy. In addition to exercise, it is important to consider the prescribed treatment and follow a diet. All exercises are performed at a very slow pace, while ensuring proper muscle stretching.
Therapeutic exercises for the neck of another doctor for osteochondrosis are useful not only for people with osteochondrosis, but also for many other problems. The complex is reminiscent of multiple neck exercises, and classes can be performed even at lunch time. To achieve results and strengthen muscles, you need to exercise regularly and only after a doctor's appointment.
General recommendations in the treatment of osteochondrosis
Since patients with osteochondrosis need careful periodic warming, a visit to the baths will be beneficial for such a patient. It is only important to take into account the stage of the disease and the presence of other pathologies. Before such a procedure, you should consult a doctor.
To strengthen your muscular corset, you can use push-ups, fitness and pilates with a trainer. It is necessary to visit the pool regularly. Each swim should not be shorter than 20 minutes, otherwise there will be no effect.
Treatment with folk remedies is allowed, but only after agreement with a doctor who is a doctor and as an adjunct therapy. Physiotherapy, including electrophoresis, can be performed according to the doctor's instructions.
Prevention
Even if spinal problems seem insignificant or the patient is still a child, it is still important to actively engage in osteochondrosis prevention.
It's important to follow these best practices:
- use orthopedic sleeping pillows;
- lead an active lifestyle;
- take time for sports, especially swimming;
- warm up several times a day;
- be careful when doing physically demanding work;
- give up bad habits.
Diet is important because certain foods increase the risk of disease, namely:
- salting;
- smoked meat;
- spices;
- sweets;
- fatty and fried foods.
It is important to limit soda and coffee, and it is better to give preference to tea and soups. Proper nutrition will help protect the body from damage to bone and cartilage tissue.
Since the process can be stopped and even reversed in the initial stages of osteochondrosis, it is necessary to consult a doctor immediately and undergo an examination when the first symptoms appear. This is the only way to maintain physical activity for many years!