Osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disease in which the intervertebral disc suffers, types of diseases, symptoms and methods of treatment.
The central part (nucleus pulposus) of the intervertebral disc initially swells and then shrinks, losing its shock-absorbing properties. And the annulus fibrosus, located along the periphery of the disc, becomes thin and cracks form in it.
When the pulposus nucleus penetrates this fissure, elongation occurs and if the annulus breaks, the gelatinous 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). Osteochondrosis of the cervix is often found (in 25% of cases), less often osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine. In 12% of cases, intervertebral disc defeat affects several parts of the spine at the same time - this is the most severe form of the disease.
Regardless of its location, the disease has several stages.
Phase 1characterized by instability of the spine segments, which is manifested in disc herniation.
Phase 2is expressed in the fact that the vertebrae are less fixed between them due to the elongation of the intervertebral disc. The gap between the vertebrae is reduced.
INPhase 3there are already serious spinal deformities, such as destruction of anus fibrosus and formation of an intervertebral hernia. Pain syndromes and other symptoms depend mainly on the location of the hernia, its shape and size.
INPhase 4it is difficult for the patient to move, and sudden movements lead to acute pain. Sometimes the pain diminishes, and the person's condition improves, but this is only a noticeable progression associated with the fact that bone tissue grows between the vertebrae, which connects two vertebrae together.
Check yourself
With osteochondrosis of the cervix, there are:
- neck pain or pain in the form of a lumbago, radiating to the area of the shoulder blades, behind the head or hands;
- neck muscle tension when touching - painful sensations;
- feeling of numbness of the tongue, its swelling;
- goose bumps and tingling sensation in the neck and arm;
- weakness of neck and shoulder muscles.
With osteochondrosis of the thoracic region:
- periodically there is sharp pain, like a peg in the chest;
- there is a feeling that the chest is tightening the ring;
- there is intercostal pain when walking. The pain increases with breathing and does not disappear 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;
- radiating pain in the legs, sacrum, groin;
- loss of sensation in the legs, impaired movement;
- cold feet, goose bumps and tingling sensation.
On a note
Many people think that sciatica is an independent disease. In fact, it is one of the manifestations of osteochondrosis. Damage to the intervertebral disc leads to the fact that adjacent vertebrae come closer to each other and can break the bundles of nerve fibers that extend 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, accordingly, gives it to one or another part of the body, most often in the lower back and one of the legs, morerarely on the neck or arm.
There is also the term "lumbago". This is the name for the acute pain in the lower back. It can happen with a sharp movement, lifting weights, an unsuccessful turn, a long stay in an uncomfortable position. During an attack, a person often assumes a forced position, any attempt to move increases the pain, often develops a muscle spasm of the lumbar region. Lumbago is most often also caused by osteochondrosis of the spine.
Risk factors
People of tall stature with poor posture or weakness of the back and abdominal muscles are predisposed to osteochondrosis; thick; office workers, leading a predominantly sedentary lifestyle, as well as moving, construction workers, who often carry heavy loads. It is also common for professional executives with prolonged exposure to vibration.
Sports injuries with improper training lead to osteochondrosis. The disease often overwhelms former professional athletes who have suddenly completed intensive training.
Osteochondrosis is much more dangerous than it seems. It often becomes the cause of dysfunction of many organs and systems. Sometimes the disease leads to severe excruciating pain, and tightening of the nerve roots - to partial or complete paralysis of the arm or leg.
When left untreated, cervical spine osteochondrosis can cause dizziness, headaches and insomnia. Initiated chest osteochondrosis is fraught with complications such as intercostal neuralgia. Lumbar osteochondrosis is dangerous with consequences such as the progression of curvature of the spine and even greater destruction of the intervertebral discs, inflammation of the sciatic nerve (sciatica), serious disorders in the functioning of the organs of the genitourinary system.
Patient memo
For the treatment of exacerbations of osteochondrosis, in most cases, conservative treatment is used. Its main purpose is to suppress pain and eliminate reflex muscle tension caused by pain, stiffness of movement. For this, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and muscle relaxants are used.
In addition, medications are used to help speed recovery: B vitamins, agents that improve blood supply to the spine and nourish the nerve roots, biostimulants, and sedatives that support the nervous system, exhausted by prolonged pain.
To improve blood circulation and facilitate tissue edema, to stimulate muscles, physiotherapeutic methods are used: magnetic therapy and ultrasound, phono- and electrophoresis, darsonvalization, electromostimulation. Acupuncture, manual therapy, massage, mud applications are also used.
To discharge the spine, increase the distance between the vertebrae, traction treatment is used. A successful prognosis of recovery is impossible without physiotherapy exercises, which actively involve the patient in the treatment process.
Surgical treatment is used in severe, advanced cases.