Osteochondrosis of the spine is a chronic disease based on the process of degeneration of bone and cartilage tissue. The pathological process affects all parts of the spine.
Description of the disease
The disease is more common in the elderly, but there has recently been an increase in the number of young patients who show signs of this disease. According to the localization of the spinal cord injury, it is usually classified as osteochondrosis of the cervix, chest and lumbar region. The main and characteristic sign of spinal osteochondrosis is dull excruciating pain of moderate intensity, 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 primary changes occur in the cartilage tissue and ends with the complete fusion of several vertebrae together.
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The first stage is the most difficult diagnosis, because of the mild signs of the disease it is also called preclinical. Patients experience general weakness, discomfort in the back. These signs are often mistaken for fatigue. In medical practice, grade 1 osteochondrosis can be diagnosed only by chance, for example, during a prophylactic examination.
Second
In grade 2 osteochondrosis, the patient feels pain in the spine. This stage is the result of the first in the absence of 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 is reduced, which causes the nerve fibers of the spinal column to contract.
Based on the patient's complaints, objective examination and X-ray, the doctor diagnoses "grade 2 osteochondrosis of the cervix" and prescribes treatment. By following all the recommendations of the specialist, the disease can be resolved without serious consequences.
Third
The third stage is characterized by the onset of irreversible processes in the cartilaginous tissues of the fibrous ring. The nucleus of the pulp is dehydrated, resulting in a disc herniation. Pain occurs as a result of compression of the spinal nerves. The destroyed intervertebral disc cannot be restored at this stage. The hernia is eliminated by surgical method, treatment is carried out with the help of medication.
Fourth
At this point the body adapts to the changes made in the spine. Compensatory bone tissue grows along the edges of the spine (osteophytes) to strengthen the affected area. 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. It is especially characterized by alternating periods of disease exacerbation and remission. The symptoms of the disease are quite typical. They are manifested by excruciating pain in the back, sudden movements and weight lifting, the pain intensifies, there may be a feeling of numbness in the extremities, fatigue with little physical exertion and depression.
Constant excruciating pain causes excessive nervousness and fatigue of the body. In chronic osteochondrosis, when the spinal discs compress the nerve fibers, the pain syndrome can acquire a shooting character and spread to the back of the head, shoulders, and lower extremities.
Cervix
This is one of the most common and dangerous localizations of the disease, as there are large numbers of nerve fibers and large major vessels in the cervical region.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis may include the following:
- Severe headache;
- Pains radiating to the shoulders and limbs, shooting in the head;
- There is restriction of neck movement;
- Dizziness and loss of consciousness;
- Noise in the ears;
- Disorder of coordination of movements.
These symptoms are caused by circulatory disorders in the cervical arteries due to inflammation, swelling, muscle spasm. With the appearance of spinal artery compression syndrome and lack of proper medical treatment, it causes cerebral ischemia.
Chest
Osteochondrosis of the chest region is quite rare. Signs of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine are manifested in the form of pain and a burning sensation between the shoulder blades. In case of compression of the intercostal nerve endings it causes intercostal neuralgia. It is expressed by the sensation of sharp pain in the chest, which does not allow deep breathing.
Disorders of blood circulation due to the inflammatory process and lack of nutrients can lead to diseases of internal organs located in this area, various pathologies of the heart. Qualified treatment is necessary in this case.
Waist
More than 50% of cases occur in this department. The initial signs of lumbar osteochondrosis are characterized by excruciating pain in the lumbar region that intensifies with sudden movements, weight lifting, and even changes in weather. Symptoms such as varicose veins, numbness of the limbs, 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. Lumbar sciatica also refers to complications of osteochondrosis. It manifests as pain in the buttocks, extends along the thigh and lower leg, reaching to the legs.
Causes and prevention
The disease usually causes several causes at once, so it is also considered multifactorial. The main reasons for the development of osteochondrosis are:
- Spinal cord injuries and bruises;
- Accumulation diseases and metabolic disorders;
- Sedentary lifestyle and excess weight;
- Congenital and acquired posture disorders;
- Inheritance.
Osteochondrosis prevention comes with simple but effective methods. It is necessary to change the lifestyle to a more active one (go swimming), do not forget to do gymnastics for the back during prolonged sedentary work. You need to start eating right and include as many fruits and vegetables and dairy products as possible in your diet.
Effective prevention will also be timely seeking medical help when the first symptoms of the disease appear.
Treatment
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine must be complex. The main directions of treatment of the disease are:
- Drug therapy (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics, chondroprotectors, vitamins);
- Physiotherapy (electrophoresis, UHF);
- Massage;
- Exercise therapy;
- In gymnastics (can be performed at home);
- Surgical treatment (discectomy).