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.

The cause of regular 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.

Back osteochondrosis is a problem that many people face.

Etiology and pathogenesis of osteochondrosis

Back osteochondrosis manifests itself gradually, latently affecting all new areas of the spine.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 compressed.

The patient begins to feel back pain.Subsequently, the changes affect smaller elements of the vertebral structure, degenerative growths of bone tissue develop, preventing mobility of the spine, healthy cartilage cells are destroyed and the disease affects bones and ligaments.As a side effect, the deformation of the vertebrae causes an increase in the 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 is ultimately the cause of a serious disruption of blood flow in the central nervous system.

The main problem that causes the interruption of the formation of the spine and the osteochondrosis process is nutritional deficiency and a decrease in blood supply to the tissues of the bone structure.The reasons for development are many factors of external, internal influence and human behavioral processes.

Endogenous (internal) causes include:

• genetic factors of heredity;
• violation of the metabolism of microelements (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 spinal muscles;
• spinal injuries;
• incorrect posture, scoliosis;
• incorrect or strange systematic posture;
• unbalanced nutritional menu, consumption of fatty junk foods;
• irregular physical activity, back overload;
• bad habits;
• constant stress.

A latent form of osteochondrosis can be manifested by sudden lifting of weight, jumping or falling, which will cause microtrauma to the spinal disc and compression of the nerve root.

It is then that the patient may first feel sharp, stabbing pain.Subsequently, the pain syndrome returns repeatedly with varying 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.

Back osteochondrosis is classified according to the affected area.

Main stages of disease development:

1. The beginning of the development of osteochondrosis - microcracks form in the fibrous ring, moisture is lost from bone and cartilaginous tissue.The stage manifests itself as subtle discomfort in one area 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 undergo protrusion, the intervertebral space of the discs decreases and the fibrous capsule is destroyed and the nerve roots are compressed.Pain signals the process of rupture of the metabolic cartilage tissue and its destruction.Ignoring the second stage of osteochondrosis becomes an impetus for inflammation of the cartilage and, as a result, compression of nerve fibers, blood and lymphatic vessels.
3. In the third stage of the disease, the affected vertebrae become deformed and the cartilaginous tissue wears away.With appropriate active treatment, it is possible to prevent 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 for 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 feels sharp, sometimes unbearable pain with every movement.

Symptoms

Signs of the development of articular osteochondrosis are easily confused with other diseases with similar symptoms.In addition, the symptoms of manifestation of a certain sector of the vertebral structure have characteristic features.

The main symptoms of osteochondrosis include:

• stiffness when moving, creaking, popping or heaviness;
• pain in the area where the inflammation is located (cervical, thoracic or lumbar) of varying intensity and character;
• numbness of limbs;
• muscle weakness, impaired performance;
• painful attacks radiating 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 diseases:

• pain in the neck or back of the head;
• dizziness;
• tinnitus, hearing and visual impairment;
• neck sluggishness after sleeping or maintaining 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 sensations of pain appear in the back of the head and are similar to headaches.The inflamed cartilage presses on nerve fibers, causing vascular spasms.

Thoracic osteochondrosis

The development of thoracic osteochondrosis can be disguised as cardiovascular disease for a long time.Its characteristic symptoms:

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

Lumbar osteochondrosis

Progressive lumbar osteochondrosis in advanced form can lead to disability.The inflamed area of the spine disrupts the supply of microelements necessary to the lower extremities for the full functioning of joints and muscles.Compressed nerve stem cells cause excruciating back pain and resort to drug therapy.

The main symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis include:

• numbness of the lower extremities;
• feeling of muscle pain, weakness;
• chills;
• muscle spasms;
• reproductive system dysfunction;
• The pain may be sharp or aching in the lower back, radiating down the leg.

Diagnosis

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

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

Doctors use three standard types of diagnosis:

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

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

Laboratory (Analysis)

Laboratory diagnosis has advisory and auxiliary value.Blood tests reveal 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 its results are interpreted based on other medical data.

instrumental

Diagnosis with professional equipment provides more accurate results on diseases of different natures.The main research tools are:

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

Traditional treatment

The treatment regimen for osteochondrosis is traditional.Its components are drug therapy with different types of medications: NSAIDs, chondroprotectors, analgesics, hormonal agents and supporting vitamin complexes.In addition to the load on the body with medications, physiotherapy, manual therapy, reflexology, surgery, massage and preventive measures are used to combat osteochondrosis.

Drug therapy

It is impossible to immediately stop back pain due to osteochondrosis forever, but medical therapy with medications will provide a break for the lower back.Powerful anesthetics and anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) will provide an analgesic effect and begin the process of combating inflammation in the spinal regions.Indispensable treatment medications for osteochondrosis of the back:

1. Chondroprotectors are active substances that restore the elasticity of cartilaginous tissue and the mobility of the vertebrae.
2. Muscle relaxants - soften spasms in the muscular structure.
3. Vascular - improving blood circulation and metabolic processes.
4. Vitamin complexes and antioxidants.

Only with the use of a properly selected therapeutic complex is it possible to achieve positive dynamics and maintain the results for a long time.

In the treatment of osteochondrosis of the back, different forms of medication are used:

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

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

Referral for surgical intervention can be prescribed by the doctor based on the patient's complete diagnostic picture and the presence of direct indications for removing the pathological defect.In spine surgery, the leading place is occupied by the discectomy method - surgical removal of a deformed disc.Instruments may include microdiscectomy, B-Twin system, or laser nuclear vaporization.Rehabilitation after spine surgery lasts six months.

Gymnastics

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

1. Strengthening the muscular corset is necessary for a uniform load 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 complying 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 carried out in places where the disease is concentrated.Procedure courses contribute to:

1. Increasing the body's resistance.
2. Restoring metabolism in the affected sector.
3. Relief of pain and swelling.
4. Improve blood vessel circulation.

To choose a physiotherapeutic method of 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 diet option for patients with osteochondrosis.However, doctors came to a unanimous agreement that it is strictly not 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 poultry (goose, duck).
4. Coffee, strong caffeinated drinks.

Furthermore, the menu limits the consumption of alcoholic beverages and sweets.

As an example of a diet, you can follow diet No. 15. It includes all vital macronutrients, minerals, vitamin products and carbohydrates.The energy value of the correct menu should be at the level of 2600-2700 kcal, which is equivalent to 85-90 g of protein, 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

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:

• to scrub;
• compresses;
• herbal baths.

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 influence the entire body and spine, you can use natural systemic preparations in the form of decoctions.

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

Local remedies

Local folk remedies include ointments, infusions for 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 and no damage to the skin.Among the popular compositions, special attention is paid to honey compresses, ginger ointment with calendula tincture, herbal mixture of plantain and sage, and rubbing with horseradish and vodka.

To choose an effective method and prescription, you need to 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 with the return 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 exceeding 10 kg.
2. Make sure the load is evenly distributed across the 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 has been made, the disease should not continue 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 exacerbation.