Osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disease in which intervertebral disc suffers, types of diseases, symptoms and treatment methods.
The central part (nucleus pulposus) of the intervertebral disc first swells and then contracts, losing its shock absorbing properties. And the fibrous ring, located along the periphery of the disk, becomes thin, and cracks form in it.
When the nucleus pulposus leaks into this crack, a bulge appears and, if the annulus ruptures, the gelatinous body falls off and forms a herniated disc. With age, the risk of developing osteochondrosis increases significantly.
Important
Osteochondrosis can have a different location. The most common type is lumbosacral (in 50% of cases). Cervical osteochondrosis is often found (in 25% of cases), less often osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine. In 12% of cases, the defeat of the intervertebral discs affects several parts of the spine at once; this is the most serious form of the disease.
Regardless of its location, the disease has several stages.
1st stagecharacterized by instability of the spinal segments, manifested in a violation of the disc.
2nd stageit is expressed in the fact that the vertebrae are less fixed to each other due to the protrusion of the intervertebral disc. The space between the vertebrae decreases.
About him3rd stageThere are already serious deformities of the spine, such as the destruction of the fibrous ring and the formation of an intervertebral hernia. Pain syndromes and other symptoms largely depend on the location of the hernia, its shape, and size.
About him4th stageIt is difficult for the patient to move, and sudden movements cause severe pain. Sometimes the pain subsides and the person's condition improves, but this is only an apparent progress associated with the fact that bone tissue grows between the vertebrae, connecting two vertebrae.
Check it out for yourself
With cervical osteochondrosis, there are:
- neck pain or pain in the form of lumbago, radiating to the area of the shoulder blades, the back of the head, or the hands
- tension of the neck muscles, when touching - painful sensations;
- feeling of numbness of the tongue, its swelling;
- goose bumps and tingling sensation on the neck and arm;
- weakness of the neck and shoulder muscles.
With osteochondrosis of the thoracic region:
- periodically there are sharp pains, like a stake in the chest;
- there is a feeling that the chest is squeezing the ring;
- there is intercostal pain when walking. The pain increases with breathing and does not go away after taking nitroglycerin, but is usually short-lived.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral region is characterized by:
- pain in the lumbar region, sometimes due to them it is impossible to straighten the back;
- pain radiating to the legs, sacrum, groin;
- loss of sensation in the legs, reduced mobility;
- cold feet, goose bumps and tingling.
On a note
Many people think that sciatica is an independent disease. In fact, this is one of the manifestations of osteochondrosis. Damage to the intervertebral disc leads to the fact that the adjacent vertebrae move closer to each other and can infringe the bundles of nerve fibers that extend from the spinal cord. A herniated disc can also compress the nerve roots. In this case, pain occurs, which spreads along the course of certain nerve fibers and, consequently, transmits it to one or another part of the body, most often to the lower back and one of the legs, with less frequency to the neck or arm. .
There is also the term "lumbago". This is the name of the acute pain in the lower back. It can occur with a sudden movement, weight lifting, a failed turn, a prolonged stay in an awkward position. During an attack, a person often takes a forced position, any attempt to move increases pain, a spasm of the muscles of the lumbar region often develops. Low back pain is also most often caused by osteochondrosis of the spine.
Risk factor's
Tall people with poor posture or weak back and abdominal muscles are predisposed to osteochondrosis; obese; office workers, who lead a predominantly sedentary lifestyle, as well as moving workers, construction workers, who often carry heavy loads. It is also common for professional drivers with prolonged exposure to vibrations.
Sports injuries with improper training lead to osteochondrosis. The disease often overtakes former professional athletes who have abruptly ended intense training.
Osteochondrosis is much more dangerous than it sounds. It often becomes the cause of dysfunction of many organs and systems. Sometimes the disease leads to severe and excruciating pain and pinching of the nerve roots, to partial or complete paralysis of the arm or leg.
If left untreated, osteochondrosis of the cervical spine can cause dizziness, headaches, and insomnia. Initiated thoracic osteochondrosis is fraught with complications such as intercostal neuralgia. Lumbar osteochondrosis is dangerous with consequences such as the progression of the curvature of the spine and even greater destruction of the intervertebral discs, inflammation of the sciatic nerve (sciatica), serious disturbances in the functioning of the organs of the genitourinary system.
Patient note
For the treatment of exacerbations of osteochondrosis, in most cases, conservative treatment is used. Its main purpose is to suppress pain and eliminate pain-induced reflex muscle tension, stiffness of movement. For this, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and muscle relaxants are used.
In addition, drugs are used to help accelerate recovery: B vitamins, agents that improve blood flow to the spine and nutrition of the nerve roots, biostimulants, as well as sedatives that support the nervous system, depleted by prolonged pain.
To improve blood circulation and relieve tissue edema, stimulate muscles, physiotherapeutic methods are used: magnetic and ultrasound therapy, phonophoresis and electrophoresis, darsonvalization, electrostimulation. Acupuncture, manual therapy, massage, mud applications are also used.
To unload the spine, increase the distance between the vertebrae, a traction treatment is used. A successful recovery prognosis is impossible without physical therapy exercises, which actively involve the patient in the treatment process.
Surgical treatment is used in severe and advanced cases.