Osteochondrosis of the spine is a disease in which the structure and functionality of the intervertebral discs and cartilage are impaired. It is accompanied by regular painful sensations, because the affected tissues must allow mobility and flexibility of the spine. According to ICD 10, it belongs to the group of diseases of the musculoskeletal system, code - M42. The essence of the disease lies in the compression of the discs during the loading of the spine, which leads to their destruction or deformation. This leads to damage to the nerve endings, which results in pain and swelling. A neglected form of osteochondrosis of the spine can lead to disability.
Reasons for the development of osteochondrosis of the spine
What is this disease and where does it come from? This disease most often occurs in people after the age of 40. This is due to age-related disorders of salt metabolism and dehydration of the organism. Factors that cause the development of the disease:
- bending, leading to curvature of the spine;
- underdeveloped spinal muscles;
- be in an awkward position for an extended period of time;
- regular carrying of heavy objects;
- sedentary lifestyle associated with the specifics of the job;
- metabolic disorders in the body;
- genetic predisposition;
- negative effect of chemicals on the body;
- transmitted diseases of an infectious nature;
- nervous strain, stress with neurological manifestations;
- hormonal disorders in the body;
- professional sports involving heavy loads;
- spinal cord injury;
- a sharp change of position.
It is important to know!Adverse climatic conditions, periodic hypothermia can contribute to the development of the disease! Therefore, you need to protect yourself from these factors as much as possible.
Common symptoms of the disease
Osteochondrosis is always accompanied by pain and stiffness. Such problems can also occur:
- sharp, cutting, shooting pain;
- limb pain;
- dizziness, sometimes loss of consciousness;
- dryness and peeling of the skin;
- heavy sweating;
- low limb temperature.
Depending on which part of the spine the disease develops, other specific symptoms occur.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine: signs
This is the most dangerous place of defeat. After all, an artery passes through the cervical region, which contributes to the normal functioning of the brain. Due to the appearance of the disease, this artery is compressed and prevents the flow of blood to the brain. Therefore, the patient feels severe headaches, dizziness, general weakness of the body. The concentration of attention decreases, the ability to remember worsens.
It is accompanied by pain in the back of the neck, under the shoulder blades, in the forearm, sometimes numb upper limbs.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region
This type of disease is quite rare, most often together with damage to other parts of the spine. They can be accompanied by such diseases:
- pain between the shoulder blades;
- sharp pain with deep breathing;
- weakness and numbness of the fingers.
There are situations in which disease in the thoracic region can cause discomfort in the heart area.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
The most common type of disease, because the lower back takes on the maximum load throughout a person's life. May cause osteochondrosis of the spine with radicular syndrome. This disease is characterized by pinching of nerve roots in the lumbar region, accompanied by various pains, and can radiate to the thighs and buttocks.
During the period of development, the normal work of the lower extremities is disturbed and is accompanied by the following symptoms:
- burning sensation in the back of the leg;
- weakness of the lower extremities;
- numbness of the toes.
Disorders of the genitourinary system and bowel function may also occur.
It is important to remember!At the first symptoms, it is necessary to seek the help of an expert! After all, an advanced form of the disease in a particular department can develop polysegmental osteochondrosis of the spine, which consists in the defeat of all departments at once.
Stages of osteochondrosis of the spine
In modern medicine there are 4 stages of the disease:
- Degree of osteochondrosis of the spine. At this stage, the disease is difficult to detect. There are no obvious signs. There are only general ailments, slight weakness in the back with uncomfortable feelings, which are attributed to overwork. The disease is slow, usually detected randomly at the time of routine examination.
- Grade 2 osteochondrosis. Symptoms of pain occur due to the initial process of tissue destruction. If you turn to specialists for help in time, then this stage of the disease can be cured quickly enough thanks to medication.
- Grade III osteochondrosis. An irreversible process of deformation of the cartilaginous tissue begins, which is the cause of the development of scoliosis, lordosis and the appearance of the hump. Treatment at this stage will improve the condition and minimize curvature.
- Grade 4 osteochondrosis. In this final stage, the person experiences irreversible processes of destruction of spinal tissue. It becomes very difficult for the patient to move, which brings him indescribable pain.
It is important to know!Stage 4 of the disease leads the patient to disability! Therefore, at the first manifestations, it is necessary to consult a doctor and start timely treatment.
Diagnosis of the disease
Complaints arising from the patient require contacting a specialist. To make a diagnosis, you should make an appointment with a neurologist or traumatologist, who will send you to the following studies after a detailed examination and examination:
- M. R. I;
- Ultrasound;
- electrocardiogram;
- radiography;
- general analysis of blood and urine.
Based on the performed research, the doctor makes a conclusion and prescribes effective treatment depending on the stage of the disease.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine
There are many ways you can influence the course of the disease. They are aimed not only at alleviating discomfort, but also at complete recovery. The most effective treatments are:
Drug treatment
They are aimed at alleviating painful sensations, alleviating inflammatory processes, restoring cartilage tissue and preventing the dynamic development of the disease. Taking vitamins during this period is very important.
Chondroprotectors
The therapeutic effect does not appear immediately, so a course is prescribed, which lasts about 2 months.
Injections
Their use is aimed at eliminating the pain syndrome, the injection has no therapeutic effect.
Mast
The use of various ointments, creams or gels helps to get rid of inflammation. They also have an analgesic and warming effect.
Acupuncture
For such procedures, the patient is referred to a chiropractor. After all, only an experienced expert can perform this manipulation well. Acupuncture helps to eliminate even unbearable unbearable pain, has a beneficial effect on the nervous system and normalizes hormones.
Cupping massage
The essence of the procedure is applying a vacuum on the skin, which helps to restore blood flow, eliminate toxins and improve the condition of the body as a whole. Effectively relieves painful sensations. This type of massage cannot be done on the spine, mammary glands, heart and kidneys. Contraindications to the use of this procedure: patients with skin rash, heart disease and pregnancy.
- Magnetotherapy. It is used as an additional method in the treatment of osteochondrosis. Helps weaken the inflammatory process, relieves swelling, tones the muscles of the spine.
- Physiotherapy. It is aimed at restoring the mobility of the spine, strengthening the back muscles and normalizing metabolism. It is very important that you do not overload yourself during exercise.
- Massage. Needed to relieve pain and strengthen muscles.
It is important to remember!Regardless of the stage of osteochondrosis, only a specialist prescribes treatment methods! He can choose either one method or a complex treatment.
Treatment with folk remedies
You can use recipes of traditional medicine that are easy to prepare at home to fight the disease. Only natural ingredients are used for this.
Garlic
To prepare the drug you will need 200 g of chopped garlic, which should be poured with 0, 5 liters of vodka or alcohol. Leave in a cool and dark place for 1 week, shake daily. After the time has elapsed use as a back rub. Helps relieve pain.
Bay leaf and juniper
You should take 1 teaspoon. original ingredients, grind to a powder consistency. Grind with softened unsalted butter in the amount of 100 g. Apply the ointment to the affected areas 3 times a day.
Sagebrush
It will take 1 tbsp. l. wormwood, pour with 1 cup boiling water. Insist 3 hours. Strain the resulting broth and rub your back before bed.
It is important to remember!No matter which prescription is chosen for treatment, it is necessary to consult your doctor! They may consider using home remedies as an adjunct treatment.
Army and osteochondrosis of the spine
Are they recruited into the army after such a diagnosis is made? In order for a young man not to go to serve in the army, the following moments must be present:
- intervertebral osteochondrosis;
- strong, shooting pain during physical exertion;
- clear signs of spinal deformity;
It is important to know!Painful sensations should be confirmed by regular seeking medical help! Only in this situation is the young man incapable of military service.
Complications of the disease
Because the spine is the basis of the musculoskeletal system, osteochondrosis can cause irreparable damage to health. Consequences that the disease can lead to:
- disc herniation;
- rachiocampsis;
- vertebral displacement.
This can lead to disorders in the work of organs, reduction of the immune system, which leads to new serious diseases.
It is important to know!Ignoring osteochondrosis leads to disability! Therefore, when the disease occurs, therapy should be started immediately.
Prevention of osteochondrosis of the spine
In order to prevent the development of the disease, the following preventive measures should be taken:
- Diet. This is especially true for the elderly. It is necessary to minimize the consumption of spicy, fatty, canned and smoked foods. Excessive use of salt, coffee, chocolate and alcoholic beverages should also be avoided. Proper nutrition helps to remove salt from the body.
- Daily morning exercises. Light exercise will help keep the body in good shape and strengthen the muscular system.
- Orthopedic mattress. It should be bought for rest, because healthy sleep and complete relaxation reduce the possibility of developing the disease to a minimum.
Special attention should be paid to the position in which you want to sleep. The most comfortable position for the spine is the embryo. In that case, he completely relaxes. It is better to use a small pillow. This way you can protect your spine from excessive stress and give it the rest it needs.