Spinal osteochondrosis is a disease characterized by degenerative dystrophic changes in the vertebrae and intervertebral discs.
Scientists call this disease a "civilization disease" because it is related to a person's upright posture and increasing spine load in the modern world. Usually, osteochondrosis begins to develop in young people between 20-25 years of age.
reason
The exact cause of the development of spinal osteochondrosis has not been determined. Experts pointed out the factors that promote its development.
Traumatic factors. Continuous overburden (minimal trauma) of the spine accelerates the wear of the intervertebral disc. Anti-physiological posture (work in a bent posture for a long time, maintain a posture for a long time) leads to the formation of intervertebral joint subluxation.
Pathology of the development of the musculoskeletal system. Flat feet, shortening of one leg, lumbar spine and other similar conditions can increase the load on the spine and accelerate the degenerative process.
Age factor. Many doctors believe that the development of osteochondrosis of the spine is a manifestation of the natural aging of the human body.
Vascular factors. A relationship has been established between decreased blood flow (ischemic process) and acceleration of spinal pathological processes.
Factors that change hormone levels. Natural hormonal changes in the body (pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause, menopause) can lead to an increase in the degenerative process.
Factors of endocrine hormone disease. Obesity, diabetes, and mucinous edema (thyroid inflammatory disease) and other diseases can lead to the development of osteochondrosis of the spine.
Classification and symptoms
Symptoms depend on the location of the pathological process.
Cervical osteochondrosis. The cervical spine contains blood vessels that supply blood to the brain. Due to the degenerative changes in this part, the blood supply to the head organs is insufficient. This often leads to cerebrovascular accidents.
The main symptom of cervical osteochondrosis is headache. This pain is usually permanent and worse in the morning and during exercise. It appears on the back of the head and emits into the parietotemporal area. Pain is often accompanied by dizziness, "flies" and stains passing by.
In addition, compression of nerves usually causes scalp, sore throat, and neck pain. Pain syndrome sometimes affects the arms and shoulders. It can be weakened or enhanced by turning the head or changing the position of the body.
Signs of cervical osteochondrosis include:
- Blood pressure fluctuations;
- Tinnitus, hearing impairment;
- Visual impairment
- Violation of the coordination of movement and gait;
- Hoarse or weakened voice;
- Tooth decay;
- Snoring while sleeping.
Thoracic osteochondrosis. The manifestations can be varied, depending on the location of the disease and its severity. Compression of the thoracic nerve root causes intercostal neuralgia. It manifests as severe pain in the chest, which becomes more intense with inhalation, some movements, coughing and laughing. After a person maintains a posture or physical exertion for a long time, the pain syndrome will be exacerbated. Thoracic osteochondrosis is usually the cause of diseases of the stomach, lungs, heart, and other human organs.
Lumbar osteochondrosis. It often hits those who have been engaged in "sedentary work" (drivers working in front of computers) for a long time.
One symptom of lumbar osteochondrosis is a painful, painful feature that is exacerbated by sudden movements (lifting weights, sneezing, coughing) and staying in one position for long periods of time. After the bending posture, it is difficult for the patient to straighten the back, sometimes severe pain or even unable to move. Pain in the horizontal position of the body is significantly reduced. Squatting or lying on the healthy side can relieve stress.
The pain syndrome of lumbar osteochondrosis is usually located in the lower back and radiates to the legs, sacrum, and pelvic organs. Because of awkward exercise, the spine muscles are overloaded, and weightlifting can cause back pain. Lumbar osteochondrosis of the spine usually manifests as impaired sensitivity and numbness in the painful area. The patient may feel tingling and "runs creepy". Usually, foot arterial spasm, lower leg skin temperature, and cold legs can exacerbate symptoms. Some patients have dry and peeling skin and sweating disorders.
If you think you have osteochondrosis of the spine and have the characteristic symptoms of this disease, you should seek the advice of an orthopedic doctor or therapist.
treatment
The treatment of this disease is aimed at eliminating pain, restoring the function of the spine, and preventing the development of spinal dystrophy.
The duration of treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine depends on the severity of the disease, the age of the patient and the treatment method.
In the complex treatment of diseases, the following treatment methods are used.
- physiotherapy. It is one of the main methods of treating osteochondrosis. Physical therapy exercises include joint gymnastics and rehabilitation equipment exercises. The result is the normalization of the nutrition of the intervertebral discs, the metabolism, the formation of the correct muscle corset and the reduction of the spine load.
- physiotherapy. This method uses laser, ultrasound, magnetic field, and low-frequency current to treat the body. Due to the use of physical therapy, the duration of treatment is significantly shortened and its effectiveness increases.
- massage. An effective method to relieve muscle pain, tension, improve blood circulation, and increase body strength.
- Manipulative therapy. This method of treating osteochondrosis of the spine can restore the normal activity of the organs, improve blood supply, lymphatic circulation and prevent the disease from getting worse.
- Traction (traction) of the spine. With the help of special equipment, the intervertebral space is increased. This helps restore the correct shape of the spine and eliminate pain.
- Reflexology. It includes the effects of special techniques on acupuncture points and reflex areas of the human body.
The surgical treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine is performed when conservative treatment is ineffective or with special indications. The amount of surgery depends on the extent of the disease and the symptoms of the disease.