Types, symptoms and treatment of osteochondrosis of the back

The musculoskeletal system is the most important part of our body.Back pain often requires seeing a doctor.

The cause of regular lower back pain, stiffness of movements and muscle spasms is osteochondrosis of the back - a disease of osteochondrosis tissues, as well as the musculoskeletal system, caused by various factors affecting the body.

Osteochondrosis of the back is a problem that many people face.

Etiology and pathogenesis of osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis of the back manifests itself gradually, affecting all new areas of the spine in a latent form.First, changes occur in the structure of the cartilaginous discs of the vertebrae: they lose elasticity, the space between the vertebrae decreases, and the nerve endings in the spinal cord are pinched.

The patient begins to experience back pain.Subsequently, the changes extend beyond the smaller elements of the spinal structure, degenerative growths of bone tissue develop, preventing mobility of the spine, healthy cartilage cells are destroyed, and the disease affects the bones and ligaments.As a side effect, the deformation of the vertebrae causes an increased load on the organs and arteries.This is due to the specifics of the blood supply - the displacement of the spinal segments causes compression of the vertebral artery and is ultimately the cause of a serious violation of blood flow in the central nervous system.

The main problem that disrupts the formation of the spine and the process of osteochondrosis is nutritional deficiency and a decrease in blood supply to the tissues of the bone structure.The reasons for development are numerous factors of external and internal influence and human behavioral processes.

Endogenous (internal) causes include:

• genetic factors of heredity;
• violation of microelement metabolism (phosphorus and calcium);
• characteristics of cartilaginous tissue;
• age-related body changes;
• excess weight;
• orthopedic diseases.

Due to exogenous (external) causes and lifestyle, osteochondrosis develops as a result of:

• low level of physical development of the spinal muscles;
• spinal injuries;
• poor posture, scoliosis;
• systematic incorrect or uncomfortable posture;
• unbalanced nutritional menu, consumption of fatty junk food;
• uneven physical activity, back overload;
• bad habits;
• constant stress.

A latent form of osteochondrosis can manifest itself as a sudden lifting of heavy loads, jumping or falling, which will cause microtrauma of the intervertebral disc and pinching of the nerve root.

This is when the patient may feel a sharp, stabbing pain for the first time.Subsequently, the pain syndrome reappears again and again with varying intensity.Affected cells in the nerve trunks signal the need for urgent medical intervention.

Classification of the disease, main stages

In medicine, osteochondrosis is classified depending on the affected area of the spine:

• cervical;
• chest;
• lumbar and sacral region.

Osteochondrosis of the back is classified based on the affected area.

Main stages of development of the disease:

1. The beginning of the development of osteochondrosis - microcracks are formed in the annulus fibrosus, moisture is lost from bone and cartilage tissue.The stage manifests itself as slight discomfort in one of the areas of the spine after physical activity or an uncomfortable body position.
2. The first attacks of pain are felt.In the second stage, the discs undergo protrusion, the intervertebral space of the discs decreases and the fibrous capsule is destroyed and the nerve roots are pinched.Pain signals the process of disruption of metabolic cartilage tissue and its destruction.Ignoring the second stage of osteochondrosis becomes an incentive for inflammation of the cartilage and, as a result, pinching of nerve fibers, blood and lymphatic vessels.
3. In the third stage of the disease, the affected vertebrae are deformed and the cartilage tissue is worn away.With proper active treatment, it is possible to stop the further destruction of cartilage cells and curvature of the spine.But in the future, therapy and supportive care will become the patient's constant companions for normal physical activity.
4. Advanced osteochondrosis, which has passed into the last fourth stage of development, often becomes a cause of disability.All destructive processes are irreversible: significant displacement of the spinal structure, compaction of cartilaginous tissue, pathological growth of bone tissue.The patient feels sharp, sometimes unbearable pain with every movement.

Symptoms

Signs of the development of articular osteochondrosis are easily confused with other diseases with similar symptoms.In addition, the symptoms of manifestation of a particular sector of the spinal structure have characteristics.

The main symptoms of osteochondrosis include:

• stiffness when moving, crunching, cracking, or heaviness;
• pain in the area where the inflammation is located (cervical, thoracic or lumbar) of varying intensity and character;
• numbness of the limbs;
• muscle weakness, impaired performance;
• painful attacks radiating along the nerve channels to the parts of the body concerned (shoulder, scapula, leg).

Cervical osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis of the cervical sector is expressed in the following conditions:

• pain in the neck or back of the head;
• dizziness;
• tinnitus, hearing and vision problems;
• neck laziness after sleep or prolonged maintenance of the same position;
• painful sensations when turning the head.

In case of cervical osteochondrosis, dizziness and pain when turning the head may occur.The first painful sensations appear at the back of the head and are similar to headaches.Inflamed cartilage puts pressure on nerve fibers, causing vascular spasms.

Thoracic osteochondrosis

The development of thoracic type osteochondrosis can long be disguised as cardiovascular diseases.Its characteristic symptoms:

• disturbance of tactile sensations and numbness of the limbs;
• tingling in the intercostal space;
• pain in the heart area, irregular heartbeat;
• limitation of respiratory functions, heaviness in the sternum;
• disruption of the gastrointestinal tract (pancreatitis, bloating);
• pain radiating to the scapular region.

Lumbar osteochondrosis

Progressive lumbar osteochondrosis in an advanced form can lead to disability.The inflamed area of the spine stops the supply of microelements necessary to the lower limbs for the proper functioning of joints and muscles.Pinched cells in the nerve trunk cause unbearable back pain and the need for drug treatment.

The main symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis include:

• numbness of the lower limbs;
• feeling of muscle pain, weakness;
• chills;
• muscle spasms;
• dysfunction of the reproductive system;
• the pain may be sharp or aching in the lumbar region, radiating down the leg.

Diagnosis

On average, per 1,000 inhabitants, 20 people are diagnosed with osteochondrosis.A disease such as osteochondrosis is difficult to diagnose at an early stage.Its symptoms are quite hidden and only appear clearly at stages 2-3, when the time comes for serious drug treatment.

If you suspect the development of osteochondrosis, you should first consult a specialist and conduct a comprehensive examination for differential diagnosis and clarification of the diagnosis.

Doctors use three standard types of diagnoses:

1. Neurological.
2. Instrumental.
3. Laboratory.

A primary neurological examination of the patient is carried out by a neurologist, determining the category of nervous structures affected by the disease.Additionally, in order to exclude other diseases with similar symptoms, I can refer the patient for x-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs and ECGs.

Laboratory (Analysis)

Laboratory diagnosis has a consultative and auxiliary value.Blood tests reveal an increase in erythrocyte sedimentation rate and a decrease in calcium levels.It means the occurrence of pathological processes in the body, but does not indicate the specifics of their development.This method is therefore part of a complete examination of the patient and its results are interpreted on the basis of other medical data.

Instrumental

Diagnostics using professional equipment provides the most accurate results on diseases of various nature.The main research tools are:

1. X-ray – reveals anatomical changes in bone, cartilage and nerve tissue.
2. MRI – magnetic resonance imaging.Allows you to visualize the processes taking place in bones and soft tissues, blood vessels and nerve fibers.
3. CT (computed tomography) – similar to MRI, but uses radiation.
4. Electromyography is capable of deciphering neurological symptoms.

Traditional treatment

The treatment regimen for osteochondrosis is traditional.Its components are drug therapy with different types of drugs: NSAIDs, chondroprotectors, analgesics, hormonal agents and supporting vitamin complexes.In addition to the drug load imposed on the body, physiotherapy, manual therapy, reflexology, surgery, massage and preventive measures are used in the fight against osteochondrosis.

Drug therapy

It is impossible to immediately and permanently stop back pain due to osteochondrosis, but medical treatment with medications will give respite to the lower back.Powerful anesthetics and anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) will produce an analgesic effect and start the process of fighting inflammation in the spinal regions.Indispensable treatment drugs for osteochondrosis of the back:

1. Chondroprotectors are active substances that restore the elasticity of cartilage tissue and the mobility of the vertebrae.
2. Muscle relaxants - softening spasms of the muscle structure.
3. Vascular - improve blood circulation and metabolic processes.
4. Vitamin complexes and antioxidants.

Only by using a correctly selected therapeutic complex can positive dynamics be achieved and the results can be maintained for a long time.

In the treatment of osteochondrosis of the back, different forms of drugs are used:

1. External agents: ointments, creams, gels.
2. Preparations for internal consumption: capsules, tablets.
3. Medicinal injections.

Surgery

Unfortunately, there are cases of osteochondrosis when the treatment time is missed and medications do not give the expected result and the disease progresses.The only solution then remains surgical intervention.The main reasons for surgery are:

1. Removal of an intervertebral hernia compressing the spinal cord.
2. Reduction of the intervertebral space to 1/3 of the original size.

A referral for surgical intervention can be prescribed by a doctor based on the complete diagnostic picture of the patient and the presence of direct indications for eliminating the pathological defect.In spinal surgery, the first place is occupied by the method of discectomy - surgical removal of a deformed disc.Instruments may include microdiscectomy, B-Twin system, or laser nuclear vaporization.Rehabilitation after spinal surgery lasts six months.

Gymnastics

Gymnastics or exercise therapy is an excellent supportive therapy for the treatment of osteochondrosis.Performing a set of exercises regularly will help:

1. Strengthening the muscular corset is necessary for uniform loading on the spine.
2. Stimulates blood circulation to saturate bone and muscle tissue.
3. Develop correct posture.

It is important to remember that exercises must be chosen taking into account the diagnosis and respect the following principles:

1. Regularity of execution.
2. Smooth movements, no jerks.
3. If painful sensations appear, you should reduce the load or stop exercising.
4. Monitor your health.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is indicated in patients with osteochondrosis of the back to relieve inflammation and is carried out in places where the disease is concentrated.Procedures courses contribute to:

1. Increase body resistance.
2. Restore metabolism in the affected area.
3. Relieve pain and swelling.
4. Improve circulation of blood vessels.

To choose a physiotherapeutic method for treating osteochondrosis, you need to clearly define the desired result.Mainly used:

1. Laser therapy.
2. Ultrasound exposure.
3. Electrical stimulation.
4. Magnetotherapy.

Diet

There is no single diet for patients suffering from osteochondrosis.However, doctors are unanimous in saying that it is strictly not recommended to consume the following categories of products with this diagnosis:

1. Soups with fatty broths.
2. Pork and other fatty meats.
3. Animal fats from birds (goose, duck).
4. Coffee, strong caffeinated drinks.

In addition, the menu limits the consumption of alcohol and sweets.

For an example diet, you can take diet #15.It includes all vital macronutrients, minerals, vitamin products and carbohydrates.The energy value of the correct menu should be within 2600-2700 kcal, which is equivalent to 85-90 g of protein, 350-400 g of carbohydrates and 90-95 g of fat.

Thus, the ideal menu for a patient with osteochondrosis is a combination of balanced, non-calorie foods, rich in vitamins and minerals.Meals are divided into small portions 6 times.

Traditional treatment

Folk remedies are often used at home to relieve inflammation, relieve pain and muscle spasms, and generally strengthen the body.There are many recipes for decoctions and infusions of traditional medicine, which are used in three main ways:

• rub;
• compresses;
• herbal baths.

Daily use allows you to get rid of discomfort in 10-14 days.Conventionally, folk remedies can be divided into systemic and local effects on the body.

System tools

To influence the entire body and spine, you can use natural systemic preparations in the form of decoctions.

An example of a positive effect is the effect of a decoction of yarrow, which relieves pain, fights inflammation and soothes.

Local remedies

Local folk remedies include ointments, infusions for compresses and frictions.These products should be mixed according to the recipe and applied to the inflamed area, but only if there is no allergy to the components or skin damage.Among the popular compositions, special attention is paid to honey compresses, ginger ointment with calendula tincture, a mixture of plantain and sage herbs, and frictions with horseradish and vodka.

To choose an effective method and prescription, you should consult your doctor, because home treatment methods are only an integral part of general therapy and have only an auxiliary effect.

Prevention

Therapeutic therapy for back diseases cannot achieve long-term success without preventive measures.Even the most effective and expensive medication does not guarantee the return of symptoms following the body's return to daily activities.The positive effect must therefore be consolidated and maintained according to a few simple rules:

1. Do not lift weights over 10 kg.
2. Make sure the load is evenly distributed across the back muscles.
3. Maintain a rational and balanced diet.
4. Take general strengthening vitamins and active supplements (mucopolysaccharides).
5. Develop a regime of alternating rest and work.
6. Maintain physical activity.

Remember that this category of diseases has a hidden character.Therefore, once the diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the back has been made, the disease should not continue its course, even in the absence of obvious symptoms.Compliance with all doctor's recommendations and home care allows a faster return to normal work after treatment, but constant monitoring is necessary to avoid exacerbation.