Types, symptoms and treatment of back osteochondrosis

The musculoskeletal system is the most important part of our body.Back pain often leads to the need to consult a doctor.

The cause of regular back pain, stiffness of movement and muscle spasms is osteochondrosis of the back - a disease caused by various factors affecting the body of osteochondrosis tissues, as well as the musculoskeletal system.

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

Etiology and pathogenesis of osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis of the back manifests itself gradually, affecting all new areas of the spine in a hidden form.First, changes occur in the structure of the cartilage discs of the vertebrae: they lose their elasticity, the space between the vertebrae decreases, and the nerve endings of the spinal cord are compressed.

The patient begins to feel back pain.Subsequently, changes overtake the smaller elements of the spinal structure, degenerative growths of bone tissue develop, hinder the mobility of the spine, healthy cartilage cells are destroyed, and the disease affects the bones and ligaments.As a side effect, the deformation of the vertebrae causes an increase in the load on the organs and vessels.This is related to the characteristics of the blood supply - the displacement of the spinal segments leads to compression of the vertebral artery, which ultimately leads to a serious violation of blood flow in the central nervous system.

The main problem that leads to the disruption of the formation of the spine and the process of osteochondrosis is a lack of nutrition and a decrease in blood supply to the tissues of the bone structure.The causes of development are external, internal influence and many factors of human behavior processes.

Endogenous (internal) causes include:

• genetic factors of heredity;
• violation of the metabolism of trace elements (phosphorus and calcium);
• properties 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 spinal muscles;
• spinal injuries;
• incorrect posture, scoliosis;
• systematic incorrect or awkward posture;
• unbalanced nutrition menu, consumption of fatty foods;
• uneven physical activity, back loading;
• bad habits;
• constant stress.

The hidden form of osteochondrosis can manifest itself with sudden heavy lifting, jumping or falling, which will provoke microtrauma of the spinal disc and compressed nerve root.

It is after this that the patient may first feel a sharp shooting pain.Later, the pain syndrome returns again and again with varying intensity.Affected cells in nerve trunks indicate the need for immediate medical intervention.

Classification of the disease, main stages

In medicine, osteochondrosis is classified according to the damaged 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 the development of the disease:

1. The beginning of the development of osteochondrosis - microcracks are formed in the fibrous ring, moisture is lost from the bone and cartilage tissue.The stage is manifested by a feeling of subtle discomfort in one of the areas of the spine after physical activity or an uncomfortable body position.
2. The first pain attacks make themselves felt.In the second stage, the discs are exposed to protrusion, the intervertebral space of the discs is reduced and the fibrous capsule is destroyed, the nerve roots are compressed.Pain indicates metabolic breakdown of cartilage tissue and the process of its destruction.Ignoring the second stage of osteochondrosis promotes inflammation of the cartilage, which eventually leads to compression of nerve fibers, blood and lymphatic vessels.
3. In the third stage of the disease, the affected vertebrae are deformed and the cartilage tissue wears away.With the right 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 the patient's constant companions for normal physical activity.
4. Advanced osteochondrosis, which passes to the last fourth stage of development, often causes disability.All destructive processes are irreversible: significant displacement of the vertebral structure, compression of cartilage tissue, pathological growth of bone tissue.The patient feels sharp, sometimes unbearable pain in every movement.

Symptoms

Symptoms of the development of articular osteochondrosis are easily confused with other diseases with similar symptoms.Also, the symptoms of manifestation for a certain sector of the vertebral structure have characteristic features.

The main symptoms of osteochondrosis include:

• stiffness, creaking, grinding, or heaviness when moving;
• pain in the localization of inflammation (cervical, thoracic or lumbar) of different intensity and nature;
• numbness of limbs;
• muscle weakness, impaired performance;
• painful attacks spreading along nerve channels to related parts of the body (shoulder, shoulder blade, leg).

Cervical osteochondrosis

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

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

With cervical osteochondrosis, dizziness and pain may occur.The first pain sensations appear at the back of the head and resemble headaches.Inflamed cartilage puts pressure on nerve fibers, causing vascular spasms.

Thoracic osteochondrosis

The development of thoracic type osteochondrosis can be disguised as cardiovascular diseases for a long time.Its characteristic features:

• violation of the sense of touch and numbness of the limbs;
• tingling in the intercostal space;
• pain in the heart region, irregular heart rhythms;
• restriction of respiratory functions, heaviness in the sternum;
• disorders of the gastrointestinal tract (pancreatitis, bloating);
• pain radiating to the scapular region.

Lumbar osteochondrosis

In an advanced form, progressive lumbar osteochondrosis can cause disability.The inflamed area of the spine stops the supply of necessary trace elements to the lower limbs for the full functioning of the joints and muscles.Compressed nerve stem cells cause excruciating back pain and require drug therapy.

The main symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis include:

• numbness of the lower extremities;
• muscle pain, feeling of weakness;
• trembling;
• muscle spasms;
• reproductive system dysfunction;
• pain may be sharp or aching in the lower back, spreading to the leg.

Diagnostics

On average, 20 people are diagnosed with osteochondrosis for every 1000 people.It is difficult to identify a disease such as osteochondrosis in the early stages.Its symptoms are quite hidden and become apparent only in 2-3 stages when it comes to serious drug treatment.

If you suspect the development of osteochondrosis, you should first consult a specialist and undergo a comprehensive examination for differential diagnosis and clarification of the diagnosis.

Doctors use three standard types of diagnosis:

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

The initial neurological examination of the patient is carried out by a neurologist who determines the category of nerve structures affected by the disease.Also, I can send the patient for X-ray, ultrasound, MRI and EKG to rule out other diseases with similar symptoms.

Laboratory (Analysis)

Laboratory diagnostics has an advisory and auxiliary value.Blood tests show increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate and decreased calcium levels.This means the occurrence of pathological processes in the body, but does not indicate the characteristics of their development.Therefore, this method is included in a comprehensive examination of the patient and its results are interpreted on the basis of other medical data.

Instrumental

Diagnostics using professional equipment gives the most accurate results about diseases of various nature.The main research tools are:

1. X-ray - reveals anatomical changes in bone, cartilage and nerve tissue.
2. MRI - magnetic resonance imaging.Allows visualization of processes in bone and soft tissues, blood vessels and nerve fibers.
3. CT (computed tomography) - Similar to MRI, but uses radiation.
4. Electromyography is capable of deciphering neurological symptoms.

Traditional treatment

The treatment regimen for osteochondrosis is traditional.Its components are drug treatment with different types of drugs: NSAIDs, chondroprotectors, analgesics, hormonal agents and supporting vitamin complexes.Physiotherapy, manual therapy, reflexology, surgery, massage and preventive measures are applied in the fight against osteochondrosis.

Drug therapy

Back pain due to osteochondrosis cannot be stopped immediately, but medical therapy with drugs will give a break to the lower back.Strong anesthetics and anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) will have an analgesic effect and start the process of fighting inflammation in the spinal areas.Indispensable treatment drugs for back osteochondrosis:

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

Positive dynamics can be achieved and the results can be maintained for a long time only by using a properly selected therapeutic complex.

Different forms of medicine are used in the treatment of back osteochondrosis:

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

Surgery

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

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

A request for surgical intervention can be prescribed by a doctor based on a complete diagnostic picture of the patient and the presence of direct instructions to eliminate the pathological defect.The leading place in spinal surgery is discectomy - surgical removal of the disc with deformation.Instruments may include microdiscectomy, the B-Twin system, or laser nuclear vaporization.Rehabilitation after spinal surgery lasts six months.

Gymnastics

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

1. Strengthening the muscle corset is necessary for equal loading of the spine.
2. Provide stimulation of blood circulation to saturate bone and muscle tissue.
3. Develop proper posture.

It should be remembered that the exercises should be selected taking into account the diagnosis and should comply with the following principles:

1. Regularity of execution.
2. Smooth movements, no jerks.
3. If painful sensations occur, you should reduce the load or stop the exercise.
4. Take control of your health.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is indicated for patients with back osteochondrosis to eliminate inflammation and is carried out in areas where the disease is concentrated.Procedural courses help:

1. Increase the resistance of the body.
2. Restoration of metabolism in the affected sector.
3. Relieve pain and swelling.
4. Improving the circulation of blood vessels.

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

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

Diet

There is no single diet option for patients with osteochondrosis.However, doctors unanimously agreed that it is strongly not recommended to consume the following product categories with this diagnosis:

1. Soups with fat broth.
2. Pork and other fatty meats.
3. Animal fats of birds (goose, duck).
4. Coffee, strong caffeinated drinks.

In addition, the menu limits the consumption of alcohol and sweets.

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

Thus, the ideal menu for a patient with osteochondrosis is a combination of balanced, calorie-free foods rich in vitamins and minerals.Meals are divided into 6 small portions.

Traditional treatment

Folk remedies are often used at home to relieve inflammation, relieve 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;
• plant baths.

Daily use allows you to get rid of anxiety for 10-14 days.Conventionally, 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 effect of yarrow decoction, which relieves pain, fights inflammation and calms.

Local remedies

Local folk remedies include ointments, compresses and infusions for rubbing.These products should 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, calendula tincture and ginger ointment, a mixture of plantain and sage herbs, rubbing with horseradish and vodka.

To choose an effective method and prescription, you should consult your doctor, because home remedies are only a component of general therapy and have only an auxiliary effect.

Prevention

Therapeutic therapy for back diseases cannot achieve long-term success without preventive measures.Even the most effective and expensive drug does not guarantee the return of symptoms as the body returns to its daily activities.Therefore, the positive effect should be strengthened and maintained using a few simple rules:

1. Do not lift more than 10 kg.
2. Make sure the load is evenly distributed on the back muscles.
3. Keep a rational and balanced diet.
4. Take general strengthening vitamins and active supplements (mucopolysaccharides).
5. Develop alternative rest and work routines.
6. Maintain physical activity.

Remember that this category of disease has a hidden nature.Therefore, after the diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the back, even if there are no obvious symptoms, the course of the disease should not be allowed.Following all the doctor's recommendations and home care allows you to return to normal work faster after treatment, but constant monitoring is necessary to prevent exacerbations.