Osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disease of the spine and surrounding tissues.The dystrophic process means malnutrition, and degeneration means premature aging, changes in the structure and properties of tissues.The degenerative process is involutive, that is, the process of natural aging of the body.However, under the influence of various unfavorable factors, it accelerates, which leads to the development of this disease.
The importance of osteochondrosis of the spine is due to the fact that it is common, especially in developed countries, which affects people of working age (30-60 years) with full or partial loss of work capacity, the chronic course of the disease and the progression of the disease in the absence of adequate treatment and prevention.
Causes of osteochondrosis
1. Excessive loads
Degenerative processes of discs are considered a discrepancy between their strength characteristics and the loads acting on them.Increased stress on the spine includes lifting weights, staying in the same position for long periods of time (sitting, standing), sudden movements, jumping from heights, injuries, curvature of the spine, poor posture, and being overweight.
As a result of the excessive load, trauma to the spinal structures occurs.The intervertebral discs, which perform the shock-absorbing function and provide movement in the spine together with the facet joints, are particularly sensitive to overload.
2. Malnutrition of the intervertebral disc
Intervertebral discs do not have their own blood vessels and are nourished by the diffusion of interstitial fluid from the surrounding tissues.The diffusion process is facilitated by the motor activity of the spine and surrounding muscles.
Therefore, long-term restriction of spinal movements, sedentary work and physical inactivity are associated with a decrease in the trophism of the intervertebral disc and lead to the development of osteochondrosis.
3. Other factors
Hereditary tendency, metabolic disorders, hormonal changes, somatic diseases.
As a result of these factors, blood circulation and metabolic processes in the spine are interrupted, and the hydration of the intervertebral disc decreases.In the fibrous ring of the intervertebral disc, the fibrous fibers disintegrate, microcracks and ruptures appear, which contributes to the migration of the nucleus pulposus and the formation of protrusion or herniation of the intervertebral disc.
A bulging disc irritates the sensitive nerve roots of the spinal nerves, causing pain in the back or along the affected nerve fibers.Reflex tension and spasms of the surrounding muscles develop, which is accompanied by pain, back stiffness, and limited movement.
The changes occurring in the surrounding tissues in the form of back muscle tension, functional blocks and irritation of the nerve roots contribute to the aggravation of the existing disorders of blood microcirculation and metabolic changes, which causes the development of a closed pathological circle of the development of osteochondrosis of the spine.
Types of osteochondrosis
Depending on the location, osteochondrosis of the cervical, thoracic or lumbar spine is distinguished.If all departments are affected, then they speak of widespread osteochondrosis of the spine.
The lumbar region is most often affected, accounting for about half of all osteochondrosis cases.This is due to the fact that the lower parts of the spine suffer more static loads than other parts.
The second most common location is the neck region.This accounts for about 1/4 of the cases of osteochondrosis.This part of the spine suffers most often due to the forced position of the head in one position - prolonged sitting in front of the computer, sedentary work, monotonous physical work.
The development of osteochondrosis in the thoracic spine is associated with limited mobility in this segment, which is fixed by the costosternal frame.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the spine
Symptoms of osteochondrosis are divided into two main groups:
Local symptomssuch as back pain or a certain part of it: pain in the neck, lower back, between the shoulder blades.Local symptoms also include tension, back muscle stiffness, heaviness and discomfort.
Long-term symptomsthe appearance of which is related to participation in the process of the nervous or vascular system of the spine, which is responsible for the innervation and blood supply of certain structures of the body.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is characterized by:pain in the neck, occipital region, shoulder girdle, collar area.The pain may radiate to the arm, shoulder, elbow joint or hand, which may be accompanied by numbness or a "climbing" feeling in the arm and limited movement of the joints of the upper limb.
Vertebral artery syndrome often accompanies osteochondrosis of the spine at this stage.It appears as a result of compression or spasm of the vertebral artery, which passes through the transverse processes of the cervical vertebrae and participates in the blood supply to the brain.Vertebral artery syndrome is manifested by throbbing headaches, noise in the head and dizziness.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spinemanifests itself in pain between the shoulder blades, in the back of the chest, which can spread along the intercostal spaces in the form of intercostal neuralgia to the front of the chest, simulating heartache, in this case the cardiac nature of the pain must be ruled out.
If the lower thoracic vertebrae are affected, the pain can spread to the anterior abdominal wall, the abdominal area, simulating diseases of the internal organs.
For osteochondrosis of the lumbar regionthe pain is localized in the lower back, in the buttocks, spreads to the legs, and may be accompanied by numbness, tingling, convulsive twitching and atrophy of the leg muscles, dysfunction of the pelvic organs.
Osteochondrosis of the spine is characterized by chronic aching back pain, which may intensify at night, after prolonged sitting or standing, or after physical activity.
Diagnosis of osteochondrosis
The diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the spine is based on the study of the patient's complaints, the collection of the anamnesis of the disease, and the clinical, neurological and orthopedic examination of the patient.
If necessary, laboratory or instrumental diagnostic methods are prescribed, for example, radiography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spine, computed tomography (CT), dopplerography of neck and intracranial vessels, electrocardiography.A detailed diagnosis is necessary to exclude more serious diseases of the spine, to identify the complications of osteochondrosis and to choose the optimal treatment tactics for osteochondrosis.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine
The Vertebrological Center provides comprehensive treatment for osteochondrosis of the spine.
For the treatment of osteochondrosis, our center uses modern equipment and treatment methods, employing qualified specialists: vertebrologist, orthopedic traumatologist, neurologist, chiropractor, who help in correctly diagnosing spinal disease and prescribing the necessary treatment procedures.
An individual treatment regimen is selected for each patient, depending on the stage of the disease, clinical manifestations of osteochondrosis, the presence of concomitant diseases and contraindications to therapy.
The center uses the following methods to treat osteochondrosis of the spine:
Drug treatment of osteochondrosisit is aimed at alleviating the exacerbation and influencing the pathogenetic mechanisms of the disease.
Back massage, spine correctionit allows for the normalization of the tone and flexibility of the back muscles, improves blood supply, eliminates trapped nerve roots and restores the mobility of the movement segments of the spine.
Traction of spineit is used when osteochondrosis is combined with disc protrusion and intervertebral hernia, in the presence of symptoms of nerve root compression.Traction is performed under the supervision of the attending physician.
Therapeutic blockade- This is a local injection of a drug into the area of the pathological focus.With its help, you can reach the maximum concentration of the drug in the desired area in order to achieve a therapeutic effect.For the treatment of osteochondrosis, paravertebral blockades are mainly used - drug treatment into the tissues surrounding the vertebrae, near the intervertebral nerve roots.
Shock wave therapy- a new direction in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine and its complications.The method was initially developed in Switzerland to crush stones in internal organs, but later showed great effectiveness in the treatment of musculoskeletal diseases.
In our center, we treat osteochondrosis with the American Pro-Ajuster shock wave therapy device, which was specially developed for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the spine and surrounding soft tissues.The device enables the diagnosis of the state of tissue density and tension, and then intervention in the changed areas.
Various physiotherapy procedures are used to treat osteochondrosis, such as: magnet therapy, laser treatment, ultrasound, myostimulation, electrical procedures.
Prevention of osteochondrosis
As you know, the best way to treat the disease is to prevent it.In order to prevent the development of osteochondrosis, the issues of prevention must be dealt with in early childhood.
Timely examinations of the pediatric orthopedist enable the timely recognition of postural disorders, deviations in physical development, and the correction of existing changes.From the first years of a child's life, it is necessary to exercise, play outdoor sports, monitor posture and avoid overloading the spine.
The main activities that help maintain a healthy spine are:
- Rational work and rest schedule: avoid prolonged sitting, get up regularly, stretch your back, keep your back straight, pay attention to your posture, sleep on a semi-rigid bed;
- Elimination of spine overloads: do not lift heavy objects, especially in a bent position, avoid falls and jumps from heights, spine injuries, watch your body weight;
- Systematic exercises for the back;
- Proper nutrition;
- Timely diagnosis and elimination of back pain and discomfort.