Osteochondrosis -degenerative-dystrophic damage to spinal tissue, characterized by damage to the intervertebral discs, adjacent joint surfaces and vertebral bodies, the ligament apparatus of the spine.
The most common pathological processes in osteochondrosis first affect the bones and ligaments. The fact that the disease has already started, we usually find out when complications appear - pain, sensory disorders, muscle atrophy, disorders of internal organs.
Who suffers from osteochondrosis?
Today, 40 to 90% of the world's population suffers from osteochondrosis. The disease most often affects people older than 30 years. However, the first symptoms of osteochondrosis may appear in adolescence.
Stages of development of osteochondrosis of the spine
- The first stage in the development of osteochondrosis.
Dehydration of the nucleus pulposus begins. This reduces the height of the disc. Cracks appear in the annular fibrosus, but the pathological process does not go beyond the intervertebral disc.
- The second stage in the development of osteochondrosis.
As a result of the reduction in disc height, the points of attachment of the muscles and ligaments belonging to the two adjacent vertebrae are approaching. As a result, muscles and ligaments deteriorate. This can lead to excessive mobility of the two vertebrae towards each other, i. vertebromotor segment instability is formed. This stage is characterized by sliding or moving of the vertebrae relative to each other with the formation of spondylolisthesis.
- The third stage in the development of osteochondrosis.
During this period, the most pronounced morphological changes occur, which primarily concern the intervertebral discs themselves: disc prolapses and protrusions are created. The articular apparatus of the spinal-motor segment also suffers. Subluxation occurs in the intervertebral joints and un-vertebral joints, arthrosis is formed.
- The fourth stage in the development of osteochondrosis.
In this phase, adaptive changes occur in the affected segments of the spine. The body tries to overcome the excessive mobility of the vertebrae, to immobilize the spine to maintain its supporting and protective functions. In this regard, marginal bone growths appear on adjacent surfaces of the vertebral body, in other words, osteophytes. An osteophyte grown "in the wrong place" causes microtraumatization of the nerve root. In the fourth stage, the processes of fibrous ankylosis usually begin on the intervertebral discs and joints. In the end, it turns out that the vertebral-motor segment is walled up with a shell - the clinical manifestations subside.
Causes of osteochondrosis
In each of the many existing theories of the development of osteochondrosis, various causes responsible for the onset of the disease have been accepted, for example, mechanical injury, hereditary predisposition, or metabolic disorders. A special difficulty in determining the cause of osteochondrosis arises due to the fact that this disease can occur in both older and younger people, both physically fit and less trained. There is a widespread belief that the cause of osteochondrosis is the deposition of salt in the spine: allegedly on X-rays, the salt can be seen in the form of "growths" or "hooks" on the vertebrae. If during movement there is cracking and creaking in the joints, as if sand had been poured between them, for many patients the only reason for this condition is the notorious "salt deposition". Such misconceptions are by no means harmless: the exact idea of ways to treat a disease can be determined based on an analysis of the causes that caused it.
The term "osteochondrosis" comes from the Greek root osteon - "bone" and chondr - "cartilage". The ending "-oz" means that the disease of bones and cartilage is not associated with inflammatory processes, that it is degenerative-dystrophic in nature, that is, that the basis of the disease is tissue malnutrition and as a consequence degeneration of its structure. Like all living tissues, both the bone tissue of the vertebrae and the cartilaginous tissue of the intervertebral discs are constantly rearranged and self-regenerating. Under the influence of regular physical effort, they gain strength and elasticity, and in the absence of load, the strength of the tissue decreases.
This is due to the peculiarities of nutrition and blood supply to bone and cartilage tissues. Adult discs do not have their own vessels, they get nutrients and oxygen from neighboring tissues. Therefore, for proper nutrition of the discs, it is necessary to activate blood circulation in the tissues surrounding the discs. And that can only be achieved through intense muscular work.
According to its composition, the intervertebral disc can be divided into two parts: this is a gelatinous core that gives the disc elasticity, located in the center and a strong fibrous ring that surrounds it. Due to the deterioration of the nutrition of the intervertebral discs, the complex structure of the biopolymer compounds that make up the nucleus pulposus is destroyed. The moisture content in the gelatinous core decreases and becomes more brittle. Exposed to even minor overloads, the gelatinous core can disintegrate into fragments. This leads to an even greater reduction in its elasticity. There is also a decrease in the strength of the fibrous annular discs. All these factors form the basis and cause the development of osteochondrosis.
In order to restore spinal function, it is necessary to scar damage to the intervertebral disc, mobilize the compensatory capabilities of the spine, as well as the musculoskeletal system as a whole, not resorption of "salt deposits" or remove "thorns" on the vertebrae. treatment, it can be seen that the vertebrae have not changed their shape. And the notorious "thorns" are not the cause of osteochondrosis, but a consequence of adaptive processes. Marginal growths increase the surface area of the spine. disk.
Degenerative-dystrophic changes that occur on the spine are accompanied by calcification (calcification) of damaged discs, individual parts of joint ligaments, cartilage, capsules. This process can only be called salt deposition. So, this is not the cause of osteochondrosis, but only a consequence and the final phase of the above process.
Reverse development of structural changes in the spine is almost impossible. But keeping them to a minimum is a very real challenge. If no effort is made to keep the spine in the same condition as achieved with the treatment, the pain may recur.
Clinical manifestations of osteochondrosis
The clinical manifestations of osteochondrosis are very diverse. They depend on the stage of development of osteochondrosis. The main clinical symptoms of osteochondrosis occur when the pathological process spreads to the posterior part of the annular fiber and the posterior longitudinal ligament. Depending on the degree of degeneration of the intervertebral discs, there is irritation, compression or impaired conduction of the spinal cord root, compression of the veins or spinal cord. Different neurological syndromes develop - reflex and compression.
The main cause of pain in osteochondrosis is the so-called irritation of the nerve root. In this case, circulatory disorders, edema occur and fibrosis of the surrounding structures may develop in the future, which is accompanied by an increase in the sensitivity of the roots to various influences (movements in the affected segment of the spine, etc. )).
Vascular disorders in osteochondrosis are often associated with impaired vasomotor innervation. Mechanical compression of blood vessels by osteophytes is also possible, for example, in the cervical spine.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis
One of the characteristics of spinal osteochondrosis that worsens the process is its excessive symptomatology. The disease can manifest in completely different parts of the body. It can be pain or numbness of the extremities or disorders and pains in the internal organs. At the same time, a person often in no way associates pain in the heart, genital abnormalities, headaches, pain and numbness of the legs in osteochondrosis and the spine in general, dealing with "treatment" directly of osteochondrosis symptoms with different types of painkillers. all kinds of advertised medicines, dietary supplements and other methods. But this time it only makes the situation worse. Osteochondrosis continues to develop, and the treatment methods used, at best, simply do not lead to significant improvements other than temporary pain relief, and at worst, can further harm the body.
Therefore, it is important to carefully analyze your condition and the changes that occur in it. It is necessary to move in the right direction: consult a doctor in time, undergo the necessary diagnosis and only after determining the correct diagnosis, start treatment under the supervision of the attending physician.
The main symptoms of osteochondrosis include, above all, back pain and discomfort. At the same time, the pain may be periodic, unstable in nature, now appearing and then disappearing. But even the first feeling of discomfort or pain in the spine should make you think. The appearance of the first pains is a signal to at least pay attention to it, try to remember the reason why they appeared. This can occur by lifting a heavy object, sudden movements, falling, etc.
The next symptom of osteochondrosis is the monitoring of discomfort or back pain along with pain and numbness of the extremities (arms or legs). The pain most often radiates to the left extremity, ie to the left arm or leg. In addition, the pain can be manifested in the area of the heart, back and not only in the area of the spine, but for example in the ribs, etc. In this case, it is especially important to pay attention to the nature of the pain change, depending on the patient’s procedures, comparing the sensations of back pain with pain, for example in the leg. If the patient has been sitting for a long time and has pain or numbness of the feet, discomfort in the lower back, and after a little warming up or walking the pain has disappeared, then it will be an indirect sign determined by lumbar osteochondrosis of the spine. The same image can be on the neck and arms. To summarize, we can say that the main symptoms of osteochondrosis include back pain and discomfort. In case these symptoms coincide with pain in other parts of the body, osteochondrosis can be complicated by a bulge, a herniated disc, with a pinched nerve.
In addition, I would like to draw attention to the fact that even at the onset of the first pain in the spine it is necessary to pay special attention to this weakness. Finally, osteochondrosis may not manifest weakly or for a long time. At the same time, it will continue to develop successfully in the spine, which leads to the degradation of an increasing number of discs. Therefore, a timely visit to the doctor will allow the diagnosis of osteochondrosis at an earlier stage, which will facilitate its treatment.
Osteochondrosis and salt deposition
Osteophytes or hook-like vertebral growths appear to reduce the load on the intervertebral discs. In this case, the appearance of osteophytes impairs the mobility of the intervertebral joints.
The common opinion in everyday life that salt deposition is the main cause of osteochondrosis is wrong. Therefore, treating osteochondrosis with a diet is pointless.
The most common complaints are osteochondrosis of the spine
The most common problems with osteochondrosis are the following:
- Discomfort in different parts of the spine. The pain can vary from minor, dull, attractive to strong, sometimes very intense and unbearable - with lumbago.
- Increased fatigue at work, both physically and mentally.
- Sensory damage to limbs and various parts of the body, cold hands or feet.
- Pain radiating to the legs, along the nerve trunks.
- Pain radiating to the shoulder blade, shoulder, as well as pain in the neck and nape.
- A common companion of cervical osteochondrosis are headache, dizziness. Increased visual fatigue or decreased visual acuity is often observed.
- With the defeat of the lumbar-sacral region, disorders of the reproductive system are common - various sexual dysfunctions. Therefore, most men experience an increase in sexual power after treatment. In women, the normal functioning of the lumbosacral zone increases the probability of conception and contributes to a pleasant pregnancy.
Diagnosis of osteochondrosis
A history should be taken to diagnose osteochondrosis. In this case, it is crucial to determine the patient's complaints. Certain symptoms of osteochondrosis are quite typical. On the other hand, others must be distinguished from the signs of other diseases. It is important that nervous, vascular, trophic disorders that occur in osteochondrosis can simulate various diseases, such as angina pectoris, gastritis, stomach ulcers, acute surgical diseases of the abdominal organs. Therefore, to avoid misdiagnosis and subsequent prescribing of the wrong treatment, each symptom must be subjected to a detailed analysis.
Collecting the anamnesis, including the patient's complaints, the patient's current history and life, the doctor pays attention to his age, since osteochondrosis more often develops in the elderly and the development of symptoms from the moment they appear until the patient's departure to the doctor. Osteochondrosis is characterized by slow development in which periods of deterioration are periodically replaced by periods of remission. Additional research methods are prescribed to clarify the diagnosis.
X-ray examinations for osteochondrosis
The most affordable method for diagnosing osteochondrosis, and at the same time very informative, is an X-ray examination. There are several types of X-ray methods to diagnose this disease:
A simple X-ray of the spine is the simplest X-ray method to diagnose osteochondrosis. Its essence lies in obtaining an X-ray image of the spine as a whole or its individual segments. Most often, visual radiography is performed - based on the symptoms of the disease and the patient's complaints, the location of the spinal lesion is determined. X-ray image of the spinal segment affected by osteochondrosis shows a decrease in the thickness (atrophy) of the intervertebral discs, which manifests itself in the form of reduced space between the vertebrae, the appearance of bone protrusions of the vertebral body - osteophytes, partial dissolution - bone resorption, vertebral body segment, changesfor example, smoothing of lumbar lordosis.
Myelography is a more complex and dangerous diagnostic method. During such an examination, a certain amount of contrast fluid is injected into the spinal canal. The risk of this method of examination is the possibility of allergic reactions to the contrast agent or the risk of damage to the spinal cord during the puncture of the spinal canal. Thanks to myelography, the internal structure of the spinal canal can be determined. This method is especially informative for determining spinal hernia.
Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are the most modern, but also the most expensive and most difficult methods available for diagnosing osteochondrosis. These diagnostic methods are usually used when it is necessary to distinguish osteochondrosis from other diseases of the spine, which have similar symptoms, for example, tumors of the spinal canal.
For a comprehensive assessment of the patient's condition, it is mandatory to conduct a neurological examination of a patient with osteochondrosis. Thanks to neurological consultations, it is possible to clarify the localization and degree of motor and sensory disorders.
Treatment of osteochondrosis
The clinic provides effective treatment for all forms of osteochondrosis. Treatment is performed on an outpatient basis. The treatment is based on a comprehensive program aimed at the rapid removal of the underlying syndrome and the cause that causes the suffering. The following methods can be used as part of complex therapy:
- acupuncture;
- vacuum therapy;
- gentle techniques of manual therapy (postisometric relaxation);
- laser therapy;
- pharmacopuncture;
- dry traction;
- magnetopuncture;
- electrical stimulation and other methods of treatment.
On average, the course of treatment is 10-15 sessions, and the removal of the acute pain syndrome is 1 to 3 sessions.
The earlier the treatment is started, the better the result will be!
Is complete removal of osteochondrosis real?
It depends on the form of the disease, severity, correctness and timeliness of treatment. Complete healing is possible only in the initial stages.
But it is possible to prevent the worsening of osteochondrosis without feeling pain for years. If a person has had osteochondrosis but is not feeling discomfort now, it does not mean that it has passed without a trace. Changes in the spine are possible.
The main task is to stop the development of the disease and do everything possible to make some of the pathological changes in the spine disappear, symptoms disappear or decrease (back pain, chills and numbness of arms, legs, headaches, etc. )).