Osteochondrosis of the spine is a chronic disease, which is 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 the elderly, but recently there has been an increase in the number of young patients showing signs of the disease. Depending on the location of the spinal injury, it is customary to classify it into cervical, thoracic and lumbar osteochondrosis. The main and characteristic sign of osteochondrosis of the back is dull 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 cartilaginous 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 first degree can only be diagnosed by chance, for example, during a preventive examination.
Second
During osteochondrosis of the second 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 fixation 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, objective examination and radiography, the doctor diagnoses "second degree osteochondrosis 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.
Third
The third stage is characterized by the beginning of irreversible processes in the cartilaginous tissues of the fibrous ring. The nucleus pulposus becomes 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. Hernia is removed by the surgical method, treatment is carried out with the help of drugs.
Four
In this stage, 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, the 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 him. The symptoms of the disease are quite typical. They are manifested by aching pains in the back, with sudden movements and lifting heavy objects, the pain intensifies, there may be a feeling of numbness in the extremities, tiredness with little physical exertion, and depression.
Constant aching pain leads to excessive nervousness and fatigue of the body. In chronic osteochondrosis, when the spinal discs compress the nerve fibers, the pain syndrome can take on a stabbing 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, symptoms may be as follows:
- intense headache;
- pains radiate to the shoulder and extremities, shoot to the head;
- there is a restriction of neck movements;
- dizziness and loss of consciousness;
- noise in the ears;
- Alteration of the coordination of movements.
These symptoms are caused by poor blood circulation in the cervical arteries due to inflammation, swelling, and muscle spasm. With the appearance of compression syndrome of the vertebral artery and the lack of adequate medical treatment, this leads to cerebral ischemia.
thoracic
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic 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. In the case of compression of the intercostal nerve endings, this leads to intercostal neuralgia. It is expressed in sensations of acute pain in the chest, which does not allow to breathe deeply.
Violation of blood circulation and lack of nutrients due to the inflammatory process can cause diseases of 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 initial signs of lumbar osteochondrosis are a 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 of 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 nerve - sciatica, one of the possible complications. Radiculitis of the lumbar area also refers to the complications of osteochondrosis. It manifests as pain in the buttocks, spreading along the thigh and lower leg, reaching to the feet.
Causes and prevention
As a general rule, the disease usually causes several causes at the same time, which is why it is also considered multifactorial. The main reasons for the development of osteochondrosis are:
- back injuries and bruises;
- hoarding diseases and metabolic disorders;
- sedentary lifestyle and overweight;
- congenital and acquired postural disorders;
- inheritance.
Prevention of osteochondrosis is reduced to simple but effective methods. It is necessary to change the lifestyle to a more active one (go swimming), do not forget to do gymnastics for the back during long-term immobile work. You need to start eating right, including in the diet as many fruits and vegetables, dairy products as possible.
Effective prevention will also be the timely search for medical help when the first symptoms of the disease appear.
Treatment
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine must be complex. The main directions of treatment of the disease are:
- drug therapy (NSAIDs, painkillers, chondroprotectors, vitamins);
- physiotherapy (electrophoresis, UHF);
- massage;
- exercise therapy;
- gymnastics (can be performed at home);
- surgical treatment (discectomy).