Osteochondrosis of the spine is a chronic disease, which is based on the degeneration process 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 localization of the lesion of the spine, it is customary to classify it in cervical, thoracic and lumbar osteochondrosis. The main and characteristic sign of osteochondrosis of the back is a dull and aching pain of moderate intensity, due to the 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 cartilage 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, back discomfort. These signs are often mistaken for fatigue. In medical practice, 1st degree osteochondrosis can only be diagnosed by chance, for example, during a preventive examination.
Second
During 2nd degree osteochondrosis, the patient experiences 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, a physical examination and an X-ray, the doctor diagnoses "2nd degree osteochondrosis of the cervical region" and prescribes treatment. Subject to the implementation of all the recommendations of a specialist, the disease can be dealt with without serious consequences.
Third
The third stage is characterized by the onset of irreversible processes in the cartilage tissues of the fibrous ring. The nucleus pulposus is dehydrated, resulting in a herniated disc. Pain occurs due to compression of the spinal nerves. At this stage, the destroyed intervertebral disc cannot be restored. The hernia is eliminated by the surgical method, the treatment is carried out with the help of drugs.
Fourth
At this stage, the body adjusts 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 it. Symptoms of the disease are quite typical. They are manifested by aching pain in the back, with sudden movements and heavy lifting, the pain intensifies, there may be a feeling of numbness in the limbs, fatigue with little physical exertion and depression.
Constant aching pain leads to excessive nervousness and fatigue of the body. In chronic osteochondrosis, when the vertebral discs compress the nerve fibers, the pain syndrome can acquire a stabbing character and radiate to the back of the head, shoulders and lower limbs.
Cervical
This is one of the most common and dangerous localizations of the disease, since a large number of nerve fibers and major major vessels are present in the cervical region.
With cervical osteochondrosis, the symptoms may be as follows:
- intense headache;
- pains radiate to the shoulder and limbs, shoot in the head;
- there is a limitation of the movements of the neck;
- dizziness and loss of consciousness;
- noise in the ears;
- impaired coordination of movements.
These symptoms are caused by impaired blood circulation in the cervical arteries due to inflammation, swelling, muscle spasm. With the onset of vertebral artery compression syndrome 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 case of compression of the intercostal nerve endings, this leads to intercostal neuralgia. It is expressed in sensations of sharp pain in the chest, which does not allow to take a deep breath.
Violation of blood circulation and lack of nutrients due to the inflammatory process can cause diseases of the 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 aching pain in the lower back, which increases with sudden movements, heavy lifting, and even as the weather changes. Symptoms such as varicose veins, numbness of the extremities, joint pains 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. Lumbar radiculitis also refers to the complications of osteochondrosis. It manifests as pain in the buttocks, spreading down the thigh and lower leg, reaching the feet.
Causes and prevention
As a rule, the disease usually causes multiple causes at once, so it is also considered multifactorial. The main reasons for the development of osteochondrosis are:
- back injuries and bruises;
- storage diseases and metabolic disorders;
- sedentary and overweight lifestyle;
- congenital and acquired posture disorders;
- inheritance.
Prevention of osteochondrosis comes down to simple but effective methods. It is necessary to change the lifestyle to a more active one (swimming), do not forget to do gymnastics for the back during long-term immobile work. You should start eating right, including in your diet as many fruits and vegetables as possible, dairy products.
Effective prevention will also be to seek medical help promptly when the first symptoms of the disease occur.
Treatment
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine should be complex. The main directions of treatment of the disease are:
- drug therapy (NSAIDs, analgesics, chondroprotectors, vitamins);
- physiotherapy (electrophoresis, UHF);
- massage;
- physical therapy;
- gymnastics (can be done at home);
- surgical treatment (discectomy).