osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis is the cause of acute back pain in 67% of cases. Failure to seek timely medical attention, consultation and treatment can lead to internal organ dysfunction, spinal cord injury, spinal nerve root damage and other consequences. What is osteochondrosis, what types of treatments are available for patients, and how is the disease diagnosed - read on.

What is osteochondrosis?

Osteochondrosis is a degenerative dystrophic disease that causes thinning of the intervertebral cartilage. The hyaline cartilage and discs begin to "wear out" and lose their ability to function fully.

refer to.Most often, spinal osteochondrosis is diagnosed in people over 25 years of age. According to statistics from the World Health Organization, as of 2021, 43% of the population aged 25-40 suffers from osteochondrosis, and more than 92% of them are elderly. The appearance and exacerbation of the disease can be caused by surrounding adverse factors.

Types of osteochondrosis

Every part of the spine undergoes degenerative processes. There are three main types of spinal osteochondrosis: cervical osteochondrosis, thoracic osteochondrosis and lumbar osteochondrosis (more common than other osteochondrosis due to high load).

1. Lumbar osteochondrosis.The lower back consists of 5 vertebrae, which are susceptible to deformation due to the negative influence of external and internal factors. When the nutritional and metabolic processes in the intervertebral disc are disrupted, pain occurs as the cartilage tissue loses elasticity and becomes thinner.
2. Cervical osteochondrosis.The cervical spine is made up of 7 vertebrae and is constantly under pressure. When the body's metabolic processes fail, pathological processes are activated.
3. Osteochondrosis of the chest.The thoracic area is made up of 12 vertebrae. This type of osteochondrosis is the least common. The thoracic spine is immobile. People who lead a passive lifestyle and frequently lift heavy objects are susceptible to this disease.

Causes of osteochondrosis

The number of people suffering from osteochondrosis is growing rapidly every year. This is because people spend most of their time standing, placing the greatest load on the intervertebral discs.

important!With age/due to heavy loading, the discs and cartilage can deform. Fissures and hernias may occur. As a result, nerve roots become compressed, intervertebral discs become thinner, pathological processes occur in the spinal cord, muscle spasms and progressive pain occur.

Risk groups include: office workers, builders, hairdressers, salespeople, and drivers. Men and women are equally susceptible to osteochondrosis.Predisposing factors for osteochondrosis include:

• Have a family history of osteochondrosis;
• Overweight, obesity;
• passive lifestyle;
• flatfoot.

Depreciation damage to the spine and its deformation can be caused by:

1. Self-neglect (complete lack of physical activity or excessive exercise).
2. Lack of awareness of proper posture to reduce stress on the spine.
3. Continuous work involving lifting/moving heavy objects.
4. Injuried.

Osteochondrosis: 4 stages of disease development

There are 4 stages in the development of spinal osteochondrosis:

1. The first stage– There are no clear symptoms to diagnose the disease. Back pain occurs occasionally, usually after physical exertion or overexertion. Early osteochondrosis can be detected during preventive exams or during CT or X-ray examinations.
2. second stage.The next stage is characterized by moderate pain. The cartilage tissue begins to deform, and the distance between the discs decreases. When a doctor is contacted, he or she will prescribe medication (to relieve pain) and physical therapy.
3. The third phase– Deformation of the spine, fibrous areas and hernias appear, pain intensifies, becomes more pronounced and frequent. At this stage, everything depends on the existing symptoms. The doctor will help determine the patient's treatment (conservative or surgical).
4. Stage 4– Irreversible deformation of spinal function. It is almost impossible for the patient to move independently. The pain is severe, constant, and worsens with any physical activity. Pathological bone tissue fills the intervertebral spaces and the patient becomes disabled.

Symptoms of osteochondrosis

As mentioned earlier, there are 3 types of osteochondrosis, each with its own presentation. Let’s take a closer look at all the symptoms.

Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis

How to tell if you have lumbar osteochondrosis? You can notice characteristic symptoms:

• Stiff movements;
• Pain in the pelvis, sacrum, lower back, and lower extremities that becomes more severe with exercise or movement. The nature of the pain is aching, dull, sharp;
• Pathological processes of the genitourinary system (problems with defecation and urination);
• Weakness in the legs;
• Impairment/lack of sensitivity.

important!Self-medication is strictly prohibited. When lumbar osteochondrosis is discovered, diagnosis and effective treatment are necessary. The consequences of lack of treatment are hernias, herniations, and paralysis of the lower limbs.

Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis

How to tell if you have cervical osteochondrosis? One or more symptoms may occur:

• Frequent headaches;
• numbness in upper and lower limbs;
• Severe creaking of the cervical spine during physical activity;
• "Spots", spots in the eyes, clouding and darkening;
• Burning and discomfort in the heart area;
• Tinnitus and hearing loss occur;
• Unexplained dizziness;
• Shoulder, neck, arm pain.

important!Cervical osteochondrosis is considered one of the most dangerous diseases for humans because it complicates the process of filling the brain with blood. If left untreated, a protrusion will develop and then a hernia will develop. Surgical intervention for cervical osteochondrosis carries a high risk of physical paralysis. If symptoms occur, please contact only a qualified specialist.

Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis

How do you know you have thoracic osteochondrosis? Only a doctor (neurologist) can diagnose this disease, but patients can assume the presence of osteochondrosis based on characteristic signs:

• Discomfort, burning sensation in the chest area;
• Pain when raising arm, pain in shoulder blade;
• Dizziness and sudden loss of consciousness;
• Chest pain.

refer to.During the transition to the acute phase of the disease, back pain (lack of air, sharp/stiff chest pain, "lumbar pain") and back pain (pain can be paroxysmal or persistent, acute/dull in nature) may occur).

Thoracic osteochondrosis is difficult to diagnose. This disease is often confused with angina, heart attack, or an inflammatory process in the lungs.

Diagnosis of spinal osteochondrosis

When visiting a doctor, a medical history and physical examination of the musculoskeletal system will begin.
Patient equipment. The specialist will check the integrity of the reflexes and the sensitivity of the painful area. Blood tests and other laboratory tests are then performed. To confirm the diagnosis, a neurologist will order one or more types of diagnostic imaging:

1. Vertebral artery ultrasonography.
2. X-rays of the entire spine or certain areas (cervical, thoracic, lumbar).
3. A CT scan of the spine helps identify the presence of degenerative processes, displacements, deformations of the spine and its structures.
4. Spine MRI - identifies soft tissue lesions and helps scan the spinal cord and intervertebral discs.

Treatment of osteochondrosis

How to treat osteochondrosis is decided by the attending physician based on the type of disease, severity of symptoms and degree of pathological changes. The following methods may be used as curative therapies: physiotherapy, medication, chiropractor courses, therapeutic massage, exercise therapy or surgical intervention (in cases where other treatments lack positive momentum or are in advanced stages).

Drug treatment of osteochondrosis

When using medications for medical treatment, your doctor may use several groups of medications at the same time:

• NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) – Relieve symptoms of osteochondrosis, relieve pain, reduce inflammation. Available in tablet form or as an injection (in severe cases). Treatment courses last 7 to 14 days;
• Chondroprotectant – strengthens intervertebral discs and cartilage tissue;
• B vitamins;
• Vascular medications – improve blood supply to the spine;
• Glucocorticoids – injections into the affected area (for severe disease);
• Muscle Relaxants – Relax muscles and relieve pain and inflammation.

Massage treatment for osteochondrosis

Massage sessions for osteochondrosis must be completed every six months. Therapeutic massage can remove tension, relieve tension, and improve circulation to the affected area. Only a doctor can judge whether massage is appropriate; that is only if the condition is relieved.

Traction (spinal traction)

Manual traction of the spine can only be performed using special equipment under the supervision of medical personnel. High-quality traction allows you to evenly distribute the vertebrae in your spine. Pain, pinching, and inflammation are reduced.

manual therapy

Manual therapy for spinal osteochondrosis is used to correct the curvature. Specialists exert targeted effects on the patient's muscular and skeletal system. After treatment, blood and lymph circulation improves, stiffness disappears, and mobility appears.

Physical therapy for osteochondrosis

This method is only used during the remission phase of the disease and is prohibited during the acute phase. Physical therapy is used as an adjunct treatment along with medication. To relieve the symptoms of osteochondrosis, specialists use lasers, magnets and electric current (low frequency).

acupuncture

The basis of acupuncture is the correct action on reflex zones and pain points. Treatment should only be used in conjunction with therapeutic massage to enhance effectiveness. This therapy restores the possibility of natural loading of the spine without pain.

Exercise therapy for osteochondrosis

Physical therapy is effective for all types of osteochondrosis and can be used on patients of any age. The type and duration of exercise are prescribed by your doctor. Moderate physical activity can help strengthen the back muscles, increase the mobility and flexibility of the spine, and improve the patient's condition.The following types of courses can be prescribed to patients: exercise therapy, therapeutic swimming, health pathways, mechanical therapy.

important!During exacerbation of osteochondrosis, exercise therapy sessions are contraindicated!

Surgical treatment of osteochondrosis

Surgery is rarely the only treatment option for spinal osteochondrosis. The human spine has a complex structure with many vertebrae and nerve endings, which affects the coordination function of the entire body. The risk of complications from surgery is high, so surgery is performed only in the most difficult cases or when there is no improvement with other treatments.

Prevention of spinal osteochondrosis

Prevention is the best way to reduce the risk of osteochondrosis and relieve existing spinal disease. The main thing to remember when doing preventive exercise is that it should be done regularly and only during periods of remission.It's best to perform a set of simple gymnastics exercises at the same time. To avoid forgetting them, set reminders on your phone or incorporate them into your morning hygiene routine.

1. Place your forehead on your palms and tense your neck muscles. Execution – 3 sets of 5-7 seconds each. Then repeat the same action on the back of your head and palms.
2. The position of the shoulders is level and the head is straight. Slowly tilt your head as far to the right and then to the left. Executed 5 times (slowly).
3. Slowly tilt your head back a little. Tighten your neck muscles and gradually move your chin toward your chest. Do 5-7 times.
4. Place your left palm near your left temporal area (then your right palm and right temple). Apply pressure to your palms and tense your neck muscles. Execute - 3 times for 10 seconds.

important!Don't rush when practicing. Circular head movements are also prohibited due to the high risk of injury and pinched nerve endings.

The second group of preventive exercises for osteochondrosis can be done at any time (especially after work or after overexertion), but also regularly:

1. Stand up straight, feet together, arms relaxed, and take a deep breath. Raise your arms and exhale. Close – 6-8 times.
2. Lie on your stomach with your arms resting on your body and relax. Bend upwards, rest your hands, and try to lift your head and feet. Hold this position for 5 seconds. Return to starting position. Repeat – 5-7 times.
3. sit on the chair. Place your hands behind your head (take a deep breath) and bend back 4-5 times so that your shoulder blades touch the back of the chair (exhale). Repeat – 5-7 times.
4. Stand up, bend back, and take a deep breath. Relax your arms, lean forward, and slowly lower your head and shoulders—exhale. Close - 10 times.
5. Get on all fours. Head straight. Arch your back and hold this position for 3-4 seconds. Return to starting position and repeat 5-7 times.

How to stand, lie down and sit with osteochondrosis?

Knowing the correct posture that helps distribute the load evenly throughout the spine is necessary not only for patients with osteochondrosis but for all people. By following simple rules, you will find a significant improvement in your general condition and less strain on your back. Additionally, you can protect your spine from many diseases that have severe pain symptoms.

How to sit correctly?

We learn to sit without squeezing and without the risk of spinal deformity and osteochondrosis:

• Criteria for choosing a chair / chair: Seat depth level - 2/3 of the hip length, seat height level should be equal to the length of the calf. This way your feet will be on the floor. Short people will need a small step or stool under their feet;
• Pay attention to the depth of the tabletop. The legs do not have to be placed to the side or strongly bent;
• When sitting for long periods of time at work, take breaks every 20 minutes. Change the position of your legs, walk around, do light exercises;
• Sit behind the wheel with minimal stress. Your back should be resting against the seat; placing a small pillow or cushion between the chair and your lower back can help. If possible, get out of the car and warm up every 25-30 minutes;
• Heavy, upholstered furniture is not suitable for everyday use. In order for the spine to bear an even load, the body needs to be supported by the ischial tuberosities, which is only possible while sitting on a moderately hard surface;
• Your back should always be in contact with the backrest of the chair/task chair. Sit up as straight as possible and avoid sharp bends in your neck;
• Do not sit/lie in one position for long periods of time.

How to stand correctly?

If a person stands in one position for a long time, the lower back (and therefore the entire spine) is placed under a significant load, which can have negative effects. To avoid putting too much pressure on the spine and increasing the risk of deformation, follow simple rules:

• Do not stand in one position for more than 10 minutes and change the position of your legs and arms;
• Relieve neck tension - tilt your head from side to side, extend your arms forward, bend your back forward and backward - relax your back and lower back;
• Find support for your hands when lifting items from the floor, stooping, bending your knees, or squatting;
• Move, walk short distances to avoid standing still;
• Try not to bend (back, head) too much when doing housework (cleaning, ironing, cooking). Get down on one knee when cleaning low or hard-to-reach surfaces.

How to lie down?

The ideal sleeping surface is a bed with a medium-firm mattress (preferably an orthopedic mattress that maintains the physiological curves of the spine). The bed should not be made of wood or too soft.How to lie down correctly when the pain is severe?

• Back pain - lie on your stomach with a small pillow under your waist (so as not to aggravate pain when bending over);
• Leg pain - place a pad (towel or blanket) under your knees. The pain syndrome will gradually lessen;
• Neck pain - Place your hands under your head or place a pad under your neck.

How do you get up in the morning when osteochondrosis attacks?

• Conduct a brief warm-up of upper and lower limbs;
• change your stance;
• From a lying position to a sitting position, bend your hands at the knees and hug your legs;
• Lower your legs one by one to the floor;
• Get up gradually, any sudden movement will increase the pain.

How to properly lift and move heavy objects?

Improper lifting and carrying of heavy objects is one of the most common causes of hernias, osteochondrosis, and herniations. Vigorous lifting can cause sudden "shooting" in different parts of the spine and severe pain that lasts for a long time. It is also prohibited to turn the body when carrying heavy objects.How to lift heavy objects?

1. Wear a wide belt.
2. Squat down. Keep your neck and back straight.
3. Use your hands to hold the object in place and slowly stand up, keeping your back straight.

How to move heavy objects?

• Distribute the load evenly between your hands and don't carry everything with one hand;
• After diagnosis of osteochondrosis, it is not recommended to lift more than 15 kilograms;
• Buy a backpack (an important condition is an orthopedic back and wide shoulder straps). The advantage of using a backpack is that the spine is evenly loaded + hands free;
• Do not lean forward or backward sharply.

in conclusion

Spinal osteochondrosis most commonly occurs between the ages of 25-40 years. Groups at risk include people with passive lifestyles, those who spend most of their time standing or in incorrect postures, and those who bear greater loads on their spines. Osteochondrosis can be cured with conservative methods, but prompt consultation with a specialist is required. In advanced cases, surgical intervention is used. Self-medication is contraindicated.Regular preventive exercise will help reduce the symptoms of osteochondrosis and maintain the function of the spine and prevent deformation. If their health is neglected, patients may put off seeing a doctor until hernias, paralysis, and disability develop.