Pain in the spine when moving or
even at rest, it probably occurred in almost all adults.These unpleasant sensations can be caused by many factors, from chronic eating disorders to serious illnesses.But one of the most common causes of pain in the spine is osteochondrosis.
Osteochondrosis is a complex pathology that is mainly associated with poor nutrition of the bone and cartilage structures of the spine.The consequence of this is a gradual flattening of the intervertebral disc, a deterioration in its shock absorption properties, as well as a weakening of the musculoligamentous apparatus that supports the spine.
Today, scientists believe, oddly enough, that the main cause of spinal osteochondrosis is an evolutionary factor.This is a kind of “reward for walking upright.”After all, with a vertical position of the body, the load on the spine will be maximum.The situation can worsen and accelerate the development of the pathology:
- jobs that involve frequent bending, twisting, and sudden movements;
- constantly sitting in the wrong position;
- Frequent lifting and carrying of heavy loads;
- Intense participation in certain sports.
What are the types of osteochondrosis?
There are several variants of this disease, classifying them according to which part of the spine the disorders occur:
- cervical osteochondrosis;
- chest;
- lumbosacral.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.
The main symptom of this disease is pain, caused by compression of the nerve pathways that leave the spinal cord.The pain may be constant or may appear in the form of attacks or shootings in the neck, shoulder and forearm.These are quite intense sensations, which are further intensified by sudden turns of the head or after a period of immobility (for example, after sleeping).Also the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are:
- decreased freedom of movement in the neck;
- A creaking sound is heard when turning the head;
- constantly tense neck muscles;
- smoothness of the cervical curve of the spine;
- Forced tilt of the head.
A dangerous complication here is compression of the vessels in the neck, which impairs blood circulation in the brain.This causes constant headaches that are difficult to respond to pain relievers, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, tinnitus, and visual impairment.
Thoracic osteochondrosis
Pathology of the thoracic spine is characterized by pain throughout the chest, back, interscapular region, armpit and hands.Often, pain with thoracic osteochondrosis spreads along the intercostal nerves and becomes enveloping.
Pain during movements leads to limitation of their amplitude, the person feels constricted.Along with motor disorders, they also suffer from all types of sensitivity, both superficial, cutaneous and deep, proprioceptive.
The pathological process can also affect internal organs innervated by the roots of the thoracic spinal cord.Therefore, pain in the heart and behind the sternum, pain in the right hypochondrium, in the liver area may often appear, and the functioning of the digestive system is disturbed.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar region.
This is the most common type of osteochondrosis of the spine, since it is the lumbosacral region that usually bears the greatest load when walking, running, jumping and other active movements.The main symptom of this pathology is pain in the lumbar region, which extends along the sciatic nerve to the buttocks and down the back of the leg.
This pain is usually dull and aching and is difficult to treat with pain relievers.The intensity of unpleasant sensations with lumbar osteochondrosis increases with sudden movements or prolonged immobility.Sometimes muscle weakness in the leg, muscle atrophy and skin sensitivity disorders also occur.The lumbar curve of the spine can flatten, limiting freedom of movement.
Treatment of spinal osteochondrosis.
It is imperative to treat this pathology, as it has a high risk of complications such as a herniated disc, which can only be removed surgically.Treatment of osteochondrosis includes pharmacotherapy, physiotherapy, physiotherapy, massage, diet and orthopedic techniques.