Types, symptoms and treatment of osteochondrosis of the back

The musculoskeletal system is the most important part of our body.Back pain often causes the need to see a doctor.

The cause of regular back pain, stiffness of movements and muscle spasms is osteochondrosis of the back, a disease of osteochondrosis tissues, as well as the musculoskeletal system, caused by various factors affecting the body.

Osteochondrosis of the back is a problem that many people face.

Etiology and pathogenesis of osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis of the back manifests itself gradually, affecting all new areas of the spine in a latent form.First, changes occur in the structure of the cartilaginous discs of the vertebrae: they lose elasticity, the space between the vertebrae decreases, and the nerve endings of the spinal cord are pinched.

The patient begins to experience back pain.Subsequently, changes overcome the smallest elements of the spinal structure, degenerative growths of bone tissue develop that impede the mobility of the spine, healthy cartilage cells are destroyed, and the disease affects bones and ligaments.As a side effect, the deformation of the vertebrae causes an increased load on organs and arteries.This is due to the specifics of the blood supply: the displacement of the spinal segments causes compression of the vertebral artery and is ultimately the cause of a serious disruption of blood flow in the central nervous system.

The main problem that causes disruption of the formation of the spine and the process of osteochondrosis is nutritional deficiency and decreased blood supply to the tissues of the bone structure.The reasons for development are many factors of external, internal influence and human behavioral processes.

Endogenous (internal) causes include:

• genetic factors of inheritance;
• violation of the metabolism of microelements (phosphorus and calcium);
• characteristics of cartilaginous tissue;
• age-related changes in the body;
• excess weight;
• orthopedic diseases.

As a result of exogenous (external) and lifestyle causes, osteochondrosis develops due to:

• low level of physical development of the spinal muscles;
• spinal injuries;
• poor posture, scoliosis;
• systematic incorrect or uncomfortable posture;
• unbalanced nutritional menu, consumption of fatty junk food;
• irregular physical activity, back overload;
• bad habits;
• constant stress.

A latent form of osteochondrosis can manifest itself with sudden heavy lifting, jumping or falling, which will cause microtrauma of the spinal disc and pinching of the nerve root.

This is when the patient may first feel a sharp, stabbing pain.Subsequently, the pain syndrome returns again and again with varying intensity.Affected cells in the nerve trunks signal the need for urgent medical intervention.

Classification of the disease, main stages

In medicine, osteochondrosis is classified according to the affected area of the spine:

• cervical;
• Chest;
• lumbar and sacral region.

Osteochondrosis of the back is classified according to the affected area.

Main stages of the development of the disease:

1. The beginning of the development of osteochondrosis: microcracks form in the fibrous ring, moisture is lost from the bone and cartilaginous tissue.The phase is manifested by mild discomfort in one of the areas of the spine after physical activity or an uncomfortable position of the body.
2. The first attacks of pain are felt.In the second stage, the discs undergo protrusion, the intervertebral space of the discs decreases, the fibrous capsule is destroyed, and the nerve roots are pinched.Pain signals the process of breakdown of metabolic cartilage tissue and its destruction.Ignoring the second stage of osteochondrosis becomes an impetus to inflammation of the cartilage and, as a result, pinching of nerve fibers, blood and lymph vessels.
3. In the third stage of the disease, the affected vertebrae are deformed and the cartilaginous tissue wears away.With appropriate active treatment it is possible to stop further destruction of cartilage cells and curvature of the spine.But in the future, therapy and supportive care will become constant companions of the patient during normal physical activity.
4. Advanced osteochondrosis, which has passed to the last fourth stage of development, often becomes the cause of disability.All destructive processes are irreversible: significant displacement of the vertebral structure, compaction of cartilaginous tissue, pathological growth of bone tissue.The patient feels acute, sometimes unbearable, pain with every movement.

Symptoms

Signs of the development of joint osteochondrosis are easily confused with other diseases with similar symptoms.In addition, the symptoms of manifestation of a particular sector of the vertebral structure have characteristic features.

The main symptoms of osteochondrosis include:

• stiffness during movement, cracking, creaking, or heaviness;
• pain in the area of localization of the inflammation (cervical, thoracic or lumbar) of varying intensity and character;
• numbness of the limbs;
• muscle weakness, reduced performance;
• painful attacks that radiate along nerve channels to related parts of the body (shoulder, scapula, leg).

Cervical osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis of the cervical sector is expressed in the following disorders:

• pain in the neck or back of the head;
• dizziness;
• tinnitus, hearing and vision disorders;
• neck sluggishness after sleeping or maintaining the same position for a long time;
• painful sensations when turning the head.

With cervical osteochondrosis, dizziness and pain may occur when turning your head.The first pain sensations appear in the back of the head and are similar to a headache.The inflamed cartilage puts pressure on nerve fibers, causing vascular spasms.

Thoracic osteochondrosis

The development of osteochondrosis of the thoracic type can be masked for a long time by cardiovascular diseases.Its characteristic symptoms:

• disturbance of tactile sensations and numbness of the limbs;
• tingling in the intercostal space;
• pain in the heart area, irregular heart rhythm;
• limitation of respiratory functions, heaviness in the sternum;
• disruption of the gastrointestinal tract (pancreatitis, bloating);
• pain radiating to the scapular area.

Lumbar osteochondrosis

Progressive lumbar osteochondrosis in advanced form can lead to disability.The inflamed area of the spine interrupts the supply of microelements necessary to the lower limbs for the full functioning of the joints and muscles.The crushing of the cells of the nerve trunk causes unbearable back pain and the need for drug therapy.

The main symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis include:

• numbness of the lower limbs;
• feeling of muscle pain, weakness;
• chills;
• muscle spasms;
• dysfunction of the reproductive system;
• the pain may be sharp or aching in the lower back, radiating to the leg.

Diagnostics

On average, for every 1000 inhabitants there are 20 people diagnosed with osteochondrosis.A disease such as osteochondrosis is difficult to diagnose in the early stages.Its symptoms are rather hidden and appear clearly only in stages 2-3, when the time comes for serious drug treatment.

If you suspect the development of osteochondrosis, you must first consult a specialist and conduct a comprehensive examination for differential diagnosis and clarification of the diagnosis.

Doctors use three standard types of diagnostics:

1. Neurological.
2. Instrumental.
3. Laboratory.

A primary neurological examination of the patient is carried out by a neurologist, determining the category of nervous structures affected by the disease.Furthermore, in order to exclude other diseases with similar symptoms, I can subject the patient to x-rays, ultrasounds, magnetic resonance imaging and ECG.

Laboratory (Analysis)

Laboratory diagnostics have a consultative and auxiliary value.Blood tests reveal an increase in erythrocyte sedimentation rate and a decrease in calcium levels.This means the occurrence of pathological processes in the body, but does not indicate the specifics of their development.Therefore, this method is included in a comprehensive examination of the patient, and its results are interpreted based on other medical data.

Instrumental

Diagnostics using professional equipment provides the most accurate results on diseases of various nature.The main search tools are:

1. X-rays: Reveal anatomical changes in bones, cartilage, and nerve tissues.
2. MRI – magnetic resonance imaging.It allows you to visualize ongoing processes in bones and soft tissues, blood vessels and nerve fibers.
3. CT (computed tomography): Similar to MRI, but uses radiation.
4. Electromyography can decipher neurological symptoms.

Traditional treatment

The treatment regimen for osteochondrosis is traditional.Its components are drug therapy with various types of drugs: NSAIDs, chondroprotectors, analgesics, hormonal agents and supporting vitamin complexes.In addition to the load on the body with drugs, physiotherapy, manual therapy, reflexology, surgery, massage and preventive measures are used in the fight against osteochondrosis.

Drug therapy

It is impossible to immediately and forever stop back pain due to osteochondrosis, but medical therapy with drugs will give the lower back a break.Powerful anesthetics and anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) will provide an analgesic effect and start the process of fighting inflammation in the spinal regions.Indispensable therapeutic drugs for osteochondrosis of the back:

1. Chondroprotectors are active ingredients that restore the elasticity of the cartilaginous tissue and the mobility of the vertebrae.
2. Muscle relaxants: softening spasms of the muscular structure.
3. Vascular: improves blood circulation and metabolic processes.
4. Vitamin and antioxidant complexes.

Only by using a properly selected therapeutic complex is it possible to achieve positive dynamics and maintain results for a long time.

In the treatment of osteochondrosis of the back, different forms of drugs are used:

1. External agents: ointments, creams, gels.
2. Preparations for internal consumption: capsules, tablets.
3. Medicinal injections.

Surgery

Unfortunately, there are cases of osteochondrosis in which the time of treatment is missed and the drugs do not give the expected result and the disease progresses.Then the only solution remains surgery.The main reasons for surgery are:

1. Removal of the intervertebral hernia that compresses the spinal cord.
2. Reduction of the intervertebral space to 1/3 of the original size.

A referral for surgery can be prescribed by a doctor based on the patient's complete diagnostic picture and the presence of direct indications for removal of the pathological defect.In spine surgery, the main place is occupied by the discectomy method - surgical removal of a deformed disc.Tools may include microdiscectomy, B-Twin system, or laser nuclear vaporization.Rehabilitation after spinal surgery lasts six months.

Gymnastics

An excellent supportive therapy for the treatment of osteochondrosis is gymnastics or physical therapy.Regularly performing a set of exercises will help:

1. Strengthening the muscle corset is necessary for a uniform load on the spine.
2. Provide stimulation of blood circulation to saturate bone and muscle tissue.
3. Develop correct posture.

It is important to remember that exercises should be selected taking into account the diagnosis and adhere to the following principles:

1. Regularity of execution.
2. Fluid movements, without jolts.
3. If painful sensations occur, you need to reduce the load or stop exercising.
4. Monitor your health.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is indicated for patients with osteochondrosis of the back to relieve inflammation and is carried out in places where the disease is concentrated.Procedure courses contribute to:

1. Increase the body's resistance.
2. Restoration of metabolism in the affected area.
3. Relieve pain and swelling.
4. Improve the circulation of blood vessels.

To choose a physiotherapeutic method for the treatment of osteochondrosis, it is necessary to clearly define the desired result.Mainly used:

1. Laser therapy.
2. Ultrasound exposure.
3. Electrical stimulation.
4. Magnetotherapy.

Diet

There is no single dietary option for osteochondrosis patients.However, doctors have come to unanimous agreement that it is strictly not recommended to consume the following categories of products with this diagnosis:

1. Soups with fatty broths.
2. Pork and other fatty meats.
3. Animal fats from birds (goose, duck).
4. Coffee, strong drinks containing caffeine.

Furthermore, the menu limits the consumption of alcohol and sweets.

For an example diet, you can take diet no.15. Includes all vital macronutrients, minerals, vitamin products and carbohydrates.The energy value of the correct menu should be equal to 2600-2700 kcal, which is equivalent to 85–90 g of proteins, 350–400 g of carbohydrates and 90–95 g of fats.

Therefore, the ideal menu for a patient suffering from osteochondrosis is a combination of balanced, non-caloric foods, rich in vitamins and minerals.Meals are divided into small portions 6 times.

Traditional treatment

Folk remedies are often used at home to relieve inflammation, relieve pain and muscle spasms, and generally strengthen the body.There are many recipes for decoctions and infusions of traditional medicine, which are used in three main ways:

• rubbing;
• compresses;
• herbal baths.

Daily use allows you to eliminate discomfort in 10-14 days.Conventionally, folk remedies can be divided into systemic and local effects on the body.

System tools

To affect the entire body and spine, you can use natural systemic preparations in the form of decoctions.

An example of a positive effect is the effect of a yarrow decoction, which relieves pain, fights inflammation and soothes.

Local remedies

Local folk remedies include ointments, infusions for compresses and rubbing.These products should be mixed according to the recipe and applied to the inflamed area, but only if there is no allergy to the components and no damage to the skin.Of the popular compositions, special attention is paid to honey compresses, ginger ointment with calendula tincture, a herbal mixture of plantain and sage, and rubbing with horseradish and vodka.

To choose an effective method and prescription, you need to consult with your doctor, since home treatment methods are only an integral part of general therapy and have only an auxiliary effect.

Prevention

Therapeutic therapy of back diseases cannot be successful in the long term without preventive measures.Even the most effective and expensive medicine does not guarantee the return of symptoms following the return to daily activities of the body.Therefore the positive effect must be consolidated and maintained by following a few simple rules:

1. Do not lift weights greater than 10 kg.
2. Make sure the load is evenly distributed across the back muscles.
3. Maintain a rational and balanced diet.
4. Take general strengthening vitamins and active supplements (mucopolysaccharides).
5. Develop a regime of alternating rest and work.
6. Maintain physical activity.

Remember that this category of diseases has a hidden nature.Therefore, once the diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the back has been made, the disease should not be allowed to run its course, even in the absence of obvious symptoms.By following all your doctor's recommendations and home care you can return to normal work more quickly after treatment, but constant monitoring is required to prevent flare-ups.