Spinal osteochondrosis is a disease in which the structure and function of the intervertebral discs and cartilage are affected. It is accompanied by frequent painful sensations, as the affected tissue must provide mobility and flexibility of the spine. According to ICD 10, it belongs to the group of diseases of the musculoskeletal system, code - M42. The essence of the disease lies in the compression of the discs during the load on the spine, which leads to their destruction or deformation. This leads to damage to the nerve endings, resulting in pain and swelling. A neglected form of spinal osteochondrosis can lead to disability.
Causes of the development of spinal osteochondrosis
What is this disease and where does it come from? Most often, the disease appears in people after 40 years. This is due to disorders of salt metabolism and age -related dehydration of the body. Factors that trigger the development of the disease:
- bent, leading to curvature of the spine;
- underdeveloped spinal muscles;
- being in an uncomfortable position for an extended period of time;
- carry heavy objects frequently;
- a sedentary lifestyle related to work specifics;
- metabolic disorders in the body;
- genetic predisposition;
- negative effects of chemicals on the body;
- transmitted diseases are contagious;
- nerve overstrain, stress with neurological manifestations;
- hormonal disorders in the body;
- professional sports related to power loads;
- spinal cord injuries;
- sudden change in position.
Important to know!Unfavorable climatic conditions, periodic hypothermia can contribute to the development of the disease! Therefore, you should protect yourself as much as possible from these factors.
Common symptoms of the disease
Osteochondrosis is always accompanied by pain and numbness. Such diseases may also appear:
- sharp, cutting, shooting pain;
- limb pain;
- dizziness, sometimes loss of consciousness;
- dryness and peeling of the skin;
- heavy sweating;
- low temperature of the legs.
Depending on the part of the spine where the disease develops, other specific symptoms appear.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine: symptoms
This is the place of the most dangerous defeat. After all, it is in the cervical region that passes through the arteries, which contribute to the normal functioning of the brain. Due to the appearance of the disease, these arteries are compressed and block the blood supply to the brain. Because of this, patients experience severe headaches, dizziness, general weakness of the body. Concentration of attention decreases, the ability to memorize worsens.
It is accompanied by pain in the back of the neck, under the shoulder blades, in the forearms, sometimes the upper limbs become numb.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region
This type of disease is relatively rare, often along with damage to other parts of the spine. May be accompanied by diseases such as:
- pain between shoulder blades;
- sharp pain with deep breathing;
- weakness and numbness in the fingers.
There are situations where disease in the thoracic area can cause discomfort in the heart area.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
The most common type of disease, because the lower back takes the maximum load over a person’s lifetime. Can cause spinal osteochondrosis with radicular syndrome. The disease is characterized by pinching of nerve roots in the lumbar region, is accompanied by a variety of pains, and can spread to the thighs and buttocks.
During the developmental period, the normal work of the lower limbs is disrupted and is accompanied by the following symptoms:
- tingling sensation in the back of the foot;
- weakness of the lower limbs;
- numb toes.
Disorders of the genitourinary system and intestinal function may also occur.
Important to remember!At the first symptom, you should seek expert help! After all, further forms of the disease in certain departments can develop polysegmental osteochondrosis of the spine, which consists of the defeat of all departments at once.
Stages of spinal osteochondrosis
In modern medicine, there are 4 stages of the disease:
- Stages of spinal osteochondrosis. At this stage, the disease is difficult to detect. There are no obvious signs. There is only a general ailment, a slight weakness in the back with an uncomfortable sensation, which is associated with overwork. The disease is damp, usually detected randomly at the time of routine examination.
- Stage 2 spinal osteochondrosis. Pain symptoms appear due to the initial process of tissue destruction. If you turn to a specialist in a timely manner for help, then the stage of the disease can be cured quickly thanks to medications.
- 3rd degree spinal osteochondrosis. The process of irreversible deformation of cartilaginous tissue begins, which is the cause of the development of scoliosis, lordosis, and the appearance of humps. Treatment at this stage will improve the condition and minimize curvature.
- 4th degree spinal osteochondrosis. At this final stage, a person undergoes an irreversible process of destruction of spinal tissue. It becomes very difficult for the patient to move, this brings him incredible pain.
Important to know!Level 4 disease leads the patient to disability! Therefore, at the first manifestation, it is necessary to consult a doctor and begin treatment in a timely manner.
Diagnosis of the disease
Complaints arising from patients require contacting a specialist. To establish a diagnosis, you should make an appointment with a neurologist or traumatologist, who, after a detailed survey and examination, will send you to undergo such a study:
- Magnetic resonance imaging;
- Ultrasound;
- electrocardiogram;
- radiography;
- general analysis of blood and urine.
Based on the research conducted, doctors conclude and prescribe effective treatment, depending on the stage of the disease.
Treatment of spinal osteochondrosis
There are many ways in which you can influence the course of the disease. They are intended not only to relieve discomfort, but also for complete recovery. The most effective treatments are:
Drug treatment
They aim to relieve painful sensations, relieve inflammatory processes, restore cartilage tissue, and prevent the dynamic progression of the disease. Vitamin intake during this period is very important.
Chondroprotectors
The therapeutic effect does not appear immediately, therefore, the course is prescribed, the duration of which is about 2 months.
Injections
Its use is intended to eliminate the pain syndrome; injections have no therapeutic effect.
ointment
The use of various ointments, creams or gels helps to get rid of inflammation. They also have analgesic and warming effects.
Acupuncture
For such procedures, the patient is referred to a chiropractor. After all, only an experienced specialist can perform this manipulation qualitatively. Acupuncture helps relieve unbearable pain, has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, and normalizes hormones.
Cupping sequence
The essence of the procedure is to apply a vacuum on the skin, which helps restore blood flow, remove toxins and improve the overall condition of the body. Effectively relieves painful sensations. This type of massage should not be done on the spine itself, mammary glands, heart and kidneys. Contraindications to the use of this procedure: patients with skin rashes, heart disease and pregnancy.
- Magnetotherapy. It is used as an adjunct method in the treatment of osteochondrosis. Helps weaken the inflammatory process, relieve swelling, strengthen the muscles of the spine.
- Physiotherapy. It aims to restore spinal mobility, strengthen back muscles, and normalize metabolism. It is very important not to work too much while exercising.
- massage. Needed to relieve pain and strengthen muscles.
Important to remember!Regardless of the stage of osteochondrosis, only a specialist prescribes a method of treatment! He can choose either a complex method or treatment.
Treatment with folk remedies
To combat this disease, you can use traditional medicine recipes that are easily prepared at home. For this, only natural ingredients are used.
garlic
To prepare the drug, you need 200 g of chopped garlic, which should be poured with 0. 5 liters of vodka or alcohol. Leave in a cool, dark place for 1 week, shaking daily. After a period of time, use as a back swab. Helps relieve pain.
Bay leaves and junipers
You need to take 1 tsp. original material, grind to a powder. Blend with softened unsalted butter in an amount of 100 g. Rub the affected area with the resulting ointment 3 times a day.
Sagebrush
It will take 1 tbsp. l. wormwood, pour 1 cup boiling water. Insist 3 hours. Strain the resulting boiled water and rub your back before bed.
Important to remember!Regardless of the recipe chosen for treatment, you should consult your doctor! She may consider using homemade medicine as a complementary treatment.
Military and spinal osteochondrosis
Were they recruited into the military after such a diagnosis had been established? In order for a young man not to go to serve in the army, the following moments must be present:
- intervertebral osteochondrosis;
- severe pain, shooting while doing physical exercise;
- obvious signs of spinal deformity;
Important to know!Painful sensations should be confirmed by regularly seeking medical help! Only in these circumstances was the young man ineligible for military service.
Complications of the disease
Since the spine is the foundation for the musculoskeletal system, osteochondrosis can cause irreparable harm to health. The consequences of this disease can lead to:
- disc herniation;
- rachiocampsis;
- vertebral displacement.
This can lead to disturbances in organ function, a decrease in the immune system, leading to new serious diseases.
Important to know!Ignoring osteochondrosis leads to disability! Therefore, when the disease occurs, therapy should be started immediately.
Prevention of spinal osteochondrosis
To prevent the development of the disease, the following preventive measures should be taken:
- Diet. This is especially true for the elderly. It is necessary to minimize the consumption of spicy, fatty, canned and smoked foods. You should also avoid excessive consumption of salt, coffee, chocolate, alcoholic beverages. Proper nutrition helps remove salt from the body.
- Morning exercise every day. Light exercise will help keep the body in good shape and strengthen the muscular system.
- Orthopedic mattress. To rest, you should buy it, because healthy sleep and complete relaxation reduce the chances of developing the disease to a minimum.
Particular attention should be paid to the position in which you want to sleep. The most comfortable position for the spine is the embryo. In this case, he is completely rested. It is better to use a small pillow. This way, you can protect your spine from excessive stress and provide needed rest.