Osteochondrosis of the spine: symptoms, causes, treatment

Osteochondrosis of the spine is a condition in which the structure and functionality of the intervertebral discs and cartilage are impaired. It is accompanied by regular painful sensations, as the affected tissue must ensure the mobility and flexibility of the spine. According to ICD 10, it belongs to the group of musculoskeletal disorders, code - M42. The essence of the disease lies in the compression of the intervertebral discs during the load on the spine, which leads to their destruction or deformation. This causes damage to the nerve endings, causing pain and swelling. A neglected form of spinal osteochondrosis can lead to disability.

Reasons for the development of osteochondrosis of the spine

What is this disease and where does it come from? Most often, this disease occurs in people after 40 years. This is due to age-related disorders of the salt metabolism and dehydration of the body. Factors provoking the development of the disease:

• stoop, which leads to a curvature of the spine;
• undeveloped back muscles;
• being in an uncomfortable position for a long time;
• regular carrying of heavy objects;
• a sedentary lifestyle combined with the specifics of work;
• Metabolic disorders in the body;
• genetic predisposition;
• the negative effect of chemicals on the body;
• transmitted diseases of an infectious nature;
• nervous overload, stress with neurological manifestations;
• hormonal disorders in the body;
• Professional sports relating to electrical loads;
• Spinal injury;
• a sharp change in position.

It is important to know!Unfavorable climatic conditions, periodic hypothermia can contribute to the development of the disease! Therefore, you should protect yourself as much as possible from these factors.

Common symptoms of the disease

Osteochondrosis is always accompanied by pain and numbness. Such complaints can also occur:

• sharp, cutting, stabbing pain;
• aching limbs;
• Dizziness, sometimes loss of consciousness;
• Dryness and peeling of the skin;
• heavy sweating;
• low extremity temperature.

Depending on which part of the spine the disease develops, other specific symptoms will appear.

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine: signs

This is the most dangerous place of defeat. Finally, there is an artery in the neck region that helps the brain function normally. Due to the occurrence of the disease, this artery becomes compressed and prevents blood supply to the brain. Because of this, the patient suffers a severe headache, dizziness, general weakness of the body. The concentration of attention decreases, the memory deteriorates.

It is accompanied by pain in the neck, under the shoulder blades, in the forearm, sometimes the upper limbs go numb.

Osteochondrosis of the chest region

This type of disease is quite rare, mostly along with damage to other parts of the spine. Can be accompanied by such ailments:

• pain between the shoulder blades;
• sharp pain with a deep breath;
• Weakness and numbness in the fingers.

There are situations when a disease of the chest area can cause discomfort to the heart.

Lumbar spine osteochondrosis

The most common form of the disease, as the lower back takes the maximum load on itself for a lifetime. May cause osteochondrosis of the spine with radicular syndrome. This condition is characterized by pinching of the nerve roots in the lumbar area, accompanied by a variety of pains, and can radiate to the thigh and buttocks area.

During the development phase, the normal work of the lower extremities is disrupted and is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• Tingling in the back of the leg;
• Weakness of the lower extremities;
• Numbness of the toes.

Disorders of the genitourinary system and intestinal function can also occur.

Important to remember!At the first symptoms, you should see a specialist! After all, an advanced form of the disease in a particular department can develop polysegmental osteochondrosis of the spine, which consists in the simultaneous defeat of all departments.

Stages of osteochondrosis of the spine

In modern medicine there are 4 stages of the disease:

1. Degree of osteochondrosis of the spine. At this stage, the disease is difficult to identify. There are no obvious signs. There are only general complaints, slight back weakness with unpleasant sensations, which are attributed to overexertion. The disease is sluggish and is usually discovered by chance during a routine examination.
2. 2nd degree spinal osteochondrosis. Pain symptoms occur due to the initial process of tissue destruction. If you turn to specialists in a timely manner, then thanks to drugs, this degree of the disease can be cured quickly enough.
3. 3rd degree spinal osteochondrosis. An irreversible process of deformation of cartilage tissue begins, which is the cause of the development of scoliosis, lordosis and the appearance of a hump. Treatment at this stage will improve the condition and minimize the curvature.
4. Grade 4 spinal osteochondrosis. At this last stage, a person experiences irreversible processes of destruction of the tissues of the spine. It becomes very difficult for the patient to move, causing excruciating 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 begin timely treatment.

Diagnosis of the disease

The patient's complaints require contacting a specialist. To make a diagnosis, you should make an appointment with a neurologist or traumatologist, who, after a detailed examination and examination, will send you to such studies:

• Magnetic resonance imaging;
• Ultrasonic;
• Electrocardiogram;
• Roentgen;
• general analysis of blood and urine.

Based on the examinations carried out, depending on the stage of the disease, the doctor draws a conclusion and prescribes effective treatment.

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine

There are many ways to influence the course of the disease. They are aimed not only at relieving discomfort, but also at a full recovery. The most effective treatment methods are:

Medication

They are aimed at relieving painful sensations, relieving inflammatory processes, restoring cartilage tissue and preventing the dynamic development of the disease. Taking vitamins during this time is very important.

Chondroprotectors

The therapeutic effect does not appear immediately, so a course is prescribed, the duration of which is about 2 months.

Injections

Their use is aimed at the elimination of the pain syndrome, the injection does not have a therapeutic effect.

ointment

Using different ointments, creams, or gels will help get rid of inflammation. They also have an analgesic and warming effect.

acupuncture

For such procedures, the patient is referred to a chiropractor. Because only an experienced specialist can perform this manipulation qualitatively. Acupuncture helps relieve excruciating pain, has a positive effect on the nervous system and normalizes hormones.

Cupping massage

The essence of the procedure is to put a vacuum on the skin, which will help restore blood circulation, eliminate toxins and improve the condition of the entire body. Effectively relieves painful sensations. This type of massage cannot be done on the spine itself, mammary glands, heart and kidneys. Contraindications to the use of this procedure: patients with rashes, heart disease and pregnancy.

1. Magnetic Therapy. It is used as an additional method in the treatment of osteochondrosis. Helps to weaken the inflammatory process, relieves swelling, tightens the muscles of the spine.
2. Physical therapy. The aim is to restore the mobility of the spine, strengthen the back muscles and normalize the metabolism. It is very important not to over-exert yourself while exercising.
3. Massage. Necessary to relieve pain and strengthen muscles.

Important to remember!Regardless of the stage of osteochondrosis, only a specialist will prescribe methods of treatment! He can choose either a method or a complex treatment.

Treatment with folk remedies

To fight the disease, you can use traditional medicine recipes that are easy to prepare at home. Only natural ingredients are used for this.

garlic

To prepare the medicine, you need 200 g of chopped garlic, which should be poured with 0. 5 liters of vodka or alcohol. Let rest for 1 week in a cool, dark place, shake daily. Use as a back massage after a while. Helps relieve pain.

Bay leaf and juniper

You should take 1 tsp. grind the original ingredients to a powder consistency. Grind with soft unsalted butter in the amount of 100 g. Smear the affected areas with the resulting ointment three times a day.

mugwort

It takes 1 tbsp. l. Wormwood, pour 1 glass of boiling water. Insist 3 hours. Strain the resulting broth and rub your back before bed.

Important to remember!Whichever prescription for treatment is chosen, it is necessary to consult your doctor! He may consider using home-made drugs as a complementary treatment.

Army and spinal osteochondrosis

After such a diagnosis, will they be recruited into the army? In order for a young man not to go to military service, the following moments must be present:

• intervertebral osteochondrosis;
• severe, stabbing pain with physical exertion;
• clear signs of spinal deformity;

It is important to know!Painful sensations should be confirmed by regular visits to the doctor! Only in this situation is the young man unable to fight.

Complications of the disease

Since the spine is the basis of the musculoskeletal system, osteochondrosis can cause irreparable damage to health. The consequences that the disease can lead to:

• Disc prolapse;
• Rachiocampsis;
• Displacement of the vertebrae.

This can lead to organ dysfunction, a weakening of the immune system, which leads to new serious diseases.

It is important to know!Ignoring Osteochondrosis Leads to Disability! Therefore, if a disease occurs, therapy should be started immediately.

Prevention of osteochondrosis of the spine

To avoid the development of the disease, the following preventive measures should be taken:

1. Diet. This is especially true for the elderly. It is necessary to minimize the consumption of spicy, fatty, canned and smoked foods. You should also avoid excessive use of salt, coffee, chocolate, and alcoholic beverages. Proper diet helps remove salts from the body.
2. Daily morning exercise. Light movement helps to keep the body in shape and to strengthen the muscles.
3. Orthopedic mattress. You should buy it for recreation, because healthy sleep and complete relaxation reduce the likelihood of contracting the disease to a minimum.

Particular attention should be paid to the position in which you plan to sleep. The most comfortable position for the spine is the embryo. In this case, he relaxes completely. It is better to use a small pillow. In this way you protect your spine from overload and give it the rest it needs.