Osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis is a term used to describe a group of diseases associated with degenerative and dystrophic changes in the structures of the spine. First of all, the intervertebral discs suffer, and with the development of the disease and the vertebrae themselves. Degenerative are the changes associated with the processes of tissue wear, aging, loss of original properties and dystrophic - changes caused by eating disorders of tissues. Thus, the term osteochondrosis unites most pathologies of the spine with non-inflammatory nature.

The spine forms the backbone of the skeleton, connecting the various parts of the skeletal system. It supports the head, ribs and muscles are attached to it. The spinal cord passes through the spinal cord, through which the brain is connected to various parts of our body. Man is the only bipedal creature in the world, and the spine is designed to provide two-way movement. Therefore, the spine has a curved shape, reminiscent of the letter S of the Latin alphabet and is not a rigid rod, but a complex structure consisting of elements attached together - vertebrae. This structure of the spine allows us to make different movements, to be flexible and to absorb shock and shock. The function of the shock absorbers is performed by intervertebral discs - cartilaginous layers consisting of the nucleus pulposus and the annular fibrosis around it. The nucleus absorbs the load and absorbs it, and annular fibrosis prevents the nucleus from leveling under pressure.

Reducing the elasticity of the intervertebral discs can be the beginning of a wide range of problems. Unable to withstand the load, the intervertebral discs begin to deform, the spine loses its proper shape. The progression of the disease leads to further destruction of the intervertebral discs, the fibrous ring breaks, the vertebrae come into heavy contact with each other, it becomes possible to press the nerves connecting the spinal cord with different parts of the body. This is how osteochondrosis develops. Intervertebral hernias occur and inflammation often develops. Deprived of shock absorption, the vertebrae can flatten out and together their joints form scar and bone growths.

Osteochondrosis is one of the most common diseases. Only cardiovascular diseases are more common. According to some estimates, every second inhabitant of the planet suffers from osteochondrosis. Osteochondrosis is more common in women, but in men its manifestations are on average more painful.

What is osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis affects different parts of the spine. Depending on which department has suffered the most, there are:

• lumbar osteochondrosis - occurs most often;
• cervical - ranks second in "popularity";
• sacred;
• chest;
• widespread osteochondrosis, in which several parts of the spine are affected at once;
• cross pathologies (lumbosacral or cervicothoracic).

Causes of osteochondrosis

The causes of osteochondrosis are quite diverse.

First, with age, the elasticity of the intervertebral discs gradually loses. This means that our back needs special attention. Prolonged stay in a position that causes the spine to twist can cause irreversible changes. You should avoid sitting in an asymmetrical position, fighting the habit of lying on one side only, carrying a load (such as a bag) with only one hand.

A sedentary lifestyle has a detrimental effect on the health of the spine. You need to move, but physical activity should be moderate. The spine should be able to recover from the load, and it is also advisable to avoid injuries that also lead to the development of spinal pathologies.

The second group of causes is related to metabolic disorders and malnutrition. Foods rich in carbohydrates and fats saturate the body with calories that we in our sedentary city life often simply have nowhere to spend; as a result, energy is deposited in the form of adipose tissue, creating excess weight. Obesity is an increased load on the spine, which leads to the development of osteochondrosis. In addition, such a diet usually contains insufficient amounts of trace elements (calcium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese and others), which are so necessary to strengthen bone tissue. Being overweight is often caused by endocrine diseases. At the same time, the violation of energy, water or mineral metabolism can also adversely affect the tissues involved in the structure of the spine.

Factors contributing to the development of osteochondrosis may be:

• flat steps;
• hormonal changes;
• infectious diseases;
• local circulatory disorders,

as well as some other factors.

Symptoms of osteochondrosis

In the initial stage of osteochondrosis there are no pronounced symptoms. It is possible to assume the development of osteochondrosis in the case of:

• dull back pain (in the area of the affected area of the spine);
• feeling of heaviness in the back, constant tension in the spinal muscles;
• muscle tingling, the appearance of "goosebumps". In such cases, it is usually said that "the back is tingling";
• crunching when turning the body and neck;
• headache, dizziness, tinnitus (usually with cervical osteochondrosis);
• chest pain (usually in thoracic osteochondrosis).

At the first appearance of such symptoms, it is recommended that you be examined by a neurologist.

The further development of the disease is manifested in symptoms that bring significant discomfort:

Back pain

There is severe pain in the back (spine). The pain can radiate to the limb.

Numbness in the fingers

A typical manifestation of osteochondrosis is numbness of the fingers and toes.

Limitation of motor activity

Even with minimal exercise, the pain increases (for example, as a result of shaking and trembling when traveling in transport). Pain leads to significant limitations of mobility and motor activity.

Methods for diagnosing osteochondrosis

The main role in the diagnosis of osteochondrosis belongs to instrumental examinations: radiography, computed tomography, MRI.

It may be necessary to confirm that the observed symptoms are not caused by other medical conditions. For the purposes of the differential diagnosis, a general and biochemical blood test, a general urine test and ultrasound examinations of the internal organs are performed.

X-ray of the spine

X-rays are taken of the problem areas of the spine. Which department should be examined is determined based on the patient's complaints.

Computed tomography (CT)

Computed tomography (MSCT) makes it possible to obtain a more informative picture of pathological processes and to determine the degree of their severity. In particular, the MSCT makes it possible to detect an intervertebral hernia.

Computed tomography is performed when X-ray data are insufficient.

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)

MRI is the most informative method for diagnosing osteochondrosis. In some cases (for example, when osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is suspected), MRI cannot be refused. Magnetic resonance imaging allows visualization of cartilage and soft tissues, on the basis of which it is possible to locate as accurately as possible the source of the problems and to determine the cause of the disease.

Methods of treatment of osteochondrosis

It is recommended to start the treatment of osteochondrosis as early as possible, as the pathological changes in the spine are in most cases irreversible. Therefore, treatment is mainly aimed at eliminating the pain and preventing the further development of the disease.

The course of treatment, as a rule, is complex and is prescribed individually, depending on the patient's condition. The clinic uses for the treatment of osteochondrosis:

Medication treatment

First of all, the treatment is aimed at stopping (eliminating) the pain syndrome. Anti-inflammatory drugs and muscle relaxants (drugs that relax the muscles) are used.

Also, in the treatment of osteochondrosis are used drugs that improve blood circulation, chondroprotectors (drugs that restore cartilage tissue), vitamin D and calcium supplements.

Massage

Massage for osteochondrosis relieves muscle tone, stimulates blood flow to the spine and improves metabolic processes. This serves to strengthen the vertebrae and intervertebral discs, suppress inflammation and reduce pain.

Physiotherapy

In osteochondrosis such methods of physiotherapy as electrophoresis, phonophoresis, UHF, magnetic therapy are used.

Reflexology

Reflexology in osteochondrosis is used as an additional therapeutic method. Acupuncture helps to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, normalize blood circulation and increase the effect of the drugs used.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy for osteochondrosis is mainly aimed at eliminating pain and restoring mobility of the spine. A set of specially selected exercises is used.

Prevention of osteochondrosis

As a prevention of osteochondrosis, doctors at the clinic recommend:

• maintain proper posture. Posture is the normal position of the body while standing. Ideally, the head and back should be on the same vertical, the shoulders should be at the same level, the abdomen should be pulled up and the chest should be raised. The habit of the body is developed through exercise, therefore the posture should be monitored - not to bend over or move;
• lead an active lifestyle, do gymnastics;
• it is useful to hang on a horizontal bar - while the spine is stretched;
• sleeps on a firm mattress. It is advisable to buy an orthopedic mattress and pillow;
• follow a balanced diet by eating foods that contain enough vitamins and minerals.