Osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis– is a degenerative-dystrophic disease, which is manifested by a decrease in the height of the hyaline intervertebral cartilage. Ultimately, this leads to disk wear and loss of functionality.

The disease is most often diagnosed at the age of 30-35 years and affects about 40% of the population under 35-40 years and almost 90% in old age. However, in the presence of unfavorable factors, it may appear earlier.

Osteochondrosis of the spine is one of the main causes of back pain. Inadequate treatment can lead to nerve root damage, spinal cord damage and internal organ failure. Therefore, it is very important to immediately seek medical help and take appropriate measures to prevent the development of the disease.

Causes of osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis is a common disease that can occur in the elderly, but it can also occur in young people who are used to a sedentary lifestyle. This disease develops due to the weakening of the back muscles, which leads to interruption of blood flow and nutrition of the tissues of the spine and intervertebral discs. It can happen for a variety of reasons, including aging, injury, sudden stress, and improper work habits.

Although the causes of osteochondrosis are not fully understood, they are associated with various factors, including:

• legacy,
• impaired physical development,
• metabolic disease,
• unhealthy diet
• lack of vitamins and minerals,
• long-term use of drugs,
• overweight,
• increased load on the back,
• sedentary lifestyle, for example, when working in an office,
• spinal cord injuries,
• infectious diseases and past stress.

In addition, malformations of the nervous and musculoskeletal system can also contribute to the occurrence of osteochondrosis. In general, the development of this disease is the result of a combination of many factors, and its prevention consists of proper nutrition, moderate physical activity, proper distribution of loads on the spine, as well as maintaining a healthy lifestyle ingenerally.

Symptoms and signs of osteochondrosis

With the development of osteochondrosis, in the early stages, patients often experience the following problems:

• Pain in different parts of the body, such as back, neck or other areas;
• Difficulty in movement and limitations when turning or bending;
• Constant tension and muscle spasm;
• Migraine and dizziness;
• Painful sensations in the area of the heart;
• Muscle hypotension, decreased muscle tone and strength;
• Numbness of the limbs;
• Pain in arms and legs;
• Seeing spots before the eyes;
• Cooling of the extremities;
• Shooting painful sensations.

If osteochondrosis is advanced, serious complications may occur, such as:

• Loss of consciousness;
• Decreased sensitivity of the limbs;
• Poor blood circulation in blood vessels;
• Damage or inflammation of the nerve;
• Narrowing and blockage of arteries.

You should pay attention to any changes in your body condition and seek help from a specialist if you suspect the development of osteochondrosis. Seeking help early can prevent serious complications and improve quality of life.

Risk factors

Osteochondrosis can appear as a result of injury or heavy physical activity, which is especially common among athletes. It also appears in the form of overgrowth of bones, osteophytes, elongated intervertebral discs and curvature of the spine. Congenital defects of the spine can also cause rapid wear of the intervertebral discs. In addition, the following risk factors can lead to the development of osteochondrosis:

• Neuro-emotional fatigue;
• Physical overload of the body;
• Work on vibrating platforms;
• Genetic predisposition;
• Lack of vitamins in the body;
• Multiple pregnancy.

Understanding these risk factors can help you prevent the possibility of developing osteochondrosis. Managing your health through a healthy lifestyle and diet, as well as avoiding injury and overexertion, can reduce the likelihood of this problem occurring. If you suspect osteochondrosis, consult a doctor to quickly start treatment and prevent possible complications.

Classification and stages of development of osteochondrosis

Classification of osteochondrosis

There are different forms of osteochondrosis, which can appear as pain in different parts of the spine.

1. Lumbodynia– this is pain in the middle (lumbosacral) part of the back.
2. Sciaticamanifests itself as pain in the back, spreading to the legs.
3. Lumbago- this is a lumbar lumbago, with acute and severe pain in the lower back.
4. Thoracalgia- This is chest pain.

Another form of osteochondrosis, cervicalgia or cervicobrachialgia, causes pain in the neck and upper limbs.

In addition, the types of osteochondrosis can differ depending on which part of the spine is affected. Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is manifested by headaches and difficulty turning the head, osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine causes pain in the thoracic spine, and osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine can manifest as difficulty bending forward and pain that can sometimes "shoot" in the back. . leg.

Stages of development of osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis is one of the most common diseases of the spine. Its development goes through several stages.

• I.In the first stage, the core of the intervertebral disc loses moisture and becomes less elastic, which leads to a decrease in height and tissue cracking. At this stage, the pain is usually almost invisible, but discomfort may occur during physical activity or unusual posture.
• II.In the second stage of the development of osteochondrosis, the disc tissue begins to flatten and swell, which leads to narrowing of the space between the vertebrae and compression of the spinal nerve roots. The fibrous membrane is destroyed, which leads to poor fluid retention in the disc core. When moving, you can hear characteristic clicks and creaking sounds on the back. At this stage, point pain appears, which intensifies with active movement.
• III.The third stage is characterized by erosion and thinning of the cartilage lining between the discs. At this stage, the symptoms of osteochondrosis are intensely manifested in the form of acute pain. To relieve the pain quickly, you should take anti-neuralgia pain relievers.
• IV.In the last, fourth stage, the destruction of the discs is so severe that the joints become inactive and the space between the vertebrae is filled with bone tissue. Severe dystrophic processes can cause acute pain, as growths damage neighboring tissues and press nerves. A complete loss of mobility of the vertebral joints is possible.

Complications

Let's consider the various complications that can arise with osteochondrosis:

• Disk extension, which occurs when the nucleus pulposus of the disc protrudes beyond the annulus fibrosus. This can lead to pain and dysfunction of the spine.
• Intervertebral hernia- This is an even more serious complication when the disc annulus ruptures and the nucleus pulposus extends beyond it. This can cause severe pain, numbness and paralysis.
• Radiculitis- This is a compressed nerve root, which is accompanied by severe pain symptoms. Radiculitis can lead to sensory loss, numbness and weakness in the lower extremities.
• kyphosisis a deformity of the spine that appears as a bulge in the chest area. This can lead to breathing problems, pain and bad behavior.
• Spinal cord injury– this is the most serious complication of osteochondrosis, which can lead to loss of sensitivity, impaired motor functions and even paralysis.
• Atrophy of the muscles of the lower extremities– this is a decrease in muscle mass, which is accompanied by rapid fatigue and weakness in the legs.
• Leg paralysis– this is a complete loss of the ability to make voluntary movements of the lower limbs, which is a serious complication of osteochondrosis.

Methods for diagnosing osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis is a pathology characterized by a degenerative process in the structures of the spine. Based on clinical studies, we can learn more about how to treat this pathology.

If osteochondrosis is suspected, the doctor performs a comprehensive diagnosis, including the following methods:

• Physical examination.The doctor examines the patient and assesses his general condition, posture and movements. The doctor may also perform a neurological test to determine the presence or absence of sensory and motor problems.
• Hardware examination.For a more accurate diagnosis, various hardware examination methods are used, including radiography, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
• Blood tests.A complete blood count can help identify early signs of osteochondrosis, such as an increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate and low calcium levels. To confirm the diagnosis, biochemical tests can be prescribed that evaluate coagulation parameters, enzyme activity, the content of zinc, cobalt, iron and other components.
• Radiography.During X-ray irradiation, each spine is checked and photographed in direct, lateral and two oblique projections. If necessary, a functional x-ray can be prescribed, which allows you to assess the condition of the spine in different positions.
• Computed tomography (CT).CT is performed after radiography and allows you to more accurately determine the condition of the intervertebral discs. To do this, photographs of one or two segments of the spine are taken.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).MRI is used in addition to CT or in cases where it is necessary to study the condition of blood vessels, nerve processes and intervertebral discs in more detail.

When you see a doctor

Consultation with a doctor is necessary in case of persistent back pain, muscle cramps and decreased sensitivity.

Treatment of osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis is a disease of the spine characterized by degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs. It can lead to back pain, neck pain, headaches and other unpleasant symptoms. Treatment of osteochondrosis can be a long and intensive process of suffering, but modern methods can help relieve pain and improve the quality of life. It can be conservative or surgical, depending on the rate of progression and severity of symptoms. In most cases, strengthening of ligaments and muscles is recommended, as well as the use of medications.

When treating osteochondrosis, it is important to consider the individual characteristics of each patient. Some methods of massage or manual therapy may be undesirable or even dangerous for a particular case. Therefore, it is important to have an individual consultation before starting the treatment.

Procedures and methods for the treatment of osteochondrosis include physiotherapy, gymnastics (physical therapy), wearing an orthopedic pillow or corset, as well as taking muscle relaxants and non-steroidal analgesics.

Movement Therapy

Major countries with a good level of medicine prefer to use movement therapy. These are classical physical therapy, physical therapy exercises in water, swimming, simulator training and computerized hardware complexes. Styles are chosen by the doctor and may vary depending on the individual characteristics of each patient. Swimming can also be beneficial, but requires proper technique to avoid damaging your health.

Treatment of osteochondrosis using manual therapy

Manual therapy can be used in the initial stages. This method helps strengthen the muscle frame and eliminate blockages and pinched nerve roots. However, if the shape of the vertebrae changes and bone spurs form, this type of treatment is not recommended.

Manual therapy, done correctly, can improve the configuration of the spine. Sometimes persistent functional blockages can appear, that is, areas of stiffness in the spine and sacrum that cannot be eliminated with therapeutic exercises.

Modern manual therapy is different from what was used before. Most doctors no longer use the hard techniques that used to be associated with popping, but prefer soft techniques. They are based on knowledge of biomechanics, joint function and the laws of muscle contraction and relaxation. The risk of side effects with these methods is lower and the effectiveness has not changed.

Massage

Massage has many contraindications, so a neurologist must prescribe an individual course of treatment. It is important to choose a competent massage therapist with whom the doctor works. Massage sessions should be performed regularly; usually the doctor prescribes at least 2-3 sessions per week for 1-3 months.

Properly performed medical massage for spinal osteochondrosis:

1. Provides additional stress to muscles and increases their tone;
2. Eliminates lactic acid accumulations and relieves muscle spasms;
3. Improves blood circulation in the affected area and adjacent tissues;
4. It relieves pain.

Only medical massage is suitable for the treatment of osteochondrosis, while Thai massage is dangerous. Most Thai massage therapists use harsh manual therapy techniques and do not pay attention to the physical condition of the patient.

Physiotherapy

Depending on the location and stage, patients may be prescribed the following types of physiotherapy:

• Magnetotherapyis the effect of a constant frequency magnetic field that stimulates a cellular response.
• Electrophoresis for osteochondrosis– this is the effect of an electric field in the tissues, which accelerates blood circulation and activates regeneration processes.
• Laser therapyis a method that stimulates biological processes in nerve fibers and also has an anti-inflammatory, wound healing and analgesic effect.
• Shock wave therapyis a method of influencing a diseased area of the body with acoustic waves, which improves microcirculation and metabolic processes, relieves swelling and pain.

All these methods can be prescribed by the doctor according to the individual needs of the patient and the stage of the disease.

Kinesio taping

Kinesio taping is a safe method that is actively used in sports medicine and is widespread in South Korea.

Kinesio tape is a piece of cotton with heat-melt adhesive that can be used to treat neck, chest, back pain and joint problems. There are special types of therapeutic applications that can be used at home, but when you stick yourself you need to be careful, as complications are possible.

When performing kinesiotaping, restrictions must be taken into account: for women, this is pregnancy and menstruation. Some patients may have an allergic reaction to the patch.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a method in which a doctor inserts special needles into specific areas of the body. This leads to the acceleration of blood circulation, lymphatic circulation and metabolic processes, improving the condition of the spine and the whole body. Acupuncture can be used for osteochondrosis in the initial stages, as well as for severe pain and poor mobility of the vertebrae.

There is also a dry needling technique in which an unmedicated needle is inserted into the spasmodic muscle, usually the piriformis. This method can reduce pain in the back and pelvic area. It is worth noting that acupuncture is also effective in chronic cases.

Hirudotherapy

Hirudotherapy is a method in which medical leeches are used to treat various diseases, including osteochondrosis. Hirudotherapy prevents the growth of blood clots and the formation of blood clots, expands blood vessels, eliminates inflammatory processes and has an analgesic effect. For osteochondrosis, leeches are used to improve blood supply to cells, which in turn stimulates the restoration of damaged intervertebral discs.

Drug treatment

Currently, there is a tendency to reduce the use of medications in the treatment of osteochondrosis. This is because some medications can have serious side effects and negatively affect the patient's health.

Pain in osteochondrosis often occurs against the background of small changes in the spine, and if the doctor chooses the right treatment without drugs, the patient can avoid repeated pain attacks. If you take medications for a long time, the structural changes in the spine may worsen and the pills may no longer work. In addition, drug therapy may be contraindicated in some cases.

An alternative to drug treatment is kinesio taping. This is a method in which special elastic patches are attached to diseased areas of the body. Kinesio Taping is safer and more effective than drug therapy and can be used as a pain reliever.

Reflexology

Reflexology is a method based on proper influence on pain points and reflex zones. It is used to relieve pain and restore the natural load on the back. Reflexology is never used alone, but is usually used in combination with massage to achieve a more significant effect.

The reflexology technique can be used to treat osteochondrosis and other diseases of the spine. Its use helps to eliminate pain and restore the natural load on the spine. In addition, reflexology can be used to improve the general condition of the body and prevent diseases.

Prevention and prognosis of osteochondrosis

Prevention of osteochondrosis is an extremely important issue, as it aims to prevent factors that may contribute to the development of this disease. First of all, this applies to people who have certain risks:

1. Genetic predisposition to spine diseases;
2. Chronic gastrointestinal problems that can lead to malabsorption of nutrients;
3. Diseases related to metabolic disorders;
4. Severe infections suffered in childhood, such as rickets;
5. Spinal cord injuries;
6. Overweight.

However, prevention is also important for people who lead a sedentary lifestyle, experience increased stress on the spine, and for women who plan to become pregnant. For preventive purposes, it is recommended to exercise regularly, watch your weight, avoid injuries and eat a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals. It is also recommended to consult a doctor and undergo regular medical check-ups to detect diseases at an early stage.

Diet for osteochondrosis

One of the important aspects of treating osteochondrosis is proper nutrition. The body must receive the necessary amount of substances for the synthesis of cartilage tissue, so it is recommended to follow a balanced diet.

It is important to eat fresh fruits and vegetables, protein foods, as well as dishes containing mucopolysaccharides - such as fruit jelly, jelly or jelly fish. However, you should avoid fatty, fried and salty foods and limit your intake of sugar and alcohol, as they can contribute to inflammation.

It is recommended to drink more fluids to ensure proper hydration and maintain the health of the intervertebral discs. It is also recommended to consult a doctor or nutritionist to develop an individual diet that takes into account the characteristics of the disease and the individual needs of the patient.

Exercises for osteochondrosis

Exercises for the treatment of spinal osteochondrosis are prescribed by the doctor if there is pain. The set of exercises is selected individually, taking into account the form, degree and stage of the disease. For example, in the initial stage of cervical osteochondrosis, it is recommended:

• perform head animations;
• turn your head right and left;
• draw the numbers 0 to 9 in the air with your chin;
• move your chin back and forth in a horizontal plane.