Types, symptoms and treatment of back osteochondrosis

The musculoskeletal system is the most important part of our body. Back pain often requires a doctor's visit.

The cause of regular back pain, stiffness of movement and muscle cramps is osteochondrosis of the back - a disease of the bone, cartilage and musculoskeletal system caused by various factors in the body.

Osteochondrosis in the back is a problem that many face.

Etiology and pathogenesis of osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis of the back manifests itself gradually and in a latent form affects all new zones of the spine. First of all, there are changes in the structure of the cartilage discs of the vertebrae: they lose their elasticity, the space between the vertebrae shrinks and the nerve endings of the spinal cord are injured.

The patient begins to experience back pain. As a result, changes overlay smaller elements of the vertebral structure, degenerative bone tissue overgrowths develop, which hinder the 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 leads to increased stress on organs and arteries. This is due to the specificity of the blood supply - the displacement of the spinal segments leads to compression of the vertebral artery and is ultimately the cause of a serious circulatory disorder of the central nervous system.

The main problem that causes a violation of the formation of the spine and the process of osteochondrosis is a lack of nutrients and a decrease in blood supply to the tissues of the bone structure. The reasons for the development are many factors of external, internal influences and behavioral processes of a person.

Endogenous (internal) causes are:

• genetic factors of inheritance;
• violation of the metabolism of trace elements (phosphorus and calcium);
• Characteristics of cartilage tissue;
• age-related changes in the body;
• Obesity;
• orthopedic diseases.

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

• poor physical development of the back muscles;
• Spinal injuries;
• improper posture, scoliosis;
• systematic incorrect or uncomfortable posture;
• unbalanced diet, eat fatty junk food;
• uneven physical exertion, back overload;
• Bad habits;
• constant stress.

The latent form of osteochondrosis can be manifested by sharp lifting of weights, jumping, falling, which provokes microtrauma of the intervertebral disc and injury to the nerve root.

Then the patient first feels a sharp pain. In the future, the pain syndrome will keep coming back with varying degrees of intensity. Affected nerve stem cells 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 area.

Osteochondrosis of the back is classified according to the area affected.

The main stages of the development of the disease:

1. The beginning of the development of osteochondrosis - microcracks are formed in the annulus fibrosus, moisture is lost from the bone and cartilage tissues. The stage manifests itself as slight discomfort in one of the areas of the spine after physical exertion or an uncomfortable posture.
2. The first painful attacks are noticeable. In the second stage there is a protrusion of the intervertebral discs, the intervertebral space of the intervertebral discs shrinks and the fiber capsule collapses, the nerve roots are pinched. Pain signals the process of metabolic disorders in cartilage tissue and its destruction. Ignoring the second stage of osteochondrosis leads to inflammation of the cartilage and, as a result, damage to nerve fibers, blood and lymph vessels.
3. In the third stage of the disease, the affected vertebrae are deformed and the cartilage tissue is erased. With proper active treatment, it is possible to stop the further destruction of cartilage cells and the curvature of the spine. In the future, however, supportive therapy and care will be a constant companion of the patient during normal physical activity.
4. The initiated osteochondrosis, which has passed into the last fourth stage of development, often becomes the cause of disabilities. All destructive processes are irreversible: significant shift in the structure of the vertebrae, compaction of cartilage tissue, pathological growth of bone tissue. The patient feels acute, sometimes unbearable pain with every movement.

Symptoms

Signs of the development of joint osteochondrosis are easy to confuse with other diseases with similar symptoms. Symptoms of manifestation for a separate sector of the vertebral structure also have characteristic features.

The main symptoms of osteochondrosis are:

• Stiffness when moving, creaking, grinding, or feeling heavy;
• Pain in the area of the localization of the inflammation (cervical, thoracic or lumbar) of varying intensity and character;
• Numbness of limbs;
• Muscle weakness, decreased performance;
• Pain attacks that radiate along the nerve canals to the associated parts of the body (shoulder, shoulder blade, leg).

Cervical osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis of the cervical sector is manifested in the following complaints:

• Pain in the neck or back of the head;
• Dizziness;
• Tinnitus, hearing and vision disorders;
• sluggishness of the neck after sleeping or maintaining the same posture for a long time;
• painful sensations when turning the head.

With cervical osteochondrosis, turning the head may cause dizziness and painful sensations. The appearance of the first painful sensations is observed in the back of the head and resembles the head. Inflamed cartilage pressure on nerve fibers, causing vasospasm.

Osteochondrosis of the breast

For a long time, the development of thoracic osteochondrosis can be masked as cardiovascular diseases. Its characteristic symptoms:

• violation of tactile sensations and numbness of the limbs;
• Tingling in the intercostal space;
• Pain in the region of the heart, irregular heartbeat;
• Restriction of respiratory functions, heaviness in the sternum;
• Disruption of the gastrointestinal tract (pancreatitis, flatulence);
• radiating pain into the shoulder region.

Lumbar osteochondrosis

Progressive lumbar osteochondrosis in an advanced form can lead to disabilities. The inflamed area of the spine stops the lower extremities from being supplied with trace elements necessary for the full function of the joints and muscles. Pinched cells of the nerve trunk cause unbearable back pain and the use of drug therapy.

The main symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis are:

• Numbness of the lower extremities;
• sore muscles, weakness;
• Chills;
• Muscle cramps;
• dysfunction of the reproductive system;
• Pain may sting or sore in the lumbar area and radiating to the leg.

diagnosis

For every 1000 inhabitants there are an average of 20 people diagnosed with osteochondrosis. A disease like osteochondrosis is difficult to diagnose early on. Its symptomatology is quite hidden and manifests itself already in 2-3 stages when the time comes for serious drug treatment.

If the development of osteochondrosis is suspected, it is necessary to first consult a specialist and conduct a comprehensive examination for differential diagnosis and clarification of the diagnosis.

Doctors use three standard types of diagnostics:

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

The primary neurological examination of the patient is done by a neurologist to determine the category of nerve structures affected by the disease. In order to rule out other diseases with similar symptoms, the patient can be sent for an X-ray, ultrasound, MRI and EKG.

Laboratory (analyzes)

Laboratory diagnostics have an advisory - auxiliary value. Blood tests show an increase in the rate of sedimentation and a decrease in calcium levels. This means the course of pathological processes in the body, but does not indicate the specifics of their development. Therefore, this method is included in the comprehensive examination of the patient and its results are deciphered using other medical data.

Instrumental

Diagnostics with professional equipment provides the most accurate results on diseases of other kinds. The most important research tools are:

1. X-ray - shows anatomical changes in bone, cartilage and nerve tissue.
2. MRI - magnetic resonance imaging. Allows the visualization of the processes in bones and soft tissues, blood vessels and nerve fibers.
3. CT (computed tomography) - similar to MRI, but produces radiation.
4. Electromyography - is able to decipher neurological symptoms.

Traditional treatment

The treatment regimen for osteochondrosis is traditional. Its components are drug therapy with different directions: NSAIDs, chondroprotectors, analgesics, hormonal agents and supporting vitamin complexes. In addition to loading the body with drugs in the fight against osteochondrosis, physiotherapy, manual therapy, reflexology, surgery, massage and preventive measures are used.

Drug therapy

It is immediately impossible to stop back pain from osteochondrosis forever, but drug therapy will give the lower back some breathing space. Strong anesthetics and anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have an analgesic effect and start the process of fighting inflammation in the regions of the spine. Indispensable drugs for the treatment of back osteochondrosis:

1. Chondroprotectors are active ingredients that restore the elasticity of the cartilage tissue and the mobility of the vertebrae.
2. Muscle relaxants - soothing spasms of the muscle structure.
3. Vascular - improving blood circulation and metabolic processes.
4. Vitamin complexes and antioxidants.

Only with the use of a properly selected therapeutic complex can positive dynamics be achieved and the result preserved for a long time.

Various drugs are used to treat back osteochondrosis:

1. External remedies: ointments, creams, gels.
2. Preparations for internal consumption: capsules, tablets.
3. Injections of drugs.

Surgical intervention

Unfortunately, there are cases of osteochondrosis, when the time of treatment is missed, and drugs do not bring the expected result, and the disease progresses. Then the only solution is surgery. The main reasons for the operation are:

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

Referral for surgical intervention can be prescribed by a doctor based on a complete diagnostic picture of the patient and the presence of direct indications for the elimination of a pathological defect. In spinal surgery, the discectomy method takes the leading place - the surgical removal of a deformed intervertebral disc. Instruments can be microdiscectomy, the B-twin system or laser vaporization of the cell nucleus. Rehabilitation after spinal surgery takes six months.

gymnastics

An excellent supportive therapy for treating osteochondrosis is exercise or exercise therapy. Regular exercise helps:

1. Strengthening the muscle corset - this is necessary for an even load on the spine.
2. Stimulates blood flow to saturate bone and muscle tissue.
3. Develop correct posture.

It is important to remember that the exercises must be tailored to the diagnosis and adhere to the following principles:

1. Regularity of execution.
2. Smoothness of movement, no jerks.
3. If painful sensations appear, you need to reduce the load or stop the exercise.
4. Monitor your wellbeing.

physical therapy

Physiotherapy is indicated for the relief of inflammation in patients with osteochondrosis of the back and is carried out in places where the disease is concentrated. Treatment courses help:

1. Increasing the body's resilience.
2. Restoration of metabolism in the affected sector.
3. Relief from pain and swelling.
4. Improve blood flow to blood vessels.

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

1. Laser therapy.
2. Ultrasound exposure.
3. Electrical stimulation.
4. Magnetic Therapy.

diet

There is no single diet option for those with osteochondrosis. However, the doctors came to the unanimous agreement that the use of products in the following categories in this diagnosis is generally discouraged:

1. Fat broth soups.
2. Pork and other fatty meats.
3. Animal bird fats (goose, duck).
4. Coffee, caffeinated spirits.

Also, alcohol and sweets are limited on the menu.

As an example of a diet, you can take diet number 15. It contains all essential macronutrients, minerals, vitamins and carbohydrates. The energy value of the correct menu should be 2600-2700 kcal, which corresponds to 85-90 g protein, 350-400 g carbohydrates and 90-95 g fat.

Therefore, the ideal menu for a patient with osteochondrosis is a combination of balanced, non-nutritious foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals. The meals are divided into small portions 6 times.

Traditional treatment

Folk remedies are often used at home to reduce inflammation, relieve pain and muscle spasms, and generally strengthen the body. There are many recipes for traditional medicine decoctions and infusions, which are used in three ways:

• Rub;
• 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 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 action of a decoction of yarrow, which relieves pain, fights inflammation and soothes.

Local funds

Local remedies for folk formulations include ointments, infusions for compresses and rubs. These agents 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 skin damage. Among the popular compositions, special attention is paid to honey compresses, ginger ointment on the tincture of the calendula pharmacy, a mixture of plantain and sage herbs, which is rubbed with horseradish with vodka.

To choose an effective method and prescription, it is necessary to consult your doctor, since home treatment methods are only an essential part of general therapy and have only an auxiliary effect.

prophylaxis

The therapeutic therapy of back diseases cannot have long-term success without preventive measures. Even the most effective and expensive drugs do not guarantee a return of symptoms as a result of a return to the body's daily stress. Therefore, the positive effect needs to be consolidated and sustained using a few simple rules:

1. Do not lift weights over 10 kg.
2. Monitor the even distribution of the load on the back muscles.
3. Pay attention to rationality and balance in the diet.
4. Take anabolic vitamins and active nutritional supplements (mucopolysaccharides).
5. Develop a regime to change rest and work.
6. Maintain physical activity.

Remember that this category of disease is latent in nature. Therefore, when diagnosing osteochondrosis of the back, even if there are no obvious symptoms, it should not go away. Following all the recommendations of the doctor and home care will allow you to return to a normal working state faster after treatment, but constant monitoring is necessary to prevent an exacerbation.