osteochondrosis

osteochondrosis– is a degenerative-dystrophic disease, which is manifested by a decrease in the height of the hyaline intervertebral cartilage. This ultimately leads to disk wear and loss of functionality.

The disease is most frequently diagnosed in people between 30 and 35 years old and affects approximately 40% of the population under 35 to 40 years old 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 cause damage to the nerve roots, damage to the spinal cord and alterations of internal organs. Therefore, it is very important to seek medical help as soon as possible and take appropriate measures to prevent the development of the disease.

Causes of osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis is a common disease that can occur in older people, but it can also occur in young people who are used to leading a sedentary lifestyle. This disease develops due to the weakening of the back muscles, which causes a violation of blood flow and nutrition of the tissues of the spine and intervertebral discs. It can occur due to various reasons, including aging, injuries, sudden stress, and poor work habits.

Although the causes of osteochondrosis are not fully understood, they are associated with several factors, including:

• inheritance,
• defective physical development,
• metabolic disease,
• unhealthy diet
• vitamin and mineral deficiency,
• long-term medication use,
• over weight,
• increased load on the spine,
• sedentary lifestyle, for example, when working in an office,
• spinal injuries,
• past infectious diseases and stress.

In addition, malformations of the nervous and musculoskeletal systems can also contribute to the occurrence 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 loads on the spine, as well as maintaining a generally healthy lifestyle. .

Symptoms and signs of osteochondrosis

With the development of osteochondrosis in the early stages, patients usually experience the following problems:

• Pain in various parts of the body, such as back, neck or other areas;
• Difficulty moving and restrictions when turning or bending;
• Constant tension and muscle spasms;
• Migraines and dizziness;
• Painful sensations in the heart area;
• Muscle hypotension, decreased muscle tone and strength;
• Numbness of the extremities;
• Pain in arms and legs;
• See spots before the eyes;
• Coldness of the extremities;
• Shots of painful sensations.

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

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

You should pay attention to any changes in the condition 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 factor's

Osteochondrosis can appear as a result of injury or intense physical activity, which is especially common among athletes. It also manifests itself in the form of excessive bone growth, osteophytes, protrusion of intervertebral discs and curvature of the spine. Congenital spinal defects can also cause rapid wear of the intervertebral discs. Additionally, the following risk factors can lead to the development of osteochondrosis:

• Neuroemotional exhaustion;
• Physical overstrain 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 injuries and overexertion, can reduce the likelihood of this problem occurring. If you suspect osteochondrosis, consult a doctor to quickly start treatment and prevent possible complications.

Classification and stages of development of osteochondrosis.

Classification of osteochondrosis.

There are several forms of osteochondrosis, which can manifest as pain in different parts of the spine.

1. lumbodynia– this is pain in the lumbar (lumbosacral) back.
2. SciaticaIt manifests itself as pain in the back, which extends to the legs.
3. Lumbago- This is lumbar lumbago, with acute and severe pain in the lumbar area.
4. thoracalgia- This is chest pain.

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

Additionally, the types of osteochondrosis can vary depending on the part of the spine affected. Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is manifested by headaches and difficulties in turning the head, osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine causes pain in the thoracic spine, and osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine can manifest itself as difficulty bending forward and pain that Sometimes it can "shoot" in the leg.

Stages of development of osteochondrosis.

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

• YO.In the first stage, the core of the intervertebral disc loses moisture and becomes less elastic, which leads to a reduction in its height and cracking of the tissue. At this stage, the pain is usually almost imperceptible, but discomfort may occur during physical activity or unusual postures.
• II.At the second stage of the development of osteochondrosis, the disc tissue begins to flatten and bulge, 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, causing poor fluid retention in the core of the disc. When moving, characteristic clicks and creaks can be heard in the spine. At this stage, a specific pain occurs, which intensifies with active movements.
• III.The third stage is characterized by abrasion and thinning of the cartilage lining between the discs. At this stage, the symptoms of osteochondrosis manifest themselves intensely in the form of acute pain. To quickly relieve pain, it is necessary to take pain relievers for neuralgia.
• IV.In the last, fourth stage, the destruction of the discs is so severe that the joints become inactive and the space between the vertebrae becomes covered with bone tissue. Severe dystrophic processes can cause acute pain, as the growths damage neighboring tissues and compress nerves. A complete loss of mobility of the vertebral joints is possible.

Complications

Let's consider several complications that can arise with osteochondrosis:

• Disc bulge, which occurs when the nucleus pulposus of the disc protrudes beyond the annulus fibrosus. This can lead to spinal pain and dysfunction.
• intervertebral hernia- This is an even more serious complication when the disc annulus ruptures and the nucleus pulposus extends beyond it. This can cause severe pain, decreased sensation, and paralysis.
• radiculitis- This is a pinching of the nerve root, which is accompanied by symptoms of intense pain. Radiculitis can cause sensory loss, numbness, and weakness in the lower extremities.
• kyphosisIt is a spinal deformity that manifests itself as a lump in the chest area. This can cause breathing problems, pain and poor posture.
• Spinal cord stroke– this is the most serious complication of osteochondrosis, which can lead to loss of sensitivity, deterioration of motor functions and even paralysis.
• Muscular atrophy of the lower extremities.– This is a decrease in muscle mass, which is accompanied by rapid fatigue and weakness in the legs.
• leg paralysis– This is a complete loss of the ability to perform voluntary movements of the lower extremities, which is a serious complication of osteochondrosis.

Methods for diagnosing osteochondrosis.

Osteochondrosis is a pathology that is characterized by a degenerative process 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 carries out a comprehensive diagnosis, which includes the following methods:

• Physical exam.The doctor examines the patient and evaluates her 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 exam.For a more accurate diagnosis, various hardware examination methods are used, including radiography, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
• Blood test.A complete blood count can help identify early signs of osteochondrosis, such as an increased red blood cell sedimentation rate and low calcium levels. To confirm the diagnosis, biochemical tests can be prescribed that evaluate coagulation parameters, enzymatic activity, the content of zinc, cobalt, iron and other components.
• Bone scan.During x-rays, each spine is checked and photographs are taken in direct, lateral, and two oblique projections. If necessary, a functional x-ray can be prescribed, which makes it possible to assess the condition of the spine in various positions.
• Computed tomography (CT).Computed tomography is performed after x-ray and makes it possible 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 in addition to computed tomography or in cases where it is necessary to study in more detail the state of blood vessels, nervous processes and intervertebral discs.

When to see a doctor

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

Treatment of osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis is a spinal disease characterized by degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs. It can cause 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 the symptoms. In most cases, strengthening ligaments and muscles is recommended, as well as the use of medications.

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

Procedures and methods for treating osteochondrosis include physiotherapy, gymnastics (physiotherapy), using 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, training with simulators and computerized hardware complexes. Styles are selected by the doctor and may vary depending on the individual characteristics of each patient. Swimming can also be beneficial, but requires proper technique to avoid damage to your health.

Treatment of osteochondrosis using manual therapy.

Manual therapy can be used in the initial stages. This method helps strengthen the muscle structure 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 spinal configuration. Sometimes persistent functional blocks may appear, that is, areas of stiffness in the spine and sacrum that cannot be eliminated through therapeutic exercises.

Modern manual therapy is different from what was used before. Most doctors no longer use hard techniques accompanied by sit-ups, but prefer gentle 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 an individual treatment must be prescribed by a neurologist. It is important to choose a competent massage therapist with whom the doctor works. Massage sessions should be done regularly; Normally the doctor prescribes at least 2-3 sessions per week for 1-3 months.

Correctly performed medical massage for spinal osteochondrosis:

1. Provides additional tension to the muscles and increases their tone;
2. Dissipates lactic acid accumulations and relieves muscle spasms;
3. Improves blood circulation in the affected area and adjacent tissues;
4. Alleviate the pain.

Only medical massage is suitable for the treatment of osteochondrosis, while Thai massage is dangerous. Most Thai masseuses use harsh manual therapy techniques and do not pay attention to the patient's physical condition.

Physiotherapy

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

• MagnetotherapyIt is the effect of a magnetic field of constant frequency 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 therapyIt is a method that stimulates biological processes in nerve fibers and also has an anti-inflammatory, healing and analgesic effect.
• Shock wave therapyis a method of influencing a diseased area of the body with acoustic waves, which improves microcirculation and metabolic processes, relieves swelling and pain.

All of these methods can be prescribed by a doctor depending on the individual needs of the patient and the stage of the disease.

kinesio tape

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 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 bandaging you have to be careful, as complications are possible.

When performing kinesiotaping, restrictions must be taken into account: for women, this 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 specific areas of the body. This leads to an acceleration of blood circulation, lymphatic circulation and metabolic processes, improving the condition of the spine and the entire body. Acupuncture can be used for osteochondrosis in the initial stages, as well as for severe pain and poor mobility of the vertebrae.

There is also a dry needling technique in which a drug-free needle is inserted into the muscle in spasm, usually the piriformis. This method can reduce pain in the back and pelvic area. It is worth noting that acupuncture is effective even in chronic cases.

Hirudotherapy

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

Pharmacotherapy

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

Pain in osteochondrosis often occurs against the background of minor changes in the spine, and if the doctor chooses appropriate non-drug treatment, the patient can avoid repeated attacks of pain. If you take medication for a long time, structural changes in your spine may worsen and the pills may no longer work. Furthermore, in some cases pharmacological treatment may be contraindicated.

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

Reflexology

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

The reflexology technique can be used to treat osteochondrosis and other diseases of the spine. Its use helps 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 prevent diseases.

Prevention and prognosis of osteochondrosis.

The prevention of osteochondrosis is a very important issue, since it aims to prevent 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 cause nutrient malabsorption;
3. Diseases associated with metabolic disorders;
4. Serious infections suffered in childhood, such as rickets;
5. Spinal injuries;
6. Over weight.

However, prevention is also important for people who lead a sedentary lifestyle, experience increased load on the spine, and for women who plan to become pregnant. For prevention purposes, it is recommended to exercise regularly, watch 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 of the treatment of osteochondrosis is proper nutrition. The body must receive the necessary amount of substances for the synthesis of cartilage tissue, so it is recommended to follow a balanced diet.

It is important to eat fresh fruits and vegetables, protein foods and dishes containing mucopolysaccharides, such as fruit jellies, jellies or fish jellies. However, it is advisable to avoid fatty, fried and salty foods, and limit sugar and alcohol consumption, as they can contribute to inflammation.

It is recommended to drink more fluids to ensure adequate 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.

A doctor prescribes exercises for the treatment of spinal osteochondrosis if there is pain. The set of exercises is selected individually, taking into account the form, degree and stage of the disease. For example, at the initial stage of cervical osteochondrosis, it is recommended:

• perform head tilts;
• turns head right and left;
• draw numbers from 0 to 9 in the air with your chin;
• Move your chin back and forth in a horizontal plane.