Osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic change in the complex of vertebrae, intervertebral discs and joints. Arises as a result of metabolic disorders in the cartilage and bone tissue of the vertebrae and intervertebral discs. In simple words: with chondrosis and osteochondrosis, the intervertebral discs and adjacent bone structures wear out over time and compensate for the changes through the slight growth of tissue and their compaction. In chondrosis only the disc cartilage itself and in osteochondrosis the adjacent vertebral bodies. This is a very common disease. According to WHO statistics, up to 80% of the world's population suffers from it. Doctors note that most often this is due to increased load on the spine - excess weight and a sedentary lifestyle.
What to do with osteochondrosis and where to go if you suspect the disease, say neurologist Igor Matsokin and exercise therapy specialist Oksana Ivanova.
classification
According to the ICD-10 classification, spinal osteochondrosis has the code M42. It includes:
- M42. 0 Juvenile osteochondrosis of the spine, Calve's disease, Scheuermann's disease
Excluded: positional kyphosis (M40. 0)
- M42. 1 Osteochondrosis of the spine in adults
- M42. 9 Osteochondrosis of the spine, unspecified
species
Depending on the location, there are different types:
Cervical
The cervical spine experiences a high level of stress and a fairly complex range of motion.
Symptoms:
A crunching and clicking sensation in the neck when turning the head from side to side, stiffness when moving. You may experience a headache (tension headache), an aching feeling in the muscles of the shoulder girdle.
Constantly tense muscles can cause numbness and tingling in the hands.
The focus of treatment is recovery, relieving spasms and inflammation, and restoring range of motion.
Breast
The chest area is less mobile than the rest of the body where osteochondrosis occurs. Therefore it rarely occurs.
Symptoms: Pain in the chest muscles, which often worsens with static stress.
Brutal
Osteochondrosis of the shoulder joint occurs as a result of injuries, stretching of tendons and muscles. Most often occurs with excessive strain on the shoulder in athletes and athletes. But it can also develop in the complex of cervical osteochondrosis.
Pain and restricted movement of the joints occur.
Vertebrate
With osteochondrosis of the spine, intervertebral discs are destroyed. It happens that not one part of the spine is affected, but two or more. For example, in both the lumbar and neck areas. This is called polysegmental or extensive osteochondrosis of the spine.
Lumbar spine
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is common. The spine in the lumbosacral area experiences the greatest stress.
Symptoms:
- Pain in lower back, legs
- Pain when bending, turning - stiffness when moving in the back
Hip
With osteochondrosis of the hip joint, the pain is not severe, but it is important to see a doctor immediately so that surgical intervention is not required.
Knee
Disease of the knee joint. The cartilage that allows the joint to slide and move freely is destroyed and cannot be restored. Fibrous cartilage forms, causing pain and stiffness in the leg. Pain and restricted movement in the knee are the main reasons for visiting a doctor and making a diagnosis.
Youthful
The disease manifests itself in children, most commonly between the ages of 10 and 18. Degenerative changes occur in the spine, affecting ligaments, joints, discs and bones. Juvenile osteochondrosis progresses quickly, but is difficult to detect in the early stages because there is no restriction of mobility. Only in the morning do you feel a certain amount of discomfort after sleeping.
Causes
The disease occurs when there is a metabolic disorder. As we age, our cartilage tissue wears down. A 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 put a lot of strain on their backs, such as weightlifters. The risk increases after spinal injuries. Osteochondrosis often occurs in schoolchildren who sit for a long time and bend over their desks, as well as in drivers. Which factor causes the disease depends on lifestyle.
Degrees
There are 4 degrees (stages) in osteochondrosis:
- 1st degree - chondrosis. There is already pain
- 2nd degree - instability. The affected intervertebral disc is displaced relative to the lower one, causing severe pain.
- 3rd degree – formation of intervertebral hernias. They compress nerve fibers and blood vessels.
- Grade 4 – fibrosis of the intervertebral disc. Osteophytes may appear. These are bone growths with which the body tries to restore the supporting function.
When does prevention make sense?
Better late than never. If you are overweight and have a sedentary lifestyle, the sooner you start making the transition, the more you will invest in your health.
Symptoms
How the disease can manifest itself in different departments:
- Back hurts
- Coldness and numbness of the hands and feet
- Headache
- Restriction of movement
It is important not to confuse these signs with other diseases. Symptoms can be similar, for example, with osteochondrosis of the chest and diseases of the cardiovascular system. For an accurate diagnosis and quick treatment, you need to consult a neurologist or therapist to get a referral to a specialist.
pain
Pain is the main problem of osteochondrosis, which is difficult to eliminate. In addition, it's not just the intervertebral disc or the joint itself that hurts - the pain radiates throughout the entire body. And it happens that the pain of thoracic osteochondrosis radiates to the heart, so the sensations can easily be confused with heart disease.
How to distinguish heart pain from osteochondrosis:
- If you have heart problems, there is a burning sensation in the chest that can 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 and shortness of breath.
- Pain in osteochondrosis can be different: pressing, shooting. It is usually of a moderate nature. Not accompanied by shortness of breath and changes in blood pressure and pulse. It has the character of shingles and can last for several days or disappear immediately.
Headache
Whether headaches can occur depends on the cause of the illness. Headaches occur as a result of overloading the muscular-ligamentous apparatus of the neck, the action of the muscles on the channels for the passage of painful cutaneous branches of the trigeminal nerve and the action of the autonomic regulation of vascular tone on the trunks.
Dizziness and noises in the head
Feelings of dizziness and noise in the head in osteochondrosis arise for the same reason as headaches: due to muscle overstrain and irritation of certain areas of the autonomic nervous system with a subsequent vascular reaction. It is important to remember that similar sensations in the ears can be signs of other diseases.
Lump in the throat
A lump in the throat with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a common symptom. This is because the inflamed tissue increases in volume. A person may experience a tingling sensation, a throbbing sensation in the neck, and even a suffocating feeling. Especially when swallowing, it feels like something is stuck in your throat. Such complaints often force you to see a doctor. However, this is not always osteochondrosis. It is important to rule out other pathologies, such as an enlarged thyroid gland or chronic pharyngitis. If you feel something similar, it is best to consult an ENT doctor. He will determine the cause and refer you to another specialist.
Dyspnea
Trapped vascular bundles cause shortness of breath. Appears with osteochondrosis of the neck or chest region. Due to the pain, it is not possible to take a deep breath; you have to breathe frequently and shallowly. This impairs respiratory functions, causing headaches and dizziness due to a lack of oxygen in the brain. This can have serious consequences. If you notice such a symptom, contact your doctor.
Panic attacks
A neurosurgeon at a regional hospital claims that there is a direct connection between panic attacks and osteochondrosis. One of the causes of panic attacks is a sign of a circulatory disorder in the brain. And this often happens precisely with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine due to compression of blood vessels and the vertebral artery. Chest pain and shallow breathing can also trigger panic due to this condition.
temperature
Whether fever can occur 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 surges.
Clinical guidelines
Upon diagnosis, conservative therapy followed by surgery to eliminate the cause of the pain is recommended. The following medications are prescribed in clinical guidelines:
- Nonsteroidal 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.
aggravation
The earlier treatment is started, the easier it is to prevent future exacerbations. A common cause is lifting heavy objects, especially with one hand. It is important to distribute the weight evenly and not to suddenly raise it. It is advisable not to lift heavy objects at all. If exacerbations still occur, medication can help.
Treatment
Treatment is complex and includes several methods at once. The main goal is to relieve pain and prevent further breakdown of the vertebrae and cartilage.
Remedial gymnastics (physiotherapy)
It is the most important method for the conservative treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Metered loads for
- Nerve root decompression
- Correction and strengthening of the muscle corset
- Maintaining correct posture and providing the necessary flexibility of the ligament-muscle system
- Avoiding complications
To achieve their goals, patients are recommended to regularly exercise on 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 exercise therapy. Physiotherapy based on the use of physical factors:
- low frequency currents
- Magnetic fields
- Ultrasound and laser
Application of physiotherapy
It allows you to speed up the treatment of many diseases, increase the effectiveness of drug therapy and reduce its dosage, as well as avoid side effects typical of drugs.
massage
Effectively relieves muscle tension and pain, improves blood circulation and has a general strengthening effect.
Manual therapy
The doctor's individual influence on the musculoskeletal system to relieve acute and chronic pain in the spine and joints as well as to increase the range of motion and correct posture.
Reflexology
Various therapeutic techniques and methods for influencing reflexogenic body zones and acupuncture points. The use of reflexology in combination with other treatment methods significantly increases their effectiveness.
Drug therapy
Indicated during exacerbation of the disease and is aimed at relieving pain, eliminating the inflammatory process and promoting metabolic processes. Medication 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 in combination with exercises on rehabilitation equipment. This creates a fully-fledged muscle corset and ensures long-lasting treatment results. How each type of osteochondrosis is treated depends on its location and the causes of its occurrence.
Home treatment
At home, you can and should continue treatment according to your doctor's recommendations. First, watch your diet and do exercises at home. If you want to add folk remedies or decoctions to your treatment, consult your doctor to check whether combining them with medication 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 in the form of ointments and gels. Due to the effect on the gastrointestinal tract, it is important to take the tablets in batches and not systematically.
- Opioid analgesics (glucocorticoids) are prescribed by a doctor for severe pain when NSAIDs do not help relieve pain.
- For neuropathic pain, anticonvulsants or antidepressants are required.
- Vasodilators to prevent oxygen deficiency.
- Chondroprotectors for osteochondrosis - drugs to improve cartilage and joint functions.
- Muscle relaxants help relieve pain caused by excessive muscle tension.
Applicators
Applicators for osteochondrosis are a popular addition to treatment. It affects nerve impulses, improves blood circulation and helps relieve swelling. I mainly use two types of applicators:
- Kuznetsov applicator - mat with plastic spikes
- Lyapko applicator – covered with needles and alloys of various metals.
They may only be used after the approval of the treating doctor.
collar
A neck brace (or bandage) helps to relax and relieve the neck muscles in cervical osteochondrosis. This causes pain to disappear and blood flow to the brain improves. Bandages come in different sizes and hardnesses, so if you have neck pain, you should definitely see a doctor and clarify 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 generates electricity in the form of a pulsed attenuated discharge. It has a very wide spectrum of effects, from dermatological problems to gastrointestinal diseases. Darsonval improves tissue permeability and improves local blood circulation. As a result, the medicine penetrates faster and deeper, the muscles relax and cramps disappear.
Droppers
Droppers for osteochondrosis help to quickly relieve pain. They are prescribed in cases where other medications are contraindicated. This happens, for example, in people with an intolerance to the components of NSAID tablets.
corset
The corset is used to fix the spine in osteochondrosis. This releases tension and prevents the vertebrae from shifting. You can use it after consulting a doctor.
Pavement
Pain in the spine and joints can be relieved with pain patches. They come in handy when applying ointments or creams is not possible because they leave stains on clothing.
Injections
Injections help to quickly relieve pain during an exacerbation. It is effective and works quickly. It is important that you continue to take care of your body and continue to follow your doctor's recommendations and exercise even if it improves. Injections are also a quick and effective way to supply 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 attending physician.
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 and C contribute to the production of collagen and other tissues necessary for the joints.
- The medical journal talks about B vitamins (thiamine, pyridoxine and cyanocobalamin), which have a pain-relieving effect in cervical osteochondrosis. This allows you to reduce your intake of painkillers.
Orthopedic pillows
Although orthopedic sleeping pillows do not replace treatment, they do make sleeping with them much more comfortable. Pillows come in different shapes and made from different materials. For example:
- A rectangular pillow or one with a pillow is well suited for people with any type of osteochondrosis
- Crescent shape for neck and shoulder pain
- A pillow with a recess in the middle or a recess for the shoulder will help people with cervical osteochondrosis maintain good blood circulation during sleep in any position. Optimal for the neck and its natural position.
It is also important to take into account not only the form of osteochondrosis, but also in which position 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 for osteochondrosis can only be performed in a state of remission. It contributes to improving blood circulation, metabolic processes and flexibility of the spine and muscles. The right massage slows or even stops the spread of the disease. However, it is not always possible to see a massage specialist. Special devices such as electric massagers for the back and neck can help. 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's also important to monitor the amount of salt you consume. It promotes fluid retention in the body.
Exercises
Special ones with a therapeutic effect are distinguished, for example, after an operation to remove a spinal fracture.
In addition, these are quite simple exercises even for an unprepared person. For example, "First Aid" to relieve tension in the neck:
Assume the correct knee-elbow position (without arching your lower back). Slowly push the floor away from you with your hands and then "fall" with your back between the shoulder blades. No need to do push-ups. The hands remain in one position. It is the chest region that works up and down.
Gymnastics to improve chest mobility:
Lie on your back, bend your knees, arms at your sides, directly under your shoulders. Touch the hand of one hand to the hand of the other. "Follow" with a glance of the hand. The shoulder can be lifted off the floor. Do the exercise slowly for one minute.
With a double massage roller you can relieve and improve discomfort in the neck and shoulder area:
Stand with your back to the wall, place the roller between your shoulder blades and press it against the wall. Place your feet one step away from the wall. The roller should not press on the back, but on its sides. Perform half squats with a comfortable amplitude, bending your knees but without lifting your heels off the floor. The roller should move along the level of the shoulder blades. You can work on the neck area in the same way: attach the roller to the neck, relax your arms and lift your chin slightly. While squatting, move the roller toward the base of your skull.
army
Whether someone with osteochondrosis is accepted into the army depends on the degree of the disease and the exact diagnosis. All documents and certificates must be in order: at least a neurologist's report and an x-ray. Otherwise, a decision on admission to military service is possible after a medical examination.
In what cases they are not accepted into the army:
- Damage to three or more intervertebral discs
- Anatomical changes are visible
- pronounced pain syndrome, even after lifting weights
If there are symptoms and certificates, the young man can receive category B - limited fitness for duty. This means that he will not be accepted into the army, but can be drafted in the event of military training.
It is almost impossible to obtain category D - complete exemption from military service. This is possible, for example, with osteochondropathy and kyphosis - the final stage of osteochondrosis.
Question and answer
Acupuncture for osteochondrosis
Acupuncture or acupuncture is used in conjunction with other treatments. It is especially effective in moments of exacerbation of pain syndromes.
The procedure has a number of advantages:
- low risk of allergic reactions
- quick results
- minimal risk of injury
It is important to understand that acupuncture relieves pain but does not cure the disease.
How to sleep properly with cervical osteochondrosis
There are two optimal positions: lying on your back and on your side.
Sleeping on your back is ideal for relaxing your body. For optimal weight distribution, we recommend placing a small pillow under your knees.
When lying on your side, the neck muscles relax, the strain on the spine is reduced and blood circulation is not disturbed.
It is important to choose the right pillow according to the position you prefer.
Is it possible to take a steam bath for osteochondrosis?
In most cases, a bath is not a contraindication. On the contrary: the high temperature improves blood circulation and alleviates the symptoms.
If osteochondrosis worsens, the bath is contraindicated. If blood flow increases at the site of inflammation, this leads to 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 for cervical osteochondrosis?
You shouldn't heat your neck to relieve pain. This causes the inflammation to receive even more blood and intensifies.
What not to do with osteochondrosis
- Lift weights, even in the gym
- make sudden movements, for example when playing sports
- Sleep on a mattress that is too soft or a pillow that is too high
- abuse high-calorie foods, coffee, alcohol
- Adopt a hunched position for very long periods of 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 eliminates 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 disease that can be prevented. To do this, you need to monitor your diet and physical activity.