Osteochondrosis is a disease caused by destruction of bone and cartilage of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine.
In the first place with the progression of the disease is modified the Central part of the spinal disc – the so-called nucleus pulposus. Because of this, the vertebrae loses some of its shock absorbing properties, and a fibrous ring at the periphery of the disk formed of thinning and cracks.
Further progression of osteochondrosis leads to complications of the disease – the bulging disc or rupture of the annulus fibrosus and intervertebral hernia as a result. Instability of the spine in the affected area causes pain and limited mobility of the head osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, as well as limited mobility of the trunk in osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine and lumbar.
In 75% of cases, the osteochondrosis is the cause of back pain. With age, the risk of degeneration of tissues of the spine significantly increases, therefore the average symptoms of spine osteoarthritis are observed in every second inhabitant of the planet over the age of 30.
The causes of osteochondrosis
Aggravating factors in the development of osteochondrosis are considered to be a back injury or persistent back strain when heavy physical work or professional employment in conditions of vibration. If you have a lot to do loading and unloading work, get a lift for your car.
Early onset symptoms of osteoarthritis of the spine is called a weak physical development, flat feet, or excess weight. There is also a genetic predisposition to loose the structure of the intervertebral discs and abnormal structure of the spine. Adverse in terms of the health of the spine are also intense workout in the gym with a violation of the rules of distribution of load on the back, sedentary lifestyle and poor diet.
The symptoms of osteochondrosis
The disease is manifested by a number of typical symptoms. For degenerative disc disease of the spine characterized by: aching pain in back, sensation of numbness in the affected area of the spine, reducing range of motion, increased pain when lifting weights, sudden movements, straining during coughing or sneezing.
Chronic pain as one of the symptoms of osteochondrosis is the cause of fatigue. When compressed nerve roots, discs, spine pain can be more intense and carry a sharp, "shooting" in nature. Its localization in this case is not limited to the region of the back, and is felt in the area of the limbs.
Stage of osteochondrosis
The severity of symptoms of osteochondrosis depends on the stage of the disease. In the first stage of osteochondrosis of the spine the pain is almost not felt, if only slight malaise and poor resistance of the spine to injury. The destruction of the fibrous ring, reducing the size of the vertebral cracks and the pain of different intensity – a symptom of osteochondrosis of the second stage.
The third stage of the disease is characterized by a significant deformation of the vertebral bone and tissues until the appearance of the herniated discs. Symptom of osteochondrosis most severe fourth stage include mass bone growth, limited mobility, intense pain, and full or partial paralysis of the limbs caused by compression of the nerve roots.
Symptoms of degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine often leads to violations of blood circulation due to the compression of the arteries. This leads to intense headaches, dizziness and fainting. Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is the vertebral artery syndrome. It is characterized by a ringing sensation in the head, flashing "flies" or colored spots before my eyes. Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine possible peripheral pain in the shoulders or arms.
The symptoms of osteochondrosis of thoracic spine
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine may increase during various cardiac pathologies. The disease causes the progression of intercostal neuralgia (compression of the intercostal nerves). In osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine occur chest pain and a feeling of "Cola" in the center of the chest.
Symptoms of degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine leads to the development of the following diseases: sciatica, lumbago and the so-called lumbar sciatica.
Sciatica as one of the complications of degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, is characterized by lesions of the sciatic nerve pain in the buttocks, hypotonia (low tone) calf and gluteal muscles.
In lumbago symptom of degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine acts as a sharp pain in the lower back caused by the displacement of the vertebrae or a prolapsed vertebral disc.
Lumbar sciatica, another complication of degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine by herniated discs of the lower spine. It is accompanied by pain in the buttocks radiating to back of thigh, popliteal fossa, lower leg and foot.
Diagnosis of osteochondrosis
A preliminary diagnosis of "osteochondrosis" is set by the neurologist after the initial inspection in connection with the complaints of the patient to back pain and limited mobility. Stage of osteochondrosis States depending on the degree of deformation of the spine, the posture of the patient and the number of affected discs.
All the above symptoms of degenerative disc disease of the spine diagnosed using the feeling of the back of the patient. The doctor also draws attention to the state of muscle tone. As in most cases the disease is accompanied by hypertonicity of muscles.
With the help of tests for flexion of the spine is determined by the amplitude of movements of the patient. Through the use of radiography, CT and MRI, the diagnosis is specified and defined the future strategy for the treatment of osteochondrosis.
Treatment of osteochondrosis
In the treatment of osteochondrosis apply conservative and surgical methods. The goal of both is to eliminate pain and to prevent further progression of spinal deformity.
Surgical treatment of degenerative disc disease of the spine applies only if the conservative therapy of the disease have been ineffective.
The active step in the application of conservative methods lasts 2 months on average. In the beginning it is possible some short-term pain syndrome, is caused by a reaction to medications, physiotherapy (physical therapy) and physical therapy. In the conservative treatment of osteochondrosis are also used massage, chiropractic, extractor fan and reflexology. The effectiveness of treatment of osteochondrosis depends on the consistency of procedures and perseverance of the patient in performing the physical therapy complexes.
Surgical treatment of osteochondrosis is conducted when the hernia of the intervertebral discs, whose age exceeds 6 months. The indication for the operation is also reducing the gap between the vertebrae up to 1/3 of its original size and compression of the spinal roots.
A leading method in the surgical treatment of degenerative disc disease of the spine diskectomy, i.e. removal of the deformed disk. The operation can be minimally invasive, performed using endoscopic instrumentation method microdiscectomy B-Twin systems as well as puncture laser vaporization of the nucleus of the deformed disk.
After surgical treatment of osteochondrosis expected rehabilitation period for 6 months. During it the patient is sent for a Spa treatment for a course of physiotherapy, manual therapy, acupuncture, etc.
Treatment of osteoarthritis with medicines
Currently, the degenerative disc disease he suffers from a huge number of people. Many of them even don't guess about your problem. Meanwhile, if time does not start treatment, there will be complications that will be felt for the rest of my life. Osteochondrosis, as well as many other diseases, "younger" and largely affects the quality of life, beating out of its normal rhythm.
In our article we will look at the disease itself, and will also focus on medical method of treatment.
Low back pain and its types
Osteochondrosis is a deformation of the articular cartilage, the bone tissue of the spine and intervertebral discs.
Osteochondrosis happens:
- lumbar (lumbosacral),
- cervical,
- breast.
Causes of osteoarthritis:
- bipedalism,
- curvature of the spine,
- injuries of the spine,
- flat feet,
- frequent lifting,
- frequent changes of the torso
- long stay in uncomfortable positions
- overload of the spine,
- physical inactivity and obesity,
- malnutrition
- stress.
The stages of development of osteochondrosis
- Due to certain changes in the intervertebral disc appears instability of the vertebrae. The spine is very prone to injuries.
- Occurs the beginning of the destruction of the fibrous ring of the intervertebral disc. Decreases intervertebral gap.
- There is a rupture of the fibrous ring. The nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc bulges. Due to the formation of a herniated disc is triggered by the deformation of the spine.
- Occurs pronounced pain syndrome. Due to the formation of bone growths and ossification of ligaments of the spine movements become limited.
Symptoms of degenerative disc disease
Lumbar (lumbosacral) Department:
- Persistent pain in the back aching.
- The feeling of aches and numbness in the extremities.
- Decrease in motor activity.
- Increased pain when performing sudden movements, weight lifting, physical exertion, during sneezing and coughing.
- Pain in the arms and shoulders, headaches.
- Vertebral artery syndrome (burning, throbbing headache, dizziness, noise in the head, spots of colour "flies" before the eyes).
- Pain in internal organs, particularly the chest ("count" in the chest) and heart.
The determination of the diagnosis
The diagnosis is established on admission by a neurologist based on the patient's complaints (pain, limited mobility, etc.). They inspected the spine with the patient standing, sitting and lying (at rest and in motion). Upon inspection of the back draws attention to your posture, features of the structure of the body, the lower corners of the blades, the lateral contours of the neck and the waist, the position of the shoulder girdle, etc. the doctor then typically refers the patient to x-rays, CT or MRI, which clarifies and elaborates on the diagnosis, is determined by the degree of damage, and identified the hidden deviations from the norm. Based on these data, the neurologist assigns appropriate treatment. Typically, this is a complex therapy, including the use of drugs, massage, physical therapy and other methods.
Treatment of osteoarthritis with medicines
For a start, it should be noted that at the initial stage of development of osteoarthritis in certain cases it is possible to do without the drug. It will be enough application of medical gymnastics, various applicators (roller "Lyapko", the Kuznecov's massager), as well as reducing stress and eliminating other causes of the disease. If the symptoms are gaining strength, and studies have shown characteristic changes, you should connect a medicine that can help to impact on the cause and symptoms of osteoarthritis.
Treatment of degenerative disc disease medications are shown in the period of exacerbation and aimed at the removal of the inflammatory process, relief of pain and strengthening of exchange processes due to internal ingestion or administration of drugs using injections.
Due to the fact that osteoarthritis is a systemic disease affecting various organs and systems, treatment it should be comprehensive. Drugs for the treatment of degenerative disc disease carry out the following tasks:
- pain relief,
- the removal of inflammation,
- improvement of blood circulation in the affected tissues,
- the regeneration of cartilage tissue,
- return of the mobility of joints,
- elimination of depression caused by constant pain.
Symptoms of degenerative disc disease
The disease affects different parts of the back. The vertebrae can start to deform in the neck, chest or waist. Usually manifest such symptoms immediately, low back pain may some time not be uncomfortable. Gradually pain, especially in the evening hours, weakness in the hands and feet, dizziness. However, every appearance of this degenerative disease of the spine has its own characteristic features.
The first symptoms of this disease like cervical osteochondrosis the following:
- headache, which is no help to the tablets;
- paralysis of the hands;
- ringing in the ears;
- loss of consciousness;
- hiccups and shortness of breath during the day.
Signs of osteochondrosis of the thoracic are:
- pain in the intercostal region;
- frequent cough;
- feeling a lump in my throat;
- cardialgia with high blood pressure;
- pain as in appendicitis.
Lumbar degenerative disc disease has symptoms like:
- pain in the lower abdomen;
- numbness of the lower extremities;
- "shooting" in the back;
- paralysis of the legs;
- tingling sensation in the extremities.
These are all signs of osteoarthritis are a direct indication for seeking medical attention. It is extremely important not to ignore pain in the neck, chest and waist. They can be a symptom of heart and lung disease.