Types, symptoms and treatment of osteochondrosis of the back

The musculoskeletal system is the most important part of our body.Back pain often causes the need to visit a doctor.

The cause of regular pain in the lower back, stiffness of movements and muscle spasms is osteochondrosis of the back - a disease of the osteochondrous 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 in a latent form all new areas of the spine.First, changes occur in the structure of the cartilage discs of the vertebrae: they lose elasticity, the space between the vertebrae decreases and the nerve endings of the spinal cord are compressed.

The patient begins to experience back pain.Subsequently, the changes cover smaller elements of the spinal structure, degenerative growths of bone tissue develop that hinder the 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 provokes an increase in the load on the organs and arteries.This is due to the specificity of the blood supply - the displacement of the spinal segments causes compression of the vertebral artery and ultimately causes a serious disturbance of the blood flow in the central nervous system.

The main problem that causes disruption of the formation of the spine and the process of osteochondrosis is the deficiency of nutrients and reduced blood supply to the tissues of the bone structure.The reasons for the development are many factors of external, internal influence and behavioral processes of the person.

Endogenous (internal) causes include:

• genetic factors of heredity;
• violation of the metabolism of trace elements (phosphorus and calcium);
• characteristics of cartilage tissue;
• age-related body changes;
• overweight;
• orthopedic diseases.

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

• low level of physical development of the spinal muscles;
• spine injuries;
• incorrect posture, scoliosis;
• systematic incorrect or uncomfortable posture;
• unbalanced food menu, consumption of fatty unhealthy foods;
• uneven physical activity, back strain;
• bad habits;
• constant stress.

The latent form of osteochondrosis can be manifested by sudden lifting of weights, jumping or falling, which will provoke microtrauma of the spinal disc and pinching of the nerve root.

Then the patient may for the first time feel a sharp piercing pain.Subsequently, the pain syndrome returns 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 depending on the affected area.

The main stages of the development of the disease:

1. The beginning of the development of osteochondrosis - microcracks form in the fibrous ring, moisture is lost from the bone and cartilage tissue.The stage is manifested by slight discomfort in one of the areas of the spine after physical activity or an uncomfortable position of the body.
2. The first pain attacks are felt.In the second stage, the discs undergo bulging, the intervertebral space of the discs decreases and the fibrous capsule is destroyed, and the nerve roots are compressed.Pain signals the process of metabolic breakdown of cartilage tissue and its destruction.Neglecting the second stage of osteochondrosis becomes an impetus 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 wears away.With the right active treatment, it is possible to stop further destruction of cartilage cells and curvature of the spine.But in the future, supportive therapy and 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 the cause of disability.All destructive processes are irreversible: significant displacement of the spinal structure, compaction of cartilage tissue, pathological growth of bone tissue.With every movement, the patient experiences sharp, sometimes unbearable pain.

Symptoms

Signs of the development of articular osteochondrosis are easily confused with other diseases with similar symptoms.Also, the symptoms of manifestation for a certain sector of the spinal structure have characteristic features.

The main symptoms of osteochondrosis include:

• stiffness with movement, grinding, crunching, or heaviness;
• pain in the area of localization of inflammation (cervical, thoracic or lumbar) of varying intensity and character;
• numbness of the limbs;
• muscle weakness, impaired performance;
• painful attacks radiating along nerve channels to related parts of the body (shoulder, scapula, leg).

Cervical osteochondrosis

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

• pain in the neck or back of the head;
• vertigo;
• tinnitus, impaired hearing and vision;
• neck stiffness after sleeping or maintaining the same position for a long time;
• painful sensations when turning the head.

With cervical osteochondrosis, dizziness and pain may occur when turning the head.The first sensations of pain appear in the back of the head and are similar to a headache.The inflamed cartilage puts pressure on the nerve fibers, causing vasospasm.

Thoracic osteochondrosis

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

• violation of tactile sensations and numbness of the limbs;
• tingling in the intercostal space;
• pain in the heart area, irregular heartbeat;
• restriction of respiratory functions, heaviness in the sternum;
• disorder of the gastrointestinal tract (pancreatitis, flatulence);
• radiating pain in the region of the scapula.

Lumbar osteochondrosis

Progressive lumbar osteochondrosis in an advanced form can lead to disability.The inflamed area of the spine stops the supply of the necessary trace elements to the lower limbs for the full functioning of the joints and muscles.Pinched nerve trunk cells cause excruciating back pain and resort to drug therapy.

The main symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis include:

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

Diagnosis

On average, there are 20 people diagnosed with osteochondrosis per 1000 inhabitants.A disease such as osteochondrosis is difficult to diagnose in the early stages.Its symptoms are quite hidden and are clearly manifested only in stages 2-3, when the time comes for serious treatment with drugs.

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 diagnostics:

1. Neurological.
2. Instrumental.
3. laboratory.

A primary neurological examination of the patient is performed by a neurologist, determining the category of nerve structures affected by the disease.Also, to rule out other diseases with similar symptoms, I can refer the patient for X-rays, ultrasound, MRI and EKG.

Laboratory (Analysis)

Laboratory diagnostics has a consultative and auxiliary value.Blood tests show an increase in the erythrocyte sedimentation rate and a decrease in calcium levels.This means the appearance of pathological processes in the body, but does not indicate the specifics of their development.Therefore, this method is included in the complex examination of the patient and its results are interpreted on the basis of other medical data.

Instrumental

Diagnostics with professional equipment gives the most accurate results for diseases of different nature.The main research tools are:

1. X-ray examination - reveals anatomical changes in the bones, cartilage and nervous tissues.
2. MRI - nuclear magnetic resonance.It allows you to visualize the ongoing processes in bones and soft tissues, blood vessels and nerve fibers.
3. CT (computed tomography) – similar to MRI, but uses radiation.
4. Electromyography is able to decipher neurological symptoms.

Traditional treatment

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

Drug therapy

It is impossible to immediately stop back pain due to osteochondrosis forever, but medical therapy with drugs will give the lower back a break.Powerful anesthetics and anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) will provide an analgesic effect and begin the process of fighting inflammation in the spinal areas.Indispensable drugs for the treatment of osteochondrosis of the back:

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

Only with the help of a properly selected therapeutic complex can positive dynamics be achieved and the results preserved for a long time.

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

1. External means: 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 the drugs do not give the expected result and the disease progresses.Then the only solution remains surgical intervention.The main reasons for surgery are:

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

A recommendation 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 the removal of the pathological defect.In spinal surgery, the leading place is occupied by the discectomy method - surgical removal of a deformed disc.Tools may include microdiscectomy, the B-Twin system, or laser nuclear vaporization.Rehabilitation after spine surgery lasts six months.

Gymnastics

An excellent supportive therapy for the treatment of osteochondrosis is gymnastics or exercise therapy.Regularly performing a set of exercises will help:

1. Strengthening the muscular corset is necessary for an even load on the spine.
2. Provide stimulation of blood circulation to saturate bone and muscle tissue.
3. Develop proper posture.

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

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

Physiotherapy

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

1. Increasing the body's resistance.
2. Restoration of metabolism in the affected sector.
3. Pain and swelling relief.
4. Improving the circulation of blood vessels.

To choose a physiotherapeutic method for the treatment of osteochondrosis, you must clearly define the desired result.Mainly used:

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

diet

There is no single diet for patients with osteochondrosis.However, doctors have come to a unanimous agreement 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 (geese, duck).
4. Coffee, caffeinated strong drinks.

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

As an example of a diet, you can take diet number 15. It includes all vital macronutrients, minerals, vitamin products and carbohydrates.The energy value of the correct menu should be at the level of 2600-2700 kcal, which is equal to 85-90 g of proteins, 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, low-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:

• friction;
• 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 affect 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 rubbing.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 and skin damage.Among the popular compositions, special attention is paid to compresses with honey, ginger ointment with tincture of calendula, a mixture of plantain and sage herbs, and rubbing with horseradish and vodka.

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

Prevention

Therapeutic therapy of back disorders cannot have long-term success without preventive measures.Even the most effective and expensive drug does not guarantee a return of symptoms as a result of returning to the body's daily activities.Therefore, the positive effect must be consolidated and maintained using a few simple rules:

1. Do not lift weights over 10 kg.
2. Make sure the load is evenly distributed over 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 disease has a hidden nature.Therefore, once the diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the back has been made, the disease should not be allowed to develop, even in the absence of obvious symptoms.Following all the doctor's recommendations and home care allows you to return to normal work after treatment faster, but constant monitoring is necessary to prevent exacerbation.