Osteochondrosis of the spine is a chronic disease based on the process of degeneration of bone and cartilage tissue. All parts of the spine are affected by the pathological process.
Description of the disease
The disease is more common in older people, but recently there has been an increase in the number of young patients showing signs of the disease. Depending on the localization of the lesion of the spine, it is customary to classify it into cervical, thoracic and lumbar osteochondrosis. The main and characteristic sign of osteochondrosis of the back is dull aching pain of moderate intensity, due to compression of the roots of the spinal cord.
Pathogenesis and stages
The development of the disease is usually divided into several stages. The process begins with an asymptomatic course, when initial changes occur in the cartilage tissue, and ends with the complete fusion of several vertebrae with each other.
First
The first stage is the most difficult to diagnose, due to the mild signs of the disease, it is also called preclinical. Patients have general weakness, discomfort in the back. These signs are often confused with fatigue. In medical practice, osteochondrosis of the 1st degree can only be diagnosed by chance, for example, during a preventive examination.
Second
During osteochondrosis of the 2nd degree, the patient feels pain in the spine. This stage is a consequence of the first in the absence of the necessary preventive measures. There is an initial process of destruction of the intervertebral disc. The attachment of the vertebrae is broken, the distance between them decreases, which leads to compression of the nerve fibers of the spine.
Based on the patient's complaints, an objective examination and an x-ray, the doctor diagnoses "osteochondrosis of the 2nd degree of the cervical region" and prescribes treatment. Subject to the implementation of all the recommendations of a specialist, the disease can be treated without serious consequences.
The third
The third stage is characterized by the onset of irreversible processes in the cartilaginous tissues of the fibrous ring. The nucleus pulposus is dehydrated, resulting in a herniated disc. The pain occurs as a result of compression of the spinal nerves. At this stage, the destroyed intervertebral disc cannot be restored. The hernia is removed by the surgical method, the treatment is carried out with the help of drugs.
Fourth
At this point, the body adapts to the resulting changes in the spine. Compensatory bone tissue grows along the edges of the vertebrae (osteophytes) to strengthen the affected section. They can compress the roots of the spinal cord, causing pain. As a result, osteophytes grow together, causing complete immobility of a certain segment of the spine.
Symptoms and varieties
Osteochondrosis is a chronic disease. The alternation of periods of exacerbation of the disease and remission is especially characteristic of it. Symptoms of the disease are quite typical. They are manifested by aching pains in the back, with sudden movements and heavy loads, the pain intensifies, there may be a feeling of numbness in the limbs, fatigue with little physical exertion and depression.
Constant aching pain leads to excessive nervousness and fatigue of the body. In chronic osteochondrosis, when the vertebral discs compress the nerve fibers, the pain syndrome can acquire a nagging character and radiate to the back of the head, shoulders and lower extremities.
Cervical
This is one of the most common and dangerous localizations of the disease, since there are a large number of nerve fibers and large main vessels in the cervical region.
With cervical osteochondrosis, the symptoms can be the following:
- severe headache;
- pains radiate to the shoulder and limbs, shoot in the head;
- there is a restriction of neck movements;
- dizziness and loss of consciousness;
- noise in the ears;
- movement coordination disorders.
These symptoms are caused by impaired blood circulation in the cervical arteries due to inflammation, swelling, muscle spasms. With the onset of vertebral artery compression syndrome and the lack of proper medical treatment, it leads to cerebral ischemia.
thoracic
Osteochondrosis of the chest region is quite rare. Signs of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine are manifested in the form of pain and burning sensation between the shoulder blades. If there is compression of the intercostal nerve endings, it leads to intercostal neuralgia. It is manifested by sharp pain sensations in the chest, which do not allow deep breathing.
Violation of blood circulation and lack of nutrients due to the inflammatory process can cause diseases of the internal organs located in this area, various heart pathologies. Qualified treatment in this case is essential.
Lumbar
More than 50% of cases occur in this department. The first signs of lumbar osteochondrosis are characteristic pain in the lower back, which increases with sudden movements, heavy lifting and even when the weather changes. Symptoms such as varicose veins, numbness in the extremities, joint pain are not excluded.
The appearance of osteophytes in the later stages of the disease often leads to inflammation of the sciatic - sciatic nerve, one of the possible complications. Lumbar radiculitis also refers to complications of osteochondrosis. It is manifested by pain in the buttocks, spreading along the thigh and lower leg, reaching the feet.
Causes and Prevention
As a rule, the disease usually causes several causes at once, therefore it is also considered multifactorial. The main reasons for the development of osteochondrosis are:
- back injuries and bruises;
- storage diseases and metabolic disorders;
- sedentary lifestyle and overweight;
- congenital and acquired postural disorders;
- heredity.
Prevention of osteochondrosis boils down to simple but effective methods. It is necessary to change the way of life to a more active one (go swimming), do not forget to do gymnastics for the back during long-term stationary work. You should start eating right, including in the diet as many fruits and vegetables, dairy products as possible.
Effective prevention will also consist in timely seeking medical help when the first symptoms of the disease appear.
Processing
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine should be complex. The main directions of treatment of the disease are:
- pharmacotherapy (NSAIDs, analgesics, chondroprotectors, vitamins);
- physiotherapy (electrophoresis, UHF);
- massage;
- exercise therapy;
- gymnastics (can be done at home);
- surgical treatment (discectomy).