Pain in the spine during movement or
even at rest, it has probably happened to almost every adult.Such unpleasant sensations can be caused by many factors, ranging from chronic dietary disorders to serious diseases.But one of the most common causes of pain in the spine is osteochondrosis.
Osteochondrosis is a complex pathology that is mainly related to damaged nutrition of bones 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-ligamentous apparatus that supports the spine.
Scientists today believe, surprisingly, that the main cause of spinal osteochondrosis is an evolutionary factor.This is a kind of "payback for going straight".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;
- constant sitting in the wrong position;
- Frequent lifting and carrying of heavy loads;
- intensive participation in certain sports.
What are the types of osteochondrosis?
There are several variants of this disease, classifying them depending on which part of the spine the disorders occur:
- cervical osteochondrosis;
- chest;
- lumbosacral.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
The main symptom of this disease is pain, which is caused by the compression of the nerve pathways coming out of the spinal cord.The pain can be constant, or it can appear in the form of attacks or shootings in the neck, shoulder and forearm.These are quite intense sensations, which are further intensified by sudden turns of the head or after a period of immobility (for example, after sleep).Also, the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are:
- decreased freedom of movement in the neck;
- crackling noise heard when turning head;
- constantly tense neck muscles;
- tenderness of the cervical curve of the spine;
- forced head tilt.
A dangerous complication here is the compression of the vessels of the neck, damaging blood circulation in the brain.This causes persistent headaches that are difficult to respond to analgesics, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, tinnitus and impaired vision.
Thoracic osteochondrosis
The pathology of the thoracic spine is characterized by pain in the entire chest, back, interscapular region, armpit and hands.Often the pain with osteochondrosis of the chest spreads along the nerves between the ribs, becoming circling.
Pain during movements leads to limitation of their amplitude, the person feels limited.Along with motor disorders, all types of sensitivity suffer, such as superficial, cutaneous and deep, proprioceptive.
The pathological process may also involve internal organs that are innervated by the roots of the thoracic spinal cord.Thus, pain can often appear in the heart and behind the sternum, pain in the right hypochondrium, in the area of the liver, and the functioning of the digestive system is interrupted.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar region
This is the most common type of osteochondrosis of the spine, as it is the lumbosacral region that usually bears the highest load when walking, running, dancing and other active movements.The main symptom of this pathology is pain in the lumbar region, which spreads along the sciatic nerve in the buttocks and down the back of the leg.
This pain is most often dull and aching in nature and is difficult to treat with analgesic drugs.The intensity of unpleasant sensations with lumbar osteochondrosis increases with sudden movements or long-term immobility.Sometimes there is also muscle weakness in the legs, muscle atrophy and skin sensitivity disorders.The lumbar curve of the spine can flatten, limiting freedom of movement.
Treatment of spinal osteochondrosis
Treatment of this pathology is necessary, as there is a high risk of complications such as disc herniation, which can only be eliminated surgically.Treatment of osteochondrosis includes pharmacotherapy, physiotherapy, physical therapy, massages, diet and orthopedic techniques.