Osteochondrosis of the spine is a degenerative disease that is manifested by the destruction of cartilage and bone tissue. The pathology is chronic and occurs with frequent relapses. First of all, it affects the intervertebral disc, then the axial column and other structures of the central nervous system.
Initially, osteochondrosis of the spine was considered a disease of the elderly, but recently the pathology has become significantly younger. Today, degenerative changes are often diagnosed in the 23-45 age group.
Cause
A single cause of osteochondrosis has not been established. The doctors of the old practice believed that the disease develops against the background of the deposition of calcium salts that are not completely absorbed by the bone tissue. Nowadays, other versions of the dystrophic destruction of the spine have been put forward.
The main ones are:
- back injuries;
- heredity;
- flat feet, congenital bunions;
- obesity;
- sedentary work, passive lifestyle;
- metabolic disorder;
- poor posture;
- asthenic body type, natural weakness of muscles and ligaments;
- harmful working conditions (vibration, jerking, body tremors);
- frequent lifting of heavy objects;
- hypothermia;
- tension;
- chronic inflammation of infectious tissues.
Uncomfortable high-heeled shoes can be a provocative factor for representatives of the fairer sex. Frequent pregnancy also contributes to the development of spinal changes.
Symptoms
Degenerative destruction in the body of the intervertebral disc leads to a loss of elasticity, hinders the accumulation and release of fluid, and impairs the shock-absorbing properties of the axial column.
Because of this, the load on the fibrous ring increases, it thins, cracks, and the vertebrae come dangerously close to each other. Abnormal compression of bone structures and cartilage develops.
The severe pain that occurs is accompanied by the following symptoms of osteochondrosis of the spine:
- numbness, goosebumps, burning sensation in the affected area;
- reduced mobility;
- back muscle fatigue;
- reduced performance, fatigue.
The considered signs of osteochondrosis are general. The specific symptoms of the disease depend on which segment of the spinal column is damaged.
When the cervical spine is compressed, the blood flow in the blood vessels deteriorates, which leads to frequent migraines, dizziness and loss of consciousness. The patient may complain of tinnitus, spots before the eyes, pain in the shoulders and arms.
Structural destruction of the lower back forces a person to assume a forced position, stand up slowly, and sit down. Pain appears in the buttocks, radiating down the limb to the lower leg and foot. Intermittent claudication develops.
Most of the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the spine belong to the vertebral type. Disorders that develop outside the axial column are called extravertebral syndromes. For example, cerebrovascular disorders caused by compression of the vertebral artery.
Types
Osteochondrosis of the back is classified according to its location - cervical, thoracic and lumbosacral. More than half of the cases occur in the lumbar spine, a third of the diagnoses refer to the cervical region.
Which doctor treats osteochondrosis?
If you experience severe back pain, you should postpone an appointment with a neurologist or neurologist. If such specialists are not available at your local clinic, contact your GP. After the first examination, the doctor prescribes treatment or refers you to other specialists.
Diagnostics
The diagnosis of osteochondrosis begins with asking the patient. The doctor is interested in the time of onset of the symptoms, the intensity and nature of the pain, as well as its location. The specialist then begins visual inspection and palpation of the spine.
Due to the variety of symptoms, the use of instrumental tests is a mandatory element in the diagnosis of osteochondrosis:
- X-ray of the entire spine in 2 views;
- MRI and CT;
- Doppler imaging of the vessels and arteries of the cervical spine.
Unfortunately, X-rays do not give a complete picture of the condition of the soft structures of the spinal column - the spinal roots and disc tissues remain unexamined. In this case, functional MRI helps, which differs from classical MRI in the location of the patient's body.
Treatment
How to treat osteochondrosis of the spine? Conservative and surgical therapy are used to combat the disease. The main goal of both techniques is to eliminate pain and prevent further destruction of bone tissue and cartilage.
Non-surgical treatment of osteochondrosis of the back includes:
- massage;
- exercise therapy;
- traction of the entire spine;
- manipulative therapy;
- effect on active points.
The effectiveness of the methods largely depends on the patient's endurance and the systematicity of the manipulations.
The intensive period of therapy lasts 2-2. 5 months. At the beginning of the course, increased pain and discomfort in the back area is possible.
Surgical treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine is prescribed when the conservative approach is ineffective. The indication for surgery is compression of the intervertebral space by 1/3 of the original distance. The leading method of treating osteochondrosis is discectomy - partial or radical removal of the affected disc.
After spinal surgery, the patient requires rehabilitation for at least six months. During this period, the patient is recommended to visit sanatoriums, take mineral baths, physiotherapy and massage courses.
Unfortunately, it is impossible to completely cure osteochondrosis of the spine. Degenerative changes in bones and soft tissues are irreversible and appear in a chronic form. The destruction process can only be slowed down and the accompanying symptoms alleviated.
Complications
Complications of osteochondrosis of the spine often develop as a result of compression of the spinal cord and feeding arteries. Against this background, the patient develops discogenic myelopathy, paresis of limbs, damage to reflexes and dysfunction of sphincters. A herniated disc can cause spinal cord infarction.
Damage to the cervical spine causes hearing loss, blurred vision and constant migraines. The patient has memory problems and his ability to learn decreases.
If osteochondrosis is not treated for a long time, severe damage to the pelvis and legs, paralysis of the limbs and periodic claudication can develop. In women, long-lasting spinal dystrophy often leads to infertility, in men, a decrease in potency is typical.
Prevention
No one is immune from such a disease as osteochondrosis. In old age, the disease affects almost everyone. In order to prevent dystrophic changes, it is necessary to take care of the spine from a young age.
Moderate sports activity, a balanced diet with the right amount of vitamins, a healthy lifestyle - all this will help you maintain your health for many years.
Prevention of osteochondrosis of the spine includes more specific measures:
- avoiding stress;
- timely treatment of infections and pathologies of the musculoskeletal system;
- limiting the weight of lifting objects;
- strengthening the immune system.
Women can be advised to choose the right shoes and to monitor the valgus appearance of the foot.
The development of osteochondrosis of the spine can significantly complicate the patient's life. Only long-term and systematic treatment helps to get rid of serious symptoms. The most important thing is not to despair and fight for your health.