Osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis- is a degenerative-dystrophic disease manifested by a decrease in the height of hyaline intervertebral cartilages. Eventually, this leads to disk wear and loss of functionality.

The disease is most often diagnosed in people aged 30-35 years and covers about 40% of the population by the age of 35-40 and almost 90% in old age. But in the presence of unfavorable factors, it may appear earlier.

Osteochondrosis of the spine is one of the main causes of back pain. Inadequate treatment can cause damage to nerve roots, damage to the spinal cord and damage to internal organs. Therefore, it is very important to seek medical help in time and take appropriate measures to prevent the development of the disease.

Causes of osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis is a common disease that can occur in elderly people, but it can also occur in young people who are used to a sedentary lifestyle. This disease develops due to the weakening of the back muscles, which leads to disruption of blood flow and nutrition of the tissues of the spine and intervertebral discs. It can be caused by a variety of reasons, such as aging, injury, sudden stress, and improper work habits.

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

• heredity,
• defective physical development,
• metabolic disease,
• unhealthy diet
• lack of vitamins and minerals,
• long-term drug use,
• overweight,
• increased load on the spine,
• a sedentary lifestyle, for example, when working in an office,
• spinal cord injuries,
• past infectious diseases and stress.

In addition, malformation of the nervous and musculoskeletal system can also contribute to the formation of osteochondrosis. In general, the development of this disease is caused by a combination of many factors, and its prevention consists of proper nutrition, moderate physical activity, correct distribution of loads on the spine, as well as maintaining a healthy lifestyle in general.

Symptoms and signs of osteochondrosis

With the development of osteochondrosis, in the first stages, patients often encounter the following problems:

• Pain in different parts of the body, such as the back, neck or other areas;
• Difficulty in movement and limitations in turning or bending;
• Constant tension and muscle spasms;
• Migraine and dizziness;
• Painful sensations in the region of the heart;
• Muscle hypotension, decrease in muscle tone and strength;
• Numbness of limbs;
• Pain in arms and legs;
• The appearance of spots in front of the eyes;
• cooling of extremities;
• Hitting painful feelings.

If osteochondrosis has progressed, serious complications may occur, such as:

• Loss of consciousness;
• Decreased sensitivity of limbs;
• Poor blood circulation in the veins;
• Nerve damage or inflammation;
• Vascular narrowing and blockage.

You should pay attention to any changes in the condition of your body, and if you suspect the development of osteochondrosis, you should seek help from a specialist. Seeking help early can prevent serious complications and improve quality of life.

Risk factors

Osteochondrosis can occur as a result of injury or heavy physical activity, which is especially common among athletes. It also manifests as bony overgrowth, osteophytes, herniated intervertebral discs, and curvature of the spine. Congenital spinal defects can also cause rapid wear of the intervertebral discs. In addition, the following risk factors can lead to the development of osteochondrosis:

• Neuro-emotional exhaustion;
• Excessive physical loading of the body;
• Work on vibrating platforms;
• Genetic predisposition;
• Lack of vitamins in the body;
• Multiple pregnancy.

Understanding these risk factors can help prevent the possibility of developing osteochondrosis. Managing your health through a healthy lifestyle and diet, as well as avoiding injury and overuse, can reduce the likelihood of this problem occurring. If you suspect osteochondrosis, consult a doctor to start treatment quickly and prevent possible complications.

Classification and stages of development of osteochondrosis

Classification of osteochondrosis

There are different 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, spreading to the legs.
3. Lumbago- this is lumbar lumbago with sharp and severe pain in the lower back.
4. Thoracalgia- This is chest pain.

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

In addition, the types of osteochondrosis can vary depending on which part of the spine is affected. Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine presents with headaches and difficulty turning the head, osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine causes pain in the thoracic spine, and osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine can present as difficulty bending forward and sometimes "shooting" pain. leg.

Stages of development of osteochondrosis

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

• I.In the first stage, the core of the intervertebral disc loses moisture and becomes less elastic, which leads to a decrease in its height and tissue cracking. At this stage, the pain is usually almost imperceptible, but discomfort may arise during physical activity or unusual posture.
• II.In the second stage of the development of osteochondrosis, the disc tissue begins to flatten and bulge, which causes narrowing of the space between the vertebrae and compression of the spinal nerve roots. The fibrous membrane is destroyed, which leads to poor retention of fluid in the disc core. When moving, you can hear characteristic clicks and crunching sounds in the spine. At this stage, there is a point pain that increases with active movements.
• III.The third stage is characterized by wear and thinning of the cartilage lining between the discs. At this stage, the symptoms of osteochondrosis manifest themselves intensively in the form of acute pain. You need to take painkillers for neuralgia to quickly relieve the pain.
• IV.In the last, fourth stage, the destruction of the discs is so severe that the joints become immobile and the space between the vertebrae grows with bone tissue. Severe dystrophic processes can cause severe pain, as growths damage neighboring tissues and compress nerves. Complete loss of mobility of the vertebral joints is possible.

Complications

Let's consider the various complications that can occur with osteochondrosis:

• Disc protrusion, occurs when the nucleus pulposus of the disc protrudes beyond the annulus fibrosus. This can cause pain and dysfunction in the spine.
• Intervertebral hernia- Rupture of the disc ring and protrusion of the nucleus pulposus is a more serious complication. This can cause severe pain, numbness and paralysis.
• Radiculitis- This is a compressed nerve root accompanied by severe pain symptoms. Radiculitis can cause loss of sensation, numbness, and weakness in the lower extremities.
• KyphosisIt is a spinal deformity that manifests itself as a bulge in the chest area. This can cause breathing problems, pain and poor posture.
• Stroke of the spinal cord- this is the most serious complication of osteochondrosis, which can cause loss of sensitivity, impaired motor functions and even paralysis.
• Muscular atrophy of lower limbs- this is a decrease in muscle mass, accompanied by rapid fatigue and weakness in the legs.
• Paralysis of the leg- this is the complete loss of the ability to make voluntary movements of the lower limbs, which is a serious complication of osteochondrosis.

Methods of diagnosis of osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis is a pathology 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 you suspect osteochondrosis, the doctor conducts a comprehensive diagnosis, including the following methods:

• Physical examination.The doctor examines the patient and assesses his general condition, posture and movements. The doctor may also perform a neurological test to determine if there are sensory and motor problems.
• Hardware examination.For a more accurate diagnosis, various hardware examination methods are used, including radiography, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
• Blood tests.A complete blood count can help identify early signs of osteochondrosis, such as an increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate and low calcium levels. To confirm the diagnosis, biochemical tests evaluating coagulation parameters, enzyme activity, the content of zinc, cobalt, iron and other components can be prescribed.
• Radiography.During X-rays, each spine is examined and images are taken in direct, lateral and two oblique projections. If necessary, a functional X-ray can be prescribed to assess the condition of the spine in different positions.
• Computed tomography (CT).CT is performed after X-ray and allows to more accurately determine the condition of the intervertebral discs. For this, images of one or two segments of the spine are taken.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).MRI is used in addition to CT or in cases where it is necessary to study the condition of blood vessels, nerve processes and intervertebral discs in more detail.

When to consult a doctor

In case of persistent back pain, muscle cramps and decreased sensitivity, a doctor should be consulted.

Treatment of osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis is a disease of the spine characterized by degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs. This 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. Depending on the degree of development and severity of symptoms, it can be conservative or surgical. In most cases, strengthening of ligaments and muscles, as well as the use of drugs, are recommended.

During the treatment of osteochondrosis, it is important to consider the individual characteristics of each patient. Some massage or manual therapy techniques may be undesirable or even dangerous for a particular condition. Therefore, it is important to have individual consultations before starting treatment.

Procedures and methods for the treatment of osteochondrosis include physiotherapy, gymnastics (physical therapy), wearing an orthopedic pillow or corset, as well as muscle relaxants and non-steroidal analgesics.

Movement therapy

Leading countries with a good level of medicine prefer to use movement therapy. These are classical physical therapy, water physical therapy exercises, swimming, simulator training and computerized apparatus complexes. Styles are chosen 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 damaging your health.

Treatment of osteochondrosis using manual therapy

Manual therapy can be used in the initial stage. This method helps to strengthen the muscle frame and relieve blockages and pinched nerve roots. However, if the shape of the vertebrae changes and bone spurs form, this type of treatment is not recommended.

Correctly performed manual therapy can improve the configuration of the spine. Sometimes persistent functional blockages can appear, that is, areas of stiffness in the spine and sacrum that cannot be relieved by therapeutic exercises.

Modern manual therapy is different from those used earlier. Most doctors no longer use harsh methods that are accompanied by wheezing, but prefer gentle methods. They are based on knowledge of biomechanics, joint function, and the laws of muscle contraction and relaxation. With these methods, the risk of side effects is lower and the effectiveness has not changed.

Massage

Massage has many contraindications, so a neurologist must prescribe an individual course of treatment. It is important to choose a qualified massage therapist who works with a doctor. Massage sessions should be done regularly, usually the doctor prescribes at least 2-3 sessions per week for 1-3 months.

Correctly performed medical massage for spinal osteochondrosis:

1. Gives additional stress to the muscles and increases their tone;
2. Eliminates the accumulation of lactic acid and relieves muscle spasms;
3. Improves blood circulation in the affected area and adjacent tissues;
4. Relieves pain.

Only medical massage is suitable for the treatment of osteochondrosis, and Thai massage is dangerous. Most Thai massage therapists use harsh manual therapy techniques and do not care about the patient's physical condition.

Physiotherapy

Depending on the location and stage, patients can be prescribed the following types of physiotherapy:

• Magnetotherapyit is the effect of a constant frequency magnetic field that stimulates the cellular response.
• Electrophoresis for osteochondrosis- this is the effect of the 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 at the same time has an anti-inflammatory, wound-healing and pain-relieving effect.
• Shock wave therapyis a method of affecting the diseased area of the body with acoustic waves that improve microcirculation and metabolic processes, relieve swelling and pain.

All these methods can be prescribed by the doctor according to the individual needs of the patient and the stage of the disease.

Kinesio taping

Kinesio taping is a safe method actively used in sports medicine and widely used in South Korea.

Kinesio tape is a hot melt adhesive cotton patch that can be used to treat neck, chest, back pain and joint problems. There are specific types of therapeutic applications that can be used at home, but you should be careful when you tape yourself, because complications are possible.

Restrictions should be taken into account when performing kinesiotaping: 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 certain areas of the body. This leads to the acceleration of blood circulation, lymph circulation and metabolic processes, improving the condition of the spine and the whole body. Acupuncture can be used for osteochondrosis at the initial stage, as well as for severe pain and poor mobility of the vertebrae.

There is also dry needling, where a non-medicated needle is inserted into the spasming muscle, usually the piriformis. This method can reduce back and pelvic pain. It should be noted that acupuncture is effective even in chronic cases.

Hirudotherapy

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

Drug treatment

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

Pain in osteochondrosis often occurs against the background of small changes in the spine, and if the doctor chooses the right treatment without drugs, the patient can avoid repeated pain attacks. If you take the medicine for a long time, the structural changes in the spine may worsen and the pills may no longer have an effect. In addition, in some cases, drug treatment is contraindicated.

One of the alternatives to drug treatment is kinesio taping. This is a method in which special elastic patches are attached to diseased areas of the body. Kinesio taping is safer and more effective than drug therapy and can be used as a pain reliever.

Reflexology

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

Reflexology technique can be used to treat osteochondrosis and other diseases of the spine. Its use helps to relieve 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

Prevention of osteochondrosis is extremely important, because it is aimed at preventing factors that can contribute to the development of this disease. First of all, it concerns people with certain risks:

1. Genetic predisposition to spinal diseases;
2. Chronic gastrointestinal problems that can cause malabsorption of nutrients;
3. Diseases associated with metabolic disorders;
4. Severe infections in childhood, for example, rickets;
5. Spinal injuries;
6. Excess weight.

However, prevention is also important for people who lead a sedentary lifestyle, who experience increased stress on the spine, and women who are planning to become pregnant. For preventive purposes, it is recommended to exercise regularly, monitor your weight, avoid injuries and eat a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals. It is also recommended to see a doctor and undergo regular medical examinations to detect diseases at an early stage.

Diet for osteochondrosis

One of the important aspects of osteochondrosis treatment 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, as well as foods containing mucopolysaccharides - for example, fruit jelly, jelly or jellied fish. However, you should avoid fatty, fried and salty foods and limit sugar and alcohol intake as they can cause inflammation.

It is recommended to drink more fluids to ensure proper hydration and maintain the health of the intervertebral discs. It is also recommended to consult a doctor or nutritionist to prepare an individual diet that takes into account the characteristics of the disease and the individual needs of the patient.

Exercises for osteochondrosis

Exercises for the treatment of spinal osteochondrosis are prescribed by a doctor in case of pain. The set of exercises is selected individually, taking into account the form, degree and stage of the disease. For example, in the initial stage of cervical osteochondrosis, it is recommended:

• to bow;
• turn your head left and right;
• draw numbers 0 to 9 in the air with your chin;
• move your chin back and forth in a horizontal plane.