Spinal osteochondrosis: symptoms, causes, treatment

Osteochondrosis of the spine is a disease in which the structure and functionality of the intervertebral discs and cartilage are impaired. It is accompanied by regular painful sensations, as the affected tissues must provide mobility and flexibility to the spine. According to ICD 10, it belongs to the group of musculoskeletal system diseases, code - M42. The essence of the disease lies in the compression of the discs during loading on the spine, which leads to their destruction or deformation. This causes damage to the nerve endings, resulting in pain and swelling. A neglected form of spinal osteochondrosis can lead to deficiency.

Reasons for the development of osteochondrosis of the spine

What is this disease and where does it come from? Most of the time, this disease appears in people after 40 years. This is due to age-related disturbances in salt metabolism and dehydration in the body. Factors that cause the development of the disease:

• leaning, leading to curvature of the spine;
• spinal muscles not developed;
• being in an uncomfortable position for an extended period of time;
• carry heavy objects regularly;
• a sedentary lifestyle associated with the specifics of work;
• metabolic disorders in the body;
• genetic predisposition;
• the negative effect of chemicals on the body;
• transmitted diseases of an infectious nature;
• nervous overtension, stress with neurological manifestations;
• hormonal disturbances in the body;
• professional sports related to energy charges;
• spinal injury;
• a sudden change of position.

It's important to know!Unfavorable weather conditions, periodic hypothermia can contribute to the development of the disease! Therefore, you should protect yourself as much as possible from these factors.

common symptoms of the disease

Osteochondrosis is always accompanied by pain and numbness. These diseases can also appear:

• sharp, sharp, stabbing pain;
• sore limbs;
• dizziness, sometimes loss of consciousness;
• dryness and exfoliation of the skin;
• intense sweating;
• low temperature of the extremities.

Depending on which part of the spine the disease develops, other specific symptoms appear.

Cervical spine osteochondrosis: signs

This is the most dangerous place of defeat. After all, an artery passes through the cervical region, which contributes to the normal functioning of the brain. Due to the onset of the disease, this artery is compressed and impedes the blood supply to the brain. Because of this, the patient feels severe headaches, dizziness, general body weakness. The concentration of attention decreases, the ability to memorize worsens.

It is accompanied by pain in the back of the neck, under the shoulder blades, in the forearm, sometimes the upper limbs go numb.

Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region

This type of disease is quite rare, most often accompanied by lesions in other parts of the spine. It may be accompanied by such illnesses:

• pain between the shoulder blades;
• sharp pain with deep breathing;
• weakness and numbness in the fingers.

There are situations where a disease in the chest region can cause discomfort in the heart region.

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine

The most common type of disease because the lower back takes on the maximum burden over a person's lifetime. May cause osteochondrosis of the spine with radicular syndrome. This disease is characterized by pinched nerve roots in the lower back, accompanied by a variety of pains, and may radiate to the thigh and buttocks.

During the developmental period, the normal work of the lower extremities is interrupted and is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• tingling sensation in the back of the leg;
• weakness of the lower extremities;
• numbness of the toes.

Disturbances of the genitourinary system and intestinal functionality may also occur.

Important to remember!At the first symptoms seek help from a specialist! After all, an advanced form of the disease in a given department can develop polysegmental osteochondrosis of the spine, which is the defeat of all departments at once.

Stages of spinal osteochondrosis

In modern medicine, there are 4 stages of the disease:

1. Degree of osteochondrosis of the spine. At this stage, the disease is difficult to detect. There are no obvious signs. There are only general illnesses, slight back weakness with uncomfortable sensations, which are attributed to overwork. The disease is slow, usually randomly detected at the time of a routine check-up.
2. 2nd degree spinal osteochondrosis. Pain symptoms appear due to the initial process of tissue destruction. If you go to specialists in time for help, this degree of illness can be cured quite quickly thanks to medication.
3. 3rd degree spinal osteochondrosis. An irreversible process of deformation of the cartilaginous tissues begins, which is the cause of the development of scoliosis, lordosis and the appearance of a lump. Treatment at this stage will improve the condition and minimize curvature.
4. 4th degree spinal osteochondrosis. In this final stage, the person experiences irreversible processes of spinal tissue destruction. It is very difficult for the patient to move, it brings him terrible pain.

It's important to know!Stage 4 of the disease leads the patient to disability! Therefore, in the first manifestations, it is necessary to consult a doctor and start timely treatment.

disease diagnosis

Emerging patient complaints require specialist contact. To establish the diagnosis, you must make an appointment with a neurologist or traumatologist who, after a detailed survey and examination, will refer you for the following studies:

• Magnetic resonance imaging;
• Ultrasound;
• electrocardiogram;
• radiography;
• general analysis of blood and urine.

Based on the research carried out, the doctor concludes and prescribes an effective treatment depending on the stage of the disease.

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine

There are many ways you can influence the course of your illness. They aim not only at alleviating discomfort but also at complete recovery. The most effective treatments are:

drug treatment

They aim at relieving painful sensations, relieving inflammatory processes, restoring cartilage tissue and preventing the dynamic development of the disease. It is very important to take vitamins during this period.

Chondroprotectors

The therapeutic effect does not appear immediately, so a course is prescribed, the duration of which is about 2 months.

Injections

Its use aims to eliminate the pain syndrome, the injection has no therapeutic effect.

Ointment

Using various ointments, creams or gels helps to eliminate inflammation. They also have an analgesic and warming effect.

Acupuncture

For such procedures, the patient is referred to a chiropractor. After all, only an experienced specialist is capable of qualitatively performing this manipulation. Acupuncture helps relieve even excruciating pain, has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, and normalizes hormones.

suction massage

The essence of the procedure is to apply a vacuum to the skin, which helps restore blood flow, eliminate toxins and improve the overall state of the body. Effectively relieves painful sensations. This type of massage cannot be done on the spine, mammary glands, heart and kidneys. Contraindications to the use of this procedure: patients with skin rashes, heart disease and pregnancy.

1. Magnetotherapy. It is used as an additional method in the treatment of osteochondrosis. Helps to weaken the inflammatory process, relieve swelling, tone the spinal muscles.
2. Physiotherapy. Its purpose is to restore spinal mobility, strengthen back muscles and normalize metabolism. It is very important not to overwork yourself when exercising.
3. Massage. Required to eliminate pain and strengthen muscles.

Important to remember!Regardless of the stage of osteochondrosis, only a specialist prescribes treatment methods! He can choose a complex method or treatment.

Treatment with folk remedies

To fight the disease, you can use traditional medicine recipes, which are easy to prepare at home. For this, only natural ingredients are used.

Garlic

To prepare the remedy, you will need 200 g of chopped garlic, which must be added with 0. 5 liter of vodka or alcohol. Leave in a cool, dark place for 1 week, shake every day. After a period of time, use it as a back rub. Helps relieve pain.

Bay leaf and juniper

You should take 1 tsp. the original ingredients, grind to powder consistency. Grind with softened unsalted butter in the amount of 100 g. Grease affected areas with the resulting ointment 3 times a day.

mugwort

It will take 1 tbsp. I. absinthe, pour 1 cup of boiling water. Insist 3 hours. Strain the resulting broth and rub your back before bedtime.

Important to remember!Regardless of the prescription chosen for the treatment, you must consult your doctor! He may consider using home remedies as a complementary treatment.

Osteochondrosis of the army and the spine

Are they recruited into the army after such a diagnosis has been established? In order for a young person not to go to serve in the army, the following moments must be present:

• intervertebral osteochondrosis;
• sharp, sharp pain during physical exertion;
• clear signs of spinal deformity;

It's important to know!Painful sensations should be confirmed by seeking medical help regularly! Only in this situation, the youth is not fit for military service.

Disease complications

As the spine is the foundation of the musculoskeletal system, osteochondrosis can cause irreparable damage to health. The consequences that the disease can lead to:

• herniated disc;
• rachiocampsis;
• displacement of the vertebrae.

This can lead to disturbances in the functioning of organs, a decrease in the immune system, which leads to new serious illnesses.

It's important to know!Ignoring Osteochondrosis Leads to Disability! Therefore, when illness occurs, therapy should be started immediately.

Prevention of spinal osteochondrosis

In order to prevent the development of the disease, the following preventive measures must be taken:

1. Diet. This is especially true for seniors. It is necessary to minimize the consumption of spicy, greasy, canned and smoked foods. You must also avoid excessive use of salt, coffee, chocolate, alcoholic beverages. Proper nutrition helps remove salts from the body.
2. Daily morning exercises. Light exercise helps keep your body in good shape and strengthen your muscular system.
3. Orthopedic mattress. To rest, you should buy it, because healthy sleep and complete relaxation minimize the possibility of developing the disease.

Particular attention should be paid to the position in which you wish to sleep. The most comfortable position for the spine is the embryo. In that case, he relaxes completely. It's better to use a small pillow. That way you can protect your spine from excessive stress and give it the rest it needs.