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 reduction of their elasticity.
Features of the disease
This disease mainly affects the elderly. Although scientists note that the manifestations of the disease increasingly begin at the age of thirty or even earlier. This suggests that the disease has become much younger.
Intervertebral discs provide a cushioning function, but in case of illness they are unable to cope with their task. A person suffering from osteochondrosis almost always complains of pain, while the pain can occur locally and remotely. One feels stiffness in movements, lethargy and fatigue.
In general, the pain occurs in the area that is affected by the disease.
Localization of the pathology and its types
Depending on which part of the spine is damaged by pathology, there are 4 types of osteochondrosis:
- Cervical osteochondrosis. . . This occurs in the case of pathological changes in the cervical spine. The vertebrae become fragile, the load on the cervical vertebrae increases, which can lead to dysfunction of the thyroid gland, pinching of the artery that supplies blood to the brain.
- Osteochondrosis of the chest. . . Pathological changes occur in the thoracic spine. It is diagnosed in patients less frequently than other types because the thoracic vertebrae are less mobile and protected by stronger muscles. The symptoms of this type are similar to cardiovascular disease.
- Lumbar osteochondrosis. . . This type is the most common. Because the lumbar part of the spine has the greatest load.
- Combined. . . This happens in case of damage to several parts of the spine at once.
In addition, the disease can affect other joints. Most often suffer:
- Shoulder joint. . . As a rule, the disease is caused by the transition of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine to the shoulder joint.
- Hip joint. . . This happens due to changes in the cartilage tissue and 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 associated with shin changes.
Classification and degree of manifestation of the disease
The disease can be classified according to the degree of its manifestation. At the same time, determining the extent of the disease before the onset of characteristic pain is difficult. There are 4 degrees of manifestation of the disease:
- The initial stage of disease development. This is due to the displacement of the spinal disc associated with careless weight lifting. It is characterized by unstable pain sensations. At this stage, the disease is difficult to diagnose but easy to treat.
- This stage is characterized by gradual destruction of the intervertebral disc, drying and loss of cushioning properties. This leads to an increase in the tension of the blood vessels and nerve endings. Pain sensations intensify and are most pronounced during exercise and sudden movements. The treatment of the disease at this stage is conservative.
- The fibrous ring is destroyed and an intervertebral hernia appears. There is a deformity of the spine. The pain becomes significant. Treatment is possible only with surgery.
- At this stage, the vertebrae grow together due to the formation of osteophytes. There is pinching of the tissues of the spine, the vertebrae lose their mobility and restrict a person's movement. At this stage, the disease can cause damage and is no longer treatable.
Typical symptoms
Each type of disease has its own symptoms. For example, cervical osteochondrosis is characterized by:
- Painful sensations in the hands and shoulder girdle.
- Headache.
- Dizziness and spots in front of the eyes.
- Blood pressure instability.
- Loss of sensitivity in the fingers.
- Noise in the ears.
For the pathology of the thoracic region the symptoms are characteristic:
- Pain in the heart.
- Painful feelings in the hypochondria.
- Lack of air due to sharp pain of a shooting nature.
When the disease is localized in the lumbar spine, there are:
- Painful sensations in the lower back.
- Decreased sensitivity in the legs.
- Radiant pain in the legs.
- Pelvic organ disorder.
There are also general symptoms that do not depend on the location of the disease:
- Back pains.
- Muscle spasms.
- Restriction of movement.
- Change in the pain syndrome depending on the load and sudden movements.
- Numbness of the limbs.
- Rapid fatigue.
- Decreased sensitivity of the limbs.
Signs and manifestations of osteochondrosis
The first signs of the disease begin to appear in the first stage of development. They include:
- Swelling and pain in the lower back after lying in one position for more than half an hour.
- The presence of back pain after a long sitting.
- The need to stretch after waking up and the inability to immediately wake up and get up.
- Perceived crisis in the back.
- Goosebumps and decreased sensation in the limbs.
- Unpleasant sensations in the back when bending over.
- General weakness.
- Disorders of reproductive function and the work of internal organs.
Also, osteochondrosis can be manifested by the onset of pain when lifting weights and physical activity.
Methods for diagnosis of pathology
A set of methods is used to diagnose osteochondrosis. Includes:
Initial examination and questioning of the patient:
- Interview with a patient to clarify the complaints, the duration of the symptoms.
- Examination of the patient's body, examination of posture, gait and movement.
- Palpation of problem areas.
- Determination of sensitivity to pain.
Instrumental diagnostics:
- X-ray to help identify deformity of the intervertebral discs.
- MRI to determine the presence of a herniated disc and its location.
- Computed tomography is similar in its indicators 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 proper treatment.
Since osteochondrosis is treated only in the early stages of development, all major measures are aimed primarily at relieving pain. To do this, apply:
- Medicines.
- Physiotherapy.
- Manual therapy.
- Mass therapy.
- Diet.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used as medical treatment. They are aimed at relieving the inflammatory process in the area of the disease and blocking the pain.
Chondroprotectors are also used to repair cartilage tissue. Immunostimulants and vitamin complexes are used to maintain the normal functioning of the body.
Physiotherapy methods are aimed at suppressing pain, normalizing metabolic processes in the affected areas, improving blood circulation, relieving inflammation and swelling. They include:
- Acupuncture.
- Magnetic therapy.
- Electrophoresis.
- Laser therapy.
- Paraffin therapy.
Physiotherapy methods help to shorten the treatment time and have fewer side effects than medication.
Manual therapy is a dosed effect of the doctor's hands on the affected areas of the back, in order to remove 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 dislocated vertebrae and normalizing blood circulation. The procedure should be performed at least three times a week.
The diet for osteochondrosis is aimed at normalizing weight, improving blood circulation, replenishing collagen, eliminating the lack of calcium and minerals and helping to control fluid and salt intake. The diet should be balanced and contain plenty of plant foods. In the fight against osteochondrosis it is necessary to exclude such foods as: coffee and strong tea, foods rich in salt and sugar, carbonated beverages and fatty foods.
During these procedures, the disease can be corrected and only in difficult stages requires surgery.
Precautions
To prevent this disease, it is necessary to lead a healthy lifestyle and give up bad habits, to exercise, to use an orthopedic mattress and pillow to sleep, to avoid the use of uncomfortable shoes, moreit is good to use orthopedic shoes.
You also need to follow your diet and maintain a healthy weight. During a long stay in a static state, it is necessary to take time for exercises that help to normalize blood circulation.
Also, for the prevention and prophylaxis of the disease, you can undergo sanatorium treatment and restorative massage.