Pain in the spine when moving or
even at rest, it has probably occurred in almost all adults.Such unpleasant sensations can be caused by many factors, ranging from chronic eating disorders to serious illnesses.But one of the most common causes of spinal pain is osteochondrosis.
Osteochondrosis is a complex pathology that is mainly associated with impaired nutrition of the bone and cartilaginous structures of the spine.The consequence of this is a gradual flattening of the intervertebral disc, a deterioration of its shock-absorbing properties, as well as a weakening of the musculo-ligament apparatus that supports the spine.
Scientists today believe, oddly enough, that the main cause of spinal osteochondrosis is an evolutionary factor.This is a sort of “payback 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:
- work that involves frequent bending, turning and sudden movements;
- constantly sit 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 depending on the part of the spine where 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 exit the spinal cord.The pain may be constant, or it may appear as attacks or twinges in the neck, shoulder and forearm.These are rather intense sensations, which are further intensified by sudden turns of the head or after a period of immobility (for example after sleep).Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are also:
- decreased freedom of movement of the neck;
- creaking sound 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 of the neck, which impairs blood circulation in the brain.This causes constant headaches that are difficult to respond to analgesics, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, tinnitus and vision problems.
Thoracic osteochondrosis
Pathology of the thoracic spine is characterized by pain throughout the chest, back, interscapular region, armpit and hands.Often the pain in thoracic osteochondrosis spreads along the intercostal nerves, becoming enveloping.
Pain during movements leads to limitation of their amplitude, the person feels constrained.Along with motor disorders, they also suffer from all types of sensitivity, both superficial, cutaneous, and deep, proprioceptive.
The pathological process can also involve the 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 disrupted.
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 spreads along the sciatic nerve to the buttock and along the back of the leg.
This pain is often dull and aching in nature and is difficult to treat with analgesic medications.The intensity of unpleasant sensations in lumbar osteochondrosis increases with sudden movements or long-term immobility.Leg muscle weakness, muscle atrophy and skin sensitivity disorders are also sometimes found.The lumbar curve of the spine can flatten, limiting range of motion.
Treatment of spinal osteochondrosis
It is imperative to treat this pathology, as it has a high risk of complications such as herniated disc, which can only be eliminated surgically.Treatment of osteochondrosis includes pharmacotherapy, physiotherapy, physical therapy, massage, diet and orthopedic techniques.