Osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis– is a degenerative dystrophic disease, which is manifested by a decrease in the height of the hyaline intervertebral cartilage. This ultimately leads to disk wear and loss of functionality.

The disease is most frequently diagnosed in people aged between 30 and 35 years and affects around 40% of the population under 35 to 40 years of age and almost 90% in old age. However, in the presence of unfavorable factors, it may appear earlier.

Osteochondrosis of the spine is one of the main causes of back pain. Insufficient treatment can cause nerve root damage, spinal cord damage, and rupture of internal organs. Therefore, it is very important to seek medical help promptly and take appropriate measures to prevent the disease from developing.

Causes of osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis is a common disease that can occur in elderly people, but can also occur in young people who are used to leading a sedentary lifestyle. This disease develops due to weakening of the back muscles, which leads to disruption of blood flow and nutrition to the tissues of the spine and intervertebral discs. It can occur for a variety of reasons, including aging, injury, sudden stress, and poor work habits.

Although the causes of osteochondrosis are not fully understood, they are associated with several factors, including:

• heredity,
• defective physical development,
• metabolic disease,
• unhealthy diet
• vitamin and mineral deficiency,
• prolonged use of medications,
• overweight,
• increased load on the spine,
• sedentary lifestyle, for example, when working in an office,
• Spine injuries,
• past infectious diseases and stress.

Furthermore, malformations of the nervous and musculoskeletal systems can also contribute to the occurrence of osteochondrosis. In general, the development of this disease is due to a combination of several factors, and its prevention consists of adequate nutrition, moderate physical activity, adequate distribution of loads on the spine, as well as maintaining a healthy lifestyle in general.

Symptoms and signs of osteochondrosis

With the development of osteochondrosis, in the early stages, patients often experience the following problems:

• Pain in different parts of the body, such as the back, neck or other areas;
• Difficulty moving and restrictions when turning or bending;
• Constant tension and muscle spasms;
• Migraines and dizziness;
• Painful sensations in the heart region;
• Muscle hypotension, decreased muscle tone and strength;
• Numbness of the limbs;
• Pain in the arms and legs;
• Seeing spots before the eyes;
• Cooling of extremities;
• Photographing painful sensations.

If osteochondrosis is advanced, serious complications may occur, such as:

• Loss of consciousness;
• Decreased limb sensitivity;
• Poor blood circulation in the vessels;
• Nerve damage or inflammation;
• Narrowing and obstruction of arteries.

You should pay attention to any changes in the condition of your body and seek help from a specialist if you suspect the development of osteochondrosis. Seeking help early can prevent serious complications and improve quality of life.

Risk factors

Osteochondrosis can arise as a result of injury or intense physical activity, which is especially common among athletes. It also manifests itself in the form of excessive bone growth, osteophytes, bulging intervertebral discs and curvature of the spine. Congenital spinal defects can also cause rapid wear of the intervertebral discs. Additionally, the following risk factors can lead to the development of osteochondrosis:

• Neuroemotional exhaustion;
• Physical overstrain of the body;
• Work on vibrating platforms;
• Genetic predisposition;
• Lack of vitamins in the body;
• Multiple pregnancy.

Understanding these risk factors can help prevent the possibility of developing osteochondrosis. Managing your health through a healthy lifestyle and diet, as well as avoiding injuries and overexertion, can reduce the likelihood of this problem occurring. If you suspect osteochondrosis, consult a doctor to quickly start treatment and prevent possible complications.

Classification and stages of development of osteochondrosis

Classification of osteochondrosis

There are several forms of osteochondrosis, which can manifest as pain in different parts of the spine.

1. Lumbodínia– this is lumbar (lumbosacral) back pain.
2. Sciaticamanifests as back pain, spreading to the legs.
3. Lumbago- this is low back pain, with sharp and intense pain in the lower back.
4. Thoracalgia- That's chest pain.

Another form of osteochondrosis, neck pain or cervicobrachialgia, causes pain in the neck and upper limbs.

Additionally, the types of osteochondrosis can vary depending on the part of the spine affected. Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is manifested by headaches and difficulty turning the head, osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine causes pain in the thoracic spine, and osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine can manifest as difficulty bending forward and pain that Sometimes it can "shoot" in the leg.

Stages of development of osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis is one of the most common diseases of the spine. Its development goes through several stages.

• I.In the first stage, the core of the intervertebral disc loses moisture and becomes less elastic, which leads to a reduction in height and tissue cracking. At this stage, the pain is usually almost imperceptible, but discomfort may occur during physical activities or unusual postures.
• II.At the second stage of development of osteochondrosis, the disc tissue begins to flatten and swell, which leads to a narrowing of the space between the vertebrae and compression of the spinal nerve roots. The fibrous membrane is destroyed, which leads to poor fluid retention in the disc core. When moving, you can hear characteristic clicks and crunching sounds in the spine. At this stage, pinpoint pain occurs, which intensifies with active movements.
• III.The third stage is characterized by abrasion and thinning of the cartilaginous lining between the discs. At this stage, the symptoms of osteochondrosis manifest themselves intensely in the form of sharp pains. To quickly relieve pain, you need to take pain relievers for neuralgia.
• 4.In the last, fourth stage, the destruction of the discs is so severe that the joints become inactive and the space between the vertebrae becomes covered with bone tissue. Severe dystrophic processes can cause acute pain, as the growths damage neighboring tissues and compress nerves. A complete loss of mobility of the vertebral joints is possible.

Complications

Let's consider several complications that can arise with osteochondrosis:

• Disc protrusion, which occurs when the nucleus pulposus of the disc protrudes beyond the annulus fibrosus. This can cause spinal pain and dysfunction.
• Intervertebral hernia- This is an even more serious complication when the disc ring ruptures and the nucleus pulposus extends beyond it. This can cause severe pain, decreased sensation, and paralysis.
• Radiculitis- This is a compressed nerve root, accompanied by severe pain symptoms. Radiculitis can cause sensory loss, numbness, and weakness in the lower extremities.
• Kyphosisis a deformity of the spine that manifests as a bulge in the chest area. This can cause breathing problems, pain and poor posture.
• Stroke in the spinal cord– this is the most serious complication of osteochondrosis, which can lead to loss of sensitivity, impairment of motor functions and even paralysis.
• Muscular atrophy of the lower extremities– this is a decrease in muscle mass, which is accompanied by rapid fatigue and weakness in the legs.
• Leg paralysis– this is a total loss of the ability to perform voluntary movements of the lower limbs, which is a serious complication of osteochondrosis.

Methods for diagnosing osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis is a pathology characterized by a degenerative process in the spinal structures. Based on clinical studies, we can learn more about how to treat this pathology.

If osteochondrosis is suspected, the doctor carries out a comprehensive diagnosis, including the following methods:

• Physical exam.The doctor examines the patient and assesses his general condition, posture and movements. The doctor may also perform a neurological test to determine the presence or absence of sensory and motor problems.
• Hardware examination.For a more accurate diagnosis, several hardware examination methods are used, including radiography, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
• Bloodtests.A complete blood count can help identify early signs of osteochondrosis, such as increased red blood cell sedimentation rate and low calcium levels. To confirm the diagnosis, biochemical tests may be prescribed that evaluate coagulation parameters, enzymatic activity, zinc, cobalt, iron and other components.
• Radiography.During x-rays, each spine is checked and photos are taken in direct, lateral, and two oblique projections. If necessary, functional radiography can be prescribed, which allows you to assess the condition of the spine in various positions.
• Computed tomography (CT).Computed tomography is performed after radiography and allows you to more accurately determine the condition of the intervertebral discs. To do this, photos are taken of one or two segments of the spine.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).Magnetic resonance imaging is used in addition to computed tomography or in cases where it is necessary to study the state of blood vessels, nerve processes and intervertebral discs in more detail.

When to see a doctor

Consultation with a doctor is necessary in case of persistent back pain, muscle cramps and decreased sensitivity.

Treatment of osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis is a spinal disease characterized by degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs. It can cause back pain, neck pain, headaches and other unpleasant symptoms. Treating osteochondrosis can be a long and laborious process, but modern methods can help alleviate pain and improve quality of life. It can be conservative or surgical, depending on the degree of progression and severity of the symptoms. In most cases, strengthening ligaments and muscles is recommended, as well as the use of medications.

When treating osteochondrosis, it is important to take into account the individual characteristics of each patient. Some massage or manual therapy methods may be undesirable or even dangerous for a specific case. Therefore, it is important to have an individual consultation before starting treatment.

Procedures and methods of treating osteochondrosis include physiotherapy, gymnastics (physiotherapy), using a pillow or orthopedic corset, as well as using muscle relaxants and non-steroidal analgesics.

Movement Therapy

Top countries with a good level of medicine prefer to use movement therapy. These are classical physiotherapy, physiotherapy exercises in water, swimming, training on simulators and computerized hardware complexes. Styles are selected by the doctor and may vary depending on the individual characteristics of each patient. Swimming can also be beneficial, but requires proper technique to avoid harm to your health.

Treatment of osteochondrosis with manual therapy

Manual therapy can be used in the early stages. This method helps to strengthen the muscular structure and eliminate blockages and compressed nerve roots. However, if the shape of the vertebrae changes and bone spurs form, this type of treatment is not recommended.

Manual therapy, done correctly, can improve the configuration of the spine. Sometimes persistent functional blockages may appear, that is, areas of stiffness in the spine and sacrum that cannot be eliminated by therapeutic exercises.

Modern manual therapy is different from what was used before. Most doctors no longer use hard techniques accompanied by grinding, but prefer gentle techniques. They are based on knowledge of biomechanics, joint function and the laws of muscle contraction and relaxation. The risk of side effects with these methods is lower and the effectiveness has not changed.

Massage

Massage has many contraindications, so a neurologist must prescribe individual treatment. It is important to choose a competent massage therapist with whom the doctor works. Massage sessions must be performed regularly, usually the doctor prescribes at least 2 to 3 sessions per week for 1 to 3 months.

Correctly performed medical massage for spinal osteochondrosis:

1. Provides additional stress to the muscles and increases their tone;
2. Dispels accumulations of lactic acid and relieves muscle spasms;
3. Improves blood circulation in the affected area and adjacent tissues;
4. Relieves the pain.

Only medical massage is suitable for the treatment of osteochondrosis, while Thai massage is dangerous. Most Thai massage therapists use harsh manual therapy techniques and do not pay attention to the patient's physical condition.

Physiotherapy

Depending on the location and stage, patients may be prescribed the following types of physical therapy:

• Magnetotherapyis the effect of a constant frequency magnetic field that stimulates a cellular response.
• Electrophoresis for osteochondrosis– is the effect of an electric field on tissues, which accelerates blood circulation and activates regeneration processes.
• laser therapyis a method that stimulates biological processes in nerve fibers and also has anti-inflammatory, healing and analgesic effects.
• Shock wave therapyis a method of influencing a diseased area of the body with acoustic waves, which improves microcirculation and metabolic processes, relieves swelling and pain.

All of these methods can be prescribed by a doctor according to the patient's individual needs and the stage of the disease.

Kinesio recording

Kinesio tape is a safe method actively used in sports medicine and widespread in South Korea.

Kinesio tape is a cotton patch with hot-melt adhesive that can be used to treat neck, chest, back, and joint pain. There are special types of therapeutic applications that can be used at home, but when applying the tape you need to be careful, as complications are possible.

When carrying out kinesiotaping, restrictions must be taken into account: for women, these are pregnancy and menstruation. Some patients may have an allergic reaction to the patch.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a method in which a doctor inserts special needles into specific areas of the body. This leads to the acceleration of blood circulation, lymphatic circulation and metabolic processes, improving the condition of the spine and the entire body. Acupuncture can be used for osteochondrosis in the early stages, as well as for severe pain and difficulty in mobility of the vertebrae.

There is also a dry needling technique, in which an unmedicated needle is inserted into the spasming muscle, usually the piriformis. This method can reduce pain in the back and pelvic region. It is worth mentioning that acupuncture is effective even in chronic cases.

Hirudotherapy

Hirudotherapy is a method in which medicinal leeches are used to treat various diseases, including osteochondrosis. Hirudotherapy prevents increased blood clotting and the formation of blood clots, dilates blood vessels, eliminates inflammatory processes and has an analgesic effect. In osteochondrosis, leeches are used to improve the blood supply to cells, which in turn stimulates the restoration of damaged intervertebral discs.

Drug treatment

Currently, there is a tendency to reduce the use of medications in the treatment of osteochondrosis. This is because some medications can have serious side effects and negatively affect the patient's health.

Pain in osteochondrosis often occurs against the background of minor changes in the spine, and if the doctor chooses the correct treatment without medications, the patient can avoid repeated attacks of pain. If you take medication for a long time, structural changes in your spine may worsen and the pills may no longer work. Furthermore, drug therapy may be contraindicated in some cases.

An alternative to drug treatment is kinesio tape. This is a method in which special elastic patches are glued to diseased areas of the body. Kinesio tape is safer and more effective than drug therapy and can be used as a pain reliever.

Reflexology

Reflexology is a method based on the correct impact on pain points and reflex zones. It is used to relieve pain and restore natural load to the spine. Reflexology is never used alone, but is often used in combination with massage to achieve a more significant effect.

The reflexology technique can be used to treat osteochondrosis and other spinal diseases. Its use helps to eliminate pain and restore the natural load on the spine. Furthermore, reflexology can be used to improve the general condition of the body and prevent illnesses.

Prevention and prognosis of osteochondrosis

The prevention of osteochondrosis is an extremely important issue, as it aims to prevent factors that may contribute to the development of this disease. First of all, this applies to people who have certain risks:

1. Genetic predisposition to spinal diseases;
2. Chronic gastrointestinal problems that can lead to poor absorption of nutrients;
3. Diseases associated with metabolic disorders;
4. Serious infections suffered in childhood, such as rickets;
5. Spine injuries;
6. Overweight.

However, prevention is also important for people who lead a sedentary lifestyle, experience increased stress on the spine, and for women planning to become pregnant. For prevention purposes, it is recommended to exercise regularly, control your weight, avoid injuries and follow a healthy diet, rich in vitamins and minerals. It is also recommended to consult a doctor and undergo regular medical examinations to detect diseases at an early stage.

Diet for osteochondrosis

One of the important aspects of treating osteochondrosis is proper nutrition. The body must receive the necessary amount of substances for the synthesis of cartilage tissue, which is why it is recommended to follow a balanced diet.

It is important to consume fresh fruits and vegetables, protein foods, as well as dishes containing mucopolysaccharides - such as fruit jelly, jelly or jellied fish. However, you should avoid fatty, fried and salty foods and limit your intake of sugar and alcohol, as they can contribute to inflammation.

It is recommended to drink more fluids to ensure adequate hydration and maintain the health of the intervertebral discs. It is also recommended to consult a doctor or nutritionist to develop an individual diet that takes into account the characteristics of the disease and the individual needs of the patient.

Exercises for osteochondrosis

Exercises for the treatment of spinal osteochondrosis are prescribed by the doctor if there is pain. The set of exercises is selected individually, taking into account the form, degree and stage of the disease. For example, in the initial stage of cervical osteochondrosis, it is recommended:

• perform head tilts;
• turn your head to the right and left;
• draw numbers from 0 to 9 in the air with your chin;
• move your chin back and forth in a horizontal plane.