Osteochondrosis of the spine is a chronic disease that is based on the process of degeneration of bone and cartilage tissue. All parts of the spine are affected by the pathological process.
Description of the disease
The disease is more common in the elderly, but recently there has been an increase in the number of young patients showing signs of the disease. Depending on the location of the lesion of the spine, it is common to classify it into cervical, thoracic and lumbar osteochondrosis. The main and characteristic sign of osteochondrosis of the back is dull pain of moderate intensity due to compression of the spinal cord roots.
Pathogenesis and stages
The development of the disease is usually divided into several stages. The process begins with an asymptomatic course, when initial changes occur in the cartilage tissue and ends with a complete fusion of several vertebrae with each other.
First
The first stage is the most difficult to diagnose, because of the mild signs of the disease is also called preclinical. Patients have general weakness, back discomfort. These signs are often confused with fatigue. In medical practice, grade 1 osteochondrosis can only be diagnosed accidentally, for example during a preventive examination.
Second
During grade 2 osteochondrosis, the patient experiences pain in the spine. This stage is a consequence of the first in the absence of the necessary preventive measures. There is an initial process of destruction of the intervertebral disc. The fixation of the vertebrae is impaired, the distance between them decreases, which leads to compression of the nerve fibers of the spine.
Based on the patient's complaints, objective examination and X-ray, the doctor diagnoses "osteochondrosis of the 2nd degree of the cervical region" and prescribes treatment. If you follow all the recommendations of a specialist, the disease can be treated without serious consequences.
Third
The third stage is characterized by the beginning of irreversible processes in the cartilaginous tissues of the fibrous ring. The pulpal nucleus is dehydrated, leading to a herniated disc. The pain occurs as a result of compression of the spinal nerves. At this stage, the destroyed intervertebral disc cannot be repaired. The hernia is eliminated by surgical method, the treatment is performed with the help of drugs.
Fourth
At this stage, the body adapts to the resulting changes in the spine. Compensatory bone tissue grows along the edges of the vertebrae (osteophytes) to strengthen the affected part. They can press on the roots of the spinal cord, causing pain. As a result, osteophytes grow together, causing complete immobility of a certain segment of the spine.
Symptoms and varieties
Osteochondrosis is a chronic disease. The alternation of periods of exacerbation and remission is particularly characteristic of it. The symptoms of the disease are quite typical. Manifested by back pain, sudden movements and lifting weights, the pain intensifies, there may be a tingling sensation in the extremities, fatigue with little exercise, depression.
Constant excruciating pain leads to excessive nervousness and fatigue of the body. In chronic osteochondrosis, when the spinal discs compress the nerve fibers, the pain syndrome can become shooting and radiate to the nape of the neck, shoulders and lower limbs.
Cervical
This is one of the most common and dangerous sites of the disease, as there are a large number of nerve fibers and large main vessels in the cervical region.
In cervical osteochondrosis, the symptoms may be as follows:
- intense headache;
- pain radiating to the shoulder and limbs, shooting in the head;
- there is a restriction of neck movements;
- dizziness and loss of consciousness;
- noise in the ears;
- impaired coordination of movements.
These symptoms are caused by impaired blood circulation in the cervical arteries due to inflammation, swelling, muscle spasm. With the onset of vertebral artery compression syndrome and the lack of appropriate medical treatment, this leads to cerebral ischemia.
chest
Chest osteochondrosis is quite rare. Signs of osteochondrosis of the chest manifest themselves in the form of pain and a burning sensation between the shoulder blades. In the case of compression of the intercostal nerve endings, this leads to intercostal neuralgia. It is expressed in sensations of sharp pain in the chest, which does not allow deep breathing.
Impaired blood circulation and lack of nutrients due to the inflammatory process can cause diseases of the internal organs located in this area, various heart pathologies. Qualified treatment in this case is essential.
Lumbar
More than 50% of cases occur in this department. The initial signs of lumbar osteochondrosis are characteristic painful low back pain, which is exacerbated by sudden movements, lifting weights and even changing weather. Symptoms such as varicose veins, numbness of the extremities, joint pain are not excluded.
The appearance of osteophytes in the later stages of the disease often leads to inflammation of the sciatic nerve - sciatica, one of the possible complications. Lumbar radiculitis also refers to complications of osteochondrosis. Manifested as pain in the buttocks, spreading to the thigh and lower leg, reaching to the feet.
Causes and prevention
As a rule, the disease usually causes several causes at once, so it is also considered multifactorial. The main reasons for the development of osteochondrosis are:
- injuries and bruises on the back;
- accumulation diseases and metabolic disorders;
- sedentary lifestyle and overweight;
- congenital and acquired posture disorders;
- heredity.
Prevention of osteochondrosis comes down to simple but effective methods. It is necessary to change your lifestyle to a more active (swim), do not forget to do back gymnastics during prolonged stationary work. You need to start eating right, including in the diet as many fruits and vegetables, dairy products.
Effective prevention will be the timely search for medical help at the first symptoms of the disease.
Treatment
The treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine should be comprehensive. The main directions of treatment of the disease are:
- drug therapy (NSAIDs, analgesics, chondroprotectors, vitamins);
- physiotherapy (electrophoresis, UHF);
- massage;
- exercise therapy;
- gymnastics (can be performed at home);
- surgical treatment (discectomy).