Osteochondrosis is a disease that develops due to degenerative processes in the cartilaginous tissue of the spine.In fact, this term is applicable to any joint, but most often osteochondrosis affects the intervertebral discs, which is why in the vast majority of cases we speak of spinal osteochondrosis.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis
The main symptoms of osteochondrosis are 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 coughing and sneezing.The body reflexively tries to protect itself from pain, thereby increasing muscle tension at the site of injury.This is how restriction of motor activity occurs - another characteristic sign of osteochondrosis.
Without treatment, the manifestations of the disease worsen: the pain intensifies, spreads to the extremities, limiting their mobility (if the cervicothoracic region is affected, the arms suffer; if the lumbar region, the legs).In severe cases, the limbs may even partially atrophy, losing their inherent strength and mobility.A herniated disc is one of the most common and serious forms of osteochondrosis complication, in which the disc itself is displaced and the nerve roots are compressed, causing severe stabbing pain in the back.
When each part of the spine is affected, there are specific symptoms:
- Cervical region: headaches, dizziness, pain and numbness in the shoulders and arms.In some cases, vertebral artery syndrome is formed: the artery that supplies the brain and spinal cord is compressed, causing an unbearable, stabbing headache in the temple or the back of the head.Unpleasant symptoms also appear: tinnitus, imbalance, darkening of the eyes and, with significant constriction, sudden attacks of dizziness with nausea and vomiting.All of these symptoms usually appear with sudden turns of the head.
- Thoracic: sensation of “a stake in the chest”, pain that patients often consider related to the heart or internal organs.
- Lumbosacral region: pain and numbness in the lumbar area and legs, there may be discomfort in the pelvic area.
Causes of osteochondrosis
The main cause of osteochondrosis is degenerative changes in the cartilage tissue of the intervertebral disc, due to which it loses its firmness and elasticity.The spinal disc decreases in volume, becomes dense and stops completely absorbing shock.Even during normal walking, the hard vertebrae, composed of bone tissue, do not jump too elastically on the cartilaginous layers between them, but practically touch each other, squeezing the nerve fibers.Because of this, the mobility of the spine is limited, constant pain appears that spreads to the back and extremities, 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 intervertebral fluid.At the age of 23-25, the vessels are completely grown, leaving only one form of nutrition.Nutrition of cartilaginous tissue through intervertebral fluid is possible during the movement of the spine, when fluid circulation occurs: during compression and expansion of the discs, the fluid is broken down into nutrients.Therefore, after 30 years, the risk of degeneration of the cartilaginous tissue of the intervertebral discs increases sharply, especially with insufficient physical activity.
Dystrophic processes of disc destruction are aggravated by intense training (especially without warm-up), injuries and any skeletal pathology (including flat feet and poor posture), since the distribution of the load on the spine changes.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 subsequent stage occurs gradually.One of the stages of the development of osteochondrosis is the so-called herniated disc.Discs are made up of a hard covering called annulus fibrosus and a semi-liquid core.Herniated discs occur when the annulus fibrosus of the disc becomes thinner and ruptures, the nucleus protrudes through the space and the nerve roots become compressed, which is accompanied by increased pain and a further 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.
Stage 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.
Stage 2
Symptoms intensify as the disc loses stability (cartilage 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.
Stage 3
Intervertebral disc herniations appear, also called disc protrusion or prolapse;The disc extends further and further into the surrounding tissues, causing damage to blood vessels and nerves, so the pain intensifies, limiting movement of the limbs and causing numbness.
Stage 4
Stage of disc fibrosis.The disc hardens, is replaced by scar tissue, bony protrusions grow 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 in certain points, muscle tone, sensitivity, range of motion and posture are assessed.Instrumental research methods help to clarify the stage of osteochondrosis and confirm the diagnosis.Very 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, that is, whether there is a 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 exploration and good visualization of the soft tissues allow the diagnosis of intervertebral disc herniation to be confirmed or refuted with absolute precision.
How to treat spinal osteochondrosis?
The 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 often complemented by physiotherapy, massage, manual therapy, physiotherapy and reflexology.If conservative therapy does not produce the desired effect, surgical treatment is indicated.
Medications
The main goal during an exacerbation 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 the tone of skeletal muscles, reduce muscle spasms and compression of nerve roots.Vitamin B preparations help to improve the condition of the nerve roots.Typically, the course of treatment lasts 7 to 10 days.Taking medications internally is complemented by local treatment: ointments or gels containing NSAIDs or simply warmers 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 into the source of inflammation, bypassing the digestive system and the general blood flow, but they are not enough for complete treatment.
Medication that contains glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, components of cartilage.
The components of the drug not only compensate for the deficiency of these substances in the body, but also start recovery processes, stimulating the production of other cartilage components.The drug can be taken outside of exacerbations and even to prevent further progression of osteochondrosis and osteoarthritis.To achieve a long-lasting effect, it is prescribed in long cycles of up to 6 months.
It has been proven that the medicine promotes:
- renewal of articular cartilage tissue;
- improve joint mobility;
- reducing pain.
The drug has a complex effect: it helps to restore the cartilage tissue of the joints, as well as reduce the need for pain relievers, thereby increasing the safety of treatment.
Unlike other drugs in 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 (NSAID) and chondroitin sulfate.
Simultaneously relieves inflammation, pain and begins the process of restoration of cartilage tissue;It is the number one drug for the treatment of osteoarthritis and osteochondrosis.This is a modern chondroprotector, produced in the USA.
The special composition of the drug improves the penetration of painkillers into the joint, which helps reduce pain and inflammation in the joints.
The medication has been shown to:
- It has an analgesic effect;
- It has an anti-inflammatory effect;
- Helps reduce stiffness;
- Helps increase joint range of motion.
The drug is used for osteoarthritis, osteochondrosis and other joint diseases accompanied by pain.Because it contains meloxicam, chondroitin and dimethyl sulfoxide, it has a triple effect (analgesic, anti-inflammatory, reduction of stiffness) on the symptoms of osteoarthritis, which in turn allows a comprehensive effect on the disease.
Medication that contains ibuprofen (NSAID), as well as glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate.
The drug 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 suppresses inflammation;It is recommended in increased daily doses of chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine, the effectiveness of which has been proven.The drug helps restore cartilage tissue in the joints and improve their mobility.
naproxen sodium
Naproxen sodium has:
- Analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect.
Applicable for:
- Osteoarthritis of the joints and spine;
- Rheumatic diseases;
- Sprains and bruises.
In other cases of pain of mild or moderate severity, including lower back and muscle pain, neuralgia and other conditions.
The drug can help relieve joint pain and inflammation for up to 12 hours thanks to the action of the active component naproxen in a dose of 275 mg.Naproxen is the world standard for the treatment of joint pain, demanded by more than millions of patients in different countries.
Non-pharmacological treatments
Non-pharmacological treatment increases the effectiveness of medications and allows rapid relief of 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 the pain and will not bring any benefit.It is prescribed after completing drug treatment, when inflammation subsides, or during remission to prevent new exacerbations.
- Manual therapy is the restoration of the correct configuration of the spine and its mobility with the help of the hands.This is a serious intervention, so it is performed 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, providing nutrients to the discs and removing decay products.The exercises strengthen the muscles, normalize their tone and restore the motor activity of damaged limbs.Exercise therapy should be regular, carried out 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 (for example, hydrocortisone) and magnetotherapy.
Other methods
In case of herniation of the intervertebral disc or compression of the nerve roots with a significant decrease 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 solved in a relatively painless way 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 topic for everyone, especially after 25 years of age.To preserve the intervertebral disc for as long as possible, it is necessary to move a lot, but avoid injuries and intense physical activity, eat well and, when working sedentarily, take breaks and move.An important point in the prevention of osteochondrosis is the reception of chondroprotectors.If discomfort occurs in any part of the back, it is better to immediately consult a doctor so as not to overlook it and not start the disease.
Conclusion
Osteochondrosis is a disease that does not threaten life, 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.