Osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis– is a degenerative-dystrophic disease, which is manifested by a decrease in the height of hyaline intervertebral cartilage. Ultimately, this leads to disk wear and loss of functionality.

The disease is most often diagnosed in people aged 30-35 years, and it affects about 40% of the population under 35-40 years of age and almost 90% in old age. However, in the presence of unfavorable factors, it may appear earlier.

Osteochondrosis of the spine is one of the main causes of back pain. Insufficient treatment can lead to damage to the nerve roots, damage to the spinal cord and disruption of internal organs. Therefore, it is very important to seek medical help promptly and take appropriate measures to prevent the development of the disease.

Causes of osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis is a common disease that can occur in older people, but it can also occur in young people who are used to leading a sedentary lifestyle. This disease develops due to weakening of the back muscles, which leads to disruption of blood flow and nutrition of the tissues of the spine and intervertebral discs. It can occur due to various reasons, including aging, injury, sudden stress and improper work habits.

Although the causes of osteochondrosis are not fully understood, they are associated with various factors, including:

• heredity,
• defective physical development,
• metabolic disease,
• unhealthy diet
• deficiency of vitamins and minerals,
• long-term medication use,
• overweight,
• increased load on the spine,
• sedentary lifestyle, for example, when working in an office,
• spinal injuries,
• past infectious diseases and stress.

In addition, malformations of the nervous and musculoskeletal systems can also contribute to the occurrence of osteochondrosis. In general, the development of this disease is due to a combination of many factors, and its prevention consists of proper nutrition, moderate physical activity, proper distribution of loads on the spine, as well as maintaining a healthy lifestyle in general.

Symptoms and signs of osteochondrosis

With the development of osteochondrosis, in the first stages, patients often experience the following problems:

• Pain in various parts of the body, such as the back, neck or other areas;
• Difficulty moving and restrictions when turning or bending;
• Constant tension and muscle spasms;
• Migraines and dizziness;
• Painful sensations in the heart area;
• Muscle hypotension, decreased muscle tone and strength;
• Numbness of the limbs;
• Aches in the arms and legs;
• Seeing spots before the eyes;
• Cooling of extremities;
• Shooting painful sensations.

If osteochondrosis is advanced, serious complications may occur, such as:

• Loss of consciousness;
• Decreased sensitivity of the limbs;
• Poor blood circulation in the vessels;
• Nerve damage or inflammation;
• Narrowing and blockage of arteries.

You should pay attention to any changes in the condition of your body and seek help from a specialist if you suspect the development of osteochondrosis. Seeking help early can prevent serious complications and improve quality of life.

Risk factors

Osteochondrosis can appear as a result of injury or heavy physical activity, which is especially common among athletes. It also manifests itself in the form of bone overgrowth, osteophytes, protruding intervertebral discs and curvature of the spine. Congenital spinal defects can also cause rapid wear of the intervertebral discs. In addition, the following risk factors can lead to the development of osteochondrosis:

• Neuro-emotional exhaustion;
• Physical overstrain of the body;
• Work on vibrating platforms;
• Genetic predisposition;
• Lack of vitamins in the body;
• Multiple pregnancy.

Understanding these risk factors can help you prevent the possibility of developing osteochondrosis. Managing your health through a healthy lifestyle and diet, as well as avoiding injury and overexertion, can reduce the likelihood of this problem occurring. If you suspect osteochondrosis, consult a doctor to quickly begin treatment and prevent possible complications.

Classification and stages of development of osteochondrosis

Classification of osteochondrosis

There are various forms of osteochondrosis, which can manifest as pain in different parts of the spine.

1. Lumbodynia– this is pain in the lumbar (lumbosacral) back.
2. Sciaticamanifests itself as pain in the back, spreading to the legs.
3. Lumbago- this is a lumbar lumbago, with acute and severe pain in the lower back.
4. Thoracalgia- This is pain in the chest.

Another form of osteochondrosis, cervicalgia or cervicobrachialgia, causes pain in the neck and upper limbs.

In addition, the types of osteochondrosis may vary depending on which part of the spine is affected. Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is manifested by headaches and difficulties with turning the head, osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine causes pain in the thoracic spine, and osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine can manifest itself as difficulty bending forward and pain that can sometimes "shoot" in the leg.

Stages of development of osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis is one of the most common diseases of the spine. Its development goes through several stages.

• I.At the first stage, the core of the intervertebral disc loses moisture and becomes less elastic, which leads to its reduction in height and tissue cracking. At this stage, pain is usually almost unnoticeable, but discomfort may occur during physical activity or unusual posture.
• II.At the second stage of development of osteochondrosis, disc tissue begins to flatten and bulge, which leads to a narrowing of the space between the vertebrae and pinching of the spinal nerve roots. The fibrous membrane is destroyed, which leads to poor fluid retention in the disc core. When moving, you can hear characteristic clicks and crunching sounds in the spine. At this stage, point pain occurs, which intensifies with active movements.
• III.The third stage is characterized by abrasion and thinning of the cartilage lining between the discs. At this stage, the symptoms of osteochondrosis manifest themselves intensely in the form of acute pain. To quickly relieve pain, you need to take painkillers for neuralgia.
• IV.At the last, fourth stage, the destruction of the discs is so severe that the joints become inactive, and the space between the vertebrae is overgrown with bone tissue. Severe dystrophic processes can cause acute pain, as growths injure neighboring tissues and compress nerves. A complete loss of mobility of the vertebral joints is possible.

Complications

Let's consider various complications that can arise with osteochondrosis:

• Disc protrusion, which occurs when the nucleus pulposus of the disc protrudes beyond the annulus fibrosus. This can lead to pain and dysfunction of the spine.
• Intervertebral hernia- This is an even more serious complication when the disc ring ruptures and the nucleus pulposus extends beyond it. This can cause severe pain, decreased sensation and paralysis.
• Radiculitis- This is a pinched nerve root, which is accompanied by severe pain symptoms. Radiculitis can lead to sensory loss, numbness and weakness in the lower extremities.
• Kyphosisis a spinal deformity that manifests itself as a bulge in the chest area. This can lead to breathing problems, pain and poor posture.
• Spinal cord stroke– this is the most serious complication of osteochondrosis, which can lead to loss of sensitivity, impaired motor functions and even paralysis.
• Muscle atrophy of the lower extremities– this is a decrease in muscle mass, which is accompanied by rapid fatigue and weakness in the legs.
• Leg paralysis– this is a complete loss of the ability to make voluntary movements of the lower limbs, which is a serious complication of osteochondrosis.

Methods for diagnosing osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis is a pathology that is characterized by a degenerative process in the structures of the spine. Based on clinical studies, we can learn more about how to treat this pathology.

If osteochondrosis is suspected, the doctor conducts a comprehensive diagnosis, including the following methods:

• Physical examination.The doctor examines the patient and assesses his general condition, posture and movements. The doctor may also perform a neurological test to determine the presence or absence of sensory and motor problems.
• Hardware examination.For a more accurate diagnosis, various hardware examination methods are used, including radiography, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
• Blood tests.A complete blood count can help identify early signs of osteochondrosis, such as an increased red blood cell sedimentation rate and low calcium levels. To confirm the diagnosis, biochemical tests can be prescribed that evaluate coagulation parameters, enzyme activity, the content of zinc, cobalt, iron and other components.
• Radiography.During X-rays, each spine is checked and pictures are taken in direct, lateral and two oblique projections. If necessary, functional radiography may be prescribed, which allows you to assess the condition of the spine in various positions.
• Computed tomography (CT).CT is performed after radiography and allows you to more accurately determine the condition of the intervertebral discs. To do this, pictures of one or two segments of the spine are taken.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).MRI is used in addition to CT or in cases where it is necessary to study in more detail the condition of blood vessels, nerve processes and intervertebral discs.

When to see a doctor

Consultation with a doctor is necessary in case of persistent back pain, muscle cramps and decreased sensitivity.

Treatment of osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis is a disease of the spine that is characterized by degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs. It can lead to back pain, neck pain, headaches and other unpleasant symptoms. Treatment of osteochondrosis can be a long and labor-intensive process, but modern methods can help relieve pain and improve quality of life. It can be conservative or surgical, depending on the degree of progression and severity of symptoms. In most cases, strengthening of ligaments and muscles, as well as the use of medications, is recommended.

When treating osteochondrosis, it is important to take into account the individual characteristics of each patient. Some massage or manual therapy methods may be undesirable or even dangerous for a particular case. Therefore, it is important to conduct an individual consultation before starting treatment.

Procedures and methods for treating osteochondrosis include physiotherapy, gymnastics (physical therapy), wearing an orthopedic pillow or corset, as well as taking muscle relaxants and non-steroidal analgesics.

Movement Therapy

Leading countries with a good level of medicine prefer to use movement therapy. These are classical physical therapy, physical therapy exercises in water, swimming, simulator training and computerized hardware complexes. Styles are selected by the doctor and may vary depending on the individual characteristics of each patient. Swimming can also be beneficial, but requires proper technique to avoid harm to your health.

Treatment of osteochondrosis using manual therapy

Manual therapy can be used in the initial stages. This method helps strengthen the muscle frame and eliminate blockages and pinched nerve roots. However, if the shape of the vertebrae changes and bone spurs form, this type of treatment is not recommended.

Manual therapy, done correctly, can improve the configuration of the spine. Sometimes persistent functional blockages may appear, that is, areas of stiffness in the spine and sacrum that cannot be eliminated by therapeutic exercises.

Modern manual therapy is different from what was used before. Most doctors no longer use hard techniques that were accompanied by crunching, but prefer soft techniques. They are based on knowledge of biomechanics, joint function, and the laws of muscle contraction and relaxation. The risk of side effects with these methods is lower, and the effectiveness has not changed.

Massage

Massage has many contraindications, so a neurologist must prescribe an individual course of treatment. It is important to choose a competent massage therapist with whom the doctor works. Massage sessions should be carried out regularly; usually the doctor prescribes at least 2-3 sessions per week for 1-3 months.

Properly performed medical massage for spinal osteochondrosis:

1. Provides additional stress on muscles and increases their tone;
2. Dispels lactic acid accumulations and relieves muscle spasms;
3. Improves blood circulation in the affected area and adjacent tissues;
4. Relieves pain.

Only medical massage is suitable for the treatment of osteochondrosis, while Thai massage is dangerous. Most Thai massage therapists use harsh manual therapy techniques and do not pay attention to the physical condition of the patient.

Physiotherapy

Depending on the location and stage, patients may be prescribed the following types of physiotherapy:

• Magnetotherapyis the effect of a constant frequency magnetic field that stimulates a cellular response.
• Electrophoresis for osteochondrosis– this is the effect of an electric field on tissue, which accelerates blood circulation and activates regeneration processes.
• Laser therapyis a method that stimulates biological processes in nerve fibers and also has an anti-inflammatory, wound-healing and analgesic effect.
• Shock wave therapyis a method of influencing a diseased area of the body with acoustic waves, which improves microcirculation and metabolic processes, relieves swelling and pain.

All these methods can be prescribed by a doctor according to the individual needs of the patient and the stage of the disease.

Kinesio taping

Kinesio taping is a safe method that is actively used in sports medicine and is widespread in South Korea.

Kinesio tape is a cotton patch with hot-melt adhesive that can be used to treat neck, chest, back pain and joint problems. There are special types of therapeutic applications that can be used at home, but when taping yourself you need to be careful, as complications are possible.

When performing kinesiotaping, restrictions should be taken into account: for women, this is pregnancy and menstruation. Some patients may have an allergic reaction to the patch.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a method in which a doctor inserts special needles into specific areas of the body. This leads to acceleration of blood circulation, lymph circulation and metabolic processes, improving the condition of the spine and the whole body. Acupuncture can be used for osteochondrosis in the initial stages, as well as for intense pain and poor mobility of the vertebrae.

There is also a dry needling technique in which a drug-free needle is inserted into the spasming muscle, usually the piriformis. This method can reduce pain in the back and pelvic area. It is worth noting that acupuncture is effective even in chronic cases.

Hirudotherapy

Hirudotherapy is a method in which medicinal leeches are used to treat various diseases, including osteochondrosis. Hirudotherapy prevents increased blood clotting and the formation of blood clots, dilates blood vessels, eliminates inflammatory processes and has an analgesic effect. For osteochondrosis, leeches are used to improve blood supply to cells, which in turn stimulates the restoration of damaged intervertebral discs.

Drug treatment

Currently, there is a tendency to reduce the use of medications in the treatment of osteochondrosis. This is because some medications can have serious side effects and negatively affect the patient's health.

Pain in osteochondrosis often occurs against the background of minor changes in the spine, and if the doctor chooses the right treatment without medications, the patient can avoid repeated attacks of pain. If you take medications for a long time, structural changes in the spine may worsen and the pills may no longer work. In addition, drug therapy may be contraindicated in some cases.

One alternative to drug treatment is kinesio taping. This is a method in which special elastic patches are glued to diseased areas of the body. Kinesio taping is safer and more effective than drug therapy and can be used as a pain reliever.

Reflexology

Reflexology is a method based on the correct impact on pain points and reflex zones. It is used to relieve pain and restore the natural load on the spine. Reflexology is never used on its own, but is usually used in combination with massage to achieve a more significant effect.

The reflexology technique can be used to treat osteochondrosis and other diseases of the spine. Its use helps eliminate pain and restore the natural load on the spine. In addition, reflexology can be used to improve the general condition of the body and to prevent diseases.

Prevention and prognosis of osteochondrosis

Prevention of osteochondrosis is an extremely important issue, since it is aimed at preventing factors that may contribute to the development of this disease. First of all, this applies to people who have certain risks:

1. Genetic predisposition to spinal diseases;
2. Chronic gastrointestinal problems that can lead to malabsorption of nutrients;
3. Diseases associated with metabolic disorders;
4. Severe infections suffered in childhood, such as rickets;
5. Spinal injuries;
6. Overweight.

However, prevention is also important for people who lead a sedentary lifestyle, experience increased stress on the spinal column, and for women who are planning to become pregnant. For prevention purposes, it is recommended to exercise regularly, watch your weight, avoid injuries and eat a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals. It is also recommended to consult a doctor and undergo regular medical examinations to detect diseases at an early stage.

Diet for osteochondrosis

One of the important aspects of treating osteochondrosis is proper nutrition. The body must receive the necessary amount of substances for the synthesis of cartilage tissue, so it is recommended to follow a balanced diet.

It is important to eat fresh fruits and vegetables, protein foods, as well as dishes containing mucopolysaccharides - such as fruit jellies, jelly or jellied fish. However, you should avoid fatty, fried and salty foods, and limit your intake of sugar and alcohol, as they can contribute to inflammation.

It is recommended to drink more fluids to ensure proper hydration and maintain the health of the intervertebral discs. It is also recommended to consult a doctor or nutritionist to develop an individual diet that takes into account the characteristics of the disease and the individual needs of the patient.

Exercises for osteochondrosis

Exercises for the treatment of spinal osteochondrosis are prescribed by a doctor if there is pain. The set of exercises is selected individually, taking into account the form, degree and stage of the disease. For example, at the initial stage of cervical osteochondrosis, it is recommended:

• perform head tilts;
• turn your head right and left;
• draw numbers from 0 to 9 in the air with your chin;
• move your chin forward and back in a horizontal plane.