Osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disease of the spine and surrounding tissues.The dystrophic process means malnutrition, and degeneration means premature aging, changes in the structure and properties of tissues.The degenerative process is involutive, that is, the natural aging process of the body.However, when exposed to various adverse factors, it accelerates, leading to the development of this disease.
The importance of spinal osteochondrosis is due to the high frequency of its spread, especially in developed countries, affecting people of working age (30-60 years) with complete or partial loss of the ability to work, the chronic course of the disease and the progression of the disease in the absence of adequate treatment and prevention.
Causes of the development of osteochondrosis
1. Excessive charges
Degenerative processes in the intervertebral discs are considered a mismatch between their strength characteristics and the loads applied to them.Increased stress on the spine includes lifting weights, prolonged standing in the same position (sitting, standing), sudden movements, jumping from heights, injuries, curvature of the spine, incorrect posture and excess body weight.
As a result of excessive load, trauma occurs in the spinal structures.Particularly sensitive to overload are the intervertebral discs, which perform the function of absorbing shocks and, together with the fascial joints, provide movement in the spine.
2. Malnutrition of the intervertebral disc
Intervertebral discs do not have their own blood vessels and are nourished by the diffusion of interstitial fluid from the surrounding tissues.The diffusion process is facilitated by the motor activity of the spine and surrounding muscles.
Therefore, prolonged restriction of movements in the spine, sedentary work and physical inactivity are associated with a decrease in trophism of the intervertebral disc and lead to the development of osteochondrosis.
3. Other factors
Hereditary predisposition, metabolic disorders, hormonal changes, somatic diseases.
Under the influence of these factors, blood circulation and metabolic processes in the spine are disrupted and the hydration of the intervertebral disc is reduced.In the fibrous ring of the disc, the fibrous fibers disintegrate, microcracks and fissures appear, which contributes to the migration of the nucleus pulposus and the formation of protrusion or herniation of the intervertebral disc.
The bulging disc irritates the sensitive nerve roots of the spinal nerves, causing pain in the back or along the involved nerve fibers.Reflex tension and spasm of the surrounding muscles develops, which is also accompanied by pain, a feeling of stiffness in the back and limitation of movements.
The changes appearing in the surrounding tissues in the form of tension in the muscles of the back, functional blocks and irritation of the nerve roots contribute to the worsening of the existing disorders of blood microcirculation and metabolic changes, causing the formation of a closed pathological circle of the development of spinal osteochondrosis.
Types of osteochondrosis
Depending on the location, osteochondrosis of the cervical, thoracic or lumbar spine is distinguished.When all departments are involved, they talk about widespread osteochondrosis of the spine.
The middle region is most often affected, accounting for about half of all cases of osteochondrosis.This is due to the fact that the lower parts of the spine experience a greater static load compared to other parts.
The second most common location is the cervical region.It accounts for about 1/4 of osteochondrosis cases.This part of the spine suffers most often due to the forced position of the head in one position - prolonged sitting at the computer, sedentary work, monotonous physical work.
The development of osteochondrosis in the thoracic spine is associated with limited mobility in this segment, which is fixed by the costosternal frame.
Symptoms of spinal osteochondrosis
Symptoms of osteochondrosis are divided into two main groups:
Local symptomsas pain in the back or in a certain part of it: pain in the neck, in the lower back, between the shoulders.Local symptoms also include tension, stiffness of the back muscles, a feeling of heaviness and discomfort.
Long-term symptomsthe appearance of which is associated with involvement in the process of the nervous or vascular system of the spine, which is responsible for the innervation and blood supply of certain structures of the body.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is characterized by:pain in the neck, in the occipital region, in the shoulder girdle, in the collar area.The pain may radiate to the arm, shoulder, elbow joint or hand, accompanied by a feeling of numbness in the arm or "creeping" and limited mobility in the joints of the upper limbs.
Vertebral artery syndrome often accompanies osteochondrosis of the spine in this section.It appears as a result of compression or spasm of the vertebral artery, which passes through the transverse processes of the cervical vertebrae and is included in the blood supply to the brain.Vertebral artery syndrome is manifested by throbbing headaches, ringing in the head and dizziness.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spinemanifests itself with pain between the shoulder blades, in the back of the chest, which can spread along the intercostal spaces in the form of intercostal neuralgia, in the front of the chest, simulating heart pain, in this case it is necessary to exclude the cardiac nature of the pain.
When the lower thoracic vertebrae are involved, the pain can move to the front abdominal wall, in the abdominal area, simulating diseases of the internal organs.
For osteochondrosis of the lumbar regionthe pain is localized in the lower back, in the buttocks, spreads down the leg and may be accompanied by a feeling of numbness, tingling, convulsive tremors of the leg muscles, their atrophy and dysfunction of the pelvic organs.
Osteochondrosis of the spine is characterized by chronic back pain, which may intensify at night, with prolonged sitting or standing, or after physical activity.
Diagnosis of osteochondrosis
The diagnosis of spinal osteochondrosis is based on the study of patients' complaints, collection of the anamnesis of the disease, clinical, neurological and orthopedic examination of the patient.
If necessary, laboratory or instrumental diagnostic methods are prescribed, such as radiography, magnetic resonance of the spine (MRI), computed tomography (CT), Dopplerography of the neck and intracranial vessels, electrocardiography.Detailed diagnosis is necessary to rule out more serious diseases of the spine, to identify complications of osteochondrosis and to choose optimal treatment tactics for osteochondrosis.
Treatment of spinal osteochondrosis
The Vertebrological Center offers comprehensive treatment for osteochondrosis of the spine.
For the treatment of osteochondrosis, our center uses modern equipment and treatment methods, employing qualified specialists: a vertebrologist, an orthopedic traumatologist, a neurologist, a chiropractor who will help you correctly diagnose a disease of the spine and prescribe the necessary treatment procedures.
An individual treatment regimen is selected for each patient, depending on the stage of the disease, clinical manifestations of osteochondrosis, the presence of concomitant diseases and contraindications for therapy.
The center uses the following methods for the treatment of spinal osteochondrosis:
Drug treatment of osteochondrosisaimed at easing the aggravation, affecting the pathogenetic mechanisms of the disease.
Back massage, correction of the spineallows you to normalize the tone and elasticity of the back muscles, improve blood supply, eliminate tight nerve roots and restore the mobility of the spinal movement segments.
Spinal tractionit is used when osteochondrosis is combined with disc protrusion and intervertebral hernia, in the presence of symptoms of nerve root compression.The withdrawal is carried out under the supervision of the attending physician.
Therapeutic blockade- This is a local injection of a drug in the area of the pathological focus.With its help, you can achieve the maximum concentration of the drug in the desired area to achieve a therapeutic effect.For the treatment of osteochondrosis, paravertebral blockades are mainly used - the introduction of drugs into the tissues surrounding the vertebrae, near the intervertebral nerve roots.
Shock wave therapy- a new direction in the treatment of spinal osteochondrosis and its complications.The method was originally developed in Switzerland for crushing stones in the internal organs, but later showed high efficiency in the treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
In our center, the treatment of osteochondrosis is carried out using the American Pro-Ajuster shock wave therapy device, which is specially designed for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the spine and surrounding soft tissues.The device allows you to diagnose the state of tissue density and tension and then act on the changed areas.
For the treatment of osteochondrosis, various physiotherapeutic procedures are used, such as: magnetotherapy, laser treatment, ultrasound, myostimulation, electrical procedures.
Prevention of osteochondrosis
As you know, the best way to treat a disease is to prevent it.In order to prevent the development of osteochondrosis, the issues of its prevention must begin to be addressed in early childhood.
Timely examinations by a pediatric orthopedist enable timely detection of postural disorders, deviations in physical development and correction of existing changes.From the first years of a child's life, it is necessary to engage in physical exercises, outdoor sports, games, monitor posture and avoid overloading the spine.
Key activities that help maintain a healthy back include:
- A rational regime of work and rest: avoid prolonged sitting, get up periodically, do back stretches, keep your back straight, watch your posture, sleep on a semi-rigid bed;
- Elimination of spine overloads: do not lift heavy objects, especially in a bent position, avoid falls and jumps from heights, spine injuries, monitor body weight;
- Systematic exercises for the back;
- Proper nutrition;
- Timely diagnosis and elimination of back pain and discomfort.