Osteochondrosis: symptoms, causes, treatment methods

Excessive tension of the back muscles causes a lot of discomfort and pain.Osteochondrosis, which causes a violation of the structure of the spine and intervertebral discs, causes serious compression of the nerve endings.Often the pathology is accompanied by a deterioration of blood circulation, which leads to a disturbance in the nutrition of the brain and internal organs.

Osteochondrosis - what is it?

Osteochondrosis is a recurring disease that manifests itself in a chronic form and is accompanied by the destruction of the spine and intervertebral discs.Their tissues are disturbed, which leads to a decrease in their elasticity with a further change in shape.It gradually decreases in the intervertebral space.This leads to the loss of stability of the spine in the areas where the pathology develops.

Pathological tissue destruction processes occur against the background of nerve endings that are directed from the spinal cord.As a result, the back muscles are under constant tension.In such a situation, patients complain of pain in the back and other symptoms.

Depending on the localization of the spinal structures affected by degenerative changes, cervical, thoracic and lumbosacral types of the pathological process are distinguished.The main sign of the development of osteochondrosis is pain, the intensity and severity of which usually increases during physical activity.

There is also stiffness in the movements.In addition, the clinical picture is characterized by the presence of spinal-type signs - headache, changes in blood pressure, deterioration of visual function, hearing, etc.

Mechanism of development

The development of osteochondrosis is due to the fact that the nucleus of pulposis begins to lose its hydrophilic properties.This semi-fluid structure contains connective tissue fibers and chondroitin, a gelatinous substance.During the development of the human body and its growth, the processes of reducing the vascular bed in the intervertebral discs are actively taking place.Nutrients are supplied in a diffuse manner, which is expressed in the spontaneous stabilization of the concentration.This feature causes difficulties in the complete restoration of cartilage that has been damaged or excessive pressure on the spine.

Pathological deviations are more pronounced due to the violation of hormonal levels and human nutrition.Cartilage tissue begins to lack the nutrients it needs for its normal development.Thus, violations are manifested in the following form:

• decreased strength and elasticity;
• Changes to consistency settings and configuration properties.

Radial cracks are formed in fibrous rings against the background of flattening of intervertebral discs.As a result, the distance between the vertebrae decreases and the joints of the joint begin to move.Over time, pathological changes involve connective tissues connected by fibrous rings and ligaments.

When tissue breaks down, the immune system produces increased amounts of immunoglobulins.This provokes the development of an aseptic inflammation process, and swelling is formed in the place where the phase joints are located.They also spread to nearby soft tissues.

Due to the stretching of the joint capsules, the intervertebral discs lose their ability to attach the vertebrae.Such instability in the position of the spinal structure increases the risk of stretching nerve roots or compressing blood vessels.This feature is characteristic, for example, of cervical osteochondrosis, which is accompanied by intense verbal symptoms.

Causes of disease development

The condition of the intervertebral discs can worsen with a decrease in the tone of the skeletal muscles of the spine.Due to the irrational and asymmetric work of the muscles, when the non-physiological position of the body is maintained for a long time, the cartilage tissue can be destroyed.This disorder occurs as a result of carrying heavy bags on the same shoulder, using soft mattresses and high pillows.

The process of destruction of intervertebral discs is accelerated due to the action of a number of negative factors of an external and internal nature.This includes:

• disorders in the functioning of the endocrine mechanism and metabolic disorders;
• pathologies of an infectious nature, including chronic ones;
• damage to the spinal column in the form of compression fractures, bruises;
• regular and prolonged hypothermia of the body;
• Systemic and degenerative-dystrophic diseases - gout, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis;
• smoking and alcohol abuse, which disrupts the state of the vascular system, inhibits blood circulation and provokes a lack of nutrients in the cartilage;
• Insufficient physical development, problems with posture, flat feet - these defects increase the load on the spinal column, because shock absorption will be insufficient;
• obesity;
• genetic predisposition;
• Exposure to regular stress.

symptoms

The main clinical sign of osteochondrosis of any localization (cervical, thoracic or lumbosacral) is pain.In case of recurrence, the pain is piercing, spreading to the surrounding areas of the body.It gets stronger with even the slightest movement.This forces the patient to give a forced body position to minimize discomfort and pain:

• In case of cervical osteochondrosis, it would be desirable to turn not only one head, but the whole body;
• When the chest form of the disease exists, the patient has difficulty breathing deeply, and therefore, to avoid acute chest pain, tries to minimize the depth and frequency of breathing;
• Patients with low back pain have difficulty sitting, standing upright, and moving because the spinal nerve is stretched.

As a rule, patients complain of dull, constant pain and stiffness in movements after waking up in the morning.In this case, a differential diagnosis will be necessary to eliminate the risk of developing myositis caused by inflammation of the skeletal back muscles or osteoarthritis.

Aching and tense pains occur due to the compensatory tension of the muscle tissue.This position is necessary to stabilize the range of motion of the spine.Persistent mild to moderate pain may also occur with significant intervertebral disc herniation due to aseptic inflammatory changes.

Osteochondrosis of a specific localization is characterized by special symptoms:

1. During cervical osteochondrosis, pain is felt in the cervical area, in the upper limbs.There is pain in the head and numbness in the fingers.If the disease manifests itself in a serious form, stretching of the vertebral artery may occur.In this case, the patient begins to complain about significant health deterioration.
2. Chest localization is manifested by sharp and painful pain in the back;There is a syndrome of visceral pain in the area of the heart, in the right hypochondrium and in the abdomen.Patients complain of numbness, paresthesia of the skin, difficulty in breathing and cramping of the vertebrae.
3. Patients with lumbar osteochondrosis complain of pain in the back and lower limbs with increasing intensity during movement.Urinary system dysfunction, male potency problems and ovarian dysfunction are often diagnosed.Pain may decrease during remission.However, exposure to the provoking factor leads to its renewal.

4. When mixed osteochondrosis occurs, symptoms may appear in several areas at the same time.This condition is characterized by a more severe course of the disease.

It should be remembered that displacement of the spine and the formation of osteophytes cause compression of the vertebral artery.It nourishes the brain, supplying its cells with oxygen.When weaning, nutrition is limited, and therefore the patient has problems with coordination, headaches, tinnitus and arterial hypertension.

Consequences in case of contraindication

The reason for the complicated course of osteochondrosis is the relatively rapid formation of hernias in the intervertebral discs.Their appearance is associated with the posterior displacement of the spinal structure.This leads to the rupture of the posterior longitudinal ligament, which causes the instability of the disc position and the protrusion of its individual sections in the area of the spinal canal.Hernia ruptures when the nucleus pulposus disc pushes into the canal area.

When pathological disorders occur in the spinal structures, the spinal cord begins to compress and the patient develops discogenic myelopathy.Symptoms of this condition are associated with numbness and weakness of certain muscle groups in the upper and lower limbs.Paresis, muscle atrophy and decreased tendon reflexes appear.In some cases, problems arise with emptying the bladder and bowels.

The formation of an intervertebral hernia is dangerous due to the compression of the arteries that supply the spinal cord.The result of this pathology is the formation of ischemic zones, where nerve cells are damaged and die.Manifestation of the neurological effect is manifested by a violation of motor function, a decrease in the quality of tactility and trophic disorders.

Diagnosis of the disease

The initial diagnosis is made based on the patient's complaints and existing symptoms.The specialist checks the condition of the spine in different positions, asking the patient to be at rest or in motion.At the next stage, the patient is sent for laboratory diagnostics, which will help clarify the diagnosis or reject it.

Research methods used include:

1. Radiography- provides a complete examination of the spinal column by assessing the condition of the vertebrae, existing disorders in the form of protrusions, curves.The specialist will be able to determine the intervertebral spaces and the condition of the holes.To accurately identify osteochondrosis localized in the chest or cervical region, a two-stage X-ray examination is performed.In the first stage, the patient lies on his side, and in the second - directly on his back.
2. Tomography method using MRI or CTprovide highly informative data that facilitate the detailed study of vertebrates without interfering with the organs covered by them.The picture shows the nerves and the vascular system.MRI helps to identify the signs of many diseases of the spinal column and the location of the damage.A CT scan shows the herniation and identifies possible deviations in the structure of the spine.
3. Laboratory examinationTo evaluate the condition of the blood and its main parameters.Allows you to clarify the diagnosis and determine the possibility of developing concomitant diseases.

In many cases, as a result of examinations, doctors determine the presence of certain concomitant diseases, which are potentially dangerous due to their complications.We are talking, for example, about hernia, protrusion, sciatica.Correct diagnosis of problems helps to treat osteochondrosis more effectively.At the same time, the disease itself is masked by the symptoms of other diseases in the first stages of development.

therapeutic process

Osteochondrosis is treated conservatively or surgically.The choice depends on the severity of the condition, its neglect, the level of tissue deterioration and the causes of its origin.

It is important to remember that it is impossible to completely cure osteochondrosis, because there are no drugs that help to completely restore the discs and spine.The therapeutic effect is aimed at inhibiting the destruction process and increasing the duration and stability of remission.

Chondroprotectors based on chondroitin or glucosamine sulfate are used for symptomatic therapy.

The effectiveness of the therapeutic process using chondroprotectors has been clinically proven on the basis of long-term tests.If you take these drugs for a long time (from 3 months), then a partial restoration of cartilage and other elements of the connective type - ligamentous-tendon apparatus, bursa - is observed.

Accumulation of glucosamine and chondroitin in the area of the intervertebral discs causes pain-relieving, anti-edematous and anti-inflammatory effects.Therefore, there is a real opportunity to optimize the dose of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, glucocorticosteroids and muscle relaxants.You can count on reducing the medication burden on the patient.

The effectiveness of chondroprotectors is determined by the regularity of their use.Otherwise, there will be no result.Inefficiency is also observed in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the 3rd degree, which is accompanied by significant destruction of cartilage.

The following groups of drugs can be used to relieve pain:

1. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugsIt will help eliminate inflammatory disorders in soft tissues caused by displacement of the spine.NSAIDs are effective in reducing pain, swelling, and stiffness.
2. Drugs from the group of glucocorticosteroids– Blockade is usually used in combination with anesthetics.They can relieve pain, restore the functioning of the immune mechanism and provide an anti-exudative effect.
3. Muscle relaxants.They are effective in combating muscle spasms due to nerve impingement.They promote relaxation of skeletal muscles and block polysynaptic spinal reflexes with an antispasmodic effect.
4. External products with a warming effect.Irritation of subcutaneous tissue receptors by activation of blood flow is provided by special gels and ointments.These drugs have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.

Vertebrogenic type symptoms that appear due to the localization of pathology in the cervical or thoracic region can be eliminated by medical means to activate blood flow.Nootropics and drugs to improve microcirculation are also prescribed.In some cases, it may be necessary to take antidepressants, as well as pharmaceutical drugs with anticonvulsant effects.

Physiotherapy is also used during the treatment of osteochondrosis.UHF therapy, magnetotherapy, laser therapy, reflexology, massage, exercise therapy, hirudotherapy, as well as swimming and yoga can be prescribed.If conservative treatment is ineffective, surgery is performed using microdiscectomy, disc puncture valorization, laser reconstruction, or implant replacement.