Osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis is the cause of acute back pain in 67% of total cases. Lack of timely consultation with a doctor, consultation and treatment can lead to consequences such as disruption of the functioning of internal organs, damage to the spinal cord and damage to the nerve roots of the spine. What is osteochondrosis, what types of treatment are available for patients and how is the disease diagnosed - read on.

What is osteochondrosis?

Osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disease that leads to thinning of the intervertebral cartilage. Hyaline cartilage and intervertebral discs begin to "wear out", losing the ability to fully function.

Reference.In most cases, spinal osteochondrosis is diagnosed in people aged 25+. According to the WHO, as of 2021, 43% of the population aged 25-40 suffer from osteochondrosis, and more than 92% of people in old age. The appearance and worsening of the disease can be caused by unfavorable surrounding factors.

Types of osteochondrosis

Every part of the spine is subject to degeneration processes. Among the types of osteochondrosis of the spine, 3 main ones can be distinguished: cervical, thoracic and lumbar (due to the high load, it is more common than others).

1. Lumbar osteochondrosis.The middle region consists of 5 vertebrae that are subject to deformation due to the negative influence of external and internal factors. When the nutrition and metabolic processes in the intervertebral discs are disturbed, pain appears, caused by the loss of elasticity and thinning of the cartilage tissue.
2. Cervical osteochondrosis.The cervical spine consists of 7 vertebrae that are regularly exposed to stress. Pathological processes are activated when the body's metabolic processes fail.
3. Thoracic osteochondrosis.The thoracic region consists of 12 vertebrae. This type of osteochondrosis is less common. Thoracic vertebrae are inactive. People who lead a passive lifestyle and regularly lift heavy objects are susceptible to the disease.

Causes of osteochondrosis

The number of people suffering from osteochondrosis is increasing rapidly every year. This is due to the fact that people spend most of their time on their feet, providing maximum load on the intervertebral discs.

Important!With age/due to heavy loads, discs and cartilage deform. Fissures and hernias may appear. As a result, compressed nerve roots, thin discs, pathological processes in the spinal cord, muscle spasms and progressive pain.

The risk group includes: office workers, builders, hairdressers, sellers, drivers. Both men and women are equally susceptible to the occurrence of osteochondrosis.

Provocative factors of osteochondrosis include:

• the presence of osteochondrosis in a family history;
• overweight, overweight;
• passive lifestyle;
• flat feet.

Damaged depreciation of the spine and its deformation can be caused by the following factors:

1. Self-neglect (complete lack of physical activity or excessive exercise).
2. Lack of awareness of proper postures to reduce stress on the spine.
3. Continuous work that involves lifting/moving heavy objects.
4. Injuries.

Osteochondrosis: 4 stages of disease development

There are 4 stages of development of spinal osteochondrosis:

1. The first phase- there are no clear symptoms with which the disease can be diagnosed. Occasional back pain occurs, often after physical exertion or overexertion. Osteochondrosis at an early stage can be detected during a preventive examination or during a CT or X-ray examination.
2. Second phase.The next stage is characterized by moderate pain. Cartilage tissue begins to deform and the distance between the spinal discs decreases. When you contact a doctor, drug therapy (to reduce pain) and physical therapy is prescribed.
3. The third stage- the spine is deformed, fibrous areas and hernias appear, the pain intensifies and becomes more pronounced and frequent. At this stage, everything depends on the existing symptoms. The doctor will help determine the treatment method for the patient (conservative or surgical).
4. The fourth stage- irreversible deformation of the spine function. It is almost impossible for the patient to move independently. The pain is acute, constant and increases with any physical activity. Pathological bone tissue fills the intervertebral space, the patient becomes disabled.

Symptoms of osteochondrosis

As mentioned earlier, there are 3 types of osteochondrosis and each of them is characterized by individual manifestations. Let's look at all the symptoms further.

Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis

How to understand that you have lumbar osteochondrosis? You may notice characteristic symptoms:

• stiffness of movements;
• pain in the pelvis, sacrum, lower back and lower extremities, which become more intense with exercise or movement. The nature of the pain is aching, dull, sharp;
• pathological processes of the genitourinary system (problems with defecation and urination);
• weakness in legs;
• impairment/lack of sensitivity.

Important!Self-medication is strictly prohibited. When lumbar osteochondrosis is detected, diagnosis and effective treatment are mandatory. The consequences of the lack of therapy are hernias, protrusions, paralysis of the lower extremities.

Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis

How to understand that you have cervical osteochondrosis? One or more symptoms may appear:

• frequent headaches;
• numbness of the upper and lower extremities;
• severe pain in the cervical spine during physical activity;
• "spots", eye drops, darkening and darkening;
• burning sensation and discomfort in the heart area;
• the appearance of tinnitus, hearing loss;
• dizziness without cause;
• pain in the shoulders, neck, arms.

Important!Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is considered one of the most dangerous for people, as it complicates the process of blood saturation of the brain. If not treated, protrusions appear, then hernias. Surgical intervention for cervical osteochondrosis has a high risk of paralysis of the body. If symptoms appear, contact only qualified specialists.

Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis

How to understand that you have thoracic osteochondrosis? Only a doctor (neurologist) can diagnose the disease, but the patient can assume the presence of osteochondrosis based on the characteristic signs:

• discomfort, a localized burning sensation in the chest;
• the appearance of pain when you raise your arms up, pain in the shoulder blades;
• dizziness and sudden loss of consciousness occurs;
• chest pain.

Reference.During the transition of the disease to the acute phase, dorsago (lack of air, sharp/severe pain in the chest, "lumbago") and dorsalgia (pain can be episodic or constant, acute/dull in nature) may appear.

Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is difficult to diagnose. The disease is often confused with angina pectoris, a heart attack or inflammatory processes in the lungs.

Diagnosis of spinal osteochondrosis

When you visit a doctor, a medical history and physical examination of the musculoskeletal system begins.
patient equipment. The specialist will check the integrity of the reflexes and the level of sensitivity of the painful areas. Blood tests and other laboratory tests are then ordered. To clarify the diagnosis, the neurologist prescribes one or more types of imaging diagnosis:

1. Ultrasound of the vertebral arteries.
2. X-ray of the entire spine or certain areas (cervical, thoracic, lumbar).
3. CT scan of the spine helps to identify the presence of degenerative processes, displacements, deformations of the spine and its structures.
4. MRI of the spine - identifies soft tissue pathologies, helps to scan the spinal cord and intervertebral discs.

Treatment of osteochondrosis

The method of treatment of osteochondrosis is determined by the attending physician, depending on the type of disease, the severity of symptoms and the degree of pathological changes. As therapeutic therapy can be used: physiotherapy, drug treatment, classes with a chiropractor, therapeutic massage, exercise therapy or surgical intervention (in the absence of positive dynamics from other treatment methods or at an advanced stage).

Drug treatment of osteochondrosis

When prescribing medical therapy with drugs, the doctor can use several groups of drugs at once:

• NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) - to relieve the symptoms of osteochondrosis, relieve pain and reduce inflammation. It can be used in tablet form or as an injection (in severe cases). The duration of the treatment course is from 7 to 14 days;
• chondroprotectors - to strengthen intervertebral discs and cartilage tissue;
• B vitamins;
• vascular drugs - to improve blood supply to the back;
• glucocorticosteroids – used as injections in the affected area (for severe forms of the disease);
• muscle relaxants - to relax muscles, relieve pain and inflammation.

Massage for osteochondrosis

A course of massage for osteochondrosis should be carried out once every six months. Therapeutic massage eliminates tension, relieves tension and improves blood circulation in the affected area. Only a doctor can say about the advisability of prescribing a massage; the prerequisite is the remission of the disease.

Traction (spinal traction)

Artificial traction of the spine is performed only under the supervision of medical personnel, using special equipment. High-quality traction allows you to evenly distribute the vertebrae in the spine. Pain, tightness and inflammation are reduced.

Manual therapy

Manual therapy for spinal osteochondrosis is used to correct the curvature. The specialist applies a targeted effect on the patient's muscular and skeletal system. After therapy, blood and lymph circulation improves, stiffness disappears and mobility appears.

Physiotherapy treatment of osteochondrosis

It is practiced only during the period of remission of the disease, in the acute phase, this method of treatment is prohibited. Physiotherapy is used as adjunctive therapy, along with drug treatment. To reduce the symptoms of osteochondrosis, specialists use lasers, magnets and current (low frequency).

Acupuncture

The basis of acupuncture is precise action on reflex zones and pain points. Therapy is prescribed only in conjunction with therapeutic massage to increase effectiveness. The therapy restores the possibility of natural load on the spine without pain.

Exercise therapy for osteochondrosis

Physical therapy is effective for all types of osteochondrosis and can be prescribed to patients of any age category. The type of exercises and the duration of their implementation is prescribed by the doctor. Moderate physical activity helps to strengthen the back muscles, increase the mobility and flexibility of the spine and improve the patient's condition.

The patient can be prescribed the following types of classes: kinesitherapy, therapeutic swimming, health path, mechanotherapy.

Important!Exercise therapy classes are contraindicated during periods of exacerbation of osteochondrosis!

Surgical treatment of osteochondrosis

For spinal osteochondrosis, surgery is rarely prescribed as the only treatment option. The human spine has a complex structure with many vertebrae and nerve endings that affect the coordinated functioning of the entire body. With surgery there is a high risk of complications, so it is prescribed only in the most difficult cases or in the absence of improvement from other treatment methods.

Prevention of spinal osteochondrosis

Prevention is the best way to reduce the risk of developing osteochondrosis and achieve remission of existing spine diseases. The main thing to remember when doing preventive exercises is that they should be regular and only during the remission period.

It is better to perform a gymnastic group of simple exercises at the same time. In order not to forget them, set a reminder on your mobile phone or include them in your morning hygiene rituals.

1. Rest your forehead on your palm, tense your neck muscles. Execution - 3 sets of 5-7 seconds. Then repeat the same with the back of the head and the palm.
2. The position of the shoulders is level, the head is straight. Slowly tilt your head as far as possible to the right, then to the left. Perform 5 times (slowly).
3. Slowly tilt your head back a little. Tighten your neck muscles and gradually move your chin towards your chest. Do 5-7 times.
4. Place your left palm next to the left temporal area (then the right palm and right temple). Apply pressure to your palm, tensing the neck muscles. Execution - 3 times for 10 seconds.

Important!Do not rush when doing the exercises. It is also forbidden to make circular movements with the head due to the high risk of injury and pinched nerve endings.

The second set of preventive exercises against osteochondrosis can be performed at any time (especially after work or overload), but also regularly:

1. Stand straight, feet together, arms relaxed, breathe deeply. Raise your arms up, exhale. Approach - 6-8 times.
2. Lie on your stomach, arms along your body, relaxed. Bend up, rest your hands, try to raise your head and legs. Stay in this position for 5 seconds. Return to the starting position. Repeat - 5-7 times.
3. Sit in a chair. Put your hands behind your head (inhale deeply), bend 4-5 times so that your shoulders touch the back of the chair (exhale). Repeat - 5-7 times.
4. Stand up, bend over, take a deep breath. Relax your arms, lean forward, slowly lower your head and shoulders - exhale. Approach - 10 times.
5. Get up on all fours. Head straight. Arch your back and stay in this position for 3-4 seconds. Return to the starting position, repeat 5-7 times.

How to stand, lie and sit with osteochondrosis?

Knowing the correct positions that help to evenly distribute the load throughout the spine is necessary not only for patients suffering from osteochondrosis, but for all people. By following simple rules, you will notice a significant improvement in your general condition and a reduction in the load on your back. In addition, you can protect the spine from many diseases with serious and painful symptoms.

How to sit properly?

We learn to sit without squeezing, without provoking the risk of spine deformation and the development of osteochondrosis:

• criteria for choosing a chair/stool: seat depth level - 2/3 hip length, seat height level should be equal to the length of the lower leg. This way your feet will stay on the floor. Small people should put a small step or a stool under their feet;
• pay attention to the depth of the desktop. It should be such that the legs are not held sideways or bent strongly;
• When working for a long time sitting, take a break every 20 minutes. Change the position of the legs, walk around, do light gymnastics;
• get behind the wheel with minimal stress. Your back should rest on the seat; a small pillow or bolster placed between the chair and your lower back will help with this. If possible, get out of the car every 25-30 minutes to warm up;
• Heavily upholstered furniture is not good furniture for everyday use. For an equal load on the spine, it is necessary to support the body on the ischial tuberosities, which is possible only when you are sitting on a moderately hard surface;
• Your back should always touch the back of your chair/work chair. Try to sit straight, avoiding strong neck bends;
• do not sit/lie in one position for a long time.

How to stay right?

If a person stays in one position for a long time, a strong load is placed on the lumbar region (and the entire spine), which has a negative effect on it. To avoid excessive pressure on the spine and increase the risk of deformation, follow simple rules:

• do not stay in one position for more than 10 minutes, change the position of the legs and arms;
• relieve tension in the neck - tilt your head to the right and left, stretch your arms forward, bend your back forward and backward - relax your back and lower back;
• when you lift something from the floor, bend, bend your knees or sit, find a point of support for your hands;
• move, walk short distances so as not to stand still;
• try not to bend too much (back, head) during housework (cleaning, ironing, cooking). When cleaning low or hard-to-reach surfaces, get down on one knee.

How to lie down?

The ideal choice of sleeping surface is a bed with a medium firm mattress (ideally, an orthopedic one that preserves the physiological curves of the spine). The bed should not be made of wood or too soft.

How to lie down correctly if you have severe pain?

• back pain - lie on your stomach, placing a small pillow under the lower back (so as not to increase the pain by bending over);
• pain in the legs - put a pillow (from a towel or blanket) under the knees. The pain syndrome will decrease gradually;
• neck pain - put your hand under your head or a pillow under your neck.

How to get out of bed in the morning during an attack of osteochondrosis?

• do a short warm-up of the upper and lower extremities;
• change your position;
• move from a lying position to a sitting position, squeezing the leg with your hands bent at the knee;
• lower your feet to the floor one at a time;
• stand up gradually, any sudden movement can increase the pain.

How to lift and move weights properly?

Improper lifting and holding of heavy objects is one of the most common causes of hernias, osteochondrosis and protrusions. Sharp lifting of weights is fraught with a sudden "shooting" in various parts of the spine and the appearance of acute pain that will continue for a long time. Turning the body while carrying heavy objects is also prohibited.

How to lift a heavy object?

1. Wear a wide belt.
2. Sit down. Keep your neck and back straight.
3. Secure the object with both hands, stand up slowly, keep your back straight.

How to move a heavy object?

• distribute the load equally in both hands, do not hold everything in one;
• with diagnosed osteochondrosis, it is not recommended to lift weights more than 15 kg;
• buy a backpack (an important condition is an orthopedic back and wide straps). The advantages of using a backpack are an equal load on the back + free hands;
• Do not lean forward or backward too much.

CONCLUSION

Osteochondrosis of the spine most often develops at the age of 25-40 years. The risk group for morbidity includes people with a passive lifestyle, those who spend most of the time on their feet or in wrong positions, with a large load on the spine. Osteochondrosis can be cured by conservative methods, subject to timely consultation with a specialist. In advanced cases, surgical intervention is used. Self-medication is contraindicated.

Regular preventive exercises will help reduce the symptoms of osteochondrosis and maintain the functionality of the spine, protecting against deformation. If you neglect your health, the patient may delay going to the doctor until hernias, paralysis and disability appear.