Osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis– is a degenerative-dystrophic disease, which is manifested by a decrease in the height of the 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 the age of 35-40 and almost 90% in the elderly. However, in the presence of unfavorable factors, it may appear earlier.

Osteochondrosis of the spine is one of the main causes of back pain. Inadequate treatment can cause damage to nerve roots, damage to the spinal cord and disruption of internal organs. Therefore, it is very important to seek medical help immediately 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 living a sedentary lifestyle. This disease develops due to the weakness of the back muscles, which leads to disruption of blood flow and nutrition of the spinal tissue and intervertebral disc. It can happen for a variety of reasons, including aging, injury, sudden stress and improper work habits.

Although the cause of osteochondrosis is not fully understood, it is associated with various factors, including:

• descent,
• impaired physical development,
• metabolic disease,
• unhealthy diet
• lack of vitamins and minerals,
• long-term drug use,
• overweight,
• increased load on the spine,
• sedentary lifestyle, for example, while working in an office,
• spinal cord injury,
• past infectious diseases and stress.

In addition, defects of the nervous and musculoskeletal system can also contribute to the occurrence of osteochondrosis. In general, the development of this disease is caused by a combination of many factors, and its prevention consists of proper nutrition, moderate physical activity, correct distribution of the load 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 stage, 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;
• Migraine and dizziness;
• Painful sensation in the region of the heart;
• Muscle hypotension, decreased muscle tone and strength;
• Numbness in the limbs;
• Pain in arms and legs;
• Seeing spots in front of the eyes;
• Cooling of limbs;
• Recording painful sensations.

If osteochondrosis progresses, serious complications may occur, such as:

• Loss of consciousness;
• Decreases the sensitivity of the limbs;
• Poor blood circulation in the vessel;
• Nerve damage or inflammation;
• Arterial narrowing and blockage.

You should pay attention to any changes in your body condition and seek help from a specialist if you suspect the development of osteochondrosis. Getting 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 very common among athletes. It also manifests itself in the form of bone overgrowth, osteophytes, protruding intervertebral discs and curvature of the spine. Congenital spinal deformities 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;
• Excessive physical tension of the body;
• Work on a vibrating platform;
• 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 excessive fatigue, can reduce the likelihood of these problems occurring. If you suspect osteochondrosis, consult a doctor to start treatment quickly 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 back (lumbosacral).
2. Sciaticamanifested as pain in the back, spreading to the legs.
3. Lumbago- this is lumbar lumbago, with acute and severe pain in the lower back.
4. Thoracalgia- This is a pain in the chest.

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

In addition, the type of osteochondrosis may vary depending on the affected part of the spine. Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is manifested by headaches and difficulty 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" deep. legs.

Stages of development of osteochondrosis

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

• me.In the first stage, the core of the intervertebral disc loses moisture and becomes less elastic, which leads to a reduction in height and tissue cracking. At this stage, the pain is usually barely noticeable, but discomfort may occur during physical activity or unusual posture.
• II.In the second stage of the development of osteochondrosis, the disc tissue begins to flatten and bulge, which leads to the narrowing of the space between the vertebrae and pinching the spinal nerve roots. The fibrous membrane is destroyed, which leads to poor fluid retention in the disc core. When moving, you can hear a clicking sound and a throbbing sound in the spine. At this stage, point pain occurs, which increases with active movement.
• III.The third stage is characterized by abrasion and thinning of the cartilage layer between the discs. At this stage, the symptoms of osteochondrosis manifest themselves intensively in the form of acute pain. To relieve pain quickly, you need to take painkillers for neuralgia.
• IV.In the last, fourth stage, the destruction of the disc is so severe that the joint becomes inactive, and the space between the vertebrae is overgrown with bone tissue. A severe dystrophic process can cause acute pain, as the tumor injures neighboring tissues and compresses nerves. Complete loss of mobility of the vertebral joints is possible.

Complications

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

• Disc protrusion, which occurs when the nucleus pulposus of the disc protrudes past the annulus fibrosus. This can cause pain and spinal dysfunction.
• Intervertebral hernia- This is a more serious complication when the disc ring ruptures and the nucleus pulposus passes through 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 cause sensory loss, numbness and weakness in the lower legs.
• Kyphosisis a spinal deformity that manifests itself as a bulge in the chest area. This can cause breathing problems, pain and poor posture.
• Spinal cord stroke– this is the most serious complication of osteochondrosis, which can cause loss of sensitivity, impaired motor function and even paralysis.
• Lower extremity muscle atrophy– this is a decrease in muscle mass, which is accompanied by rapid fatigue and weakness in the legs.
• Paralyzed legs– 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 characterized by a degenerative process in the structure 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 movement. The doctor may also perform a neurological test to determine the presence or absence of sensory and motor problems.
• Hardware inspection.For a more accurate diagnosis, various hardware examination methods are used, including radiography, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
• Blood test.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 the X-ray, each spine is examined and pictures are taken directly, side 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 disc. To do this, a picture of one or two segments of the spine is 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 you see a doctor

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

Treatment of osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis is a spinal disease characterized by degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs. It can cause 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 level of development and severity of symptoms. In most cases, strengthening of ligaments and muscles, as well as the use of drugs, is recommended.

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

Procedures and methods for treating osteochondrosis include physiotherapy, gymnastics (physical therapy), wearing orthopedic pillows or corsets, 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 classic physical therapy, physical therapy exercises in water, swimming, simulator exercises and computerized hardware complexes. The style is chosen 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 early stages. This method helps to strengthen the muscular skeleton and remove 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 accompanied by crunching, but prefer soft techniques. It is based on knowledge of biomechanics, joint function, and the laws of muscle contraction and relaxation. The risk of side effects with this method is lower, and its effectiveness does not change.

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 doctors prescribe at least 2-3 sessions a week for 1-3 months.

Properly performed medical procedures for osteochondrosis of the spine:

1. Puts extra pressure on the muscles and increases their tone;
2. Eliminates the accumulation of lactic acid and relieves muscle spasms;
3. Improve 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 ignore 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 cellular responses.
• Electrophoresis for osteochondrosis– this is the effect of the electric field on the tissue, which accelerates blood circulation and activates the regeneration process.
• Laser therapyis a method that stimulates biological processes in nerve fibers and also has anti-inflammatory, wound healing and analgesic effects.
• Shock wave therapyis a method of influencing diseased areas of the body with acoustic waves, which improve microcirculation and metabolic processes, relieve swelling and pain.

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

Kinesio Recording

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

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

When performing kinesiotaping, restrictions should be taken into account: for women, this is pregnancy and menstruation. Some patients may experience 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 the 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 early stages, as well as for severe pain and poor vertebral mobility.

There is also a dry needling technique where a drug-free needle is inserted into the spasmed muscle, usually the piriformis. This method can reduce pain in the back and pelvis. Keep in mind that acupuncture is effective even in chronic cases.

Hirudotherapy

Hirudotherapy is a method in which medical leeches are used to treat various diseases, including osteochondrosis. Hirudotherapy prevents increased blood clotting and blood clot formation, expands blood vessels, eliminates inflammatory processes and has an analgesic effect. For osteochondrosis, leeches are used to increase the blood supply to the cells, which in turn stimulates the recovery of the damaged intervertebral disc.

Drug treatment

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

Pain in osteochondrosis often occurs against the background of small changes in the spine, and if the doctor chooses the right treatment without drugs, the patient can avoid repeated attacks of pain. If you take the medicine for a long time, the structural changes in the spine may worsen and the pill 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 where a special elastic patch is attached to the diseased part of the body. Kinesio tape 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 effect on pain points and reflex zones. It is used to relieve pain and restore the natural load on the spine. Reflexology is never used alone, but is usually used in combination with massage to achieve a more noticeable effect.

Reflexology techniques can be used to treat osteochondrosis and other diseases of the spine. Its use helps relieve 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 disease.

Prevention and prognosis of osteochondrosis

Prevention of osteochondrosis is a very important issue, because it aims to prevent factors that can contribute to the development of this disease. First of all, this applies to people with certain risks:

1. Genetic predisposition to spinal disease;
2. Chronic gastrointestinal problems that can cause malabsorption of nutrients;
3. Diseases related to metabolic disorders;
4. Severe infections experienced in childhood, such as rickets;
5. Spinal cord injury;
6. Overweight.

However, prevention is also important for those who lead a sedentary lifestyle, experience increased pressure on the spine, and for women who plan to become pregnant. For prevention purposes, it is recommended to exercise regularly, monitor your weight, avoid injuries and eat healthy foods rich in vitamins and minerals. It is also recommended to see a doctor and undergo regular health check-ups 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 amount of substances necessary 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 jelly, jelly or jelly fish. However, you should avoid fatty, fried and salty foods, and limit sugar and alcohol intake, as they can contribute to inflammation.

It is recommended to drink more fluids to ensure proper hydration and maintain the health of the intervertebral disc. 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 osteochondrosis of the spine are prescribed by the doctor if there is pain. The training set is selected individually, taking into account the form, level and stage of the disease. For example, in the early stages of cervical osteochondrosis, it is recommended:

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