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

Osteochondrosis of the back is a problem faced by many.

Etiology and pathogenesis of osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis of the back manifests itself gradually, affecting in a latent form all new zones of the spinal column. 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 infringed.

The patient begins to experience back pain. Subsequently, changes overtake 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, deformation of the vertebrae provokes an increase in the load on organs and arteries. This is due to the specificity of the blood supply - the displacement of the segments of the spine 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 that causes 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 the 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);
• features 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;
• improper posture, scoliosis;
• systematic incorrect or uncomfortable posture;
• unbalanced diet, eating fatty junk food;
• uneven physical exertion, back overload;
• bad habits;
• constant stress.

The latent form of osteochondrosis can be manifested by a sharp lifting of weights, jumping, falling, which will provoke microtrauma of the spinal disc and infringement of the nerve root.

It is then that the patient can first feel a sharp shooting pain. In the future, the pain syndrome comes back again and again with varying intensity. Affected nerve stem cells 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.

The main stages of the development of the disease:

1. The beginning of the development of osteochondrosis - microcracks form in the annulus fibrosus, moisture is lost from the bone and cartilage tissue. The stage is manifested by subtle discomfort in one of the zones of the spine after physical exertion or an uncomfortable position of the body.
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 collapses, the nerve roots are pinched. Pain signals the process of metabolic disorders in the cartilaginous tissue and its destruction. Ignoring the second stage of osteochondrosis becomes an impetus in inflammation of the cartilage and, as a result, infringement 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, supportive therapy and care will become the patient's constant companions for normal physical activity.
4. Launched osteochondrosis, which has passed into 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 experiences acute, sometimes unbearable, pain with every movement.

Symptoms

Signs of the development of articular osteochondrosis are easy to confuse with other diseases similar in symptomatology. Also, the symptoms of manifestation for a separate 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;
• pain attacks, radiating along the nerve channels to the 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 the back of the head;
• dizziness;
• tinnitus, impaired hearing and vision;
• sluggishness of the neck after sleeping or maintaining the same posture for a long time;
• painful sensations when turning the head.

With cervical osteochondrosis, dizziness and painful sensations may 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. Inflamed cartilage presses on nerve fibers, provoking vascular spasms.

Chest osteochondrosis

The development of thoracic osteochondrosis can be masked for a long time as cardiovascular diseases. 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, bloating);
• 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 stops the supply of necessary trace elements to the lower extremities 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 extremities;
• aching muscles, weakness;
• chills;
• muscle spasms;
• dysfunction of the reproductive system;
• pain can be sharp or aching in the lumbar region, radiating to the leg.

Diagnostics

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

If there is a suspicion of the development of osteochondrosis, first of all, it is necessary to resort to consulting 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 primary neurological examination of the patient is carried out by a neurologist, defining the category of nervous 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 (Analyzes)

Laboratory diagnostics is of 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 comprehensive 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 about diseases of a different nature. The main research tools are:

1. X-ray - reveals anatomical changes in bone, cartilaginous, nerve tissues.
2. MRI - Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Allows you to visualize the processes occurring in bone 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 by means of various directions: NSAIDs, chondroprotectors, analgesics, hormonal agents and supporting vitamin complexes. In addition to the load on the body with medicines in the fight against osteochondrosis, physiotherapy, manual therapy, reflexology, surgery, massage and preventive measures are used.

Drug therapy

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

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

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

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

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

Surgical intervention

Unfortunately, there are cases of osteochondrosis, when the treatment time is missed and medications 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 the original size.

A referral 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 taken by the discectomy method - the surgical removal of a disc with deformation. Instruments can be microdiscectomy, B-Twin system, or laser vaporization of the nucleus. Rehabilitation after spinal surgery lasts six months.

Gymnastics

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

1. Strengthen the muscle 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 exercises must be tailored to the diagnosis and comply with the following principles:

1. Regularity of execution.
2. Smoothness of movement, lack of jerks.
3. If painful sensations arise, you need to reduce the load or stop the exercise.
4. Monitor your well-being.

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. Treatment courses contribute to:

1. Increasing the body's resistance.
2. Restoration of metabolism in the affected sector.
3. Relief of pain and swelling.
4. Improving the circulation of blood vessels.

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, the doctors came to the unanimous agreement that it is categorically not recommended to use the products of the following categories with this diagnosis:

1. Fat broth soups.
2. Pork and other fatty meats.
3. Animal fats of birds (goose, duck).
4. Coffee, caffeinated spirits.

In addition, 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 equals 85-90g of protein, 350-400g of carbohydrates and 90-95g of fat.

Thus, the ideal menu for a patient with osteochondrosis is a combination of balanced 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, get rid of 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 affect the entire body and the 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 recipes include ointments, infusions for compresses and rubbing. 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 popular compositions, special attention is paid to honey compresses, ginger ointment on tincture of calendula pharmacy, a mixture of plantain and sage herbs, rubbing with horseradish with vodka.

To choose an effective method and recipe, you need to consult 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 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 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 over 10 kg.
2. Monitor the even distribution of the load on the back muscles.
3. Observe rationality and balance in nutrition.
4. Take restorative vitamins and active supplements (mucopolysaccharides).
5. Develop a regime 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 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 a normal working order after treatment more quickly, but constant monitoring is necessary to prevent an exacerbation.