Osteochondritis of the spine

Osteochondrosis is a disease characterized by degenerative changes in the cartilage tissue of the spine. Lack of adequate therapy leads to structural violations and dysfunction of the intervertebral disc, deformation of the spinal space. Depending on the location of the pathological process, there are the following types of osteochondrosis: cervical, thoracic, lumbar. As statistics show, the disease is observed in more than half of the world’s population in people over 35 years of age. The main reason for its development is injury, systematic uneven load on the spine and legs.

What is this

Talking about what is osteochondrosis, it is necessary to say that the disease causes a violation of the structure of the intervertebral disc tissue itself, reduces its elasticity and changes its shape. At the same time, there is a decrease in the distance between them, which eventually leads to a loss of spinal stability.

As a result of the contraction of the intervertebral space, the nerve endings coming from the spinal cord are pinched. This causes an increase in muscle tone and pain.

Decreased elasticity leads to the formation of an intervertebral hernia and the development of protrusion (a disease in which the vertebrae begin to bulge into the spinal canal without rupture of the fibrous annulus). And if the treatment is done incorrectly or not present at all, then this will involve deterioration of the spinal joints and ligaments with further formation of osteophytes (bone processes).

The development of osteochondrosis leads to a violation of motor function. The person begins to be bothered by persistent pain in the area of pathological focus, which increases during flexion / extension of the back. There is a high probability of subluxation, back curvature.

As a rule, the first symptoms of the disease appear in people during the period of physiological aging of the body. But there are situations when the pathology begins to develop earlier. And the reason for this is often the wrong way of life.

In medicine, there is also such a thing as chondrosis, and it has the same symptoms and etiology. What is the difference between chondrosis and osteochondrosis? It's easy. Chondrosis is an early stage in the development of osteochondrosis, when the process of replacing damaged tissue with fibrosis and the formation of osteophytes has not yet begun in the spinal column. When there is a clear deformation of the spine and the formation of new processes, we talk about osteochondrosis.

Provoking factors

What is chondrosis and osteochondrosis - think. Now we have to talk about the reasons for their development. After all, if you do not eliminate it, the treatment of the disease will not allow to achieve positive dynamics. As mentioned earlier, the main reason for the onset of pathology is an uneven load on the spine. It can be provoked by:

• carrying a heavy bag on one shoulder or in one hand;
• incorrect posture while sitting;
• sleep on a soft mattress, high pillows;
• wearing uncomfortable and anatomically incorrect shoes.

And even spinal osteochondrosis can develop against the background of:

• hypodynamia (accompanied by impaired blood circulation, decreased muscle tone, shortness of breath);
• passive lifestyle;
• obesiti;
• injuries (fractures, sprains, bruises);
• Flat feet;
• other degenerative diseases that lead to poor circulation in the spine.

Highlighting the causes of spinal osteochondrosis, it should also be noted:

• frequent physical stress;
• neuro-emotional exhaustion;
• metabolic disorders;
• intoxication (drugs, chemicals);
• pathology of the digestive tract;
• genetic predisposition;
• scoliosis;
• hypovitaminosis;
• pregnancy;
• smoking;
• drinking alcoholic beverages;
• prolonged / frequent dehydration.

There are many reasons for the development of posterior osteochondrosis. Often, its occurrence occurs immediately against the background of the influence of several factors (for example, trauma, passive lifestyle, smoking, prolonged stay in the wrong posture). It can be established only through a thorough diagnosis, anamnestic study.

Developmental stage

Before talking about what to do if chondrosis begins to develop, it is also necessary to say about the stage of its development, because not only the severity of symptoms, but also the tactics of treatment directly depend on them. There are 4 degrees in total:

• First stage. At this stage, pathological processes occur in the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc. Dehydration (dehydration) is noted in it, which eventually contributes to the decrease in its height and the formation of cracks on the fibrous annulus. There is no picture of symptoms at this stage of the disease. A person may only feel a slight discomfort in the back after doing vigorous physical exercise, being in an uncomfortable position for a long time, etc.
• The second level. It is accompanied by a decrease in the intervertebral space, sagging of the muscles and ligaments of the vertebrae. Such changes lead to increased mobility of the vertebrae. And any provoking factor can cause them to shift or slip. As for symptoms, at this stage, the patient is already experiencing discomfort and back pain that occurs with a certain type of load, post.
• The third level. It is characterized by the appearance of prolapse and protrusions, subluxations, arthrosis of the intervertebral joints. At this stage, the disease often causes stiffness of movement, tingling sensation in the pathological area and numbness. Pain syndrome has a clear character, it occurs periodically even at rest, in the absence of heavy loads.
• Level four. At this stage, the body tries to adapt to the disturbances that arise. His job is to do everything possible to improve the fixation of the spine. To do this, he begins to form osteophytes - bone formations that replace voids in the spinal space. However, in this way the body not only helps itself, but also harms. After all, osteophytes lead to pinched nerves, injuries to healthy vertebrae. And this is the reason for the development of fibrous ankylosis of the joints and intervertebral discs (an increase in the amount of fibrous tissue with a simultaneous combination with the remnants of cartilage). If a person has microtrauma and violation at the same time, then the severity of the pain syndrome increases. In their absence, the clinical picture diminishes.

symptoms

Talking about what osteochondrosis is and how to get rid of it, one cannot help but talk about the symptoms that it can manifest. The main sign of its development is the presence of discomfort or pain in the neck, thoracic area, and lower back. The severity of the sensation directly depends on the stage of development of the disease.

Visual examination of the patient reveals the curvature of the spinal column in the transverse or longitudinal plane. Often they are observed in the lower back or neck, less frequently in the thoracic area.

If we talk about the feelings of the patient himself, then among them there is periodic or persistent fatigue in the back area, as well as pain, which can be worn and pronounced, depending on the severity of the pathological process. It can be localized in:

• neck,
• shoulder belts;
• dada;
• lumbar region;
• perineum.

In this case, stiffness of movement is possible, which makes it difficult to perform household chores. It most often occurs in the upper limbs. The description of the symptoms can be supplemented with other symptoms. It all depends on the location of the focus, severity, and characteristics of the organism. If the patient has disc displacement, protrusion, hernia, osteophytes, then this often leads to impaired blood circulation, spinal canal dysfunction, edema, fibrosis, pinching. All this gives rise to the appearance of symptoms that can complicate the diagnosis and lead to a misdiagnosis.

Talking about how osteochondrosis manifests itself, it is necessary to highlight the most common symptoms that patients complain of. This includes:

• pain arising in the neck, lumbar, shoulder girdle, ribs;
• stiffness of movement, discomfort in the morning after waking up, when bending, twisting;
• numbness in the arms, legs, neck;
• discomfort in the joints and muscles of the back;
• frequent dizziness, migraines;
• rapid fatigue;
• heartache;
• violation of upper limb sensitivity;
• reduces muscle tone.

The signs of osteochondrosis directly depend on the location of the pathological focus:

• Cervical department. In this case, the pain is localized in the neck, arms, shoulder girdle. He can give to the shoulder blades and shoulders. Cervical osteochondrosis can also manifest itself as headaches, tinnitus, "goose bumps" in front of the eyes, and dizziness.
• Chest part. With this pathology, pain occurs in the chest. Can be given to the upper part of the shoulder, armpit. It often causes discomfort and pain in the heart area. It can trigger damage to the respiratory system, shortness of breath.
• Lumbosacral region. Pain syndrome dominates the lumbar spine. It also manifests itself as discomfort in the legs, hips, and pelvic organs. Often causes sexual dysfunction.

Any discomfort in the spine is a serious reason to see a doctor.

The presence of symptoms such as back fatigue, pain can also indicate not only the onset of the disease in question, but also the addition of other diseases that have nothing to do with dystrophic changes in the intervertebral disc. The diagnosis of osteochondrosis or chondrosis can only be made by an experienced physician after a thorough diagnosis.

Diagnostics

What causes osteochondrosis and how it can manifest, we talk. But I must say that it will not work to make a correct diagnosis based solely on visual examination and the patient’s own feelings. To do this, you must take a thorough exam, which must include:

• X-ray of the cervical, thoracic or lumbar spine (depending on the area of discomfort);
• myelography;
• neurological examination of sensitivity, reflexes.

Because additional diagnostic methods are used:

• CT;
• MRI;
• NMR.

To exclude the presence of inflammatory or infectious diseases, laboratory tests are also prescribed:

• OAM;
• UAC;
• blood chemistry.

If necessary, expert consultations with a narrower profile are appointed.

Methods of treatment

Unlike chondrosis, with osteochondrosis in the ridge area, a chronic process occurs, which cannot be eliminated by conservative methods. But this does not mean that there is no need to fight it. Lack of adequate therapy can lead to serious consequences - the spine is deformed, fibrous tissue will appear in place of the bone structure, which is unable to perform the necessary functions, the person will become disabled.

Conservative therapy

What to do with osteochondrosis, the doctor will tell you. As a rule, with such diseases, the following methods are used:

• Drug therapy. In this case, the drug is used to relieve painful sensations, relieve inflammation and restore metabolism. If the patient is experiencing severe pain, medication restrictions are used, which, in addition to the analgesic effect, help reduce the severity of the muscle-tonic syndrome. There are the following types of blockages used in osteochondrosis: trigger point blockade, intraosseous, facet, paravertebral, epidural.
• Physiotherapy activities. They are also used to reduce pain and increase the effectiveness of medications. Often, for osteochondrosis, ultrasound therapy, magnetic fields, low frequency currents, laser beams, etc. are used.
• Physiotherapy and kinesotherapy. All patients, without exception, were prescribed exercise therapy. It is carried out under expert supervision. Provides posture correction, improves muscle tone, relieves nervous tension. Systematic fulfillment of special exercises also helps to increase the gap between the discs, to distribute the load uniformly on the musculoskeletal system.
• massage. Manual massage helps normalize blood circulation, relieves muscle spasms and clamps. If the patient suffers from nervous system disorders, hydromassage is prescribed.
• Manual therapy. It is selected individually for each patient. Provides normalization of lymph outflow, blood circulation, metabolism, spinal mobility. Prevents the development of complications, strengthens the immune system.
• Spinal traction. This method involves stretching the spine using special equipment. Therefore, it is possible to achieve an increase in intervertebral space and reduce the manifestations of osteochondrosis.

Surgical treatment

If conservative treatment does not help eliminate the signs of osteochondrosis and does not provide any positive dynamics at all, they resort to surgical intervention. The instructions for it are:

• cauda equina syndrome, which develops in the presence of a massive hernia;
• spinal canal stenosis with compression of the brain and neurovascular bundles;
• combination of osteochondrosis with significant spondylolisthesis with severe segmental instability;
• root compression at the level of the L5 lumbar segment;
• cervical osteochondrosis, which occurs with discogenic syndrome of the vertebral arteries.

Treatment of osteochondrosis through surgery can be carried out in several ways:

• Laminotomy. This type of surgery involves the removal of fragments of bone structure and yellow ligaments.
• Laminectomy. During that time, most of the spinal cord that limits the spinal canal is removed.
• Foraminotamia. The purpose of the operation is to develop a radicular channel.
• Disketomy. In this operation, partial or complete removal of the intervertebral disc is performed.
• Disc core laser vaporization. It is carried out with the participation of special LEDs, which ensure the partial destruction of the disc, which leads to the reverse development of the hernia.

How to get rid of osteochondrosis, only a doctor decides. It is necessary to understand that each case is individual, and the choice of one or another method of surgical intervention depends on the location of the pathology, its severity, the patient has other diseases.

Traditional methods

At home, you can treat diseases of the spine. But this should be done only in cases where there are still symptoms of chondrosis (early stage of disease development) and after initial consultation with a doctor.

Talking about what helps with chondrosis, the following alternative medicine recipes should be highlighted:

1. You need to take 1 kg of coarse salt, mix it with 3 tbsp. l. dry mustard, add 100 ml of water, mix everything thoroughly. The resulting porridge must be placed on low heat and heated to a temperature of 50 degrees. The mixture is applied to the painful area, a film is placed on it, then a warm handkerchief. With such a compress, the patient should lie down until it has completely cooled. After the procedure, it is necessary to remain warm for another 2 hours.
2. Pour 1. 5 liters of water into the pot, add 3 handfuls of sawdust there and let the resulting mixture boil, then strain. Board dust is laid on a plastic wrap, which was previously covered with a sheet on the bed. Gauze napkins were placed on the board dust, after which they lay on it, and covered it with a warm blanket over it. Therefore, lie down for 30 to 40 minutes.
3. Take 200 g of cinquefoil root, 100 Potentilla root, 100 g of elecampane. Herbs are placed in a 3 -liter jar, filled with vodka. The resulting composition is placed in a dark place for 3 weeks, and then filtered. Take 3 times daily before meals, 1 tbsp. l. throughout the month. Then rest for 10 days and repeat the course.

It is difficult to treat osteochondrosis. It is difficult to respond to conservative methods of therapy. But if you combine it with proper nutrition, home treatment, exercise therapy and all the recommendations of the doctor, then the patient has every chance to get rid of the pain that afflicts him and prevent the development of complications.