Osteochondrosis is not a disease. Consequences of osteochondrosis: what awaits you if you start the disease Osteochondrosis is not a disease

Good day, dear readers!

In today's article, we will consider with you 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 a degenerative-dystrophic lesion of the intervertebral discs, and then the tissues of the vertebrae themselves.

The main symptom of osteochondrosis is pain in the neck or back. Among other symptoms, muscle atrophy, impaired sensitivity, and disturbances in the functioning of internal organs are distinguished. Depending on the localization of the pathological process, there are cervical, thoracic and lumbar osteochondrosis. If this disease and its treatment are not given the necessary attention, the process of spinal damage will become irreversible.

In the English-language literature, the term "osteochondrosis" means such a group of diseases of the musculoskeletal system as osteochondropathy.

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

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

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

Osteochondrosis. ICD

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

The development of osteochondrosis occurs in 4 distinguished 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 can manifest itself with an unusual sitting position for a person, or active charging.

Osteochondrosis stage 2. With a decrease in the height of the discs, the distance between adjacent vertebrae also decreases, and the vertebral muscles and ligaments begin to sag a little. This process leads to hypermobility of two adjacent vertebrae, which can lead to their slippage and/or displacement. Spondylolisthesis develops. Due to the displaced vertebrae, the patient feels real discomfort under a certain load, and sometimes pain in the pathology area.

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

Osteochondrosis 4 stages. The body is trying to correct the excessive mobility of the vertebrae, as well as normalize the functioning of the spine. At the junction of the vertebrae with pathology, bone neoplasms grow on each of them - osteophytes, which, when formed in an unnecessary place, can cause microtrauma to the nerve root, and sometimes to the adjacent vertebra. Fibrous ankylosis processes may begin in the discs and joints. The vertebral motor segment becomes overgrown and becomes, as it were, immured. At the same time, the main signs of osteochondrosis are minimized, and sometimes in general, they are practically not noticeable.

Symptoms of osteochondrosis

The main symptoms of osteochondrosis are discomfort and pain in the back or neck. The strength of pain and other accompanying signs 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 occur, such as circulatory disorders, pinched nerves, irritation and disturbances in the normal functioning of the spinal cord, edema 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 an abundant number of different symptoms, therefore, without a thorough diagnosis of osteochondrosis, it is very difficult to make a correct diagnosis and prescribe adequate treatment.

Nevertheless, 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 limbs (arms and / or legs);
• feeling of ache in the arms and legs, ;
• muscle spasms;
• violations in the work of the genital organs;
• pain in the region of the heart;
• violation of sensitivity;
• muscle hypotension;
• increased fatigue, sometimes eyes.

In addition, depending on the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe spine in which osteochondrosis struck, the following symptoms are distinguished:

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

Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine. Pain in the chest, heart area, discomfort in breathing prevails.

Osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral spine. Pain in the lower back prevails, radiating to the legs or pelvic organs. Violation of sexual function.

Complications of osteochondrosis

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

• herniated disc (herniated spine);
• protrusion;
• deposition in the intervertebral space of salts;
• spinal cord stroke;
• weight loss of limbs and their atrophy;
• paralysis of the legs.

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

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

Classification of osteochondrosis

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

Let's highlight the most popular ways of separating this disease.

Osteochondrosis is distinguished ...

By localization:

• cervical
• Thoracic (Th or D)
• Lumbar (L)
• sacrum (S)

According to clinical manifestations:

1. Neck level.

1.1. reflex syndromes.

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

1.2. radicular syndromes.

• Discogenic lesions 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 muscular-tonal manifestations.

2.2. radicular syndromes.

• Discogenic lesion of the roots of the thoracic region.

3. Lumbosacral level (L, S).

3.1. reflex syndromes.

• lumbago (lumbago);
• lumbalgia;
• lumboischialgia with vegetative-vascular, neurodystrophic or muscular-tonal manifestations.

3.2. radicular syndromes.

• Discogenic lesion of 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 can appoint:

• nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR);

The treatment of osteochondrosis implies the use of a set of measures that must be performed for a sufficiently 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, indirectly fulfilling the recommendations of the attending physician, the prognosis for the patient's recovery is minimal.

Self-treatment often becomes an additional problem in the treatment of osteochondrosis. The fact is that, as it was already written earlier in the article, with this disease, the clinical picture is quite ambiguous and wide. A patient without a diagnosis begins to pick up medicines for what hurts, and, eliminating the pain, goes on with his daily life, while the disease continues to progress.

Important! A timely visit to a doctor, a thorough diagnosis of health and strict adherence to all the recommendations of the attending physician increase a positive prognosis for recovery!

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

Conservative treatment of osteochondrosis

Conservative treatment of osteochondrosis is aimed at stopping the pain syndrome, normalizing the functioning of the spine and its components, as well as preventing further degenerative changes in the human “axis”.

Conservative treatment of osteochondrosis includes:

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

Various therapeutic blockades are also used to relieve pain and inflammation processes. They, among other things, help to reduce the muscular-tonic syndrome. Among the therapeutic blockades, there are: blockades of trigger points, 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.

Therapeutic physical education (LFK), kinesitherapy. Specially selected, dosed exercises aimed at correcting the muscular corset, strengthening it, correcting posture, normalizing the work of muscle tissues and their flexibility, decompressing the nerve roots, and preventing possible complications of the disease. All of the above is achieved by normalizing the metabolism and nutrition of the intervertebral discs, blood circulation, restoring the distance of the discs and vertebrae, and distributing the load on the entire musculoskeletal system.

Massage. It is used to improve blood circulation, relieve stiffness and tension in muscle tissues, and improve overall health.

Hydromassage. Contributes to the normalization of blood circulation, metabolism, increased tone of muscle tissue, normalization of the nervous system. It implies a body massage with the help of a stream of water targeted at it with a certain pressure. True, hydromassage has recently prevailed 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, pointwise affecting the musculoskeletal system. Helps improve blood circulation and lymph circulation, metabolism, mobility of the musculoskeletal system, strengthen the immune system and prevent possible complications.

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

The complex application of the above methods of treatment of osteochondrosis has a good effect.

Medicines for osteochondrosis

Among the remedies for osteochondrosis are:

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

Antispasmodics: Baclofen, Drotoverin, Myolastan, Sirdalud.

Antioxidants: vitamin C (), vitamin E (),.

Stimulants of blood microcirculation:"", "Theonicol", "Trental", vitamin B3 ().

Means for the prevention of further degeneration of cartilage tissue: Alflutop, Diacerin, Piascledin, hyaluronic acid.

Diet for osteochondrosis

With 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, aspic, fresh vegetables (tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, carrots, beets, peppers, cabbage, celery, broccoli), fruits, avocados, nuts, sunflower seeds, spinach, mushrooms, cereals.

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

Today, in all countries of the world, almost every inhabitant is faced with problems of the spine. And the most common disease is osteochondrosis. According to statistics, 80% of all inhabitants of the earth suffer from this disease. And no matter what age category you belong to, it can break both the elderly and the young. So what is this disease, what are the symptoms and how to treat osteochondrosis?

What is osteochondrosis?

Osteochondrosis is a chronic disease that affects the cartilaginous tissue of the intervertebral discs. Unfortunately, this disease is almost inevitable in old age, as atrophic changes begin to occur in the spine over time. But the trouble of today is that osteochondrosis is “getting younger”, and already young people at the age of 20-30 years old begin to suffer from this disease.

Depending on which part of the spine has a lesion, there are three types of osteochondrosis:

1. Cervical.
2. Thoracic.
3. Lumbar.

Lumbar osteochondrosis is considered the most common, as it occurs in half of all cases. But a quarter of all cases occur in lesions in the cervical spine. But the most severe type of disease is considered to be a complex lesion, it occurs in 12% of cases and is difficult to treat.

In medicine, there are 4 stages of osteochondrosis:

1 stage accompanied by mild symptoms, the patient has a general malaise, which is often attributed to another disease.

2 stage already accompanied by pain, there is a destruction of cartilaginous tissues in the spine. Osteochondrosis begins to bring discomfort, and the person goes to the doctor.

3 stage It is already characterized by serious changes in the spine, a curvature or a hump appears.

4 stage- the latter, in which irreversible changes occur. A person experiences excruciating pain even at the slightest movement. At this stage, the patient often becomes disabled.

Factors and causes leading to the disease

There can be a lot of reasons for osteochondrosis, and not all of them are fully understood. But all scientists agree that the main reason is the uneven distribution of the load on the spinal column. For example, when a person sits in an uncomfortable position for a long time or lifts a weight at a right angle to the body. All this eventually thins the structure of cartilaginous tissues. We will consider other most common causes that lead to pathological changes in the spine:

• Spinal injury.
• Overexertion at work (physical).
• Metabolic disease.
• Stress.
• Heredity.
• Sedentary work.
• Slouch.
• Uncomfortable shoes, including heels.
• Posture disorder.
• Flat feet.
• Sleep disturbance caused by an uncomfortable bed or pillow.
• Weak back muscles.
• Hypothermia.
• Strength sports such as dumbbell lifting, rowing.
• Lack of vitamins.
• Pregnancy.

General symptoms

If you are constantly worried about discomfort in the back and neck, then you need to be examined for the presence of a disease such as osteochondrosis. The symptoms of this disease are initially expressed in this way. In addition, there are other signs:

• Stiffness of the back with some movements.
• Muscle spasm.
• Dizziness.
• Headaches in osteochondrosis.
• Bone aches and chills.
• Increased fatigue.
• Shootings in the back.
• Syndrome of the vertebral artery.
• Heartache.
• Pain in the neck.

These symptoms are considered common, but, depending on the type of osteochondrosis, there are other signs.

Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis

Cervical osteochondrosis is a common phenomenon, therefore, doctors often make this diagnosis if the patient has headaches that cannot be stopped when taking analgesics. Typically, such pain begins at the back of the head and gradually spreads to the temporal region. Also, pain in the neck, especially in the morning, when you wake up and want to roll over, is a characteristic sign of cervical osteochondrosis. Interestingly, many people who experience similar pains associate them with an uncomfortable posture during sleep or hypothermia (“blew their neck”). It is important to know that all these are provoking moments, but in no way the cause of pain. In addition, very often these two signs are accompanied by a violation of the sensitivity of the hands and wrists. There may even be paralysis. Cervical osteochondrosis, the symptoms and treatment of which are described in detail in this article, can cause torticollis. This is when the patient's head is slightly tilted to one side, and an attempt to move it is accompanied by pain. In addition to all the signs that are accompanied by pain, osteochondrosis provokes circulatory disorders in different areas of the brain. This may be accompanied by dizziness, nausea, decreased visual acuity, flies before the eyes, and tinnitus. Elderly people may lose consciousness due to a lack of nutrition in the brain.

Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis

Lumbar osteochondrosis is the most common type of this disease. First of all, it is characterized by pain in the lumbar region, it can be both aching and acute. And it can also be replaced by strong backache. Depending on the intensity of pain and its localization, lumbalgia, lumbago and lumbar ischialgia are distinguished.

Lumbodynia is a constant and aching pain that increases with physical exertion. Lumbago is a “lumbago” that radiates to the pelvic organs. And lumboischalgia is pain that spreads to the buttocks and legs, as a result of which sensitivity is lost.

Another group of symptomatic manifestations of lumbar osteochondrosis is the so-called radicular syndrome. In this case, lower back pain subsides, but may occur in the buttock, foot, lower leg, or thigh. A person has a characteristic lameness on the healthy side. Among other things, there is a feeling of numbness and tingling in the lumbar region. There is also an ischemic syndrome, which is associated with impaired blood circulation, resulting in pain on the inner thighs and even paralysis of the buttocks. With the vertebral syndrome, the patient's posture changes, the gait becomes clumsy and uncertain.

Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis

As a rule, the thoracic spine is less mobile than the rest. It is under some protection of the ribs, sternum and vertebrae. Nevertheless, thoracic osteochondrosis is not uncommon. Pain in this disease is of two types:

• Dorsago - acute, severe and short-term pain.
• Dosalgia - prolonged and moderate pain.

All discomfort is usually localized in the chest area and slightly below the shoulder blades. Very often this type of osteochondrosis is confused with other serious diseases, for example, coronary heart disease, pneumonia. After all, in addition to pain in the back, the liver, heart, gallbladder can hurt. Therefore, only an experienced doctor can determine the exact diagnosis.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of the disease first of all begins with the collection of information, or rather, the complaints of the patient. Nevertheless, it is impossible to make a diagnosis only from the words of the patient, since the signs of osteochondrosis are often similar to the symptoms of other ailments. The main goal of a specialist is considered to be the exclusion of such health problems as gastritis, angina pectoris, stomach ulcers and others. Therefore, each symptom must be carefully examined.

Many diseases are diagnosed based on the results of blood tests. But in the case of osteochondrosis, this method will not give any definite answer, therefore, even if the doctor prescribed laboratory tests, this is necessary in order to exclude rheumatological problems, such as Bechterew's disease.

The most revealing method of diagnosis is x-ray examination. With the help of pictures, the doctor will be able to determine not only if there is osteochondrosis, but at what stage it is. In addition to x-rays, magnetic resonance and computed tomography are often used. These two methods are more accurate and informative, but, unfortunately, expensive. Therefore, they are resorted to only in case of emergency. Osteochondrosis is an insidious disease, and in order to cure it, you need to correctly diagnose it, and only a specialist in his field can do this.

How to treat?

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine, regardless of location and stage, is complex and long-term. And even in this case, it is impossible to count on complete healing. Only through proper treatment and maintenance of the body in the future, you can guarantee yourself that back pain will no longer bother you. Treatment of osteochondrosis is conservative and consists of four areas:

1. Medication and vitamins.
2. Physiotherapy treatment.
3. Massage, swimming and gymnastics.
4. Rest in specialized sanatoriums.

The main task of drug therapy is not only to reduce pain, but also to improve blood circulation, reduce inflammation and restore cartilage tissue. Of the tablets, painkillers and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, analgin, diclofenac) are usually prescribed. Chondroprotectors are prescribed to restore cartilage tissue. Ointments and creams are also used to relieve pain. In the acute period, when the pills cannot cope with discomfort, the doctor prescribes injections of novocaine, lidocaine and other anesthetics. In combination with medications, physiotherapy, massage and exercise therapy are prescribed. The first helps to relieve pain, as well as enhance the effectiveness of drugs. Exercise therapy strengthens the muscular corset, and also normalizes the work of muscle tissues.

If you have taken your health seriously and decided to cure osteochondrosis, then you need to follow some rules:

• Twice a year after treatment, you need to conduct a treatment course (massage, physiotherapy, etc.).
• Strictly follow all doctor's recommendations.
• Psychosomatics plays an important role in this matter, therefore, on the way to recovery, you must be positive.
• The main credo of a healthy person is physical activity. Make it a rule to exercise regularly.

Possible consequences

Osteochondrosis of the spine, the symptoms and treatment of which we described above, has quite serious consequences. Possible complications directly depend on the type of disease. For example, cervical osteochondrosis is dangerous because it causes vegetative-vascular dystonia. This is the most common disorder of the nervous system. Also, cervical osteochondrosis negatively affects the functioning of blood vessels in the brain. Nerves are pinched, the brain stops receiving food, headaches, blurred vision, dizziness, sudden changes in blood pressure appear. And all this at times increases the risk of stroke.

As already mentioned, osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is difficult to diagnose, since it can easily be confused with respiratory diseases. In the meantime, you are treating, for example, pneumonia, serious complications appear - intercostal neuralgia. Intestinal or gallbladder disease may also occur. Therefore, it is important to know all the symptoms. Treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine also cannot be shelved, since in this case our physical activity will suffer. Those who have already encountered this disease know what it is like when it is impossible to sit, stand, walk, and even lie down is not always painless. In addition, the most terrible consequence is inflammation of the sciatic nerve.

Disease prevention

So that you are never bothered by pain and any pathological changes in the spine, you need to adhere to some preventive measures:

1. Lead a healthy lifestyle. Eat right, try to move more often, that is, do exercises in the morning, swim, run, ride a bike, rollerblade.
2. Unfortunately, most people have a sedentary job, so to avoid the development of osteochondrosis, choose comfortable chairs that will support the spine. In addition, during sedentary work, try to keep your posture correct: your back is straight, your shoulders are relaxed.
3. Don't sit all the time! Every job has a break - get up, stretch, walk.
4. In the prevention of osteochondrosis, it is important to wear comfortable shoes. If possible, avoid heels, especially if you are in an interesting position.
5. Do not carry unnecessarily heavy weights, especially for women. For men, it is better to lift the load slowly so as not to damage the spine.
6. Avoid falling and jumping from heights at all costs.
7. Don't overcool.

By following all these rules, you will protect yourself and will not face such a serious disease as osteochondrosis. Everyone needs to know this!

Conclusion

In fact, osteochondrosis is a dangerous disease, and if left untreated, it will have a detrimental effect on other organs. Therefore, it is extremely important to start treatment on time, and not wait until it “resolves” by itself. If you find yourself with the above symptoms, then be sure to see a doctor. Remember that osteochondrosis of the spine, the symptoms, the treatment of which is described in this article, is not a sentence. With the right approach to this problem, you can completely stop it. Take care of your health!

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What is osteochondrosis, what are the symptoms and causes, how is it treated? All the answers are in this most detailed article on the Internet. Currently, osteochondrosis of the spine affects from 50 to 80% of the total population of the planet. Even adolescents sometimes begin to show the first symptoms of this insidious disease. Osteochondrosis is also one of the main causes of back pain.

There are three types of the disease: osteochondrosis of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine. The sooner the treatment of the disease begins, the more likely it is to completely stop the development of osteochondrosis, up to a complete cure.

Most people have heard about this disease at least once in their lives, but not everyone knows what it is.

Osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disease in which the intervertebral discs and vertebrae in the spinal column are destroyed.

The spine becomes unstable, which leads to compression of the intervertebral discs and nerve roots, and this in turn causes pain and inflammation in the tissues and muscles of the back. Pain can be localized in the neck, back, heart area. And with cervical osteochondrosis, such an unpleasant symptom as a headache always appears. This is due to compression of the vertebral arteries and vessels that supply the brain with oxygen.

The disease first negatively affects the soft tissues (ligaments, muscles), and then the bone tissue, causing irreversible consequences in the spine.

The most common ICD-10 codes for osteochondrosis of the spine:

1. M42.0x is juvenile osteochondrosis;
2. M42.1x is osteochondrosis in adults;
3. M42.9x is an unspecified osteochondrosis.

Instead of x, a number is put that corresponds to the code of the affected area with osteochondrosis.

• 0 - multiple zones of the spinal column;
• 1 - occipital zone, 1 and 2 cervical vertebra;
• 2 - cervical zone;
• 3 - cervicothoracic zone;
• 4 - chest area;
• 5 - lumbar-thoracic zone;
• 6 - lumbar zone;
• 7 - lumbosacral zone;
• 8 - sacral and sacrococcygeal zone;
• 9 - unspecified affected area

For example, in an adult over 18 years of age, the diagnosis "Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine" will be the code: M42.12.

Interesting! In 2018, a new classification of diseases under the ICD-11 code is expected.

Anyone who can not cure the joints and back, be sure to read...

Osteochondrosis: facts and statistics

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Symptoms of the disease

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What are the symptoms of osteochondrosis depending on the affected spine?

Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis

Constant pain in the cervical region is a sure sign of osteochondrosis of the cervical region.

Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis in women

Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis in men

Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis

Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis in women are no different from the symptoms in men.

Pain in thoracic osteochondrosis often radiates to various internal organs of the body: the heart, stomach, liver or gallbladder. The correct diagnosis in this case can only be made by a competent specialist.

How to distinguish a heart attack from the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine? Take a heart medicine such as nitroglycerin. If the pain syndrome has not passed, then the probable cause of its appearance is thoracic osteochondrosis.

Symptoms of lumbar (lumbosacral) osteochondrosis

Exacerbation of osteochondrosis

In most cases, exacerbation of osteochondrosis occurs in the spring or autumn season. Also, an abrupt change in weather, nervous tension, and heavy physical exertion can provoke an exacerbation.

What to do with exacerbation of osteochondrosis?

What can not be done with an exacerbation of osteochondrosis?

1. Do hard physical work. Avoid sports completely.
2. Make sharp movements with the neck and body.
3. Cool down the body.
4. Warm painful places with a heating pad or in another way. It is better to wrap yourself in a woolen scarf or scarf.
5. Is it possible to do massage during exacerbation of osteochondrosis? You can do a very light massage in the form of strokes using anesthetic ointments.

How long does an exacerbation of osteochondrosis last?

As a rule, an exacerbation of osteochondrosis in any part of the spine lasts up to 10 days. A strong exacerbation occurs on days 3, 4 and 5. If the pain does not go away for 3 weeks or more, then you should immediately consult a specialist.

Treatment of osteochondrosis

Only the attending physician can prescribe the correct and effective treatment for osteochondrosis. What does an approximate treatment plan for osteochondrosis look like?

The best medicine for osteochondrosis is the one prescribed by your doctor. Note that this is not one medicine, but a whole range of drugs for the treatment of osteochondrosis.

How long does it take to treat osteochondrosis?

From 1 to 3 months. Additionally, during the year it is necessary to carry out all the preventive and rehabilitation measures that the doctor prescribed.

It is extremely undesirable to engage in self-treatment for osteochondrosis. Just removing the pain syndrome, the disease is not cured. The disease in the absence of proper treatment continues to develop slowly.

If osteochondrosis is in a neglected form, and at the same time the nerve endings in the spinal cord are compressed, then only surgical treatment will help. Rehabilitation after surgery lasts from six months or more.

Only a competent specialist can determine exactly how osteochondrosis should be treated. Sometimes, in order to avoid mistakes, the issue is discussed at a council of doctors.

Important! Sometimes at the beginning of treatment in some patients, the pain symptom may increase.

With complex treatment with medicines and sessions of physiotherapy, the pain stops quickly enough.

Conservative treatment of osteochondrosis

Traditional treatment of osteochondrosis includes:

It is impossible with a 100% guarantee to completely eliminate the disease in the treatment of conservative therapy. You can only reduce the symptoms of the disease. And in order to achieve a high result, treatment should be only complex.

In the future, throughout life, it is necessary to maintain the state of the body in order to prevent exacerbations. This will help sports and preventive measures.

Drug treatment of cervical, thoracic and lumbar osteochondrosis

The scheme of treatment of osteochondrosis with drugs:

1. Taking any NSAIDs + muscle relaxants. This is necessary to relieve pain and inflammation.
2. After the exacerbation is eliminated, if necessary, additional drugs are prescribed, such as Anticonvulsants, glucocorticosteroids or angioprotectors. Each type of medicine helps only with certain symptoms.
3. With remission of osteochondrosis, the doctor may prescribe vitamins to improve metabolism and restore cartilage tissue.
4. Antidepressants are prescribed if the pain lasts for 2-3 months and the person cannot live a full life.

Excellent article on the subject:

Pills for osteochondrosis

What pills to take with osteochondrosis?

List of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in tablets for osteochondrosis of the cervical, lumbar and thoracic regions

NSAIDs for mild pain

Attention! Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs cause serious side effects, such as gastrointestinal pain.

NSAIDs for severe pain and inflammation

The cheapest pills for osteochondrosis are Diclofenac.

The most effective medicine for osteochondrosis is non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Diclofenac, Ibuprofen, Ketoprofen).

NSAIDs for very severe pain

1. Tramadol(Tramal). Very powerful painkillers for osteochondrosis from the group of opioid drugs. Cost: Tramadol - from 100 rubles, Tramal - from 120 rubles.
2. fentanyl and pentazocine. Narcotic painkillers that are prescribed for severe back pain.

Headache preparations for cervical osteochondrosis

Headache resulting from cervical osteochondrosis cannot be cured with conventional painkillers.

The most effective pills for headaches with cervical osteochondrosis: painkillers + antispasmodics + sedatives. Additionally, the doctor may prescribe anticonvulsants, which are also able to cope with headaches.

Headache pills for cervical osteochondrosis

The treatment regimen should be prescribed only by the attending physician. In any case, when taking the above drugs, you must carefully study the instructions for use.

What drugs to treat cervical osteochondrosis? The most popular drugs are Voltaren, Diclofenac, Sirdalud, Actovegin, Structum.

Great follow up article:

Muscle relaxants

These are pills that relax muscles in osteochondrosis, which are prescribed simultaneously with NSAIDs.

Homeopathic remedies for osteochondrosis

But these drugs for the treatment of osteochondrosis are more related to alternative medicine. Tablets contain many plant substances. The action is aimed at reducing inflammation, normalizing metabolism, and overall improving the condition of the body. The effect of the application appears only 15 days after the start of treatment. You can take homeopathic medicines for the treatment of osteochondrosis only with the permission of a doctor.

Effective homeopathic remedies against osteochondrosis

Excellent article on the subject:

Injections for osteochondrosis

What injections should be done for osteochondrosis?

NSAIDs - Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Such injections are prescribed to quickly relieve pain and inflammation, reduce swelling and muscle spasms. Anesthetic injections for osteochondrosis are often prescribed for an acute period.

Names of injections from osteochondrosis

Steroid drugs

These injections from osteochondrosis are placed locally in the affected area. Thus, the drug acts directly at the source of pain and inflammation. They are prescribed if NSAIDs have not helped.

blockades

These injections are often prescribed in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical and lumbosacral regions. Doctors prescribe them if no other injections help. Blockades are placed exactly in the place of the spine where inflammation or pinching has formed.

In osteochondrosis, paravertebral blockade is mainly used.

Pepper and mustard patches. The advantages of these patches are in the normalization of blood microcirculation in the tissues of the back, the warming effect, and the improvement of metabolic processes. The effect of the pepper patch lasts up to 4 hours.

Voltaren. The active ingredient in the patch is diclofenac. Relieves pain and inflammation. Valid 24 hours. There are contraindications.

Versatis. It's a patch with lidocaine, an anesthetic. Locally relieves pain. Disadvantages of the patch - does not relieve inflammation. Valid for 12 hours.

Nanoplast Forte. This is a patch based on nanotechnology. They contain nanoparticles that are absorbed into the bloodstream directly through the skin.

black jade. In this pain relief patch, medicinal substances penetrate deep into the skin, effectively relieving inflammation and pain. The product affects the very cause of the pain syndrome. The patch works for 2 days. The composition of the orthopedic patch includes more than 40 natural herbs, including dragon's blood, burnt root, myrrh.

Plaster Black Jade effectively affects the source of pain

Here's how a well-known doctor speaks about the patch Sergei Mikhailovich Bubnovsky:

"On the very first day, Black Jade launches the body's regeneration systems. Well, it stops the pain syndrome, you will immediately feel it. After...

Injoint. This is an invisible gel patch that helps a lot with many diseases of the spine and joints. It contains 3 powerful natural ingredients: bee venom, snake venom and deer antlers. Injoint relieves severe pain and inflammation, affects the very cause of the disease. The product is valid for 1-2 days.

Invisible patch Injoint will help to cope with the cause of the disease

Here is what Myasnikov A.L. writes about the plaster:

"A very good tool that allows you to restore even severely damaged joints and eliminate pain is Injoint, developed back in 2018 by the Research Institute of Rheumatology named after V. A. Nasonova. Since this remedy ...

Unique ointments

Flekosteel (Flekosteel). FLEKOSTEEL is a remedy that quickly eliminates pain from arthrosis and osteochondrosis. Relieves muscle spasm and eliminates inflammation. FLEKOSTEEL also effectively treats many diseases of the back and joints, as it slows down the process of cartilage tissue degeneration and stimulates the metabolism in it, contributing to the restoration of articular cartilage.

The positive effect is noticeable after the first application, and with regular use, the progression of the disease of the joints and spine can be significantly slowed down. Composition: 100% natural, active components of various medicinal plants. The tool is tested by experts, certified and meets quality standards.

Here's what patients say about the remedy:

"I used to have a very sore back, osteochondrosis, which is not uncommon at my age. My wife found FLEKOSTEEL on the Internet. It became a real salvation for me - before I sometimes could not straighten up in the morning, but now everything is fine. And most importantly, the back pain has disappeared Mikhail, 58 years old pensioner".

Artraid (Artreyd). What is in this ointment? Extracts of cedar resin and medicinal plants, beeswax. Thanks to this composition, completely restore deformed tissue in the intervertebral discs and joints. The disease is completely gone.

Artraid - a popular ointment that is not sold in a regular pharmacy

Here is what Dikul Valentin Ivanovich writes about Artreid:

“I confess to you when I first heard about it - I just laughed because I did not believe in its effectiveness. But I was amazed when we completed the testing ...

Cream-wax "Healthy". It has a unique composition: cedar resin, propolis, bee moth, dead bee, wax and poison, vitamins of group B. Cream-wax is effective restores affected joints and discs of the spine, improves the condition of blood vessels, relieves pain, inflammation and severe swelling, helps to reduce salt deposits.

Cream-wax Zdorov has been helping with pain in the back, lower back and joints for many years

Here is a review of one of the owners of a large pharmacy chain, German Klimentievich Abramov:

"ZDOROV is a good drug. It really helps to return the joints to their normal state, and in the shortest possible time, and we sold it for about a month, then ...

How to relieve a headache with cervical osteochondrosis

Massage with a headache should not be done, as this can only worsen the condition.

Physiotherapy for osteochondrosis

The benefits of physiotherapy for osteochondrosis:

• elimination of pain and inflammation;
• strengthening the action of medicines;
• reducing the duration of drug treatment;
• normalization of metabolism and blood circulation in tissues;
• rehabilitation after injuries and operations.

Types of physiotherapy procedures for osteochondrosis of the cervical, lumbar and thoracic spine

Physiotherapy helps to shorten the period of treatment of osteochondrosis, improves the effectiveness of drugs and reduces their dosage. Physiotherapy can only be prescribed by the attending physician.

Manual therapy for osteochondrosis

It is considered a popular and effective way to treat osteochondrosis and many other diseases of the musculoskeletal system. After a full course of manual therapy:

• mobility in the vertebrae and joints is fully restored;
• relieve spasms in the muscles;
• pain syndromes disappear.

What does a chiropractor do for osteochondrosis? Affects the bone and muscular system in a special way.

Spinal traction in osteochondrosis

Spinal traction (traction, detensor therapy) is an effective way to treat pain in the spine. The meaning of the procedure is that with the help of this method there is an increase in the space between the vertebrae. At the same time, compression of the nerve roots and tension in the muscles is eliminated, the correct shape of the entire spine is restored.

Video: a set of exercises for osteochondrosis of the spine

Orthopedic pillow for cervical osteochondrosis

Doctors often recommend sleeping on an orthopedic pillow for a disease such as cervical osteochondrosis. How is this pillow better than the regular one? Judging by the reviews of patients and doctors, the orthopedic pillow completely relaxes the cervical spine, significantly improves the quality of sleep and rest.

Which pillow is better for cervical osteochondrosis?

1. The pillow should be of medium firmness.
2. The width of the pillow should be the width of your shoulders.
3. The correct pillow for cervical osteochondrosis should almost immediately restore its shape.
4. Be sure to check the product certification.

An orthopedic mattress for osteochondrosis should be of medium hardness. With an exacerbation of the disease, it is recommended to sleep on a harder surface. Therefore, manufacturers offer a mattress where you can change the stiffness by simply turning the mattress over. With a large weight of a person, you should choose a mattress without springs.

Treatment of osteochondrosis with folk remedies at home

Until now, they argue about whether the treatment of osteochondrosis at home helps. Any folk method of treatment must be agreed with the attending physician in order to avoid complications. Traditional medicine will help relieve pain and inflammation, reduce the period of treatment and the amount of medication taken.

Treatment with folk remedies should be as an addition to traditional treatment, and not replace it.

How to treat osteochondrosis at home? Here are examples of the most popular and effective folk remedies for osteochondrosis.

There are many positive reviews about visiting the bath with osteochondrosis. But it is allowed to visit it outside the acute phase of the disease.

You can read a detailed scheme for the treatment of osteochondrosis using a bath in this article:

This device generates a low frequency magnetic field. Advantages of the device:

• normalization of blood circulation;
• restoration of the previous volume of movements;
• improvement of metabolic processes;
• headache relief;
• improvement of the human nervous system.

The effect of treatment with Diamag is comparable to a course of physiotherapy in the clinic. The device costs from 25 thousand rubles.

Orion

This device is designed for the treatment of osteochondrosis with a laser. The device with the help of laser beams enhances blood circulation in the painful area, improves the permeability of medications, relieves swelling. These devices can cure many diseases of the spine. The price of the device is from 15,000 thousand rubles.

This is a device for magnetic laser therapy, which, after a couple of procedures, significantly reduces pain in osteochondrosis. In addition, blood circulation improves, edema is eliminated and the mobility of the spine improves. The cost of the device is from 8 thousand rubles.

Vitafon

The operation of the device is based on microvibrations using acoustic waves. These vibrations are constantly changing their frequency, which enhances blood circulation and regeneration. Additionally, lymph flow improves, which leads to a rapid elimination of inflammation. The cost of the device is from 5 thousand rubles.

This device is designed for physiotherapy at home. It has 4 types of radiation: laser, infrared, magnetic and red.

This leads to increased immunity, the blood begins to receive more oxygen, faster regeneration of the affected tissues occurs. The device can be used to treat many diseases of the musculoskeletal system. The cost of the device starts from 20 thousand rubles.

Osteo-DENS, Denas, DiaDENS

This device has the principle of electrical nerve stimulation, which effectively relieves spasms and pain symptoms, and also helps people with meteorological dependence. The device not only treats osteochondrosis, but also improves the general condition of the body. The device costs from 7 thousand rubles.

Surgical treatment of osteochondrosis

If traditional and other methods of treatment did not bring any positive effect, or it was temporary, doctors often prescribe surgery for osteochondrosis. It is also prescribed for stages 3 and 4 of the disease. After surgical treatment of osteochondrosis, long-term rehabilitation is required, which can range from 1 month to a year.

Basically, an operation is prescribed for cervical and lumbar osteochondrosis.

Main types of operations:

discectomy is the complete removal of a damaged intervertebral disc. Rarely used due to severe complications.

It is a minimally invasive operation (has few complications). As a result of the procedure, only the intervertebral hernia is removed without affecting other structures of the spine.

Prevention of osteochondrosis

Prevention of osteochondrosis should be carried out as early as possible. But if the disease has already appeared in the body, then it is necessary to follow preventive advice throughout life.

Remember! The implementation of preventive measures will save you from the development of osteochondrosis and from many other diseases of the spine, such as intervertebral hernia.

Nutrition for osteochondrosis

Many patients are interested in the question: "How to eat with osteochondrosis?" Let's answer this question in as much detail as possible.

It is very important to organize proper nutrition for osteochondrosis. Products for osteochondrosis should contain those substances that will help in the regeneration of cartilage tissue and metabolism. You also need to monitor the amount of fluid you drink in order to prevent the destruction of the cartilage tissue that is part of the intervertebral disc of the spine. The diet for osteochondrosis of any parts of the spine: cervical, thoracic or lumbar is exactly the same.

The main tasks of the diet for osteochondrosis:

• improvement of metabolism in the body;
• reducing the risk of salt deposits;
• strengthening and preventing deformation of cartilage and intervertebral discs;
• preventing excess weight gain.

A diet for osteochondrosis should include a balanced diet containing the following healthy foods:

1. Fruits and vegetables, raw or boiled - cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, cabbage, broccoli, celery, carrots, avocados, peaches, melon, artichoke, pumpkin.
2. Berries, especially sea buckthorn.
3. Dairy, dairy products, butter.
4. Nuts, sunflower seeds.
5. Lean meats - skinless chicken, beef, rabbit meat.
6. Bread with bran.
7. Aspic, jelly, aspic.
8. Fish, eggs.
9. Various cereals.
10. Dress salads with olive oil if possible.
11. Before going to bed, drink a glass of kefir or other fermented milk product.
12. Drink at least 2 liters of clean drinking water, not including tea, coffee and other drinks.

Divide the meal into 6 meals, giving preference to steamed food, as well as baked or boiled.

What foods can not be eaten with osteochondrosis?

1. The back should rest on the back of the chair.
2. Do not slouch or stretch your neck forward. The muscles of the body when sitting should be in a relaxed state.
3. When sitting for a long time, perform exercises and warm-up for the neck every 1.5 hours.
4. Equip your workplace so that you do not have to constantly tilt your upper body forward.
5. When driving, sit without straining your body. A cushion can be placed between the seat and the lower back. If the trip lasts many hours, then stop from time to time to do small warm-ups: turns, squats and bends.
6. Do not sit for a long time in the same position, periodically change the position of the body.
7. Get an orthopedic chair that will help keep your spine healthy while working at the computer.

When standing for a long time, the lumbar spine has a large load. So stick to the following tips.

1. Change position every 15-20 minutes, lean on each leg in turn.
2. Don't stand in one place, walk around as much as you can.
3. Lean back, while pulling your arms up and take a deep breath. This will help reduce the fatigue of stiff neck and back muscles.
4. When doing household chores, place each foot in turn on a stand or bench.
5. Avoid doing work with low body inclinations. If you need to lift something, it is better to squat down or lean on some object, bending your knees.

How to stand properly

How to lift weights with osteochondrosis

How to lift weights correctly

In order to prevent the further development of osteochondrosis and the appearance of intervertebral hernias, simple rules should be followed when lifting and moving heavy things.

1. Don't carry heavy things in one hand. It is better to distribute it evenly on both hands so as not to overload the spinal column.
2. You can not sharply lift weights, bend and lean back with a load in your hands.
3. In the presence of a disease such as osteochondrosis, it is not recommended to lift weights of more than 10-15 kg.
4. When carrying heavy things over long distances, it is better to use a bag with wheels, a trolley or a backpack.

Let's summarize.

Osteochondrosis is a secretive and dangerous disease that can lead to serious complications, such as intervertebral hernia of the spine. The intervertebral discs and vertebrae will begin to be severely deformed, which will lead to spasms in the muscles, pinching of the nerve roots. And such symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis as neck pain, headache, dizziness and jumps in blood pressure can very quickly lead a person into a depressive state.

The causes of osteochondrosis are very commonplace - a sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diet, hypothermia and work in the same position.

Regardless of which part of the spine is affected by the disease, whether it be the lumbar, cervical or thoracic, it is better to start treatment as soon as possible. A neurologist must make an accurate diagnosis, eliminate the pain symptom in the back and prescribe a competent treatment plan.

The good news is that osteochondrosis of the first and second stages is very successfully treated, and in the third and fourth stages, you can only reduce the symptoms of the disease. If the disease is not treated, then it can affect many internal organs of a person, such as the brain or heart.

If you have seriously decided to cure osteochondrosis, then start adhering to the following important tips right today:

1. Conduct massage courses at least twice a year.
2. Regularly engage in exercise, exercise therapy, swimming or yoga.
3. A positive attitude also plays an important role in the treatment of osteochondrosis.

Remember! Osteochondrosis is not a sentence, and with the right treatment, you can completely eliminate the symptoms of the disease. Take care of yourself!

Osteochondrosis is a disease in which degenerative-dystrophic changes in the cartilaginous tissues of the spine are diagnosed, accompanied by violations of the structure and functionality of the intervertebral discs. Depending on the localization of damaged tissues, osteochondrosis of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions is isolated. According to medical statistics, symptoms of osteochondrosis are observed in 50-90% of the population. The average age of onset of osteochondrosis is 30-35 years. Under unfavorable conditions, signs of osteochondrosis may also appear in an earlier period, especially with prolonged uneven loads on the back, legs and the consequences of injuries.

What is osteochondrosis?

Osteochondrosis is a disease of the spinal column, in which degenerative and dystrophic lesions of the intervertebral discs occur. With the development of osteochondrosis, degenerative-dystrophic lesions spread to the tissues of the vertebrae.
The main sign indicating the development of osteochondrosis disease is pain in the neck, back, lumbar region, with progression, the pain "gives" to the arms, chest, shoulders, upper thigh, etc. With the negative dynamics of osteochondrosis, atrophy of muscle tissue begins, sensitivity disorders, as well as dysfunction of internal organs, provoked by their compression, displacement. In the absence of timely therapy, osteochondrosis develops to an incurable state.

Causes of osteochondrosis

The main factor in the development of osteochondrosis is an uneven load on the spine. A common cause of improper load distribution is the habit of carrying a bag on one shoulder or in one hand, an incorrect sitting position, on an overly soft mattress, a high pillow, and wearing anatomically incorrect types of shoes.
Additional risk factors include physical inactivity, a sedentary lifestyle, excess weight, injuries of the back, lower extremities, flat feet and other disorders of the musculoskeletal system, as well as age-related degenerative processes with age-related changes in the blood supply to the spinal column.
The following factors may also play a role in the etiology of osteochondrosis:

• physical overstrain of the body;
• neuro-emotional exhaustion;
• metabolic disorders, poisoning, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, preventing the full absorption of nutrients;
• professional risks, in particular, work on vibration platforms;
• genetic predisposition;
• violations of posture during the period of active growth, scoliosis;
• wearing uncomfortable shoes (tight, heels);
• prolonged and / or regular dehydration of the body;
• inadequate diet, hypovitaminosis;
• smoking;
• pregnancy, especially multiple, in combination with an undeveloped musculo-ligamentous apparatus (due to a shift in the center of gravity of the body).

Stages of development of osteochondrosis

Photo: Marcelo Ricardo Daros/Shutterstock.com

Osteochondrosis in the dynamics of the disease goes through four stages:

• osteochondrosis of the 1st stage (degree) is characterized by the initial stage of pathology in the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc. Due to excessive load, the process of dehydration (dehydration) of the nucleus begins, which leads to a decrease in the disc height parameter and the formation of cracks in the fibrous ring. Symptoms at this stage, as a rule, are absent, there may be slight discomfort with a long stay in an uncomfortable static position, active movement, etc .;
• at stage 2, a decrease in the height of the discs leads to a decrease in the distance between the vertebrae and sagging of the vertebral muscles and ligaments. This causes increased mobility of the vertebrae with affected discs, which is dangerous by their displacement or slippage. In the second stage of the disease, discomfort, pain occurs, especially with certain types of load, movements, positions;
• osteochondrosis of the 3rd stage (degree) is characterized by the formation of prolapses and protrusions of the intervertebral discs, may be accompanied by subluxations and / or the development of arthrosis of the intervertebral joints. With some types of movement, patients feel stiffness, lack of mobility, in the limbs there may be a feeling of tingling, numbness. At this stage of osteochondrosis, pain is clearly felt in the back, neck, lumbosacral region or coccyx, depending on the location of the affected discs;
• at stage 4 of osteochondrosis, the body tries to correct the consequences of vertebral hypermobility and adapt to impaired functionality of the spinal column. In the places of contact of the vertebrae, osteophytes are formed, new bone formations that improve the fixation of the vertebra. However, in some cases, osteophytes can cause pinching of the nerves, injure the vertebrae. Fibrous ankylosis begins in the intervertebral discs and joints. In the absence of microtrauma and infringement of the nerve roots, the symptoms of the disease subside.

Symptoms of osteochondrosis

The main symptoms of osteochondrosis are a feeling of discomfort and / or pain in the neck and back. The severity of sensations and the presence of additional symptoms depend on the stage of the disease. When examining a patient and taking an anamnesis, a specialist conducts a primary diagnosis, suggesting the presence of osteochondrosis by visually detectable curvature of the spine, observed in the transverse or longitudinal plane of the spinal column. Pathologies of the intervertebral discs of the cervical and lumbar regions are much more common than degenerative and dystrophic changes in the sternum.

The signs of osteochondrosis felt by the patient include a periodic or permanent feeling of back fatigue, erased or pronounced, depending on the stage of the disease, pain syndrome. The pain can be localized in the neck, back, chest, shoulder girdle, hinder, constrain the movements of the upper limbs.
The clinical picture of osteochondrosis largely depends on the localization of the pathology, the degree of development of the process, and the individual characteristics of patients. Pathology of the intervertebral discs, displacements, protrusions, hernias and growth of osteophytes lead to various consequences. Among the most common are disorders of normal blood circulation in tissues, pinched nerve endings, dysfunction of the spinal canal, edema, fibrosis of tissues and structures.
Such consequences can be accompanied by many different symptoms, leading to an erroneous diagnosis of diseases.
The most common and characteristic symptoms of osteochondrosis include the following:

• pain in the back, neck, lower back, shoulder girdle, ribs;
• discomfort, stiffness of torso movements that occur with certain body positions, tilts, turns, increased muscle tension;
• feeling of numbness of the upper and lower extremities;
• muscle and joint discomfort, muscle spasms;
• headaches, dizziness, increased fatigue;
• pain in the region of the heart;
• violation of the sensitivity of the hands;
• muscle hypotension.

Symptoms of osteochondrosis vary depending on the location of the pathology:

• with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, pain in the neck, arms, and shoulder girdle predominates, radiating to the area of ​​the shoulder blade and shoulder; headaches, dizziness, flickering of "flies" or spots before the eyes, tinnitus are noted;
• with damage to the thoracic spine, pain is localized in the chest, heart, inner surface of the shoulder, armpits, respiratory discomfort is also noted, shortness of breath is possible;
• osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral spine is manifested by pain in the lower back radiating to the legs, upper thighs or pelvic organs, often associated with sexual dysfunction.

Superficial symptoms - back fatigue, pain - may indicate not only the presence of osteochondrosis, but also the addition of other diseases or the development of other pathological processes and disorders not associated with degeneration of the intervertebral discs. The diagnosis of "osteochondrosis" can only be made by a specialist, and self-medication with such symptoms is unacceptable.

Photo: PureRadiancePhoto/Shutterstock.com

Types of osteochondrosis are distinguished according to several principles. Depending on the localization of the pathology, osteochondrosis of the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, or mixed, combined types of the disease is isolated. According to clinical manifestations, osteochondrosis of various localization is divided into subspecies depending on the identified symptoms and the clinical picture as a whole.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical region:

• depending on the type of reflex syndrome, cervicalgia, cervicocranialgia, cervicobrachialgia with various manifestations (vegetative-vascular, neurodystrophic, muscular-tonal) are detected;
• with a positive test result for radicular syndrome, a discogenic lesion of the roots of the cervical spine is diagnosed.

With pathology of the chest level, there are:

• according to reflex syndromes - thoracalgia with vegetative-visceral, neurodystrophic or muscular-tonal manifestations;
• according to radicular - discogenic lesion of the roots of the thoracic region.

When osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral level is diagnosed:

• depending on the type of reflex syndrome - lumbago (backache), lumbodynia, lumboischialgia with vegetative-vascular, neurodystrophic or muscular-tonal manifestations;
• radicular syndrome indicates a discogenic lesion of the roots of the lumbosacral region;
• radicular-vascular syndrome indicates radiculo-ischemia.

Diagnosis of osteochondrosis

To make a diagnosis, instrumental methods of examination are used:

• x-ray examination of the spine;
• myelography;
• neurological examination of sensitivity, reflexes.

Additional methods prescribed for differentiation and clarification of the diagnosis, stage of pathology include:

• computed tomography of the spine (CT);
• nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR);
• magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Directions of therapy for osteochondrosis

Photo: ESB Professional/Shutterstock.com

The treatment is based on an integrated approach and, depending on the stage, lasts from 1 to 3 months of intensive therapy and 1 year of supportive measures to consolidate the result and prevent relapses.
Therapy of osteochondrosis disease is carried out in two directions, depending on the degree of osteochondrosis and the patient's health status. Conservative treatment of the disease consists of taking medications, performing a set of exercises. Surgical treatment in almost any situation cannot be the method of first choice and is prescribed in the absence of positive dynamics, disease progression against the background of long-term conservative therapy.
In addition to medical methods of therapy, it is necessary to follow the general recommendations for osteochondrosis: follow a diet, take measures necessary for rehabilitation.

Conservative treatment of osteochondrosis

Conservative therapy is aimed at stopping the pain syndrome, normalizing the functionality of the spinal column and preventing negative changes.
The conservative treatment of osteochondrosis includes the following types of therapy:

• drug therapy. Medicines for osteochondrosis are used to relieve pain syndromes, inflammatory processes in tissues and normalize the body's metabolic processes. With a pronounced pain syndrome, the use of drug blockades of nerve endings is recommended, which also contributes to a decrease in the severity of the muscular-tonic syndrome. There are the following types of blockades: blockade of trigger points, intraosseous, faceted, paravertebral, epidural;
• physiotherapy methods. Physiotherapy procedures help reduce pain, increase the effect of medications, and are also used during the rehabilitation period. The most common is the use of ultrasonic waves, magnetic fields, low-frequency currents, laser beams, etc.;
• methods of physiotherapy exercises (LFK) and kinesitherapy. A complex of special exercises, when performed regularly and correctly, helps to correct posture, strengthen the muscular corset, ligamentous apparatus, normalizes muscle function, reduces compression of nerve fibers and helps prevent complications of osteochondrosis. Methods of physical therapy and kinesiotherapy procedures are aimed at normalizing metabolic processes, restoring proper nutrition of intervertebral discs, restoring the location of the vertebrae and discs between them, evenly distributing the load in the musculoskeletal system;
• massage. Manual massage techniques are used to improve blood supply to tissues, relieve muscle spasms and clamps, and improve blood circulation in general. Hydromassage as a direction of therapeutic activity in addition to the listed effects contributes to the normalization of the nervous system of the body;
• manual therapy. Manual therapy methods are selected on an individual basis. Acupressure on the musculoskeletal system of the body helps to improve blood circulation, lymph circulation, improves metabolism, helps to correct the mobility of the musculoskeletal system, strengthens the immune system, and serves as a means of preventing complications of osteochondrosis;
• therapy by traction (stretching) of the spine using special equipment. The purpose of the manipulations is to increase the intervertebral space to normal parameters, to correct violations of the structure of the spinal column.

Osteochondrosis: drug therapy

In the treatment of osteochondrosis, drugs are aimed at reducing the severity of symptoms, improving the processes of blood supply to tissues and their regeneration. Osteochondrosis cannot be cured only by taking medications, therapy should be combined, include sets of exercises, diet, and preventive measures.
In the absence of pronounced dystrophic changes and pain syndrome, taking medications without the appointment of a specialist can be considered unjustified.
Medicines used to relieve pain and treat osteochondrosis:

• anti-inflammatory group: ibuprofen-containing medicines, (Ibuprofen, Nurofen), Karipazim, Pantogematogen, Reoprin and so on;
• antispasmodic drugs: Baclofen, drotaverine (Drotaverine, No-Shpa), Myolastan, Sirdalud, etc.;
• antioxidant preparations: vitamins C (as ascorbic acid), E (tocopherol acetate), N (thioctic acid);
• means for improving the blood supply to tissues: Actovegin, Theonicol, Trental, vitamins of group B (mainly B3);
• drugs for the regeneration and / or prevention of cartilage degeneration: Aflutop, Diacerin, Piascledin, hyaluronic acid.

Preparations can be prescribed both in the form of ointments, creams for local use for pain, and for oral administration and as injections.
In the case of acute complications, drugs are used for drug blockade of nerve endings.

Osteochondrosis: dietary nutrition of the patient

The principles of the diet are based on the need to improve metabolic processes, saturate the body with essential nutrients, vitamins, minerals, include foods high in antioxidants, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and compounds that promote cartilage tissue regeneration. The drinking regimen recommended for osteochondrosis is aimed at preventing dehydration of the body, which can negatively affect the affected tissues.
It is necessary to eat fractionally, 5-6 times a day.
The basis of the diet is dairy and sour-milk products, lean meats, poultry, fish, fresh vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds, cereals, mushrooms. It is especially recommended to include in the diet meat and fish jellies, aspics, jellied dishes, the use of extra virgin olive oil without heat treatment (for dressing salads, etc.).
Preferred methods of food processing: steaming, baking, boiling.
Limit the intake of flour and confectionery products, fatty foods, spicy, salty foods and seasonings, canned and smoked foods, strong meat broths, legumes, sugar and fruits with a high content of it (grapes).
During the day, it is necessary to consume at least 1.5 liters of liquid, giving preference to pure and mineral water, dried fruit compotes, unsweetened fruit drinks, herbal teas. You should limit the amount of strong black tea, coffee, sweet carbonated drinks, alcohol.

Complications of osteochondrosis

Non-compliance with the prescribed treatment, prolonged avoidance of the doctor and lack of therapy for osteochondrosis contributes to the progression of the disease and provokes the development of complications, pathologies and new diseases, such as:

• herniated intervertebral discs (herniated spine);
• protrusions;
• kyphosis;
• radiculitis;
• salt deposits in the intervertebral space;
• spinal cord strokes;
• a decrease in the muscle mass of the limbs, muscle atrophy due to circulatory disorders;
• paralysis of the lower extremities.

Despite the fact that the 4th degree of osteochondrosis can occur without pronounced symptoms and pain, neglected osteochondrosis is the most dangerous for the development of serious complications and can lead to disability of the patient.

Photo: Dmitry Rukhlenko/Shutterstock.com

The causes of osteochondrosis are mainly related to the lack of attention to the requirements of the body, malnutrition, excessive stress on the body. To prevent the onset of pathological changes in the spine and contain the dynamics of already existing osteochondrosis, it is recommended to adhere to the general principles of a healthy lifestyle:

• exclusion of the possibility of physical inactivity: moderate sports: exercise, running, swimming, cycling, skiing, gymnastics, non-contact wrestling, etc .;
• when working or other activities associated with a long stay in a static position, it is necessary to take breaks to warm up every 45 minutes to restore blood circulation. If you need to sit for a long time, you should choose the right chairs, chairs with support for the spine, monitor compliance with the standards for the position of the hands on the table, legs on the floor or a special stand, learn to keep your posture (flat back, relaxed shoulders);
• for a night's sleep, it is necessary to select an elastic, better orthopedic mattress with a flat surface, avoid high or too flat pillows;
• if necessary, lift and / or carry heavy objects, avoid jerking, lifting weights from a semi-squat position, use special belts that support the lower back;
• the choice of orthopedically correct shoes: with the appropriate foot width, without high heels and its timely replacement will help reduce the load on the spine, this is especially important for women during the period of bearing a child. In the summer, do not neglect the opportunity to walk barefoot on an uneven surface, this strengthens the muscles of the foot and relieves stress from the musculoskeletal system;
• proper diet, drinking regimen contribute to overall health and help maintain normal metabolism;
• with a tendency to increased emotionality, anxiety with a muscular spasmodic reaction to stress, it is worth learning relaxation methods, as well as regularly taking general tonic massage courses.

Doctor of Medical Sciences Pavel Zharkov, Chief Researcher of the Russian Scientific Center for Radiology of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Professor of the Department of Radiation Diagnostics of the Russian Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education, author of books and monographs on diseases of the spine, believes that osteochondrosis is a commercial diagnosis and has nothing to do with pain in the spine.

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If there are no contraindications (tumors and inflammatory diseases), a heating pad should be applied to the sore spot. A good effect is given by various ointments recommended for bruises.

If the pain has become chronic and interferes with life, look for its source. Remember, before sending you for X-ray, CT and MRI, the doctor must examine and palpate you.

What helps with back pain

1. Is it possible to do massage for back pain?

In the acute period, it is better not to touch the sore spot. The patient is advised to rest completely. Massage may be helpful after the pain has subsided. It improves blood circulation, normalizes tone, relieves tension in the back muscles. Only on condition that the massage therapist is a professional in his field. Unskilled massage can cause new damage, and this leads to a deterioration in the patient's condition.

2. What types of physical therapy can provide relief from back pain?

With the exception of the acute phase, physiotherapy (magnetotherapy, electrophysiotherapy methods) can bring relief. Physiotherapy is one of the few methods that allows you to target the focus of pain, achieve relaxation of tense muscles. Physiotherapy improves microcirculation in the affected area. The great advantage of physiotherapy is that the risk of forceful impact on the sore spot is excluded.

3. Will manual therapy help?

Most manual techniques involve a forceful impact on sore spots, which is contraindicated for any kind of pain in the musculoskeletal system even during remission.

4. Is it possible to put cups and give injections for back pain?

An anesthetic blockade is done in the acute period. Banks are a combination of warming and massage. If timely appointed and professionally performed, they can be useful.