Types, symptoms and treatment of osteochondrosis of the back

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 back pain, stiffness and muscle spasms is osteochondrosis of the back - a disease of bone and cartilage tissue, as well as the musculoskeletal system, caused by various factors affecting the body.

Osteochondrosis of the back is a problem that many people face.

Etiology and pathogenesis of osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis of the back manifests itself gradually, affecting in a latent form all new areas of the spine. Initially, there are changes 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 disrupted.

The patient begins to experience back pain. Subsequently, the changes involve smaller elements of the spinal structure, bone growths of a degenerative nature develop, which impede the mobility of the spine, healthy cartilage cells are destroyed, the disease affects the bones and ligaments. As a side effect, the deformation of the vertebrae provokes an increase in the load on the organs and arteries. This is due to the specifics of the blood supply - the displacement of the segments of the spine causes compression of the spinal artery and ultimately causes a serious violation 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 nutritional deficiency and reduced blood supply to the tissues of the bone structure. The 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);
• characteristics of cartilage 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 the back muscles;
• spinal injuries;
• improper posture, scoliosis;
• systematic incorrect or awkward posture;
• unbalanced diet, eating fatty junk food;
• uneven physical activity, back overload;
• bad habits;
• constant stress.

The latent form of osteochondrosis can be manifested by abrupt lifting of weights, jumping, falling, which will provoke microtraumas of the spinal disc and nerve root disorders.

Then the patient may first feel a sharp shooting pain. In the future, the pain syndrome returns again and again with varying 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 affected area.

The main stages of the disease:

1. The beginning of the development of osteochondrosis - microcracks form in the fibrous ring, moisture is lost from bone and cartilage tissue. The stage manifests itself with subtle discomfort in one of the areas of the spine after exercise or awkward body position.
2. The first painful attacks are felt. In the second stage, the discs become convex, the intervertebral space of the discs decreases and the fibrous capsule collapses, the nerve roots are pinched. Pain signals the process of metabolic disorders in cartilage tissue and its destruction. Neglecting the second stage of osteochondrosis becomes a trigger for inflammation of cartilage and as a result of disruption of nerve fibers, blood and lymph vessels.
3. In the third stage of the disease, the affected vertebrae are deformed, the cartilage tissue is erased. With appropriate active treatment, it is possible to stop the further destruction of cartilage cells and the curvature of the spine. But in the future, maintenance therapy and care will become the patient's constant companions for normal physical activity.
4. Initiated osteochondrosis, which has passed into the last fourth stage of development, often causes damage. All destructive processes are irreversible: significant displacement of the spinal structure, thickening of cartilage tissue, pathological growth of bone tissue. The patient experiences sharp, sometimes unbearable pain with each movement.

Symptoms

Signs of developing osteochondrosis are easily confused with other diseases similar in symptoms. Also, the symptoms of manifestation for a particular sector of the spinal structure have characteristic features.

The main symptoms of osteochondrosis include:

• stiffness when moving, creaking, crunching or heaviness;
• pain in the area of localization of inflammation (cervical, thoracic or lumbar) of varying intensity and nature;
• tingling in the limbs;
• muscle weakness, impaired performance;
• attacks of pain radiating through the nerve channels to the connected parts of the body (shoulder, shoulder blade, leg).

Osteochondrosis of the cervix

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

• pain in the neck or back of the head;
• dizziness;
• tinnitus, impaired hearing and vision;
• laziness of the neck after sleep or maintaining the same posture for a long time;
• painful sensations when turning the head.

In cervical osteochondrosis, dizziness and painful sensations may occur when the head is turned. The appearance of the first painful sensations is observed in the back of the head and is similar to the head. Inflamed cartilage pressure on nerve fibers, provoking vasospasm.

Chest osteochondrosis

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

• disturbance of tactile sensations and numbness of the limbs;
• tingling in the intercostal space;
• pain in the heart, heart rhythm disorders;
• restriction of respiratory functions, heaviness in the sternum;
• disorders of the gastrointestinal tract (pancreatitis, bloating);
• radiating pain in the scapular area.

Lumbar osteochondrosis

Progressive lumbar osteochondrosis in its advanced form can lead to damage. The inflamed area of the spine stops the supply of the necessary microelements to the lower extremities for the proper functioning of the joints and muscles. The compressed cells of the nerve trunk cause unbearable back pain and the use of drug therapy.

The main symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis include:

• tingling in the lower extremities;
• muscle pain, weakness;
• chills;
• muscle spasms;
• reproductive system dysfunction;
• the pain may be sharp or pain in the lumbar region radiating to the leg.

Diagnosis

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

If there is a suspicion of osteochondrosis, it is first necessary to consult a specialist and perform 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 performed by a neurologist, who determines 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 (analyzes)

Laboratory diagnostics has consultative - 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 the overall examination of the patient and its results are deciphered on the basis of other medical data.

Instrumental

Diagnosis with the help of professional equipment gives the most accurate results for diseases of various natures. The main research tools are:

1. X-ray - reveals anatomical changes in bone, cartilage, nerve tissue.
2. MRI - Nuclear magnetic resonance. 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 - is able to decipher neurological symptoms.

Traditional treatment

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

Drug therapy

It is immediately impossible to stop back pain due to osteochondrosis forever, but medical drug therapy will give the lower back a rest. Powerful anesthetics and anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) will provide an analgesic effect and begin the process of fighting inflammation in the spinal areas. 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 vertebrae.
2. Muscle relaxants - soothing spasms of muscle structure.
3. Vascular - improves blood circulation and metabolic processes.
4. Vitamin complexes and antioxidants.

Only by using a properly selected therapeutic complex can positive dynamics be achieved and the result maintained for a long time.

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

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

Surgical intervention

Unfortunately, there are cases of osteochondrosis when the treatment time 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 the intervertebral fissure to 1/3 of the original size.

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

Gymnastics

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

1. Strengthening 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 the correct posture.

It is important to remember that the exercises must be consistent with the diagnosis and meet the following principles:

1. Regularity of performance.
2. Smoothness of movements, lack of kicks.
3. If you experience painful sensations, you should reduce the load or stop the exercise.
4. Monitor 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 circulation to blood vessels.

To choose a physiotherapy method for the treatment of 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 for patients with osteochondrosis. However, doctors unanimously agreed that the use of products in the following categories with this diagnosis is strongly discouraged:

1. Soups with thick broth.
2. Pork and other fatty meats.
3. Animal fats from poultry (goose, duck).
4. Coffee, caffeinated spirits.

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

As an example of a diet you can take diet number 15. It includes all vital macronutrients, minerals, vitamins and carbohydrates. The energy value of the right 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.

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

Traditional treatment

Folk remedies are often used at home to relieve inflammation, eliminate 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:

• friction;
• compresses;
• herbal baths.

Daily use allows you to get rid of discomfort for 10-14 days. Conventionally, folk remedies can be divided into systemic and local effects on the body.

System settings

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 rubbing. These products should be mixed according to the prescription and applied to the inflamed area, but only if there is no allergy to the components and skin damage. Among the popular compositions special attention is paid to honey compresses, ginger ointment on tincture of calendula pharmacy, a mixture of plantain herbs and sage, rubbing horseradish with vodka.

To choose an effective method and prescription, you should consult your doctor, as home remedies are only an integral part of the general therapy and have only an ancillary effect.

Prevention

Therapeutic therapy for back diseases 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 the daily stress of the body. Therefore, the positive effect must be consolidated and maintained 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. Observe rationality and balance in nutrition.
4. Take restorative vitamins and active supplements (mucopolysaccharides).
5. Develop a regime for changing rest and work.
6. Maintain physical activity.

Remember that this category of disease is latent. Therefore, when a diagnosis is made, osteochondrosis of the back should not be allowed to occur, even in the absence of obvious symptoms. Following all the doctor's recommendations and home care allows you to return to normal work after treatment faster, but constant monitoring is needed to prevent exacerbation.