Types, symptoms and treatment of back osteochondrosis

The musculoskeletal system is the most important part of our body.Back pain often causes the need to see a doctor.

A frequent cause of back pain, movement stiffness and muscle spasms is back osteochondrosis - a disease of osteochondrosis tissues, as well as the musculoskeletal system, which is 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, affecting in latent form all new areas of the spinal column.First, 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 started experiencing back pain.After that, changes overcome the smaller elements of the vertebral structure, degenerative growth of bone tissue develops, hinders the mobility of the spine, healthy cartilage cells are destroyed, and the disease affects the bones and ligaments.As a side effect, deformation of the vertebrae creates an increased load on the organs and arteries.This is due to the specifics of the blood supply - the displacement of the spinal segments causes compression of the vertebral arteries and ultimately becomes the cause of serious disruption of blood flow in the central nervous system.

The main problem that causes disruption of the spine formation and the process of osteochondrosis is a lack of nutrition and a decrease in blood supply to the bone structure tissue.The reasons for development are many factors of external influence, internal and human behavior process.

Endogenous (internal) causes include:

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

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

• low level of physical development of the spinal muscles;
• spinal cord injury;
• incorrect posture, scoliosis;
• systematically incorrect or awkward posture;
• unbalanced nutritional menu, consumption of fatty snacks;
• uneven physical activity, back load;
• bad habits;
• constant pressure.

Latent forms of osteochondrosis can be manifested by suddenly lifting weights, jumping, or falling, which will trigger microtrauma of the spinal disc and pinched nerve roots.

At that time the patient may first feel a sharp shooting pain.After that, the pain syndrome returns again and again with varying intensity.Affected cells in the nerve trunk signal the need for immediate medical intervention.

Classification of diseases, main stages

In medicine, osteochondrosis is classified depending on the area of the spine affected:

• cervix;
• chest;
• lumbar and sacral areas.

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

The main stages of the development of the disease:

1. The beginning of the development of osteochondrosis - microcracks are formed in the fibrous ring, moisture is lost from bone tissue and cartilage.This level is indicated by subtle discomfort in one of the spinal areas after physical activity or an uncomfortable body position.
2. The first attacks of pain make themselves felt.In the second stage, the disc protrudes, the intervertebral space of the disc decreases and the fibrous capsule is destroyed, and the nerve root is pinched.Pain indicates the process of metabolic cartilage tissue disruption and destruction.Neglecting the second stage of osteochondrosis becomes an impetus for cartilage inflammation and, as a result, pinching nerve fibers, blood and lymphatic vessels.
3. In the third stage of the disease, the affected vertebrae change shape and the cartilage tissue wears away.With proper active treatment, it is possible to stop the further destruction of cartilage cells and the curvature of the spine.But in the future, supportive therapy and care will be the patient's constant companion for regular physical activity.
4. Advanced osteochondrosis, which has passed to the fourth stage of the last development, is often 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 experiences acute pain, sometimes unbearable, with every movement.

symptoms

Signs of the development of articular osteochondrosis are easily confused with other diseases with similar symptoms.Also, the symptoms of manifestation for certain sectors of the vertebral structure have characteristic features.

The main symptoms of osteochondrosis include:

• stiffness when moving, twitching, throbbing or heaviness;
• pain in the area of localization of inflammation (cervical, thoracic or lumbar) of varying intensity and character;
• numbness of limbs;
• muscle weakness, impaired performance;
• painful attacks that radiate along the nerve tract to the relevant part of the body (shoulder, shoulder blade, leg).

Cervical osteochondrosis

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

• pain in the neck or back of the head;
• dizziness;
• tinnitus, impaired hearing and vision;
• neck fatigue after sleeping or maintaining the same position for a long time;
• painful sensation when turning the head.

With cervical osteochondrosis, dizziness and pain when turning the head may occur.The first painful sensation appears in the back of the head and is similar to a headache.Inflamed cartilage puts pressure on nerve fibers, causing vascular spasm.

Thoracic osteochondrosis

The development of thoracic osteochondrosis can masquerade as a cardiovascular disease for a long time.Characteristic symptoms:

• tactile sensation disorders and limb numbness;
• tingling in the intercostal space;
• pain in the heart area, irregular heart rhythm;
• limitation of respiratory function, heaviness in the sternum;
• disorders of the gastrointestinal tract (pancreatitis, flatulence);
• radiating pain to the scapular region.

Lumbar osteochondrosis

Progressive lumbar osteochondrosis in advanced form can cause disability.The inflamed area of the spine stops the supply of necessary microelements to the lower part of the leg for the full function of the joints and muscles.Pinched nerve stem cells cause excruciating back pain and recourse to drug therapy.

The main symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis include:

• numbness in the lower part of the leg;
• muscle pain, weakness;
• shivering;
• muscle spasms;
• reproductive system dysfunction;
• pain can be sharp or pain in the lumbar region, radiating to the legs.

Diagnostics

On average, every 1000 inhabitants there are 20 people with diagnosed osteochondrosis.Diseases such as osteochondrosis are difficult to diagnose in the early stages.The symptoms are quite hidden and appear clearly only at stage 2-3, when it is time for serious drug treatment.

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

Doctors use three types of standard diagnostics:

1. Neurology.
2. Instrumental.
3. Laboratory.

The main neurological examination of the patient is carried out by a neurologist, determining the category of nerve structures affected by the disease.Also, to exclude other diseases with similar symptoms, I can refer the patient for X-ray, ultrasound, MRI and ECG.

Laboratory (Analysis)

Laboratory diagnostics have advisory and additional value.Blood tests revealed an increase in the erythrocyte sedimentation rate and a decrease in calcium levels.This means the occurrence of pathological processes in the body, but does not indicate the specifics of their development.Therefore, this method is included in a comprehensive examination of the patient and the results are interpreted based on other medical data.

Instrumental

Diagnostics using professional equipment provides the most accurate results about diseases of various nature.The main research tools are:

1. X-ray - reveals anatomical changes in bone, cartilage, and nerve tissue.
2. MRI - magnetic resonance imaging.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 able to decipher neurological symptoms.

Traditional treatment

The treatment regimen for osteochondrosis is traditional.Its component is 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 drugs, 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 therapy with drugs will give the lower part a break.Strong anesthetic and anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) will provide an analgesic effect and start the process of fighting inflammation in the spinal area.Medicines that are indispensable for the treatment of back osteochondrosis:

1. Chondroprotectors are active substances that restore cartilage tissue elasticity and vertebral mobility.
2. Muscle relaxant - softens the spasm of the muscle structure.
3. Vascular - improves blood circulation and metabolic processes.
4. Complex of vitamins and antioxidants.

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

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

1. External agents: ointments, creams, gels.
2. Preparations for internal use: capsules, tablets.
3. Injection of medicine.

Surgery

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

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

A referral for surgical intervention can be set by a doctor based on a 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 the disc with deformation.Instruments may include microdiscectomy, the B-Twin system, or laser nuclear vaporization.Recovery after spinal surgery lasts six months.

Gymnastics

An excellent support therapy for the treatment of osteochondrosis is gymnastics or exercise therapy.Doing a set of exercises regularly will help:

1. Strengthening the muscular corset is necessary for an even load on the spine.
2. Stimulate blood circulation to saturate bones and muscle tissue.
3. Develop proper posture.

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

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

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is indicated for patients with back osteochondrosis to relieve inflammation and is carried out in places where the disease is concentrated.The procedural course contributes to:

1. Increases body resistance.
2. Restores metabolism in the affected sector.
3. Relieves pain and swelling.
4. Improve blood circulation.

To choose a physiotherapeutic method to treat osteochondrosis, you need to clearly define the desired result.Mainly used:

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

Diet

There is no single diet option for patients with osteochondrosis.However, doctors have reached a unanimous agreement that it is not recommended to use the following product categories with this diagnosis:

1. Soup with fatty broth.
2. Pork and other fatty meats.
3. Poultry fat (goose, duck).
4. Coffee, caffeinated liquor.

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

For an example diet, you can take diet No.15. It includes all important macronutrients, minerals, vitamins and carbohydrate products.The correct energy value of the menu should be at the level of 2600-2700 kcal, which is equal to 85-90 g of protein, 350-400 g of carbohydrates and 90-95 g of fat.

Therefore, the ideal menu for patients with osteochondrosis is a combination of balanced, non-calorie foods rich in vitamins and minerals.Food is divided into 6 small portions.

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 three main ways:

• rub;
• compress;
• herbal bath.

Daily use allows you to get rid of discomfort in 10-14 days.Conventionally, folk remedies can be divided into systemic and local effects on the body.

System Tools

To affect the whole body and spine, you can use natural systemic preparations in the form of decoctions.

An example of a positive effect is the effect of yarrow decoction, which relieves pain, fights inflammation and calms.

Local medicine

Local folk remedies include ointments, infusions for compresses and rubs.This product must be mixed according to the recipe and applied to the inflamed area, but only if there is no allergy to the components and damage to the skin.Among the popular compositions, special attention is paid to honey compresses, ginger ointment with calendula tincture, a mixture of banana and sage herbs, and rubbing with horseradish and vodka.

To choose an effective method and prescription, you need to consult with your doctor, because home treatment methods are only part of the general therapy and only have an additional effect.

Prevention

Therapeutic therapy for back diseases cannot achieve long-term success without preventive measures.Even the most effective and expensive drugs do not guarantee the return of symptoms as a result of returning to the body's daily activities.Therefore, positive effects must be consolidated and maintained using a few simple rules:

1. Do not lift more than 10 kg.
2. Make sure the load is distributed evenly on the back muscles.
3. Maintain a rational and balanced diet.
4. Take general strengthening vitamins and active supplements (mucopolysaccharides).
5. Develop a regime of rest and alternate work.
6. Maintain physical activity.

Remember that this disease category has a hidden nature.Therefore, once the diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the back has been made, the disease should not be allowed to run, even without obvious symptoms.Following all the doctor's recommendations and home care allows you to return to normal work more quickly after treatment, but constant monitoring is necessary to avoid exacerbations.