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 narrows, losing its shock absorbing properties. And the fibrous ring, located along the periphery of the disc, thins and cracks form in it.
When the nucleus pulposus infiltrates this fissure, a protrusion appears, and if the ring breaks, the gelatinous body falls off, forming a herniated disc. With age, the risk of developing osteochondrosis increases significantly.
Important
Osteochondrosis can have a different location. 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 affects several parts of the spine at once - this is the most serious form of the disease.
Whatever its location, the disease has several stages.
1st stepcharacterized by instability of the segments of the spine, which is manifested by a violation of the disc.
2nd stepit is expressed by the fact that the vertebrae are less attached to each other due to the protrusion of the intervertebral disc. The gap between the vertebrae decreases.
On the3rd stepthere are already severe deformities of the spine, 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 stepit is difficult for the patient to move, and sudden movements lead to sharp pain. Sometimes the pain subsides and the person's condition improves, but this is just noticeable progress associated with bone tissue growing between the vertebrae, which connect two vertebrae together.
Check yourself
With cervical osteochondrosis, there are:
- aching neck pain or pain in the form of lumbago, radiating to the area of the shoulder blades, back of the head or hands;
- tension of the muscles of the neck, when touching - painful sensations;
- feeling of numbness of the tongue, its swelling;
- goosebumps and tingling sensation 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;
- one has the impression that the chest is tightening the hoop;
- there is intercostal pain when walking. The pain increases with breathing and does not go away after taking nitroglycerin, but it is usually short-lived.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral region is characterized by:
- pain in the lumbar region, sometimes because of them it is impossible to straighten the back;
- pain radiating to the legs, sacrum, groin;
- loss of sensitivity of the legs, reduced mobility;
- cold feet, goosebumps and tingling.
On a note
Many people believe that sciatica is an independent disease. In fact, it is one of the manifestations of osteochondrosis. Damage to the intervertebral disc leads to adjacent vertebrae moving closer to each other and can impinge on 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 certain nerve fibers and, as a result, gives it to one or another part of the body, most often in the lower back and one of thelegs, less often neck or arm. .
There is also the term "lumbago". It is the name for sharp pain in the lower back. It can happen with sudden movement, weight lifting, unsuccessful turn, long stay in an awkward position. During an attack, a person often takes a forced position, any attempt to move increases the pain, often a spasm of the muscles of the lumbar region develops. Lumbago is most often also caused by osteochondrosis of the spine.
Risk factors
Tall people with poor posture or weak back and abdominal muscles are predisposed to osteochondrosis; obese; office workers, leading a predominantly sedentary life, as well as movers, 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 ended 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 results in severe, unbearable pain and pinching of the nerve roots - partial or complete paralysis of the arm or leg.
If left untreated, osteochondrosis of the cervical spine can cause dizziness, headaches, and insomnia. Initiated thoracic osteochondrosis is fraught with complications such as intercostal neuralgia. Lumbar osteochondrosis is dangerous with consequences such as the progression of the curvature of the spine and even greater destruction of the intervertebral discs, inflammation of the sciatic nerve (sciatica), serious disturbances in the functioning of the organs of the genitourinary system. urinary.
Patient memo
For the treatment of exacerbations of osteochondrosis, in most cases, conservative therapy is used. Its main objective is to suppress pain and eliminate reflex muscle tension induced by pain, stiffness of movements. For this, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and muscle relaxants are used.
In addition, drugs are used to help speed recovery: B vitamins, agents that improve blood supply to the spine and nutrition of the nerve roots, biostimulants, as well as sedatives that support the nervous system, which is depleted by aprolonged pain.
To improve blood circulation and relieve tissue edema, stimulate muscles, physiotherapeutic methods are used: magnetic and ultrasound therapy, phono and electrophoresis, darsonvalization, electromyostimulation. Acupuncture, manual therapy, massage, mud applications are also used.
To unload the spine, increase the distance between the vertebrae, traction therapy is used. A positive prognosis for recovery is impossible without physiotherapy exercises, which actively involve the patient in the treatment process.
Surgical treatment is used in severe and advanced cases.