Osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic change in the complex of vertebrae, intervertebral discs and joints. Develops as a result of metabolic disorders of cartilage and bone tissues of vertebrae and discs. Simply put, with chondrosis and osteochondrosis, the discs and adjacent bone structures wear out over time, compensating for the changes through marginal tissue growth and compaction. In case of chondrosis - only the disc cartilage itself, and in case of osteochondrosis - the adjacent vertebral bodies. It is a very common disease. According to WHO statistics, up to 80% of the world's population suffers from it. Doctors note that this most often occurs due to increased stress on the spine - excess weight and a sedentary lifestyle.
What to do in case of osteochondrosis and where to go if you suspect the disease, explain neurologist Igor Matsokin and exercise therapy specialist Oksana Ivanova.
Classification
According to the ICD-10 classification, vertebral osteochondrosis has the code M42. It includes:
- M42. 0 Juvenile osteochondrosis of the spine Veau's 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 several types:
Cervical
The cervical spine experiences a high load and a fairly complex range of motion.
Symptoms:
A cracking and popping sensation in the neck when turning the head from side to side, stiffness when moving. You may feel a headache (tension headache), a painful sensation in the muscles of the shoulder girdle.
Constantly tense muscles can cause numbness and tingling in your hands.
The main goal of treatment is restoration, relief of spasms and inflammation, as well as restoration of range of motion.
Chest
The thoracic region is less mobile than the rest of the body in which osteochondrosis appears. It therefore rarely appears.
Symptoms: pain in the chest muscles, often worsens with static load.
Brachial
Osteochondrosis of the shoulder joint occurs due to injury, stretching of tendons and muscles. This most often 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 restriction during joint movement.
Vertebrate
With osteochondrosis of the spine, the intervertebral discs are destroyed. It happens that it is not one part of the spine that is affected, but two or more. For example, in the lumbar and cervical regions. This is called polysegmental or generalized osteochondrosis of the spine.
Lumbar
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar region is common. The spine in the lumbosacral region experiences the greatest stress.
Symptoms:
- pain in lower back, legs
- pain when bending, turning - stiffness when moving the back
Hip
With osteochondrosis of the hip joint, the pain is not severe, but it is important to immediately consult a doctor so that no surgical intervention is required.
Knee
Knee joint disease. The cartilage that ensures unhindered gliding and movement of the joint is destroyed and cannot be restored. Fibrous cartilage forms, causing pain and stiffness in the leg. It is pain and limitation of knee movement that are the main reasons to consult a doctor and make a diagnosis.
Young
The disease manifests itself in children, most often between 10 and 18 years old. Degenerative changes occur in the spine, affecting ligaments, joints, intervertebral discs and bones. Juvenile osteochondrosis progresses rapidly, but at the initial stage it is difficult to detect because there is no limitation of mobility. It is only in the morning that we feel some discomfort after sleep.
Causes
The disease occurs in the event of a metabolic disorder. As we age, our cartilage tissue wears out. 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 pressure on their backs, such as weightlifters. The risk increases after spinal injuries. Osteochondrosis often occurs in schoolchildren who sit for a long time, hunched over their desks, and in drivers. The factor that 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 disc, causing sharp 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 bony growths with which the body attempts to restore its supporting functions.
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:
- back pain
- coldness and numbness of the hands and feet
- headache
- restriction of movement
It is important not to confuse these signs with other illnesses. Symptoms may be similar, for example, to osteochondrosis of the chest and diseases of the cardiovascular system. For an accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment, you should consult a neurologist or therapist for referral to a specialist.
Pain
Pain is the main problem of osteochondrosis, which is difficult to get rid of. In addition, not only does the spinal disc or joint itself hurt, 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:
- In case of heart problems, a burning sensation appears in the chest, which 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, shortness of breath.
- The pain associated with osteochondrosis can be different: pressure, shooting. As a rule, it is moderate. Not accompanied by shortness of breath and changes in blood pressure and pulse. This is shingles, can last several days or disappear instantly.
Headache
The possibility of a headache depends on the source of the illness. Headaches occur as a result of overstrain of the musculo-ligamentous apparatus of the neck, the impact of the muscles on the channels of passage of the painful cutaneous branches of the trigeminal nerve and the impact on the trunks of theautonomous regulation of vascular tone.
Dizziness and noise in the head
Feelings of dizziness and noise in the head with osteochondrosis occur for the same reason as headaches: due to muscle overload and irritation of certain areas of the autonomic nervous system followed by a vascular reaction. It is important to remember that similar sensations in the ears can be a sign of other diseases.
Lump in throat
A lump in the throat accompanied by 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 experience a tickling sensation, throbbing in the neck, and even choking. It feels like something is stuck in the throat, especially when swallowing. Such discomfort often requires consulting a doctor. But it is not always osteochondrosis; it is important to exclude other pathologies, for example, thyroid hypertrophy, chronic pharyngitis. If you experience something similar, it's best to start by seeing an otolaryngologist. He will determine the cause and refer you to another specialist.
Dyspnea
Shortness of breath is caused by pinched vascular bundles. Appears with osteochondrosis of the cervical or thoracic regions. Due to the pain, it is not possible to breathe deeply; you should 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 claims that there is a direct link between panic attacks and osteochondrosis. One of the causes of panic attacks is a sign of impaired 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
The possibility of having a fever 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
When diagnosed, conservative treatment is recommended, followed by surgery to eliminate the cause of the pain. 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 blockades are indicated, the main drugs of which are local anesthetics and glucocorticoids.
- Manual therapy, osteopathy, massage.
Exacerbation
The earlier treatment is started, the easier it is to avoid exacerbations in the future. A common cause is lifting heavy objects, especially with one hand. It is important to distribute the weight evenly and not lift it suddenly. It is advisable not to lift heavy objects at all. If exacerbations occur, medications will come to the rescue.
Treatment
The treatment is complex, using several methods at once. The main goal is to relieve pain and prevent further degradation of the vertebrae and cartilage.
Therapeutic exercise (physiotherapy)
This is the main method of conservative treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Loads dosed for
- nerve root decompression
- correction and strengthening of the muscular corset
- maintain correct posture and give the ligamento-muscular system the necessary flexibility
- prevention of complications
To achieve their goals, patients are recommended 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 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 accelerate the treatment of many diseases, increase the effectiveness of drug treatment and reduce its dosage, as well as avoid side effects typical of medications.
Massage
Effectively relieves muscle tension and pain, improves blood circulation and has a general strengthening effect.
Manual therapy
The individual impact of the doctor 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 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 during the period of exacerbation of the disease and aimed at relieving pain, eliminating the inflammatory process and improving metabolic processes. Medications can be taken intramuscularly or intravenously.
It is important to note that although each of the listed methods is very effective, the greatest therapeutic effect can be achieved only when combined with exercises using rehabilitation equipment. This allows you to create a full-fledged muscle corset and guarantee long-lasting treatment results. How to treat each type of osteochondrosis depends on its location and the causes of its occurrence.
Home treatment
At home, you can and should continue treatment, as recommended by your doctor. 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 medications for osteochondrosis are aimed at relieving pain:
- nonsteroidal 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 as a course 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.
- Anticonvulsants or antidepressants are needed to treat neuropathic pain.
- vasodilators to prevent oxygen deficiency.
- chondroprotectors for osteochondrosis - drugs to improve the functions of cartilage and joints.
- Muscle relaxers help relieve pain caused by excessive muscle tension.
Applicators
Applicators for osteochondrosis are a popular addition to treatment. It affects nerve impulses and improves blood circulation, 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 authorization from the attending physician.
Necklace
A cervical collar (or bandage) helps with cervical osteochondrosis to relax the neck muscles and reduce the load on them. As a result, the pain disappears and blood flow to the brain improves. Bandages come in different sizes and stiffnesses. Therefore, if you experience 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 pulsed and damped discharge. Its spectrum of action is very broad, from dermatological problems to gastrointestinal disorders. Darsonval improves tissue permeability and improves local blood circulation. As a result, the medicine penetrates faster and deeper, the muscles relax and the spasms disappear.
Dropper
Droppers for osteochondrosis help quickly relieve pain. They are prescribed in cases where other medications 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
Pain in the spine and joints can be relieved with pain relief patches. They are convenient to use when it is not possible to apply ointment or cream, as they stain clothes.
Injections
Injections help to quickly relieve pain during an exacerbation. It is effective and acts quickly. It is important to continue taking care of your body and, even if you improve, follow your doctor's recommendations and exercise. 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 progress of the disease, the presence of pain and the recommendations of the attending physician.
Vitamins
- Vitamin D helps with the absorption of calcium, necessary for the restoration of bone structures in 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 consumption of painkillers.
Orthopedic pillows
Orthopedic 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 with a cushion is well suited for people suffering from 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 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 carried out for osteochondrosis only in a state of remission. This will help improve blood circulation, metabolic processes, flexibility of the spine and muscles. A good massage slows or even stops the spread of the disease. But it is not always possible to consult a massage specialist. Special devices will come to the rescue, such as electric massagers for the back and neck. They are especially effective in the early 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
- fruits and vegetables
It's also important to watch the amount of salt you consume. It promotes water retention in the body.
Exercises
Specials with a therapeutic effect stand out, for example, after surgery to remove a spinal hernia.
In addition, these are quite simple exercises, even for an unprepared person. For example, "first aid" to relieve neck tension:
Adopt 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. No need to do push-ups. The hands remain in the same position. It is the thoracic region that works from top to bottom.
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 with the hand of the other. With a look, "following" the hand. The shoulder may lift off the ground. Perform slowly for one minute.
You can relieve and improve discomfort in the neck and shoulders 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, and 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 not lifting your heels off the floor. The roller should move at the height of the shoulder blades. You can work the neck area in the same way: fix the roller on your neck, relax your arms and slightly lift your chin. While squatting, move the roller toward the base of the skull.
Army
Acceptance into the army of a person with osteochondrosis depends on the degree of the disease and the correctness of the diagnosis. All documents and certificates must be in order: at least a report from a neurologist and an x-ray. Otherwise, after medical examination, a decision on admission to military service is possible.
In what cases are they not drafted 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 certificates, the young man can receive category B - limited fitness for service. This means that he will not be recruited into the army, but may be enlisted 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 osteochondropathic kyphosis - the final stage of osteochondrosis.
Question and answer
Acupuncture for osteochondrosis
Acupuncture or acupuncture is used in conjunction with other treatments. It is particularly effective in times of exacerbation of pain syndromes.
The procedure has many 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 good weight distribution, it is recommended to place a small cushion under your knees.
In the lateral position, the neck muscles relax, the load on the spine is reduced and the blood circulation process is not disrupted.
It is important to choose the right pillow based on the position you prefer.
Is it possible to take a steam bath with osteochondrosis?
Most often, a bath is not a contraindication. On the contrary, due to the high temperature, blood circulation improves and symptoms are relieved.
In case of exacerbation of osteochondrosis, bathing is contraindicated. If blood flow increases at the site of inflammation, it will lead to complications.
Is it possible to play sports with osteochondrosis?
Moderate loads are not only allowed, but also necessary in case of osteochondrosis. But there are exceptions:
- professional sports
- dangerous sport
- sport with bodybuilding
Is it possible to warm the neck in case of cervical osteochondrosis?
You should not warm your neck to relieve pain. In this way, blood will begin to flow even more towards the inflammation and it will intensify.
What not to do in case of osteochondrosis
- lifting weights, including at the gym
- make sudden movements, like when playing sports
- sleeping on a mattress that is too soft or a pillow that is too high
- abuse high-calorie foods, coffee, alcohol
- stay in a bent position for a very long time, for example when cleaning or in the garden
- wear high heels
Yoga for osteochondrosis
Yoga is an excellent physical activity option 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 avoided. To do this, you need to monitor your diet and physical activity.