Types, symptoms and treatment of back osteochondrosis

The musculoskeletal system is the most important part of our body.Back pain often requires a visit to the doctor.

The cause of regular pain in the lower back, stiffness of movements and muscle spasms is osteochondrosis of the back - a disease of the osteochondrosis tissue, 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 and in a latent form affects all new areas of the spine.Firstly, changes occur in the structure of the cartilage discs of the vertebrae: they lose elasticity, the distance between the vertebrae decreases, and the nerve endings of the spinal cord are pinched.

The patient begins to experience back pain.Subsequently, changes occur in smaller elements of the vertebral structure, degenerative growths of bone tissue occur, which impair 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 leads to increased stress on the organs and arteries.This is due to the peculiarities of the blood supply - the displacement of spinal segments leads to compression of the vertebral artery and is ultimately the cause of a serious circulatory disorder in the central nervous system.

The main problem leading to disruption of the formation of the spine and the process of osteochondrosis is a lack of nutrients and reduced blood supply to the tissues of the bone structure.The reasons for the development are many factors of external, internal influences and human behavioral processes.

Endogenous (internal) causes include:

• genetic factors of inheritance;
• Violation of the metabolism of microelements (phosphorus and calcium);
• properties of cartilage tissue;
• age-related changes in the body;
• obesity;
• orthopedic diseases.

Due to exogenous (external) causes and lifestyle, osteochondrosis arises as a result of:

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

A latent form of osteochondrosis can manifest itself with sudden heavy lifting, jumping or falling, which can lead to microtrauma to the intervertebral disc and a pinched nerve root.

The patient may then initially feel a stabbing pain.Afterwards, pain occurs 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 depending on the affected area of the spine:

• cervical;
• Breast;
• Lumbar and sacral region.

Osteochondrosis of the back is classified depending on the affected area.

Main stages of disease development:

1. The beginning of the development of osteochondrosis - microcracks form in the fibrous ring, moisture is lost from the bone and cartilage tissue.The stage is manifested by mild discomfort in an area of the spine after physical activity or an uncomfortable posture.
2. The first attacks of pain become noticeable.In the second stage, the intervertebral discs protrude, the intervertebral space in the intervertebral discs shrinks, the fibrous capsule is destroyed and the nerve roots are pinched.Pain signals the process of disruption of the metabolism of cartilage tissue and its destruction.Ignoring the second stage of osteochondrosis leads to inflammation of the cartilage and, as a result, pinching of nerve fibers, blood and lymphatic vessels.
3. In the third stage of the disease, the affected vertebrae become deformed and the cartilage tissue wears away.With proper active treatment, it is possible to stop further destruction of cartilage cells and curvature of the spine.But in the future, supportive therapy and care will become the patient's constant companion during normal physical activity.
4. Advanced osteochondrosis, which has reached the final fourth stage of development, often becomes the cause of disability.All destructive processes are irreversible: significant displacement of the vertebral structure, compaction of cartilage tissue, pathological growth of bone tissue.The patient feels severe, sometimes unbearable pain with every movement.

Symptoms

Signs of the development of joint osteochondrosis can easily be confused with other diseases with similar symptoms.Manifestation symptoms for a specific sector of the vertebral structure also have characteristic features.

The main symptoms of osteochondrosis include:

• Stiffness when moving, creaking, crunching or feeling of heaviness;
• Pain in the area of localization of inflammation (cervical, thoracic or lumbar spine) of varying intensity and type;
• numbness of the limbs;
• muscle weakness, loss of performance;
• painful attacks that radiate along the nerve canals to the corresponding parts of the body (shoulder, scapula, leg).

Cervical osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine sector is manifested by the following complaints:

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

With cervical osteochondrosis, dizziness and pain when turning the head may occur.The first pain sensations appear in the back of the head and resemble a headache.Inflamed cartilage puts pressure on nerve fibers and causes vascular spasms.

Breast osteochondrosis

The development of osteochondrosis of the thoracic type can be disguised as a cardiovascular disease for a long time.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;
• Restriction of respiratory functions, feeling of heaviness in the sternum;
• Disturbance of the gastrointestinal tract (pancreatitis, flatulence);
• Radiating pain into the shoulder blade area.

Lumbar osteochondrosis

Progressive lumbar osteochondrosis in an advanced form can lead to disability.The inflamed area of the spine stops supplying the lower extremities with necessary microelements for the full functioning of joints and muscles.Trapped nerve stem cells cause unbearable back pain and require drug therapy.

The main symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis include:

• numbness of the lower extremities;
• feeling of muscle pain, weakness;
• Chills;
• muscle cramps;
• dysfunction of the reproductive system;
• The pain may be stabbing or aching in the lumbar area and radiate down the leg.

diagnosis

On average, there are 20 people diagnosed with osteochondrosis per 1000 inhabitants.A disease such as osteochondrosis is difficult to diagnose in the early stages.The symptoms are quite hidden and only become apparent in stages 2-3, when it is time for serious drug treatment.

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

Doctors use three standard types of diagnostics:

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

An initial neurological examination of the patient is carried out by a neurologist and the category of nerve structures affected by the disease is determined.To rule out other diseases with similar symptoms, I can also refer the patient for an X-ray, ultrasound, MRI and EKG.

Laboratory (analysis)

Laboratory diagnostics have an advisory and supportive nature.Blood tests show 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 give any indication of the peculiarities 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 types. The main research tools are:

1. X-ray – shows anatomical changes in bones, cartilage and nerve tissue.
2. MRI – magnetic resonance imaging.Allows visualization of ongoing processes in bones and soft tissue, blood vessels and nerve fibers.
3. CT (computed tomography) – similar to MRI but uses radiation.
4. Electromyography is able to 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 burden on the body with medications, physiotherapy, manual therapy, reflexology, surgery, massage and preventive measures are used in the fight against osteochondrosis.

Drug therapy

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

1. Chondroprotectors are active ingredients that restore the elasticity of cartilage tissue and mobility of the vertebrae.
2. Muscle relaxants – alleviate spasms in the muscle structure.
3. Vascular – improving blood circulation and metabolic processes.
4. Vitamin complexes and antioxidants.

Only through the use of a correctly selected therapeutic complex can positive dynamics be achieved and the results maintained for a long time.

In the treatment of back osteochondrosis, various forms of medication are used:

1. External active ingredients: ointments, creams, gels.
2. Preparations for internal consumption: capsules, tablets.
3. Medical injections.

surgery

Unfortunately, there are cases of osteochondrosis when the treatment time is missed and medications do not bring the expected result and the disease progresses.Then the only solution is surgical intervention.The main reasons for surgery are:

1. Removal of an intervertebral hernia that is compressing the spinal cord.
2. Reduction of the intervertebral space to 1/3 of its original size.

A referral for surgical intervention can be prescribed by a doctor based on the complete diagnostic picture of the patient and the presence of direct evidence to eliminate the pathological defect.In spinal surgery, the discectomy method - the surgical removal of a deformed intervertebral disc - occupies the leading place.Instruments may include microdiscectomy, the B-Twin system, or laser nuclear vaporization.Rehabilitation after spinal surgery takes six months.

gymnastics

An excellent supportive therapy for the treatment of osteochondrosis is gymnastics or exercise therapy.Regularly performing a series of exercises helps:

1. To ensure an even load on the spine, the muscle corset needs to be strengthened.
2. Provide stimulation of blood circulation to saturate bone and muscle tissue.
3. Develop correct posture.

It is important to remember that exercises must be selected taking into account the diagnosis and comply with the following principles:

1. Regularity of execution.
2. Smooth movements, no jerking.
3. If painful sensations appear, you need to reduce the load or stop the exercise.
4. Monitor your health.

Physiotherapy

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

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

To choose a physiotherapeutic method for treating osteochondrosis, you must clearly define the desired result.Mainly used:

1. Laser therapy.
2. Ultrasound exposure.
3. Electrical stimulation.
4. Magnetic field therapy.

diet

There is no single diet option for patients with osteochondrosis.However, the doctors agreed that the consumption of the following product categories is generally not recommended 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.

In addition, the menu limits the consumption of alcohol and sweets.

As an example of a diet, you can take diet number 15.It contains all vital macronutrients, minerals, vitamin products and carbohydrates.The energy value of the right menu should be 2600-2700 kcal, which corresponds to 85-90 g of protein, 350-400 g of carbohydrates and 90-95 g of fat.

Therefore, the ideal menu for a patient with osteochondrosis is a combination of balanced, calorie-free foods rich in vitamins and minerals.The 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 essentially three ways:

• rub;
• compresses;
• Herbal baths.

If used daily, you can eliminate the symptoms within 10-14 days.Conventionally, folk remedies can be divided into systemic and local effects on the body.

System tools

To influence 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 decoction of yarrow, which relieves pain, fights inflammation and calms.

Local remedies

Local folk remedies include ointments, infusions for compresses and rubs.These products must 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.Among the popular compositions, special attention is paid to honey compresses, ginger ointment with calendula tincture, a mixture of plantain and sage herbs, and rubbing with horseradish and vodka.

To choose an effective method and recipe, you must consult your doctor, since home treatment methods are only an integral part of general therapy and have only a supporting effect.

Prevention

Therapeutic therapy for back diseases cannot have long-term success without preventive measures.Even the most effective and expensive drug does not guarantee that the symptoms will return by returning to the body's daily activities.Therefore, the positive effect must be consolidated and maintained with a few simple rules:

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

Remember that this category of diseases is of a hidden nature.Therefore, once “osteochondrosis of the back” has been diagnosed, the disease should not progress further, even if there are no obvious symptoms.If you follow all the doctor's recommendations and take care of home care, you will be able to return to normal work faster after treatment.However, constant monitoring is required to prevent exacerbation.