Osteochondrosis is a disease that develops due to degenerative processes in the cartilage tissue of the spine.In fact, this term is applicable to any joint, but most often osteochondrosis affects the intervertebral discs, so in the vast majority of cases they talk about spinal osteochondrosis.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis
The main symptoms of osteochondrosis are pain and numbness, which can be widespread or cover a certain area of the back.The pain intensifies with physical activity, sudden movements, and sometimes with coughing and sneezing.The body tries to reflexively protect itself from pain, so muscle tension increases at the site of 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 limbs, limiting their mobility (if the cervicothoracic region is affected, the arms suffer; if the lumbar region, then the legs).In severe cases, the limbs can even partially atrophy - lose their inherent strength and mobility.A disc herniation is one of the most common and severe forms of complications of osteochondrosis, in which the disc itself is displaced and the nerve roots are compressed, causing severe pain in the back.
When any part of the spine is affected, there are specific symptoms:
- Cervical region: headache, 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 headache in the temple or in the back of the head.Unpleasant symptoms also appear: tinnitus, imbalance, darkening of the eyes and with significant constriction - sudden attacks of dizziness with nausea and vomiting.All these symptoms usually occur with sudden turns of the head.
- Thoracic: a feeling of "a pin in the chest", pain that patients often consider to be 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 stability and elasticity.The spinal disc decreases in volume, becomes dense and ceases to absorb shock completely.Even during normal walking, the hard vertebrae, composed of bone tissue, do not come out very elastically in the cartilaginous layers between them, but practically touch each other, squeezing the nerve fibers.Because of this, the mobility of the spine is limited, there are constant, widespread pains in 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, cartilage tissues receive the necessary substances in two ways: from blood vessels and from intervertebral fluid.From the age of 23-25, the vessels are fully grown, leaving only one way of feeding.Nutrition of cartilage tissue through intervertebral fluid is possible during the movement of the spine, when fluid circulation occurs: during the compression and expansion of the discs, the fluid breaks down into nutrients.Therefore, after 30 years, the risk of cartilage degeneration of the intervertebral discs increases significantly, especially with insufficient physical activity.
Dystrophic processes of disc destruction are aggravated by intensive 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 spinal osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis is a progressive disease, but the transition to each subsequent stage occurs gradually.One of the stages of the 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.Disc herniations occur when the annulus fibrosus of the disc becomes thinner and ruptures, the nucleus protrudes into the space, and the nerve roots are compressed, which is accompanied by increased pain and an even greater decrease in the shock-absorbing properties of the disc.The speed with which symptoms develop depends on lifestyle, treatment and individual characteristics of the body.
Phase 1
Characteristic, continuous or periodic complaints appear.They are often provoked by physical activity or forced body position.Radiography shows minimal narrowing of the intervertebral spaces or normal.
Phase 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 an obvious reduction in the intervertebral distance or displacement of the vertebrae;bony growths may appear.
Phase 3
Intervertebral disc herniations appear, also called disc protrusion or prolapse;the disc stretches more and more into the surrounding tissue, which leads to damage to blood vessels and nerves, so the pain intensifies, limiting movement in the limb and causing numbness.
Phase 4
Stage of disc fibrosis.The disc hardens, it is replaced by scar tissue, bony protrusions increase along the edge, and the intervertebral distance is significantly reduced.The mobility of the spine is significantly reduced - it literally becomes ossified.
Diagnosis of the disease
The doctor makes a preliminary diagnosis based on characteristic complaints and examination data.Pain at specific points, muscle tone, sensitivity, range of motion and 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 photos clearly show if there is a decrease in the distance between the vertebrae, that is, 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 soft tissue visualization make it possible to confirm or reject the diagnosis of intervertebral disc herniation with absolute accuracy.
How to treat spinal osteochondrosis?
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 therapy does not give the desired effect, surgical treatment is indicated.
MEDICINES
The main goal during exacerbation of osteochondrosis is to relieve inflammation and associated pain and muscle spasms.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.Preparations of B vitamins help to improve the condition of the nerve roots.Typically, the course of treatment lasts 7-10 days.Taking drugs internally is complemented by local treatment: ointments or gels containing NSAIDs or simply 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 general blood flow, but they are not sufficient for complete treatment.
A drug containing glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate - components of cartilage.
The components of the drug not only fill the lack of these substances in the body, but also start recovery processes, stimulating the production of other cartilage components.The drug can be taken out of irritations and even to prevent further progression of osteochondrosis and osteoarthritis.To achieve a lasting effect, it is prescribed in long courses of up to 6 months.
It has been proven that the drug promotes:
- renewal of joint cartilage tissue;
- improving joint mobility;
- reducing pain.
The drug has a complex effect: it helps to restore the cartilage tissue of the joints, as well as reduces the need for sedatives, thus 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 medicine no.1 for the treatment of osteoarthritis and osteochondrosis.This is a modern chondroprotector, made in the USA.
The special composition of the drug improves the penetration of painkillers into the joints, which helps reduce pain and inflammation in the joints.
The drug has been proven to:
- It has an analgesic effect;
- It has an anti-inflammatory effect;
- Helps reduce stiffness;
- It helps to increase the range of motion of the joints.
The drug is used for osteoarthritis, osteochondrosis and other joint diseases accompanied by pain.Due to the fact that it contains meloxicam, chondroitin and dimethyl sulfoxide, 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 drug 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 to restore the cartilage tissue in the joints and improves their mobility.
Naproxen sodium
Naproxen sodium has:
- Analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect.
Applicable to:
- Osteoarthritis of the joints and spine;
- Rheumatic diseases;
- Sprains and bruises.
In other cases of pain of mild or moderate severity, including pain in the lower back and muscles, 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, sought by more than millions of patients in different countries.
Treatments without drugs
Treatment without drugs increases the effectiveness of drugs and allows you to quickly relieve an aggravation.
- 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 completing a course of drug treatment, 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, so it is performed by a specialist after studying the images.
- Physical therapy (physiotherapy) is physical activity dosed taking into account the profile of the disease.It is necessary for the intervertebral fluid to move, providing the discs with nutrients and removing decay products.Exercises strengthen muscles, normalize their tone and restore the motor activity of damaged limbs.Exercise therapy should be regular, take place at a calm pace, without sudden movements, so as not to worsen the situation.
- Reflexology is an effect on the body's organs and systems through the stimulation of certain points.For this, needles are used most often, but other options are also possible: electric current, magnetic fields.
- Physiotherapy is mainly used during exacerbations to relieve inflammation, improve microcirculation, relieve pain, swelling and muscle spasm.The most used are electrophoresis and ultrasound with medications (for example, hydrocortisone) and magnetic therapy.
Other methods
In case of intervertebral disc herniation or compression of the nerve roots with a significant decrease 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.
Preventing
Prevention of osteochondrosis is a topical issue for everyone, especially after reaching the age of 25.To preserve the intervertebral disc as long as possible, you need to move a lot, but avoid injuries and heavy physical activity, eat properly and when you work sitting, take breaks and move.An important point in the prevention of osteochondrosis is taking chondroprotectors.If discomfort appears in any part of the back, it is better to immediately consult a doctor so that you do not lose it and do not start the disease.
CONCLUSION
Osteochondrosis is a disease that is not life-threatening, but significantly reduces its quality.Therefore, its prevention and timely comprehensive treatment are so important to achieve a lasting remission and stop the progression of the disease.