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Osteochondrosis

symptoms of osteochondrosis

Back pain is a problem that any adult can face.Often this is not a one-time event, but a symptom of a dangerous disease.Osteochondrosis often occurs in people aged 30-35 years (about 40% of the population), up to 90% of cases occur in older people.

Timely diagnosis and correct treatment approaches can eliminate the development of pathology and prevent complications.That is why it is important to understand what exactly back pain can indicate, which doctor you should contact when it appears and how to treat osteochondrosis.

What is osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis is a group of chronic diseases, the cause of which is the destruction of vertebrae and intervertebral discs, as well as damage to cartilage tissue.

With age and under the influence of uneven loads, the bone tissue of the vertebrae is deformed and destroyed, and the muscle tissue develops unevenly.This leads to various manifestations of osteochondrosis: hernias, curvature of the spine, etc.

Osteochondrosis is an outdated term;in world medicine, we speak of dorsopathy. There are different types of diseases of the connective tissue and musculoskeletal system, for which different treatment methods are used.

Types of osteochondrosis

When classifying the disease, the following are taken into account: the localization of pain, the area of damage of the intervertebral discs and the degree of development of the disease.

Location of painful sensations

Taking into account the localization of pain caused by diseases of the spine, we distinguish:

  • Lumbodynia.Chronic pain that occurs in the lower back often causes lameness.In particularly severe cases, this can cause numbness in the legs.Most often, this symptom occurs when a person has an intervertebral hernia.When the roots of the spinal cord are compressed, paralysis of the limbs is possible.
  • Lumboischialgia.Pain that radiates aching sensations to the lower back or lower extremities, along the back of the legs - from the buttock to the knee.Clinical manifestations occur when there is pressure on the sciatic and spinal nerves.
  • Lumbago.Shooting or intense, sharp pain at some point in the lower back.Often confused with radiculitis.An attack occurs in most cases when a person tries to bend sharply or straighten his back, as well as when suddenly lifting heavy objects.
  • Thoracalgia.Pain in the chest area.It is considered a very dangerous symptom, sometimes even a doctor cannot immediately determine the cause.Unpleasant sensations are not always associated with body movements.The pain is particularly intense in the area from the chest to the armpit.
  • Neck pain.Painful sensations occur in the neck and can spread to the upper limbs.Pathological manifestations may be accompanied by dizziness, a feeling of numbness in the back of the head, redness and swelling of the skin.

The pathology requires urgent treatment, as there may be disruption of blood circulation in the brain, compression of nerve roots and disruption of venous blood outflow.Neck pain often causes inflammatory processes and intervertebral disc herniation.

The location of the most painful sensations indicates the damaged area of the vertebrae and intervertebral discs.Often the pain is reflected, that is, it is not recorded in the place where the source of the disease actually is.

Classification based on location

Depending on the part of the spine where the intervertebral discs and tissues have been damaged, osteoporosis is divided into several types.

Cervical

Consists of seven small vertebrae that experience constant stress.The pathology is accompanied by thinning of the cervical vertebrae and compression of the arterial ducts.Cervical type of osteochondrosis is very dangerous because it causes disruption of the process of blood saturation in the brain.

The formation of protrusions leads to a hernia.And operations carried out in the cervical region can lead to immobilization of the body.

Chest

Disorders of this part of the spine are rare, associated with poor mobility of the vertebrae.The appearance of pain is observed in people moving loads, or in those who remain in the same position for a long time.

Thoracic osteochondrosis is often confused with pneumonia, heart attack and angina.

Important!

Only a doctor should be involved in the differential diagnosis.

Lumbosacral

The lumbar region has five vertebrae.If a disturbance in nutrition and metabolic processes occurs in the intervertebral disc, it loses its elasticity, decreases in size and is no longer able to function given the load received.Lack of treatment for lumbosacral osteochondrosis can lead to the following complications: hernias, protrusions, sciatica.

Important!

A very dangerous phenomenon is compression of the spinal cord, as it can cause paralysis of the lower extremities.

Another type of osteochondrosis is polysegmental.During its development, the breakdown of segments in different parts of the spine occurs simultaneously.The disease is characterized by loss of sensitivity in the back of the head and disturbances in the functioning of the vocal apparatus.

Features of the development of the disease

Depending on the degree of development of the intervertebral discs, experts distinguish 4 stages of pathology, diagnosed using radiographic studies:

  1. There is no visible change in the spine.
  2. Internal breaks occur in the disks, but without external changes.
  3. Changes to the disk without external damage are noted.
  4. Severe damage to the intervertebral disc.The cracks have spread to the inner surface, the disc appears to be squeezed out of the vertebrae.  

Taking into account the clinical manifestations, four stages of development of osteochondrosis are distinguished:

  1. The spine functions normally.A person feels pain at the site of the disease.Patients complain of general weakness, chronic fatigue and, more rarely, loss of appetite and sleep disturbances.
  2. Cracks form in the disc and the vertebral segment loses its stability.Painful sensations intensify, initially occasional, then chronic, associated with pinched nerves, subluxation of the vertebrae and the formation of protrusions.
  3. The pain intensifies even more, spinal deformation occurs and an intervertebral hernia is formed.At the same stage, lordosis, a curvature of the spine, develops.
  4. The spine loses its normal mobility.Cartilage tissue thickens and osteophytes (cartilaginous growths on the joints) appear.In particularly difficult cases, patients lose the ability to move.

Important!

A person diagnosed with the fourth stage of osteochondrosis becomes disabled.

Causes of osteochondrosis

There are a large number of theories explaining the appearance of pathology.Among the reasons are hormonal changes, heredity, problems with the cardiovascular system, mechanical damage and much more.Researchers agree that the reason most often lies in overloading individual segments of the spine.

The human spine has 32 to 34 vertebrae (7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 sacral, 3 to 5 coccygeal).Each segment consists of two vertebrae and an intervertebral disc between them.The integrity of this structure is ensured by the joints and articular processes.

Intervertebral discs consist of a gelatinous core and a dense fibrous ring surrounding it, which are covered with a layer of cartilaginous tissue.They perform a shock-absorbing function, preventing damage to the vertebrae when jumping, running and walking.The design is very mobile and provides flexibility and stability to the spine.

Already at the first stage of osteochondrosis, the breakdown and destruction of intervertebral discs begins, the amount of fluid in their core decreases, the cartilaginous tissue thins and becomes less elastic.

Osteochondrosis in most cases is diagnosed in older people, as well as those who lead a sedentary lifestyle.Doctors believe that the main cause of the disease is the uneven distribution of the load on the spine and vertebrae.This causes damage, as well as destruction of cartilage tissue.

Most often, this disorder occurs due to a sedentary lifestyle, irregular exercise, excessive physical activity and work associated with constant pressure on the back.

Incorrect body position when walking, sitting, carrying and lifting heavy objects, tight and uncomfortable clothing and shoes can damage/displace the intervertebral discs and, as a result, lead to the development of osteochondrosis.

Other reasons for the development of pathology include:

  •  fractures, bends and damage to the spine;
  • hormonal imbalances;
  • pregnancy;
  • hypothermia and sudden temperature changes.

Important!

Stress on the cervical spine when working on a computer can also cause the development of osteochondrosis.

Risk factors for the development of osteochondrosis

There is a long list of diseases that can lead to osteochondrosis.These include:

  • flat feet;
  • scoliosis;
  • arthritis;
  • osteoporosis;
  • osteoarthritis;
  • neuro-emotional exhaustion;
  • diabetes mellitus;
  • obesity.

Other risk factors include metabolic disorders, strenuous physical activity (especially associated with heavy lifting), lack of nutrients, natural age-related changes in the body, and genetic predisposition.

Regular consumption of tobacco (smoking) and alcohol significantly weakens the tissues of the intervertebral discs.Lack of calcium can be a factor in the development of the disease.

Symptoms and signs of osteochondrosis

Painful sensations are the main symptom of pathology.The nature of the pain can vary, it can be:

  • sharp, intense, worsens with movement (as a rule, the patient tries to stay still);
  • dull, smooth (movements are slow).

In addition to local pain exactly where the destruction of vertebrae and intervertebral discs began, patients often experience projection pain - away from the problem site.Due to pain, muscle strength in the lower and upper extremities decreases, movement disorders and general weakness of the body occur.

Patients often complain of general symptoms of osteochondrosis such as:

  • stiffness and discomfort during movement;
  • muscle spasms;
  • migraines and headaches;
  • frequent dizziness, visual disturbances;
  • the appearance of pain in the joints of the limbs;
  • feeling of cold in the extremities;
  • decreased sensitivity;
  • circulatory disorders;
  • loss of consciousness.

In some cases, patients experience numbness in the extremities and tingling in the cervical region, lumbar region and sternum.

With osteochondrosis, several characteristic syndromes are often present:

  • Vertebral.Acute or chronic back pain, accompanied by poor circulation.
  • Cardiac.A form of angina.
  • Vertebral artery syndrome.Pain resulting from circulatory disorders in the vertebral arteries.
  • Koreshkovy.The pain is caused by compression of the spinal roots where they originate from the spinal cord.

Depending on the type of localized osteochondrosis, the symptoms of the disease may differ.

For cervical osteochondrosischaracterized by migraines, numbness of the fingers, difficulty moving the head and neck, pain in the back of the head.In addition, with cervical osteochondrosis, patients complain of facial numbness, problems sleeping, frequent dizziness and ringing in the ears.

Lumbar osteochondrosiscauses pain in the buttocks and perineum, leading to movement problems.Patients feel sharp pain when bending, in the lower back (after sleeping or sitting in one place for a long time).Numbness, dizziness and general weakness appear.The disease often causes pain in the kidney area, erectile dysfunction and frequent urination.With lumbar osteochondrosis, scoliosis often develops.

Thoracic osteochondrosisaccompanied by shortness of breath, stiffness in the thoracic region, pain between the shoulder blades and ribs.Patients often worry about problems with the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys and pancreas.Specific manifestations of thoracic spine pathologies include dry skin, peeling of the skin of the extremities and brittle nails.

Osteochondrosis: diagnosis

You should consult a doctor (vertebrologist or neurologist) if you experience back pain (of any kind), muscle spasms and sensory disturbances in the back and limbs.

No additional preparation is required to consult a neurologist or vertebrologist.It is important to provide your doctor with a list of pain medications you have taken recently.It is also necessary to report all measures taken during self-treatment before scheduling a consultation.

During your appointment, the doctor will perform a complete examination, which includes:

  • take anamnesis, study the patient's medical history and complaints;
  • physiological examination, palpation, assessment of skin condition and localization of pain;
  • determination of the nature of the pain (acute, dull, reflected, local, etc.);
  • blood test (indicators of blood calcium level and erythrocyte sedimentation rate are important);
  • ECG and ultrasound of the heart (to exclude or confirm the connection between pain syndromes and diseases of the cardiovascular system);
  • duplex examination of the arteries of the head and neck (assessment of blood flow quality, determination of vasoconstriction).

To confirm the diagnosis, additional radiographic studies may be prescribed, including:

  • Spinal x-ray.A complete image in two projections, if necessary, shooting each individual segment of the spine.A functional x-ray can also be prescribed - a study in which a specialist takes photos in different body positions.
  • Computed tomography of an individual disc.The study shows the condition of the vertebral body, blood vessels, nerve endings, ligaments and soft tissues, ruptures of the contours of the intervertebral disc, disc height, changes in the dura mater, marginal growths and spinal instability.
  • Myelography.Contrast x-ray of the spinal cord.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging.This is an alternative to intervertebral disc scanning.Allows you to assess the condition of blood vessels and cartilage tissue.

X-ray studies confirm that it is osteochondrosis if the images show:

  • pathological mobility of the vertebrae, deviating from the norm;
  • movement of the vertebrae relative to each other;
  • deposition of salts in the intervertebral discs;
  • uniform narrowing of the intervertebral space in the lumbar and cervical regions, wedge-shaped narrowing in the thoracic region;
  • formation of osteophytes (marginal growths);
  • Marginal sclerosis is the formation of compaction on the affected disc.

As part of the diagnosis, the doctor may prescribe a consultation with another specialist (ENT, cardiologist, urologist, etc.).

Important!

The main task of a diagnostic doctor is to establish the causes of osteochondrosis.Depending on the results obtained during the examination, the doctor will determine the type of pathology and prescribe treatment suitable for a particular case.

Complications of osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis of the spine is an unpleasant disease, which in its later stages can provoke the development of other diseases and pathologies.The most common are:

  • protrusion (bulging of the intervertebral discs);
  • intervertebral hernia;
  • salt deposits between the vertebrae;
  • kyphosis (curvature of the spine);
  • muscle atrophy;
  • stroke (disorder of circulation in the spinal cord);
  • radiculitis;
  • disruption of the functioning of the genitourinary system (problems with urination, erectile dysfunction in men, inflammatory processes of the uterus, ovaries and appendages in women);
  • paralysis of the limbs.

Timely consultation with a doctor at the first painful sensation and regular prevention of osteochondrosis will help avoid the development of complications.

Treatment of osteochondrosis

At the Naran Clinic, doctors practice an integrated approach to the treatment of osteochondrosis.

Tibetan medicine doctors use four treatment methods:

  • Correction of nutrition according to dosha
  • Lifestyle correction
  • Phytotherapy

A set of external procedures:

  • Nutritional correction.A balanced diet according to the constitution of the human body (dosha) promotes a boost of energy and cellular renewal in all the organs and organic systems of the body.
  • Phytotherapy.The use of Tibetan medicinal herbs and mixtures based on the recipes of ancient healers.Restores the body's natural balance, promotes its rejuvenation and the eradication of many diseases.

External effects on the body:

  • energy acupressure - normalizes and restores the proper functioning of internal organs, helps improve blood circulation throughout the body, restores immunity;
  • acupuncture - eliminates pain and inflammation, relieves discomfort arising from external manifestations, improves fluid circulation in the body;
  • vacuum therapy (cupping) – improves innervation, removes waste and toxins, normalizes regulatory and metabolic processes;
  • stone therapy – beneficial for the cardiovascular system, blood pressure, relieves muscle spasms, restores sleep;
  • Moxibustion, moxibustion or jutherapy of biologically active points have been used in Tibetan medicine for more than 5 thousand years.For burning or heating, cigars made from wormwood, edelweiss, juniper, poplar leaves, as well as pressed charcoal, etc. are used.

Prevention of osteochondrosis

The main method of prevention is to evenly distribute the load on the spine.In practice this includes:

  • active lifestyle;
  • moderate exercise (morning exercises, yoga, swimming, walking, running, cycling, exercises to strengthen the muscle corset);
  • sleeping on an orthopedic mattress and pillow;
  • wear comfortable, or better yet, orthopedic shoes;
  • balanced diet, including a large amount of minerals and vitamins;
  • regular preventive examinations by a neurologist and a vertebrologist;
  • stop smoking and drinking alcohol.

During prolonged sedentary and stationary work, it is important to periodically take breaks, change positions and do a warm-up, this will help you relax and reduce the load on the spine.

When lifting weights, you do not need to do it quickly, in jerks, only smoothly and in a half-squat.To carry heavy objects, it is better to choose backpacks with an orthopedic wall rather than bags with a shoulder strap.

Avoid staying in a static, uncomfortable position for a long time, especially standing and with your arms raised - this position injures the ligaments and increases the load on the intervertebral discs.

Important!

Doctors recommend sitting in a physiologically correct position: relaxed shoulders, toned abdominal muscles, even weight distribution on both buttocks and a straight spine position with uniform emphasis on the back of the chair.

Manual therapy, various methods of physiotherapy and acupuncture also give positive results as a preventive measure for osteochondrosis of the spine.

Treatment of osteochondrosis includes three stages:

  1. Relieve or reduce pain.
  2. Elimination of disorders in the condition and functioning of intervertebral discs and vertebrae.
  3. Prevention of complications.

If you promptly consult a specialist at the first signs of the disease, you can avoid complications and the need for surgical treatment.That is why it is so important to undergo annual preventive examinations at a neurologist and vertebrologist, even if you are not bothered by spinal pain.

Important!

Only a qualified doctor can make an accurate diagnosis, determine the disease and its causes and prescribe effective treatment.