Osteochondrosisis a disease of the spine, the characteristic feature of which is degenerative-dystrophic damage to the intervertebral discs, and then to the vertebrae themselves.
Dystrophic changes of the disc lead to weakening of its outer fibrous ring.Therefore, patients with osteochondrosis often have serious complications such as protrusion (bulging of a part of the disc) and vertebral hernia (hanging of the nucleus pulposus of the disc into the spinal canal).
According to the results of medical research, every second person has spine problems after 30 years.In 70% of cases, the cause of pain in the spine is considered to be osteochondrosis, a neurological disease that affects the ligaments of the spinal column.
The first signs of osteochondrosis of the spine do not appear immediately, but gradually.
Depending on the localization of the pain, there are three types of osteochondrosis:
- Cervical region;
- Thoracic department;
- Lumbar region.
According to many experts who have studied this disease, the main cause of osteochondrosis is an incorrectly distributed load on the spine.As a result, in patients, directly in the places where excessive physical pressure is exerted, there is a change in the structure of cartilage tissue.
Causes of osteochondrosis of the spine:
- Hereditary predisposition to the disease.
- The presence of diseases of the endocrine system is a metabolic disorder.
- Development of orthopedic diseases, for example, flat feet, curvature of the posture, diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
- Various injuries, bruised spine.
- Lifestyle: lack of activity, poor diet with a predominance of harmful foods.
- Being overweight.
- Bad habits – smoking, alcoholism.
- Stress, fatigue.
- Pregnancy.
In most cases, the causes of osteochondrosis are related to a person's professional activity.
Stages of development
The development of osteochondrosis takes place in 4 different stages:
Osteochondrosis 1st stage
It is characterized by the beginning of a pathological process in the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc - its dehydration (dehydration) occurs, and then 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 feel any changes.Discomfort can occur when sitting in a sitting position that is unusual for a person or when actively exercising.
Phase 2
In the second stage of osteochondrosis, continued degenerative changes lead to disc protrusion.The spaces between the vertebrae are reduced, and the fibrous capsule is destroyed.As a result, the roots of the spinal nerves are compressed, which causes pain in points, the intensity of which increases with bending, turning and other movements.Possible weakness and reduced performance.
Stage 3 osteochondrosis of the spine
It is characterized by abrasion of the cartilage between the discs;tissue thinning is clearly visible if you take an X-ray.The symptoms of osteochondrosis of the spine are pronounced, intense, and the pain does not go away, and only strong painkillers can relieve it.drugs.
Phase 4
The fourth stage is the most complex neurological disorders in the spinal system, expressed in partial or complete limitation of joint mobility.In this diagnostic condition, bone growths (osteophytes) are formed at the place of the vertebrae, which cause microtrauma on the nerve branches and adjacent segments of the spine.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis in adults
As the disease progresses, pathological mobility of the spinal column develops, in which soft tissues, nerve fibers and blood vessels located near the lesion are affected - this is how pain occurs.
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);
- pain in arms and legs, chills;
- muscle spasms;
- disorders in the work of genital organs;
- headaches, dizziness;
- pain in the region of the heart;
- sensory disturbance;
- muscular hypotension;
- increased fatigue, sometimes even in the eyes.
Excessive physical activity, overwork, hypothermia, injuries, body shocks and exposure to vibrations can contribute to the onset of acute symptoms.
Complications
Degenerative processes that primarily affect the intervertebral discs lead to a decrease in their density and loss of their cushioning functions.The consequence of such changes is excessive mobility of the spine, facet joints, muscles and ligaments are affected.
Paravertebral structures involved in destructive processes cause compression (squeezing) of the spinal cord and its nerve endings.As a result, the patient with osteochondrosis feels pain, which is accompanied by the following symptoms and diseases: severe headache, migraine, reduced visual acuity, autonomic dysfunction (VSD), dysfunction of the genitourinary system, sciatica (compression of the sciatic nerve), intervertebral hernia, spinal hernia, spinal hernia.
instrumental methods for diagnosing osteochondrosis:
- X-ray diagnostics play a key role in this disease.Conventional radiography can reveal signs of disease, such as narrowing of the space between the vertebrae.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a research method that enables accurate diagnosis of processes taking place in the spine region.With its help, in particular, it is possible to determine the presence of a herniated disc and its location.
- Computed tomography (CT) is similar to MRI in its diagnostic capabilities.The disadvantage of CT is the presence of radiation exposure during the study.
Treatment of osteochondrosis
There is no specific and only correct method of treating osteochondrosis - this process, under any circumstances, requires an integrated approach.
A comprehensive program traditionally includes the following components:
- physiotherapeutic methods of influence;
- special exercises and massages;
- methods of manual therapy;
- drug treatment;
- reflexology, electrophoresis, etc.;traction.
When treating this category of patients, specialists prescribe drugs that have the following properties: relieve inflammation, restore the functions of the musculoskeletal system, stimulate tissue regeneration of intervertebral discs and cartilage, prevent the progression of osteochondrosis.
Treatment of osteochondrosis follows the traditional path of treatment of many diseases of the musculoskeletal system: NSAIDs are prescribed to eliminate the inflammatory process in the tissues, chondroprotectors to restore the level of synovial fluid, and corticosteroids if the first two types of drugs are ineffective.
In order to get rid of osteochondrosis, various therapeutic procedures are used, including massage.It has many useful properties - muscle tone is alleviated, blood flow in the spine is stimulated, intervertebral discs are strengthened.
Manual therapy relieves acute pain and helps restore posture.One of the most commonly used methods is visceral therapy.During its use, quality joint treatment is carried out, blood circulation processes are improved, and the immune system is strengthened.It allows you to prevent the aggravation of various chronic diseases.
Physical therapy or exercise therapy for osteochondrosis is very important.Thus, special exercises for strengthening the back muscles contribute to the formation of a muscular corset, which in turn ensures an even distribution of the load on the spine.In addition, thanks to regular exercises, blood circulation and tissue nutrition, including intervertebral discs, improves, the patient develops proper posture, and the range of motion in the spine increases.
Physiotherapy helps in effective suppression of painful manifestations in places where the pathological process is localized.There are many types of physical therapy interventions.Most often, they resort to the use of magnetic therapy, ultrasound therapy and exposure to low-frequency currents.
Prevention
If osteochondrosis is prevented in time, its treatment may not be necessary.This issue should be approached comprehensively:
- limit lifting heavy loads (less than 10 kg);
- carry the load only symmetrically (distributing the weight on both arms);
- perform simple physical exercises aimed at strengthening the spine, muscles and joints;
- swim regularly;