Osteochondrosis

If the lower back, back or neck hurts, it is difficult to sit upright, the spine creaks - many people automatically diagnose: “Of course - osteochondrosis!”The reasons for this “disease” seem to be completely clear: we live in the 21st century, we don’t move much, we don’t eat right…

In reality, however, everything is a little more complicated.

What is it – spinal osteochondrosis?How appropriate is such a diagnosis?And what happens in the spine?

Scientifically speaking, osteochondrosis is a degenerative (i.e. leading to premature “aging”, “wear and tear”) disease of the spine (by the way, it can also affect other joints).The pathological process begins from the intervertebral discs and gradually spreads to the vertebrae.

Osteochondrosis of the spine - is there such a diagnosis?

In English-speaking medicine, this term refers to a completely different group of diseases that have nothing to do with our “native” osteochondrosis.In the International Classification of Diseases, a book that all neurologists should refer to when making a diagnosis, there are terms such as “osteochondrosis of the spine in adults,” “juvenile osteochondrosis of the spine,” and “osteochondrosis of the spine, unspecified.”

However, sometimes this diagnosis is made not entirely justified, when the doctor actually cannot fully understand what is happening to the patient.This term can include diseases such as:

• Myofascial pain syndrome– a condition in which cramps occur constantly in the same muscles.
• Muscle injuries.After an injury, the pain begins to bother and after a while goes away on its own.
• Otolithiasis– a condition in which calcium salt crystals build up in the inner ear.They lead to dizziness - sometimes they are confused with a manifestation of spinal diseases.
• Headache.They are often accompanied by degenerative changes in the cervical spine.In fact, more often they have other reasons.

Treatment of spinal osteochondrosis

The standard package of treatment measures for exacerbation of the disease is as follows:

• Anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving..
• If the pain is very severe and does not go away- Novocaine blockades are used.The doctor, armed with a needle and syringe, injects the anesthetic into specific locations where it blocks the transmission of pain nerve impulses.
• Physiotherapy helps:medical electrophoresis with anesthesia, ultrasound, ultraviolet irradiation, diadynamic currents.
• If pain forces you to be in constant nervous tension,Prescribe medication to help you calm down.
• To the pain areaDry heat is applied.
• To relieve the spine,Different types of traction are used.The patient can be placed on a special bed with a raised headboard and secured with rings on the armpits.Underwater traction in the pool is also used.
• Your doctor may recommend thisYou should visit a chiropractor and have acupuncture sessions.
• During an exacerbationWear special orthopedic devices that help relieve the muscles and support the spine - corsets, shants-collars.

When the aggravation has passed, you need to take measures to prevent a new aggravation.Therapeutic exercises and massages strengthen the supporting muscles of the spine.Physiotherapy courses are required.Swimming is good for you.All treatment methods for osteochondrosis have contraindications, they must be used wisely, so self-medication is not the best choice.Visit your doctor.

Sometimes, despite treatment, the symptoms of the disease continue to increase and the patient's condition worsens.In this case, the neurologist may ask about surgical treatment.

Why should you see a doctor soon?Firstly, “real” osteochondrosis is not such a harmless disease.Over time, it can become disabling if left untreated.Secondly, the symptoms can be caused by the same myofascial pain syndrome - a neurologist can quickly identify and eliminate the cause of the pain. 

Back pain is a symptom that, according to statistics, more than 90% of people suffer from at least once in their lives.Most often it is attributed to osteochondrosis.Not all people who have spinal pain go to the doctor.Many people treat themselves with medications that are available over the counter at the pharmacy or with folk remedies.Sometimes such "treatment" brings temporary relief - but in the meantime the disease may continue to progress and perhaps next time the back or lower back will "twist" much more.

An experienced neurologist can correctly assess the symptoms of osteochondrosis, understand its causes and prescribe the correct treatment for osteochondrosis.

Pain, the main manifestation of osteochondrosis, can be combated more or less successfully for a long period of time with the help of painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as some folk remedies.However, this does not solve the main problem;Pathological changes in the spine continue to increase.

Over time, this leads to compression of the spinal cord and the arteries that supply it and the development of serious neurological complications: severe debilitation up to complete loss of movements and sensitivity, loss of control of the bladder and rectum.

What symptoms usually manifest as spinal osteochondrosis?

A typical manifestation of the disease is pain.As a rule, they hurt, constantly bother, accompanied by numbness, pain in the arms and legs.Typically, pain increases with sudden movements, heavy lifting, physical work, sneezing, coughing, and prolonged stay in a monotonous, uncomfortable position.

The muscles around the spine respond to pain.Tension arises in them.For this reason, the patient may be in a pain-relieving position where the pain doesn't bother him as much.Gradually this leads to a curvature of the spine.

If the disease is not treated over time, the pain increases and becomes unbearable.Other signs of osteochondrosis appear:

• Sensitivity is impaired and there are feelings of numbness, tingling and “crawling” in the arms and legs.
• The muscles of the limbs become weaker and smaller over time - atrophy occurs.
• With osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, patients complain of headaches, dizziness, tinnitus, “spots” and bright spots in front of the eyes.
• With thoracic osteochondrosis, pain in the heart is disturbing.The person may experience a feeling “as if a stake had been driven into the chest.”
• If the nerve roots of the spine are compressed (for example when a disc herniation occurs, bone outgrowths in the vertebrae), severe stabbing pain occurs.

Proper treatment of symptoms of spinal osteochondrosis

The key to effective treatment is correct and timely diagnosis.During a neurological examination in the clinic, a specialist assesses your symptoms and the degree of impairment of certain nerve functions.

Here you can undergo an examination using new, modern equipment - this will allow you to understand in detail what is happening to your spine, nerve roots, surrounding tissue and muscles.

Treatment should not only address the symptoms of osteochondrosis.You must try to eliminate the cause.If this is not possible, you need to figure out the most effective way to control the disease and prevent its progression.The neurologist will draw up the correct treatment program and adjust it taking into account the changes in your condition.

To defeat the enemy, you must know him by sight.This is the case with any disease: a careful examination by a doctor, modern instrumental studies and laboratory tests help to make an accurate diagnosis, understand what is happening in the patient's body and prescribe effective treatment for osteochondrosis.

The main manifestation of osteochondrosis is back pain, a symptom that can occur in many other diseases.To determine the exact cause and deal with it, you need the help of a specialist. 

Neurological examination when diagnosing osteochondrosis: How does the appointment in the neurologist's office work?

During your appointment, your doctor will ask you a few questions:

• What complaints bother you?
• Where does pain usually occur?
• How long does the pain last?How strong is she?
• What type is the pain: stabbing, shooting, aching, pulling?
• When do your symptoms usually appear?What provokes her?
• When and after what do you feel better?

The doctor will then conduct a neurological examination and check your skin sensitivity, muscle strength and tone, reflexes, sense of balance and coordination of movements.The neurologist may press on specific points near your spine to determine pain.You will then be prescribed an examination program to clarify the diagnosis.

Our neurologists work according to the same standards: they examine you carefully, don't miss anything and prescribe all the necessary examinations.

What diagnostic methods are used for osteochondrosis?

Most often, the following diagnostic methods are prescribed for osteochondrosis:

• Radiography.It is performed in at least two projections: frontal and profile.If necessary, recordings are made in other positions.
• X-ray contrast studies.In order to better examine pathological changes in the spine, a contrast solution may be injected into the spinal canal (myelography), the intervertebral disc (discography) and the blood vessels (angiography).These examinations are only carried out for special indications.
• Computed tomography.It helps to examine bone structures in more detail compared to radiography to detect a decrease in the height of the intervertebral disc and bone growth on the vertebrae.
• Magnetic resonance imaging.Helps detect changes in soft tissue with high accuracy.

Your doctor may also prescribe other diagnostic methods for osteochondrosis.The specialist will ensure that you get an appointment with the right doctor and undergo all the necessary tests so that you do not have to overpay for unnecessary procedures.

Prevention of osteochondrosis

To keep your back healthy, follow these recommendations:

• Your diet should be complete.
• You need regular physical activity.If you suffer from chronic diseases, consult your doctor and ask him to recommend a suitable gymnastics complex.
• Maintain a normal weight - this will prevent not only osteochondrosis, but also many other “wounds”.
• If you have a sedentary job, take more frequent breaks to walk and stretch.
• Lift weights correctly.Don't bend at the waist.Keep your back straight - your legs should do the work.

Osteochondrosis belongs to a group of diseases that are scientifically called “degenerative pathologies”.In other words, these are diseases in which the vertebrae, intervertebral discs and joints themselves prematurely “wear out”, “age” (this is not a completely accurate explanation, but in general it helps to roughly imagine what is happening to the spine).But what causes this premature wear?

Why does osteochondrosis occur?

Osteochondrosis of the spine is a disease that has no specific cause.Various factors lead to its occurrence:

• Injuries.Osteochondrosis can be a loud echo of a previously suffered fracture or ligament damage.
• Microtrauma.They can be caused by frequent similar movements in the spine or a long stay in a monotonous, uncomfortable position.
• Congenital anomalies of the spine.They are different: non-fusion of the vertebral arches, changes in the number of vertebrae in the lumbar and sacral regions, incorrect position of the articular processes in the lumbar region.A person may not suspect that he has one of these conditions all his life, and then, when his back is “sick,” the anomaly is revealed during an examination.
• Autoimmune diseasesImmune cells appear in the intervertebral discs and attack the body's own tissue.
• Circulatory disorders.The tissue of the spine no longer receives the required amount of oxygen-rich blood.

Who most often suffers from osteochondrosis?

Certain medical conditions can lead to spinal problems:

• Lack of exercise, low physical activity.Office workers are at increased risk.
• Overweight.Every additional kilogram puts additional strain on the spine.
• Excessive physical activity.Overload during training in athletes.
• Poor diet.In order for vertebrae, ligaments and muscles to be strong and withstand stress, they must receive the necessary substances - “building material”.
• Previous injuries to the neck, back and lower back.
• Untreated postural disorders, scoliosis.
• Constant stay, working in an uncomfortable position, which often requires you to stand or sit hunched over for long periods of time.
• If you have close relatives who suffer from osteochondrosis, your risk is also increased.

What happens to the spine with osteochondrosis?

The development of osteochondrosis is primarily due to the “wear and tear” of the intervertebral disc.Its structure changes at the molecular level.First, the intervertebral disc swells, then it “dries up”, its height decreases, it begins to protrude above the vertebral body and cracks and cracks appear in its outer part.Through them, vessels grow inside, the intervertebral disc becomes denser and calcification begins.The vortex becomes loose.

Next, the degenerative process spreads to the vertebrae themselves and the intervertebral joints.The muscles surrounding the affected part of the spine are constantly under tension and compaction occurs.

In order to compensate for the increased load on the vertebrae, bone outgrowths (osteophytes) form on them, increasing their surface area.

Depending on where the pathological changes occur, cervical, thoracic and lumbar osteochondrosis are distinguished.Two or all three sections can be affected at the same time.