Osteochondrosis is a concept used to refer to a group of diseases associated with degenerative and dystrophic changes in the structures of the spine. First of all, the intervertebral discs suffer, and with the development of the disease, the vertebrae themselves. Degeneratives are changes associated with the processes of tissue wear and tear, aging, loss of original properties, and dystrophies - changes caused by nutritional disorders of tissues. Thus, the term osteochondrosis covers most pathologies of the spine of a non-inflammatory nature.
The spine forms the backbone of the skeleton, connecting the different parts of the skeletal system. It supports the head, ribs and muscles attached to it. The spinal cord runs through the spine, through which the brain is connected to various parts of our body. Man is the only bipedal creature in the world, and the spine is designed to provide bipedal locomotion. Therefore, the spine has a curved shape, reminiscent of the letter S of the Latin alphabet, and is not a rigid rod, but a complex structure made up of elements attached together - vertebrae. This structure of the spine allows us to perform various movements, to be flexible and to absorb shocks and shocks. The function of the shock absorbers is performed by the intervertebral discs - cartilaginous layers consisting of the nucleus pulposus and the fibrous ring that surrounds it. The nucleus takes the load and absorbs it, and the fibrous ring prevents the nucleus from flattening under pressure.
A decrease in the elasticity of the intervertebral discs can become the start of a wide range of problems. Unable to withstand the load, the intervertebral discs begin to deform, the spine loses its correct shape. The progression of the disease leads to further destruction of the intervertebral discs, the fibrous ring breaks, the vertebrae come into hard contact with each other, it becomes possible to pinch the nerves connecting the spinal cord to various parts of the body. This is how osteochondrosis develops. Intervertebral hernias occur and inflammation often develops. Deprived of shock absorption, the vertebrae can flatten and together their joints form scar and bone growths.
Osteochondrosis is one of the most common diseases. Only cardiovascular disease is more common. According to some estimates, one in two people on the planet suffers from osteochondrosis. Osteochondrosis is more common in women, but in men its manifestations are, on average, more painful.
What is osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis affects various parts of the spine. According to the department that suffered the most, there are:
- lumbar osteochondrosis - most often occurs;
- cervical - ranks second in terms of "popularity";
- sacred;
- chest;
- generalized osteochondrosis, in which several parts of the spine are affected at once;
- cross pathologies (lumbosacral or cervico-thoracic).
Causes of osteochondrosis
The causes of osteochondrosis are quite diverse.
First, with age, the elasticity of the intervertebral discs is gradually lost. This means that our back needs special attention. Staying for a long time in a position that causes the spine to tilt can cause irreversible changes. You should avoid sitting in an asymmetrical position, fight the habit of lying on one side only, carry a load (for example, a bag) in one hand.
A sedentary lifestyle has a detrimental effect on the health of the spine. It is necessary to move, however, physical activity should be moderate. The spine should be given the opportunity to recover from the load, and it is also advisable to avoid injuries that also lead to the development of pathologies of the spine.
The second group of reasons is associated with metabolic disorders and malnutrition. Foods high in carbohydrates and fats saturate the body with calories, which we in our sedentary city life often simply have nowhere to spend; as a result, energy is deposited as fatty tissue, creating excess weight. Obesity is an increased load on the spine, which leads to the development of osteochondrosis. In addition, such a diet usually contains an insufficient amount of trace elements (calcium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese and others), so necessary for the strengthening of bone tissue. Being overweight is often caused by endocrine diseases. At the same time, a violation of energy, water or mineral metabolism can also negatively affect the tissues involved in the structure of the spine.
Factors contributing to the development of osteochondrosis can be:
- flat foot;
- hormonal changes;
- Infectious diseases;
- local circulatory disorders,
as well as other factors.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis
At the initial stage of osteochondrosis there are no pronounced symptoms. It is possible to assume the development of osteochondrosis in the case of:
- dull pain in the back (in the affected area of the spine);
- feeling of heaviness in the back, constant tension of the muscles of the spine;
- numbness of the muscles, appearance of "goose bumps". In such cases, it is usually said that "the back is numb";
- cracking when turning the body and neck;
- headache, dizziness, tinnitus (usually with cervical osteochondrosis);
- aching pain in the chest area (usually with chest osteochondrosis).
At the first appearance of such symptoms, it is advisable to be examined by a neurologist.
The further development of the disease is manifested by symptoms that lead to significant discomfort:
Back ache
There is severe pain in the back (along the spine). The pain can radiate to the limb.
Numbness in the fingers
A typical manifestation of osteochondrosis is numbness of the fingers and toes.
Restriction of motor activity
Even with minimal physical exertion, the pain increases (for example, as a result of tremors and shaking when traveling in transport). Pain results in severe restrictions in mobility and motor activity.
Osteochondrosis diagnostic methods
The main role in the diagnosis of osteochondrosis belongs to instrumental studies: radiography, computed tomography, MRI.
It may be necessary to confirm that the symptoms observed are not caused by other medical conditions. For the purpose of differential diagnosis, a general and biochemical blood test, a general urine test and ultrasound examinations of internal organs are performed.
X-ray of the spine
X-rays are taken of problem areas of the spine. The service to be examined is determined based on the patient's complaints.
Computed tomography (CT)
Computed tomography (MSCT) provides a more informative picture of pathological processes and determines the degree of their severity. In particular, MSCT makes it possible to detect an intervertebral hernia.
Computed tomography is performed when there is insufficient radiographic data.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
MRI is the most informative method for diagnosing osteochondrosis. In some cases (for example, if osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is suspected), MRI is essential. Magnetic resonance imaging makes it possible to visualize cartilage and soft tissues, on the basis of which it is possible to locate the source of problems as precisely as possible and establish the cause of the disease.
Osteochondrosis treatment methods
It is advisable to start treatment for osteochondrosis as soon as possible, since pathological changes in the spine are irreversible in most cases. Therefore, treatment is primarily aimed at eliminating pain and preventing the further development of the disease.
The course of treatment, as a rule, is complex and is prescribed individually, depending on the patient's condition. The clinic uses for the treatment of osteochondrosis:
Medical treatment
First of all, the treatment is aimed at stopping (eliminating) the pain syndrome. Anti-inflammatory drugs and muscle relaxants (drugs that relax the muscles) are used.
Also, in the treatment of osteochondrosis, drugs are used to improve blood circulation, chondoprotectors (drugs that restore cartilage tissue), vitamin D and calcium preparations.
Massage
Massage for osteochondrosis relieves muscle tone, stimulates blood circulation in the spine and improves metabolic processes. This serves to strengthen the vertebrae and intervertebral discs, suppress inflammation, and reduce pain.
Physiotherapy
With osteochondrosis, physiotherapy methods such as electrophoresis, phonophoresis, UHF, magnetotherapy are used.
Reflexology
Reflexology for osteochondrosis is used as an additional therapeutic method. Acupuncture helps relieve pain, reduce inflammation, normalize blood circulation, and increase the effects of medications used.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy for osteochondrosis is primarily aimed at eliminating pain and restoring mobility of the spine. A specially selected set of exercises is used.
Prevention of osteochondrosis
For the prevention of osteochondrosis, the doctors at the clinic recommend:
- maintain correct posture. Posture is the usual position of the body while standing. Ideally, the head and back should be on the same vertical, the shoulders should be level, the stomach is tucked in and the chest is raised. The habit of the body is developed by exercise, therefore, the posture should be watched - not to bend or sag;
- lead an active life, do gymnastics;
- it is useful to hang on to a horizontal bar - while the spine is stretched;
- sleep on a hard mattress. It is advisable to buy an orthopedic mattress and pillow;
- follow a balanced diet, eat foods that contain sufficient amounts of vitamins and minerals.