Osteochondrosis is a disease that develops due to degenerative processes in the cartilage tissue of the spine.In fact, this term is applied to any joints, but most often osteochondrosis affects the intervertebral discs, so when they talk about spinal osteochondrosis, it affects the majority.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis
The main symptoms of osteochondrosis are aching pain and numbness, pain that can cover or cover a certain area of the back.The pain is aggravated by physical activity, sudden movements and sometimes by coughing and sneezing.It protects the body from pain, so the muscle tension at the injury site increases.Limitation of motor activity is another characteristic symptom of osteochondrosis.
Without treatment, the manifestations of the disease worsen: the pain intensifies, restricts mobility, restricts their mobility (if the cervicothoracic region is affected, if the arms suffer, the legs, then the legs).In severe cases, the limbs may even partially atrophy - lose their inherent strength and mobility.A ruptured disc is one of the most common and severe complications of osteochondrosis, in which the disc itself is displaced and the nerve roots are compressed, causing severe shooting pains in the back.
When each part of the spine is affected, there are specific symptoms:
- Cervical region: headache, dizziness, pain and pain in the shoulders and arms.In some cases, vertebral artery syndrome occurs: the artery that supplies the brain and spinal cord is compressed, which causes the headache to shift to the head or the back of the head.Unpleasant symptoms also appear: tinnitus, imbalance, darkening of the eyes and a significant contraction - sudden attacks of dizziness with nausea and vomiting.All of these symptoms usually occur with a sudden turn of the head.
- Thoracic: A "stake in the chest" feeling, pain that patients often think is related to the heart or internal organs.
- Lumbosacral region: pain and numbness in the lower back and legs, discomfort in the pelvic region.
Causes of osteochondrosis
The main cause of osteochondrosis is the degenerative changes in the cartilage tissue of the intervertebral disc, in which they lose their strength and elasticity.The spinal disc decreases in volume, becomes dense and stops to completely absorb the shock.During normal walking, the hard vertebrae, which are made of bone tissue, do not spring too much on the cartilage layers between them, but do not touch each other by compressing the nerve fibers.Therefore, the mobility of the back is limited, the constant pain spreads to the back and limbs, caused by compressed nerve roots.
The causes of dystrophic changes can be different.The main predisposing factor is dietary habits.From birth, cartilage tissue receives the necessary substances in two ways: from blood vessels and intervertebral fluid.By the age of 23-25, the vessel grows completely, leaving only one path of nutrition.Nutrition of cartilage tissue through the intervertebral fluid is possible during movement of the spine when fluid circulation occurs: fluid falls into the nutrient substance during compression and expansion of the discs.Therefore, after 30 years, the risk of degeneration of cartilage tissue of intervertebral discs increases dramatically with physical activity.
Dystrophic processes of disc destruction occur during intense exercises (especially warm-up), without injury) and any skeletal pathology (including flat feet and poor posture), thus changing the distribution of the spine.Being overweight has the same effect.There is a genetic predisposition to osteochondrosis - loose cartilage tissue is prone to prone processes.
Stages of spinal osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis is a progressive disease, but the transition to each subsequent stage occurs gradually.One of the developmental stages of osteochondrosis is the so-called disc herniation.The discs consist of a hard shell called the Annulus Fibrosus and a semi-fluid nucleus.Disc herniations occur when the fibrous ring of the disc becomes thin and torn, the nucleus protrudes from the cavity, and the nerve roots are compressed with compressed pain and an even greater reduction in the disc's shock-disruptive properties.The rate at which symptoms develop depends on the lifestyle, treatment and individual characteristics of the body.
Stage 1
Characteristic complaints appear constantly or periodically.They are often provoked by physical activity or a forced body position.X-ray shows minimal narrowing of the intervertebral spaces or is normal.
Stage 2
Symptoms occur when the disc loses its stability (cartilage tissue is placed on the nerve root compressing the nerve roots. An X-ray shows a noticeable decrease in the intervertebral distance or the displacement of the vertebra; bone tissue growths can be seen.
Stage 3
The appearance of herniated intervertebral discs, called protrusion or disc prolapse;The disc protrudes further into the surrounding tissues, which causes damage to blood vessels and nerves, therefore increasing pain, limiting movement in the limbs and causing numbness.
Stage 4
Stage of disc fibrosis.The disc hardens, is replaced by scar tissue, bony protrusions grow on the edge, and the intervertebral distance is noticeably reduced.The mobility of the spine is significantly reduced - it literally becomes ossified.
Diagnosis of the disease
The doctor makes a preliminary diagnosis based on characteristic complaints and examination data.Pain, muscle tone, sensitivity, range of motion and posture are assessed at certain points.Instrumental research methods help clarify the stage of osteochondrosis and confirm the diagnosis.Most often, at the initial stage, it is prescribed for radiography of the area of interest.The images also clearly demonstrate whether there is a decrease in the distance between the vertebrae, that is, the thinning of the cartilage and how far the process has progressed.Based on the results of X-rays, if the doctor suspects the presence of intervertebral hernias, he will prescribe a more informative research method - magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).Layer-by-layer scanning and good visualization of soft tissues allow confirming or rejecting the diagnosis of intervertebral disc herniation with absolute accuracy.
How to treat spinal osteochondrosis?
Treatment of osteochondrosis is always complex and long-term.Its task is not only to relieve pain and relieve muscle tension, but also to stop the further development of the disease, that is, to affect its cause.The doctor decides what to treat in each specific case.Medicines are usually supplemented with physical therapy, massage, manual therapy, physiotherapy and reflexology.If conservative therapy does not give the desired effect, surgical treatment is indicated.
Medicines
During exacerbation of osteochondrosis, the main goal is to accompany inflammation and accompanying pain and muscle spasm.To do this, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) reduce the tone of skeletal muscles, reduce muscle spasms and reduce compression of nerve roots.Preparations of B vitamins help to improve the condition of nerve roots.Typically, the course of treatment lasts 7-10 days.Taking internal medicine is complemented by local treatment: nsaids or simply warming ointments or gels are applied to the affected area to increase blood supply, increase metabolism and quickly stop inflammation.External treatments relieve pain quickly, because the active substance penetrates the source of inflammation along with the digestive system and general blood flow, but it is not enough for complete treatment.
A drug containing glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate - cartilage components.
The components of the drug not only prevent the deficiency of these substances, but also stimulate the production of other cartilage components, and promote recovery processes.The drug can also be taken to prevent further progression of osteochondrosis and osteoarthritis.To achieve a lasting effect, it is prescribed in long courses of up to 6 months.
The drug has been proven to promote:
- Renewal of joint cartilage tissue;
- Increase joint mobility;
- reduce pain.
The drug has a complex effect: it helps to restore joint cartilage tissue, as well as reduce the need for painkillers, thereby increasing the safety of treatment.
Unlike some other drugs in the group, it is recommended to increase the daily doses of drugs - chondrotic sulfate and glucosamine, the effectiveness of which has been proven.
A complex preparation for external use that includes meloxicam (NSAID) and chondroitin sulfate.
At the same time, it relieves inflammation, pain and starts the process of cartilage tissue regeneration;No. 1 drug for the treatment of osteoarthritis and osteochondrosis.This is a modern chondroprotector manufactured in the USA.
The special composition of the drug improves the penetration of painkillers inside the joint, which helps to combine painkillers, reduce pain and inflammation in the joints.
The drug has been proven to:
- Has an analgesic effect;
- It has an anti-inflammatory effect;
- Helps reduce stiffness;
- It helps to increase the range of motion of the joints.
The drug is used for osteoarthritis, osteochondrosis and other joint diseases accompanied by pain.Meloxicam, Chondroitin and Dimethyl Sulfoxide have a triple effect (analgesic, reducing stiffness) on the symptoms of osteoarthritis, which in turn allows to have a comprehensive effect on the disease.
Ibuprofen (NSAID), as well as a drug containing glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate.
The drug has an analgesic component and gozosamine, which contains grass and chondroitin - substances that affect the structure of cartilage.The drug helps to reduce not only moderate joint pain, but also suppresses inflammation;Increasing daily doses of chondroitin sulfate are recommended and proven to be effective.The drug helps restore cartilage tissue in joints and improve mobility.
Naproxen sodium
Naproxen sodium contains:
- It has an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect.
Applies to:
- Osteoarthritis of joints and spine;
- Rheumatic diseases;
- Sprains and bruises.
Mild or moderate pain, including pain in the lower back and muscles, neuralgia and other conditions.
The drug can help relieve joint pain and inflammation for up to 12 hours due to the action of the active ingredient naproxen at a dose of 275 mg.Naproxen is the global standard for the treatment of joint pain compared to millions of patients in different countries.
Non-drug treatment
Non-drug treatment increases the effectiveness of drugs and once again allows you to quickly get relief from discomfort.
- Massage removes muscle spasms, improves microcirculation and metabolism, reduces swelling, which has a beneficial effect on the patient's well-being.Massage during an operation is contraindicated, because it will only increase pain and will not bring any benefit.After the course of drug treatment is completed, it is prescribed during remission, when inflammation subsides or to prevent new exacerbations.
- Manual therapy is the restoration of the correct configuration of the spine and its mobility with the help of hands.This is a serious intervention, so it is carried out by a specialist after studying the images.
- Physical therapy (physical therapy) provides physical activity taking into account the profile of the disease.The movements of the intervertebral fluid are necessary to supply the discs with nutrients and remove decay products.Exercises strengthen muscles, normalize their tone and restore motor activity of damaged limbs.Exercise therapy should be regular, take place at a calm pace, without sudden movements to avoid aggravating the condition.
- Reflexology affects the organs and systems of the body by stimulating certain points.Needles are most often used for this, but other options are also possible: electric current, magnetic field.
- Physiotherapy is used during further swelling to eliminate inflammation, improve microcirculation, relieve pain, swelling and muscle spasm.The most commonly used are ultrasound with electrophoresis and drugs (for example, hydrocortisone) and magnetic therapy.
Other methods
Despite compression of the intervertebral disc or nerve roots, a significant reduction in the distance between the vertebrae, surgical treatment is recommended.Its essence is to remove the damaged disk.Minimally invasive techniques have been developed that allow the problem to be solved relatively painlessly for the patient: endoscopic techniques and a laser that "vaporizes" the disc nucleus.In severe cases, the disc is replaced with a silicone implant.
Prevention
Prevention of osteochondrosis is an urgent issue for everyone, especially after reaching the age of 25.In order to protect the intervertebral disc as long as possible, it is necessary to change a lot, but avoid injuries and heavy physical activity, eat right and take breaks while sitting and moving.An important point in the prevention of osteochondrosis is taking a chondroprotector.If discomfort occurs in any part of the back, it is better to consult a doctor immediately so as not to miss it and start the disease.
Opinion
Osteochondrosis is not life-threatening, but significantly reduces its quality.Therefore, its prevention and timely comprehensive treatment are very important to achieve a stable remission and stop the progression of the disease.