Spinal osteochondrosis is a disease characterized by degenerative-dystrophic changes of the vertebrae and intervertebral discs.
Scientists call this disease "the disease of civilization", as it is associated with a person's upright posture and an ever-increasing load on the spine in the modern world. Usually, osteochondrosis begins to develop in young people aged 20-25.
causes
The exact cause of the development of spinal osteochondrosis has not been established. Experts point out the factors that contribute to its development.
Traumatic factor. Constant excessive loads (microtrauma) of the spine contribute to accelerated wear of the spinal discs. Antiphysiological postures (work in a bent position for a long time, long stay in one position) lead to the formation of subluxations in the intervertebral joints.
Developmental pathology of the musculoskeletal system. Flat feet, shortening of a leg, vertebral back pain and other similar pathologies increase the load on the spine and, consequently, accelerate degenerative processes.
Age factor. The development of osteochondrosis of the spine is considered by many doctors to be a manifestation of the natural aging of the human body.
Vascular factor. A relationship has been established between a decrease in blood flow (ischemic processes) and an acceleration of pathological processes in the spine.
The factor of changes in hormone levels. Natural hormonal changes in the body (pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause, menopause) cause an increase in degenerative processes.
The factor of endocrine-hormonal diseases. Diseases such as obesity, diabetes mellitus, myxedema (inflammatory lesion of the thyroid gland) and others contribute to the development of osteochondrosis of the spine.
Classification and symptoms
Symptoms depend on the localization of the pathological process.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. The cervical spine contains blood vessels that feed the brain. With the degenerative changes in this section, the organs of the head are not adequately supplied with blood. This often leads to cerebrovascular accidents.
The main symptom of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is headache. This pain is usually permanent, worsening in the morning and with movement. It arises in the back of the head and emanates from the parietal-temporal region. The pain syndrome is often accompanied by dizziness, flashing in front of the eyes of "flies", colored spots.
In addition, pinching of the nerves often contributes to the appearance of soreness of the scalp, sore throat and neck. Pain syndrome sometimes captures the arm, shoulder. It can be weakened or intensified by turning the head or changing the position of the body.
Signs of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine include:
- fluctuations in blood pressure;
- ringing in the ears, hearing problems;
- visual impairment;
- violation of coordination of movements and gait;
- hoarseness or weakening of the voice;
- caries;
- snoring while sleeping.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine. Manifestations can be various and depend on the localization of the disease, the degree of its severity. Compression of the thoracic nerve roots leads to intercostal neuralgia. It is manifested by sharp pain in the chest, which becomes more intense with inhalation, some movements, coughing and laughter. Pain syndrome intensifies after a person's long stay in one position or after physical exertion. Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine often causes diseases of the stomach, lungs, heart and other human organs.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine. It often affects people who spend a lot of time in "sedentary work" (drivers working on computers).
A symptom of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is a painful aching character, which is intensified with sudden movements (lifting weights, sneezing, coughing) and a long stay in one position. After a bent position, it is difficult for the patient to straighten his back, sometimes severe pain also interferes with movement. Pain is significantly reduced in the horizontal position of the body. Squatting or lying on a healthy side brings relief.
Pain syndrome in osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is often localized in the lower back, radiating to the legs, sacrum, and often to the pelvic organs. Overloading the muscles of the spine due to awkward movements, weight lifting causes back pain. Lumbar osteochondrosis of the spine is often manifested by reduced sensitivity, numbness in the pain area. The patient may experience a tingling sensation, "running chills". Symptoms are often accompanied by spasm of the arteries of the feet, a decrease in the temperature of the skin of the legs and a feeling of coldness in the legs. Some patients have dryness and peeling of the skin, sweating disorders.
If you think you have osteochondrosis of the spine and the characteristic symptoms of this disease, you should seek the advice of an orthopedist or therapist.
Treatment
Therapy of this disease is aimed at eliminating pain, restoring the functions of the spine, preventing the development of dystrophic pathologies in the spine.
The duration of treatment for osteochondrosis of the spine depends on the severity of the disease, the age of the patient and the methods of treatment.
In the complex treatment of the disease, the following methods of therapy are used.
- Physiotherapy. It is one of the main methods of treating osteochondrosis. Physiotherapy exercises include joint gymnastics and exercises on rehabilitation equipment. Its result is the normalization of nutrition of the intervertebral discs, metabolism, the formation of the correct muscular corset and a decrease in the load on the spine.
- Physiotherapy. This method uses the effects on the body of a laser, ultrasound, magnetic field, low frequency currents for treatment. Due to the use of physiotherapy, the duration of treatment is significantly reduced and its effectiveness increases.
- Massage. An effective method for relieving muscle pain, tension, improving blood circulation, general strengthening of the body.
- Manual therapy. This method of treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine allows you to restore normal mobility of organs, improve blood supply, lymphatic circulation and prevent exacerbation of the disease.
- Traction (traction) of the spine. With the help of special equipment, the intervertebral spaces are increased. This helps to restore the correct shape of the spine, eliminate pain.
- reflexology. It consists in the impact of special techniques on acupuncture points and reflex zones of the human body.
Surgical treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine is carried out with the ineffectiveness of conservative therapy or for special indications. The amount of surgery depends on the extent of the injury and the symptoms of the disease.