Osteochondrosis is one of the most common diseases of the musculoskeletal system, which manifests itself as a result of a complex of certain dystrophic changes in the cartilage of the vertebrae, during this pathological process, the discs of the spine are often affected. The structures, which are the discs of the intervertebral cartilage, provide flexibility and also allow the human spine to move, i. e. provide movement.
With osteochondrosis, various processes occur that cause degeneration of the vertebral discs, as a result of which they begin to lose their elasticity and reduce the degree of flexibility, and at this time the disc itself becomes quite flat. The distance between the two discs is reduced, while compressing the nerve endings and blood vessels and causing severe pain. The compression point of the nerve node begins to swell, which leads to increased pain and even greater violation.
During the development of osteochondrosis, the muscle structures and most organs of the body are often involved in this pathological process. This is due to the fact that during the maximum violation of the neurovascular bundle, blood circulation and mobility of muscles and organs are disrupted. For example, the most common osteochondrosis is osteochondrosis of the cervix, which is accompanied by pain in the back of the head, nausea, dizziness, vision problems and often tinnitus. This disease has become quite "newer": a century ago, osteochondrosis was a disease of the elderly and today young people are also susceptible to it.
The most vulnerable category of people are those who have severely reduced metabolism and hormonal levels in the body, as well as people who have disorders of a vascular-venous nature. This is due to the fact that these diseases cause disruption of the oxygenation of the disc. If they are not appropriate, timely healing measures are not taken, then the ends of the affected intervertebral disc, which is compressed, will protrude anatomically beyond the boundaries of the spine, thus destroying the neurovascular bundles.
Because of this, the patient is at risk of having a herniated disc. The main, important cause of osteochondrosis is the uneven distribution of the load on the spine, which leads to the fact that the cartilage structure changes in places with excessive pressure. The nature of this disease depends on the stage and level of damage to the affected discs. The intervertebral discs change with age, as does our hair. Serious injuries or fractures of the spine can affect the way they work. Casual clothing and certain types of vibrations can also accelerate the rate of degeneration of the spine. In addition, evidence shows that smoking increases the rate of spinal degeneration. Scientists have also found a link between family members, highlighting the role of genetics in how quickly change occurs.
The disease can also be caused by several factors:
- injuries, bruises
- spinal muscular dystrophy
- curvature and curvature of the spine
- I am lifting weights;
- prolonged stay in one place;
- metabolic disease
- lack of trace elements and vitamins - manganese, magnesium, zinc and vitamins D and F;
- hereditary predisposition?
- physical overload
- sedentary life?
- radiation background?
- frostbite;
- congenital dystrophies.
- asymmetric work of the muscles of the spine.
- anxiety, depression.
These causes of osteochondrosis are simply the assumptions of scientists, the direct factors that cause the disease, science has not yet been found and we are talking only about risk factors.
First periodgrowth - is characterized by early development of the intradiscal nucleus of the nucleus (nucleus accumbens of the eccentric intervertebral disc, located next to the dorsal part of the vertebra).
Second periodcharacterized by the appearance of instability of the spinal part. The pathological substrates are represented by the fibrous nucleus of the affected disc with degenerative processes of take-off and fragmentation of the posterior longitudinal ligament, pathological movements develop between the vertebrae.
Third periodthe development of the disease - total damage to the intervertebral disc, with the appearance of "disc herniation" - dislocation and exit of fragments of the pulp nucleus outside the intervertebral space.
If the disease has reached the third stage, then the process of destruction is already irreversible and can lead to profound disability.
Types of osteochondrosis
The development of osteochondrosis is slow, with exacerbations caused by injuries to the spine, exercise, weights, etc. The clinic depends on the location of the lesion.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spinehas local and distant symptoms of advanced forms - with strong root dominance, ie it contributes to the development of severe radical pain. The symptoms of osteochondrosis in the cervical spine are accompanied by varying degrees of dysfunction, sometimes manifesting in a sudden restriction of the mobility of the cervical spine and functional blocks. Headaches can be both attractive and paroxysmal in nature with radiation to the intracellular area or the shoulder area. In the acute period, patients are diagnosed with neck pain attacks, which impede and restrict the movement of the head and neck. In addition to severe discomfort, pain syndrome may be accompanied by dizziness, insomnia, pain, loss of appetite, depression, eye diseases and sore throat.
Osteochondrosis of the chest. . . Clinical manifestations are due to local lesions and processes of destruction of the root structure of the nerve. Thoracic osteochondrosis has a severe pain syndrome, which can be chronic or acute in nature with back pain with chest discomfort and limited muscle contraction, up to right atrial muscle atrophy. Chest pain can be diffuse, intercostal and neuralgic. Palpation enhances the axial rotation of the vertebral body. The disorders correspond to the level of root irritation from Thl1 to Thl2 and can manifest as angina, which is reflected in liver and gastrointestinal tract disorders. Disorders of the urinary system and genital area often occur. Patients experience aesthetic disorders such as hallucinations, superficial and deep sensitivity is significantly reduced.
Bone osteochondrosis. . . It is characterized by abdominal reflexes and dysfunction of the lower extremities. During the development of neurological disorders, muscle weakness in the legs and pelvic organ dysfunctions may occur. Osteochondrosis is characterized by the assessment of damage to the sedentary process. The more advanced the stage of development of the lumbar vertebral lesion, the shorter the period that the patient can sit. Lumbar forms are characterized by chronic and acute back pain, paraspinal muscle spasm, and secondary myophthalmia syndrome. The pain radiates to the buttocks and posterior ilium.
Depending on the location of the pathological process of osteochondrosis, the disease may lead the patient to a violation of surface sensitivity (tactile, thermal). Also characteristic are changes in reflexes (for example, the Achilles reflex is absent), muscle loss, muscle disorders, autonomic disorders (paleness, redness of the skin, trophic changes in the nails, hypothermia of the skin on the extremities). sphincter dysfunctions and sexual dysfunctions.
Clinical picture
Diagnosticsbegins with a complete history and physical examination. The doctor asks questions about the symptoms, how the disease interferes with the patient's daily activities. The specialist is also interested in identifying positions and activities that emphasize or reduce the level of pain.
The doctor then examines the patient, checking the position and range of motion in the spine, thus determining which movements are causing the pain. Skin sensitivity, muscle strength and reflexes are equally controlled. Based on the medical history and physical examination, the doctor determines which techniques will help.
X-rays rarely help with the diagnosis, no more than 30% of the X-rays show abnormalities in the early stages of the disease.
However, if the symptoms are severe and the disease is already in its second or third stage, the picture shows defects in one or more intervertebral discs. They can be penetrated by osteophytes between the vertebrae and the joints.
If additional information is required, MRI is required. MRI is used to view the soft tissues of the body. This is useful if the tissue core absorbs water or if there are cracks inside the disc. An MRI scan can show problems in other soft tissues, such as the spinal nerves.
Discography can help with the diagnosis. This test is performed using a contrast agent, which is injected into one or more discs, respectively. Subsequent X-ray examination provides useful information about the condition of the discs.
Treatment of osteochondrosis, depending on the variety
Non-surgical treatment of osteochondrosis
Whenever possible you should have all four of these components in place for launch to maximize profits. The most important thing in non-surgical treatment is the relief of pain and other discomfort, so that the patient can resume as comfortable a standard of living as possible.
Doctors rarely prescribe bed rest for patients with osteochondrosis problems. Patients are encouraged to live in physical mobility when pain is not a cause for concern. If the symptoms are severe, several days of bed rest may be prescribed.
When the spine is displaced, an elastic band is sometimes prescribed, which is worn for more than 2-4 days to prevent atrophy of the back muscles.
Osteopathic sessions provide severe relief from osteochondrosis.Osteopathnot only diagnoses a problem area, but also relieves pain in 1-2 doses, relieves the general condition of the body and "tightens" the visceral organs.
Patients may be prescribed medications to control symptoms and resume normal activities for a long time. If symptoms continue to limit the patient's activities, a conventional doctor may recommend an epidural steroid injection.
Steroids are powerful anti-inflammatory, helping to relieve pain and inflammation. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are injected into the area around the spinal roots of the spine. This site is called the epidural space. Some doctors only inject the steroid. However, it is often combined with other drugs. Basically, steroids are only prescribed when other drugs are ineffective, but osteopathy almost always helps.
In addition, patients often work with physiotherapists. After assessing the patient's condition, the therapist prescribes exercises to reduce symptoms. The exercise program aims to improve flexibility and is useful for training the abs and back muscles to allow movement with less pain.
Surgery
People with osteochondrosis usually do not need surgery. In fact, only 1-3% are functional. Surgeons prescribe non-surgical treatment, namely cranioacrylic osteopathy, as a rehabilitation treatment, for at least 3 months before considering surgery. If after 3 months of non-surgical treatment there are no results, only then there are reasons that suggest surgery.
Basic surgeries
Discectomy
The procedure aims at partial or complete removal of the disc in the lumbar region. Surgeons usually perform the operation through an incision in the lumbar region. Before removing a herniated disc, you must remove some of the plaque.
Today, surgery has mastered minimally invasive techniques that require only a small incision in the lumbar region. Proponents of her case have been working to make the actual transcript of this statement available online. They also believe that the procedure prevents scars around the nerves and joints and helps patients recover faster.
Merge
It is an intervention that joins two or more bones into one, preventing the ends of the bones and joints from being damaged.
Reform
The doctor may recommend that the patient see a physiotherapist several times a week for 4-6 weeks. In some cases, patients need extra help.
The first year of treatment is required to control the symptoms. The therapist will work with you to find positions and movements that relieve the pain. Heat, cold, ultrasound and electrical stimulation may be prescribed to relieve pain and muscle spasm. Massage or specialized soft tissue mobilization can also be used. These procedures help the patient to make movements with ease.
Usually, adjusting the treatment helps to restore the sensitivity of the spinal nerves and muscles, reducing pain and improving mobility.
The main goal of treatment is to teach the patient how to handle to prevent future problems. The patient will be informed about a series of exercises to improve flexibility. The patient will also be given a strategy to help in case of recurrent symptoms.
Every person should study and examine all types of osteochondrosis in order to prevent the development of this disease in themselves and their loved ones. Ultimately, the treatment of damaged vertebrae is impossible, the treatment aims at relieving the symptoms of pain and achieving long-term remission. You also need to remember a simple but effective rule:the best treatment is prevention. . .
Prevention of osteochondrosis
Prevention is quite simple - it's a healthy diet, regular muscle activity, daily warm-up in the morning, a healthy and active lifestyle and a monthly visit.osteopathic sessionsfor the correction and removal of musculoskeletal tensions. Following these rules is enough to never deal with the aforementioned problem and to avoid terrible symptoms and lifelong treatment.