What is osteochondrosis and treatment. Main symptoms of osteochondrosis

Content

Back and neck injuries, heavy physical activity, sedentary lifestyle, pregnancy, elderly age– all these are the causes of diseases of the spine, the support of the human body. The symptoms of osteochondrosis, cervical, thoracic or lumbar, are different, so any, even subtle signs cannot be ignored. The sooner treatment begins, the faster recovery will occur. If you notice the first manifestations of the disease, consult a doctor and get examined.

What is osteochondrosis

One of the most diagnosed diseases of the spine is osteochondrosis, symptoms of which occur in every 3rd person after 35 years. It affects mainly older, overweight people, former athletes or workers whose professional activities involve heavy workloads. Statistics from recent years show that the disease is getting younger. Girls and boys who prefer to lead a sedentary lifestyle no longer surprise doctors with complaints of back pain.

Osteochondrosis is a disease of the spine in which degenerative-dystrophic damage to the intervertebral discs occurs. If left untreated, the destruction of the vertebrae themselves begins, which leads to disability, atrophy and paralysis of the limbs. This problem can also result in a stroke spinal cord, radiculitis, kyphosis, protrusion. At the first signs of illness, you should seek help from a doctor.

Each degree of this dystrophic disorder of the spine is characterized by its own symptoms and signs. There are four stages in total. At the first stage, pathological changes occur, expressed in dehydration and a decrease in height intervertebral disc. At the second stage, sagging of the vertebral muscles and ligaments is recorded, and spondylolisthesis (displacement, curvature of the disc) is diagnosed. The third stage is characterized by the appearance of disc prolapses and protrusions. At the last stage, deformation of the vertebrae occurs, on which bone growths grow - osteophytes.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of osteochondrosis depend on what stage of development it is at. The type of disease also plays an important role. Osteochondrosis affects different parts of the spine: cervical, thoracic, lumbar. The patient may not associate some symptoms with the spine, for example, heart pain or headaches, numbness in the fingers and toes. The patient complains that his neck hurts or his chest hurts. It is very important to seek help from a hospital. Treatment of the disease lasts about 3 months, plus a year is given for rehabilitation.

The most common symptoms of osteochondrosis:

back pain between the shoulder blades;
dizziness;
feeling of a lump in the throat;
nausea;
loss of sensation in the limbs;
elevated temperature;
numbness of the limbs.

Cervical osteochondrosis

If we consider the signs by type of disease, then problems with the cervical vertebrae are dangerous due to their proximity to the brain. Here there is a partial blocking of the blood vessels carrying blood to the head. Symptoms of osteochondrosis cervical region spine are:

dizziness;
blurred vision;
noise in ears;
“drifts” when walking;
pain in the back of the head, arms, shoulders.

Thoracic osteochondrosis

This type of disease affects the heart, causing the patient to complain of the following symptoms:

pain in the chest, back, shoulders;
heart pain;
angina pectoris;
feeling of a lump in the throat;
attacks of shortness of breath;
stuffiness of breathing;
numbness of arms and legs.

Lumbar osteochondrosis

Disease affecting lower section spine, entails problems with the pelvic organs. Suffering sexual function. Signs of lumbar osteochondrosis are:

pain in the area of the coccyx, sacrum, lower back;
muscle spasms in the thighs, calves, buttocks;
shooting in the legs;
numbness of the limbs;
poor joint mobility;
exacerbation of diseases of the genitourinary system.

Symptoms of wandering osteochondrosis

This concept means osteochondrosis that develops in two parts of the spine, for example, the cervicothoracic type of the disease. In this case, the patient will feel painful signs that appear in one place of the back, then in another, i.e. the location of the pain will move. In this case, the patient can diagnose himself with a dysfunction of cardio-vascular system and even take medications to treat this problem, what to do without medical examination it is forbidden.

Signs of osteochondrosis

Depending on what the disease affects, doctors distinguish four groups of syndromes, each of which is characterized by its own symptoms. The syndromes of osteochondrosis are as follows:

Static syndrome. This concept refers to a change in the shape of the spine. A violation of posture occurs: a person begins to slouch, hunch over, and lower one shoulder lower than the other. Scoliosis appears.
Neurological syndrome. The disease affects the nervous system. A person complains of tingling and numbness. Neurological symptoms develop into complications such as paralysis or seizures.
Vascular syndrome. Here we are talking about compression of blood vessels by the processes of the vertebra. This situation is often observed with the cervical form of the disease. The result is poor circulation, oxygen starvation of the brain, leading to clouding, dizziness, nausea, loss of hearing and vision. With thoracic or lumbar osteochondrosis, chronic ischemia of internal organs is observed.
Trophic syndrome. Characterized by insufficient nutrition of tissues with essential substances. As a result, ulcers, inflammation and other defects appear on the skin.

Every person who has felt pain in the back, lumbar, thoracic or cervical spine at least once in their life. The first pain symptoms and signs of pathological disorders of articular cartilage appear in people of middle age after 30-35 years.

Symptomatic signs of osteochondrosis do not distinguish between a person’s gender, and therefore can affect the spinal vertebrae in both men and women. However, there is a sad tendency towards rejuvenation of osteochondrosis in children of middle and high school age.

The International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision, defines osteochondrosis as a class of diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissues. ICD code – M42 (group of deforming dorsopathies). According to ICD10, osteochondrosis is divided into several more categories:

Juvenile osteochondrosis of the spine (ICD10-M42.0).
Osteochondrosis of the spine in adults (ICD10-M42.1).
Spinal osteochondrosis, unspecified (ICD10-M42.9).

The causes of osteochondrosis are associated with metabolic disorders in the connective tissues of articular cartilage, characterized in the ligamentous apparatus of the musculoskeletal system and a general disorder of the musculoskeletal system in the structural segments of the spine.

Pain syndrome occurs as a result of a deformational violation of the integrity of the intervertebral discs, leading to axial displacement of the vertebrae, and as a result, occurs in the spinal canals. Symptoms and signs of osteochondrosis can affect any department spinal system, sometimes developing over several years, they do not cause a person any discomfort.

In most cases, the causes of osteochondrosis are associated with a person’s professional activity. The risk group includes the following professional categories:

accountant;
cashiers;
IT workers;
office employees;
professional athletes;
vehicle drivers.

However, it has been noted that signs of osteochondrosis appear much more often in women than in representatives of the stronger sex. Many medical experts agree that the cause of osteochondrosis is prolonged wearing of high-heeled shoes. As a rule, the first symptoms of neurological diseases are diagnosed in women after 25 years of age.

There are often cases when the causes of osteochondrosis are caused by pregnancy. A person’s lifestyle is of no small importance. People prone to obesity make up the largest percentage of patients in neurological clinics. Human height is also very important. It is in such patients that osteochondrosis of the spinal ridge is most often diagnosed.

In general, predictive factors for the development of the disease include:

obesity;
physiological aging of the musculoskeletal system;
metabolic disease;
traumatic conditions of the spine;
infection of the articular components of the spinal column;
poor nutrition;
hard physical labor;
sedentary lifestyle.

However, the most significant cause-and-effect factor in the development of neurological pathology is a person’s hereditary (genetic) predisposition to joint diseases, which makes itself felt already in childhood or adolescence.

Development of the disease

With osteochondrosis, symptoms and treatment are determined depending on the severity of the disease. Thus, the development of osteochondrosis has 4 stages of the disease:

The first stage is the onset of pathological neuralgia, characterized by dehydration of the nucleus pulposus in the intervertebral disc. As a result of this, microcracks appear in the fibrous ring. The signs and symptoms of osteochondrosis at this stage of development of neurological pathology do not cause a person much discomfort. Only in the case of active physical activities are the affected parts of the spinal column bothered.
The second stage of a diagnostic laboratory examination is determined by a decrease in the height of the intervertebral discs and their distance from each other. Classic sign pathological condition– this is the beginning of sagging of the ligaments in the musculoskeletal system. Symptoms of grade 2 osteochondrosis - uncomfortable pain even with minor physical exertion, when aching or nagging pain occurs in the affected area of the supporting system.
The third stage is a partial restriction of the mobility of the articular segments of the spine. At this stage of development of neurological pathology, prolapse and disc protrusion occur. In some cases, arthrosis forms in the intervertebral joints. Depending on the location of the affected area, the patient feels pain symptoms of osteochondrosis in the neck, back or lumbar region.
The fourth stage is the most difficult neurological disorders in the spinal system, expressed in partial or complete limitation of joint mobility. With this diagnostic condition, bone growths (osteophytes) form at the site of the vertebral joints, which cause microtrauma to the nerve branches and adjacent segments of the spine. In most cases, the symptoms of grade 4 osteochondrosis do not cause pain or discomfort, as the joints take on a fossilized appearance.

Attention! To avoid complicating neurological conditions and restore joint mobility in time, it is necessary to promptly identify the symptoms of osteochondrosis, the treatment of which will be much more effective in the initial phase of the disease.

Kinds

In neurology, osteochondrosis is divided into several types:

Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spinal system.
Lumbosacral osteochondrosis of the spinal column.

There is also general osteochondrosis of the back, when several parts of the musculoskeletal system are affected.

Symptoms

Let's consider what are the causes of osteochondrosis, and what symptoms of neurological disease appear in a particular affected area.

Cervical osteochondrosis, symptoms and signs:

Painful symptoms in the cervical and occipital areas.
Weakness in the neck muscles.
Dizziness and headache in the temporal and/or occipital zone.
Unstable intracranial pressure.
Appears when tilting and/or turning the head.
Pain in the shoulders or forearm.
Numbness upper limbs, especially the fingers.

For neuralgic pathology thoracic spine, osteochondrosis manifests itself the following symptoms and signs:

Pain in the heart area.
Painful symptoms in the chest limit breathing.
Radiating pain under the shoulder blades.
Goosebumps crawling all over your body.
Compression of the chest area and numbness of the limbs.

Before treating osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, it is necessary to clearly diagnose the neurological pathology, since the symptomatic signs are very similar to other diseases of the respiratory, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems.

Osteochondrosis of the back is the most common category of neurological disorder of the spinal system. The affected area includes the sacral and/or lumbar regions musculoskeletal structure of the spine.

With osteochondrosis of the back, symptoms, causes and treatment must be determined differentiated, since this anatomical site human body most vulnerable to various injuries and neurological conditions. Often the vertebral region of the lower back is subject to other clinical pathologies, for example, sciatica, radiculitis, and so on.

The main sign of neurological damage to the lumbar region is pain that increases with physical activity. Symptoms of spinal osteochondrosis:

Tingling in the legs.
Dull or aching pain in the back or lower back, often accompanied by sharp lumbago in these areas.

It is important to know! Intervertebral degeneration in any part of the musculoskeletal system almost always intensifies after active loads, prolonged stay in one position, awkward movements, and in case of hypothermia.

Osteochondrosis in children does not differ in pain symptoms from adult patients. Degenerative-dystrophic disorders in a child are a consequence of the genetic dependence of the musculoskeletal system. However, there is another cause of osteochondrosis in a child, when the young body comes under the influence of severe overloads of the musculoskeletal system. We are talking about professional sports or backbreaking physical labor performed by children.

Diagnostics

The diagnostic examination includes the following activities:

Patient's history.
X-ray scanning of problem areas of the spine.
Myelography.
or magnetic resonance imaging.
If necessary, nuclear magnetic resonance is used.

Treatment

It is possible to effectively cure degenerative disorders of the spine only by initial stage illness, when there are no complicating factors, and clearly defining the causes of osteochondrosis. Treatment of neuralgic disease involves a comprehensive medical approach to the problem.

At the initial stage, a medicinal effect is applied to the articular cartilage, and physiotherapeutic procedures will help restore the lost plasticity of the musculoskeletal system. The final stage of all treatment of the musculoskeletal system is compliance with therapeutic and preventive measures.

Having established the symptoms, signs and causes of osteochondrosis, treatment of neuralgic pathology begins with conservative therapy to eliminate pain and relieve inflammatory tension in the tissue structure of the spine. Cupping pain symptom carry out various therapeutic blockades, epidural, papavertebral, facet and other actions. Medical workers are provided with a wide range of medications pharmacological groups and drugs that help relieve pain and reduce muscle-tonic syndrome. Restore the activity of the vertebral bodies with the help of physiotherapy:

application of low frequency currents;
ultrasonic correction;
laser irradiation and so on.

During the recovery treatment and prophylactic period, the use of massage (hydromassage) and physical therapy (physical therapy) is very effective, which strengthen the muscular corset of the lower back, thoracic or cervical spine, and also promote decompression of the nerve roots.

Medicines (tablets and drugs)

Anti-inflammatory medications:

Ibuprofen.
Pantohematogen.
Reoprin.

Antispasmodic pharmacological forms:

Baclofen.
Sirdalud.
Miolastan.
Drotoverin.

Drugs belonging to the group of antioxidants:

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid).
Vitamin N (thioctic acid).
Vitamin E (tocopherol).

Pharmacological combinations intended for blood microcirculation:

Nicotinic acid (vitamin B3).
Actovegin.
Trental, etc.

Drugs that help eliminate degenerative processes in the cartilage structure of tissues:

Hyaluronic acid.
Alflutop.
Piaskledin.
Diacerin.

In case of ineffectiveness of drug therapy, surgical intervention is provided through surgical correction of problem areas of the spine.

Proper therapeutic nutrition is of great importance, as it increases the activity of medications treatment. Special conditions when choosing a diet does not exist. Dietary recommendations are based only on limiting certain foods and maintaining a balanced diet. The foods consumed should provide the body with the necessary range of beneficial vitamin and mineral components, with a minimum amount of salt.

Fresh vegetables (carrots, cabbage, onions, tomatoes, cucumbers and other agricultural gifts of nature).
Dairy and fermented milk products (kefir, fermented baked milk, cottage cheese, sour cream).
Dietary lean meat and fish.
Fresh fruits and juices.
Mushrooms, nuts, sunflower seeds.

Foods that should be limited in your daily diet:

Grape.
Bean products.
Sugar, salt, smoked and pickled products.
Spicy seasonings, tea, coffee, flour products and so on.

It is important to know that daily consumption of two liters of purified water will stimulate the work of the joint elements of the spine, and also improve the motility of the gastrointestinal tract.

Traditional medicine recipes

Treatment with traditional medicine is an alternative way to influence the articular structure of the spine. However, such treatment must be carried out in conjunction with officially prescribed drug therapy.

Recipe No. 1. Sabelnik. Alcohol tincture from a herbaceous perennial plant, you can rub problem areas of the spine. For 200 g of dry raw materials, take 500 ml of alcohol or an alcohol-containing product.

Recipe No. 2. Homemade ointment from osteochondrosis. Ingredients:

flour - 1 tbsp. l.;
chicken egg – 1 pc.;
butter – 80 g;
table vinegar (9%) – 1 tbsp. l.

All medicinal components mix thoroughly and place in a dry and dark place for 2–3 days. The medicinal product is rubbed into problem areas of the spinal corset.

Recipe No. 3. Black radish tincture. To prepare the healing composition, you need:

100 ml of vodka or diluted alcohol;
200 g of natural beekeeping product (honey);
300 ml fresh black radish juice.

All ingredients are mixed and infused for 12 hours. This homemade compress will be effective means treatment not only for osteochondrosis, but also will help with other neurological disorders of the musculoskeletal system, for example, with radiculitis or rheumatism of the joints of the skeletal frame.

According to statistics, the pathology occurs in 9 out of 10 people aged 50 years and older. Previously, osteochondrosis was associated with older age. Today the disease is “getting younger”; it can affect people aged 20-30 years and even younger.

The human spine consists on average of 33 vertebrae: 7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 sacral, 3 - 5 coccygeal. All vertebrae, except the sacral and coccygeal, are separated by intervertebral discs. They provide a spring function - shock absorption while walking, running, jumping. In the center of each disc there is an elastic nucleus pulposus, and on the periphery it is surrounded by a denser fibrous ring.

Causes of osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis is the result of a combination of several causes. The main factors that lead to the development of the disease:

Age-related changes in the spine.
Spinal column injuries.
Sedentary lifestyle.
Excessive stress on the spine.
Excess body weight.
Impaired blood flow in the vertebrae.
Autoimmune diseases.
Poor posture, scoliosis.
Working for a long time in a monotonous, uncomfortable position.

With osteochondrosis, the intervertebral disc is gradually destroyed and its height decreases. The distance between the vertebrae is reduced, as a result of which the roots of the spinal cord are compressed. As a result of compression and poor circulation, an inflammatory process develops. Later, changes begin to occur in the vertebrae. They become deformed and bone outgrowths form on them - osteophytes.

Symptoms of osteochondrosis

Manifestations of osteochondrosis depend on which part of the spinal column is affected. Cervical osteochondrosis manifests itself in the form of pain that can occur in the neck, in the suboccipital region, in the shoulder, and chest. The neck muscles become tense. The head takes a certain position in which the pain is not so strong. The range of movement in the neck is limited.

At cervical osteochondrosis humeroscapular periarteritis may develop: inflammation of the tissues surrounding shoulder joint. In this case, there arise aching pain in the shoulder. Vertebral artery syndrome is a disorder of blood circulation in the arteries that run in the neck and carry blood to the brain. There is pain in the back of the head, which usually begins in the morning, spreading to the back of the head, the crown.

Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine manifests itself in the form of pain between the shoulder blades. The patient feels as if his chest is being squeezed from the outside. Sometimes the pain is girdling in nature and appears as if in a circle throughout the chest. It often occurs in the heart area, under the ribs.

The main symptom of lumbar osteochondrosis is pain in the lower back, radiating to the leg. Sometimes pain may occur only in the lower back or only in the leg. The leg muscles on the affected leg become weaker, and the patient notes that he is “dragging his leg.” Gradually, the muscles decrease in size and atrophy occurs. Skin sensitivity is impaired. She becomes pale and dry. The patient takes a forced position: his lower back bends in a position in which pain bothers him less.

What can you do?

Usually, the first sign of osteochondrosis occurs after hypothermia, intense physical activity, prolonged work in an uncomfortable position, or sleeping on an uncomfortable pillow. If there is no treatment, then the signs of osteochondrosis increase over time, the condition worsens, and performance decreases. It is necessary to consult a doctor as soon as possible and begin therapy.

With osteochondrosis, complete recovery cannot be achieved. But you can slow down the process and significantly improve the condition.

What can a doctor do?

A neurologist and neurosurgeon are involved in the treatment of osteochondrosis. During exacerbations, treatment is carried out in a hospital. Bed rest, anti-inflammatory and painkillers, and drugs to improve blood flow in small vessels are prescribed. Dry heat is applied to the area of the affected spine.

Between exacerbations, treatment is carried out, including massage, physical therapy, physiotherapy.

Sometimes traction is performed: the patient is placed on a bed with the head end raised. For cervical osteochondrosis, a special cap is put on the head, from which weights of a certain weight are hung. For thoracic osteochondrosis, weights are used, suspended on rings by the armpits.

If the disease is accompanied by severe compression of the spinal roots and dysfunction, the doctor decides on surgical treatment. During the operation, pathologically altered intervertebral discs are removed and the vertebrae are fixed using various structures.

Good day, dear readers!

In today's article we will look at such a disease of the spine as osteochondrosis, as well as its symptoms, causes, types, diagnosis, treatment and prevention. So...

What is osteochondrosis?

Osteochondrosis– a disease of the spine, a characteristic feature of which is degenerative-dystrophic damage to the intervertebral discs, and then to the vertebral tissues themselves.

The main symptom of osteochondrosis is pain in the neck or back. Other symptoms include muscle atrophy, sensory disturbances, and disturbances in the functioning of internal organs. Depending on location pathological process distinguish between cervical, thoracic and lumbar osteochondrosis. If this disease and its treatment are not given the necessary attention, the process of damage to the spine will become irreversible.

In the English-language literature, the term “osteochondrosis” refers to a group of diseases of the musculoskeletal system such as osteochondropathy.

The main factor or reason that leads to the development of osteochondrosis is the uneven distribution of the load on the spine, which occurs when carrying heavy objects in one hand or shoulder (for example, a bag, a backpack), prolonged sitting in an incorrect position, night rest on uneven ground. mattress or pillow. Additional factors may also include a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, injury and flat feet.

All of the above situations lead to frequent pain in the cervical, thoracic or sacral spine over the years.

According to statistics, osteochondrosis occurs in 40 to 90% of the world's population, mainly between the ages of 30-35 years. Under unfavorable conditions, this disease develops in adolescents, which is most often facilitated by wearing a heavy, uncomfortable backpack, especially on one shoulder, uncomfortable shoes and injury.

Osteochondrosis. ICD

ICD-10: M42, M91-M93;
ICD-9: 732.

The development of osteochondrosis occurs in 4 distinct stages (degrees):

Osteochondrosis stage 1. It is characterized by the onset of a pathological process in the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc - its dehydration (dehydration) occurs, and subsequently the height of the disc decreases. At the same time, cracks begin to appear in the fibrous ring. At this stage, the patient usually does not feel any changes. Discomfort may occur when sitting in a sitting position that is unusual for a person, or when actively exercising.

Osteochondrosis stage 2. As the height of the discs decreases, the distance between adjacent vertebrae also decreases, and the spinal muscles and ligaments begin to sag slightly. This process causes hypermobility of two adjacent vertebrae, which can lead to their slipping and/or displacement. Spondylolisthesis is formed. Due to displaced vertebrae, the patient, under a certain load, feels real discomfort and sometimes pain in the area of pathology.

Osteochondrosis stage 3. It is characterized by the formation of prolapses and protrusions of discs, sometimes subluxations and subluxations occur in the intervertebral joints. The patient may feel stiffness in some movements, tingling in the limbs, and sometimes numbness appears. With the 3rd degree of osteochondrosis, there is already pain in the back, neck, and tailbone area, depending on the location of the disease.

Osteochondrosis stage 4. The body is trying to correct excessive mobility of the vertebrae, as well as normalize the functioning of the spine. At the junction of vertebrae with pathology, new bone formations grow on each of them - osteophytes, which, when formed in the wrong place, can cause microtraumas nerve root, and sometimes to the neighboring vertebra. Fibrous ankylosis may begin in the discs and joints. The vertebral-motor segment becomes overgrown and becomes, as it were, walled up. In this case, the main signs of osteochondrosis are minimized, and sometimes even practically not noticeable.

Symptoms of osteochondrosis

The main symptoms of osteochondrosis are discomfort and pain in the back or neck. Severity of pain and other associated symptoms of this disease depend on the degree (stage) of osteochondrosis.

Of course, due to the pathology of the intervertebral discs, their hernia, growths on the vertebrae (osteophytes), a large number of disorders, such as circulatory disorders, pinched nerves, irritation and disturbances in the normal functioning of the spinal cord, swelling and even fibrosis of the structures surrounding the vertebrae. All these disorders can cause an extensive clinical picture of the disease and be expressed by a large number of different symptoms, therefore, without a thorough diagnosis of osteochondrosis, it is very difficult to make a correct diagnosis and prescribe adequate treatment.

However, let's consider the main symptoms of osteochondrosis:

pain in the back, cervical region, lower back, shoulders and even ribs;
discomfort, stiffness of the back during certain movements, lifting something;
numbness of the extremities (arms and/or legs);
feeling of aching in the arms and legs;
muscle spasms;
disturbances in the functioning of the genital organs;
pain in the heart area;
sensory disturbance;
muscle hypotension;
increased fatigue, sometimes even in the eyes.

In addition, depending on the area of the spine affected by osteochondrosis, the following symptoms are distinguished:

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. Pain in the arms and shoulders, headache, dizziness, spots or spots before the eyes, and noise in the head predominate. These signs may also indicate the presence of vertebral artery syndrome, which can also cause complications in the functioning of the heart muscle and myocardial vessels if other diseases are present in them.

Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine. Predominantly in the heart area, breathing discomfort.

Osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral spine. Lower back pain predominates, radiating to the legs or pelvic organs. Sexual dysfunction.

Complications of osteochondrosis

If osteochondrosis is not treated and left to chance, it can lead to the development of the following diseases and pathologies:

intervertebral disc herniation (spinal herniation);
protrusion;
deposition of salts in the intervertebral space;
spinal cord stroke;
weight loss of limbs and their atrophy;
leg paralysis

The causes of osteochondrosis are not fully understood, so let’s consider the most popular of them:

mechanical injury to the back (spine);
physical overstrain of the body, hard work;
nervous exhaustion;
metabolic disorders, poisoning;
frequent stay in places with increased vibration;
hereditary predisposition;
sedentary lifestyle, sedentary work;
poor posture at an early age;
excess weight, ;
wearing uncomfortable shoes (tight, heels);
night rest on an uncomfortable bed - mattress, pillow;
frequent;
malnutrition;
smoking;
pregnancy.

Classification of osteochondrosis

The classification of osteochondrosis is very diverse, because the disease itself is not fully understood.

Let us highlight the most popular methods of dividing this disease.

Osteochondrosis is distinguished...

By localization:

Cervical region
Thoracic (Th or D)
Lumbar (L)
Sacral region (S)

According to clinical manifestations:

1. Cervical level.

1.1. Reflex syndromes.

cervicalgia;
cervicocranialgia;
cervicobrachialgia with vegetative-vascular, neurodystrophic or muscle-tonal manifestations.

1.2. Radicular syndromes.

Discogenic lesion of the roots of the cervical spine.

1.3. Radicular-vascular syndromes.

2. Thoracic level (Th or D).

2.1. Reflex syndromes.

thoracalgia with vegetative-visceral, neurodystrophic or muscle-tonal manifestations.

2.2. Radicular syndromes.

Discogenic lesion of the thoracic roots.

3. Lumbosacral level (L, S).

3.1. Reflex syndromes.

lumbago (lumbago);
lumbodynia;
lumboischialgia with vegetative-vascular, neurodystrophic or muscle-tonal manifestations.

3.2. Radicular syndromes.

Discogenic damage to the roots of the lumbosacral region.

3.3. Radicular-vascular syndromes - radiculoischemia.

Diagnosis of osteochondrosis

Diagnosis of osteochondrosis includes the following examination methods:

anamnesis;
myelography;
neurological examination.

Additionally, they may assign:

nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR);

Treatment of osteochondrosis involves the use of a set of measures that must be performed over a fairly long period of time (from 1-3 months + about 1 year for rehabilitation), to which many patients react very ambiguously. Therefore, it should be noted that, by indirectly following the recommendations of the attending physician, the prognosis for the patient’s recovery is minimal.

Self-medication often becomes an additional problem in the treatment of osteochondrosis. The fact is that, as was already written earlier in the article, with this disease clinical picture quite ambiguous and broad. The patient, without diagnosis, begins to select medications for what hurts, and, eliminating the pain, continues to go about his daily life, while the disease continues to progress.

Important! Timely consultation with a doctor, a thorough health diagnosis and strict adherence to all recommendations of the attending physician increase a positive prognosis for recovery!

Treatment of osteochondrosis is carried out by two main methods: conservative and surgery. In addition, there are general recommendations for the treatment of osteochondrosis, such as diet and rehabilitation.

Conservative treatment of osteochondrosis

Conservative treatment of osteochondrosis is aimed at relieving pain, normalizing the functioning of the spine and its components, as well as preventing further dystrophic changes in the human axis.

Conservative treatment of osteochondrosis includes:

Drug therapy. It is used to relieve pain and inflammation of the tissues that make up the spine, as well as normalize metabolic processes.

To relieve pain and inflammation, various therapeutic blockades are also used. Moreover, they help reduce muscle-tonic syndrome. Among the therapeutic blockades there are: trigger point blockades, as well as intraosseous, facet, paravertebral and epidural blockades.

Physiotherapy. It is used to relieve pain, enhance the effectiveness of drug therapy and during the rehabilitation period. Treatment is carried out using ultrasound, laser, magnetic fields, low frequency currents, etc.

Physical therapy (physical therapy), kinesitherapy. Specially selected, dosed exercises aimed at correcting the muscle corset, strengthening it, correcting posture, normalizing the functioning of muscle tissue and their flexibility, decompressing nerve roots, preventing possible complications diseases. All of the above is achieved by normalizing metabolism and nutrition of intervertebral discs, blood circulation, restoring the distance between discs and vertebrae, and distributing the load on the entire musculoskeletal system.

Massage. Used to improve blood circulation, relieve stiffness and tension in muscle tissue, and improve overall health.

Hydromassage. Helps normalize blood circulation, metabolism, increase the tone of muscle tissue, and normalize the functioning of the nervous system. It involves massaging the body with the help of a targeted stream of water with a certain pressure. The truth in Lately hydromassage prevails with the help of air bubbles supplied to the body in specially equipped baths or pools.

Manual therapy. It is used according to an individually selected program, targeting the musculoskeletal system. Helps improve blood and lymph circulation, metabolism, mobility of the musculoskeletal system, strengthening immune system and prevention of possible complications.

Extension (traction) of the spine. It is used with the help of special equipment to increase the intervertebral space and correct the structure of the spine, which usually leads to minimization or complete removal of pain.

The combined use of the above methods for treating osteochondrosis has a good effect.

Medicines for osteochondrosis

Among the remedies for osteochondrosis are:

Anti-inflammatory drugs:"", "Karipazim", "Pantohematogen", "Reoprin".

Diet for osteochondrosis

For osteochondrosis, you need to eat 6 times a day, in small portions, drinking at least 1.5 liters of water daily.

What can you eat with osteochondrosis: dairy products, lean meats (chicken, beef), jelly, jellied fish, jellied meat, fresh vegetables (tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, carrots, beets, peppers, cabbage, celery, broccoli), fruits, avocados, nuts, sunflower seeds, spinach, mushrooms, cereals.

What needs to be minimized in food for osteochondrosis: grapes, legumes (peas, beans, etc.), flour products, hot seasonings, sugar, salty foods, meat broths and smoked meats.

Currently, a huge number of people suffer from osteochondrosis. Many of them are not even aware of the problem. Meanwhile, if treatment is not started on time, complications will occur that will make themselves felt for the rest of your life. Osteochondrosis, like many other diseases, makes you “younger” and significantly worsens the quality of life, knocking you out of its usual rhythm.

In our article we will get acquainted a little with the disease itself, and also dwell in detail on the drug method of treating it.

Osteochondrosis and its types

Osteochondrosis is a deformation of articular cartilage, bone tissue of the spine and intervertebral discs.

Osteochondrosis occurs:

lumbar (lumbosacral),
cervical,
chest

Causes of osteochondrosis:

upright posture,
rachiocampsis,
spinal injuries,
flat feet,
frequent lifting of weights,
frequent changes in body position,
staying in uncomfortable positions for a long time,
spinal overload,
physical inactivity and obesity,
malnutrition,
stressful conditions.

Stages of development of osteochondrosis

Due to certain changes in the intervertebral disc, vertebral instability appears. The spine is very susceptible to injury.
The destruction of the fibrous ring of the intervertebral disc begins. The intervertebral gap decreases.
The annulus fibrosus ruptures. The nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc protrudes. Due to education intervertebral hernia spinal deformity is provoked.
A pronounced pain syndrome occurs. Due to the formation of bone growths and ossification of the spinal ligaments, movements become limited.

Symptoms of osteochondrosis

Lumbar (lumbosacral) region

Constant aching back pain.
Feeling of aching and numbness in the limbs.
Decreased physical activity.
Increased pain when making sudden movements, lifting weights, physical activity, during sneezing and coughing.

Cervical region

Pain in arms and shoulders, headaches.
Vertebral artery syndrome(burning throbbing headache, dizziness, noise in the head, colored spots and “floaters” before the eyes).

Thoracic region

Pain in internal organs, in particular the chest (“stake” in the chest) and the heart area.

Determining the diagnosis

Treatment of osteochondrosis with medications

To begin with, it should be noted that at the initial stage of development of osteochondrosis, in certain cases you can do without medications. Application will be enough therapeutic exercises, various applicators (Lyapko roller, Kuznetsov applicator), as well as reducing stress and eliminating other causes of the disease. If the symptoms become stronger, and studies have shown characteristic changes, you should use medications that help influence both the cause and the symptoms of osteochondrosis.

Treatment of osteochondrosis with medications is indicated during the period of its exacerbation and is aimed at relieving the inflammatory process, relieving pain and enhancing metabolic processes through internal administration or administration of medications using injections.

Due to the fact that osteochondrosis is a systemic disease that negatively affects various organs and systems, its treatment must be comprehensive. Medicines For the treatment of osteochondrosis, the following tasks are carried out:

anesthesia,
relieving inflammation,
improving blood circulation in affected tissues,
restoration of cartilage tissue,
restoration of mobility to joints,
eliminating depression caused by constant pain.

So, what medications can be prescribed by a neurologist to treat osteochondrosis?

NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)

Eliminate inflammation and pain. They are used externally (gel, cream), internally (capsules, tablets), and also in the form of injections (intramuscular, intravenous, subcutaneous).

diclofenac(voltaren, diklak)
ibuprofen(Nurofen, Dollit)
ketoprofen(ketonal, febrofide)
nimesulide(nimesil, nise)
meloxicam(movalis, movasin)

Vasodilators (vasodilators)

As a result muscle tension and pain syndrome with osteochondrosis, narrowing of blood vessels occurs. In order to avoid this background of undesirable consequences, your doctor may prescribe pentoxifylline(trental), expanding blood vessels and improves tissue nutrition, as well as actovegin And berlition for better restorative effect.

Muscle relaxants (muscle relaxants)

They have a relaxing and calming effect on the muscles. The healing process without drugs of this group proceeds more slowly, since thanks to their properties, blood circulation is normalized, pain is dulled, mobility returns, and the affected tissues are restored faster. For these purposes, your doctor may prescribe sirdalud,mydocalm or baclofen.

Chondroprotectors

Chondroprotectors do not cause further destruction and stabilize the condition. Taking chondroprotectors is long-term, lifelong; the effect occurs after treatment for at least 6 months. Chondroprotectors are used externally, internally and in the form of injections.

glucosamine(don)
chondroitin(chondroxide, structum)
glucosamine + chondroitin(arthra)
glucosamine + chondroitin + vitamins(teraflex)
alflutop(concentrate of 4 species of sea fish)

Sedatives (calming) drugs

Long-term pain syndrome can provoke stress and depression. In this case, valerian, motherwort, and combined herbal preparations are prescribed. For more severe disorders, antidepressants are used (Cymbalta), and to improve the process of falling asleep and quality of sleep - sleeping pills (donormil).

Vitamins and vitamin-mineral complexes

B vitamins are of greater importance here, as they can restore the sensitivity of damaged nerve fibers and reduce pain. They are included in such drugs as milgamma(tablets and solution for injection) and neuromultivitis(pills).

For the purpose of general strengthening of the body, vitamin and mineral complexes can also be prescribed. (compliment, multi-tabs).