Osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disease in which the intervertebral disc suffers, types of disease, symptoms and methods of treatment.
The central part (nucleus pulposus) of the intervertebral disc first swells and then shrinks, losing its cushioning properties. And the fibrous ring, located along the periphery of the disc, becomes thin and cracks are formed.
When the nucleus pulposus enters this fissure, a protrusion appears and, if the ring breaks, the jelly-like body falls off, forming a herniated disc. With age, the risk of developing osteochondrosis increases significantly.
Important
Osteochondrosis can have different localization. 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 simultaneously affects several parts of the spine - this is the most severe form of the disease.
Regardless of its location, the disease has several stages.
1st stagecharacterized by instability of the segments of the spine, which manifests itself 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 gap between the vertebrae decreases.
On the3rd stagesevere spinal deformities already exist, 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.
On the4th stageit is difficult for the patient to move and sudden movements lead to acute pain. Sometimes the pain decreases and the person's condition improves, but this is only an apparent progress associated with the fact that bone tissue grows between the vertebrae, which connects two vertebrae together.
Control yourself
With cervical osteochondrosis, there are:
- aching pain in the neck or pain in the form of low back pain, radiating to the area of the shoulder blades, back of the head or hands;
- tension of the neck muscles, when touching - painful sensations;
- feeling of numbness of the tongue, its swelling;
- feeling of goosebumps and tingling in the neck and arm;
- weakness of the neck and shoulder muscles.
With osteochondrosis of the thoracic region:
- periodically there are sharp pains, as if a stake in the chest;
- there is a feeling that the chest is tightening the circle;
- 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, goosebumps and tingling.
on a note
Many people think 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 approach each other and can violate the bundles of nerve fibers extending from the spinal cord. A herniated disc can also compress nerve roots. In this case, pain occurs, which spreads along the course of some nerve fibers and, as a result, gives it to one or another part of the body, more often to the lower back and one of the legs, less often in the neck or arm.
There is also the term "low back pain". This is the name of acute pain in the lower back. It can occur with a sharp movement, weight lifting, an unsuccessful turn, a long stay in an uncomfortable position. During an attack, a person often takes a forced position, any attempt to move increases pain, spasm of the muscles of the lumbar region often develops. Low back pain is also often caused by osteochondrosis of the spine.
Risk factors
Tall people with poor posture or weakness of the back and abdomen muscles are predisposed to osteochondrosis; obese; office workers, who lead a predominantly sedentary lifestyle, as well as removals, construction workers, who often carry heavy loads. It is also common for professional drivers with prolonged exposure to vibration.
Sports injuries with improper training lead to osteochondrosis. The disease often overtakes former professional athletes who abruptly stopped intense training.
Osteochondrosis is much more dangerous than it looks. It often becomes the cause of the dysfunction of many organs and systems. Sometimes the disease leads to severe unbearable 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, headache, and insomnia. Launched thoracic osteochondrosis is fraught with complications such as intercostal neuralgia. Lumbar osteochondrosis is dangerous with such consequences as the progression of the curvature of the spine and even greater destruction of the intervertebral discs, inflammation of the sciatic nerve (sciatica), severe disturbances in the functioning of the organs of the genitourinary system.
Patient reminder
For the treatment of exacerbations of osteochondrosis, conservative treatment is used in most cases. Its main goal 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 accelerate recovery: vitamins of group B, agents that improve the blood supply to the spine and the nutrition of nerve roots, biostimulants and sedatives that support the nervous system, exhausted by prolonged pain.
To improve blood circulation and relieve tissue edema, stimulate muscles, physiotherapeutic methods are used: magnetic and ultrasound therapy, phono and electrophoresis, darsonvaluation, electromyostimulation. Acupuncture, manual therapy, massage, mud application are also used.
To unload the spine, increase the distance between the vertebrae, traction treatment is used. A successful recovery prognosis is impossible without physiotherapy exercises, which actively involve the patient in the treatment process.
Surgical treatment is used in severe and advanced cases.