Osteochondrosis: symptoms, causes, treatment methods

Excessive tension in the back muscles causes a lot of discomfort and pain.Osteochondrosis, which causes disruption of the structure of the vertebrae and intervertebral discs, leads to severe pinching of nerve endings.The pathology is often accompanied by a deterioration of blood circulation, which causes disturbances in the nutrition of the brain and internal organs.

Osteochondrosis - what is it?

Osteochondrosis is a relapsing disease that occurs in a chronic form and is associated with the destruction of the vertebrae and intervertebral discs.Their tissues are damaged, which causes a decrease in their elasticity, followed by a change in shape.The intervertebral space gradually decreases.This causes a loss of spinal column stability in areas where pathology develops.

The processes of pathological tissue destruction occur against the background of pinching of nerve endings, which are directed from the area where the spinal cord is located.As a result, the back muscles are under constant tension.In such a situation, patients complain of back pain and other symptoms.

Based on the specifics of the localization of the spinal structures affected by degenerative changes, we distinguish the cervical, thoracic and lumbosacral versions of the pathological process.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 movements.In addition, the clinical picture is characterized by the presence of vertebra-type signs - headache, changes in blood pressure, visual function, hearing, and so on.

Development mechanism

The development of osteochondrosis is due to the fact that the nucleus pulposus begins to lose its hydrophilic properties.This semi-fluid structure contains connective tissue fibers and chondroitin, a gelatinous substance.During the development and growth of the human body, the reduction of the vascular system in the intervertebral discs takes place actively.Nutrient supply takes place in a diffuse manner, which manifests itself in the spontaneous stabilization of the concentration.This property makes it difficult for cartilage that has suffered injury or excessive pressure on the spine to fully recover.

Pathological deviations become more pronounced due to disturbances in hormonal levels and human nutrition.Cartilage begins to experience a lack of nutrients necessary for its normal development.Therefore, disorders appear in the following form:

• reduced strength and flexibility;
• changes to consistency parameters and configuration properties.

Against the background of the flattening of the intervertebral discs, radial cracks occur in the fibrous rings.As a result, the distance between the vertebrae decreases and the facet joints move.Over time, the pathological changes cover the connective tissues associated with fibrous rings and ligaments.

As the tissues break down, the immune system produces an increased amount of immunoglobulins.This provokes the development of the process of aseptic inflammation, and swelling is formed in the area where the facet joints are located.They also spread to nearby soft tissues.

Due to the elongation of the joint capsules, the intervertebral discs lose their ability to fix the vertebra.Such instability of the spinal structure increases the risk of entrapment of nerve roots or compression of blood vessels.This feature is characteristic, for example, of cervical osteochondrosis, which is accompanied by intense verbal symptoms.

Causes of the disease

The condition of the intervertebral discs can deteriorate with the reduction of the skeletal muscles of the spine.As a result of irrational and asymmetric muscle work, damage to the cartilage tissue may occur if a non-physiological body position is maintained for a long time.This violation occurs due to the use of heavy bags on the same shoulder, soft mattresses and high pillows.

The process of destruction of the intervertebral discs is accelerated under the influence of many negative factors of an external and internal nature.These are:

• 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, contusions;
• regular and prolonged hypothermia of the body;
• systemic and degenerative-dystrophic diseases - gout, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis;
• smoking and alcohol consumption, which disturbs the state of the vascular system, worsens blood circulation and causes a lack of nutrients in the cartilage;
• insufficient physical development, posture problems, flat feet - these defects increase the load on the spinal column, since shock absorption will not be enough;
• obesity;
• genetic predisposition;
• regular exposure to stress.

Symptoms

The main clinical symptom of osteochondrosis of any localization (cervical, thoracic or lumbosacral) is pain.In the event of a relapse, the pain is pervasive and radiates to nearby areas of the body.It amplifies even with slight movement.This forces the patient to give his body a forced position to minimize discomfort and pain:

• in case of cervical osteochondrosis, it would be beneficial to turn not only one head, but the whole body;
• in the case of the thoracic form of the disease, the patient finds it difficult to take a deep breath, therefore, in order to avoid acute chest pain, he tries to minimize the depth and frequency of breathing;
• Patients with the lumbar type of the disease have difficulty sitting, standing upright, and moving because the spinal nerve is pinched.

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

Aching and oppressive pains occur due to compensatory tension in the muscle tissue.This condition is necessary to stabilize the range of motion of the spine.Constant mild or moderate pain may also occur with significant stretching of the intervertebral disc, which results from aseptic inflammatory changes.

Osteochondrosis of a particular localization is characterized by special symptoms:

1. In the case of cervical osteochondrosis, pain can be felt in the neck area and in the upper limbs.There is pain in the head and numbness in the fingers.If the disease manifests itself in a severe form, pinching of the vertebra of the artery may occur.In this case, the patient begins to complain about a significant deterioration in health.
2. Chest localization manifests itself in sharp and painful back pain;there is visceral pain syndrome in the region of the heart, in the right hypochondrium and in the abdomen.Patients complain of numbness, paresthesia of the skin, breathing difficulties and crunching of the vertebrae.
3. Patients suffering from lumbar osteochondrosis complain of back and lower limb pain that increases in intensity during movement.Urinary system dysfunction, male potency problems and dysfunctional ovarian disorder are often diagnosed.During remission, pain may decrease.However, exposure to the provoking factor leads to its resumption.

4. When mixed osteochondrosis appears, the 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 the displacement of the vertebrae and the formation of osteophytes cause compression of the vertebral artery.It nourishes the brain and supplies its cells with oxygen.When pressed, nutrition is limited, so the patient suffers from coordination problems, headaches, tinnitus and arterial hypertension.

Consequences if not treated

The reason for the complicated course of osteochondrosis is the relatively rapid development of herniation in the intervertebral discs.Their appearance is associated with a posterior displacement of the vertebral structure.This causes a rupture of the posterior longitudinal ligament, which results in the instability of the position of the disc and the protrusion of some of its sections into the area of the spinal canal.The hernia ruptures when the disc with the nucleus pulposus invades the area of the canal.

When pathological abnormalities occur in the vertebral structures, the spinal cord is compressed and the patient develops discogenic myelopathy.Symptoms of this condition include numbness and weakness in certain muscle groups of the upper and lower limbs.Paresis, muscle atrophy and damaged tendon reflexes appear.In some cases, there are problems with emptying the bladder and bowels.

The development of an intervertebral hernia is dangerous due to the compression of the arteries supplying the spinal cord.The result of this pathology is the formation of ischemic zones, where nerve cells are damaged and destroyed.The manifestation of the neurological effect is expressed in the disruption of motor function, a decrease in the degree of touch and trophic disorders.

Diagnosis of the disease

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

The applied research methods are the following:

1. Radiography- provides a complete examination of the spine by assessing the condition of the vertebrae, existing abnormalities in the form of growths and curvatures.The specialist can determine the intervertebral spaces and the condition of the holes.In order to accurately identify osteochondrosis localized in the chest or neck area, 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 CTthey provide highly informative data that help to study the vertebrae in detail without interfering with the organs that cover them.The picture shows the nerves and the vascular system.MRI helps to identify the signs of many diseases of the spine and the location of the damage.The CT scan visualizes hernias and determines possible deviations in the structure of the spine.
3. Laboratory examinationto assess the condition and main parameters of the blood.It makes it possible to clarify the diagnosis and determine the possibility of simultaneous diseases.

In many cases, as a result of the tests, doctors diagnose the presence of certain underlying diseases, which are potentially dangerous due to their complications.We are talking, for example, about hernia, protrusion, radiculitis.Correct diagnosis of problems helps to treat osteochondrosis more effectively.At the same time, the disease itself is disguised as symptoms of other diseases in the first stage of development.

Therapeutic process

Osteochondrosis is treated conservatively or surgically.The choice depends on the severity of the condition, neglect, the degree of tissue deterioration and the reasons for its occurrence.

It is important to note that a complete cure of osteochondrosis is not possible, since there are no drugs that help to completely restore the discs and vertebrae.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 based on long-term tests.If you take these drugs for a long time (from the age of 3 months), partial restoration of cartilage and other elements of the connective type - the ligament-tendon apparatus, bursa - can be observed.

The accumulation of glucosamine and chondroitin in the area of the intervertebral discs leads to an analgesic, edema and anti-inflammatory effect.Therefore, there is a real opportunity to optimize the dosage of NSAIDs, glucocorticosteroids and muscle relaxants.You can count on a reduction in the patient's medication burden.

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 the cartilages.

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

1. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugshelps eliminate inflammatory disorders in the soft tissues caused by displacement of the vertebra.NSAIDs are effective in reducing pain, swelling, and stiffness.
2. Medicines belonging to the group of glucocorticosteroids– blocks are usually used together with an anesthetic.They are able to 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 breakdown.With an antispasmodic effect, they help skeletal muscles relax and block polysynaptic spine-type reflexes.
4. External products with a warming effect.The irritation of the receptors of the subcutaneous tissue by activating the blood flow is provided by special gels and ointments.These drugs have an analgesic and anti-edema effect.

Symptoms of the vertebrogenic type, which appear due to the localization of neck or chest pathology, can be eliminated by medical means to activate blood flow.Nootropics and drugs that improve microcirculation are also prescribed.In some cases, it may be necessary to take antidepressants and anticonvulsant drugs.

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