Osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic change in the complex of vertebrae, intervertebral discs and joints. It develops due to metabolic disorders in the cartilage and bone tissues of the vertebrae and discs. Simply put, in chondrosis and osteochondrosis, the discs and adjacent bone structures wear out over time, compensating for the changes with marginal tissue growth and compaction. In case of chondrosis - only the disc cartilage itself, and in case of osteochondrosis - the vertebral bodies adjacent to it. This is a very common disease. According to WHO statistics, up to 80% of the world's inhabitants suffer from it. Doctors note that most often this occurs due to increased stress on the spine: excess weight and a sedentary lifestyle.
What to do with osteochondrosis and where to go if the disease is suspected, say neurologist Igor Matsokin and physical therapy specialist Oksana Ivanova.
Classification
According to the ICD-10 classification, spinal osteochondrosis has the code M42. Includes:
- M42. 0 Juvenile osteochondrosis of the spine Calf disease, Scheuermann's disease
Excludes: positional kyphosis (M40. 0)
- M42. 1 Osteochondrosis of the spine in adults
- M42. 9 Spinal osteochondrosis, unspecified
Species
Depending on the location, there are different types:
Cervical
The cervical spine experiences a high load and a fairly complex range of motion.
Symptoms:
Cracking and popping sensation in the neck when turning the head from side to side, stiffness during movement. You may experience headache (tension headache), a sore sensation in the muscles of the shoulder girdle.
Constantly tense muscles can cause numbness and tingling in the hands.
The main goal of treatment is restoration, relief of spasms and inflammation, and restoration of range of motion.
Chest
The thoracic region is less mobile than the rest of the body where osteochondrosis occurs. Therefore it appears rarely.
Symptoms: pain in the chest muscles, often worsens with static load.
Brachialis
Osteochondrosis of the shoulder joint occurs due to injury, stretching of tendons and muscles. Most often it occurs when there is excessive load on the shoulder in athletes and loaders. But it can also develop in the complex of cervical osteochondrosis.
There is pain and restrictions when moving the joints.
Vertebrate
With osteochondrosis of the spine, the intervertebral discs are destroyed. It happens that not one part of the spine is affected, but two or more. For example, both in the lumbar and cervical region. This is called polysegmental or diffuse osteochondrosis of the spine.
Lumbar
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar region is common. The spine in the lumbosacral region is the one that experiences the greatest stress.
Symptoms:
- pain in the lower back, legs
- pain when bending, turning - stiffness in back movements
Hip
With osteochondrosis of the hip joint, the pain is not serious, but it is important to immediately consult a doctor so that surgery is not necessary.
Knee
Knee joint disease. The cartilage that ensures unhindered sliding and movement of the joint is destroyed and cannot be restored. Fibrous cartilage forms, causing pain and stiffness in the leg. Pain and limitation of knee movement are the main reasons to visit a doctor and get a diagnosis.
Youth
The disease occurs in children, most often between the ages of 10 and 18. Degenerative changes occur in the spine, affecting ligaments, joints, intervertebral discs and bones. Juvenile osteochondrosis progresses rapidly, but in the initial stage it is difficult to detect because there is no limitation of mobility. Only in the morning do you feel any discomfort after sleep.
Causes
The disease occurs when there is a metabolic disorder. As we age, our cartilaginous tissue wears out. The lack of water, microelements and amino acids reduces the elasticity of the intervertebral discs. Salt deposits are a consequence of osteochondrosis. The cause of pain is often irritation (or irritation) of the nerve roots.
The disease affects athletes who place a lot of stress on their backs, such as weight lifters. The risk increases after spinal injuries. Osteochondrosis often occurs in schoolchildren who sit for a long time, bending over desks, and in drivers. Which factor will cause the disease depends on lifestyle.
Degrees
For osteochondrosis there are 4 degrees (stages):
- 1st degree: chondrosis. There is already pain
- 2nd degree: instability. The affected spinal disc is displaced relative to the lower one, causing sharp pain.
- 3rd degree – formation of intervertebral hernias. They compress nerve fibers and blood vessels.
- Grade 4: intervertebral disc fibrosis. Osteophytes may appear. These are bony growths with which the body tries to restore the support function.
When to do prevention
Better late than never. If you are overweight and have a sedentary lifestyle, the sooner you start making changes, the more you will invest in your health.
Symptoms
How the disease can manifest itself in different departments:
- my back hurts
- coldness and numbness of the hands and feet
- heachache
- restriction of movement
It is important not to confuse these signs with other diseases. Symptoms may be similar, for example, with osteochondrosis of the chest and diseases of the cardiovascular system. For an accurate diagnosis and timely treatment, you need to consult a neurologist or therapist to receive a referral to a specialist.
Pain
Pain is the main problem of osteochondrosis, which is difficult to get rid of. Furthermore, not only the spinal disc or the joint itself hurts, but the pain radiates further throughout the body. And it happens that the pain from thoracic osteochondrosis radiates to the heart, so the sensations are easily confused with heart disease.
How to distinguish heart pain from osteochondrosis:
- With heart problems, a burning sensation occurs in the chest, which may radiate to the arm or neck. Painful sensations appear suddenly and last no more than 30 minutes. The temperature rises, dizziness and chills appear. Accompanied by a feeling of lack of air, shortness of breath.
- Pain with osteochondrosis can be different: pressing, stabbing. As a rule, it is moderate in nature. Not accompanied by shortness of breath and changes in blood pressure and pulse. It has the nature of herpes zoster, it can last several days or disappear instantly.
Heachache
Whether a headache can occur depends on the source of the disease. Headaches occur as a result of overloading the musculo-ligamentous system of the neck, the impact of the muscles on the channels for the passage of painful cutaneous branches of the trigeminal nerve and the impact on the trunks of autonomous regulation of vascular tone.
Dizziness and noise in the head
Sensations of dizziness and noise in the head with osteochondrosis occur for the same reason as headaches: from muscle overload and irritation of some areas of the autonomic nervous system with consequent vascular reaction. It is important to remember that similar sensations in the ears can be signs of other diseases.
Lump in throat
A lump in the throat with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a common symptom. This is due to the fact that the inflamed tissue increases in volume. A person may feel a tickling sensation, throbbing in the neck, and even choking. It feels like something is stuck in your throat, especially when swallowing. Such discomfort often forces you to consult a doctor. But this is not always osteochondrosis; it is important to exclude other pathologies, for example an enlarged thyroid, chronic pharyngitis. If you feel something similar, it's best to start with an ENT specialist. He will determine the cause and refer you to another specialist.
Dyspnea
Shortness of breath occurs due to compression of the vascular bundles. Appears with osteochondrosis of the cervical or thoracic regions. Due to the pain it is not possible to take a deep breath; you need to breathe frequently and shallowly. As a result, respiratory functions are impaired, headaches and dizziness occur due to lack of oxygen in the brain. This can lead to serious consequences. If you notice such a symptom, consult your doctor.
Panic attacks
A neurosurgeon from a regional hospital says that there is a direct connection between panic attacks and osteochondrosis. One of the causes of panic attacks is a sign of violation of blood circulation in the brain. And this often happens precisely with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine due to compression of the blood vessels and vertebral artery. Chest pain and shallow breathing can also cause panic due to this condition.
Temperature
Whether there can be a temperature with osteochondrosis depends on many reasons. It is important to rule out other factors, such as acute respiratory infections.
Pressure
The disease can affect blood pressure; it is important to avoid such pressure peaks.
Clinical guidelines
During diagnosis, conservative therapy followed by surgery is recommended to eliminate the cause of pain. The following drugs are prescribed in the clinical guidelines:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the form of suppositories, injections, ointments, gels.
- For acute pain of high intensity, therapeutic blocks are indicated, the main drugs of which are local anesthetics and glucocorticoids.
- Manual therapy, osteopathy, massage.
Exacerbation
The earlier you start treatment, the easier it will be to avoid future flare-ups. A common cause is lifting heavy objects, especially with one hand. It is important to distribute the weight evenly and not lift it suddenly. We recommend that you absolutely do not lift heavy objects. If flare-ups occur, medications will come to the rescue.
Treatment
The treatment is complex and uses several methods at once. The main goal is to relieve pain and prevent further degradation of the vertebrae and cartilage.
Therapeutic exercise (physical therapy)
It is the main method of conservative treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Loads dosed for
- decompression of the nerve roots
- correction and strengthening of the muscle corset
- maintain a correct posture and give the ligament-muscular system the necessary flexibility
- prevention of complications
To achieve their goals, patients are advised to exercise regularly using rehabilitation equipment and perform joint exercises. These exercises improve blood circulation, normalize metabolism and nutrition of the intervertebral discs, help to increase the intervertebral space, form a muscle corset and reduce the load on the spine.
However, the treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system is not limited to physical therapy. Physiotherapy based on the use of physical factors:
- low frequency currents
- magnetic fields
- ultrasound and laser
Application of physiotherapy
It allows you to accelerate the treatment of many diseases, increase the effectiveness of drug therapy and reduce its dosage, as well as avoiding the typical side effects of drugs.
Massage
Effectively relieves muscle tension and pain, improves blood circulation and has a general strengthening effect.
Manual therapy
The doctor's individual impact on the musculoskeletal system to relieve acute and chronic pain in the spine and joints, as well as to increase range of motion and correct posture.
Reflexology
Various therapeutic techniques and methods of influencing the body's reflex zones and acupuncture points. The use of reflexology in combination with other treatment methods significantly increases its effectiveness.
Drug therapy
Indicated during the period of exacerbation of the disease and is aimed at relieving pain, eliminating the inflammatory process and improving metabolic processes. Drugs can be taken intramuscularly or intravenously.
It is important to note that, although each of the listed methods is highly effective, the greatest therapeutic effect can only be achieved when they are combined with exercises using rehabilitation equipment. This allows you to create a full-fledged muscle corset and ensure long-lasting treatment results. How to treat each type of osteochondrosis depends on its location and the causes of its appearance.
Treatment at home
At home, you can and should continue treatment, according to your doctor's recommendations. First of all, watch your diet and do exercises at home. If you want to add folk remedies or decoctions to your treatment, consult your doctor to see if their combination with medications is safe.
Drugs
Most drugs for osteochondrosis are aimed at relieving pain:
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) with diclofenac, ibuprofen, ketoprofen and nimesulide. And not only in the form of tablets, but also ointments and gels. It is important to take the tablets in cycles and not systematically due to their effect on the gastrointestinal tract.
- Opioid pain relievers (glucocorticoids) are prescribed by a doctor for severe pain if NSAIDs do not help relieve the pain.
- For neuropathic pain, anticonvulsants or antidepressants are needed.
- vasodilators to avoid oxygen deficiency.
- chondroprotectors for osteochondrosis - drugs to improve the functions of cartilage and joints.
- Muscle relaxants help relieve pain caused by excessive muscle tension.
Applicators
Applicators for osteochondrosis are a popular addition to treatment. It acts on nerve impulses and improves blood flow, helping to relieve swelling. I mainly use two types of applicators:
- Kuznetsov applicator - mat with plastic tips
- Lyapko applicator - covered with needles and alloys of different metals.
They can only be used after permission from the attending physician.
Collar
A neck collar (or bandage) helps with cervical osteochondrosis to relax the neck muscles and reduce the load on it. As a result, the pain disappears and blood flow to the brain improves. Bandages come in different sizes and stiffness, so if you are suffering from neck pain, you should definitely consult a doctor and find out the cause. If it is osteochondrosis and you have no contraindications, your doctor will tell you which product is best for you.
Darsonval
Darsonval is a medical device that produces current in the form of a damped pulsed discharge. It has a very broad spectrum of action, from dermatological problems to gastrointestinal disorders. Darsonval improves tissue permeability and improves local blood circulation. Due to this, the medicine penetrates faster and deeper, the muscles relax and spasms disappear.
Dropper
Droppers for osteochondrosis help quickly relieve pain. They are prescribed in cases where other drugs are contraindicated. This happens, for example, in people with intolerance to the components of NSAID tablets.
Corset
The corset is used for osteochondrosis to fix the spine. This helps relieve tension and prevent shifting of the vertebrae. You can use it after consulting a doctor.
Plasters
Spine and joint pain can be relieved with pain relief patches. They are convenient to use when it is not possible to apply ointments or creams, because they stain clothes.
Injections
Injections help quickly relieve pain during a flare-up. It is effective and fast-acting. It is important to continue to take care of your body and, even if it improves, follow your doctor's advice and do exercises. Injections are also a quick and effective way to deliver nutrients to the intervertebral discs.
What to inject for osteochondrosis:
- chondroprotectors
- NSAIDs
- antispasmodics
- vitamins
The choice depends on the course of the disease, the presence of pain and the recommendations of the treating doctor.
Vitamins
- Vitamin D helps in the absorption of calcium, which is necessary for the restoration of the bone structures of the spine.
- Vitamins A, E, C contribute to the production of collagen and other tissues necessary for joints.
- The medical journal talks about B vitamins (thiamine, pyridoxine and cyanocobalamin), which have an analgesic effect in cervical osteochondrosis. Thanks to this, you can reduce the intake of painkillers.
Orthopedic pillows
Orthopedic pillows for sleeping will not replace treatment, but sleeping with them will be much more comfortable. Pillows come in different shapes and different materials. For example:
- a rectangular pillow or one with a pillow is suitable for people with any type of osteochondrosis
- Crescent shape for neck and shoulder pain
- a pillow with an indentation in the center or a shoulder indentation will help people with cervical osteochondrosis maintain proper blood circulation in any position during sleep. Optimal for the neck and its natural position.
It is also important to take into account not only the form of osteochondrosis, but also the position in which a person prefers to sleep. A neurologist will tell you which pillow to choose correctly, after analyzing your sleep preferences and the characteristics of the course of the disease.
Massage
Therapeutic massage can be performed for osteochondrosis only in a state of remission. It will help improve blood circulation, metabolic processes, flexibility of the spine and muscles. Proper massage slows or even stops the spread of the disease. But it is not always possible to visit a massage specialist. Special devices, such as electric back and neck massagers, will come to the rescue. They are especially effective in the initial stages of cervical osteochondrosis. The main thing is to use it correctly and consult a doctor.
Diet
There is no special diet for osteochondrosis. The most important thing is to maintain a healthy weight. If you have extra pounds, you should discuss weight loss methods with your doctor and understand the reasons for your high weight.
What does a balanced diet mean:
- protein
- healthy saturated fats
- complex carbohydrates
- fruit and vegetables
It is also important to monitor the amount of salt you consume. Promotes fluid retention in the body.
Exercises
Special ones with therapeutic effect are distinguished, for example, after surgery to remove a hernia of the spine.
Moreover, these are quite simple exercises even for an unprepared person. For example, "first aid" to relieve neck tension:
Assume the correct knee-elbow position (without bending your lower back). Slowly push the floor away from you with your hands, then "fall" with your back between your shoulder blades. There is no need to do push-ups. The hands remain in one position. It is the thoracic region that works up and down.
Gymnastics to improve thoracic mobility:
Lying on your back, bend your knees, arms at your sides, just below your shoulders. Touch the hand of one hand to the hand of the other. With a look, "following" the hand. Your shoulder may lift off the floor. Perform slowly for one minute.
You can relieve discomfort in the cervical region and shoulders and improve them by using a double massage roller:
Stand with your back to the wall, place the roller between your shoulder blades and press it against the wall, then place your feet one step away from the wall. The roller should not press on the spine, but on the sides of it. Perform half squats at a comfortable range, bending your knees, but without lifting your heels off the floor. The roller should move along the height of the shoulder blades. You can work the same way on the neck area: fix the roller on your neck, relax your arms and lift your chin slightly. While squatting, move the roller to the base of the skull.
Army
Acceptance into the army of a person suffering from osteochondrosis depends on the degree of the disease and accurate diagnosis. All documents and certificates must be in order: at least the neurologist's report and the x-ray. Otherwise, after a medical examination, a decision on admission to military service is possible.
In what cases are they not taken into the army:
- damage to three or more intervertebral discs
- anatomical changes are visible
- pronounced pain syndrome, even after weight lifting
If symptoms and certificates are present, the young man can receive category B - limited fitness for duty. This means that he will not be drafted into the army, but can be drafted in case of military training.
It is almost impossible to obtain category D: complete exemption from military service. It is possible, for example, with osteochondropathy kyphosis, the final stage of osteochondrosis.
Question and answer
Acupuncture for osteochondrosis
Acupuncture or acupuncture is used in combination with other treatments. It is particularly effective in moments of exacerbation of painful syndromes.
The procedure has numerous advantages:
- low risk of allergic reactions
- quick results
- minimal risk of injury
It is important to understand that acupuncture helps relieve pain, but does not cure the disease.
How to sleep correctly with cervical osteochondrosis
There are two optimal positions: lying on your back and on your side.
Sleeping on your back is optimal for relaxing your body. For correct weight distribution, it is recommended to place a small pillow under the knees.
In the lateral position, the neck muscles relax, the load on the spine is reduced and the blood circulation process is not disturbed.
It is important to choose the right pillow depending on the position you prefer.
Is it possible to take a steam bath with osteochondrosis?
Very often the bath is not a contraindication. On the contrary, due to the high temperature, blood flow improves and symptoms are alleviated.
In case of exacerbation of osteochondrosis, bathing is contraindicated. If blood flow increases at the site of inflammation, it will cause complications.
Is it possible to play sports with osteochondrosis?
Moderate loads are not only allowed, but also necessary for osteochondrosis. But there are exceptions:
- professional sports
- dangerous sport
- sport with weight lifting
Is it possible to warm the neck with cervical osteochondrosis?
You should not warm your neck to relieve pain. In this way, the blood will begin to flow even more towards the inflammation and it will intensify.
What not to do with osteochondrosis
- lift weights, even in the gym
- make sudden movements, such as when playing sports
- sleeping on a mattress that is too soft or on a pillow that is too high
- abusing high-calorie foods, coffee, alcohol
- assume a bent position for a long time, for example when cleaning or in the garden
- wear high heels
Yoga for osteochondrosis
Yoga is an excellent option for physical activity for osteochondrosis. There are no sudden movements or heavy objects. Yoga not only removes the symptoms but also fights the cause of the disease. In rare cases, yoga is contraindicated, so you should still discuss this with your doctor.
Osteochondrosis is a serious condition that can be prevented. To do this, you need to monitor your diet and physical activity.