Osteochondrosis of the spine is a chronic disease based on the process of degeneration 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 older people, but recently the number of young patients showing signs of the disease has increased. Depending on the localization of the lesion of the spine, it is customary to classify it into cervical, thoracic and lumbar osteochondrosis. The main and characteristic sign of osteochondrosis of the back is a dull pain of moderate intensity, which is due to 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 the first changes appear 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, discomfort in the back. These signs are often confused with fatigue. In medical practice, osteochondrosis of the first degree can only be diagnosed accidentally, for example during a check-up.
second
With osteochondrosis of the 2nd degree, the patient feels pain in the spine. This stage is a consequence of the first in the absence of the necessary preventive measures. First, a process of destruction of the intervertebral disc takes place. 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, an objective examination and an X-ray, the doctor diagnoses "Osteochondrosis of the 2nd degree of the neck region" and prescribes treatment. Subject to the implementation of all the recommendations of a specialist, the disease can be treated without serious consequences.
third party
The third stage is characterized by the onset of irreversible processes in the cartilaginous tissue of the fibrous ring. The nucleus pulposus is dehydrated, resulting in a herniated disc. Pain is caused by compression of the spinal nerves. At this stage, the destroyed disc cannot be restored. The hernia is eliminated by the surgical method, treatment is carried out with the help of drugs.
Fourth
At this stage, the body adapts to the resulting spinal changes. Compensatory bone tissue grows at the edges of the vertebrae (osteophytes) to strengthen the affected section. They can compress the roots of the spinal cord and cause pain. As a result, osteophytes grow together, leading to complete immobilization of a specific segment of the spine.
Symptoms and Varieties
Osteochondrosis is a chronic disease. Especially characteristic of him is the alternation of periods of exacerbation of the disease and remission. The symptoms of the disease are quite typical. They are manifested by aching pains in the back, with sudden movements and heavy lifting, the pain intensifies, there may be numbness in the limbs, fatigue with minor physical exertion, and depression.
Constant aching pain leads to excessive nervousness and fatigue of the body. With chronic osteochondrosis, when the intervertebral discs compress the nerve fibers, the pain syndrome can acquire a shooting character and radiate to the occiput, shoulders and lower extremities.
Cervical
This is one of the most common and dangerous localizations of the disease, since there are a large number of nerve fibers and large main vessels in the cervical region.
With cervical osteochondrosis, the symptoms can be as follows:
- strong headache;
- pain radiating to shoulder and limbs, shooting to head;
- there is a restriction of neck movements;
- dizziness and loss of consciousness;
- noise in the ears;
- disturbed movement coordination.
These symptoms are caused by impaired blood flow to the arteries in the neck due to inflammation, swelling, and muscle spasms. With the occurrence of vertebral artery compression syndrome and the lack of proper medical treatment, it leads to cerebral ischemia.
breast
Osteochondrosis of the chest region is quite rare. Signs of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine are expressed in the form of pain and burning between the shoulder blades. With compression of the intercostal nerve endings, this leads to intercostal neuralgia. It is manifested by sensations of acute chest pain that do not allow deep breathing.
Disorders 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 is essential in this case.
lumbar spine
More than 50% of cases occur in this department. The first signs of lumbar osteochondrosis are characteristic aching pains in the lower back, which increase with sudden movements, heavy lifting, and even with changes in the weather. Symptoms such as varicose veins, numbness of the extremities, joint pain 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. Radiculitis of the lumbar spine also refers to the complications of osteochondrosis. It manifests as a pain in the buttocks that spreads along the thigh and lower leg and reaches the feet.
Causes and Prevention
As a rule, the disease usually causes several causes at once, which is why it is also considered multifactorial. The main reasons for the development of osteochondrosis are:
- back injuries and bruises;
- accumulation diseases and metabolic disorders;
- sedentary lifestyle and obesity;
- congenital and acquired postural disorders;
- inheritance.
Prevention of osteochondrosis boils down to simple but effective methods. It is necessary to change the lifestyle to a more active one (to go swimming), do not forget about doing back exercises with long-term immobile work. You should start eating right, including in the diet as much fruit and vegetables, dairy products as possible.
Also, effective prevention will be timely seeking medical help when the first symptoms of the disease appear.
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;
- exercise therapy;
- gymnastics (can be done at home);
- surgical treatment (diskectomy).