Good day, dear readers!
In today's article, we will look at the disease of the spine, such as osteochondrosis, as well as its symptoms, causes, types, diagnosis, treatment and prevention.So...
What is osteochondrosis?
Osteochondrosis- a disease of the spine, characterized by degenerative-dystrophic damage to the intervertebral discs, and then to the spinal tissues themselves.
The main symptom of osteochondrosis is pain in the neck or back.Other symptoms include muscle atrophy, sensory disturbances, and dysfunction of internal organs.Depending on the location of the pathological process, cervical, thoracic and lumbar osteochondrosis are distinguished.If proper attention is not paid to this disease and its treatment, the process of spinal damage will become irreversible.
In the English-language literature, the term "osteochondrosis" refers to a group of diseases of the musculoskeletal system, such as osteochondropathy.
The main factor or reason for the development of osteochondrosis is carrying heavy objects (for example, a bag, a backpack) on one hand or shoulder, sitting in the wrong position for a long time, uneven distribution of the load on the spine during night rest on an uneven mattress or pillow.Additional factors may include a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, injury, and flat feet.
All of the above conditions often cause pain in the cervical, thoracic or sacral lumbar region over the years.
According to statistics, osteochondrosis occurs in 40-90% of the world's population, mainly between 30-35 years of age.In unfavorable conditions, this disease develops in teenagers, which is most often facilitated by a heavy, uncomfortable backpack, especially on one shoulder, uncomfortable shoes and injuries.
Development of osteochondrosis
The development of osteochondrosis occurs in 4 different stages (degrees):
1st stage of osteochondrosis.It is characterized by the beginning of a pathological process in the nuclear pulp of the intervertebral disc - its dehydration (dehydration) occurs, and subsequently the height of the disc decreases.At the same time, cracks begin to appear in the fibrous ring.At this stage, the patient usually does not notice any changes.Discomfort may occur when sitting in an unusual sitting position for a person or when actively exercising.
2 stages of osteochondrosis.As the height of the discs decreases, the distance between the adjacent vertebrae also decreases, the muscles and ligaments of the spine begin to sag a little.This process causes hypermobility of two adjacent vertebrae, which can cause them to slip and/or displace.Spondylolisthesis occurs.Due to the displaced vertebra, the patient, under a certain load, feels real discomfort and sometimes pain in the pathological area.
3rd stage of osteochondrosis.It is characterized by the formation of disc prolapses and protrusions, sometimes subluxation and arthrosis occur in the intervertebral joints.The patient may feel stiffness in some movements, tingling in the limbs, sometimes numbness appears.With the 3rd degree of osteochondrosis, depending on the location of the disease, there are pains in the region of the back, neck, tail bone.
4th stage of osteochondrosis.The body tries to correct excessive mobility of the vertebra, as well as to normalize the work of the spine.At the junction of the vertebrae with pathology, new bone joints grow in each of them - osteophytes, when formed in an unnecessary place, can cause microtrauma to the nerve root, and sometimes to the adjacent vertebra.Fibrous ankylosis may begin in the discs and joints.The vertebral segment grows and becomes a wall.In this case, the main symptoms of osteochondrosis are minimized and sometimes even practically not noticeable.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis
The main symptoms of osteochondrosis are discomfort and pain in the back or neck.The severity of pain and other accompanying symptoms of this disease depend on the degree (stage) of osteochondrosis.
Of course, the pathology of the intervertebral discs, their ruptures, growths (osteophytes) in the vertebrae, blood circulation disorders, compression of nerves, irritation and disruption of the normal activity of the spinal cord, swelling and even fibrosis of the structures surrounding the vertebrae occur.All these disorders can cause a wide clinical picture of the disease and can be expressed by a large number of different symptoms, so it is very difficult to make a correct diagnosis and prescribe adequate treatment without a comprehensive diagnosis of osteochondrosis.
However, let's consider the main symptoms of osteochondrosis:
- pain in the back, cervical region, lower back, shoulders and even ribs;
- discomfort, stiffness of the back during certain movements, lifting something;
- numbness of the extremities (arms and / or legs);
- a feeling of pain in the arms and legs, trembling;
- muscle spasms;
- disorders in the work of the genital organs;
- headache, dizziness;
- pain in the heart region;
- sensitivity disorder;
- muscle hypotension;
- increased fatigue, sometimes even in the eyes.
In addition, depending on the area of the spine affected by osteochondrosis, the following symptoms differ:
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.Pains in the arms and shoulders, headache, dizziness, spots or spots before the eyes, and noise in the head predominate.These symptoms can also indicate the presence of vertebral artery syndrome, which can cause complications in the activity of the heart muscle and myocardial vessels if there are other diseases.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine.Pains in the chest, heart area, and respiratory discomfort prevail.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar-sacral spine.Lower back pain is predominant, spreading to 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 (spinal hernia);
- ledge;
- kyphosis;
- radiculitis;
- deposition of salts in the intervertebral space;
- spinal cord stroke;
- weight loss of 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:
- back (spine) mechanical injury;
- physical overload of the body, hard work;
- nervous exhaustion, stress;
- metabolic disorders, poisoning;
- frequent stay in places with increased vibration;
- hereditary tendency;
- sedentary lifestyle, sedentary work;
- poor posture at an early age;
- overweight, obesity;
- straight legs;
- wearing uncomfortable shoes (narrow, heels);
- night rest in an uncomfortable bed - mattress, pillow;
- frequent dehydration;
- malnutrition, hypovitaminosis;
- smoking;
- pregnancy.
Classification of osteochondrosis
The classification of osteochondrosis is very diverse, because the disease itself is not fully understood.
Let's mention the most popular methods of dividing this disease.
I distinguish osteochondrosis:
By localization:
- Cervical region ©
- Thoracic (Th or D)
- Waist (L)
- Sacral region (S)
According to clinical manifestations:
1. Cervical level ©.
1.1.Reflex syndromes.
- cervicalgia;
- cervicocranialgia;
- cervicobrachialgia with vegetative-vascular, neurodystrophic or muscle-tonal manifestations.
1.2.Radicular syndromes.
- Discogenic damage to 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 muscle-tonal manifestations.
2.2.Radicular syndromes.
- Discogenic damage of the thoracic roots.
3. Lumbosacral level (L, S).
3.1.Reflex syndromes.
- lumbago (lumbago);
- lumbodynia;
- lumboischialgia with vegetative-vascular, neurodystrophic or muscle-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:
- anamnesis;
- x-ray examination (x-ray);
- myelography;
- neurological examination.
In addition, they may prescribe:
- computed tomography (CT);
- nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR);
- magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Treatment of osteochondrosis
Treatment of osteochondrosis involves the use of a number of measures that must be carried out over a fairly long period of time (from 1-3 months + about 1 year for rehabilitation), to which many patients have a very uncertain response.Therefore, it should be noted that following the recommendations of the indirectly involved doctor, the prognosis for the patient's recovery is minimal.
Self-treatment often becomes an additional problem in the treatment of osteochondrosis.The fact is that, as written earlier in the article, the clinical picture with this disease is quite vague and wide.The patient, without a diagnosis, begins to choose drugs that cause pain and goes about his daily life with pain relief, while the disease continues to progress.
It is important!Timely consultation with a doctor, comprehensive health diagnosis and strict adherence to all the recommendations of the attending physician increase the 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 function of the spine and its components, as well as preventing further degenerative changes in the "axis" of a person.
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.
Various therapeutic blockades are also used to relieve pain and inflammation.In addition, they help reduce muscle-tonic syndrome.Therapeutic blocks include trigger point blocks, as well as intraosseous, facet, paravertebral, and epidural blocks.
Physiotherapy.It is used to relieve pain, increase the effectiveness of drug treatment, and during rehabilitation.Treatment includes ultrasound, laser, magnetic fields, low-frequency currents, etc.
Physical therapy (physical therapy), kinesitherapy.Specially selected, dosed exercises aimed at straightening the muscle corset, strengthening it, correcting posture, normalizing the activity of muscle tissues and their elasticity, 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 to the entire musculoskeletal system.
Massage.It is used to improve blood circulation, relieve stiffness and tension in muscle tissue, and improve general health.
Hydromassage.It helps to normalize blood circulation, metabolism, increase the tone of muscle tissue and normalize the work of the nervous system.It involves massaging the body using a targeted stream of water with a certain pressure.True, in recent years, hydromassage with the help of air bubbles injected into the body in specially equipped baths or pools has become dominant.
Manual therapy.It is used in accordance with an individually selected program that targets the musculoskeletal system.It helps to improve blood and lymph circulation, metabolism, mobility of the musculoskeletal system, strengthen the immune system and prevent possible complications.
Extension (stretching) of the spine.It is used with the help of special equipment to increase the intervertebral space and correct the structure of the spine, which usually leads to the minimization or complete elimination of pain.
The combined use of the above methods for the treatment of osteochondrosis has a good effect.
Medicines for osteochondrosis
Among the remedies for osteochondrosis:
- Anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Antispasmodics.
- Antioxidants:vitamin C, vitamin E.
- Stimulators of blood microcirculation.
- Means to prevent further degeneration of cartilage tissue.
Diet for osteochondrosis
For osteochondrosis, you need to eat 6 times a day, in small portions, and drink at least 1.5 liters of water a day.
What can you eat with osteochondrosis:dairy products, lean meat (chicken, beef), jelly, jelly fish, jelly meat, fresh vegetables (tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, carrots, beets, peppers, cabbage, celery, broccoli), fruits, avocados, nuts, sunflower seeds, spinach, mushrooms.
It is necessary to minimize in the diet for osteochondrosis:grapes, legumes (peas, beans, etc.), flour products, hot spices, sugar, salty foods, meat broths and smoked meats.
It is better to cook food in steam, because... With this cooking method, products retain the maximum amount of vitamins and trace elements.
Try seasoning salads with olive oil.
Surgical treatment of osteochondrosis
Surgical treatment of osteochondrosis is used when the conservative method is ineffective.Appointed by the attending physician or board of physicians.It can also be used to cause serious damage to the spine and its components.
Treatment of osteochondrosis with folk remedies
It is important!Be sure to consult your doctor before treating osteochondrosis with folk remedies at home!
Treatment of osteochondrosis with herbal preparations
Commentary by Herbalist A.A.Malgin: herbal treatment (herbal medicine) has certain wonderful benefits, such as:
- herbal medicines eliminate 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, which, in addition to treating the disease, contribute to the health of the body as a whole;
- affordability.
Herbalists have a specific composition, dosage, sequence, etc. of the collection.they offer ready-made solutions that take into accountCourses are prepared by medical specialists based on their many years of experience.
Other folk remedies against osteochondrosis
Dough.Make 300 grams of dough from rye flour and leave it at room temperature for a few days.Drink a glass of milk and rub the painful part of your back with turpentine.Then wrap the dough with gauze and apply it to the painful area.Wrap it with cellophane, and then with a scarf or towel.After a while, you may feel burning and tingling in that area, but bear with it as long as you can.Do the procedure every day.Use each batch of dough no more than 3 times.
Sabelnik.Make tincture of cinquefoil.Before going to bed, rub the prepared tincture on the painful part of your back and tie a scarf around it.In addition, you can take a few drops of cinquefoil tincture before going to bed.
Ointment for osteochondrosis.Add 1 tbsp to the container.a spoon of flour, 1 egg, 100 g of oil and 1 tbsp.a spoonful of vinegar, mix everything well and put it in a dark place for 2 days to brew.Then remove the foam from the mixture.Mix the mixture well again and rub the resulting ointment on the painful area.
radishMix 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
Follow these recommendations to prevent pathological changes in the spine:
- leading an active lifestyle - swimming, running, doing morning exercises, cycling;
- monitor your posture during sedentary work - keep your back straight and your shoulders relaxed;
- perform sitting work only in comfortable chairs, chairs that can support the spine;
- periodically exercise and warm up while working in a sedentary position;
- sleeping on a comfortable (orthopedic) mattress, pillow;
- try to avoid carrying heavy objects, if you do, lift them slowly;
- do exercises to maintain excellent condition and pump up the abdominal muscles;
- wear comfortable shoes, especially avoid wearing heels during pregnancy;
- try to eat foods rich in vitamins and trace elements.
Which doctor should I see for osteochondrosis?
- Vertebrologist;
- neurologist;
- Osteopath;
- Orthopedist.