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, so in the vast majority of cases we talk about spinal osteochondrosis.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis
The main symptoms of osteochondrosis are aching pain and numbness, which can be widespread or cover a specific area of the back.The pain intensifies with physical activity, sudden movements and sometimes even with coughing and sneezing.The body reflexively tries to protect itself from pain, so muscle tension increases at the site of injury.This is how limitation of motor activity occurs - another characteristic sign of osteochondrosis.
Without treatment, the manifestations of the disease worsen: the pain intensifies, spreading to the limbs, limiting their mobility (if the cervicothoracic region is affected, the arms suffer; if it is the lumbar region, the legs).In severe cases, limbs may even partially atrophy, losing their inherent strength and mobility.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 every part of the spine is affected, there are specific symptoms:
- Cervical region: headache, dizziness, pain and numbness of the shoulders and arms.In some cases, vertebral artery syndrome forms: the artery that supplies the brain and spinal cord is compressed, causing a throbbing, throbbing headache in the temple or 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 these symptoms usually occur with sudden turns of the head.
- Thoracic: “a stake in the chest” sensation, pain that patients often consider related to the heart or internal organs.
- Lumbosacral region: Pain and numbness in the lower back and legs, discomfort may occur in the pelvic area.
Causes of osteochondrosis
The main cause of osteochondrosis is degenerative changes in the cartilaginous tissue of the intervertebral disc, as a result of which they lose firmness and elasticity.The spinal disc decreases in volume, becomes dense and ceases to fully absorb shock.Even during normal walking, the hard vertebrae, made up of bone tissue, do not cling too elastically to the cartilaginous layers between themselves, but practically touch each other, compressing the nerve fibers.Because of this, the mobility of the spine is limited, constant pain appears, spreading to the back and limbs, 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 from intervertebral fluid.At the age of 23-25 years, the pots are completely overgrown, leaving only one way of feeding.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 breaks down into nutrients.Therefore, after 30 years, the risk of degeneration of the cartilaginous tissue of the intervertebral discs increases significantly, especially in case of insufficient physical activity.
Dystrophic processes of disc destruction are aggravated by intense training (especially without warming up), injuries and any skeletal pathology (including flat feet and poor posture), as it changes the distribution of load on the spine.Excess weight has the same effect.There is also a genetic predisposition to osteochondrosis: loose cartilaginous tissue subject 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 development of osteochondrosis is the so-called herniated disc.The discs are composed of a hard shell called annulus fibrosus and a semi-liquid core.Herniated discs occur when the fibrous ring of the disc becomes thinner and ruptures, the nucleus protrudes through the space, and the nerve roots are compressed, which is accompanied by increased pain and an even greater decrease in the shock-absorbing properties of the disc.The speed with which symptoms develop depends on lifestyle, treatment and individual characteristics of the body.
Phase 1
Characteristic, constant or periodic disorders appear.They are often caused by physical activity or forced positioning of the body.The x-ray shows minimal or normal narrowing of the intervertebral spaces.
Phase 2
Symptoms intensify when the disc loses stability (cartilage tissue swells into the surrounding fibrous ring), which compresses the nerve roots.An x-ray shows a noticeable reduction in intervertebral distance or displacement of the vertebrae;growths of bone tissue may appear.
Phase 3
Herniated intervertebral discs appear, also called disc protrusion or prolapse;the disc extends further and further into the surrounding tissues, which leads to damage to blood vessels and nerves, so the pain intensifies, limiting limb movements and causing numbness.
Phase 4
Stage of disc fibrosis.The disc hardens, is replaced by scar tissue, bony protrusions grow along the edge, and the intervertebral distance decreases significantly.The mobility of the spine is significantly reduced: it literally becomes ossified.
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 evaluated.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, i.e. whether there is a thinning of the cartilage and how far 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 scanning and good visualization of the soft tissues allow you to confirm or refute the diagnosis of intervertebral disc herniation with absolute precision.
How to treat spinal osteochondrosis?
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.Medication is usually supplemented with physical therapy, massage, manual therapy, physical therapy, and reflexology.If conservative therapy does not give the desired effect, surgical treatment is indicated.
Medicines
The main goal during the exacerbation of osteochondrosis is to relieve inflammation and associated pain and muscle spasm.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.B vitamin preparations help improve the condition of the nerve roots.Usually the course of treatment lasts 7-10 days.Taking medications internally is supplemented with local treatment: ointments or gels containing NSAIDs or simply warming are applied to the affected area to increase blood supply, metabolism and quickly stop inflammation.External remedies quickly relieve pain, as the active ingredient penetrates the source of inflammation, bypassing the digestive system and general blood flow, but they are not enough for a complete treatment.
A drug containing glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate - components of cartilage.
The components of the drug not only replenish 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 also 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 drug promotes:
- renewal of articular cartilaginous tissue;
- improve joint mobility;
- reducing pain.
The drug has a complex effect: it helps to restore joint cartilage tissue and reduces the need for painkillers, 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 starts the process of restoring cartilage tissue;it is the number 1 drug for the treatment of osteoarthritis and osteochondrosis.This is a modern chondroprotector, made in the USA.
The special composition of the drug improves the penetration of painkillers into the joint, helping to reduce pain and inflammation in the joints.
It has been proven that the drug:
- It has an analgesic effect;
- It has an anti-inflammatory effect;
- Helps reduce stiffness;
- Helps increase the range of motion of the joints.
The drug is used for arthrosis, osteochondrosis and other joint diseases accompanied by pain.Thanks to the content of meloxicam, chondroitin and dimethyl sulfoxide, it has a triple effect (analgesic, anti-inflammatory, reduction of stiffness) on the symptoms of osteoarthritis, and this in turn allows a global effect on the disease.
A drug 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 to increase the daily doses of chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine, the effectiveness of which has been demonstrated.The drug helps to restore the cartilaginous tissue of 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 at a dose of 275 mg.Naproxen is the global standard for the treatment of joint pain, requested by over millions of patients in several countries.
Non-pharmacological treatments
Non-drug treatment increases the effectiveness of medications and allows you to quickly relieve a flare-up.
- Massage relieves muscle spasms, improves microcirculation and metabolism, reduces swelling, which has a beneficial effect on the patient's well-being.During a flare-up, massage is contraindicated, as it will only increase the pain and will not bring any benefit.It is prescribed after completion of a course of drug treatment, when inflammation subsides or during remission to prevent new flare-ups.
- 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 operation, so it is carried out by a specialist after studying the images.
- Physical therapy (exercise therapy) is dosed of physical activity taking into account the disease profile.It is necessary for the intervertebral fluid to move, supplying nutrients to the discs and removing decay products.Exercises strengthen muscles, normalize their tone and restore motor activity of damaged limbs.Physical therapy should be regular, take place 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 often used, but other options are also possible: electric current, magnetic field.
- Physiotherapy is mainly used during flare-ups to relieve inflammation, improve microcirculation, relieve pain, swelling and muscle spasm.The most commonly used ones are electrophoresis and ultrasound with drugs (for example hydrocortisone) and magnetic therapy.
Other methods
In case of intervertebral disc herniation or compression of the nerve roots with 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 more severe cases, the disc is replaced with a silicone implant.
Prevention
Prevention of osteochondrosis is a topical issue for everyone, especially after reaching the age of 25.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 in a sedentary manner, take breaks and move.An important point in the prevention of osteochondrosis is the intake of chondroprotectors.If discomfort occurs in any part of the back, it is better to immediately consult a doctor so as not to miss it and not start the disease.
Conclusion
Osteochondrosis is a disease that is not life-threatening, but significantly reduces its quality.Therefore, its prevention and timely and comprehensive treatment are so important to achieve stable remission and stop the progression of the disease.