Osteochondrosis of the spine is a disease in which the structure and function of the intervertebral discs and cartilage are impaired. It is accompanied by regular painful feelings because the affected tissues need to ensure the mobility and flexibility of the spine. According to ICD 10, it belongs to the group of diseases of the musculoskeletal system, its code is M42. The essence of the disease is the compression of the discs during loading of the spine, leading to their destruction or deformation. This leads to damage to the nerve endings, which causes pain and swelling. A neglected form of osteochondrosis of the spine can lead to disability.
Causes of osteochondrosis of the spine
What is this disease and where does it come from? This disease most often appears in people after 40 years. This is due to age-related disorders of salt metabolism and dehydration. Factors causing the development of the disease:
- curvature leading to curvature of the spine;
- underdeveloped spinal muscles;
- in a long-lasting awkward situation;
- regular transport of heavy objects;
- a sedentary lifestyle related to the specifics of work;
- metabolic disorders in the body;
- genetic predisposition;
- the negative effects of chemicals on the body;
- infectious diseases transmitted;
- nervous tension, stress with neurological manifestations;
- hormonal disorders in the body;
- strength sports;
- spinal cord injury;
- sharp change of position.
Important to know!Unfavorable climatic conditions and intermittent hypothermia can contribute to the development of the disease! Therefore, you need to protect yourself from these factors as best you can.
Common symptoms of the disease
Osteochondrosis is always accompanied by pain and numbness. Such diseases may also occur:
- sharp, cutting, shooting pain;
- sore limbs;
- dizziness, sometimes loss of consciousness;
- dehydration and peeling of the skin;
- heavy sweating;
- low limb temperature.
Depending on where in the spine the disease develops, other specific symptoms occur.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine: signs
This is the most dangerous place to 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 prevents the blood supply to the brain. Because of this, the patient experiences severe headaches, dizziness, and general weakness of the body. The concentration of attention decreases and the ability to memorize deteriorates.
It is accompanied by pain in the back of the neck, under the shoulder blades, in the forearm, sometimes the upper limbs become numb.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region
This type of disease is quite rare, most often with damage to other parts of the spine. Such diseases may be accompanied by:
- pain between the shoulder blades;
- sharp pain with deep breathing;
- weakness and numbness in the fingers.
There are situations where disease of the chest region can cause discomfort in the heart region.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
It is the most common type of disease because the lower back of a person takes up the maximum load during a person’s life. It can cause osteochondrosis of the spine with radical syndrome. This disease is characterized by pinching of the nerve roots in the lumbar region, accompanied by various pains, and can radiate to the thigh and buttocks.
During development, 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.
Disorders of the urogenital system and intestinal function may also occur.
Important to remember!For the first symptoms, it is worth asking a specialist for help! After all, an advanced form of the disease can cause polysegmental osteochondrosis of the spine in a certain class, consisting of the simultaneous defeat of all departments.
Stages of osteochondrosis of the spine
In modern medicine, the disease has 4 stages:
- The degree of osteochondrosis of the spine. At this stage, the disease is difficult to recognize. There are no obvious signs. There are only general ailments, mild back weakness with discomfort that can be attributed to overload. The disease is detected slowly, usually at random, on routine examination.
- Grade 2 spinal osteochondrosis. Symptoms of pain occur due to the initial process of tissue destruction. If you turn to a specialist in time for help, this degree of illness can be cured fairly quickly thanks to medication.
- Grade 3 spinal osteochondrosis. The process of irreversible deformation of cartilage tissues begins, which causes scoliosis, lordosis, and the appearance of a hump. Treatment at this stage improves the condition and minimizes curvature.
- Grade 4 spinal osteochondrosis. In this final stage, a person experiences irreversible processes in the destruction of spinal tissues. It makes it very difficult for the patient to move, which causes unbearable pain.
Important to know!Stage 4 of the disease leads to disability! Therefore, for the first manifestations, a doctor should be consulted and treatment should be started in a timely manner.
Diagnosis of the disease
In the event of a complaint from a patient, a specialist should be consulted. To make a diagnosis, you should make an appointment with a neurologist or traumatologist, who will send you for the following tests after a detailed examination and examination:
- Magnetic resonance imaging;
- Ultrasound;
- electrocardiogram;
- radiography;
- general analysis of blood and urine.
Based on the research done, the doctor will draw conclusions and prescribe effective treatment, depending on the stage of the disease.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine
It can affect the course of the disease in a number of ways. They are aimed not only at alleviating discomfort but also at complete healing. The most effective treatments are:
Drug treatment
Their purpose is to relieve painful feelings, relieve inflammatory processes, restore cartilage tissue, and prevent the dynamic development of the disease. Vitamin intake is very important during this period.
Chondroprotectors
The therapeutic effect does not appear immediately, so a course is prescribed for about 2 months.
Injections
Their use is aimed at eliminating pain syndrome, the injection has no therapeutic effect.
Ointment
Using a variety of ointments, creams or gels will help get rid of the inflammation. They also have analgesic and warming effects.
Acupuncture
For such procedures, the patient is referred to a chiropractor. After all, only an experienced professional can qualitatively perform this manipulation. Acupuncture relieves even unbearable excruciating pain, has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, normalizes hormones.
Cupping massage
The essence of the procedure is to apply a vacuum to the skin, which helps to restore blood flow, remove toxins and improve the condition of the whole body. Effectively relieves painful feelings. This type of massage cannot be performed on the spine, mammary glands, heart and kidneys themselves. Contraindications to the use of this procedure: rash patients, heart disease and pregnancy.
- Magnetotherapy. It is used as an adjunct to the treatment of osteochondrosis. It helps to weaken the inflammatory process, relieves bloating and tones the muscles of the spine.
- Physiotherapy. It aims to restore spinal mobility, strengthen back muscles and normalize metabolism. It is very important not to overload yourself during training.
- Massage. It is needed to relieve pain and strengthen muscles.
Important to remember!Regardless of the stage of osteochondrosis, only a specialist will prescribe treatment methods! You can choose either a method or a complex treatment.
Treatment with folk remedies
To combat the disease, you can use recipes from traditional medicine that are easy to make at home. Only natural ingredients are used for this.
Garlic
To prepare the drug you will need 200 g of chopped garlic, which should be poured with 0. 5 liters of vodka or alcohol. Leave in a cool, dark place for 1 week, shaking daily. Use it as a back rub after a certain amount of time. It helps relieve pain.
Bay leaves and juniper
Take 1 teaspoon. the original ingredients, grind to a powdery consistency. Grind 100 g with softened unsalted butter and apply the resulting ointment three times a day.
sage
You need 1 tablespoon of it. l. wormwood, pour 1 cup boiling water. Insist for 3 hours. Strain the resulting broth and rub your back before going to bed.
Important to remember!No matter which prescription you choose for treatment, you should consult your doctor! You may want to consider using home-made medications as an adjunct treatment.
Army and spine osteochondrosis
After making such a diagnosis, are they enlisted in the military? In order for a young man not to go into the army, the following moments should be present:
- intervertebral osteochondrosis;
- strong, shooting pain during physical exertion;
- clear signs of spinal deformity;
Important to know!Painful feelings should be confirmed with regular medical help! Only in this situation is the young man unfit for military service.
Complications of the disease
Because the spine is the basis of the musculoskeletal system, osteochondrosis can cause irreparable damage to health. Consequences of the disease:
- disc herniation;
- rachiocampsis;
- dislocation of the vertebrae.
This can lead to problems with the functioning of the organs, a weakening of the immune system, which can lead to further serious diseases.
Important to know!Ignoring osteochondrosis leads to disability! Therefore, if disease occurs, therapy should be initiated immediately.
Prevention of spinal osteochondrosis
The following preventive measures must be taken to prevent the development of the disease:
- Diet. This is especially true for the elderly. Consumption of spicy, fatty, canned and smoked foods should be kept to a minimum. Excessive consumption of salt, coffee, chocolate and alcohol should also be avoided. Proper nutrition helps to remove salts from the body.
- Daily morning exercises. Easy exercises help keep the body in good shape and strengthen the muscular system.
- Orthopedic mattress. It is worth buying for rest, because healthy sleep and complete relaxation minimizes the possibility of developing the disease.
Particular attention should be paid to the posture you want to sleep in. The most comfortable position of the spine is the embryo. In this case, you will completely relax. It is better to use a small pillow. This way, you can protect your spine from overuse and provide the rest you need.