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Osteochondrosis of the spine – symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Osteochondrosis of the spine

Osteochondrosis of the spine is a degenerative-dystrophic destruction caused by the gradual thinning of cartilage tissue in the intervertebral discs.All people are susceptible to this disease because the human spine is exposed to enormous stress due to the upright posture.If we take harmful factors into account, osteochondrosis of the back is found in almost everyone by the age of 40-50.The pathology cannot be completely cured.It is impossible to stop the age-related degenerative process, but with proper treatment it can be slowed down.You should learn how to properly deal with the symptoms of osteochondrosis.





General characteristics of pathology

The disease develops in three parts of the ridge - the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine.Cervical and lumbar osteochondrosis is diagnosed more often because these areas have increased mobility.The more active movements a person can make in the joints, the more susceptible the intervertebral discs are to injury and degeneration.Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region occurs less frequently, but is more serious.

The pathology is insidious in that it contributes to the appearance of other degenerative diseases in the body, including intervertebral hernias.In the initial stages, the patient does not feel pain, but persistent metabolic changes in calcium-phosphorus metabolism are already occurring, which disrupt the bone structure of the spine.Blood circulation in the affected area deteriorates, leading to premature degeneration.

The intervertebral disc contains a fibrous ring covered with microcracks.A nucleus pulposus forms on the surface of the damage - parts of which gradually begin to leak.Against the background of degenerative processes, the fibrous ring begins to weaken and stretch, which leads to an increase in the area of microdamage.When the annulus fibrosus ruptures, the nucleus pulposus comes out.This is how an intervertebral herniation of the spinal cord occurs.

If you slow down the degeneration process that leads to osteochondrosis, hernias and bulges will appear later.The earlier treatment is started, the easier it is to combat signs of deterioration.The symptoms of osteochondrosis of the back depend on the location in the alveolar ridge and the effect of concomitant diseases on the body.

Causes osteochondrosis of the spine

In most situations the disease is hereditary.In other cases, the disease occurs against the background of common unfavorable conditions that can provoke an exacerbation, including:

  1. Previous back injuries, including damage to bones, joints, and tendons.
  2. Musculoskeletal problems, including poor posture and flat feet.
  3. History of metabolic disorders, including endocrine pathologies.People with uncompensated hypothyroidism and diabetes are at risk of developing bone problems.These problems negatively affect calcium absorption.
  4. have excess weight.Obesity and a high body mass index cause premature wear and tear of the joints.Heavy weight puts pressure on the musculoskeletal system, which negatively affects the health of the spine.
  5. Poor diet.A daily diet devoid of nutrients and microelements leads to hypovitaminosis, which leads to systemic suffering of the human body, which can negatively affect the condition of the spine.
  6. Physical inactivity.It has been proven that a sedentary lifestyle leads to brittle bones.Moderate physical activity is beneficial.
  7. Lift weights.Just like insufficient muscle activity, excessive overexertion is fraught with microtrauma and damage, causing musculoskeletal disorders.
  8. Previous viral or bacterial infections.Examples: osteomyelitis, poliomyelitis.
  9. Having bad habits.Alcohol and nicotine abuse leads to a deterioration in blood circulation, which negatively affects the condition of the skeletal system.

Factors affecting the occurrence of the disease:

  1. Congenital spinal defects.
  2. Bad posture.
  3. have flat feet.
  4. Prolonged periods of sitting or standing.
  5. Belonging to the female gender.Women suffer from increased bone loss during pregnancy and menopause.With a long-term lack of calcium and other minerals, a degenerative process occurs in the spine, which contributes to the occurrence of osteochondrosis.
  6. Hypogonadism.With a deficiency of steroid hormones in both sexes, calcium is practically not fixed in bone tissue.As a result, the patient suffers from age-related osteochondrosis.Such illnesses occur very rarely at a young age.In this case we are talking about mutations.

Considering the above risk factors, you should try to maintain a gentle lifestyle.

Stages of disease development

The disease has 4 disease stages, including the following picture:

  1. The initial stage is the stage of degenerative metabolic processes.The patient has no symptoms because the cartilage tissue has not yet actively broken down.The deformation of the intervertebral disc begins.Since there is no protrusion yet, the patient does not feel any pain in the back.Usually, in the initial stages of osteochondrosis, the disease is discovered rarely, more often accidentally.Not every specialist is able to recognize the first signs of degeneration.In rare cases, the patient may experience minimal discomfort related to overload.When standing or sitting for a long time, the patient's back begins to hurt.In addition, such pain is associated with overstrain and weakness of the muscle frame.
  2. In the second stage, the active destruction of the fibrous ring begins, which leads to a decrease in the height of the intervertebral disc.At this stage, the attentive patient already turns to a specialist because he feels more obvious symptoms.The head may hurt frequently and there may be unexplained pressure surges.The lower back, neck or shoulder blades often hurt.The patient can no longer tolerate prolonged exertion and tires quickly.At this stage, osteochondrosis is detected by x-ray.
  3. In the third stage, the disease causes the annulus fibrosus to bulge.When diagnosed, a patient is diagnosed with a bulge or small intervertebral hernia, which leads to serious problems in everyday life.The cartilage is already weakened and the patient feels very uncomfortable.The third stage is a transition phase in terms of treatment.At this stage, conservative treatment is still possible to improve the patient's well-being and slow down the development of the hernia.
  4. Stage 4 – Terminal.The vertebrae lose elasticity and mobility.The patient suffers from pain not only during the day when moving, but also at night.Sleep is disturbed and neurological symptoms occur because the symptoms are chronic.Chronic fatigue syndrome is getting worse.At this stage, significant hernias are already diagnosed, which interferes with the patient's normal life.In this case, surgical intervention to remove osteophytes is indicated.Conservative treatment does not provide relief in advanced cases.

The earlier osteochondrosis is detected, the easier it is to fight it.In stages 1-2, it is still possible to reverse the development of pathology if you unconditionally follow doctor's prescriptions.

Types of spinal osteochondrosis

The spine consists of 3 sections including the lower back, the thoracic region, and the neck.Depending on the individual situation, degenerative lesions in one of the departments are more common.Less often, the pathology affects several segments of the ridge.The neck and lumbar regions are most commonly affected because increased mobility can be observed in these areas.If the thoracic spine is affected, the pathology is more serious in this area due to the anatomical features of the back.

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is most common.The prevalence of pathology is associated with increased loads on the lower body.In addition, this part of the back is most susceptible to the formation of hernias and bulges.When complications arise in a patient with such a history, problems with mobility, bowel movements and urination occur.Advanced cases require serious correction and surgical intervention.

With osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, severe pain and a stabbing sensation in the head occur.Most often, the disease occurs against the background of prolonged sedentary work and increased physical activity.Patients with this disease also require an integrated therapeutic approach.Damage to the cervical spine is also due to increased mobility of the shoulders and head.

Thoracic osteochondrosis occurs less often, since this area is the least susceptible to such a pathological process due to well-developed muscles and limited mobility.This type of osteochondrosis is difficult to diagnose, since the symptoms of the pathology resemble diseases of the heart, lungs or stomach.With thoracic osteochondrosis, radiating pain to the rib and heart areas is more often observed, so the disease is confused with ischemic heart disease and signs of a heart attack.An important diagnostic criterion is that if, with complaints of chest pain, heart problems are not detected, you should consult a neurologist or traumatologist.

The older the patient, the higher the risk that spinal joint degeneration will affect multiple parts of the spine.

Symptoms of spinal osteochondrosis

Symptoms can be divided into general and specific symptoms.The second option, depending on the localization, is typical for osteochondrosis of any type. The most common signs of degenerative back disease include:

  1. Pain, discomfort and discomfort.Given the extent and localization of the pathological process, the patient experiences varying degrees of pain.In the early stages, the symptoms are minor and pressing.The symptoms temporarily subside at night.As the degeneration of the spine progresses, the pain becomes worse and more frequent.In the worst case scenario, the pain doesn't stop and prevents you from sleeping at night.
  2. Weakness, constant tiredness.Spinal problems are often accompanied by impaired nerve conduction and poor blood circulation.When a patient actively develops osteochondrosis, chronic fatigue syndrome develops over time.The patient becomes increasingly unable to perform work duties and the person does not sleep adequately.The more advanced the pathology, the worse the patient feels.
  3. Decreased mobility in a certain part of the spine.During the exacerbation phase, not only does persistent pain occur, but mobility of the affected back area is also significantly limited.This phenomenon is associated not only with the inflammatory process, but also with muscle spasticity.
  4. Muscle spasm in the affected part of the spine.Osteochondrosis is not only the result of natural degenerative processes in the body.Physical inactivity often triggers the disease.Without motor activity, the muscles atrophy and the spine cannot be adequately relieved.This leads to ongoing tensions that are fraught with severe deterioration.The patient experiences several cramps that need to be relieved with medication.
  5. Radicular syndrome.This phenomenon is typical for all forms of osteochondrosis without exception.When the pathology is complicated by the appearance of hernias, there is increased pressure of the protruding nucleus pulposus on the nerve segments.As a result, side effects occur – limited mobility, pain, lumbago, paresthesia, and in severe situations – loss of sensation in the fingers and lower extremities.
  6. Other vegetative manifestations.These include symptoms such as vegetative-vascular dystonia, neurological disorders, heart, lung and stomach problems.

The characteristic symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis include:

  1. Headache.It occurs suddenly and the attack itself often turns into a migraine, accompanied by dizziness, nausea, loss of consciousness and pressure surges.The disease is often accompanied by a persistent circulatory disorder in the affected area and pinched nerve roots.
  2. Pain in the neck, trapezius or upper back.This symptom is accompanied by increased muscle spasticity.The spine cannot withstand the load, so these muscles are overloaded.This condition is also more common among office workers.The nature of the pain is excruciating, limiting and painful.
  3. Increased pressure.When an intervertebral hernia compresses the vascular bed, the patient experiences an attack of hypertension that is not associated with problems of the cardiovascular system.
  4. The appearance of a squeezing feeling in the neck and throat.The phenomenon is also accompanied by muscle spasticity, which leads to pinching of the vessels in the neck.
  5. Shootings in fingers, collarbones and arms.This is a purely neurological symptom that is associated with pinched nerve roots.
  6. Shortness of breath, heart and throat pain occur less frequently.

Signs of thoracic osteochondrosis look like this:

  1. Tightness in the chest.
  2. The occurrence of attacks of intercostal neuralgia.
  3. Pain in the heart area not associated with cardiac pathology.
  4. Complaints of shortness of breath, pain in the depths of the chest.
  5. Coughing is not associated with respiratory illnesses.
  6. Discomfort in the stomach or esophagus.
  7. Pain in the interscapular area.Characterized by a chronic course.More often it occurs against the background of static muscle overload.
  8. Numbness in the arms, collarbones and fingers.Less often - in the lower back area.

This is how the symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis manifest themselves:

  1. Lower back pain.
  2. Drawing sensations in the kidney area or lower abdomen.
  3. The occurrence of entrapment of the sciatic nerve.
  4. The appearance of a symptom of a tight piriformis muscle.When this muscle spasms, it compresses the sciatic nerve, resulting in specific symptoms including burning and stinging along the leg, starting in the buttock area and ending in the upper and lower leg.This neurological symptom most often indicates problems with the spine.
  5. Problems with bowel movements and urination.When a hernia or hernia compresses the lower parts of the nerve endings, the contractile force of the smooth muscles of the intestines and bladder decreases significantly over time.The result is intestinal atony and urinary retention.Such conditions are extremely dangerous and require qualified medical care.
  6. Over time, the patient's gait changes and lameness occurs in one leg.The condition is also associated with pinching of nerve endings.

If a patient has several symptoms reminiscent of advanced osteochondrosis in a certain part of the spine, it is necessary to consult a doctor as soon as possible.There are no specific diagnostic criteria by which you can recognize the disease yourself.A comprehensive diagnosis is required, after which the exact cause of the disease is determined.

Diagnosis of back osteochondrosis

The primary diagnosis is made through anamnesis.A neurologist or traumatologist inquires about complaints and examines the patient's back.If the patient is not sure that he needs to see these specialists specifically, he should first consult a therapist.A general practitioner examines the patient, records complaints on a card and issues a referral to a specialist.

The main problem in diagnosing spinal osteochondrosis is that the pathology gives many false signs of other diseases.Therefore, it is necessary to visit a specialist several times to make sure that there are no pathologies related to the cardiovascular, respiratory and digestive systems.

What types of diagnostics are usually prescribed:

  1. Radiography.This type of examination is quick and does not require a large financial outlay.The image can be obtained free of charge if the patient undergoes the procedure in the clinic at the place of registration.An x-ray can superficially assess the condition of the alveolar ridge.If there are gross defects or signs of a reduction in the distance between the intervertebral spaces, the patient is referred for other procedures to clarify the diagnosis.
  2. MRI or CT.These types of examinations clearly show soft tissue and therefore are the main diagnostic methods for detecting various degenerative processes - displacements, herniated discs, bulges.With the help of such diagnostics, not only osteochondrosis, but also hernias, bulges and pinched nerves are detected.
  3. Laboratory tests.Sometimes it is necessary to undergo a series of blood tests to find hidden diseases that negatively affect the course of the disease.Usually tests are performed in combination – OBC, OAM, sugar, regulators of calcium-phosphorus metabolism, rheumatological tests.

Based on the data obtained, the doctor makes a final diagnosis.After receiving the conclusion, you need to follow the specialist's recommendations in order to endure the course of the spinal disease less painfully.There are pathologies that cannot be completely cured.These include osteochondrosis.

Treatment of osteochondrosis

There are many treatment options for this spinal condition.They are used depending on the stage of the complication.If the pathology is at an early stage, medication and conservative treatment are the best remedies.It is rare in advanced cases, but surgery may be necessary if medication does not help and the patient loses feeling in the limbs and becomes disabled.

What is used under medical devices:

  1. NSAIDs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.These medications quickly relieve pain associated with inflammation or irritation.The therapeutic effect is achieved quickly within a day.Therefore, such drugs are the first choice.Disadvantages of NSAIDs: You cannot inject them for more than two days.In oral form, some types of drugs are taken for no more than three weeks.This limitation of use is explained by the high gastrotoxicity of the drugs.People suffering from stomach ulcers or gastritis are additionally prescribed medications to protect the gastric mucosa.
  2. Corticosteroids are hormonal painkillers.With severe pain and degenerative processes, special drugs are administered intra-articularly to eliminate local inflammation.It is recommended to use extended components.The active ingredient lasts up to 3-4 weeks.For some patients, one injection is enough to forget about the pain for a long time.
  3. Chondroprotectors are drugs designed to strengthen and nourish cartilage tissue.In many patients suffering from osteochondrosis of the spine, the cartilage and bone tissue is weak and therefore needs to be strengthened.Chondroprotectors do not stop the development of the disease and the buildup of cartilage tissue, but help slow down degenerative processes.They are taken over a long period of time.
  4. Muscle relaxants.Medicines to relax tense muscles.The duration of therapy is 2 to 4 weeks.
  5. B vitamins.Neurotropic substances - B1, B6 and B12 - help with sciatica or a pinched sciatic nerve.In high doses, these substances have a pain-relieving effect and nourish damaged nerve fibers.

Conservative treatment methods include:

  1. Manual therapy.This method allows you to relax tense muscles through the work of a specialist.This type of treatment should not be used during an exacerbation.
  2. Movement therapy.With the help of physiotherapy you can strengthen your muscles.It has been proven that back pain is more often accompanied by muscle weakness because the spine cannot withstand the load, resulting in fatigue and discomfort.In order for the patient to feel relief, it is necessary to perform the exercises regularly 2-3 times a week.Physical education improves posture and eliminates pain.
  3. Massage.With the help of a masseur, it is possible to improve blood circulation in damaged muscles, which has a positive effect on well-being.Increased blood flow nourishes and relaxes tissues, which helps fight cramps.The procedure is contraindicated in the acute phase and is performed only during rehabilitation.
  4. Physiotherapy.Conservative treatment is aimed at improving blood circulation in damaged tissues using a hardware method.Through the use of electricity or magnetic radiation, muscle communication is improved, which helps combat cramps and chronic pain.Physiotherapy allows the local use of systemic medications that penetrate well under the skin.

Disease prevention

Osteochondrosis of the spine can be prevented if you adhere to a healthy lifestyle, including avoiding bad habits, eating right, and combating physical inactivity.You also need to monitor your body weight.Overweight patients not only experience greater strain on the back, but also on the entire body.It is recommended to wear orthopedic shoes and monitor your posture.