Osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis– is a degenerative-dystrophic disease that manifests itself with a decrease in the height of the hyaline intervertebral cartilage. Eventually, this leads to disc wear and loss of functionality.

Most often, the disease is diagnosed in people aged 30-35, affecting about 40% of the population under 35-40 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. Insufficient treatment can lead to damage to the nerve roots, damage to the spinal cord and disruption of internal organs. That is why it is very important to seek medical help in a timely manner 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 leading a sedentary lifestyle. This disease develops due to weakening of the back muscles, which leads to disruption of the blood flow and nutrition of the tissues of the spine and intervertebral discs. It can occur 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:

• heredity,
• defective physical development,
• metabolic disease,
• unhealthy diet
• vitamin and mineral deficiency,
• long-term use of drugs,
• Overweight,
• increased load on the spine,
• a sedentary lifestyle, such as working in an office,
• spinal cord injuries
• past infectious diseases and stress.

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

Symptoms and signs of osteochondrosis

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

• Pain in different parts of the body, such as the back, neck or other areas;
• Difficulty moving and restrictions when turning or bending;
• Constant tension and muscle spasms;
• Migraine and vertigo;
• Painful sensations in the region of the heart;
• Muscle hypotonia, reduced muscle tone and strength;
• Numbness of the limbs;
• Pain in arms and legs;
• Seeing spots before the eyes;
• Cooling of limbs;
• Shooting painful sensations.

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

• Loss of consciousness;
• Decreased sensitivity of the limbs;
• Poor blood circulation in the vessels;
• Nerve damage or inflammation;
• Narrowing and clogging of the arteries.

You should pay attention to all changes in the state of your body 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 occur as a result of an injury or heavy physical exertion, which is especially common in athletes. It also manifests itself in the form of bony overgrowth, osteophytes, bulging intervertebral discs and curvature of the spine. Congenital spinal defects can also cause rapid wear of the intervertebral discs. In addition, the following risk factors can lead to the development of osteochondrosis:

• Neuro-emotional exhaustion;
• Physical overexertion 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 strain, can reduce the likelihood of this problem occurring. If you suspect osteochondrosis, consult a doctor to start quick treatment and prevent possible complications.

Classification and stages of development of osteochondrosis

Classification of osteochondrosis

There are different forms of osteochondrosis that can manifest as pain in different parts of the spine.

1. Lumbodynia– this is pain in the lumbar (lumbosacral) part of the back.
2. sciaticamanifests as back pain radiating to the legs.
3. Lumbago- this is lumbar lumbago, with sharp and severe pain in the lower back.
4. thoracalgia- It's chest pain.

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

In addition, the types of osteochondrosis can vary depending on which part of the spine is affected. Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine manifests itself with headaches and difficulty turning the head, osteochondrosis of the chest causes pain in the thoracic spine, and osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine can manifest as difficulty bending forward and pain. which can sometimes "shoot" the leg.

Stages of development of osteochondrosis

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

• IIn the first stage, the core of the intervertebral disc loses moisture and becomes less elastic, which leads to a decrease in its height and cracking of the tissues. At this stage, the pain is usually almost imperceptible, 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 protrude, which leads to a narrowing of the space between the vertebrae and pinching of the roots of the spinal nerves. The fibrous membrane is destroyed, resulting in poor fluid retention in the disc core. When you move, you can hear characteristic clicking and crunching sounds in the spine. At this stage, point pain appears, which increases with active movements.
• III.The third stage is characterized by abrasion and thinning of the cartilage between the discs. At this stage, the symptoms of osteochondrosis manifest themselves intensively in the form of acute pain. For quick pain relief, you should take painkillers for neuralgia.
• IV. In the last, fourth stage, the destruction of the discs is so strong that the joints become inactive, and the space between the vertebrae is overgrown with bone tissue. Severe dystrophic processes can cause acute pain, as growths injure neighboring tissues and press on nerves. A complete loss of mobility of the spinal joints is possible.

Complications

Let's look at the various complications that can occur with osteochondrosis:

• Disc protrusion, which occurs when the nucleus pulposus of the disc protrudes outside 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 protrudes. This can cause severe pain, reduced sensation and paralysis.
• Radiculitis- This is a pinched nerve root, which is accompanied by severe pain symptoms. Sciatica can cause numbness, tingling, and weakness in the lower extremities.
• kyphosisis a spinal deformity that manifests itself as a bulge in the chest area. This can lead to breathing problems, pain and poor posture.
• Spinal cord stroke– this is the most serious complication of osteochondrosis, which can lead to loss of sensitivity, impaired motor function and even paralysis.
• Muscular atrophy of the lower limbs– this is a decrease in muscle mass, which is accompanied by rapid fatigue and weakness in the legs.
• Paralysis of the legs– this is a complete loss of the ability to make voluntary movements of the lower limbs, which is a serious complication of osteochondrosis.

Methods of diagnosing osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis is a pathology that is characterized by degenerative processes 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 conducts 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 review.For a more accurate diagnosis, various hardware research methods are used, including radiography, computed tomography (CT) and nuclear magnetic resonance (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 the X-ray, each spine is checked and pictures are taken in straight, lateral and two oblique projections. If necessary, functional radiography 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 are taken of one or two segments of the spine.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).MRI is used as a supplement to CT or in cases where it is necessary to examine the condition of blood vessels, nerve processes and intervertebral discs in more detail.

When to see a doctor

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

Treatment of osteochondrosis

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

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

Leading countries with a good level of medicine prefer to use movement therapy. These are classical physiotherapy, physiotherapy exercises in water, swimming, simulator training and computerized apparatus complexes. Styles are chosen by the doctor and may vary depending on the individual characteristics of each patient. Swimming can also be beneficial, but it requires proper technique so as not to harm your health.

Treatment of osteochondrosis by manual therapy

Manual therapy can be used in the initial stages. This method helps to strengthen the muscle framework and remove 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 permanent functional blockages can occur, i. e. 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 hard crunching techniques and 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 the 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 held regularly, usually the doctor prescribes at least 2-3 sessions per week for 1-3 months.

Correctly performed medical massage for spinal osteochondrosis:

1. Provides additional muscle load and increases their tone;
2. Dispels lactic acid accumulations and relieves muscle spasms;
3. Improves blood circulation in the affected area and adjacent tissues;
4. It relieves the 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 patient's physical condition.

Physiotherapy

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

• 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 on the tissue, 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 pain-relieving effect.
• Shock wave therapyis a method of affecting the 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 a 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 cotton patch with a hot 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 applying yourself, you must be careful, as complications are possible.

When performing kinesio taping, restrictions should be taken into account: for women, it 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 certain areas of the body. This leads to acceleration of blood circulation, lymph circulation and metabolic processes, improving the condition of the spine and the whole organism. Acupuncture can be used for osteochondrosis in the initial stage, as well as for severe pain and poor mobility of the vertebrae.

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

Hirudotherapy

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

Medication treatment

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

Pain in osteochondrosis often appears against the background of minor changes in the spine, and if the doctor chooses the right treatment without drugs, the patient can avoid repeated attacks of pain. If you take medication 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.

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

Reflexology

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

The technique of reflexology 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 to prevent diseases.

Prevention and prognosis of osteochondrosis

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

1. Genetic predisposition to spinal diseases;
2. Chronic gastrointestinal problems that can lead to malabsorption of nutrients;
3. Diseases associated with metabolic disorders;
4. Severe childhood infections such as rickets;
5. Injuries of the spine;
6. Overweight.

But prevention is also important for people who lead a sedentary lifestyle, experience an increased load on the spine, as well as for women who are planning pregnancy. For prevention purposes, it is recommended to exercise regularly, monitor 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 examinations to detect diseases at an early stage.

Diet for osteochondrosis

One of the important aspects in the treatment of osteochondrosis is proper nutrition. The body must receive the necessary amount of substances for the synthesis of cartilage tissue, therefore 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 jellies, jelly or jellied fish. However, you should avoid fatty, fried and salty foods and limit your intake of sugar and alcohol, as these 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 osteochondrosis of the spine are prescribed by a doctor if there is pain. The complex 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 tilts;
• turn your head to the right and left;
• draw numbers 0 to 9 in the air with your chin;
• move the chin forward and backward in a horizontal plane.