Osteochondrosis is a disease of the spine, in which degenerative processes occur in the cartilage and joints. It is characterized by thinning of the intervertebral discs and a decrease in their elasticity.
Characteristics of the disease
This disease mainly affects the elderly. Although scientists note that the manifestations of the disease begin more and more often from the age of thirty, or even earlier. This suggests that the disease has become much younger.
<1_img_centerxx>Intervertebral discs perform a damping function, but in case of illness they are not able to cope with their task. A person with osteochondrosis almost always complains of pain, although the pain can occur locally and at a distance. A person experiences stiffness in movement, lethargy and fatigue.
Basically, the pain is manifested in the section affected by the disease.
Localization of pathology and its types
Depending on the part of the spine damaged by the pathology, 4 types of osteochondrosis are distinguished:
- Cervical osteochondrosis. . . It occurs in case of pathological changes in the cervical spine. The vertebrae become weakened, the load on the cervical spine increases, which can lead to disruption of the thyroid gland, a pinching of the artery that supplies the brain with blood.
- Thoracic osteochondrosis. . . Pathological changes occur in the thoracic spine. It is diagnosed in patients less often than other types because the thoracic vertebrae are less mobile and protected by stronger muscles. Symptoms of this type are similar to those of cardiovascular disease.
- Lumbar osteochondrosis. . . This type is the most common. Since the lumbar spine has the greatest load.
- Combined. . . It occurs when multiple parts of the spine are injured at the same time.
Along with this, the disease can affect other joints. Most often they suffer:
- Shoulder joint. . . Typically, the disease is caused by the transition of osteochondrosis from the cervical spine to the shoulder joint.
- Hip joint. . . It occurs due to changes in cartilage tissue and a lack of fluid between the joints.
- Knee-joint. . . Chondrosis can manifest itself in 3 forms:
- Koenig's disease, in which cartilage tissue is affected.
- Larsen-Johansson disease, in which changes occur in the joint above the knee.
- Osgood-Schlatter disease, linked to changes in the tibia.
Classification and degree of manifestation of the disease
The disease can be classified according to the degree of its manifestation. At the same time, it is difficult to determine the degree of the disease before the appearance of characteristic pains. There are 4 degrees of manifestation of the disease:
- The initial stage of the development of the disease. It occurs due to the displacement of the intervertebral disc associated with reckless weight lifting. It is characterized by unstable painful sensations. At this stage, the disease is difficult to diagnose, but it is easily treatable.
- This stage is characterized by the gradual destruction of the intervertebral disc, drying out and loss of damping properties. This leads to increased strain on the blood vessels and nerve endings. Pain sensations intensify and are more pronounced with physical exertion and sudden movements. Treatment of the disease at this stage is conservative.
- The fibrous ring is destroyed and an intervertebral hernia appears. There is a deformation of the spine. The pains become significant. Treatment is only possible with surgery.
- At this stage, the vertebrae grow together due to the formation of osteophytes. There is a pinching of the tissues of the spine, the vertebrae lose their mobility and restrict the movements of a person. At this stage, the disease can lead to disability and is no longer suitable for treatment.
Typical symptoms
Each type of disease has its own symptoms. So, for example, cervical osteochondrosis is characterized by:
- Painful sensations in the arms and shoulder girdle.
- Headache.
- Dizziness and spots in front of the eyes.
- Instability of blood pressure.
- Loss of feeling in the fingers.
- Tinnitus.
For the pathology of the thoracic region, the symptoms are characteristic:
- Pain in the region of the heart.
- Painful feelings in hypochondria.
- Lack of air due to sharp pains of a throbbing nature.
When the disease is localized in the lumbar spine, there are:
- Painful feelings in the lower back.
- Decreased sensitivity in the legs.
- Radiating pain in the legs.
- Violation of the pelvic organs.
There are also general symptoms that do not depend on the location of the disease:
- Back pain.
- Muscle spasms.
- Restriction of movement.
- Modification of the pain syndrome depending on the load and sudden movements.
- Numbness of the limbs.
- Quick fatigue.
- Decreased sensitivity of limbs.
Signs and manifestations of osteochondrosis
The first signs of the disease begin to appear at the first stage of development. These include:
- Swelling and pain in the lower back after lying in the same position for more than half an hour.
- The presence of back pain after a long session.
- The need to stretch after waking up and the inability to wake up and get up immediately.
- Crunch perceived in the back.
- Goosebumps and decreased sensation of the limbs.
- Unpleasant sensations in the back when bending over.
- General weakness.
- Violation of the reproductive function and the work of internal organs.
In addition, osteochondrosis can be manifested by pain that appears during weight lifting and physical activity.
Methods of diagnosing pathology
A set of methods is used to diagnose osteochondrosis. He understands:
Initial examination and questioning of the patient:
- Interview a patient to clarify complaints, duration of symptom onset.
- Examination of the patient's body, study of posture, gait and movement.
- Palpation of problem areas.
- Determination of pain sensitivity.
Instrumental diagnosis:
- X-ray to help identify the deformity of the intervertebral discs.
- MRI to determine the presence of a herniated disc and its location.
- Computed tomography is similar in performance to magnetic resonance imaging, but has a higher degree of radiation.
Methods of treating the disease
After performing diagnostic procedures and diagnosing osteochondrosis, the doctor prescribes appropriate treatment.
Since osteochondrosis can only be treated in the early stages of development, all the main measures are aimed primarily at pain relief. To do this, apply:
- Medication.
- Physiotherapy.
- Manual therapy.
- Massage therapy.
- Diet.
As a drug treatment, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used. They are aimed at relieving the inflammatory process in the disease area and blocking pain.
Chondroprotectors are also used to restore cartilage tissue. To maintain the normal functioning of the body, immunostimulants and vitamin complexes are used.
Physiotherapy methods are aimed at suppressing pain, normalizing metabolic processes in the affected areas, improving blood circulation, relieving inflammation and edema. These include:
- Acupuncture.
- Magnetic therapy.
- Electrophoresis.
- Laser therapy.
- Paraffin therapy.
Physiotherapy methods help shorten treatment times and have fewer side effects than drug treatments.
Manual therapy is a dosed effect of the doctor's hands on the affected areas of the back, in order to lift the restrictions that interfere with the normal functioning of joints, muscles, ligaments.
Therapeutic massage should be performed only by a specialist and is aimed at relieving muscle tension, restoring displaced vertebrae and normalizing blood circulation. The procedure should be performed at least three times a week.
The diet for osteochondrosis aims to normalize weight, improve blood circulation, replenish collagen, eliminate calcium and mineral deficiencies, and help control fluid and salt intake. The diet should be balanced and contain a lot of plant foods. In the fight against osteochondrosis, it is necessary to exclude such foods as: strong coffee and tea, foods high in salt and sugar, carbonated drinks and fatty foods.
The disease, during these procedures, can be corrected and only requires surgery in the difficult stages.
Preventive measures
To prevent this disease, one should lead a healthy lifestyle and give up bad habits, engage in physical activity, use an orthopedic mattress and pillow for sleeping, avoid using uncomfortable shoes, it is better to use orthopedic shoes.
You should also watch your diet and maintain a healthy weight. With a long stay in a static state, it is necessary to devote time to exercises that help normalize blood circulation.
In addition, for the prevention and prevention of disease, you can undergo sanatorium treatment and general strengthening massage.