Osteochondrosis is a disease that develops due to the degenerative process in the cartilage tissue of the spine.In fact, this term can be used for any joint, but most often osteochondrosis affects the intervertebral disc, so in most cases they talk about osteochondrosis of the spine.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis
The main symptoms of osteochondrosis are pain and numbness, which can spread or cover certain areas of the back.The pain worsens with physical activity, sudden movement, and sometimes even 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 restriction of motor activity occurs - another characteristic sign of osteochondrosis.
Without treatment, the manifestations of the disease increase: the pain increases, 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 may partially atrophy - lose their strength and mobility.A herniated disc is one of the most common and severe forms of osteochondrosis complications, where 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, there are certain symptoms:
- Cervical region: headache, dizziness, pain and numbness of shoulders and arms.In some cases, vertebral artery syndrome is formed: the arteries that supply the brain and spinal cord are compressed, which causes a throbbing headache in the temple or back of the head.Unpleasant symptoms also appear: tinnitus, imbalance, darkness of the eyes, and with significant narrowing - sudden attacks of dizziness with nausea and vomiting.All these symptoms usually occur with a sudden turn of the head.
- Thoracic: A feeling of "interest in the chest," pain that patients often think is related to the heart or internal organs.
- Lumbosacral region: Pain and numbness in the lower part and lower legs, there may be discomfort in the pelvic area.
Causes of osteochondrosis
The main cause of osteochondrosis is degenerative changes in the intervertebral disc cartilage tissue, as a result of which they lose their firmness and elasticity.The spinal discs decrease in volume, become compact and stop absorbing shocks completely.Even during normal walking, the hard vertebrae, which are made up of bone tissue, are not too elastic on the cartilage layer between them, but practically touch each other, squeezing the nerve fibers.Because of this, spinal mobility is limited, constant pain appears, spreading to the back and limbs, which is caused by compressed nerve roots.
The causes of dystrophic changes can be different.The main predisposing factor is eating habits.From birth, cartilage 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 means of nutrition.Nutrition of cartilage tissue through intervertebral fluid may occur during movement of the spine, when fluid circulation occurs: During compression and expansion of the disc, the fluid breaks down nutrients.Therefore, after 30 years, the risk of deterioration of intervertebral disc cartilage tissue increases significantly, especially with insufficient physical activity.
The dystrophic process of disc destruction is aggravated by intense training (especially without warm-up), injury, and any skeletal pathology (including flat feet and poor posture), because 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 that is prone to degenerative processes.
Stages of osteochondrosis of the spine
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 disc consists of a hard shell called the annulus fibrosus and a semi-fluid core.Disc herniation occurs when the fibrous ring of the disc becomes thinner and breaks, the nucleus protrudes through the gap, and the nerve root is compressed, which is accompanied by increased pain and a greater decrease in the shock-absorbing properties of the disc.The rate at which symptoms develop depends on lifestyle, treatment, and individual characteristics of the body.
Stage 1
Characteristic complaints appear, constant or periodic.They are often provoked by physical activity or forced body positions.X-ray shows minimal narrowing of the intervertebral space or normal.
Level 2
Symptoms worsen as the disc destabilizes (cartilaginous tissue into the surrounding annulus fibrosus), which compresses the nerve root.X-rays show a significant reduction in intervertebral space or vertebral displacement;Bone tissue growth may appear.
Stage 3
A herniated intervertebral disc, also called a protrusion or disc disc, appears;The disc grows into the surrounding tissues, which causes damage to blood vessels and nerves, so pain increases, limiting movement in the limbs and causing numbness.
Stage 4
Stage of disc fibrosis.The disc hardens, it is replaced by scar tissue, bony protrusions grow along the edges, and the intervertebral distance decreases.The mobility of the spine is significantly reduced - it literally becomes ossified.
Disease diagnosis
Doctors make an initial 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 degree of osteochondrosis and confirm the diagnosis.Often, at the initial stage, an X-ray of the spine of interest is prescribed.The photographs clearly show whether there is a reduction in the distance between the vertebrae, that is, whether there is thinning of the cartilage, and how far the process has progressed.If, based on the X-ray results, the doctor suspects the presence of an intervertebral hernia, he will prescribe a more informative research method - magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).Layer-by-layer scanning and good visualization of soft tissue make it possible to confirm or refute the diagnosis of intervertebral disc herniation with absolute accuracy.
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.Medication is usually supplemented with physical therapy, massage, manual therapy, physiotherapy and reflexology.If conservative therapy does not provide the desired effect, surgical treatment is indicated.
Medicines
The main goal during the enlargement of osteochondrosis is to relieve inflammation and accompanying pain and muscle spasms.To do this, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are prescribed in combination with muscle relaxants, which reduce skeletal muscle tone, reduce muscle spasms and nerve root compression.Vitamin B preparations help to improve the condition of nerve roots.Usually, treatment lasts for 7-10 days.Taking the drug internally is supplemented with local treatment: ointment or gel containing NSAIDs or simply heating is applied to the affected area to increase blood supply, metabolism and quickly stop inflammation.External remedies quickly relieve pain, because the active ingredients penetrate the source of inflammation, bypassing the digestive system and general blood flow, but they are not enough for full treatment.
Medicines containing glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate - components of cartilage.
The medicinal component not only replenishes the lack of these substances in the body, but also initiates the recovery process, stimulating the production of other cartilage components.This medicine can be taken beyond the severity and also to prevent further development of osteochondrosis and osteoarthritis.To achieve a lasting effect, it is prescribed in a long course of up to 6 months.
It has been proven that the drug promotes:
- regeneration of joint cartilage;
- improve joint mobility;
- reduce pain.
This drug has a complex effect: it helps restore joint cartilage tissue, as well as reduces the need for painkillers, thus increasing the safety of treatment.
Unlike some other drugs in the group, this drug is recommended in increasing the daily dose of chondroprotectors - chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine, its effectiveness has been proven.
Complex preparation for external use, including meloxicam (NSAID) and chondroitin sulfate.
It simultaneously relieves inflammation, pain and initiates the cartilage tissue recovery process;It is drug No.1 for the treatment of osteoarthritis and osteochondrosis.This is a modern chondroprotector, produced in the USA.
The special composition of the drug increases the penetration of pain relievers into the joints, which helps reduce pain and inflammation in the joints.
Medicines have been proven:
- Has an analgesic effect;
- Has an anti-inflammatory effect;
- Helps reduce stiffness;
- Helps improve range of motion of joints.
This medicine is used for osteoarthritis, osteochondrosis and other joint diseases accompanied by pain.Since 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.
Medicines that contain ibuprofen (NSAID), as well as glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate.
This medicine contains the analgesic components of ibuprofen and chondroitin with glucosamine - substances that affect the structure of cartilage.This medicine not only helps reduce moderate joint pain, but also suppresses inflammation;It is recommended to increase the daily dose of chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine, its effectiveness has been proven.This medicine helps restore the cartilage tissue in the joints and increase their mobility.
Naproxen sodium
Naproxen Sodium has:
- Analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.
Applies 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 part and muscles, neuralgia and other conditions.
This medicine can help relieve pain and inflammation for up to 12 hours thanks 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, in demand by more than millions of patients in different countries.
Non-drug treatment
Non-drug treatment increases the effectiveness of drugs and allows you to quickly relieve the severity.
- Massage relieves muscle spasms, improves microcirculation and metabolism, reduces swelling, which has a positive effect on the patient's well-being.During exacerbation, massage is contraindicated, because it will only increase the pain and will not be beneficial.It is prescribed after the completion of drug treatment, when inflammation subsides, or during remission to prevent new anxiety.
- 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 carried out by a specialist after studying the image.
- Physical therapy (physical therapy) is a physical activity that takes into account the profile of the disease.It is necessary for the intervertebral fluid to move, provide the disc with nutrients and remove damage products.Exercise strengthens muscles, normalizes their tone, and restores the motor activity of damaged limbs.Exercise therapy should be regular, taking place at a calm pace, without sudden movements, so as not to aggravate the condition.
- Reflexology is the effect on the body's organs and systems through certain eye stimulation.For this, needles are most often used, but other options are also possible: electric current, magnetic field.
- Physiotherapy is used mainly during suppression to relieve inflammation, improve microcirculation, relieve pain, swelling and muscle spasms.The most commonly used are electrophoresis and ultrasound with drugs (for example, hydrocortisone), and magnetic therapy.
Another method
In case of intervertebral disc herniation or nerve root compression with a significant decrease in the distance between the vertebrae, surgical treatment is recommended.The point is the removal of the damaged disk.A minimally invasive technique has been developed that allows solving the problem relatively painlessly for the patient: endoscopic and laser techniques that "evaporate" the core 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 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 right, and when working sedentary, rest and move.An important thing 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 and not start the disease.
Conclusion
Osteochondrosis is a disease that does not threaten life, but significantly reduces its quality.Therefore, timely comprehensive prevention and treatment is very important to achieve stable remission and stop the progression of the disease.