Pain in the spine when moving or
even at rest, this has probably occurred in almost all adults.Such unpleasant feelings can be caused by many factors, ranging from chronic eating disorders to serious illnesses.But osteochondrosis is one of the most common causes of pain in the spine.
Osteochondrosis is a complex pathology mainly associated with poor nutrition of the bone and cartilaginous structures of the spine.The consequence is a progressive flattening of the intervertebral disc, a deterioration of its shock absorption properties, as well as a weakening of the musculo-ligamentous apparatus which supports the spine.
Oddly enough, scientists today believe that the main cause of osteochondrosis of the spine is a progressive factor.It’s a sort of “reward 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 progression of the pathology:
- work involving frequent bending, turning, and sudden movements;
- constantly sitting 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 according to the part of the spine in which 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 emerging from the spinal cord.The pain may be constant or appear as attacks or shooting pains in the neck, shoulder, and forearm.These are quite intense sensations, which are further intensified during 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;
- cracking noise heard when turning head;
- neck muscles constantly tense;
- smoothness of the cervical curve of the spine;
- forced tilt of the head.
A dangerous complication here is compression of the neck vessels, which impairs blood circulation in the brain.This causes constant headaches that are difficult to respond to painkillers, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, tinnitus, and visual impairment.
Thoracic osteochondrosis
Pathology of the thoracic spine is characterized by pain throughout the chest, in the back, in the interscapular region, in the armpits and in the hands.Often, pain associated with thoracic osteochondrosis spreads along the intercostal nerves and surrounds them.
Pain during movements leads to a limitation of their amplitude, the person feels constrained.In addition to motor disorders, all types of sensitivities, superficial, cutaneous and deep, proprioceptive, also suffer.
The disease process may also involve internal organs 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 liver region and the functioning of the digestive system is disturbed.
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 highest 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 the back of the leg.
This pain is most often dull and aching and is difficult to treat with analgesic medications.The intensity of unpleasant sensations associated with lumbar osteochondrosis increases with sudden movements or prolonged immobility.Sometimes there is also muscle weakness in the leg, muscle atrophy and skin sensitivity disorders.The lumbar curve of the spine can flatten, limiting freedom of movement.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine
It is imperative to treat this pathology, as it has a high risk of complications such as a herniated disc, which can only be eliminated surgically.Treatment of osteochondrosis includes drug therapy, physiotherapy, physiotherapy, massage, diets and orthopedic techniques.