Types, symptoms and treatment of osteochondrosis of the back

The musculoskeletal system is the most important part of our body. Often, back pain leads to the need to see a doctor.

The cause of regular back pain, stiffness in movement and muscle spasms is osteochondrosis of the back - a disease of bone and cartilage tissue, as well as the musculoskeletal system, caused by various factors affecting the body.

Osteochondrosis of the back is a problem that many face.

Etiology and pathogenesis of osteochondrosis

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

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

The main problem that provokes a violation of 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 many factors of external and internal influences and behavioral processes of a 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.

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

• low level of physical development of back muscles;
• spinal injuries;
• bad posture, scoliosis;
• systematic incorrect or uncomfortable posture;
• unbalanced diet, eating fatty junk food;
• uneven physical exertion, back overload;
• bad habits;
• constant stress.

The latent form of osteochondrosis can be manifested by heavy lifting, jumping, falling, which will cause microtrauma of the intervertebral disc and damage to the nerve root.

It is then that the patient may first experience a sharp throbbing pain. In the future, the pain syndrome returns again and again with varying intensity. Affected nerve stem cells signal the need for urgent medical intervention.

Classification of the disease, main stages

In medicine, osteochondrosis is classified according to the affected area of the spine:

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

Osteochondrosis of the back is classified according to the affected area.

The main stages of the development of the disease:

1. The onset of the development of osteochondrosis - microcracks are formed in the fibrous ring, moisture is lost in bone and cartilage tissue. The stage is manifested by subtle discomfort in one of the areas of the spine after physical exertion or an awkward position of the body.
2. The first painful crises are felt. In the second stage, the discs protrude, the intervertebral space of the discs decreases, and the fibrous capsule collapses, the nerve roots are pinched. Pain signals the process of metabolic disorders in cartilage tissue and its destruction. Ignoring the second stage of osteochondrosis becomes an impulse in the inflammation of the cartilage and, as a result, damage to nerve fibers, blood vessels and lymphatics.
3. In the third stage of the disease, the affected vertebrae are deformed, the cartilage tissue is erased. With appropriate active treatment, it is possible to stop the destruction of cartilage cells and the curvature of the spine. But in the future, therapy and supportive care will become the patient's constant companions for normal physical activity.
4. Initiated 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 vertebral structure, compaction of cartilage tissue, pathological growth of bone tissue. The patient feels a sharp pain, sometimes unbearable, with each movement.

Symptoms

Signs of the development of articular osteochondrosis are easy to confuse with other similar diseases in terms of symptomatology. In addition, the symptoms of manifestation of a separate sector of the spinal structure exhibit characteristics.

The main symptoms of osteochondrosis include:

• stiffness when moving, cracking, cracking 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;
• pain attacks, radiating along nerve channels to associated parts of the body (shoulder, scapula, leg).

Cervical osteochondrosis

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

• pain in the neck or back of the head;
• dizziness;
• tinnitus, hearing and vision problems;
• sluggish neck after sleeping or maintaining the same posture for a long time;
• painful sensations when turning the head.

With cervical osteochondrosis, dizziness and painful sensations can occur when turning the head. The appearance of the first painful sensations is observed on the back of the head and is similar to the head. Pressures of inflamed cartilage on nerve fibers, causing vasospasm.

Thoracic osteochondrosis

The development of thoracic osteochondrosis can be masked for a long time like cardiovascular disease. Its characteristic symptoms:

• violation of tactile sensations and numbness of the limbs;
• tingling in the intercostal space;
• pain in the region of the heart, heart rhythm disturbances;
• restriction of respiratory functions, heaviness in the sternum;
• disruption of the gastrointestinal tract (pancreatitis, bloating);
• radiating pain in 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 trace elements necessary for the lower limbs for the proper functioning of joints and muscles. Pinched cells of the nerve trunk cause unbearable back pain and the use of drug therapy.

The main symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis include:

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

Diagnostic

On average, there are 20 people with diagnosed osteochondrosis per 1000 population. A disease such as osteochondrosis is difficult to diagnose at an early stage. Its symptomatology is quite hidden and manifests itself clearly only in 2-3 stages, when the time comes for serious drug treatment.

If there is a suspicion of the development of osteochondrosis, first of all it is necessary to resort to specialist consultation 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.

Primary neurological examination of the patient is performed by a neurologist, determining the category of nerve structures affected by the disease. In addition, in order to exclude diseases of a different nature with similar symptoms, the patient may be sent for X-ray, ultrasound, MRI and ECG.

Laboratory (analyzes)

Laboratory diagnosis has an advisory value - an auxiliary value. Blood tests show an increased rate of erythrocyte sedimentation and a decrease in calcium levels. It means the course of pathological processes in the body, but does not indicate the details of their development. Therefore, this method is included in the complete examination of the patient, and its results are deciphered on the basis of other medical data.

Instrumental

Diagnosis with the help of professional equipment provides the most accurate results on diseases of a different 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 occurring in bones and soft tissues, blood vessels and nerve fibers.
3. CT (computed tomography) - similar to MRI, but produces radiation.
4. Electromyography - is able to decipher neurological symptoms.

Traditional treatment

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

Drug therapy

It is instantly impossible to stop back pain from osteochondrosis forever, but medical treatment with medication will give lower back relief. Strong anesthetics and anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) will provide an analgesic effect and trigger the process of fighting inflammation in the spinal regions. Essential drugs for the treatment of 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 - soothing spasms of muscle structure.
3. Vascular - improvement of blood circulation and metabolic processes.
4. Vitamin and antioxidant complexes.

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

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

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

Surgical intervention

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 is surgery. The main reasons for the operation are:

1. Removal of an intervertebral hernia that compresses the spinal cord.
2. Reduction of the intervertebral fissure to 1/3 of the original size.

A referral for surgical intervention can be prescribed by a doctor on the basis of a complete diagnosis of the patient and the presence of direct indications for the elimination of a pathological defect. In spinal surgery, the method of discectomy takes first place - the surgical removal of a disc with deformity. Instruments can be microdiscectomy, B-Twin system, or laser nucleus vaporization. Rehabilitation after spinal surgery lasts six months.

Gymnastic

An excellent supportive therapy for the treatment of osteochondrosis is gymnastics or exercise therapy. Regular exercise will help:

1. Strengthen the muscle corset - this is necessary for an even load on the spine.
2. Provides stimulation of blood circulation to saturate bone and muscle tissue.
3. Develop the right posture.

It is important to remember that the exercises must be adapted to the diagnosis and respect the following principles:

1. Regularity of execution.
2. Fluidity of movements, absence of jerks.
3. If painful sensations occur, you need to reduce the load or stop exercising.
4. Watch your well-being.

Physiotherapy

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

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

To choose a physiotherapeutic method of treating osteochondrosis, you should clearly define the desired result. Mainly used:

1. Laser therapy.
2. Exposure to ultrasound.
3. Electrical stimulation.
4. Magnetotherapy.

Diet

There is no single dietary option for patients with osteochondrosis. However, doctors unanimously agreed that it is categorically not recommended to use products from the following categories with this diagnosis:

1. Soups in fatty broth.
2. Pork and other fatty meats.
3. Animal fats of birds (goose, duck).
4. Coffee, caffeinated alcohols.

In addition, alcohol and sweets are limited to the menu.

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

Thus, the ideal menu for a patient with osteochondrosis is a combination of balanced, non-nutritious 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, get rid of 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 the discomfort in 10-14 days. Conventionally, folk remedies can be divided into systemic and local effects on the body.

System tools

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

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

Local funds

Local remedies for popular formulations include ointments, infusions for compresses and rubs. These funds 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 honey compresses, ginger ointment on pharmacy tincture of calendula, a mixture of plantain and sage herbs, rub with horseradish with vodka.

To choose an effective method and recipe, you need to consult with your doctor, since home treatment methods are only an integral part of general therapy and have only an auxiliary effect.

Prophylaxis

The therapeutic treatment of back diseases cannot be successful in the long term without preventive measures. Even the most effective and expensive drug does not guarantee a return of symptoms as a result of a return to the daily stress of the body. Therefore, the positive effect should be consolidated and maintained with the help of a few simple rules:

1. Do not lift more than 10 kg.
2. Watch for the even distribution of the load on the back muscles.
3. Observe rationality and balance in nutrition.
4. Take restorative vitamins and active supplements (mucopolysaccharides).
5. Develop a diet to change rest and work.
6. Maintain physical activity.

Remember that this category of disease is latent in nature. Therefore, when a diagnosis is made, osteochondrosis of the back should not be allowed to run its course, even if there are no obvious symptoms. Compliance with all recommendations of the doctor and home care helps to return to normal functioning more quickly after treatment, but constant monitoring is necessary to avoid an exacerbation.