Types, symptoms and treatment of back osteochondrosis.

The musculoskeletal system is the most important part of our body. Back pain often causes the need to see a doctor.

The cause of regular back pain, stiffness of movements and muscle spasms is osteochondrosis of the back, a disease of the bone and cartilage tissues, as well as the musculoskeletal system, caused by various factors that affect the body.

Osteochondrosis of the back is a problem faced by many.

Etiology and pathogenesis of osteochondrosis.

Osteochondrosis of the back manifests itself gradually, latently affecting all new areas of the spine. Initially, changes occur in the structure of the cartilaginous discs of the vertebrae: they lose elasticity, the space between the vertebrae decreases, and the nerve endings of the spinal cord are violated.

The patient begins to experience back pain. Subsequently, the changes overcome smaller elements of the vertebral structure, bone tissue growths of a degenerative nature develop that impede the mobility of the spine, healthy cartilage cells are destroyed, the disease affects bones and ligaments. As a secondary effect, the deformation of the vertebrae causes an increase in the load on organs and arteries. This is due to the specificity of the blood supply: the displacement of the spinal segments causes compression of the vertebral artery and is ultimately the cause of a serious disturbance of blood flow in the central nervous system.

The main problem that causes a violation of the formation of the spine and the process of osteochondrosis is nutritional deficiency and decreased blood supply to the tissues of the bone structure. The reasons for development are many factors of external, internal influences and behavioral processes of a person.

Endogenous (internal) causes include:

• genetic factors of inheritance;
• violation of the metabolism of trace elements (phosphorus and calcium);
• characteristics of cartilage tissue;
• age-related changes in the body;
• overweight;
• orthopedic diseases.

As a result of exogenous (external) causes and lifestyle, osteochondrosis develops as a result of:

• low level of physical development of the back muscles;
• spinal injuries;
• incorrect posture, scoliosis;
• systematic incorrect or awkward posture;
• unbalanced diet, eating fatty junk food;
• uneven physical exertion, back strain;
• bad habits;
• constant stress.

The latent form of osteochondrosis can manifest itself by abrupt lifting of weights, jumps, falls, which will lead to microtrauma of the spinal disc and an infringement of the nerve root.

This is when the patient may first feel a sharp stabbing pain. In the future, the pain syndrome reappears over and over again with varying intensity. Affected nerve stem cells signal the need for urgent medical intervention.

Classification of the disease, main stages.

In medicine, osteochondrosis is classified according to the affected area of the spine:

• cervical;
• chest;
• lumbar and sacral region.

Osteochondrosis of the back is classified according to the affected area.

The main stages of the development of the disease:

1. The beginning of the development of osteochondrosis: microcracks are formed in the fibrous ring, moisture is lost from bone and cartilage tissue. The stage is manifested by a subtle discomfort in one of the areas of the spine after a physical effort or an uncomfortable position of the body.
2. The first painful attacks make themselves felt. In the second stage, the discs protrude, the disc space decreases, the fibrous capsule collapses, the nerve roots are pinched. Pain signals the process of metabolic disorders in cartilage tissue and its destruction. Ignoring the second stage of osteochondrosis becomes an impetus in cartilage inflammation and, as a result, in the infringement of nerve fibers, blood and lymphatic vessels.
3. In the third stage of the disease, the affected vertebrae are deformed, cartilage tissue is erased. With proper active treatment, further destruction of cartilage cells and spinal curvature can be stopped. But in the future, therapy and supportive care will become the patient's constant companions for normal physical activity.
4. Initiated osteochondrosis, which has passed to the last fourth stage of development, often becomes the cause of disability. All destructive processes are irreversible: significant displacement of the vertebral structure, compaction of cartilage tissues, pathological growth of bone tissue. The patient experiences sharp, sometimes excruciating pain with every movement.

Symptoms

Signs of the development of joint osteochondrosis are easy to confuse with other similar diseases in symptomatology. In addition, the manifestation symptoms for a separate sector of the vertebral structure have characteristic features.

The main symptoms of osteochondrosis include:

• stiffness when moving, creaking, creaking or heaviness;
• pain in the area of localization of inflammation (cervical, thoracic or lumbar) of different intensity and character;
• numbness of the limbs;
• muscle weakness, impaired performance;
• attacks of pain, radiating along the nerve channels to the associated parts of the body (shoulder, shoulder blade, leg).

Cervical osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis of the cervical sector is expressed in the following ailments:

• pain in the neck or back of the neck;
• dizziness;
• tinnitus, hearing and vision problems;
• slowness of the neck after sleeping or holding the same posture for a long time;
• painful sensations when turning the head.

With cervical osteochondrosis, dizziness and painful sensations can occur when turning the head. The appearance of the first painful sensations is observed in the back of the head and is similar to the head. Pressures of the inflamed cartilage on the nerve fibers, causing vasospasm.

Thoracic osteochondrosis

The development of thoracic osteochondrosis can be masked for a long time as cardiovascular diseases. Its characteristic symptoms:

• violation of tactile sensations and numbness of the limbs;
• tingling in the intercostal space;
• pain in the region of the heart, heart rhythm disturbances;
• restriction of respiratory functions, heaviness in the sternum;
• disturbance of the gastrointestinal tract (pancreatitis, swelling);
• radiates pain to the scapular region.

Lumbar osteochondrosis

Advanced progressive lumbar osteochondrosis can lead to disability. The inflamed area of the spine stops the supply of trace elements necessary to the lower extremities for the full functioning of the joints and muscles. Pinched nerve stem cells cause excruciating back pain and the use of drug therapy.

The main symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis include:

• numbness of the lower extremities;
• sore muscles, weakness;
• shaking chills;
• muscle spasms;
• reproductive system dysfunction;
• pain can be sharp or aching in the lower back, radiating to the leg.

Diagnostics

On average, there are 20 people with diagnosed osteochondrosis per 1000 inhabitants. A disease like osteochondrosis is difficult to diagnose in the early stages. Its symptoms are quite hidden and are clearly manifested only in 2-3 stages, when it is time for serious drug treatment.

If there is a suspicion of the development of osteochondrosis, first of all, it is necessary to resort to the consultation of a specialist and conduct a full examination for differential diagnosis and clarification of the diagnosis.

Doctors use three standard types of diagnosis:

1. Neurological.
2. Instrumental.
3. Laboratory.

The primary neurological examination of the patient is performed by a neurologist, who determines the category of nerve structures affected by the disease. Also, to exclude diseases of a different nature with similar symptoms, the patient can be sent to X-rays, ultrasound, MRI and ECG.

Laboratory (analysis)

Laboratory diagnostics have an advisory - auxiliary value. Blood tests show an increase in the erythrocyte sedimentation rate and a decrease in calcium levels. This means the course of pathological processes in the body, but does not indicate the details of their development. Therefore, this method is included in the full examination of the patient and its results are deciphered on the basis of other medical data.

Instrumental

Diagnostics using professional equipment provide the most accurate results on diseases of different nature. The main research tools are:

1. X-ray: reveals anatomical changes in bone, cartilage and nerve tissues.
2. MRI - Magnetic Resonance Imaging. It allows you to visualize the processes that occur in bones and soft tissues, blood vessels and nerve fibers.
3. CT (computed tomography) - Similar to MRI, but produces radiation.
4. Electromyography - can decipher neurological symptoms.

Traditional treatment

The treatment regimen for osteochondrosis is traditional. Its components are pharmacotherapy through various directions: NSAIDs, chondroprotectors, analgesics, hormonal agents and supportive vitamin complexes. In addition to the burden on the body with drugs in the fight against osteochondrosis, physiotherapy, manual therapy, reflexology, surgery, massage and preventive measures are used.

Drug therapy

It is instantly impossible to stop back pain due to osteochondrosis forever, but medical drug therapy will give your lower back a break. Powerful anesthetics and anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) will provide an analgesic effect and start the process of fighting inflammation in the spinal regions. Essential drugs for the treatment of back osteochondrosis:

1. Chondroprotectors are active substances that restore the elasticity of the cartilage tissue and the mobility of the vertebrae.
2. Muscle relaxants: calm the spasms of the muscular structure.
3. Vascular: improves blood circulation and metabolic processes.
4. Vitamin and antioxidant complexes.

Only when using a properly selected therapeutic complex can positive dynamics be achieved and the result is maintained for a long time.

In the treatment of back osteochondrosis, different forms of medication are used:

1. External remedies: ointments, creams, gels.
2. Preparations for internal consumption: capsules, tablets.
3. Medication injections.

Surgical intervention

Unfortunately, there are cases of osteochondrosis, when treatment time is wasted and drugs do not give the expected result, and the disease progresses. Then the only solution is surgery. The main reasons for the operation are:

1. Removal of an intervertebral hernia that compresses the spinal cord.
2. Reduction of the intervertebral fissure to 1/3 of the original size.

A physician may prescribe a referral for surgical intervention on the basis of a complete diagnostic image of the patient and the presence of direct indications for the removal of a pathological defect. In spinal surgery, the main place is occupied by the discectomy method - the surgical removal of a deformed disc. Instruments can be microdiscectomy, B-Twin system, or laser vaporization of the nucleus. Rehabilitation after spinal surgery lasts six months.

Gymnastics

An excellent supportive therapy for the treatment of osteochondrosis is gymnastics or exercise therapy. Regular exercise will help:

1. Strengthen the muscular corset - this is necessary for an even load on the spine.
2. Provides stimulation of blood circulation to saturate bone and muscle tissue.
3. Develop the correct posture.

It is important to remember that the exercises must be adapted to the diagnosis and comply with the following principles:

1. Regularity of execution.
2. Smoothness of movement, lack of jerkiness.
3. If painful sensations arise, you need to reduce the load or stop the exercise.
4. Monitor your well-being.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is indicated in patients with back osteochondrosis to relieve inflammation and is performed in places where the disease is concentrated. Treatment courses contribute to:

1. Increasing the resistance of the body.
2. Restoration of metabolism in the affected sector.
3. Relief of pain and swelling.
4. Improving the circulation of blood vessels.

To choose a physiotherapeutic method of treating osteochondrosis, you need to clearly define the desired result. Mainly used:

1. Laser therapy.
2. Ultrasonic exposure.
3. Electrical stimulation.
4. Magnetotherapy.

Diet

There is no single diet option for patients with osteochondrosis. However, the doctors unanimously agreed that it is categorically not recommended to use the products of the following categories with this diagnosis:

1. Fatty broth soups.
2. Pork and other fatty meats.
3. Bird animal fats (goose, duck).
4. Coffee, alcoholic beverages with caffeine.

Also, alcohol and sweets are limited on the menu.

As an example of a diet, you can take diet number 15. It includes all the vital macronutrients, minerals, vitamins and carbohydrates. The energy value of the correct menu should be at the level of 2600-2700 kcal, which is equivalent to 85-90 g of protein, 350-400 g of carbohydrates and 90-95 g of fat.

Thus, the ideal menu for a patient with osteochondrosis is a combination of non-nutritious balanced foods rich in vitamins and minerals. Meals are divided into small portions 6 times.

Traditional treatment

Home remedies are often used at home to relieve inflammation, eliminate pain and muscle spasms, and generally strengthen the body. There are many recipes for decoctions and infusions of traditional medicine, which are used in three main ways:

• rubbing;
• compresses
• herbal baths.

Daily use allows you to get rid of discomfort in 10-14 days. Conventionally, home remedies can be divided into systemic and local effects on the body.

System Tools

To affect the whole body and spine, you can use natural systemic preparations in the form of decoctions.

An example of a positive effect is the action of a decoction of yarrow, which relieves pain, fights inflammation and soothes.

Local funds

Local remedies for popular formulations include ointments, compress infusions, and rubs. These funds should be mixed according to the recipe and applied to the inflamed area, but only if there is no allergy to the components and damage to the skin. Among popular compositions, special attention is paid to honey compresses, ginger ointment on pharmacy calendula tincture, a mixture of banana and sage herbs, rubbing with horseradish with vodka.

To choose an effective method and a prescription, you should consult your doctor, since home treatment methods are only an integral part of general therapy and have only an auxiliary effect.

Prophylaxis

Therapeutic therapy for back diseases cannot be successful in the long term without preventive measures. Even the most effective and expensive medication does not guarantee the reappearance of symptoms as a result of the return to daily stress on the body. Therefore, the positive effect must be consolidated and maintained by means of a few simple rules:

1. Do not lift weights greater than 10 kg.
2. Control the even distribution of the load on the back muscles.
3. Observe rationality and balance in nutrition.
4. Take restorative vitamins and active supplements (mucopolysaccharides).
5. Develop a regimen to change rest and work.
6. Be physically active.

Remember that this category of disease is latent in nature. Therefore, when making a diagnosis, osteochondrosis of the back should not be allowed to run its course, even in the absence of obvious symptoms. Following all the doctor's recommendations and home care allows you to return to normal functioning after treatment more quickly, but constant monitoring is necessary to prevent an exacerbation.