Osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disease of the spine and surrounding tissues.The dystrophic process involves malnutrition and degeneration involves premature aging, changes in the structure and properties of tissues.The degenerative process is involutional, that is, the natural aging process of the organism.However, when exposed to various unfavorable factors, it accelerates and leads to the development of this disease.
The relevance 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.
Reasons for the development of osteochondrosis.
1. Excessive loads
Degenerative processes in intervertebral discs are considered a discrepancy between their resistance characteristics and the loads applied to them.Increased stress on the spine includes lifting weights, prolonged stay 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 loading, trauma to the spinal structures occurs.Especially sensitive to overload are the intervertebral discs, which perform the function of absorbing impacts and, together with the facet joints, provide movement to the spine.
2. Malnutrition of the intervertebral disc
The 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 spinal movements, sedentary work and physical inactivity are accompanied by 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 disturbed and hydration of the intervertebral disc decreases.In the annulus fibrosus of the disc, fibrous fibers disintegrate, microcracks and tears appear, which contributes to the migration of the nucleus pulposus and the formation of bulges or herniations of the intervertebral disc.
The bulging disc irritates the sensitive nerve roots of the spinal nerves, causing pain in the back or along the nerve fibers involved.Reflex tensions and spasms of the surrounding muscles develop, which are also accompanied by pain, a feeling of stiffness in the back and limitation of movement.
The changes that arise in the surrounding tissues in the form of tension in the back muscles, functional blockages and irritation of the nerve roots contribute to the aggravation of existing disorders of blood microcirculation and metabolic changes, provoking 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 participate, we speak of generalized osteochondrosis of the spine.
The lumbar region is the most affected and accounts for approximately 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 approximately 1/4 of osteochondrosis cases.This part of the spine most often suffers from forced positioning of the head in one position: long 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.
The symptoms of osteochondrosis are divided into two main groups:
Local symptomssuch as pain in the back or in a certain part of it: pain in the neck, lower back, between the shoulder blades.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 the participation in the process of the nervous or vascular system of the spine, which is responsible for the innervation and blood supply to certain structures of the body.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is characterized by:pain in the neck, occipital region, shoulder girdle, neck area.The pain may radiate to the arm, shoulder, elbow or hand, accompanied by a feeling of numbness in the arm or "crawling" and limited mobility in the joints of the upper limb.
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 involved in the blood supply to the brain.Vertebral artery syndrome is manifested by a throbbing headache, noises in the head, and dizziness.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine.It is manifested by pain between the shoulder blades, in the posterior thoracic area, which can extend along the intercostal spaces in the form of intercostal neuralgia, to the anterior part of the chest, simulating cardiac pain. In this case, it is necessary to exclude the cardiac nature of the pain.
When the lower thoracic vertebrae are affected, the pain can move to the anterior abdominal wall, to the abdominal area, simulating diseases of the internal organs.
For osteochondrosis of the lumbar region.The pain is localized in the lower back, in the buttocks, spreads along the leg and may be accompanied by a feeling of numbness, tingling, convulsive contractions 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 the patient's complaints, collecting an anamnesis of the disease and clinical, neurological and orthopedic examination of the patient.
If necessary, instrumental or laboratory diagnostic methods are prescribed, such as radiography, magnetic resonance imaging of the spine (MRI), computed tomography (CT), Dopplerography of the neck and intracranial vessels, electrocardiography.A detailed diagnosis is necessary to exclude more serious diseases of the spine, identify complications of osteochondrosis and select optimal treatment tactics for osteochondrosis.
Treatment of spinal osteochondrosis.
The Vertebrology Center provides comprehensive treatment for spinal osteochondrosis.
To treat 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 spinal disease 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 to therapy.
The center uses the following methods to treat spinal osteochondrosis:
Pharmacological treatment of osteochondrosis.aimed at relieving exacerbation, influencing the pathogenic mechanisms of the disease.
Back massage, spine correction.allows you to normalize the tone and elasticity of the back muscles, improve blood supply, eliminate pinched nerve roots and restore the mobility of the motion segments of the spine.
spinal tractionIt is used when osteochondrosis is combined with disc protrusion and intervertebral herniation, in the presence of symptoms of compression of the nerve roots.Traction is performed under the supervision of the treating physician.
Therapeutic block- This is a local injection of a drug in the area of the pathological focus.With its help, it is possible to achieve the maximum concentration of the drug in the desired area to achieve a therapeutic effect.For the treatment of osteochondrosis, paravertebral blocks 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 initially developed in Switzerland to crush stones in internal organs, but later proved highly effective 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 was 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 subsequently act on the modified areas.
Various physiotherapeutic procedures are used to treat osteochondrosis, such as: magnetotherapy, laser treatment, ultrasound, myostimulation, electrical procedures.
Prevention of osteochondrosis
As you know, the best method to treat a disease is to prevent it.To prevent the development of osteochondrosis, the issues of its prevention must begin to be addressed from early childhood.
Timely examinations by a pediatric orthopedist allow for 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 do physical exercise, outdoor sports, games, control posture and avoid overloading the spine.
The main activities that help maintain a healthy spine include:
- A rational regime of work and rest: avoid sitting for a long time, get up periodically, stretch your back, keep your back straight, monitor your posture, sleep in a semi-rigid bed;
- Elimination of spinal overloads: do not lift heavy objects, especially in an inclined position, avoid falls and jumps from heights, spinal injuries, control body weight;
- Systematic exercises for the back;
- Proper nutrition;
- Timely diagnosis and elimination of pain and discomfort in the back.