osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis is the cause of acute back pain in 67% of all cases. Lack of timely consultation with a doctor, consultation and treatment can lead to consequences such as disruption of the functioning of internal organs, damage to the spinal cord and damage to the nerve roots of the spine. What is osteochondrosis, what types of treatment are there for patients and how is the disease diagnosed? Keep reading.

What is osteochondrosis?

Osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disease that leads to thinning of the intervertebral cartilage. The hyaline cartilage and intervertebral discs begin to "wear out", losing their ability to function fully.

Reference.In most cases, spinal osteochondrosis is diagnosed in people over 25 years of age. According to the WHO, in 2021, 43% of the population between 25 and 40 years old suffers from osteochondrosis and more than 92% of the elderly. The onset and exacerbation of the disease may be due to unfavorable environmental factors.

Types of osteochondrosis

Each part of the spine is subject to degeneration processes. Among the types of osteochondrosis of the spine, 3 main ones can be distinguished: cervical, thoracic and lumbar (due to the large load, it is more common than others).

1. Lumbar osteochondrosis.The lumbar region consists of 5 vertebrae that are subject to deformation due to the negative impact of external and internal factors. When nutritional and metabolic processes in the intervertebral discs are disturbed, pain occurs caused by the loss of elasticity and thinning of the cartilage tissue.
2. Cervical osteochondrosis.The cervical spine consists of 7 vertebrae that are regularly exposed to stress. Pathological processes are activated when the body's metabolic processes fail.
3. Thoracic osteochondrosis.The thoracic region consists of 12 vertebrae. This type of osteochondrosis is the least common. The thoracic vertebrae are inactive. People who lead a passive lifestyle and regularly lift heavy objects are susceptible to the disease.

Causes of osteochondrosis

The number of people suffering from osteochondrosis is growing rapidly every year. This is due to the fact that people spend most of their time standing, which provides the maximum load on the intervertebral discs.

Important!With age or due to heavy loads, the discs and cartilage become deformed. Fissures and hernias may appear. As a result, compressed nerve roots, thinned discs, pathological processes in the spinal cord, muscle spasms and progressive pain.

The risk group includes: office workers, builders, hairdressers, salespeople, drivers. Both men and women are equally susceptible to the onset of osteochondrosis.

Factors provoking osteochondrosis include:

• presence of osteochondrosis in family history;
• overweight, obesity;
• passive lifestyle;
• flatfoot.

Impaired depreciation of the column and its deformation may be due to the following factors:

1. Self-neglect (complete lack of physical activity or excessive exercise).
2. Lack of awareness about correct postures to reduce stress on the spine.
3. Constant work that involves lifting/moving heavy objects.
4. Injuries.

Osteochondrosis: 4 stages of the development of the disease.

There are 4 stages of development of spinal osteochondrosis:

1. First stage– There are no clear symptoms by which the disease can be diagnosed. Back pain occasionally appears, often after physical exertion or excessive exertion. Osteochondrosis at an early stage can be detected during a preventive examination or during a CT or X-ray examination.
2. Second stage.The next stage is characterized by moderate pain. The cartilage tissue begins to deform and the distance between the spinal discs decreases. When consulting a doctor, drug therapy (to reduce pain) and physiotherapy are prescribed.
3. Third stage– the spine becomes deformed, fibrous areas and hernias appear, the pain intensifies and becomes more pronounced and frequent. At this stage, everything depends on the existing symptoms. The doctor will help determine the patient's treatment method (conservative or surgical).
4. Fourth stage– irreversible deformation of spinal function. It is almost impossible for the patient to move independently. The pain is sharp, constant and increases with any physical activity. Pathological bone tissue fills the intervertebral space, the patient becomes disabled.

Symptoms of osteochondrosis

As mentioned above, there are 3 types of osteochondrosis and each of them is characterized by individual manifestations. Let's look at all the symptoms in more depth.

Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis.

How to understand that you have lumbar osteochondrosis? You can notice characteristic symptoms:

• rigidity of movements;
• Pain in the pelvis, sacrum, lower back and lower extremities, which becomes more intense with exercise or movement. The nature of pain is aching, dull, sharp;
• pathological processes of the genitourinary system (problems with defecation and urination);
• weakness in the legs;
• impairment/lack of sensitivity.

Important!Self-medication is strictly prohibited. When lumbar osteochondrosis is detected, diagnosis and effective treatment are mandatory. The consequences of lack of therapy are hernias, bulges, paralysis of the lower extremities.

Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis.

How to understand that you have cervical osteochondrosis? One or more symptoms may occur:

• Frequent headaches;
• numbness of the upper and lower extremities;
• severe cracking in the cervical spine during physical activity;
• "spots", spots in the eyes, that become cloudy and dark;
• burning sensation and discomfort in the heart area;
• the appearance of tinnitus, hearing loss;
• dizziness without cause;
• pain in the shoulders, neck, arms.

Important!Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is considered one of the most dangerous for humans, as it complicates the process of saturation of the brain with blood. If left untreated, lumps and then hernias appear. Surgical intervention for cervical osteochondrosis has a high risk of paralysis of the body. If symptoms appear, contact only qualified specialists.

Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis.

How to understand that you have thoracic osteochondrosis? Only a doctor (neurologist) can diagnose the disease, but the patient can assume the presence of osteochondrosis based on characteristic signs:

• discomfort, localized burning sensation in the chest;
• the appearance of pain when raising arms, pain in the shoulder blades;
• dizziness and sudden loss of consciousness occur;
• chest pain.

Reference.During the transition of the disease to the acute phase, dorsago (shortness of breath, sharp/stiff pain in the chest, "lumbago") and backgia (the pain can be episodic or constant, acute/severing in nature) may appear.

Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is difficult to diagnose. The disease is often confused with angina, heart attack or inflammatory processes in the lungs.

Diagnosis of spinal osteochondrosis.

Visiting a doctor begins a medical history and physical examination of the musculoskeletal system.
patient device. The specialist will check the integrity of the reflexes and the level of sensitivity of the painful areas. Blood tests and other laboratory tests are then ordered. To clarify the diagnosis, the neurologist prescribes one or more types of diagnostic imaging:

1. Ultrasound of the vertebral arteries.
2. X-ray of the entire spine or certain areas (cervical, thoracic, lumbar).
3. Computed tomography of the spine helps to identify the presence of degenerative processes, displacements, deformations of the spine and its structures.
4. MRI of the spine - identifies soft tissue pathologies, helps scan the spinal cord and intervertebral discs.

Treatment of osteochondrosis

How to treat osteochondrosis is determined by the treating doctor, depending on the type of disease, the severity of symptoms and the degree of pathological changes. As therapeutic therapy, you can use: physiotherapy, drug treatment, classes with a chiropractor, therapeutic massage, physiotherapy or surgical intervention (in the absence of positive dynamics from other treatment methods or at an advanced stage).

Pharmacological treatment of osteochondrosis.

When prescribing medical drug therapy, the doctor can use several groups of drugs at once:

• NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) - to relieve the symptoms of osteochondrosis, relieve pain and reduce inflammation. It can be used in the form of tablets or injections (in severe cases). The duration of the treatment course is 7 to 14 days;
• chondroprotectors – to strengthen the intervertebral discs and cartilaginous tissue;
• B vitamins;
• vascular drugs - to improve blood supply to the spine;
• glucocorticosteroids – used as injections into the affected area (for severe forms of the disease);
• Muscle relaxants: to relax muscles, relieve pain and inflammation.

Massage for osteochondrosis.

A massage course for osteochondrosis should be carried out once every six months. Therapeutic massage eliminates tension, relieves tension and improves blood circulation in the affected area. Only a doctor can tell about the feasibility of prescribing a massage, a prerequisite is the remission of the disease.

Traction (spinal traction)

Artificial spinal traction is performed only under the supervision of medical personnel, using special equipment. High-quality traction allows you to evenly distribute the vertebrae in the spine. Pain, pinching and inflammation are reduced.

Manual therapy

Manual therapy for spinal osteochondrosis is used to correct the curvature. The specialist applies a specific effect on the patient's musculoskeletal system. After therapy, blood and lymph circulation improves, stiffness disappears, and mobility appears.

Physiotherapeutic treatment of osteochondrosis.

It is practiced only during the period of remission of the disease, in the acute phase this method of treatment is prohibited. Physiotherapy is used as auxiliary therapy, along with drug treatment. To reduce the symptoms of osteochondrosis, specialists use laser, magnets and current (low frequency).

Acupuncture

The basis of acupuncture is the correct action on reflex zones and painful points. The therapy is prescribed only in conjunction with a therapeutic massage to increase effectiveness. The therapy restores the possibility of a natural load on the spine without pain.

Exercise therapy for osteochondrosis.

Physiotherapy is effective for all types of osteochondrosis and can be prescribed to patients of any age category. The doctor prescribes the type of exercises and the duration of their execution. Moderate physical activity helps to strengthen the back muscles, increase the mobility and flexibility of the spine, and improve the patient's condition.

The patient can be prescribed the following types of classes: kinesitherapy, therapeutic swimming, health path, mechanotherapy.

Important!Physiotherapy classes are contraindicated during periods of exacerbation of osteochondrosis!

Surgical treatment of osteochondrosis.

For spinal osteochondrosis, surgery is rarely prescribed as the only treatment option. The human spine has a complex structure with many vertebrae and nerve endings that influence the coordinated functioning of the entire body. With surgery there is a high risk of complications, so it is prescribed only in the most difficult cases or in the absence of improvement with other treatment methods.

Prevention of spinal osteochondrosis.

Prevention is the best way to reduce the risk of developing osteochondrosis and achieve remission of existing spinal disease. The main thing to remember when doing preventive exercises is that they should be regular and only during the period of remission.

It is best to perform a gymnastic series of simple exercises at the same time. To avoid forgetting them, set a reminder on your phone or include them in your morning hygiene rituals.

1. Rest your forehead on your palm, tense your neck muscles. Execution: 3 series of 5-7 seconds. Then repeat the same with the back of your head and palm.
2. The position of the shoulders is level, the head is straight. Slowly tilt your head as far as possible to the right and then to the left. Perform 5 times (slowly).
3. Slowly tilt your head back a little. Tighten your neck muscles and gradually move your chin toward your chest. Do it 5 to 7 times.
4. Place your left palm near the left temporal area (then the right palm and right temple). Apply pressure to the palm of your hand, tensing your neck muscles. Execution: 3 times for 10 seconds.

Important!Don't rush when doing the exercises. It is also prohibited to perform circular movements with the head due to the high risk of injury and pinching of nerve endings.

The second series of preventive exercises against osteochondrosis can be performed at any time (especially after work or excessive exertion), but also regularly:

1. Stand straight, feet together and arms relaxed, breathe deeply. Raise your arms, exhale. Zoom – 6-8 times.
2. Lie face down, arms along your body, relaxed. Lean up, rest your hands, try to lift your head and feet. Remain in this position for 5 seconds. Go back to the starting position. Repeat – 5-7 times.
3. Sit in a chair. Place your hands behind your head (take a deep breath), lean back 4-5 times so that your shoulder blades touch the back of the chair (exhale). Repeat – 5-7 times.
4. Stand up, lean back and breathe deeply. Relax your arms, lean forward, slowly lower your head and shoulders and exhale. Zoom – 10 times.
5. Get on all fours. Address directly. Arch your back and stay in this position for 3-4 seconds. Return to starting position, repeat 5-7 times.

How to stand, lie down and sit with osteochondrosis?

Knowledge of correct postures that help evenly distribute the load throughout the spine is necessary not only for patients suffering from osteochondrosis, but for all people. By following simple rules, you will notice a significant improvement in your general condition and a reduction in the load on your back. Additionally, it can protect your spine from many diseases with serious and painful symptoms.

How to sit correctly?

We learn to sit loosely, without causing the risk of spinal deformation and development of osteochondrosis:

• Criteria for choosing a chair/chair: seat depth level - 2/3 of the length of the hips, the seat height level should be equal to the length of the lower leg. This way your feet will rest on the floor. Small people need to place a small step or bench under their feet;
• Pay attention to the depth of the desktop. It should be such that the legs do not have to be kept to the sides or strongly bent;
• When working for a long time sitting, take a break every 20 minutes. Change the position of your legs, walk, do light gymnastics;
• Get behind the wheel with minimal stress. Your back should rest against the seat; A small pillow or cushion placed between the chair and your lower back will help with this. If possible, get out of the car every 25-30 minutes to warm up;
• Heavily upholstered furniture is not good furniture for everyday use. For a uniform load on the spine, it is necessary to support the body on the ischial tuberosities, which is only possible while sitting on a surface of medium hardness;
• Your back should always touch the back of your chair/work chair. Try to sit upright, avoiding strong neck bends;
• Do not sit or lie in one position for a long time.

How to stand correctly?

If a person remains in one position for a long time, a strong load is placed on the lumbar region (and the entire spine), which has a negative effect on it. To avoid putting too much pressure on the spine and increasing the risk of deformation, follow simple rules:

• do not stay in one position for more than 10 minutes, change the position of your legs and arms;
• relieve tension in the neck: tilt your head to the right and left, stretch your arms forward, bend your back back and forth, relax your back and lower back;
• when lifting something from the floor, squat down, bend your knees or squat down, find a point of support for your hands;
• move, walk short distances so as not to stay still;
• try not to bend over too much (back, head) during household chores (cleaning, ironing, cooking). When cleaning low or hard-to-reach surfaces, kneel.

How to go to bed?

The ideal choice as a sleeping surface is a bed with a medium-firm mattress (ideally an orthopedic one that preserves the physiological curves of the spine). The bed should not be made of wood or too soft.

How to lie down correctly if you have severe pain?

• back pain - lie on your stomach and place a small pillow under your lower back (so as not to increase the pain when bending over);
• leg pain: place a cushion (made of a towel or blanket) under your knees. The pain syndrome will gradually decrease;
• Neck pain: Place your hand under your head or a cushion under your neck.

How to get out of bed in the morning during an attack of osteochondrosis?

• do a brief warm-up of the upper and lower extremities;
• change your position;
• moving from a lying position to a sitting one, holding the leg with hands bent at the knee;
• lower your legs to the ground one by one;
• Get up gradually, any sudden movement can increase the pain.

How to lift and move weights correctly?

Incorrectly lifting and carrying heavy objects is one of the most common causes of hernias, osteochondrosis and protrusions. Sharp lifting of weights leads to a sudden "shoot" in different parts of the spine and the appearance of acute pain that will persist for a long time. It is also prohibited to twist your body when carrying heavy objects.

How to lift a heavy object?

1. Wear a wide belt.
2. Squatting. Keep your neck and back straight.
3. Secure the object with both hands, stand up slowly and keep your back straight.

How to move a heavy object?

• distribute the load evenly in both hands, do not carry everything in one;
• with diagnosed osteochondrosis, it is not recommended to lift weights of more than 15 kg;
• buy a backpack (an important condition is an orthopedic back and wide straps). The advantages of using a backpack are a uniform load on the spine + free hands;
• Do not lean forward or backward suddenly.

Conclusion

Osteochondrosis of the spine most often develops between the ages of 25 and 40. The risk group for morbidity includes people with a passive lifestyle, those who spend most of their time standing or in incorrect positions, with a large load on the spine. Osteochondrosis can be cured with conservative methods, provided that a specialist is consulted in a timely manner. In advanced cases, surgical intervention is used. Self-medication is contraindicated.

Regular preventive exercises will help reduce the symptoms of osteochondrosis and maintain the functionality of the spine, protecting it from deformation. If he neglects his health, the patient may delay visiting the doctor until hernias, paralysis and disability occur.