Osteochondrosis is a disease that develops due to degenerative processes in the cartilaginous tissue of the spine.In fact, this term applies to all joints, but most often osteochondrosis affects the intervertebral discs, so in the vast majority of cases we speak of vertebral osteochondrosis.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis
The main symptoms of osteochondrosis are aching pain and numbness, which can be generalized or cover a specific area of the back.The pain intensifies with physical activity, sudden movements and sometimes even with coughing and sneezing.The body reflexively tries to protect itself from pain, so muscle tension increases at the injury site.This is how restriction of motor activity occurs - another characteristic sign of osteochondrosis.
Without treatment, the manifestations of the disease worsen: the pain intensifies, extends 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, limbs may even partially atrophy and lose their inherent strength and mobility.Herniated disc is one of the most common and serious forms of complications of osteochondrosis, in which the disc itself is displaced and the nerve roots are compressed, causing severe shooting pain in the back.
When each part of the spine is affected, specific symptoms are observed:
- Cervical region: headaches, dizziness, pain and numbness in the shoulders and arms.In some cases, vertebral artery syndrome forms: the artery supplying blood to the brain and spinal cord is compressed, causing an excruciating, throbbing headache in the temple or back of the head.Unpleasant symptoms also appear: tinnitus, imbalance, darkening of the eyes and, in case of significant constriction, sudden attacks of dizziness with nausea and vomiting.All these symptoms usually occur during sudden turns of the head.
- Thoracic: “stinging sensation 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 pelvis.
Causes of osteochondrosis
The main cause of osteochondrosis is degenerative changes in the cartilaginous tissue of the intervertebral disc, as a result of which they lose their firmness and elasticity.The vertebral disc decreases in volume, becomes dense and ceases to completely absorb shock.Even during normal walking, the hard vertebrae, consisting of bone tissue, do not bounce too elastically on the cartilaginous layers separating them, but practically touch each other, squeezing the nerve fibers.As a result, the mobility of the spine is limited, constant pain appears, spreading to the back and limbs, caused by compression of the nerve roots.
The causes of dystrophic changes can be different.The main predisposing factor is eating habits.From birth, cartilaginous tissue receives the necessary substances in two ways: from blood vessels and from intervertebral fluid.By the age of 23-25, the vessels are completely overgrown, leaving only one mode of nutrition.Nutrition of cartilaginous tissue by intervertebral fluid is possible during the movement of the spine, when fluid circulation occurs: during compression and expansion of the discs, the fluid breaks down into nutrients.Thus, after the age of 30, the risk of degeneration of the cartilaginous tissue of the intervertebral discs increases sharply, particularly in the event of insufficient physical activity.
Dystrophic processes of disc destruction are aggravated by intense training (especially without warming up), injuries and any skeletal pathologies (including flat feet and poor posture), because they change the distribution of the load on the spine.Excess weight 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 next stage occurs gradually.One of the stages of development of osteochondrosis is the so-called herniated disc.The discs are composed of a hard shell called an annulus fibrosus and a semi-liquid core.Herniated discs occur when the annulus fibrosus of the disc thins and ruptures, the nucleus protrudes through 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 at which symptoms develop depends on lifestyle, treatment and individual characteristics of the body.
Step 1
Characteristic complaints appear, constant or periodic.They are often caused by physical activity or forced body position.The x-ray shows minimal or normal narrowing of the intervertebral spaces.
Step 2
Symptoms intensify as the disc loses stability (cartilaginous tissue bulges into the surrounding annulus fibrosus), compressing the nerve roots.An x-ray shows a noticeable reduction in the intervertebral distance or displacement of the vertebrae;growths of bone tissue may appear.
Step 3
Intervertebral disc herniations, also called disc protrusion or prolapse, appear;the disc increasingly extends into the surrounding tissues, leading to damage to blood vessels and nerves, so that the pain intensifies, restricting limb movements and causing numbness.
Step 4
Stage of disc fibrosis.The disc hardens, it is replaced by scar tissue, bony protrusions develop along the edge, and the intervertebral distance noticeably decreases.The mobility of the spine is significantly reduced - it literally ossifies.
Diagnosis of the disease
The doctor makes a preliminary diagnosis based on characteristic complaints and examination data.Pain at certain points, muscle tone, sensitivity, range of motion and posture are assessed.Instrumental research methods make it possible to 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 images clearly show whether there is a reduction in the distance between the vertebrae, i.e. whether there is thinning of the cartilage and to what extent 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 visualization of the soft tissues make it possible to confirm or refute the diagnosis of intervertebral disc herniation with absolute precision.
How to treat osteochondrosis of the spine?
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 influence its cause.The doctor decides what to treat in each specific case.Medications are usually complemented by physiotherapy, massage, manual therapy, physiotherapy and reflexology.If conservative treatment does not give the desired effect, surgical treatment is indicated.
Drugs
The main goal during an exacerbation of osteochondrosis is to relieve inflammation and the accompanying pain and muscle spasms.To do this, nonsteroidal 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.B vitamin preparations help improve the condition of nerve roots.Typically, treatment lasts 7-10 days.Taking medications internally is supplemented by local treatment: ointments or gels containing NSAIDs or simply warming ones are applied to the affected area to increase blood supply, metabolism and quickly stop inflammation.External remedies quickly relieve pain, since the active substance penetrates the source of inflammation, bypassing the digestive system and general blood flow, but they are not enough for comprehensive treatment.
A drug containing glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate - components of cartilage.
The components of the drug not only fill the deficiency of these substances in the body, but also trigger recovery processes, stimulating the production of other cartilage components.The drug can be taken outside of exacerbations and even to prevent the progression of osteochondrosis and osteoarthritis.To obtain a lasting effect, it is prescribed in long courses of up to 6 months.
The drug has been proven to promote:
- renewal of joint cartilage tissue;
- improve joint mobility;
- reduce pain.
The drug has a complex effect: it helps to restore the cartilage tissue of the joints and reduce the need for painkillers, thereby increasing the safety of 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 (NSAIDs) and chondroitin sulfate.
It simultaneously relieves inflammation, pain and starts the process of restoration of cartilage tissue;it is the number 1 drug for the treatment of osteoarthritis and osteochondrosis.This is a modern chondroprotector produced in the United States.
The special composition of the drug improves the penetration of painkillers into the joint, which helps reduce pain and inflammation in the joints.
The drug has been proven to:
- Has an analgesic effect;
- Has an anti-inflammatory effect;
- Helps reduce stiffness;
- Helps increase joint range of motion.
The drug is used to treat 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, which makes it possible to have a comprehensive effect on the disease.
A medicine that contains ibuprofen (NSAID), as well as glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate.
The medicine 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 removes inflammation;it is recommended at increased daily doses of chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine, the effectiveness of which has been proven.The drug helps to restore the cartilaginous tissue of the joints and improve their mobility.
Naproxen sodium
Naproxen sodium contains:
- Analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect.
Applicable for:
- Osteoarthritis of the joints and spine;
- Rheumatic diseases;
- Sprains and bruises.
In other cases, pain of mild or moderate intensity, 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 due to the action of the active component naproxen at a dose of 275 mg.Naproxen is the global standard for the treatment of joint pain, requested by more than millions of patients in different countries.
Non-drug treatments
Non-drug treatment increases the effectiveness of medications and allows you to quickly relieve an exacerbation.
- 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 pain and will not bring any benefit.It is prescribed after the end of drug treatment, when inflammation subsides or during remission to prevent further exacerbations.
- Manual therapy involves restoring the correct configuration of the spine and its mobility using the hands.This is a serious intervention, it is therefore carried out by a specialist after studying the images.
- Physiotherapy (physiotherapy) is a physical activity dosed taking into account the profile of the disease.It is necessary for the intervertebral fluid to move, supplying the discs with nutrients and removing decay products.Exercises strengthen muscles, normalize their tone and restore motor activity of damaged limbs.Exercise therapy should be regular, take place at a calm pace, without sudden movements, so as not to aggravate the situation.
- Reflexology is an effect on the organs and systems of the body through the stimulation of certain points.For this, needles are most often used, but other options are also possible: electric current, magnetic field.
- Physiotherapy is mainly used during exacerbations to relieve inflammation, improve microcirculation, relieve pain, swelling and muscle spasms.The most commonly used are electrophoresis and ultrasound with medications (eg, hydrocortisone) and magnetic therapy.
Other methods
In cases of herniation of the intervertebral disc or compression of the nerve roots with a significant reduction in the distance between the vertebrae, surgical treatment is recommended.Its essence is the removal of a damaged disk.Minimally invasive techniques have been developed that allow the problem to be resolved relatively painlessly for the patient: endoscopic techniques and a laser that “evaporates” the nucleus of the disc.In severe cases, the disc is replaced with a silicone implant.
Prevention
Prevention of osteochondrosis is a topical issue for everyone, especially after 25 years.To preserve the intervertebral disc as long as possible, you need to move a lot, but avoid injuries and intense physical activities, eat well and, when working sedentary, take breaks and move.An important point in the prevention of osteochondrosis is taking chondroprotectors.If discomfort occurs in any part of the back, it is better to immediately consult a doctor so as not to miss it and not to 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 stable remission and stop the progression of the disease.