Osteochondrosis of the spine

Osteochondrosis is a widespread disease of the intervertebral discs, occurring in people of different age groups.Today, she has been diagnosed in more than 40% of quite young people under 35, and among the older category affects 9 out of 10 people.It has several stages of development and the earlier the pathology is detected, the easier and more effective the treatment is and the less is the risk of developing dangerous complications.

What is osteochondrosis

The intervertebral discs are located between the vertebrae bodies and are a type of shock absorbers that absorb stress when walking or performing other physical activities.They have different sizes depending on their position: in the cervical region the discs are the smallest, and in the lumbar spine they are the largest.

They are all built equally.In the center is the nuclear pulp, which is the main component of the disc and has high elasticity.It is surrounded by a fibrous membrane and end slabs.

Osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disease that has a change in the form and size of the intervertebral discs as a result of their abrasion and the prerequisites are designed to form hernia, deformation of vertebrae bodies, spondylosis and other disorders.

The thinning of the discs is a consequence of malnutrition of the cartilage tissue, which leads to a gradual decrease in its elasticity and increased fragility.

As a result, the discs change, their height decreases and the micro -spots are formed on their fibrous membrane.This creates serious prerequisites for the formation of intervertebral hernias, pinching of spinal roots or blood vessels.

The smallest changes in the condition of the discs lead to interruption of their functions.This is accompanied by pain of varying degrees of intensity.At the same time, prerequisites for the development of diseases of the internal organs are created, since the quality of their activity directly depends on the condition of the spine and the conductivity of bioelectric impulses along the nerves.

It can affect one or more intervertebral discs in any part of the spine.Therefore, osteochondrosis is diagnosed:

• cervical spine;
• chest;
• Lumbar spine.

In particularly severe cases, the pathological process involves the greater part of the intervertebral discs of the spine, which is accompanied by discomfort throughout the back and almost complete loss of efficiency.But most often, osteochondrosis affects the lumbar spine as it carries the greatest load, as well as the intervertebral discs of the cervical spine due to their high mobility.

Development

During osteochondrosis 4 stages can be approximately distinguished:

• Reducing the level of disk hydration, leading to dehydration and the formation of micro -cracks.Often at this stage there are still no manifestations of the onset of the disease.
• Reducing the height of the disc, leading to the onset of the first symptoms of pathology.At this stage, there is a decrease in the distance between the individual segments, which leads to a decrease in the tone of the spinal ties and creates the possibility of displacing the vertebrae from their natural positions, ie.The development of spondylolisthesis.In such situations, a wool course of the disease is most commonly observed.It can distinguish between periods of exacerbation, accompanied by acute pain and periods of remission in which there is no discomfort at all or there is sick pain.
• Deformation of the affected intervertebral discs with the formation of convexity or prolapse.Sometimes there is the involvement of joints in the pathological process, which is manifested through the development of arthrosis or vertebrae subluxations.At this stage, the immune system responds to the processes that take place in the spine by developing aseptic inflammation with swelling of the tissues around the affected segment of the spinal motor.In this case, the pain is occurring regularly, reflex muscle cramps as well as restrictions on mobility can be observed.In rare cases, the signs of neurological deficiency (radicular syndrome) are already developing as a result of the pinching of nerve fibers through the obtained convexities of the intervertebral discs.
• Development of complications.Because the human body has wide compensatory capabilities when the intervertebral disc loses its ability to perform its functions, the osteosynthesis process is activated to secure the vertebrae in a stable position.This leads to the formation of bone protrusions - osteophytes - at the ends of the spinal bodies of the affected segment of the spine.As a result, because of them, two or more vertebrae firmly merge together, forming a conglomerate, ie.spondylosis develops.This always leads to pressed nerves and the development of acute neurological symptoms in the form of paresis, paralysis and serious disorders in the functioning of the respective internal organs.

Reasons

Today, there are many theories about the development of osteochondrosis, including vascular, mechanical, hereditary, hormonal, infectious-allergic and others.But none of them is able to fully explain the mechanism of development of changes in the tissues of the intervertebral discs.Therefore, most likely, they all complement each other.

In this way, a huge number of many diverse factors can lead to the development of osteochondrosis.Among them are the most significant:

• genetic predisposition;
• regular performance of heavy physical work;
• maintaining a sedentary lifestyle;
• the presence of scoliosis or other spinal deformities;
• suffering from back injuries;
• Unbalanced diet, vitamin deficiency;
• infectious diseases;
• metabolic disorders;
• Congenital spinal abnormalities (Cymerley anomaly, Chiari anomaly, cranevitebral abnormalities, sacralization, lumbarization);
• overweight;
• Regular severe stress.

It is believed that the most significant effect on the condition of the intervertebral discs is the constant overload of a particular spinal segment.This can be not only to do a monotonous firm physical work, but also a constant invasion or the habit of sitting for a long time.In such situations, additional stress is placed on the discs, muscles and connections, and other factors only worsen the situation.

In general, osteochondrosis can be called an almost natural age -related disease, which is an inevitable price to pay for walking in an upright position.

Symptoms

The earliest sign of the development of the disease is the appearance of a crunching sound in the spine, where the appearance of degenerative dystrophic changes is observed.This is a consequence of the onset of disruption of the disk and the progression of its dehydration.At this stage, patients almost never seek medical attention.Therefore, their daily routine, eating habits and other factors remain the same, which contributes to the worsening of the situation and the transition of the disease to the second stage.

As a result, symptoms characteristic of osteochondrosis begin to appear:

• severe muscle tension in the affected area only on one or both sides of the spine;
• Acute and sick pain, which intensifies with every movement and gain intensity over time, become unbearable;
• numbness in the arms or legs;
• weakness;
• Movement stiffness, unauthorized mobility restriction;
• decreased muscle tone up to complete atrophy;
• poor posture;
• Blood pressure jumps.

As the pathology progresses, the signs of osteochondrosis deteriorate.80% of patients experience dull pain in the area of the affected spinal segment, which is also characteristic of myositis.

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

When the cervical spine is affected, the pain tends to radiate to the shoulder girdle, hands and other manifestations of neurological disorders.Patients keep their heads in the least painful position and, if necessary, turn with their whole body.

In addition, pathologies of organs that are innervated from the spinal cord of the cervical spine may develop:

• tinnitus and diseases of the ENT organs;
• dizziness;
• blurred vision;
• migraines;
• Irritability and anxiety levels increase;
• sleep problems;
• increased risk of allergic reactions;
• Reduced thyroid hormone levels.

With osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, spinal artery syndrome and vegetative-vascular dystonia are often diagnosed further.

The infection of the cervical spine with osteochondrosis, especially when complicated by convexities and intervertebral hernias, can lead to the pinching of blood vessels.This is fraught with impaired brain blood supply, which can be accompanied by attacks of dizziness, loss of consciousness and even stroke.

Osteochondrosis of the chest

With the osteochondrosis of the thoracic area, which is diagnosed quite rarely, the pain occurs in the spine at the level of the shoulder blades and can be exacerbated even by absorbing deep breaths.They are often felt behind the breast, which can be mistaken for heart disease.

When the spinal roots are pressed, the risk of diseases of the internal organs increases, more special:

• bronchi and lungs (asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, pleurisy);
• gall bladder and its canal, liver (cholecystitis, jaundice, fat absorption disorders);
• pancreas and duodenum (digestive disorders, pain in the left hypochondrium);
• the adrenal glands that affect the overall power of the immune system and can provoke the development of allergies;
• kidneys (urinary disorders, chronic pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis, etc.);
• pelvic organs (digestive disorders, gynecological, urological diseases, infertility).

Fact: damage to the intervertebral disc on the 7th thoracic vertebra by osteochondrosis can lead to the development of diabetes mellitus.

Osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral spine

With osteochondrosis of the lumbar region, lumbago called Lumbago is observed.This is accompanied by burning, unbearable pain that occurs suddenly.Often, patients are even difficult to sit down, rise and walk, which can indicate the development of radicular syndrome.In such situations, it is easy to notice how slowly sitting and standing up, trying as much as possible to avoid tilting their torso.

If complications occur, the main danger is to pinch the nerves of Cauda Equina, as this can lead to impaired control of the bowel and bladder emptying processes, as well as to paralysis of the legs.In such cases, the following may develop:

• appendicitis;
• diarrhea, constipation;
• lower abdomen pain;
• bladder dysfunction;
• impotence;
• knee pain, legs, hips or groin area;
• Swelling of the legs.

Complications

Osteochondrosis is a possible cause of a huge number of different diseases.Most often, if left untreated, this leads to the formation of convexity and intervertebral hernia.This in turn can cause:

• Discogenic myelopathy, which ends in paresis, muscular atrophy, changes in tendonal reflexes, loss of control over urination and bowel movements and even limb paralysis;
• radiculopathy;
• scoliotic or other deformity of the spine;
• Spinal cord infarction due to compression of the artery that feeds it;
• Stroke due to compression of the back artery.

Diagnostics

The onset of back and neck pain should be a reason to contact a neurologist or vertebologist.The earlier the osteochondrosis is diagnosed, the easier and more effective the treatment will be.

To diagnose the disease, the doctor interviews and examines the patient.Based on their results, it is now possible to accept the presence of degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs.But for the final diagnosis, instrumental diagnostic methods are prescribed, including:

• MRI;
• CT;
• X -ray in two projections.

Magnetic resonance provides the most complete information on the condition of the intervertebral discs.The procedure is performed mainly in closed -type devices with a power of 1.5 T.

CT scanning and X -rays provide information about the bone structures of the spine.Thanks to them, it is possible to detect the displacement of vertebrae bodies, the presence of osteophytes and other disorders.

In addition, the following can be prescribed:

• Ultrasound with doplerography of neck vessels;
• electromyography;
• Laboratory tests.

Treatment of osteochondrosis

Therapy develops individually for each patient.In this case, the severity of degenerative dystrophic processes, the presence of complications, the nature of the patient's working activity and many other factors should be taken into account.

All patients should be prescribed a set of measures, as it is impossible to eliminate pathological changes in the intervertebral discs only with the help of medicines.The components of conservative osteochondrosis therapy may include:

• drug therapy;
• osteopathy;
• Manual therapy;
• Physiotherapy (phonophoresis, ozone therapy, carboxytherapy, pressotherapy, RF currents);
• Individual sessions with rehabilitator.

All patients diagnosed with intervertebral disk dystrophy are advised to review their lifestyle.It is imperative that time for moderate physical activity, especially for representatives of the sedentary professions or, conversely, to think about the possibility of changing professions for people who are forced to lift heavy objects every day.

But in the sharp period, a complete rest is recommended.It is provided not only by maintaining a rest in the bed, but also by wearing orthopedic dressings: in the case of damage to the cervical spine, a collar is used;In the case of osteochondrosis of the lumbar region, it is recommended to wear a corset.

In the first stages of the development of the disease, it is often sufficient to make adjustments to your lifestyle, to participate in exercise therapy and to visit a chiropractic.In more advanced cases, drug therapy and physiotherapy are necessarily prescribed.

Never resort to self -medication with suspicious drugs, self -assessment of anti -inflammatory drugs, as well as dubious "healers" who are positioned on the Internet: you can lose not only time, money, but also the remains of your health.

Drug therapy

For osteochondrosis, a complex of pains to reduce pain is prescribed, eliminating inflammation and reflex muscle spasms, improving nerve conductivity and activation of the processes of regeneration of the tissues of the intervertebral discs.

Patients are therefore prescribed:

• NSAIDs-help reduce pain and have an anti-inflammatory effect;
• corticosteroids-exert powerful anti-inflammatory properties;
• Muscle relaxants - eliminate muscle spasms, which helps to reduce back pain;
• B vitamins - ensure improved functioning of the nervous system as a whole and conducting nerve impulses more special in individual nerves;
• Vitamin D is a medicine responsible for the condition of bone tissue, as well as higher brain function, such as memory, attention, speech;
• Chondroprotectors - nourish the intervertebral discs with the compounds necessary for the construction of new fibers of the nuclear pulp;
• Psychotropic drugs-the effectiveness of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and muscle relaxants;
• Vascular drugs - improve blood circulation in the tissues around the spine, which provides more active supply of nutrients and oxygen to the intervertebral discs;
• Anticonvulsants - used in rare cases to relieve very severe cramps.

For very severe pain, which most often shows complications, patients can suffer rear blockades that provide an immediate effect.Occasionally, corticosteroid hormones are added to the solution to perform the blockade.This further leads to a pronounced anti -inflammatory effect.

The blockades are carried out under conditions of absolute sterility that can only be achieved in specialized medical institutions.At the same time, they require special knowledge and skills, so only a highly qualified healthcare professor can be competently to handle the task.Otherwise, there is a high risk of infection or damage to the nerve fiber, which will lead to the development of severe complications.

During the blockade, injections are usually given on both sides of the spine in the area where nerves that cause pain.There are several techniques for their implementation, among which the specific one was chosen by the doctor individually.

But it is advisable to make blockages no more than 4 times a year.Because with osteochondrosis, acute attacks, painful pain occur much more often, first of all, it is worth focusing your efforts to eliminate the causes of their occurrence, ie.The degenerative-dystrophic process in the joint itself.

Manual therapy

Manual therapy sessions are prescribed outside the exacerbation of osteochondrosis.They play one of the leading roles in the treatment of the disease, as the competent use of handmade spine techniques and surrounding tissues not only stop the progression of the pathological process in the intervertebral discs, but also to create the most favorable conditions for their recovery.

In addition, some techniques can have a positive effect on the functioning of the internal organs.For example, one method is designed by normalizing the position of each vertebra, to remove pressure on the spinal roots, blood vessels and spinal membranes, and thus restore the normal connection of the organ to the nervous system.This makes it possible to eliminate the hidden causes of the development of upper diseases of the heart, bronchi, lungs, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract and reproductive system and leads to complete recovery.

Due to the effect of jewelry points on the spine, not only the blood circulation activates and the metabolism is accelerated, as in classic therapeutic massage, but the natural self -healing mechanisms are started.The elimination of spinal curves, the wrong position of the vertebrae and other pathological changes in the spine through manual therapy can further strengthen the immune system, improve overall well -being and significantly improve quality of life.

Positive changes can be noticed after the first session, and in the future their weight is only increasing.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy procedures increase the effectiveness of all other methods of treating osteochondrosis and help reduce pain.Most often it is used:

• Electrophoresis - the use of electrical current to ensure the penetration of anesthetics, anti -inflammatory and other agents directly into the site of inflammation, allowing you to quickly get a pronounced therapeutic effect;
• Ultrasound therapy - the effect of ultrasound provides analgesic effect, enhances the intensity of metabolic processes in the area of influence and creates the prerequisites for high quality restoration of thin intervertebral discs;
• Detensor therapy - involves stretching and massaging the spine on a special ribbed mattress that activates blood circulation and increases muscle tone;
• Tractional therapy or spinal adhesion - is performed with the help of special devices that create a tensile load on the spine, resulting in the distance between the vertebrae increases and the pressure on the worn intervertebral discs sharply decreases, allowing it to restore more actively.

All procedures are prescribed in courses of 10-15 sessions.When choosing them, they take into account not only the condition of the intervertebral discs, but also the presence of concomitant diseases, since in some of them certain physical effects are contraindicated.

Exercise therapy

Therapeutic osteochondrosis exercises play a significant role, as properly selected exercises to damage different parts of the spine can help form a strong muscle corset and at the same time eliminate increased muscle tone.This will provide good support for the spine and stop the progression of the degenerative process in the intervertebral discs.In addition, exercise therapy helps to activate blood circulation and increase the intensity of metabolic processes.

Preparing a physical therapy program is a doctor's task for rehabilitation.Based on the severity of the spinal lesion, the characteristics of the patient's physical development, his age and other factors, he will create an optimal set of exercises whose application will create optimal loading of the muscles and spine.

The first classes should be conducted under the supervision of a doctor.After the patient learns to perform each exercise properly, he is allowed to continue practicing at home.It is important to avoid sudden movements.All exercises are performed daily slowly and smoothly and the load increases gradually.But the onset of pain during exercise is a good reason to refuse to perform the exercise that provokes it.

Prevention

It is much easier to prevent the development of the disease than to deal with its consequences later.As osteochondrosis can occur in all or later, you should consider the possible risks as early as possible and put all the efforts to prevent this.Therefore, each person must adhere to the following recommendations:

• Avoid physical inaction, exercise regularly, swim and during stuck work, take regular breaks to warm up;
• Pay attention to your stand when walking or sitting;
• Purchase high quality orthopedic mattress and pillow;
• Observe the correct weight lifting technique: with straight back and bent knees;
• Replace the daily shoes of the most comfortable and leave shoes for special occasions;
• Eat properly so that the body does not experience nutritional disadvantages and the weight remains within normal limits.

There is only one way to avoid the onset and manifestation of the symptoms of osteochondrosis - start taking care of yourself and your health.Because osteochondrosis is not just a disease, but a complex of muscle tonic and neurodisrophic changes that are the reaction of the body to physical inaction, chronic static tension of the spinal muscles, the situation of the environment and chronic neurosis, especially common among the residents of the city.

In this way, osteochondrosis is a very common disease, but with careful attention to your own health you can effectively fight it at any age.But ignoring the problem will not lead to anything good and sooner or later it will force the patient to lie on the operating table.