Osteochondrosis of the spine is a disease characterized by degenerative-dystrophic changes of the spine and intervertebral discs.
Scientists call this disease "the disease of civilization", because it is associated with the upright posture of a person and the increasing load on the spine in the modern world. Osteochondrosis usually begins to develop in young people aged 20-25.
Causes
The exact cause of osteochondrosis of the spine has not been determined. Experts point out the factors that contribute to its development.
Traumatic factor. Constant excessive loads (microtrauma) of the spine contribute to accelerated wear of the spinal discs. Antiphysiological positions (long-term work in a bent position, long stay in one position) lead to the formation of subluxations in the intervertebral joints.
Pathology of the development of the musculoskeletal system. Flat feet, shortening of one leg, lumbarization of the spine and other similar pathologies increase the load on the spine and as a result accelerate degenerative processes.
Age factor. Many doctors believe that the development of osteochondrosis of the spine is a manifestation of the natural aging of the human body.
Vascular factor. The relationship between the reduction of blood flow (ischemic processes) and the acceleration of pathological processes in the spine has been established.
Hormone level change factor. Natural hormonal changes in the body (pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause, menopause) cause an increase in degenerative processes.
Factor of endocrine-hormonal diseases. Diseases such as obesity, diabetes mellitus, myxedema (inflammatory lesion of the thyroid gland) and others contribute to the development of osteochondrosis of the spine.
Classification and symptoms
Symptoms depend on the localization of the pathological process.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. The cervical spine contains blood vessels that feed the brain. With degenerative changes in this part, the organs of the head are not adequately supplied with blood. This often leads to cerebrovascular accidents.
The main symptom of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is headache. This pain is usually persistent, worse in the morning and when moving. It occurs in the occiput and reveals the parietal-temporal region. The pain syndrome is often accompanied by dizziness, flashes in front of the eyes of "flies", colored spots.
In addition, pinching nerves often contributes to pain in the scalp, throat and neck. Pain syndrome sometimes affects the arm, shoulder. It can be weakened or strengthened by turning the head or changing the position of the body.
Signs of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine include:
- blood pressure fluctuations;
- tinnitus, hearing loss;
- visual impairment;
- violation of coordination of movement and gait;
- hoarseness or weakening of the voice;
- caries;
- snoring during sleep.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine. Manifestations can be different and depend on the localization of the disease, the degree of its severity. Compression of the thoracic nerve root leads to intercostal neuralgia. It is manifested by acute chest pain, which becomes more intense when inhaling, some movements, coughing and laughing. The pain syndrome intensifies after a long stay of a person in one position or after physical exertion. Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is often the cause of diseases of the stomach, lungs, heart and other human organs.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine. It often affects people who spend a long time on a "sedentary job" (drivers who work at a computer).
The symptom of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is a painful painful character, which is intensified by sudden movements (lifting weights, sneezing, coughing) and a long stay in one position. After the bent position, it is difficult for the patient to straighten his back, sometimes severe pain interferes with even movement. The pain is significantly reduced in the horizontal position of the body. Squatting or lying on the healthy side brings relief.
The pain syndrome in osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is often localized in the lower back, radiating to the legs, sacrum, and often to the pelvic organs. Overloading the muscles of the spine as a result of awkward movement, lifting weights causes back pain. Lumbar osteochondrosis of the spine is often manifested by impaired sensitivity, numbness in the area of pain. The patient may feel a tingling sensation, "shivering when running. "Symptoms are often accompanied by cramps in the arteries of the feet, a decrease in the temperature of the skin on the feet and cold feet. Some patients have dryness and peeling of the skin, sweating disorders.
If you think you have osteochondrosis of the spine and the symptoms characteristic of this disease, then you should seek the advice of an orthopedist or therapist.
Treatment
Therapy of this disease is aimed at eliminating pain, restoring the functions of the spine, preventing the development of dystrophic pathologies in the spine.
The duration of treatment for osteochondrosis of the spine depends on the severity of the disease, the age of the patient and the method of treatment.
The following methods of therapy are used in the complex treatment of the disease.
- Physiotherapy. It is one of the main methods of treating osteochondrosis. Physiotherapy exercises include gymnastics of the joints and exercises on rehabilitation devices. Its result is the normalization of the nutrition of the intervertebral discs, metabolism, the formation of a proper muscular corset and a reduction in the load on the spine.
- Physiotherapy. This method of treatment uses the effects on the body of laser, ultrasound, magnetic field, low-frequency currents. Due to the use of physiotherapy, the duration of treatment is significantly reduced, and its effectiveness is increased.
- Massage. An effective method for relieving muscle pain, tension, improving circulation, and general strengthening of the organism.
- Manual therapy. This method of treating osteochondrosis of the spine allows you to restore normal organ motility, improve blood supply, lymphatic circulation and prevent worsening of the disease.
- Traction (traction) of the spine. With the help of special equipment, the intervertebral spaces are enlarged. This helps to restore the proper shape of the spine, eliminating pain.
- Reflexology. It consists of the influence of special techniques on acupuncture points and reflexogenic zones of the human body.
Surgical treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine is carried out with the ineffectiveness of conservative therapy or for special indications. The amount of surgery depends on the extent of the lesion and the symptoms of the disease.