Types, symptoms and treatment of osteochondrosis of the back

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

The cause of regular back pain, stiffness of movement 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, latently affecting 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 pinched.

The patient begins to experience back pain.Then, the changes overcome smaller elements of the vertebral structure, degenerative growth of bone tissue develops, preventing the movement 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 organs and arteries.This is due to the specifics of the blood supply - the displacement of the spine segments causes compression of the vertebral artery and is ultimately the cause of a serious interruption of blood flow to the central nervous system.

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

Endogenous (internal) causes include:

• genetic factors of inheritance;
• violation of the metabolism of microelements (phosphorus and calcium);
• characteristics of cartilage tissue;
• age-related changes in the body;
• excess weight;
• orthopedic diseases.

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

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

A latent form of osteochondrosis can be manifested by sudden weight lifting, jumping or falling, which will provoke microtrauma of the spinal disc and compressed nerve roots.

It is then that the patient may first feel a sharp pain.Then 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, the main stages

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

• cervix;
• 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 are formed in the fibrous ring, moisture is lost from bones and cartilage tissue.The stage is manifested by subtle discomfort in one of the areas of the spine after physical activity or an uncomfortable body position.
2. The first attacks of pain make themselves felt.In the second stage, the discs undergo elongation, the intervertebral space of the discs decreases and the fibrous capsule is destroyed and the nerve roots are entrapped.Pain signals the process of metabolic breakdown of cartilage tissue and its destruction.Ignoring the second stage of osteochondrosis becomes an impetus for cartilage inflammation and, as a result, constriction 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 the right active treatment, it is possible to stop 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 the last fourth stage of development, often becomes a cause of disability.All destructive processes are irreversible: significant displacement of the vertebral structure, compression of cartilage tissue, pathological growth of bone tissue.The patient experiences acute, sometimes unbearable pain with every movement.

Symptoms

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

The main symptoms of osteochondrosis include:

• stiffness when moving, creaking, cracking or heaviness;
• pain in the area of localization of inflammation (cervix, chest or waist) with different intensity and character;
• numbness of limbs;
• muscle weakness, impaired performance;
• painful attacks radiating along the nerve channels to the associated parts of the body (shoulder, shoulder blade, legs).

Cervical osteochondrosis

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

• pain in the neck or back of the head;
• dizziness;
• tinnitus, hearing and vision impairment;
• neck laxity after sleeping or holding 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 headaches.The inflamed cartilage puts pressure on the nerve fibers, causing vascular spasms.

Thoracic osteochondrosis

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

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

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 extremities for the full functioning of the joints and muscles.Suppressed nerve stem cells cause excruciating back pain and the use of drug therapy.

The main symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis include:

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

Diagnosing

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

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

Doctors use three standard types of diagnosis:

1. Neurological.
2. Instrumental.
3. The 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 may refer the patient for X-ray, ultrasound, MRI and EKG.

Laboratory (Analysis)

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

Instrumental

Diagnostics using professional equipment gives the most accurate results for diseases of various natures.The main research tools are:

1. X-ray – reveals anatomical changes in bone, cartilage and nerve tissue.
2. MRI - magnetic resonance imaging.It allows you to visualize 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 regimen of osteochondrosis is traditional.Its components are drug therapy with different types of drugs: NSAIDs, chondroprotectors, analgesics, hormonal agents and supportive vitamin complexes.In addition to burdening the body with medications, 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 back a break.Anesthetics and powerful anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) will provide an analgesic effect and begin the process of fighting inflammation in the spinal regions.Medicines necessary 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 - easing spasms of the muscle structure.
3. Vascular - improves blood circulation and metabolic processes.
4. Complexes of vitamins and antioxidants.

Only by using a properly selected therapeutic complex can positive dynamics be achieved and the results 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 treatment time is lost and medications do not give the expected result and the disease progresses.Then the only solution remains surgical intervention.The main reasons for the operation are:

1. Removal of the intervertebral hernia that compresses 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 the removal of the pathological defect.In spine surgery, the main place is occupied by the discectomy method - the surgical removal of a deformed disc.Instruments 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 muscle corset is necessary for an even load on the back.
2. Provide stimulation of blood circulation to saturate bones and muscle tissue.
3. Develop the right attitude.

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

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

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is indicated for patients with osteochondrosis of the back to relieve inflammation and is performed in places where the disease is concentrated.Procedure courses contribute to:

1. Increasing body resistance.
2. Restoration of metabolism in the affected sector.
3. Relief of pain and swelling.
4. Improvement of blood vessel circulation.

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

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

diets

There is no single dietary option for patients with osteochondrosis.However, doctors reached a unanimous agreement that it is strictly not recommended to consume the following categories of products with this diagnosis:

1. Soup with fatty juices.
2. Pork and other fatty meats.
3. Poultry animal fats (goose, duck).
4. Coffee, strong caffeinated drinks.

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

For an example of a diet, you can take diet no.15. It includes all vital macronutrients, minerals, vitamin products and carbohydrates.The energy value of the right menu should be at the level of 2600-2700 kcal, which is equal 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, calorie-free 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, ease 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;
• compress;
• baths with plants.

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 systemic natural 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 calms.

Local remedies

Local folk remedies include ointments, infusions for compresses and rubbing.These products should be mixed according to the prescription and applied to the inflamed area, but only if there is no allergy to the ingredients and no skin damage.Among the well-known compositions, special attention is paid to honey compresses, ginger ointment with calendula solution, 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.

Preventing

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

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

Remember that this category of diseases has a hidden nature.Therefore, once the diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the back has been established, the disease should not be allowed to take its course, even in the absence of visible 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 deterioration.