Osteochondrosis: symptoms, causes, methods of treatment

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

Osteochondrosis - what is it?

Osteochondrosis is a recurrent disease that occurs in a chronic form and is associated with destruction of vertebrae with intervertebral discs. Their tissues are disturbed, which provokes a decrease in their degree of elasticity, followed by a change in shape. There is a gradual decrease in the intervertebral space. This causes a loss of spinal stability in the areas of pathology development.

Pathological tissue destruction processes occur against the background of suppressed nerve endings running from the area where the spinal cord is located. As a result, the back muscles are in constant tension. In such a situation, patients complain of back pain and other symptoms.

Based on the features of the localization of the structures of the spine, which were covered by degenerative changes, the types of cervix, thorax and lumbosacral of the pathological process are distinguished. The main symptom of the development of osteochondrosis is pain, the intensity and severity of which usually increases during physical exertion.

There is also stiffness in motion. Moreover, the clinical picture is characterized by the presence of signs of the vertebral type - headache, changes in blood pressure, deterioration of visual function, hearing, etc.

Development Mechanism

The development of osteochondrosis is associated with the fact that the pulposus nucleus begins to lose its hydrophilic qualities. This semi-liquid structure contains connective tissue fibers and chondroitin, a gelatinous substance. In the process of development of the human body and its growth, the processes of vascular bed reduction in intervertebral discs are actively continuing. Nutrients are supplied in a diffuse manner, which is manifested in spontaneous stabilization of concentration. This feature becomes the reason for the difficulties in the complete restoration of the cartilage that has suffered injuries or excessive pressure on the spine.

Pathological abnormalities become more striking due to violations in the hormonal background and human nutrition. Cartilage tissue begins to lack the nutrients required for its normal development. Therefore, the disorders appear in the form:

• decrease in strength and elasticity;
• varies in stability parameters and configuration properties.

Against the background of flattening of the intervertebral discs, radial cracks form in the anus fibrosus. As a result, the intervertebral distance is reduced, and the facial joints begin to shift. Over time, pathological changes cover the types of connective tissue associated with fibrous rings and ligaments.

As tissues are broken down by the immune system, increased amounts of immunoglobulins are produced. This provokes the development of the process of aseptic inflammation, edema is formed in the area where the facial joints are located. They also spread to adjacent soft tissues.

Due to the extension of the joint capsules, the intervertebral discs lose their ability to adjust the vertebrae. Such instability of the position of the spinal structure increases the risks of pinching the nerve roots or squeezing the blood vessels. This feature is typical, for example, of cervical osteochondrosis, which is accompanied by severe verbal symptoms.

Causes of the disease

The condition of the intervertebral discs may be aggravated by a reduced skeletal muscle tone in the spine. Due to the irrational and asymmetrical work of the muscles, with prolonged maintenance of the abnormal position of the body, destruction of cartilage tissue can occur. This violation is the result of wearing 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 external and internal nature. These include:

• disorders of the endocrine mechanism and metabolic disorders;
• pathology of an infectious nature, included in a chronic form;
• spinal cord injuries in the form of compression fractures, bruises;
• regular and prolonged hypothermia of the body;
• diseases of the systemic and degenerative-dystrophic type - gout, psoriatic, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis;
• smoking and alcohol abuse, which disrupts the state of the vascular system, impairs blood circulation and provokes a lack of nutrients in the cartilage;
• Insufficient physical development, behavioral problems, flat feet - these defects increase the load on the spine, as depreciation will be insufficient;
• mbipesha;
• genetic predisposition;
• exposure to regular stress.

Symptoms

The main clinical sign of osteochondrosis of any localization (cervical, thoracic or lumbosacral) is pain syndrome. With a relapse, the pain is penetrating, radiating to nearby areas of the body. Even with a slight movement, it intensifies. This forces the patient to place the torso in a forced position to minimize discomfort and soreness:

• with osteochondrosis of the cervix, it will be preferable not to turn one head, but the whole body;
• when the form of the disease in the chest, it is difficult for the patient to breathe deeply, and therefore, to exclude acute chest pain, he tries to minimize the depth and frequency of breathing;
• in patients with a lumbar disease, difficulties arise when sitting, taking an upright position, moving, as the spinal nerve is tight.

Typically, patients complain of the presence of dull, persistent pain and a feeling of stiffness in the morning movements after waking up. In this case, differential diagnosis will be required to help rule out the risks of developing myositis caused by skeletal spine muscle inflammation or osteoarthritis.

Pain and compression pain occur due to compensatory tension in muscle tissue. This condition is necessary to stabilize the area of ​​spinal movement. Persistent mild or moderate pain may appear with a considerable stretching of the intervertebral disc, and result from aseptic inflammatory changes.

Osteochondrosis of a specific localization is characterized by specific symptoms:

1. With cervical osteochondrosis, pain is felt in the area of ​​the cervix, in the upper limbs. Headache and numbness of the fingers are noticed. If the disease appears in a serious form, then constriction of the vertebral artery can occur. In this case, the patient begins to complain of a significant deterioration in health.
2. Thoracic localization is manifested by acute and painful back pain, visceral pain syndrome is present in the region of the heart, right hypochondrium and abdomen. Patients complain of numbness, skin paresthesia, shortness of breath, chewing on the vertebrae.
Patients with lumbar osteochondrosis complain of pain in the back and lower extremities with increased intensity when moving. Often, disorders in the functioning of the organs of the genitourinary system, problems with male potency, dysfunction of the dysfunctional ovaries are diagnosed. During forgiveness, the pain may subside. However, the influence of a provocative factor leads to its renewal.
3. When mixed osteochondrosis occurs, the symptomatology 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 vertebral displacement and osteophyte formation cause compression of the vertebral artery. It nourishes the brain, providing its cells with an oxygen component. When squeezed, food is limited, and therefore the patient has problems with coordination, headaches, tinnitus, and hypertension.

Consequences if left untreated

The reason for the complicated course of osteochondrosis is the relatively rapid formation of hernias in the intervertebral discs. Their appearance is accompanied by displacement of the vertebral structure in the posterior direction. This provokes a rupture of the posterior ligament of the longitudinal type, which results in the instability of the position of the disc, the emergence of its individual parts in the region of the spinal canal. Rupture of a hernia occurs when a disc with a pulposus nucleus penetrates the canal area.

With the appearance of pathological abnormalities in the vertebral structures, the back of the brain begins to squeeze, the patient develops discogenic myelopathy. The symptoms of this condition are accompanied by numbness and weakness in certain muscle groups of the upper and lower extremities. Paresis, muscle atrophy and tendon reflexes are manifested. In some cases, there are problems with emptying the bladder, with the intestines.

Herniated discs are dangerous by compressing the arteries that supply the spinal cord. The result of this pathology is the formation of ischemic areas, where nerve cells have suffered damage and death. The manifestation of the neurological effect is expressed in the dysfunctions of motor function, the decrease of the degree of touch and the disorder of trophism.

Disease Diagnosis

The initial diagnosis is made based on the patient's complaints and symptoms. The specialist studies the condition of the spine in different positions, suggesting that the patient be at rest or in motion. In the next stage, the patient is directed to laboratory diagnostics, which will help clarify the diagnosis or disprove it.

Search methods used include:

1. Radiography- provides a thorough examination of the spine with an assessment of the condition of the vertebrae, existing disorders in the form of growths, curvatures. The specialist will be able to determine the intervals of the intervertebral type, the condition of the holes. To accurately identify osteochondrosis, located in the chest or cervical 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. The method of tomography by MRI or CTprovides very informative data, which help to study the vertebrae in detail without interfering with the shape of the organs that cover them. The photo shows the nerves and the vascular system. MRI helps to identify the signs of many spinal diseases and the location of the injury. With CT, hernias are visualized, possible deviations in the structure of the spine are determined.
3. Laboratory examinationto assess 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 diagnose the presence of certain diseases in the background, potentially dangerous for their complications. We are talking, for example, about hernias, discharges, sciatica. Accurate diagnosis of problems helps in the effective treatment of osteochondrosis. At the same time, the disease itself in the early stages of development is disguised as symptoms of other diseases.

Therapeutic process

Osteochondrosis is treated conservatively or with surgery. The choice depends on the severity of the condition, its negligence, the level of tissue deterioration and the causes.

important it is important to remember that it is not possible to completely cure osteochondrosis, as there is no medicine to help complete recovery of discs and vertebrae. The therapeutic effect is focused on inhibiting the process of destruction and increasing the duration and durability of remission.

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

The effectiveness of the therapeutic process with the use of chondroprotectors has been clinically confirmed on the basis of long-term tests. If you receive these funds for a long time of 3 months, then there is a partial restoration of cartilage and other connecting elements - ligamento-tendon apparatus, bursa.

Accumulation of glucosamine and chondroitin in the area of ​​intervertebral discs leads to the appearance of analgesic, anti-edematous and anti-inflammatory effects. Therefore, there is a real possibility to optimize the dosage of NSAIDs, glucocorticosteroid group drugs, muscle relaxants. You can count on reducing the drug load on the patient.

The effectiveness of chondroprotectors is determined by the regularity of their reception. Otherwise, there will be no result. Ineffectiveness is also recorded in the treatment of grade 3 osteochondrosis, accompanied by significant cartilage destruction.

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

1. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugshelp eliminate inflammatory disorders in the soft tissues caused by vertebral displacement. NSAIDs are effective in reducing pain, swelling and stiffness.
2. Glucocorticosteroid group drugs- blockades are usually used in combination with an anesthetic. They are able to relieve pain, restore the immune mechanism and give an anti-exudative effect.
3. Muscle relaxants.They are effective in combating muscle spasms due to nerve blockage. They help relax skeletal muscles and block polysynaptic spinal reflexes with an antispasmodic effect.
4. External remedies with heating effect. Irritation of subcutaneous tissue receptors by activating blood flow is provided by special gels and oils. These drugs have analgesic and anti-edematous effects.

it is possible to eliminate the symptoms of the vertebrogenic type, which manifests itself as a result of localization of the pathology in the area of ​​the cervix or chest, using medical devices to activate blood flow. Nootropics and medicines to improve microcirculation are also prescribed. In some cases, you may need to take antidepressant medication as well as pharmaceutical products with anticonvulsants.

Physical therapy is also used to treat osteochondrosis. The procedures of UHF therapy, magnetotherapy, laser therapy, reflexology, massage, exercise therapy, hirudotherapy, as well as swimming and yoga can be described. If conservative treatment is ineffective, surgery is performed using microdiscectomy, drilling disc evaluation, laser reconstruction, or implant replacement.