Osteochondrosis

In 67% of all cases, osteochondrosis causes acute back pain. Lack of timely consultation with a doctor, consultation and treatment can lead to consequences such as disruption of the functioning of internal organs, damage to the spinal cord and damage to the nerve roots of the spine. What is osteochondrosis, what types of treatments exist for patients and how the disease is diagnosed - read.

What is osteochondrosis?

Osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disease that leads to thinning of the intervertebral cartilages. The hyaline cartilages and the intervertebral discs begin to "wear out" and lose their ability to function fully.

Reference.In most cases, osteochondrosis of the spine is diagnosed in people over 25 years old. According to the WHO, in 2021, 43% of the population aged 25-40 will suffer from osteochondrosis, and more than 92% of the elderly. The appearance and worsening of the disease can be caused by unfavorable surrounding factors.

Types of osteochondrosis

All parts of the spine are subject to degenerative processes. Among the types of osteochondrosis of the spine, 3 people can be distinguished: cervical, thoracic and lumbar (due to the high load, it is more common than others).

1. Lumbar osteochondrosis.The lumbar region consists of 5 vertebrae, which are subject to deformation due to the negative impact of external and internal factors. If the nutrition and metabolic processes in the intervertebral discs are interrupted, pain occurs, which is caused by the loss of elasticity and thinning of the cartilage tissue.
2. Cervical osteochondrosis.The cervical spine consists of 7 vertebrae that are regularly subjected to stress. Pathological processes are activated when the body's metabolic processes fail.
3. Thoracic osteochondrosis.The thoracic region consists of 12 vertebrae. This type of osteochondrosis is the least common. The thoracic vertebrae are inactive. People who lead a passive lifestyle and regularly lift heavy objects are susceptible to the disease.

Causes of osteochondrosis

The number of people suffering from osteochondrosis is growing rapidly every year. This is due to the fact that people spend most of their time on their feet, putting maximum load on the intervertebral discs.

Important!Discs and cartilages deform with age/under heavy load. Fissures and hernias may appear. As a result, the nerve roots are compressed, the discs become thinner, pathological processes in the spinal cord, muscle spasms and progressive pain.

The risk group includes: office workers, builders, hairdressers, salespeople, drivers. Both men and women are equally susceptible to the appearance of osteochondrosis.

The provoking factors of osteochondrosis are as follows:

• the presence of osteochondrosis in the family history;
• overweight, obesity;
• passive lifestyle;
• crow's feet.

Damaged depreciation and deformation of the spine can be caused by the following factors:

1. Self-neglect (complete lack of physical activity or excessive exercise).
2. They do not know the correct posture to reduce the load on the spine.
3. Constant work lifting/moving heavy objects.
4. Injuries.

Osteochondrosis: 4 stages of the development of the disease

Osteochondrosis of the spine has 4 stages of development:

1. First phase- there are no clear symptoms on the basis of which the disease could be diagnosed. Back pain occurs occasionally, often after physical exertion or overexertion. In the early stages of osteochondrosis, it can be detected during the preventive examination or CT or X-ray examination.
2. Second stage.The next stage is characterized by moderate pain. Cartilage begins to deform, the distance between the discs decreases. If you see a doctor, drug therapy (to reduce pain) and physical therapy will be prescribed.
3. Third stage– the spinal column is deformed, fibrous areas and hernias appear, the pain intensifies, becomes more pronounced and frequent. At this stage, everything depends on the existing symptoms. The doctor helps determine the patient's treatment method (conservative or surgical).
4. Fourth stage- irreversible deformation of the spinal function. It is almost impossible for the patient to move independently. The pain is acute, constant, and worsens with any physical activity. Abnormal bone tissue fills the intervertebral space, and the patient becomes disabled.

Symptoms of osteochondrosis

As mentioned earlier, there are 3 types of osteochondrosis, and each of them is characterized by individual manifestations. Let's continue to look at all the symptoms.

Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis

How to understand that you have lumbar osteochondrosis? You may notice typical symptoms:

• stiffness of movements;
• pain in the pelvis, sacrum, lower back and lower limbs that becomes more intense with exercise or movement. The nature of the pain is aching, dull, sharp;
• pathological processes of the urogenital system (problems with defecation and urination);
• weakness in the legs;
• damage/absence of sensitivity.

Important!Self-medication is strictly prohibited. When lumbar osteochondrosis is detected, diagnosis and effective treatment are mandatory. The consequences of the lack of therapy are hernias, protrusions, and paralysis of the lower limbs.

Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis

How to understand that you have cervical osteochondrosis? One or more symptoms may occur:

• frequent headaches;
• numbness of the upper and lower limbs;
• severe cracking in the cervical spine during physical activity;
• "spots", dots in the eyes, blurring and darkening;
• burning sensation and discomfort in the area of the heart;
• appearance of tinnitus, hearing loss;
• dizziness for no reason;
• pain in the shoulders, neck, arms.

Important!Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is considered one of the most dangerous for a person, as it complicates the process of saturating the brain with blood. If left untreated, protrusions appear and then a hernia. Surgical intervention for cervical osteochondrosis poses a high risk of paralysis of the body. If symptoms occur, consult a qualified professional only.

Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis

How to understand that you have thoracic osteochondrosis? Only a doctor (neurologist) can diagnose the disease, but the patient can assume the presence of osteochondrosis based on the characteristic signs:

• discomfort, burning sensation in the chest;
• the appearance of pain when raising the arms, pain in the shoulder blades;
• dizziness and sudden loss of consciousness occur;
• chest pain.

Reference.During the transition of the disease to the acute phase, dorsago (shortness of breath, sharp/stiff chest pain, "lumbago") and dorsalgia (pain can be episodic or constant, acute/dull) may occur.

Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is difficult to diagnose. The disease is often confused with angina pectoris, heart attack or inflammatory processes in the lungs.

Diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the spine

The medical history and the physical examination of the musculoskeletal system begin at the doctor's visit.
the patient's device. The specialist checks the integrity of the reflexes and the level of sensitivity of the painful areas. Blood tests and other laboratory tests are then ordered. In order to clarify the diagnosis, the neurologist prescribes one or more imaging diagnostics:

1. Ultrasound of the vertebral arteries.
2. X-ray of the entire spine or certain areas (neck, chest, lumbar).
3. A CT examination of the spine helps identify the presence of degenerative processes, displacements, and deformations of the spine and its structures.
4. MRI of the spine - identifies soft tissue pathologies, helps to examine the spinal cord and intervertebral discs.

Treatment of osteochondrosis

The method of treatment of osteochondrosis is determined by the attending physician, depending on the type of the disease, the severity of the symptoms and the extent of the pathological changes. The following can be used as therapeutic therapy: physiotherapy, drug treatment, chiropractic sessions, therapeutic massage, gymnastics therapy or surgical intervention (in the absence of positive dynamics of other treatment methods or in an advanced stage).

Drug treatment of osteochondrosis

When prescribing drug therapy, the doctor may use several drug groups at the same time:

• NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) - to relieve the symptoms of osteochondrosis, relieve pain and reduce inflammation. It can be used as a tablet or as an injection (in severe cases). The duration of the treatment is 7-14 days;
• chondroprotectors - to strengthen intervertebral discs and cartilage tissue;
• B vitamins;
• vascular drugs - to improve blood supply to the spine;
• glucocorticosteroids - used as an injection into the affected area (for severe forms of the disease);
• muscle relaxants - to relax muscles, relieve pain and inflammation.

Massage for osteochondrosis

The osteochondrosis massage course must be completed once every six months. Therapeutic massage eliminates tension, relieves tension, and improves blood circulation in the affected area. Only a doctor can tell you the appropriateness of prescribing a massage, the prerequisite being the remission of the disease.

Traction (pulling the spine)

Artificial traction of the spine is performed only under the supervision of medical personnel and with special equipment. The high-quality adhesion allows for an even distribution of the vertebrae in the spinal column. Pain, stinging and inflammation are reduced.

Manual therapy

Manual therapy for osteochondrosis of the spine is used to correct the curvature. The specialist exerts a targeted effect on the patient's muscular and skeletal system. After the therapy, blood and lymph circulation improves, stiffness disappears, and mobility appears.

Physiotherapy treatment of osteochondrosis

It is used only during the period of remission of the disease, this treatment method is prohibited in the acute phase. Physiotherapy is used as an additional therapy in addition to drug treatment. To reduce the symptoms of osteochondrosis, specialists use lasers, magnets and electricity (low frequency).

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is based on the correct action of reflex zones and pain points. The therapy is only prescribed together with therapeutic massage to increase its effectiveness. The therapy painlessly restores the possibility of natural loading of the spine.

Practical therapy for osteochondrosis

Physiotherapy is effective for all types of osteochondrosis and can be prescribed for patients of any age. The type of exercises and the duration of their implementation are prescribed by the doctor. Moderate physical activity strengthens the back muscles, increases the mobility and flexibility of the spine, and improves the patient's condition.

The following types of sessions can be prescribed for the patient: kinesitherapy, therapeutic swimming, health journey, mechanotherapy.

Important!Exercise therapy classes are contraindicated in the period of exacerbation of osteochondrosis!

Surgical treatment of osteochondrosis

In osteochondrosis of the spine, surgery is rarely prescribed as the only treatment option. The human spine is a complex structure, containing many vertebrae and nerve endings that affect the coordinated functioning of the entire body. The risk of complications during surgery is high, so it is prescribed only in the most difficult cases or in the absence of improvement with other treatment methods.

Prevention of osteochondrosis of the spine

Prevention is the best way to reduce the risk of developing osteochondrosis and achieve remission of existing spinal diseases. When performing preventive exercises, the most important thing is that they are regular and only during the period of remission.

It is better to perform a gymnastic series of simple exercises at the same time. In order not to forget them, set a reminder on your mobile phone or include them in your morning hygiene rituals.

1. Rest your forehead in your palm, tense your neck muscles. Execution - 3 sets for 5-7 seconds. Then repeat the same with the back of the head and palms.
2. The position of the shoulders is horizontal, the head is straight. Slowly tilt your head as far as possible to the right and then to the left. Do 5 times (slowly).
3. Slowly tilt your head slightly back. Tighten your neck muscles and gradually move your chin towards your chest. Do 5-7 times.
4. Place your left palm near the left temporal area (then right palm and right temple). Press on your palms, tighten your neck muscles. Execution - 3 times for 10 seconds.

Important!Do not rush when doing the exercises. It is also forbidden to make circular movements with the head due to the high risk of injury and pinching of nerve endings.

The second series of preventive exercises against osteochondrosis can be performed at any time (especially after work or overexertion), but also regularly:

1. Stand straight, legs together, arms relaxed, take a deep breath. Raise your arms, exhale. Approach - 6-8 times.
2. Lie on your stomach, arms by your side, relaxed. Lean up, rest your hands, try to lift your head and legs. Stay in this position for 5 seconds. Return to the starting position. Repeat - 5-7 times.
3. Sit on a chair. Put your hands behind your head (take a deep breath), lean back 4-5 times so that your shoulder blades touch the back of the chair (exhale). Repeat - 5-7 times.
4. Stand up, lean back, take a deep breath. Relax your arms, lean forward, slowly lower your head and shoulders - exhale. Approach - 10 times.
5. Get on all fours. Head straight. Bend your back and stay in this position for 3-4 seconds. Return to the starting position, repeat 5-7 times.

How to stand, lie and sit in osteochondrosis?

Knowing the correct posture, which helps to evenly distribute the load on the entire spine, is necessary not only for patients with osteochondrosis, but for all people. By following simple rules, you can experience a significant improvement in your general condition and reduce the strain on your back. It can also protect your spine from many serious, painful diseases.

How to sit correctly?

We learn to sit without squeezing, without triggering the risk of spinal deformation and the development of osteochondrosis:

• criteria for choosing a chair/stool: seat depth level - 2/3 of hip length, seat height level should be equal to leg length. So your feet rest on the floor. Small people should put a small step or bench under their feet;
• pay attention to the depth of the table. It should be such that the legs do not have to be held to the side or strongly bent;
• If you work sitting for a long time, take a break every 20 minutes. Change the position of the legs, walk, do light gymnastics;
• get behind the wheel with minimal stress. Your back should support the seat; a small pillow or pillow placed between the chair and the lower back will help with this. If possible, get out of the car every 25-30 minutes to warm up;
• Heavily upholstered furniture is not suitable for everyday use. In order to evenly load the spine, the body must be supported on the seat cushions, which is only possible when sitting on a moderately hard surface;
• Your back must always touch the back of the chair/desk. Try to sit straight, avoid strong neck bends;
• do not sit/lie down in one position for a long time.

How to stand correctly?

If a person stands in one position for a long time, a heavy load is placed on the lumbar region (and the entire spine), which has a negative effect on it. In order to avoid excessive stress on the spine and the risk of deformation, follow the simple rules:

• do not stand in one position for more than 10 minutes, change the position of the legs and arms;
• relieve tension in the neck - tilt your head to the right and left, stretch your arms forward, bend your back forward and backward - relax your back and lower back;
• when lifting something from the floor, bend down, bend your knees or squat down, find a support for your hands;
• move, walk short distances so as not to stand still;
• do not bend too much (back, head) during household work (cleaning, ironing, cooking). Kneel down when cleaning low or hard-to-reach surfaces.

How should we go to bed?

The ideal choice for a sleeping surface is a mattress of medium hardness (ideally, an orthopedic mattress that preserves the physiological curves of the spine). The bed should not be made of wood or too soft.

How to lie down correctly if you have severe pain?

• back pain - lie on your stomach, place a small pillow under your back (so as not to increase the pain by bending over);
• pain in the legs - place a pillow (from a towel or blanket) under the knee. The pain syndrome gradually decreases;
• neck pain - put your hands under your head or a pillow under your neck.

How to get out of bed in the morning during an attack of osteochondrosis?

• perform a short warm-up of the upper and lower limbs;
• change your position;
• go from a lying position to a sitting position, clasp your legs together with your hands bent at the knees;
• lower your feet to the floor one at a time;
• get up gradually, any sudden movement can increase the pain.

How to lift and move weights correctly?

Improper lifting and carrying of heavy objects is one of the most common causes of hernia, osteochondrosis and protrusions. Sharp lifting of weights is fraught with sudden "shots" in different parts of the spine and the appearance of acute pain that persists for a long time. It is also forbidden to turn the body when carrying heavy objects.

How to lift a heavy object?

1. Wear a wide belt.
2. He squats down. Keep your neck and back straight.
3. Hold the object with both hands, rise slowly, keep your back straight.

How to move a heavy object?

• distribute the load evenly on both hands, do not carry everything at once;
• in case of diagnosed osteochondrosis, it is not recommended to lift weights of more than 15 kg;
• buy a backpack (an orthopedic back and wide straps are important conditions). The advantages of using a backpack are an even load on the spine + free hands;
• Do not lean forward or backward sharply.

Conclusion

Osteochondrosis of the spine most often develops at the age of 25-40. The risk group of the disease includes those who lead a passive lifestyle, who spend most of their time standing or in an incorrect posture, putting a lot of strain on the spine. Osteochondrosis can be cured with conservative methods, with timely consultation of a specialist. In advanced cases, surgical intervention is used. Self-medication is contraindicated.

Regular preventive exercises help reduce the symptoms of osteochondrosis and maintain the functionality of the spine, protecting it from deformation. If you ignore your health, the patient may delay seeking medical attention until herniation, paralysis, and disability occur.