Types, symptoms and treatment of osteochondrosis of the back

The musculoskeletal system is the most important part of our body.Back pain often causes the need to go to the doctor.

The cause of regular pain in the lower back, stiffness of movements and muscle spasms is osteochondrosis of the back - a disease of the osteochondrosis tissue, as well as the musculoskeletal system, caused by various factors affecting the body.

Osteochondrosis of the back is a problem that many people face.

Etiology and pathogenesis of osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis of the back manifests itself gradually, affecting in a latent form all new areas of the spinal column.First, changes occur in the structure of the cartilage discs of the vertebrae: they lose elasticity, the space between the vertebrae decreases, and the nerve endings of the spinal cord are compressed.

The patient begins to feel pain in the back.After that, changes affect the smaller elements of the vertebral structure, degenerative growths of bone tissue develop that prevent the mobility of the spine, healthy cartilage cells are destroyed, and the disease affects the bones and ligaments.As a side effect, the deformation of the vertebrae causes an increase in the load on the organs and arteries.This is due to the specificity of the blood supply - the movement of the spinal segments causes compression of the vertebral artery and is ultimately the cause of a serious disturbance of blood flow in the central nervous system.

The main problem that causes a disorder in the formation of the spine and the process of osteochondrosis is a lack of nutrition and reduced blood supply to the tissue of the bone structure.The reasons for development are many factors of external and internal influence and processes of human behavior.

Endogenous (internal) causes include:

• genetic factors of inheritance;
• violation of the metabolism of microelements (phosphorus and calcium);
• cartilaginous tissue characteristics;
• age-related changes in the body;
• excess weight;
• orthopedic diseases.

As a result of exogenous (external) causes and lifestyle, osteochondrosis develops as a result of:

• low level of physical development of the spinal muscles;
• spinal injuries;
• incorrect posture, scoliosis;
• systematic improper or awkward posture;
• unbalanced diet menu, consumption of fatty junk food;
• uneven physical activity, overloading of the back;
• bad habits;
• constant stress.

The latent form of osteochondrosis can be manifested by sudden lifting of heavy weight, jumping or falling, which will cause microtrauma of the spinal disc and compress the nerve root.

Then the patient may first feel a sharp shooting pain.After that, the pain syndrome returns again and again with varying intensity.Affected cells in the nerve trunks signal the need for immediate medical intervention.

Disease classification, main stages

In medicine, osteochondrosis is classified depending on the affected area of the spine:

• cervical;
• chest;
• lumbar and sacral region.

Osteochondrosis of the back is classified depending on the affected area.

Main stages of disease development:

1. The beginning of the development of osteochondrosis - microcracks are formed in the fibrous ring, moisture is lost from bone and cartilage tissue.The stage is manifested by subtle discomfort in one of the areas of the spine after physical activity or an uncomfortable position of the body.
2. The first attacks of pain are felt.In the second stage, the discs are subjected to protrusion, the intervertebral space of the discs is reduced and the fibrous capsule is destroyed, and the nerve roots are compressed.Pain signals the process of disruption of the metabolic cartilage tissue and its destruction.Neglecting the second stage of osteochondrosis becomes an incentive for cartilage inflammation and, as a result, pinching of nerve fibers, blood and lymphatic vessels.
3. In the third stage of the disease, deformation of the affected vertebrae and wear of cartilage tissue occurs.With proper active treatment, it is possible to stop further destruction of cartilage cells and curvature of the spine.But in the future, supportive therapy and care will become patients' constant companions for normal physical activity.
4. Advanced osteochondrosis, which has passed into the last fourth stage of development, often becomes the cause of disability.All destructive processes are irreversible: significant displacement of the vertebral structure, compaction of cartilage tissue, pathological growth of bone tissue.The patient feels acute, sometimes unbearable pain with every movement.

Symptoms

Signs of the development of articular osteochondrosis are easily confused with other diseases with similar symptoms.Also, the symptoms of manifestation for a certain sector of the vertebral structure have characteristic features.

The main symptoms of osteochondrosis are:

• stiffness with movement, grinding, grinding, or heaviness;
• pain in the area of localization of inflammation (cervical, thoracic or lumbar) of varying intensity and character;
• numbness of limbs;
• muscle weakness, decreased performance;
• painful attacks radiating along nerve channels to related parts of the body (shoulder, scapula, leg).

Cervical osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis of the cervical sector is expressed in the following complaints:

• pain in the neck or back of the head;
• dizziness;
• tinnitus, hearing and vision impairment;
• neck stiffness after sleeping or staying in the same position for a long time;
• painful sensations when turning the head.

Cervical osteochondrosis can cause dizziness and pain when turning the head.The first feelings of pain appear in the back of the head and are similar to a headache.The inflamed cartilage puts pressure on the nerve fibers, causing vascular spasms.

Thoracic osteochondrosis

The development of osteochondrosis of the thoracic type can be disguised as cardiovascular diseases for a long time.Its characteristic symptoms:

• disturbance of tactile sensations and numbness of limbs;
• tingling in the intercostal space;
• pain in the heart area, irregular heart rhythm;
• restriction of respiratory functions, heaviness in the sternum;
• gastrointestinal tract disorder (pancreatitis, flatulence);
• radiating pain to the scapular region.

Lumbar osteochondrosis

Progressive lumbar osteochondrosis in an advanced form can lead to disability.The inflamed area of the spine stops the supply of the lower extremities with the necessary microelements for the full functioning of the joints and muscles.Compressed nerve trunk cells cause unbearable back pain and resort to drug therapy.

The main symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis include:

• numbness of the lower extremities;
• feeling of muscle pain, weakness;
• chills;
• muscle spasms;
• reproductive system dysfunction;
• the pain may be sharp or aching in the lumbar region, spreading to the leg.

Diagnostics

On average, there are 20 people diagnosed with osteochondrosis per 1,000 inhabitants.A disease such as osteochondrosis is difficult to diagnose in the early stages.Its symptoms are quite hidden and clearly appear only in stages 2-3, when it is time for serious drug treatment.

If you suspect the development of osteochondrosis, you must first consult a specialist and conduct a comprehensive examination for differential diagnosis and clarification of the diagnosis.

Doctors use three standard types of diagnostics:

1. Neurologically.
2. Instrumental.
3. Laboratory.

The primary neurological examination of the patient is performed by a neurologist, determining the category of nerve structures affected by the disease.Also, in order to rule out other diseases with similar symptoms, I can refer the patient to X-rays, ultrasound, magnetic resonance and EKG.

laboratory (analysis)

Laboratory diagnostics have an advisory and auxiliary value.Blood tests reveal an increase in the erythrocyte sedimentation rate and a decrease in calcium levels.This means the appearance of pathological processes in the body, but does not indicate the specifics of their development.Therefore, this method is included in the comprehensive examination of the patient and its results are interpreted on the basis of other medical data.

Instrumental

Diagnostics using professional equipment gives the most accurate results about diseases of different nature.The main research tools are:

1. X-ray - reveals anatomical changes in bone, cartilage and nerve tissue.
2. MRI - magnetic resonance.It allows you to visualize ongoing processes in bones and soft tissues, blood vessels and nerve fibers.
3. CT (computed tomography) - similar to MRI, but uses radiation.
4. Electromyography can decipher neurological symptoms.

Traditional treatment

The treatment regimen for osteochondrosis is traditional.Its components are drug therapy with different types of drugs: NSAIDs, chondroprotectors, analgesics, hormonal agents and accompanying vitamin complexes.In addition to burdening the body with drugs, physiotherapy, manual therapy, reflexology, surgery, massage and preventive measures are used in the fight against osteochondrosis.

Drug therapy

It is impossible to stop back pain due to osteochondrosis forever, but medical therapy with drugs will give rest to the lower back.Strong anesthetics and anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) will provide an analgesic effect and start the process of fighting inflammation in the spine.Indispensable drugs for the treatment of osteochondrosis of the back:

1. Chondroprotectors are active substances that restore the elasticity of the cartilage tissue and the mobility of the vertebrae.
2. Muscle relaxants - relieve spasms of muscle structures.
3. Vascular - improves blood circulation and metabolic processes.
4. Vitamin complexes and antioxidants.

Positive dynamics and long-term maintenance of results can be achieved only by using a properly selected therapeutic complex.

Different forms of drugs are used in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the back:

1. External means: ointments, creams, gels.
2. Preparations for internal use: capsules, tablets.
3. Medical injections.

Operation

Unfortunately, there are cases of osteochondrosis when treatment time is missed and drugs do not give the expected result, and the disease progresses.Then the only solution remains surgical intervention.The main reasons for surgery are:

1. Removal of an intervertebral hernia that compresses the spinal cord.
2. Reduction of the intervertebral space to 1/3 of its original size.

A referral for surgical intervention can be prescribed by a doctor based on a complete diagnostic picture of the patient and the presence of direct indications for the removal of the pathological defect.In spine surgery, the leading place is occupied by the method of discectomy - surgical removal of a disc with deformation.Instruments may include microdiscectomy, the B-Twin system, or laser nuclear vaporization.Rehabilitation after spine surgery lasts six months.

gymnastics

An excellent supportive therapy for the treatment of osteochondrosis is gymnastics or exercise therapy.Regularly performing a set of exercises will help:

1. Strengthening the muscular corset is necessary for an even load on the spine.
2. They ensure the stimulation of blood circulation to saturate bone and muscle tissue.
3. Develop proper posture.

It is important to remember that the exercises must be chosen taking into account the diagnosis and adhere to the following principles:

1. Regularity of execution.
2. Smooth movements, no jerking.
3. If painful sensations appear, you must reduce the load or stop the exercise.
4. Monitor your health.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is indicated for patients with osteochondrosis of the back to relieve inflammation and is carried out in places where the disease is concentrated.Procedure flows contribute to:

1. Increasing the body's resistance.
2. Restoration of metabolism in the affected sector.
3. Removal of pain and swelling.
4. Improvement of blood vessel circulation.

To choose a physiotherapeutic method for the treatment of osteochondrosis, you must clearly define the desired result.Mainly used:

1. Laser therapy.
2. Ultrasonic exposure.
3. Electrical stimulation.
4. Magnetotherapy.

Diet

There is no single diet for patients with osteochondrosis.However, doctors unanimously agreed that with this diagnosis it is strictly not recommended to consume the following categories of products:

1. Soups with fatty broths.
2. Pork and other fatty meat.
3. Animal fats of birds (goose, duck).
4. Coffee, strong drinks with caffeine.

In addition, the menu limits the consumption of alcohol and sweets.

As an example of a diet, you can take diet no.15. It includes all vital macronutrients, minerals, vitamin products and carbohydrates.The energy value of the correct menu should be at the level of 2600-2700 kcal, which corresponds to 85-90 g of protein, 350-400 g of carbohydrates and 90-95 g of fat.

Therefore, the ideal menu for a patient with osteochondrosis is a combination of balanced, low-calorie food rich in vitamins and minerals.Meals are divided into small portions 6 times.

Traditional treatment

Folk remedies are often used at home to relieve inflammation, ease pain and muscle spasms, and generally strengthen the body.There are many recipes for decoctions and infusions of traditional medicine, which are used in three main ways:

• rubbing;
• compresses;
• herbal baths.

Daily use allows you to get rid of discomfort in 10-14 days.Usually, folk remedies can be divided into systemic and local effects on the body.

System tools

You can use natural systemic preparations in the form of decoctions to affect the entire body and spine.

An example of a positive effect is the effect of yarrow decoction, which relieves pain, fights inflammation and calms.

Local remedies

Local folk remedies include ointments, poultice infusions, and rubs.These products must be mixed according to the recipe and applied to the inflamed area, but only if there is no allergy to the components and no skin damage.Among the popular compositions, special attention is given to poultices made of honey, ginger ointment with calendula tincture, a mixture of plantain and sage herbs, and rubbing with horseradish and vodka.

To choose an effective method and prescription, it is necessary to consult your doctor, because home treatment methods are only an integral part of general therapy and have only an auxiliary effect.

Prevention

Therapeutic therapy for back pain cannot have long-term success without preventive measures.Even the most effective and expensive drug does not guarantee the return of symptoms as a result of returning to daily activities of the body.Therefore, the positive effect must be consolidated and maintained with the help of a few simple rules:

1. Do not lift weights greater than 10 kg.
2. Make sure the load is evenly distributed on the back muscles.
3. Maintain a rational and balanced diet.
4. Take vitamins for general strengthening and active supplements (mucopolysaccharides).
5. Develop a regime of alternating rest and work.
6. Maintain physical activity.

Remember that this category of disease has a hidden nature.Therefore, when the diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the back is made, the disease should not be allowed to run its course, even in the absence of obvious symptoms.Following all the doctor's recommendations and home care allows you to return to normal work faster after treatment, but constant monitoring is necessary to prevent deterioration.