Osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis– is a degenerative-dystrophic disease, which manifests itself by a decrease in the height of the hyaline intervertebral cartilage. Ultimately, this leads to disk wear and loss of functionality.

The disease is most commonly diagnosed in people aged 30 to 35 and affects approximately 40% of the population under 35 to 40 and almost 90% of older adults. 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 lead to nerve root damage, spinal cord damage, and disruption of internal organs. It is therefore very important to consult a doctor quickly and take appropriate measures to prevent the development of the disease.

Causes of osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis is a common disease that can occur in older people, but it can also occur in young people who are used to leading a sedentary lifestyle. This disease develops due to a weakening of the back muscles, which leads to disruption of blood circulation and nutrition of the tissues of the spine and intervertebral discs. This 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 a variety of factors, including:

• heredity,
• defective physical development,
• metabolic disease,
• bad eating habits
• vitamin and mineral deficiency,
• long-term medication use,
• Overweight,
• increased load on the spine,
• sedentary lifestyle, for example when working in an office,
• spinal injuries,
• infectious diseases and past stress.

In addition, 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 many factors and its prevention consists of proper nutrition, moderate physical activity, proper distribution of loads on the spine and maintaining a healthy lifestyle ingeneral.

Symptoms and signs of osteochondrosis

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

• Pain in various 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 region of the heart;
• Muscle hypotension, decreased muscle tone and strength;
• Numbness of limbs;
• Pain in arms and legs;
• Seeing spots in front of the eyes;
• Cooling of the extremities;
• Shooting painful sensations.

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

• Loss of consciousness;
• Decreased sensitivity of the limbs;
• Poor blood circulation in the vessels;
• Nerve damage or inflammation;
• Narrowing and blockage of the 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 appear as a result of injury or intense physical activity, which is especially common among athletes. It also manifests itself in the form of bone overgrowth, osteophytes, protruding intervertebral discs and curvature of the spine. Congenital spinal defects can also cause rapid wear of the intervertebral discs. In addition, the following risk factors can lead to the development of osteochondrosis:

• Neuro-emotional exhaustion;
• Physical overwork of the body;
• Work on vibrating platforms;
• Genetic predisposition;
• Lack of vitamins in the body;
• Multiple pregnancy.

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

Classification and stages of development of osteochondrosis

Classification of osteochondrosis

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

1. Lumbodynie– this is pain in the lumbar back (lumbosacral).
2. Sciaticamanifests itself as pain in the back, spreading to the legs.
3. Lumbago- this is lumbar lumbago, with acute and intense pain in the lower back.
4. Thoracalgia- It's a pain in the chest.

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

Additionally, types of osteochondrosis can vary depending on which part of the spine is 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 itself by difficultyto bend forward and pain that can sometimes "shoot" in the leg.

Stages of development of osteochondrosis

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

• I.Initially, the core of the intervertebral disc loses moisture and becomes less elastic, leading to a reduction in its height and cracking of the tissues. At this stage, the pain is usually almost imperceptible, but discomfort may occur with physical activity or unusual posture.
• II.At the second stage of development of osteochondrosis, the disc tissue begins to flatten and bulge, which leads to narrowing of the space between the vertebrae and pinching of the spinal nerve roots. The fibrous membrane is destroyed, leading to poor fluid retention in the disc core. When you move, you can hear characteristic clicks and crunches in the spine. At this stage, point pain appears, 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 acute pain. To quickly relieve pain, you need to take painkillers for neuralgia.
• IV.In the last and fourth stage, the destruction of the discs is so severe that the joints become inactive and the space between the vertebrae is invaded by bone tissue. Severe dystrophic processes can cause acute pain, as the growths damage nearby tissues and compress the nerves. A complete loss of mobility of the spinal joints is possible.

Complications

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

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

Methods for diagnosing osteochondrosis

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

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

• Physical examination.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.
• Examination of the material.For a more accurate diagnosis, various methods of hardware examination are used, including radiography, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
• Blood tests.A complete blood count can help identify early signs of osteochondrosis, such as an increased red blood cell sedimentation rate and low calcium levels. To confirm the diagnosis, biochemical tests may be prescribed to assess coagulation parameters, enzyme activity, the content of zinc, cobalt, iron and other components.
• X-ray.During x-rays, each spine is checked and images are taken in direct, lateral and two oblique projections. If necessary, a functional x-ray can be prescribed, which allows you to assess the condition of the spine in different positions.
• Computed tomography (CT).Computed tomography is performed after x-ray and makes it possible to more precisely determine the condition of the intervertebral discs. To do this, photos of one or two segments of the spine are taken.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI is used as an addition to CT or in cases where it is necessary to study in more detail the condition of blood vessels, nervous processes and intervertebral discs.

When to consult 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. This can lead to back pain, neck pain, headaches, and other unpleasant symptoms. Treatment of osteochondrosis can be a long and laborious process, but modern methods can help relieve pain and improve quality of life. It can be conservative or surgical, depending on the degree of progression and the severity of the symptoms. In most cases, strengthening of ligaments and muscles, as well as the use of medications, are recommended.

When treating osteochondrosis, it is important to take into account the individual characteristics of each patient. Some methods of massage or manual therapy may be undesirable or even dangerous in a particular case. It is therefore important to carry out an individual consultation before starting treatment.

Procedures and methods of treating osteochondrosis include physiotherapy, gymnastics (physical therapy), wearing an orthopedic pillow or corset, as well as taking muscle relaxers and non-steroidal painkillers.

Movement therapy

Major countries with a good level of medicine prefer to use movement therapy. These are classic physiotherapy, physiotherapy exercises in water, swimming, simulator training 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 harming your health.

Treatment of osteochondrosis by manual therapy

Manual therapy can be used in the early stages. This method helps strengthen the muscle structure and eliminate blockages and pinched 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, i. e. 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 crunches, but prefer gentle techniques. They rely on knowledge of biomechanics, joint functioning 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 should be carried out regularly, the doctor usually prescribes at least 2-3 sessions per week for 1-3 months.

Correctly performed medical massage for osteochondrosis of the spine:

1. Provides additional stress on the muscles and increases their tone;
2. Dissipates lactic acid build-ups and relieves muscle spasms;
3. Improves blood circulation in the affected area and adjacent tissues;
4. Relieves 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 physiotherapy:

• Magnetotherapyis the effect of a magnetic field at constant frequency which stimulates a cellular response.
• Electrophoresis for osteochondrosis– this 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 an anti-inflammatory, healing and analgesic effect.
• 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 depending on the individual needs of the patient and the stage of the disease.

Kinesio recording

Kinesio taping is a safe method, actively used in sports medicine and widely used in South Korea.

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

When performing 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 an acceleration of blood circulation, lymphatic circulation and metabolic processes, thereby improving the condition of the spine and the whole body. Acupuncture can be used for osteochondrosis in the early stages, as well as severe pain and poor mobility of the vertebrae.

There is also a dry needling technique in which a drug-free needle is inserted into the spasming muscle, usually the piriformis. This method can reduce pain in the back and pelvic area. It should be noted 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. For osteochondrosis, leeches are used to improve blood supply to cells, which in turn stimulates the restoration of damaged intervertebral discs.

Medical treatment

Currently, there is a trend to reduce the use of drugs in the treatment of osteochondrosis. Indeed, certain medications can have serious side effects and harm the patient's health.

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

An alternative to drug treatment is kinesio taping. This is a method in which special elastic patches are glued to diseased areas of the body. Kinesio Taping 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 painful points and reflex zones. It is used to relieve pain and restore the natural load on the spine. Reflexology is never used alone, but is usually 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. Additionally, reflexology can be used to improve the general condition of the body and prevent diseases.

Prevention and prognosis of osteochondrosis

Prevention of osteochondrosis is an extremely important issue, as it is aimed at preventing factors that can 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 nutrient malabsorption;
3. Diseases associated with metabolic disorders;
4. Serious infections suffered in childhood, such as rickets;
5. Spinal injuries;
6. Overweight.

However, prevention is also important for people who lead a sedentary lifestyle, who experience increased stress on the spine and for women who plan to become pregnant. For prevention purposes, it is recommended to exercise regularly, monitor your weight, avoid injuries and eat 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 osteochondrosis treatment is proper nutrition. The body must receive the necessary amount of substances for the synthesis of cartilage tissue, therefore it is recommended to follow a balanced diet.

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

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

Exercises for osteochondrosis

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

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