Types, symptoms and treatment of osteochondrosis of the back

The musculoskeletal system is the most important part of our body. Often, back pain causes the need to see a doctor.

The cause of regular back pain, stiffness of movements and muscle spasms is osteochondrosis of the back - a disease of the bone and cartilage tissues, as well as the musculoskeletal system, caused by various factors that affect the body.

Posterior osteochondrosis is a problem faced by many.

Etiology and pathogenesis of osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis of the back occurs gradually, affecting all new areas of the spine in a latent form. Initially, changes occur in the structure of the cartilaginous discs of the vertebrae: they lose elasticity, the space between the vertebrae decreases, and the nerve endings of the spinal cord are violated.

The patient begins to experience back pain. Subsequently, the changes overcome smaller elements of the vertebral structure, growths of bone tissues of a degenerative nature develop, which impede the mobility of the spine, healthy cartilage cells are destroyed, the disease affects bones and ligaments. As a side effect, the deformation of the vertebrae causes an increase in the load on organs and arteries. This is due to the specificity of the blood supply: the displacement of the spinal segments causes compression of the vertebral artery and is ultimately the cause of a serious disturbance of blood flow in the central nervous system.

The main problem causing a violation of the formation of the spine and the process of osteochondrosis is nutritional deficiency and a decrease in blood supply to the tissues of the bone structure. The reasons for development are many factors of external, internal influences and behavioral processes of a person.

Endogenous (internal) causes include:

• genetic factors of heredity;
• violation of the metabolism of trace elements (phosphorus and calcium);
• characteristics of cartilage tissue;
• age-related changes in the body;
• excess weight;
• orthopedic diseases.

As a result of exogenous (external) causes and lifestyle, osteochondrosis develops as a result of:

• low level of physical development of the back muscles;
• spinal injuries;
• poor posture, scoliosis;
• incorrect or uncomfortable systematic posture;
• unbalanced diet, eating fatty junk food;
• uneven physical exertion, back strain;
• bad habits;
• constant stress.

The latent form of osteochondrosis can manifest itself with strong lifting of weights, jumps, falls, which will provoke microtrauma of the spinal disc and violation of the nerve root.

It is then that the patient may first feel a sharp stabbing pain. In the future, the pain syndrome returns again and again with varying intensity. Affected nerve stem cells signal the need for urgent medical attention.

Classification of the disease, main stages

In medicine, osteochondrosis is classified according to the affected area of the spine:

• cervical;
• chest;
• lumbar and sacral region.

Osteochondrosis of the back is classified according to the affected area.

The main stages of the development of the disease:

1. The beginning of the development of osteochondrosis - microfractures are formed in the fibrous ring, moisture is lost from the bone and cartilage tissue. The stage is manifested by a subtle discomfort in one of the areas of the spine after physical exertion or an uncomfortable position of the body.
2. The first painful attacks make themselves felt. In the second stage, the discs undergo protrusion, the intervertebral space of the discs decreases, and the fibrous capsule collapses, the nerve roots are pinched. Pain signals the process of metabolic disorders in the cartilage tissue and its destruction. Ignoring the second stage of osteochondrosis becomes an impetus in the inflammation of the cartilage and, as a result, the violation of nerve fibers, blood and lymphatic vessels.
3. In the third stage of the disease, the affected vertebrae are deformed, the cartilage tissue is erased. With proper active treatment, it is possible to stop further destruction of cartilage cells and curvature of the spine. But in the future, therapy and supportive care will become the patient's constant companions for normal physical activity.
4. Initiated osteochondrosis, which has passed to the last fourth stage of development, often becomes the cause of disability. All destructive processes are irreversible: significant displacement of the vertebral structure, compaction of cartilage tissues, pathological growth of bone tissue. The patient feels a sharp pain, sometimes unbearable, with each movement.

Symptoms

The signs of the development of joint osteochondrosis are easy to confuse with other similar diseases in symptomatology. In addition, the symptoms of the manifestation for a separate sector of the vertebral structure have characteristics.

The main symptoms of osteochondrosis include:

• stiffness when moving, creaking, creaking, or heaviness;
• pain in the area of localization of inflammation (cervical, thoracic or lumbar) of varying intensity and character;
• numbness of the limbs;
• muscle weakness, reduced performance;
• attacks of pain, which radiate along the nerve channels to the associated parts of the body (shoulder, scapula, leg).

Cervical osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis of the cervical sector is expressed in the following disorders:

• pain in the neck or back of the head;
• dizziness;
• tinnitus, hearing and vision disorders;
• neck sluggishness after sleeping or maintaining the same posture for a long time;
• painful sensations when turning the head.

With cervical osteochondrosis, dizziness and painful sensations can occur when turning the head. The appearance of the first painful sensations is observed in the back of the head and is similar to the head. The inflamed cartilage presses on the nerve fibers, causing vasospasm.

Thoracic osteochondrosis

The development of thoracic osteochondrosis can be masked for a long time as cardiovascular disease. Its characteristic symptoms:

• violation of tactile sensations and numbness of the limbs;
• tingling in the intercostal space;
• pain in the region of the heart, heart rhythm disturbances;
• restriction of respiratory functions, heaviness in the sternum;
• disruption of the gastrointestinal tract (pancreatitis, swelling);
• radiating pain to the scapular region.

Lumbar osteochondrosis

Progressive lumbar osteochondrosis in an advanced form can lead to disability. The inflamed area of the spine disrupts the supply of trace elements necessary to the lower limbs for the full functioning of the joints and muscles. Pinched cells of the nerve trunk cause unbearable back pain and the use of drug therapy.

The main symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis include:

• numbness of the lower limbs;
• sore muscles, weakness;
• chills;
• muscle spasms;
• dysfunction of the reproductive system;
• the pain may be sharp or aching in the lumbar region, radiating to the leg.

Diagnostics

On average, there are 20 people diagnosed with osteochondrosis for every 1000 inhabitants. A disease such as osteochondrosis is difficult to diagnose in the early stages. Its symptomatology is quite hidden and clearly manifests itself already only in 2-3 stages, when the time comes for a serious drug treatment.

If the development of osteochondrosis is suspected, first of all it is necessary to resort to consultation with a specialist and conduct a comprehensive examination for differential diagnosis and clarification of the diagnosis.

Doctors use three standard types of diagnostics:

1. Neurological.
2. Instrumental.
3. Laboratory.

The patient's primary neurological examination is carried out by a neurologist, determining the category of nerve structures affected by the disease. Also, in order to exclude diseases of a different nature with similar symptoms, the patient can be sent for X-ray, ultrasound, MRI and ECG.

Laboratory (Analysis)

Laboratory diagnostics is advisory - auxiliary value. Blood tests show an increase in erythrocyte sedimentation rate and a decrease in calcium levels. This means the course of pathological processes in the body, but does not indicate the specifics of their development. Therefore, this method is included in the complete examination of the patient, and its results are deciphered on the basis of other medical data.

Instrumental

Diagnostics using professional equipment provides the most accurate results on diseases of a different nature. The main research tools are:

1. X-ray: reveals anatomical changes in bone, cartilage and nerve tissues.
2. MRI - Magnetic Resonance. It allows you to visualize the processes occurring in the bones and soft tissues, blood vessels and nerve fibers.
3. CT (computed tomography) - similar to MRI, but produces radiation.
4. Electromyography: is able to decipher neurological symptoms.

Traditional treatment

The treatment regimen for osteochondrosis is traditional. Its components are drug therapy through various directions: NSAIDs, chondroprotectors, analgesics, hormonal agents and supportive vitamin complexes. In addition to the load on the body with drugs in the fight against osteochondrosis, physiotherapy, manual therapy, reflexology, surgery, massage and preventive measures are used.

Pharmacological therapy

It is immediately impossible to stop back pain due to osteochondrosis forever, but medical therapy with drugs will give the lower back a respite. Powerful anesthetics and anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) will provide an analgesic effect and start the process of fighting inflammation in the spinal regions. Medicines indispensable for the treatment of posterior osteochondrosis:

1. Chondroprotectors are active substances that restore the elasticity of the cartilage tissue and the mobility of the vertebrae.
2. Muscle relaxants - calming spasms of the muscle structure.
3. Vascular: improvement of blood circulation and metabolic processes.
4. Vitamin and antioxidant complexes.

Only when using a properly selected therapeutic complex is it possible to achieve positive dynamics and keep the result for a long time.

In the treatment of posterior osteochondrosis, several forms of drugs are used:

1. External remedies: ointments, creams, gels.
2. Preparations for internal consumption: capsules, tablets.
3. Injections of drugs.

Surgical intervention

Unfortunately, there are cases of osteochondrosis, when the treatment time is lost and the drugs do not give the expected result, and the disease progresses. Then the only solution is surgery. The main reasons for the operation are:

1. Removal of an intervertebral hernia that compresses the spinal cord.
2. Reduction of the intervertebral fissure to 1/3 of its original size.

A reference for surgical intervention can be prescribed by a doctor on the basis of a complete diagnostic picture of the patient and the presence of direct indications for the removal of a pathological defect. In spinal surgery, the leading place is occupied by the method of discectomy - the surgical removal of a disc with deformation. The instruments can be microdiscectomy, B-Twin system or laser vaporization of the core. Rehabilitation after spinal surgery takes six months.

Gymnastics

An excellent supportive therapy for the treatment of osteochondrosis is gymnastics or physical therapy. Regular exercise will help:

1. Strengthens the muscular corset - this is necessary for an even load on the spine.
2. Provide stimulation of blood circulation to saturate bone and muscle tissue.
3. Develop the correct posture.

It is important to remember that the exercises must be adapted to the diagnosis and adhere to the following principles:

1. Regularity of execution.
2. Softness of movement, lack of shots.
3. If painful sensations arise, it is necessary to reduce the load or stop exercising.
4. Monitor your well-being.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is indicated for patients with osteochondrosis of the back to relieve inflammation and is performed in places where the disease is concentrated. Treatment courses contribute to:

1. Increase the resistance of the body.
2. Restoration of metabolism in the affected area.
3. Relief from pain and swelling.
4. Improve blood vessel circulation.

To choose a physiotherapeutic method for the treatment of osteochondrosis, it is necessary to clearly define the desired result. Mainly used:

1. Laser therapy.
2. Ultrasound exposure.
3. Electrical stimulation.
4. Magnetotherapy.

Diet

There is no single dietary option for patients with osteochondrosis. However, doctors came to unanimous agreement that it is categorically not recommended to use the products of the following categories with this diagnosis:

1. Fatty broth soups.
2. Pork and other fatty meats.
3. Animal fat of birds (goose, duck).
4. Coffee, caffeinated alcohol.

Also, alcohol and sweets are limited on the menu.

For an example of a diet, you can take diet number 15. It includes all vital macronutrients, minerals, vitamins and carbohydrates. The energy value of the correct menu should be at the level of 2600-2700 kcal, which is equivalent to 85-90 g of protein, 350-400 g of carbohydrates and 90-95 g of fat.

Therefore, the ideal menu for a patient with osteochondrosis is a combination of balanced and non-nutritive foods, rich in vitamins and minerals. Meals are divided into small portions 6 times.

Traditional treatment

Folk remedies are often used at home to relieve inflammation, eliminate pain and muscle spasms, and generally strengthen the body. There are many recipes for decoctions and infusions of traditional medicine, which are used in three main ways:

• rubbing;
• compresses;
• herbal baths.

Daily use allows you to eliminate discomfort in 10-14 days. Conventionally, folk remedies can be divided into systemic and local effects on the body.

System tools

To affect the whole body and spine, you can use natural systemic preparations in the form of decoctions.

An example of a positive effect is the action of a decoction of yarrow, which relieves pain, fights inflammation and soothes.

Local funds

Local remedies for folk formulations include ointments, infusions for compresses and rubs. These funds must be mixed according to the recipe and applied to the inflamed area, but only if there is no allergy to the components and damage to the skin. Among the folk compositions, special attention is paid to honey compresses, ginger ointment on pharmacy calendula tincture, a mixture of plantain and sage herbs, rubbing with horseradish with vodka.

To choose an effective method and recipe, you need to consult with your doctor, since home treatment methods are only an integral part of general therapy and have only an auxiliary effect.

Prophylaxis

Therapeutic therapy for back diseases cannot be successful in the long term without preventive measures. Even the most effective and expensive drug does not guarantee a return of symptoms following a return to the daily stress of the body. Therefore, the positive effect must be consolidated and maintained using a few simple rules:

1. Do not lift weights greater than 10 kg.
2. Monitor the even distribution of load on the back muscles.
3. Observe rationality and balance in nutrition.
4. Take restorative vitamins and active supplements (mucopolysaccharides).
5. Develop a regimen for changing rest and work.
6. Maintain physical activity.

Remember that this category of the disease is latent in nature. Therefore, when a diagnosis is made, osteochondrosis of the back should not run its course, even in the absence of obvious symptoms. Following all recommendations of the doctor and home care allows you to return to a normal working state more quickly after treatment, but constant monitoring is necessary to prevent an exacerbation.