Types, symptoms and treatment of back osteochondrosis.

The musculoskeletal system is the most important part of our body.Often, back pain causes the need to see a doctor.

The cause of habitual lower back pain, stiffness of movement and muscle spasms is osteochondrosis of the back, a disease of the 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 and latently affects all new areas of the spine.First of all, 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, the changes affect smaller elements of the vertebral structure, degenerative growths of bone tissue develop that impede spinal mobility, healthy cartilage cells are destroyed, and the disease affects the 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, ultimately, is the cause of serious disruption of blood flow in the central nervous system.

The main problem that causes the alteration 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 processes of human behavior.

Endogenous (internal) causes include:

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

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

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

A latent form of osteochondrosis can be manifested by sudden lifting, jumping or falling of heavy objects, which will lead to microtrauma of the spinal disc and pinching of the nerve root.

This is when the patient may first feel sharp, stabbing pain.Subsequently, the pain syndrome reappears again and again with different 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 disease development:

1. The beginning of the development of osteochondrosis: microcracks form in the annulus fibrosus, moisture is lost from the bone and cartilaginous tissue.The stage is manifested by subtle discomfort in one of the areas of the spine after physical activity or an uncomfortable body position.
2. The first attacks of pain make themselves felt.In the second stage, the discs protrude, the intervertebral space of the discs decreases, the fibrous capsule is destroyed, and the nerve roots are pinched.Pain signals the process of alteration of the metabolic tissue of the cartilage and its destruction.Ignoring the second stage of osteochondrosis becomes an impetus for 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 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 the patient's constant companions during normal physical activity.
4. Advanced osteochondrosis, which has passed into the last fourth stage of development, often becomes a 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 experiences sharp, 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 when moving, creaking, creaking or heaviness;
• pain in the area where the inflammation is located (cervical, thoracic or lumbar) of variable intensity and character;
• numbness of the extremities;
• muscle weakness, impaired performance;
• painful attacks that radiate along the nerve channels to related parts of the body (shoulder, shoulder blade, leg).

Cervical osteochondrosis

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

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

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

Thoracic osteochondrosis

The development of osteochondrosis of the thoracic type can long disguise itself as cardiovascular diseases.Its characteristic symptoms:

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

Lumbar osteochondrosis

Progressive lumbar osteochondrosis in its advanced form can lead to disability.The inflamed area of the spine interrupts the supply of microelements necessary to the lower extremities for the full functioning of joints and muscles.Pinched nerve trunk cells cause unbearable back pain and drug therapy is resorted to.

The main symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis include:

• numbness of the lower extremities;
• feeling of muscle pain, weakness;
• shivers;
• muscle spasms;
• dysfunction of the reproductive system;
• The pain may be sharp or aching in the lower back and radiate to the leg.

Diagnosis

On average, for every 1,000 inhabitants there are 20 people who are diagnosed with osteochondrosis.A disease such as osteochondrosis is difficult to diagnose in the early stages.Its symptoms are quite hidden and appear clearly only in stages 2-3, when it is time for serious drug treatment.

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

Doctors use three standard types of diagnosis:

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

A neurologist conducts a primary neurological examination of the patient, determining the category of nervous structures affected by the disease.Additionally, to exclude other diseases with similar symptoms, I can refer the patient for X-rays, ultrasound, MRI and ECG.

Laboratory (Analysis)

Laboratory diagnosis has advisory and auxiliary value.Blood tests reveal an increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate and a decrease in calcium levels.This means the appearance of pathological processes in the body, but does not indicate the details of their development.Therefore, this method is part of a complete examination of the patient and its results are interpreted based on other medical data.

tools

Diagnosis with professional equipment provides the most accurate results on diseases of various nature.The main research tools are:

1. X-ray: reveals anatomical changes in bones, cartilage and nervous 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 is capable of deciphering neurological symptoms.

Traditional treatment

The treatment regimen for osteochondrosis is traditional.Its components are pharmacotherapy with various types of drugs: NSAIDs, chondroprotectors, analgesics, hormonal agents and supporting vitamin complexes.In addition to loading 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 medical drug therapy will give the lower back a rest.Powerful anesthetics and anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) will provide an analgesic effect and begin the process of combating inflammation in the spinal regions.Essential treatment medications for osteochondrosis of the back:

1. Chondroprotectors are active substances that restore the elasticity of cartilage tissue and the mobility of the vertebrae.
2. Muscle relaxants: soften spasms of the muscle structure.
3. Vascular: improves blood circulation and metabolic processes.
4. Vitamin and antioxidant complexes.

Only by using a properly selected therapeutic complex can positive dynamics be achieved and results maintained for a long time.

Different forms of medications are used in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the back:

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 treatment time is skipped and the medications do not give the expected result and the disease progresses.So the only solution remains surgical intervention.The main reasons for surgery are:

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

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

Gym

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

1. It is necessary to strengthen the muscular corset for uniform loading on the spine.
2. Provides 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, without jerks.
3. If painful sensations occur, it is necessary 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 performed in places where the disease is concentrated.Procedure courses contribute to:

1. Increase body resistance.
2. Restore metabolism in the affected sector.
3. Relieve pain and swelling.
4. Improved circulation of blood vessels.

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

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

Diet

There is no single dietary option for patients with osteochondrosis.However, doctors unanimously agreed that it is not strictly 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 caffeinated drinks.

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

As an example of a diet, you can take diet number 15. It includes all macronutrients, minerals, vitamin products and vital carbohydrates.The energy value of a correct menu should be at the level of 2600-2700 kcal, which is equivalent to 85-90 g of proteins, 350-400 g of carbohydrates and 90-95 g of fat.

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

Traditional treatment

Home 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 get rid of discomfort in 10 to 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, natural systemic preparations in the form of decoctions can be used.

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, 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 or damage to the skin.Among popular compositions, special attention is paid to honey compresses, ginger ointment with calendula tincture, a mixture of plantain and sage, and rubbing with horseradish and vodka.

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

Prevention

Therapeutic therapy for back diseases cannot be successful in the long term without preventive measures.Even the most effective and expensive medication does not guarantee the return of symptoms as a result of returning to the body's daily activities.Therefore, the positive effect must be consolidated and maintained through a few simple rules:

1. Do not lift weights of more than 10 kg.
2. Make sure the load is evenly distributed across your 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 disease has a hidden nature.Therefore, once the diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the back is made, the disease should not be allowed to run its course, even in the absence of obvious symptoms.Following all doctor's recommendations and home care allows you to return to normal work more quickly after treatment, but constant monitoring is necessary to avoid an exacerbation.