Osteocondritis of the spine

Osteochondrosis is a disease characterized by degenerative changes in the cartilage tissue of the spine. Lack of adequate therapy leads to a violation of the structure and dysfunction of the intervertebral discs, deformation of the spine. Depending on the localization of the pathological process, there are the following types of osteochondrosis: cervical, thoracic, lumbar. As statistics show, this disease is observed in more than half of the world's population in people over 35 years of age. The main reasons for its development are injuries, systematic uneven loads on the spine and legs.

What it is

Talking about what osteochondrosis is, it should be said that this disease causes a violation of the structure of the tissues of the intervertebral discs themselves, reducing their elasticity and changing their shape. At the same time, there is a decrease in the distance between them, which ultimately leads to a loss of stability of the spine.

As a result of the contraction of the intervertebral space, the nerve endings coming from the spinal cord are pinched. This causes increased muscle tone and pain.

A decrease in elasticity causes the formation of intervertebral hernias and the development of a protrusion (a disease in which the vertebrae begin to swell in the spinal canal without rupture of the fibrous ring). And if the treatment is carried out incorrectly or is completely absent, it will lead to degradation of the joints of the spine and ligaments with the subsequent formation of osteophytes (bone processes).

The development of osteochondrosis provokes a violation of motor functions. The person begins to be embarrassed by constant pain in the area of the pathological focus, which intensifies when flexing / extending the back. There is a high probability of subluxation, curvature of the back.

As a rule, the first symptoms of the disease appear in humans during the period of physiological aging of the body. But there are situations when the pathology begins to develop much earlier. And the reason is often the wrong way of life.

In medicine, there is also chondrosis, which has similar symptoms and etiology. What is the difference between chondrosis and osteochondrosis? It's simple. Chondrosis is the initial stage in the development of osteochondrosis, when the processes of replacement of tissue damaged by fibrosis and the formation of osteophytes have not yet started in the spine. When there is a pronounced deformation of the spine and the formation of new processes, it is called osteochondrosis.

Provoking factors

What is chondrosis and osteochondrosis - understood. Now we need to talk about the reasons for their development. After all, if you do not eliminate them, then the treatment of the disease will not achieve a positive dynamic. As already noted at the very beginning, the main reason for the appearance of pathology is an uneven load on the spine. It can be caused by:

• carrying heavy bags on one shoulder or in one hand;
• poor posture when sitting;
• sleep on a soft mattress, high pillow;
• wearing uncomfortable and anatomically incorrect shoes.

And also osteochondrosis of the spine can develop against the background:

• hypodynamia (accompanied by impaired blood circulation, decreased muscle tone, shortness of breath);
• passive lifestyle;
• obesity;
• injuries (fractures, sprains, contusions);
• flat foot;
• other degenerative diseases that cause poor circulation in the spine.

Highlighting the causes of osteochondrosis of the spine, it should also be noted:

• frequent physical stress;
• neuro-emotional exhaustion;
• Metabolic disorders;
• intoxication (drug, chemical);
• pathology of the digestive tract;
• genetic predisposition;
• scoliosis;
• hypovitaminosis;
• pregnancy;
• smoking;
• drink alcoholic beverages;
• prolonged / frequent dehydration.

There are many reasons for the development of osteochondrosis of the back. Most often, its appearance occurs immediately against the background of the influence of several factors (for example, trauma, passive lifestyle, smoking, prolonged stay in poor posture). It can only be established by a thorough diagnosis, the study of the anamnesis.

Stages of development

Before talking about what to do if chondrosis begins to develop, it is also necessary to talk about its stages of development, since not only the severity of the symptoms, but also the treatment tactics directly depend on it. There are 4 degrees in total:

• First stage. At this stage, pathological processes occur in the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc. Dehydration (dehydration) is noted in it, which ultimately contributes to a decrease in its height and the formation of cracks in the fibrous ring. There is no symptomatic picture at this stage of the disease. A person may feel only slight discomfort in the back area after heavy physical exertion, be in an awkward position for a long time, etc.
• Second step. It is accompanied by a decrease in the intervertebral space, sagging of the muscles and vertebral ligaments. Such changes lead to increased mobility of the vertebrae. And any provoking factor can cause them to move or slide. As for the symptoms, at this stage patients already have discomfort and back pain that occurs with certain types of loads, pos.
• Third step. It is characterized by the appearance of prolapse and protuberances, subluxations, osteoarthritis of the intervertebral joints. At this stage, the disease often causes stiffness of movement, a tingling sensation in the pathological area and numbness. Pain syndrome has a pronounced character, it periodically occurs even at rest, in the absence of heavy loads.
• Fourth step. At this stage, the body tries to adapt to the disorders that have arisen. Its task is to do everything possible to improve the fixation of the spine. To do this, it begins to form osteophytes - bone formations that replace voids in the spine. However, in this way, the body not only helps itself, but also harms itself. After all, osteophytes lead to pinched nerves, injury to healthy vertebrae. And this becomes the reason for the development of fibrous ankylosis in the joints and intervertebral discs (an increase in the volume of fibrous tissue with its simultaneous fusion with the remains of cartilage). If a person has both microtrauma and injury at the same time, the severity of the pain syndrome increases. In their absence, the clinical picture subsides.

Symptoms

Talking about what osteochondrosis is and how to get rid of it, one can only talk about the symptoms with which it can manifest itself. The main sign of its development is the presence of discomfort or pain in the neck, chest region and lower back. The severity of sensations directly depends on the degree of development of the disease.

Visual examination of the patient reveals a curvature of the spine in the transverse or longitudinal plane. Most often they are observed in the lower back or neck, less often in the thoracic region.

If we talk about the feelings of the patient himself, among them there is periodic or constant fatigue in the back area, as well as pain, which can be both worn out and pronounced, depending on the severity of the pathological processes. It can be located in:

• neck,
• shoulder belt;
• chest;
• lumbar region;
• perineum.

In this case, stiffness of movements is possible, which makes it difficult to perform household chores. It most often occurs in the upper limbs. The symptomatic picture can be supplemented by other signs. It all depends on the location of the outbreak, its severity and the characteristics of the organism. If a patient has disc displacement, protrusion, herniation, osteophytes, often this leads to impaired blood circulation, spinal canal dysfunction, edema, fibrosis, pinching. All this causes the appearance of symptoms which can complicate the diagnosis and lead to misdiagnosis.

Talking about how osteochondrosis manifests itself, it is necessary to highlight the most common symptoms that patients complain about. These include:

• pain occurring in the neck, lower back, shoulder girdle, ribs;
• stiffness of movements, discomfort in the morning after waking up, bending over, turning around;
• feeling of numbness in the arms, legs, neck;
• discomfort in the joints and muscles of the back;
• frequent dizziness, migraines;
• rapid fatigue;
• grief;
• violation of the sensitivity of the upper extremities;
• decreased muscle tone.

Signs of osteochondrosis directly depend on the location of the pathological focus:

• Department of the cervix. In this case, the pain is localized in the neck, arms, shoulder girdle. It can give to the shoulder blades and shoulders. Cervical osteochondrosis can also present with headaches, tinnitus, "goosebumps" in front of the eyes, and dizziness.
• Chest part. With this pathology, pain occurs in the chest. Can give to the top of the shoulder, armpits. It often causes discomfort and pain in the heart area. It can cause respiratory system dysfunction, shortness of breath.
• Lumbosacral region. Pain syndrome predominates in the lumbar spine. It is also manifested by discomfort in the legs, hips and pelvic organs. Often causes sexual dysfunction.

Any discomfort in the spine is a serious reason to seek medical attention.

The presence of such signs as back fatigue, pain can also indicate not only the onset of the disease in question, but also the addition of other diseases that have nothing to do with dystrophic changes in the intervertebral discs. Diagnoses of osteochondrosis or chondrosis can only be made by an experienced doctor after a thorough diagnosis.

Diagnostic

What are the causes of osteochondrosis and how it can manifest itself, we have talked about. But I have to say that it won't work to make the correct diagnosis just on the basis of a visual examination and the patient's own feelings. To do this, you need to undergo a comprehensive examination, which necessarily includes:

• X-ray of the cervical, thoracic or lumbar spine (depending on the area of discomfort);
• myelography;
• neurological examination of sensitivity, reflexes.

As additional diagnostic methods are used:

• CT;
• MRI;
• NMR.

To exclude the presence of inflammatory or infectious diseases, laboratory tests are also prescribed:

• OAM;
• UAC;
• blood chemistry.

If necessary, a consultation of specialists of a narrower profile is appointed.

Processing methods

Unlike chondrosis, with osteochondrosis in the region of the ridge, a chronic process occurs, which cannot be eliminated by conservative methods. But that doesn't mean that you don't have to fight with her. Lack of adequate therapy can lead to serious consequences - the spine is deformed, fibrous tissue will appear instead of bone structures, unable to perform the necessary functions, the person will become disabled.

Conservative therapy

What to do with osteochondrosis, the doctor will tell you. As a rule, with such a disease, the following methods are used:

• Drug therapy. In this case, drugs are used to eliminate painful sensations, relieve inflammation and restore metabolism. If the patient experiences severe pain, drug blockages are used, which, in addition to the analgesic effect, help reduce the severity of musculo-tonic syndrome. There are the following types of blockages used in osteochondrosis: trigger point blockage, intraosseous, facet, paravertebral, epidural.
• Physiotherapy activities. They are also used to reduce pain and improve the effectiveness of drugs. Most often, for osteochondrosis, ultrasound therapy, magnetic fields, low-frequency currents, laser beams, etc. are used.
• Physiotherapy and physiotherapy. All patients, without exception, are prescribed exercise therapy. It is carried out under the supervision of specialists. Provides posture correction, increases muscle tone, relieves nervous tension. Systematic performance of special exercises also helps to increase the gaps between the discs, to distribute the load evenly on the musculoskeletal system.
• Massage. Manual massage helps normalize blood circulation, relieve muscle spasms and clamps. If the patient suffers from disorders of the nervous system, hydromassage is prescribed.
• Manual therapy. It is selected individually for each patient. Provides the normalization of lymphatic flow, blood circulation, metabolism, mobility of the spine. Prevents the development of complications, strengthens the immune system.
• Spinal traction. This method involves stretching the spine using special equipment. Thus, it is possible to increase the intervertebral space and reduce the manifestation of osteochondrosis.

Operative treatment

If conservative treatment does not eliminate the signs of osteochondrosis and does not give any positive dynamics, they resort to surgical intervention. The indications for this are:

• cauda equina syndrome, which develops in the presence of a massive hernia;
• spinal stenosis with compression of the brain and neurovascular bundles;
• association of osteochondrosis with significant spondylolisthesis with severe segmental instability;
• compression of the root at the level of the L5 lumbar segment;
• cervical osteochondrosis, occurring with discogenic syndrome of the vertebral arteries.

There are several ways to treat osteochondrosis with surgery:

• Laminotomy. This type of operation consists of the removal of a fragment of the bone structure and of the ligamentum luteum.
• Laminectomy. During this, most of the spine that limits the spinal canal is removed.
• Foraminotamia. The aim of the operation is to widen the root canal.
• Discetomy. In this operation, partial or total ablation of the intervertebral disc is performed.
• Laser vaporization of the disc core. It is carried out with the participation of a special LED, which ensures the partial destruction of the disc, which leads to the reverse development of the hernia.

How to get rid of osteochondrosis, only the doctor decides. It is necessary to understand that each case is individual, and the choice of one or another method of surgical intervention depends on the localization of the pathology, its severity, the patient with other diseases.

Traditional methods

At home, you can treat a disease of the spine. But this should be done only in cases where there are still symptoms of chondrosis (the early stages of the development of the disease) and after prior consultation with a doctor.

Speaking of what helps with chondrosis, the following alternative medicine recipes should be highlighted:

1. You need to take 1 kg of coarse salt, mix it with 3 tbsp. L. dry mustard, add 100 ml of water, mix everything well. The resulting porridge should be put on low heat and heated to a temperature of 50 degrees. The mixture is applied to the painful area, a film is put on it, then a warm handkerchief. With such a compress, the patient should lie down until completely cooled. After the procedure, it is necessary to stay warm for another 2 hours.
2. Pour 1. 5 liters of water into a saucepan, add 3 handfuls of sawdust to it and bring the resulting mixture to a boil, then filter. Sawdust is laid out on plastic wrap, which is pre-covered with a sheet on the bed. A gauze towel is placed over the sawdust, after which they lie on it and cover it with a warm blanket. So, lie down for 30 to 40 minutes.
3. Take 200 g of cinquefoil roots, 100 potentilla roots, 100 g of elecampane. The herbs are placed in a 3 liter jar, filled to the brim with vodka. The resulting composition is placed in a dark place for 3 weeks, then filtered. Take 3 times a day before meals, 1 tbsp. L. throughout the month. Then take a 10-day break and repeat the course.

Osteochondrosis is difficult to treat. It is difficult to respond to conservative treatment methods. But if you combine them with proper nutrition, home treatment, exercise therapy and all the recommendations of the doctor, the patient has every chance to get rid of the pains that torment him and prevent the development of complications. .