Types, symptoms and treatment of back osteochondrosis

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 lower back pain, stiffness of movement and muscle spasms is osteochondrosis of the back - a disease of the osteochondrosis tissues, as well as the musculoskeletal system, caused by various factors affecting the body.

Osteochondrosis of the back is a problem that many people face.

Etiology and pathogenesis of osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis of the back manifests itself gradually, affecting in a latent form all new areas of the spinal column.First, 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 pinched.

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

The main problem that causes disruption of the formation of the spine and the process of osteochondrosis is nutritional deficiency and decreased blood supply to the tissues of the bone structure.The reasons for development are many factors of external, internal influence and human behavioral processes.

Endogenous (internal) causes include:

• genetic factors of heredity;
• violation of the metabolism of microelements (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 spinal muscles;
• spinal injuries;
• incorrect posture, scoliosis;
• systematic incorrect or awkward posture;
• unbalanced nutrition menu, consumption of fatty junk food;
• uneven physical activity, back overload;
• bad habits;
• constant stress.

A latent form of osteochondrosis can be manifested by sudden heavy lifting, jumping, or falling, which will provoke microtrauma of the spinal disc and pinched nerve root.

It is then that the patient may first feel a sharp shooting pain.Subsequently, the pain syndrome returns again and again with varying intensity.Affected cells in the nerve trunks signal the need for urgent medical intervention.

Classification of the disease, main stages

In medicine, osteochondrosis is classified depending on the affected area of the spine:

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

Osteochondrosis of the back is classified depending on the affected area.

Main stages of disease development:

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

Symptoms

Signs of the development of articular osteochondrosis are easily confused with other diseases with similar symptoms.Also, symptoms of manifestation for a particular sector of the vertebral structure have characteristic features.

The main symptoms of osteochondrosis include:

• stiffness when moving, creaking, crunching 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, impaired performance;
• painful attacks radiating along nerve canals to related parts of the body (shoulder, shoulder blade, leg).

Cervical osteochondrosis

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

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

With cervical osteochondrosis, dizziness and pain when turning the head may occur.The first pain sensations appear in the back of the head and are similar to headaches.Inflamed cartilage puts pressure on nerve fibers, causing vascular spasms.

Thoracic osteochondrosis

The development of osteochondrosis of the thoracic type can be disguised as cardiovascular diseases for a long time.Its characteristic symptoms:

• disturbance of tactile sensations and numbness of the limbs;
• tingling in the intercostal space;
• pain in the heart area, irregular heart rhythms;
• limitation of respiratory functions, heaviness in the sternum;
• disruption of the gastrointestinal tract (pancreatitis, bloating);
• radiating pain to the scapular area.

Lumbar osteochondrosis

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

The main symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis include:

• numbness of the lower extremities;
• feeling of muscle aches, weakness;
• chills;
• muscle spasms;
• dysfunction of the reproductive system;
• the pain can be sharp or aching in the lumbar region, radiating to the leg.

Diagnostics

On average, per 1000 inhabitants there are 20 people with diagnosed osteochondrosis.A disease such as osteochondrosis is difficult to diagnose in the early stages.Its symptoms are quite hidden and appear clearly only at stages 2–3, when the time comes for serious drug treatment.

If you suspect the development of osteochondrosis, you must first consult 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.

A neurological primary examination of the patient is carried out by a neurologist, determining the category of nerve structures affected by the disease.Also, in order to exclude other diseases with similar symptoms, I can refer the patient for X-rays, ultrasound, MRI and ECG.

Laboratory (Analysis)

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

Instrumental

Diagnostics using professional equipment provides the most accurate results about diseases of various natures.The main research tools are:

1. X-ray – reveals anatomical changes in bone, cartilage, and nerve tissues.
2. MRI – magnetic resonance imaging.Allows you to visualize ongoing processes in bone and soft tissues, blood vessels and nerve fibers.
3. CT (computed tomography) - similar to MRI, but uses radiation.
4. Electromyography is capable of deciphering neurological symptoms.

Traditional treatment

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

Drug therapy

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

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

Only by using a properly selected therapeutic complex can positive dynamics be achieved and the results maintained for a long time.

In the treatment of back osteochondrosis, different forms of medications are used:

1. External agents: ointments, creams, gels.
2. Preparations for internal consumption: capsules, tablets.
3. Medicinal injections.

Surgery

Unfortunately, there are cases of osteochondrosis when treatment time is missed and medications do not give the expected result, and the disease progresses.Then the only solution remains surgical intervention.The main reasons for surgery are:

1. Removal of intervertebral hernia compressing the spinal cord.
2. Reduction of the intervertebral space to 1/3 of the original size.

A referral for surgical intervention can be prescribed by a doctor based on the patient’s complete diagnostic picture and the presence of direct indications for removing the pathological defect.In spine surgery, the leading place is occupied by the discectomy method - surgical removal of a disc with deformation.Instruments may include microdiscectomy, the B-Twin system, or laser nuclear vaporization.Rehabilitation after spinal surgery lasts six months.

Gymnastics

An excellent supportive therapy for the treatment of osteochondrosis is gymnastics or exercise therapy.Regularly performing a set of exercises will help:

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

It is important to remember that exercises must be selected taking into account the diagnosis and comply with the following principles:

1. Regularity of execution.
2. Smooth movements, no jerking.
3. If painful sensations occur, you need to reduce the load or stop the exercise.
4. Monitor your health.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is indicated for patients with osteochondrosis of the back to relieve inflammation and is carried out in places where the disease is concentrated.Courses of procedures contribute to:

1. Increasing the body's resistance.
2. Restoring metabolism in the affected sector.
3. Relieving pain and swelling.
4. Improving blood vessel circulation.

To choose a physiotherapeutic method for treating osteochondrosis, you need to clearly define the desired result.Mainly used:

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

Diet

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

1. Soups with fatty broths.
2. Pork and other fatty meats.
3. Animal fats of birds (goose, duck).
4. Coffee, caffeinated strong drinks.

In addition, the menu limits the consumption of alcohol and sweets.

For an example of a diet, you can take diet No. 15.It includes all vital macronutrients, minerals, vitamin products and carbohydrates.The energy value of the correct menu should be at the level of 2600-2700 kcal, which equals 85–90 g of protein, 350–400 g of carbohydrates and 90–95 g of fat.

Thus, the ideal menu for a patient with osteochondrosis is a combination of balanced, non-calorie 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, relieve 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 get rid of discomfort in 10–14 days.Conventionally, folk remedies can be divided into systemic and local effects on the body.

System Tools

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

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

Local remedies

Local folk remedies include ointments, infusions for compresses and rubbing.These products 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 popular compositions, special attention is paid to honey compresses, ginger ointment with calendula tincture, a mixture of plantain and sage herbs, and rubbing with horseradish and vodka.

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

Prevention

Therapeutic therapy for back diseases cannot have long-term success without preventive measures.Even the most effective and expensive medicine does not guarantee a return of symptoms as a result of returning to the daily activities of the body.Therefore, the positive effect must be consolidated and maintained using a few simple rules:

1. Do not lift weights over 10 kg.
2. Make sure that the load is evenly distributed on the back muscles.
3. Maintain a rational and balanced diet.
4. Take general strengthening vitamins and active supplements (mucopolysaccharides).
5. Develop a regime of alternating rest and work.
6. Maintain physical activity.

Remember that this category of disease has a hidden nature.Therefore, once a diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the back has been made, the disease should not be allowed to take its course, even in the absence of obvious symptoms.Following all the doctor’s recommendations and home care allows you to return to normal work after treatment more quickly, but constant monitoring is necessary to prevent exacerbation.