Osteochondrosis is a disease that develops due to degenerative processes in the cartilage tissue of the spine.In fact, this term applies to any joints, but most often osteochondrosis affects the intervertebral discs, so in the vast majority of cases they talk about vertebral osteochondrosis.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis
The main symptoms of osteochondrosis are pain and numbness, which can be widespread or cover a specific area of the back.The pain intensifies with physical activity, sudden movements and sometimes even with coughing and sneezing.The body reflexively tries to protect itself from pain, so muscle tension increases at the site of the injury.This is how the limitation of motor activity occurs - another characteristic sign of osteochondrosis.
Without treatment, the manifestations of the disease worsen: the pain intensifies, spreads to the extremities, limiting their mobility (if the cervical region is affected, the hands suffer, if the lumbar region, then the legs).In severe cases, the limbs may even partially atrophy - losing their inherent strength and mobility.A herniated disc is one of the most common and serious complications of osteochondrosis, in which the disc itself is displaced and the nerve roots are compressed, causing severe back pain.
When any part of the spine is affected, there are specific symptoms:
- Cervical region: headaches, dizziness, pain and numbness of shoulders and arms.In some cases, vertebral artery syndrome is formed: the artery that supplies the brain and spinal cord is compressed, which causes an excruciating throbbing headache in the temple or back of the head.Unpleasant symptoms also appear: tinnitus, imbalance, dark eyes and with significant contraction - sudden attacks of dizziness with nausea and vomiting.All these symptoms usually occur with sudden turns of the head.
- Chest: 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, there may be discomfort in the pelvic area.
Causes of osteochondrosis
The main cause of osteochondrosis is degenerative changes in the cartilage tissue of the intervertebral disc, as a result of which they lose their firmness and elasticity.The disc of the spinal column decreases in volume, becomes dense and ceases to fully absorb vibrations.Even during normal walking, the hard vertebrae, which consist of bone tissue, do not spring very elastically in the cartilaginous layers between them, but practically touch each other, pressing on the nerve fibers.Because of this, the mobility of the spine is limited, constant pain occurs, spreading 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, the cartilage tissue receives the necessary substances in two ways: from the blood vessels and from the intervertebral fluid.By the age of 23-25, the vessels are completely overgrown, leaving only one way of nutrition.Nutrition of the cartilage tissue through the intervertebral fluid is possible during the movement of the spine, when the circulation of the fluid occurs: during the compression and expansion of the discs, the fluid is broken down into nutrients.Therefore, after 30 years, the risk of degeneration of the cartilage tissue of the intervertebral discs increases sharply, especially with insufficient physical activity.
Dystrophic processes of disc destruction are aggravated by intense training (especially without warm-up), injuries and any skeletal pathology (including flat feet and poor posture), as it changes the distribution of the load on the spine.Being overweight has the same effect.There is also a genetic predisposition to osteochondrosis - loose cartilage tissue prone to degenerative processes.
Stages of osteochondrosis of the spine
Osteochondrosis is a progressive disease, but the transition to each subsequent stage occurs gradually.One of the stages of development of osteochondrosis is the so-called disc herniation.The discs consist of a hard shell called the annulus fibrosus and a semi-fluid core.Herniated discs occur when the annulus fibrosus of the disc becomes thinner and ruptures, the nucleus protrudes through the space and the nerve roots are compressed, which is accompanied by increased pain and an even greater reduction in the shock-absorbing properties of the disc.The rate at which symptoms develop depends on lifestyle, treatment and individual body characteristics.
Stage 1
Characteristic complaints appear, constant or periodic.They are often caused by physical activity or forced posture.X-ray shows minimal or normal intervertebral space narrowing.
Stage 2
Symptoms intensify as the disc loses stability (cartilage tissue bulges into the surrounding annulus fibrosus), which compresses the nerve roots.An X-ray shows a noticeable reduction in the intervertebral distance or displacement of the vertebrae.bony tissue growths may occur.
Stage 3
Intervertebral disc herniation, also called disc protrusion or prolapse, occurs.the disc expands more and more into the surrounding tissues, which leads to damage to blood vessels and nerves, so the pain intensifies, limiting movement in the limbs and causing numbness.
Stage 4
Disc fibrosis stage.The disc hardens, is replaced by scar tissue, bony protrusions develop along the edge, and the intervertebral distance is noticeably reduced.The mobility of the spine is significantly reduced - it literally ossifies.
Diagnosis of the disease
The doctor makes a preliminary diagnosis based on characteristic complaints and examination data.Pain in certain areas, muscle tone, sensitivity, range of motion and body posture are assessed.Instrumental research methods help clarify the stage of osteochondrosis and confirm the diagnosis.Most often, at the initial stage, an X-ray of the spine of interest is prescribed.The images clearly show if there is a reduction in the distance between the vertebrae, i.e. if there is thinning of the cartilage and how far the process has progressed.If, based on the results of the X-ray, 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 the soft tissues make it possible to confirm or reject the diagnosis of herniated disc with absolute precision.
How to treat osteochondrosis of the spine?
The 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 treatment does not give the desired result, surgical treatment is indicated.
Medicines
The main goal during an exacerbation of osteochondrosis is to relieve inflammation and accompanying pain and muscle spasm.To do this, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are prescribed in combination with muscle relaxants, which reduce the tone of skeletal muscles, reduce muscle spasms and compression of nerve roots.B vitamin preparations help to improve the condition of the nerve roots.Usually, the course of treatment lasts 7-10 days.Internal medication is supplemented with local treatment: ointments or gels containing NSAIDs or simple heating are applied to the affected area to increase blood supply, metabolism and quickly stop inflammation.External remedies quickly relieve pain, as the active substance penetrates the source of inflammation, bypassing the digestive system and the general blood flow, but they are not enough for a complete cure.
A drug containing glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate - components of cartilage.
The components of the drug not only replenish the deficiency of these substances in the body, but also initiate recovery processes, stimulating the production of other cartilage components.The drug can be taken outside of exacerbations and even to prevent further progression of osteochondrosis and osteoarthritis.To achieve a lasting effect, it is prescribed in long-term courses of up to 6 months.
The drug has been shown to promote:
- renewal of joint cartilage tissue.
- improving joint mobility;
- pain reduction.
The drug has a complex effect: it helps to restore the cartilage tissue of the joints, as well as reduce the need for painkillers, thereby increasing the safety of the treatment.
Unlike some other drugs of the group, the drug is recommended in increased daily doses of chondroprotectors - chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine, the effectiveness of which has been proven.
A complex preparation for external use, which includes meloxicam (NSAID) and chondroitin sulfate.
It simultaneously relieves inflammation, pain and starts the process of cartilage tissue restoration.is the No. 1 drug for the treatment of osteoarthritis and osteochondrosis.It is a modern joint protector, which is produced in the USA.
The special composition of the drug improves the penetration of painkillers into the joint, which helps to reduce pain and inflammation in the joints.
The drug has been shown to:
- It has an analgesic effect.
- It has an anti-inflammatory effect.
- Helps reduce stiffness.
- Helps increase joint range of motion.
The drug is used for osteoarthritis, osteochondrosis and other joint diseases accompanied by pain.Due to the fact that it contains meloxicam, chondroitin and dimethylsulfoxide, it has a triple effect (analgesic, anti-inflammatory, reduction of stiffness) on the symptoms of osteoarthritis and this in turn allows a comprehensive effect on the disease.
A medicine containing ibuprofen (NSAID), as well as glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate.
The drug contains the analgesic component ibuprofen and chondroitin with glucosamine - substances that affect the structure of cartilage.The drug not only helps reduce moderate joint pain, but also suppresses inflammation.It is recommended in increased daily doses of chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine, the effectiveness of which has been proven.The drug helps restore the cartilage tissue in the joints and improve their mobility.
Naproxen sodium
Naproxen sodium has:
- Analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect.
Applies to:
- Osteoarthritis of the joints and spine.
- Rheumatic diseases?
- Sprains and bruises.
In other cases of mild or moderate pain, including lower back and muscle pain, neuralgia and other conditions.
The drug can help relieve joint pain and inflammation for up to 12 hours thanks to the action of the active ingredient naproxen in a dose of 275 mg.Naproxen is the global standard for the treatment of joint pain, in demand by more than millions of patients in various countries.
Non-pharmacological treatments
Non-drug therapy increases the effectiveness of drugs and allows you to quickly relieve an exacerbation.
- Massage relieves muscle spasms, improves microcirculation and metabolism, reduces swelling, which has a beneficial effect on the patient's well-being.During an exacerbation, massage is contraindicated, as it will only increase the pain and will not bring any benefit.It is prescribed after the completion of a course of drug therapy, when inflammation subsides or during remission 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, which is why it is carried out by a specialist after studying the images.
- Physical therapy (physiotherapy) is dosage physical activity taking into account the profile of the disease.It is necessary for the intervertebral fluid to move, providing the discs with nutrients and removing caries products.The exercises strengthen the muscles, normalize their tone and restore the motor activity of the damaged limbs.Exercise should be regular, done at a calm pace, without sudden movements, so as not to aggravate the condition.
- Reflexology is an effect on organs and systems of the body through stimulation of certain points.For this, needles are most often used, but other options are also possible: electric current, magnetic field.
- Physiotherapy is mainly used during exacerbations to relieve inflammation, improve microcirculation, relieve pain, swelling and muscle spasm.The most commonly used are electrophoresis and ultrasound with drugs (for example, hydrocortisone) and magnetic therapy.
Other methods
In case of herniation of the intervertebral disc or compression of the nerve roots with a significant reduction in the distance between the vertebrae, surgical treatment is recommended.Its essence is to remove a damaged disk.Minimally invasive techniques have been developed that allow solving the problem relatively painlessly for the patient: endoscopic techniques and a laser that "vaporizes" the core of the disc.In severe cases, the disc is replaced with a silicone implant.
Prevention
Prevention of osteochondrosis is a topical issue for everyone, especially after the age of 25.To keep the intervertebral disc as long as possible, you need to move a lot, but avoid injuries and heavy physical activity, eat right and when you work sedentary, take breaks and move.An important point in the prevention of osteochondrosis is taking chondroprotectors.If discomfort occurs in any part of the back, it is better to immediately consult a doctor so as not to miss it and not start the disease.
Conclusion
Osteochondrosis is a disease that is not life-threatening, but significantly reduces its quality.Therefore, prevention and its timely comprehensive treatment are so important to achieve a stable remission and stop the progression of the disease.