Osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic change in the complex of vertebrae, intervertebral discs and joints. It develops as a result of metabolic disorders in the cartilage and bone tissue of the vertebrae and discs. In simple words, with chondrosis and osteochondrosis, the discs and adjacent bone structures wear out over time, compensating for the changes with marginal tissue growth and their compaction. In the case of chondrosis - only the disc cartilage itself, and in the case of osteochondrosis - the bodies of the vertebrae that are next to it. This is a very common disease. According to WHO statistics, up to 80% of the world's population suffers from it. Doctors note that it most often occurs due to increased stress 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, osteochondrosis of the spine has the code M42. Includes:
- M42. 0 Juvenile osteochondrosis of the spine, Calve's disease, Scheuermann's disease
Excludes: 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 several types:
Cervical
The cervical spine experiences a large load and a rather complex range of motion.
Symptoms:
Cracking and snapping sensation in the neck when turning the head from side to side, stiffness when moving. You may feel a headache (tension headache), a feeling of pain in the muscles of the shoulder girdle.
Constantly tense muscles can cause numbness and tingling in the hands.
The main focus of treatment is on recovery, 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 rarely appears.
Symptoms: pain in the muscles of the chest, often aggravated by static loading.
Brachial
Osteochondrosis of the shoulder joint occurs due to injury, stretching of tendons and muscles. It most often occurs when there is excessive shoulder loading in athletes and loaders. But it can also develop in the cervical osteochondrosis complex.
There is pain and limitations in joint movement.
Spine
In 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, in the lumbar and cervical region. This is called polysegmental or widespread osteochondrosis of the spine.
Lumbar
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar region is a common occurrence. The spine experiences the greatest stress in the lumbosacral region.
Symptoms:
- pain in the lower back, legs
- pain when bending, turning - stiffness in movements in the back
Hip
In the case of osteochondrosis of the hip joint, the pain is not severe, but it is important to consult a doctor immediately so that surgical intervention is not required.
The knee
Knee joint disease. The cartilage that ensures smooth gliding and movement of the joint is destroyed and cannot be regenerated. Fibrocartilage is formed, which causes pain and stiffness in the leg. Pain and limitation of movement in the knee are the main reasons for going to the doctor and getting a diagnosis.
Youthful
The disease manifests itself in children, most often between the ages of 10 and 18. Degenerative changes occur in the spine that affect ligaments, joints, intervertebral discs and bones. Juvenile osteochondrosis progresses rapidly, but it is difficult to detect in the initial stage because there is no limitation of mobility. Discomfort is felt only in the morning after sleeping.
Causes
The disease occurs when there is a metabolic disorder. As we age, our cartilage tissue wears down. Lack of water, microelements and amino acids reduces the elasticity of the intervertebral discs. Salt deposits are a consequence of osteochondrosis. The cause of the pain is often irritation (or irritation) of the nerve roots.
The disease affects athletes who put a lot of stress on their backs, such as weightlifters. The risk increases after spinal cord injuries. Osteochondrosis often occurs in schoolchildren who sit for a long time, bend over the table, and in drivers. Which factor will cause the disease depends on the lifestyle.
Degrees
There are 4 degrees (stages) for osteochondrosis:
- 1st degree - chondrosis. There is already pain
- 2nd degree - instability. The affected vertebral disc is displaced relative to the lower one, which causes acute pain.
- 3rd degree – formation of intervertebral hernias. They compress nerve fibers and blood vessels.
- Grade 4 - fibrosis of the intervertebral disc. Osteophytes may occur. These are bony growths with which the body tries to restore its supporting 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 in different departments:
- back hurts
- coldness and numbness of hands and feet
- headaches
- restriction of movement
It is important not to confuse these signs with other diseases. Symptoms can be similar, for example, in osteochondrosis of the chest and diseases of the cardiovascular system. For an accurate diagnosis and quick treatment, it is necessary to consult a neurologist or therapist in order to receive a referral to a specialist.
Pain
Pain is the main problem of osteochondrosis, which is difficult to get rid of. In addition, it is not just the disc or joint of the spine that hurts - the pain spreads further throughout the body. And it happens that the pain from thoracic osteochondrosis radiates to the heart, so the feelings are easily confused with heart disease.
How to distinguish heart pain from osteochondrosis:
- With heart problems, there is a burning sensation in the chest, which can spread to the arm or neck. Painful sensations appear suddenly and last no more than 30 minutes. The temperature rises, dizziness and chills appear. It is accompanied by a feeling of lack of air, difficulty breathing.
- Pain in osteochondrosis can be different: pressing, shooting. As a rule, it is moderate in nature. It is not accompanied by shortness of breath and changes in blood pressure and pulse. It has the nature of shingles, it can last for a few days or it can disappear immediately.
Headache
Whether a headache can occur depends on the source of the disease. Headache occurs as a result of overexertion of the muscular-ligamentous apparatus of the neck, the influence of the muscles on the channels for the passage of painful skin branches of the trigeminal nerve and the influence on the trunks of the autonomic regulation of vascular tone.
Vertigo and noise in the head
The feeling of dizziness and noise in the head in osteochondrosis occurs for the same reason as a headache: from 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 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 tickling, throbbing in the neck, and even suffocation. It feels as if something is stuck in the throat, especially when swallowing. Such discomfort often forces you to consult a doctor. But it is not always osteochondrosis, it is important to rule out other pathologies, for example, an enlarged thyroid gland, chronic pharyngitis. If you feel something similar, it is better to start with an otolaryngologist. He will determine the cause and refer you to another specialist.
dyspnoea
Shortness of breath is caused by constricted vascular bundles. It appears in osteochondrosis of the cervical or thoracic region. Because of the pain it is not possible to breathe deeply, you have to breathe often and shallowly. As a result, respiratory functions are disturbed, headache and dizziness occur due to lack of oxygen in the brain. This can lead to 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 link between panic attacks and osteochondrosis. One of the causes of panic attacks is a sign of disturbances in blood circulation 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 cause panic due to this condition.
Temperature
Whether a temperature can occur in 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 spikes.
Clinical guidelines
At diagnosis, conservative therapy is recommended followed by surgery to remove the cause of the pain. The following drugs are prescribed in clinical guidelines:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the form of suppositories, injections, ointments, gels.
- For acute pain of high intensity, therapeutic blockades are indicated, the main drugs of which are local anesthetics and glucocorticoids.
- Manual therapy, osteopathy, massage.
Exacerbation
The sooner treatment begins, the easier it is to avoid worsening in the future. A common cause is lifting heavy objects, especially with one hand. It is important to distribute the weight evenly and not to lift it suddenly. It is recommended not to lift heavy things at all. If there are exacerbations, medicines will come to the rescue.
Treatment
Treatment is complex, several methods are used at once. The main goal is to relieve pain and prevent further degradation of vertebrae and cartilage.
Therapeutic exercise (physical therapy)
It is the main method of conservative treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Dosed loads for
- nerve root decompression
- correction and strengthening of the muscular corset
- maintaining proper posture and giving the ligamento-muscular system the flexibility it needs
- prevention of complications
To achieve their goals, patients are recommended to exercise regularly with the help of rehabilitation equipment and perform joint exercises. These exercises improve blood circulation, normalize metabolism and nutrition of the intervertebral discs, help increase the intervertebral space, form a muscular 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 the dose, 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 alleviate acute and chronic pain in the spine and joints, as well as to increase the range of motion and proper posture.
Reflexology
Various therapeutic techniques and methods of influencing the reflexogenic zones of the body and acupuncture points. The use of reflexology in combination with other treatment methods significantly increases their effectiveness.
Drug therapy
Indicated in the period of exacerbation of the disease and aims to relieve pain, remove the inflammatory process and improve metabolic processes. Medicines can be taken intramuscularly or intravenously.
It is important to note that although each of the mentioned methods is highly effective, the greatest therapeutic effect can be achieved only when they are combined with exercises with the help of rehabilitation equipment. This allows you to create a complete muscle corset and ensure lasting treatment results. How to treat each type of osteochondrosis depends on its location and the causes of its appearance.
Treatment at home
You can and should continue treatment at home, 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, check with your doctor whether 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 in the form of ointments and gels. It is important to take tablets in courses, and not systematically because of their effect on the gastrointestinal tract.
- Opioid analgesics (glucocorticoids) are prescribed by the doctor for severe pain if NSAIDs do not help relieve the pain.
- Neuropathic pain requires anticonvulsants or antidepressants.
- vasodilators to avoid oxygen starvation.
- chondroprotectors for osteochondrosis - drugs to improve cartilage and joint functions.
- muscle relaxants help relieve pain from excessive muscle tension.
Applicators
Applicators for osteochondrosis are a popular addition to treatment. It affects nerve impulses and improves blood flow, helping to relieve swelling. I mainly use two types of applicators:
- Kuznets' applicator - mat with plastic spikes
- Lyapko applicator - covered with needles and alloys of different metals.
They can be used only after a doctor's approval.
Collar
A neck collar (or bandage) helps with cervical osteochondrosis to relax the neck muscles and reduce the load on it. As a result, pain disappears and blood flow to the brain improves. Bandages come in different sizes and stiffness, so if you have neck pain, be sure to see 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 pulsed damped discharge. It has a very wide range of effects, from dermatological problems to gastrointestinal disorders. Darsonval improves tissue permeability and improves local blood circulation. Because of this, the drug penetrates faster and deeper, and the muscles relax and the spasms disappear.
Droppers
Droppers for osteochondrosis help to 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
A corset is used in osteochondrosis to fix the spine. This helps release tension and prevent the vertebrae from shifting. You can use it after consulting your doctor.
Patches
Pain in the spine and joints can be relieved with pain relief patches. They are suitable for use when it is not possible to apply ointment or cream, because they stain clothes.
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, even if you improve, follow your doctor's recommendations 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 doctor's recommendations.
Vitamins
- Vitamin D helps in the absorption of calcium, which is necessary for the restoration of 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 group 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 sleeping pillows will not replace treatment, but sleeping with them will be much more comfortable. Pillows come in different shapes and materials. for example:
- a rectangular pillow or a pillow with a pillow is suitable for people with any type of osteochondrosis
- crescent shaped for neck and shoulder pain
- A pillow with a hollow in the middle or a hollow for the shoulder will help people with cervical osteochondrosis to maintain proper blood circulation in any position during sleep. Optimal for the neck and its natural position.
It is also important to consider 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 sleeping preferences and the characteristics of the course of the disease.
Massage
Therapeutic massage can be done for osteochondrosis only in a state of remission. It will help improve blood circulation, metabolic processes, spine and muscle flexibility. Proper massage slows down 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 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 are overweight, you should discuss weight loss methods with your doctor and understand the reasons for your heavy weight.
What does a balanced diet mean:
- protein
- healthy saturated fats
- complex carbohydrates
- fruits and vegetables
It is also important to monitor the amount of salt you eat. It promotes fluid retention in the body.
Exercises
Special ones with a therapeutic effect are distinguished, for example, after surgery to remove a spinal hernia.
Moreover, these are quite simple exercises even for an unprepared person. For example, "first aid" for neck tension relief:
Gymnastics to improve chest mobility:
You can relieve discomfort in the cervical region and shoulders and improve them with the help of a double massage roller:
Army
Whether someone with osteochondrosis will be accepted into the army depends on the degree of the disease and the correct diagnosis. All documents and certificates must be in order: at least a neurologist's report and a radiograph. Otherwise, after a medical examination, it is possible to make a decision on admission to military service.
In which cases they are not taken into the army:
- damage to three or more intervertebral discs
- anatomical changes are visible
- pronounced pain syndrome, including after lifting weights
If there are symptoms and confirmations, the young man can receive category B - limited fit for service. This means that he will not be taken into the army, but he can be recruited in case of military training.
It is almost impossible to get category D - complete exemption from military service. It is possible, for example, with osteochondropathic kyphosis - the final stage of osteochondrosis.
Question and answer
Acupuncture for osteochondrosis
Acupuncture or acupuncture is used in combination with other treatments. It is especially effective at times of exacerbation of painful 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 helps relieve 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 optimal for relaxing your body. For proper 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 a steam bath possible with osteochondrosis?
A bath is usually not a contraindication. On the contrary, the high temperature improves blood flow and relieves symptoms.
In case of exacerbation of osteochondrosis, the bath 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 permissible, but also necessary for osteochondrosis. But there are exceptions:
- professional sports
- a dangerous sport
- weightlifting sport
Is it possible to warm the neck with cervical osteochondrosis?
You should not heat your neck to relieve pain. In this way, blood will flow even more to the inflammation and it will intensify.
What not to do with osteochondrosis
- lift weights, including in the gym
- make sudden movements, for example when playing sports
- sleep on a mattress that is too soft or on a pillow that is too high
- they abuse high-calorie food, coffee, alcohol
- take a bent position for a long time, for example when cleaning or gardening
- wear high heels
Yoga for osteochondrosis
Yoga is an excellent option for physical activity in osteochondrosis. No sudden movements or heavy objects. Yoga not only removes the symptoms, but also fights against 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.