Types, symptoms and treatment of osteochondrosis of the back

The musculoskeletal system is the most important part of our body. Often back pain causes the need to visit a doctor.

The cause of regular back pain, stiffness and muscle cramps is osteochondrosis of the back - a disease of bone and cartilage tissue, as well as the musculoskeletal system, caused by various factors that affect the body.

Osteochondrosis of the back is a problem that many face.

Etiology and pathogenesis of osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis of the back manifests itself gradually, affecting in a latent form all the new zones of the spine. Initially, changes occur in the structure of the cartilaginous discs of the vertebrae: they lose elasticity, the space between the vertebrae is reduced, and the nerve endings of the spinal cord are injured.

The patient begins to feel back pain. After that, the changes affect smaller elements of the vertebral structure, bone growths of degenerative nature develop, which interfere with the mobility of the spine, healthy cartilage cells are destroyed, the disease affects the bones and ligaments. As a side effect, deformity of the vertebrae causes an increase in the load on the organs and arteries. This is due to the specificity of the blood supply - the displacement of segments of the spine causes compression of the vertebral artery and is ultimately the cause of a serious disturbance of blood flow in the central nervous system.

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

Endogenous (internal) causes include:

• genetic factors of heredity;
• violation of the metabolism of trace elements (phosphorus and calcium);
• cartilage tissue characteristics;
• age-related changes in the body;
• extra pounds;
• orthopedic diseases.

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

• low level of physical development of the back muscles;
• spinal injuries;
• improper posture, scoliosis;
• systematic improper or uncomfortable posture;
• unbalanced diet, consuming fatty unhealthy foods;
• uneven physical exertion, back overload;
• bad habits;
• constant stress.

The latent form of osteochondrosis can be manifested by a sharp lifting of weights, jumping, falling, which will cause microtrauma of the spinal disc and damage to the nerve root.

Then the patient may first feel a sharp shooting pain. In the future, the pain syndrome always returns with varying intensity. Damaged nerve stem cells signal the need for urgent medical intervention.

Classification of diseases, main stages

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

• cervical;
• chest;
• lumbar and sacral region.

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

The main stages of disease development:

1. The beginning of the development of osteochondrosis - microcracks appear in the annulus of fibrosis, moisture from the bone and cartilage tissue is lost. The phase is manifested by subtle discomfort in one of the zones of the spine after physical exertion or an awkward body position.
2. The first painful attacks are felt. In the second stage, the discs undergo protrusion, the intervertebral space of the discs is reduced and the fibrous capsule collapses, the nerve roots are compressed. Pain signals the process of metabolic disorders in cartilage tissue and its destruction. Neglecting the second stage of osteochondrosis becomes a stimulus for cartilage inflammation and, as a result, a violation of nerve fibers, blood and lymph vessels.
3. In the third stage of the disease, the affected vertebrae are deformed, the cartilaginous tissue is erased. With proper active treatment, it is possible to stop further destruction of cartilage cells and curvature of the spine. But in the future, supportive therapy and care will become constant companions of the patient for normal physical activity.
4. Initiated osteochondrosis, which has passed into the last fourth phase of development, often becomes a 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, sometimes unbearable pain with each movement.

Symptoms

Signs of the development of joint osteochondrosis are easily confused with other diseases similar in symptomatology. Also, the symptoms of the manifestation for a separate sector of the vertebral structure have characteristic features.

The main symptoms of osteochondrosis are:

• stiffness when moving, creaking, creaking or weight;
• pain in the area of localization of inflammation (cervical, thoracic or lumbar) of varying intensity and character;
• limb numbness;
• muscle weakness, decreased performance;
• pain, radiating along nerve channels to connected parts of the body (shoulder, shoulder blade, leg).

Cervical osteochondrosis

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

• neck or occipital pain;
• dizziness;
• tinnitus, impaired hearing and vision;
• neck sluggishness after sleeping or long-term maintenance of the same position;
• painful sensations when turning the head.

With cervical osteochondrosis, dizziness and painful sensations may occur when turning the head. The appearance of the first painful sensations is observed in the back of the head and is similar to the head. Inflamed cartilage pressures on nerve fibers cause vasospasm.

Chest osteochondrosis

The development of thoracic osteochondrosis can long be disguised as cardiovascular disease. Characteristic symptoms:

• violation of tactile sensations and numbness of the limbs;
• tingling in the intercostal space;
• pain in the heart area, heart rhythm disorders;
• limitation of respiratory function, weight in the sternum;
• gastrointestinal tract disorder (pancreatitis, bloating);
• radiates pain to the scapular area.

Lumbar osteochondrosis

Progressive lumbar osteochondrosis in its advanced form can lead to disability. The inflamed area of the spine stops the supply of the lower extremities with the necessary trace elements for the full functioning of the joints and muscles. Compressed nerve trunk cells cause unbearable back pain and the use of drug therapy.

The main symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis include:

• numbness of the lower extremities;
• muscle pain, weakness;
• chills;
• muscle cramps;
• reproductive system dysfunction;
• the pain may be sharp or aching in the lumbar region, radiating towards the leg.

Diagnosis

On average, there are 20 people diagnosed with osteochondrosis per 1, 000 inhabitants. A disease like osteochondrosis is difficult to diagnose in the early stages. Its symptomatology is quite hidden and is clearly manifested only in 2-3 stages, when it comes time for serious drug therapy.

If there is a suspicion of the development of osteochondrosis, first of all, it is necessary to resort to the advice of experts and conduct a comprehensive examination for the purpose of 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 performed by a neurologist, determining the category of nerve structures affected by the disease. Also, to rule out diseases of different nature with similar symptoms, the patient can be sent for X-ray, ultrasound, MRI and ECG.

Laboratory (analysis)

Laboratory diagnostics is of advisory - auxiliary value. Blood tests show an increase in erythrocyte sedimentation rate 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 a comprehensive examination of the patient, and its results are deciphered based on other medical data.

Instrumental

Diagnosis with the help of professional equipment gives the most accurate results about diseases of different nature. The main research tools are:

1. X-ray - reveals anatomical changes in bone, cartilage, nerve tissue.
2. MRI - magnetic resonance imaging. It allows you to visualize the processes taking place in the bones and soft tissues, blood vessels and nerve fibers.
3. CT (computed tomography) - similar to MRI, but produces radiation.
4. Electromyography - can decipher neurological symptoms.

Traditional treatment

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

Drug therapy

It is currently impossible to stop back pain due to osteochondrosis forever, but medical drug therapy will give the lower back a respite. Strong anesthetics and anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) will provide an analgesic effect and begin the process of fighting inflammation in the spinal regions. Indispensable drugs for the treatment of osteochondrosis of the back:

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

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

Different forms of medication are used to treat osteochondrosis:

1. External medicines: ointments, creams, gels.
2. Preparations for internal consumption: capsules, tablets.
3. Drug injections.

Surgical intervention

Unfortunately, there are cases of osteochondrosis, when the time of treatment is missed, and the drugs do not give 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 intervertebral fissure to 1/3 of original size.

Referral to surgery can be prescribed by a physician based on a complete diagnostic picture of the patient and the presence of direct indications for removal of the pathological defect. In spinal surgery, the leading place is occupied by the method of discectomy - surgical removal of a disc with a deformity. Instruments can be microdiscectomy, B-Twin system or laser evaporation of the nucleus. Rehabilitation after spinal surgery takes six months.

Gymnastics

An excellent supportive therapy for the treatment of osteochondrosis is gymnastics or exercise therapy. Regular exercises will help:

1. Strengthen the muscular corset - this is necessary for an even load on the spine.
2. Provide stimulation of blood circulation to saturate bone and muscle tissue.
3. Develop proper posture.

It is important to remember that the exercises must be adapted to the diagnosis and in accordance with the following principles:

1. Correctness of execution.
2. Smooth movement, lack of jerk.
3. If painful feelings occur, you need to reduce the load or stop exercising.
4. Track your well-being.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is indicated for patients with osteochondrosis of the back to relieve inflammation and is performed in places where the disease is concentrated. Treatment courses contribute to:

1. Increasing the body's resistance.
2. Restoration of metabolism in the affected sector.
3. Relieve pain and swelling.
4. Improving blood vessel circulation.

To choose a physiotherapeutic method for the treatment of osteochondrosis, you must clearly define the desired result. Mainly used:

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

Diet

There is no single diet for patients with osteochondrosis. However, doctors unanimously agreed that the use of the following category of products with this diagnosis is strongly discouraged:

1. Fatty soups.
2. Pork and other fatty meats.
3. Animal fats of birds (goose, duck).
4. Coffee, caffeinated spirits.

In addition, alcohol and sweets are limited on the menu.

For example, you can take diet number 15. It contains all the vital macronutrients, minerals, vitamins and carbohydrates. The energy value of the correct menu should be at the level of 2600-2700 kcal, which is equal to 85-90g of protein, 350-400g of carbohydrates and 90-95g of fat.

Therefore, the ideal menu for a patient with osteochondrosis is a combination of a balanced non-nutritious food rich in vitamins and minerals. Meals were divided into small portions 6 times.

Traditional treatment

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

• rubbing;
• wraps;
• herbal baths.

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

System tools

You can use natural systemic preparations in the form of decoctions to affect the whole body and spine.

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

Local funds

Topical remedies for folk formulations include ointments, infusions for dressings and rubbing. 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 damage to the skin. Among the popular compositions, special attention is paid to compresses of honey, ginger ointment on the tincture of medicinal herbs, a mixture of plantain and sage, rubbing horseradish with vodka.

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

Prophylaxis

Therapeutic therapy for back disease cannot have long-term success without preventive measures. Even the most effective and expensive medicine does not guarantee a return of symptoms as a result of a return to daily stress in the body. Therefore, the positive effect must be consolidated and maintained using a few simple rules:

1. Do not lift weights larger than 10 kg.
2. Monitor the even distribution of the load on the back muscles.
3. Stick to rationality and balance in your diet.
4. Take restorative vitamins and active 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 a diagnosis is made, osteochondrosis of the back should not be allowed to go its course, even in the absence of obvious symptoms. Adherence to all doctor's recommendations and home care allow you to return to normal work faster after treatment, but constant monitoring is required to prevent deterioration.