Osteochondrosis is a spinal problem, which affects literally every fourth inhabitant of the planet, at least according to experts from the WHO Statistical Center.
Among the top five most common diseases in the world, osteochondrosis takes an "honorable" third place, only cardiovascular diseases are ahead. In 2012, the British Broadcasting Corporation's media giant, the BBC, published simply shocking medical research data: every year more than 5 million people die from diseases caused by physical inactivity, that is, from a sedentary lifestyle. A real pandemic of decreased physical activity has already covered a third of Earth's and the latest results of scientific work show that the culprit of many health-threatening ailments is not a genetic predisposition or virus at all, but an unhealthy lifestyle. Almost all back problems - intervertebral hernias (hernias), osteoporosis, osteochondrosis and many other diseases associated with osteochondrosis - are the result of many hours of sitting, in front of the TV, at the desk or in the car seat. About 80% of all the reasons why the back suffers and spinal disorders develop relate to elementary degenerative changes in the muscle corset and the lack of proper physical activity.
Osteochondrosis and spine
The structure of the spine in living things, be they animals or humans, is basically the same. However, only man possesses the proud title of Homo erectus, that is, Homo erectus. Until recently, it was believed that standing was the main cause of pathological changes in the spine. As if the vertical position of the body leads to an incorrect and irregular load on the spine. The static load, which is most exposed to the lumbar area and to the sacrum, consisting of five vertebrae, is the most dangerous in terms of destructive effects on the intervertebral tissues. dynamic load, which is characterized by movements, the spine is affectedcervical. The structure of the spine is quite complex, it consists of many vertebrae connected by cartilage tissue - discs. The discs, in turn, are multi-layered rings with a liquid core in the center, which perform the function of absorbing shocks when the spine is set in motion. In addition, the vertebrae are connected by a large number of muscles and other tissues. The elasticity of the entire connection system ensures the normal state of the spine. Simply put, the more elastic and adaptive the intervertebral discs are, the more flexible and healthy the spine, the lower the risk of osteochondrosis affecting it. Today, the theory that standing is responsible for all degenerative diseases of the spine is being challenged. Relentless statistics convince doctors that rather inactivity, physical inactivity is a factor that causes spinal diseases associated with dystrophy and degeneration of intervertebral tissues. In addition, excess weight, which really increases the load on the discs, can also aggravate destructive processes and provoke osteochondrosis. Conclusion: movement is life. The sentence is not new, it seems painfully withdrawn, banal, but it does not need proof. A striking example of the fact that physical activity and flexibility can serve as a foundation for spinal health are examples of people who regularly engage in gymnastics, yoga, and other types of body training. Nature itself offers children the opportunity to be flexible, because the vertebral discs of children are very elastic, only in the nuclei of the disc is up to 80% of the liquid. With age, the amount of life-giving "lubrication" may decrease, but it can be preserved by consciously performing simple exercises and observing the basic rules of a healthy lifestyle. Osteochondrosis is a disease of people who are forced to sit or lie for hours, years, no matter for what reason - on duty or of their own free will, out of obligation, out of laziness or simply out of ignorance.
What is osteochondrosis?
Osteochondrosis is a concept that includes all degenerative and dystrophic changes in the spine. It should be noted that in the European version of the classification of diseases there is no word about osteochondrosis, there such diseases are classified as rheumatic and dorsopathic. In fact, in the ICD-10, since 1999, a group of diseases with typical manifestations in the form of pain in the spine, not associated with visceral causes, is called dorsopathy. Osteochondrosis, which is registered as dorsopathy, is itself divided into three large groups:
- Deforming diseases, dorsopathy - scoliosis, lordosis, kyphosis, subluxation, spondylolisthesis.
- Spondylopathy - spondylosis, ankylosing spondylitis and other ossifying dystrophic pathologies that limit the mobility of the spine.
- Others, other dorsopathies are degenerative changes accompanied by hernias, protrusions.
Therefore, osteochondrosis or osteochondrosis (from the Greek words - bone, cartilage and pain) is the general name for all spinal problems caused by degeneration and malnutrition of paravertebral tissues (degeneration and dystrophy). When deformed, the shock-absorbing intervertebral disc becomes thinner, becomes flat, which leads to overloading of the vertebrae and their even greater deformation to such an extent that they begin to go beyond the normal boundaries of the spine. Nerve roots with such a pathology are pinched, inflamed, pain appears.
Osteochondrosis affects almost the entire back, and depending on which part of the spine suffered the most, the disease is called in clinical practice.
The most "popular", known to many, is lumbar osteochondrosis, there is also a definition of cervical, which ranks second in prevalence, there is sacral, thoracic and diffuse osteochondrosis. There are also cross pathologies: lumbosacral or, for example, cervicothoracic.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis can be very different, but sooner or later they all increase and manifest themselves clinically. Of course, it is much easier and faster to treat osteochondrosis in the early stages of its development, when the following signs are noted:
- Painful, dull and aching sensations in the part of the spine affected by the degenerative process.
- Chronic muscle tension (especially characteristic of cervical osteochondrosis).
- Cracking when turning the body, the neck.
- Headache, including tension headache (with cervical osteochondrosis).
- Aching pain in the chest, often reminiscent of cardiac pain (with thoracic osteochondrosis).
Osteochondrosis in the inflammatory stage has symptoms that cause a person to see a doctor, because they cause more pronounced discomfort:
- Irradiation of pain in the limb.
- Numbness in the fingers or toes.
- Irradiation of pain to the fingertips of the extremities.
- Severe pain in the spine when performing simple physical activities.
- Increased pain with small pushes, jolts, for example, when traveling in transport.
- The inability to perform simple work associated with rotations or tilts of the body.
- General limitation of mobility, motor activity.
The factors that can provoke spinal problems, called osteochondrosis, are very different, but the already mentioned hypodynamy comes first. Other reasons include the following:
- Functional: monotonous work while maintaining the same posture.
- Biomechanical: flat feet, congenital anomalies in the development of the spinal column.
- Hormonal: changes in hormone levels due to age-related changes.
- Infectious - dystrophy of the intervertebral environment caused by the inflammatory process.
- Metabolic: overweight or underweight.
The factors provoking osteochondrosis, that is, deformation and dystrophy of the intervertebral discs, as a rule, act in combination and are almost never isolated.
The development of osteochondrosis is divided into the following stages:
- Changes in the biomechanics of the disc as a result of tissue degeneration and dystrophic changes. This is the preclinical stage, when the signs, if any, are very weak, not manifested. At this stage, the fibrous ring surrounding the disc begins to stretch or, conversely, to shrink.
- The second stage is characterized by increased instability of the disc, the fibrous ring is not only stretched, its fibers stratify, the ring begins to break. Due to the violation of the nerve roots, pain appears in the spine, degenerative changes progress. Collagen tissue continues to break down, the normal height of the intervertebral distance decreases.
- The disc often ruptures completely, this pathology is accompanied by inflammation, hernia and violation of the nerve endings. Protrusion (prolapse) causes a characteristic pain not only in the damaged area of the spine, but is also reflected in the limbs and neighboring parts of the body.
- The most difficult stage, when spondylosis and other compensatory diseases of the spine join dystrophy. Often, the vertebra is flattened to compensate for lost function, and the elastic tissue of the fibrous ring is gradually replaced by scars and bony growths.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
Almost everyone who is associated with intellectual activity, from schoolchildren to the elderly, suffers from one form or another of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. Osteochondrosis of the cervical region is considered a disease associated with the increase in dynamic loads that cause the degeneration of the intervertebral discs and their failure. Hardening and growth of cartilage tissue leads to a violation of the depreciation properties of this part of the spine, head movements - inclinations, circular movements, turns become difficult and are accompanied by characteristic signs of osteochondrosis.
Symptoms that can cause osteochondrosis of the cervical spine in the early stages of the development of the disease are not specific and are similar to the signs of other pathologies not related to the skeletal system. The list of manifestations of osteochondrosis, which must be differentiated and specified to determine the correct diagnosis, is as follows:
- Intense headache reminiscent of migraine attacks.
- Headache extending from the occiput to the neck.
- Headache that is aggravated by coughing, turning the head, sneezing.
- Headache radiating to the chest or shoulder.
- Vertigo, sensory disturbances - double vision, difficulty focusing. Noise in the ears, in advanced cases, impaired coordination of movements.
- Symptoms similar to cardiological pain, especially with angina pectoris pain - pain in the heart, extending to the cervical region or arm, under the shoulder blade. The pain may increase and is not relieved by taking cardiac medications.
- Pain similar to that of hypertension (heaviness in the back of the head).
Consequences and complications
Before treating osteochondrosis, however, like any other disease, it is necessary to find out the causes, which is very difficult when it comes to degenerative pathologies of the spine. The factors that provoke the deformation of the intervertebral discs of the cervical spine are associated with the anatomical specificities of this area. The vertebrae in the neck are almost constantly under tension due to insufficient general motor activity. If we take into account the total "sedentary" lifestyle of more than half of the active population, the problem sometimes becomes insoluble. In addition, the cervical vertebrae are smaller than the vertebrae of other areas of the spine, and the internal canal is much narrower. A huge number of nerve endings, an abundance of blood vessels, the presence of the most important artery that feeds the brain - all this makes the cervical area extremely vulnerable. Even the slightest contraction of the intervertebral space leads to the violation of the nerve roots, swelling, inflammation and, consequently, to a deterioration of the blood supply to the brain. Often, a decrease in mental activity is due to the fact that a person develops osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. There is a historical anecdote, dating back to not very distant times, when Margaret HildaThatcher chastised her employee with the words: "Your problem is not a headache or your view of the matter being put to a vote. The fact is that your spine is not connected to your brain, John. "This famous quote from the lady of "iron" perfectly characterizes the condition that causes osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, when it sometimes happens: the spine does not provide adequate "nutrition" to the head. As far as "nutrition" is concerned, in fact, not only the spinal cord canal is involved, but also the canal of the artery which passes through the transverse nerve processes. The vertebral artery goes to the skull to feed the cerebellum and this artery also supplies nutrients and oxygen to the vestibular apparatus. The slightest disturbance of the blood flow through these channels can provoke or aggravate the course of the vegetative-vascular syndrome. In addition to VSD, osteochondrosis of the cervical region causes the typical symptoms of radicular syndrome (sciatica), when the pain radiates to the fingertips or a finger, the pallor of the skin (marbling) is clearly visible. One of the most unpleasant complications of cervical osteochondrosis is palmar fibromatosis, also called Dupuytren's contracture. With this disease, the aponeurosis (tendon plate) of the palm is affected, and the flexion function of the fingers is disturbed.
Diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is diagnosed by a specialist based on the patient's complaints and can be confirmed and specified by X-rays, MRI and computed tomography.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
A comprehensive cure for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is possible only in its initial stages, however, it is possible to save a person from the painful symptoms of this disease, prevent exacerbations and get rid of some pathological changes in the spine. Therefore, we must not forget the importance of timely treatment of the disease.
How to treat osteochondrosis?
Osteochondrosis is not easy to treat, as a rule, therapy is prescribed as comprehensively as possible, including all available means for modern medicine. In addition to conservative drug treatment, proven phytotherapeutic drugs, acupuncture, a number of therapeutic exercises, and sometimes surgical operations that eliminate hernias and subluxations of the vertebrae are also used. It should be recognized that osteochondrosis and treatment are two concepts that a sick person will have to deal with for a long time, sometimes for a lifetime. In addition to the initial phase, aimed at relieving the painful symptom, the therapy includes continuous reparative, rehabilitative and preventive actions. Complex and multi-component diseases are always treated for a long time. If a diagnosis is made - osteochondrosis, how to treat it - this is the first question that is decided not only by the doctor, but also by the patient himself, since his direct participation and responsible observance, the fulfillment of all prescriptions often play a decisive role in recovery.
What to treat?
The list of drugs most often used as a remedy for osteochondrosis:
- A complex and effective homeopathic preparation that needs to be used for a long time, like any other homeopathy (in ampoules or tablets).
- An effective external remedy that relieves muscle and joint pain well.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent (in the form of an ointment - externally, in tablets - orally).
- Complex effect ointment from the homeopathic remedies category.
- The drug in tablets from the category of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
- A drug from the category of glucocorticoids.
- Ointment from the category of external non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents.
- Gel from the category of external non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
- A drug from the category of external non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
If we summarize everything that involves the treatment of a disease such as osteochondrosis, the treatment can be divided into the following stages and types:
- The use of NSAIDs - non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, is considered the gold standard in the treatment of all degenerative and dystrophic pathologies of the bone and muscular system. The first thing these drugs do is reduce the pain symptom, the second is a significant reduction in inflammation.
- Drugs that are called myelorelaxants, as they are really capable of effectively relieving muscle cramps and spasms.
- Traction therapy is a traction treatment. In this rather painful, but effective process, there is a gradual stretching of the tissues, the muscles surrounding the vertebrae, respectively, the intervertebral distance increases, approaching the norm.
- Biogenic preparations, vascular agents that provide nourishment to the dystrophic areas of tissues, vitamins of group B well restore the functional abilities of a deformed spine.
- Sedative drugs that normalize the state of the nervous system. Perfectly relieves muscle tension and acupuncture of nerve endings.
- Physiotherapy procedures - electrophoresis, phonophoresis, UHF, massages, mud procedures, balneotherapy, magnetotherapy.
- Correction of the spine during the recovery period is performed using manual therapy.
- Treatment of osteochondrosis involves and with the help of constant exercise from the complex of physiotherapy exercises.
In the most extreme cases, when the course of osteochondrosis enters the last stage, surgical intervention is also indicated, which is performed in the area of localization of the inflammatory process. Most often, a hernia is operated, and it is also possible to remove the deformed bone tissue of the neighboring vertebrae.
Where to treat osteochondrosis?
Self-treatment of almost all diseases is a trend that is observed in almost all countries, but it is particularly characteristic of post-Soviet countries, where the traditional health structure is still undergoing change. Confused by innovations, often simply out of ignorance, many of us try to cope with back, neck or lower back pain on our own. You can call this time the first stage of treatment, although not very effective, since it is necessary to treat osteochondrosis only with the help of a doctor. The second stage, when independent actions do not lead to the desired and lasting result, a person thinks about a visit to the doctor and the question arises, osteochondrosis: how to treat, how to treat, and most importantly, where to treat osteochondrosis? First, you can contact a local therapist, who, most likely, will refer the patient for an examination - x-rays, blood tests and send a neurologist. Secondly, you can immediately make an appointment with a neurologist, preferably before the consultation, at least undergo an X-ray examination of the entire spine. In no case should you go to extremes and seek an experienced masseur, any massage, first of all, involves a preliminary scan of the state of the body, in particular the state of the spine. The problem of osteochondrosis is also addressed by vertebrologists and vertebroneurologists, doctors specializing in diseases of the spine.
Osteochondrosis is a complex disease, but the examples of many people overcoming even severe spinal injuries show that everything is feasible and achievable. The main thing is that at the first alarming signs that the back gives us, we analyze our motor activity and take appropriate measures. You can go immediately to the doctor and start the treatment, or, if the disease is not advanced, get moving, because, as Aristotle, teacher of the great Alexander the Great, who was very active, said: "Life requires and needs movement, otherwise it is not life ".
What does the story of osteochondrosis say?
The etiology of osteochondrosis is still not clear, moreover, despite the clearly ancient origins of this disease, diseases of the spine began to be seriously addressed only in the 18th century. Since then, controversies and discussions on the real "enemy" that causes degenerative alterations of the intervertebral discs have not ceased. Meanwhile, long ago, even in the time of Hippocrates, there were treatises on cutting bones, which indicates that the ancient Hellenes also suffered from back pain. Even Hippocrates himself was so interested in spinal questions that he conducted dubious medical experiments from the modern point of view: his students diligently tied the patient by the arms and legs on a horizontal plane with the back raised, stretching the limbs as much as possible. more likely. Then the great healer stood on the sufferer's back and started walking on it. The founding father of medicine was sincerely convinced that such fixation, stretching and massage would restore the health of the spine, which, according to the ancient Greek sages, was the key to man's luck. A certain systematization of the techniques that told how to treat osteochondrosis began only at the end of the 17th century. At the same time, terminology appeared that formalized areas applied in medicine, including bone setting. Two centuries later, it split into chiropractic and osteopathy. The first direction was purely practical, using power techniques, osteopaths were more theorists and researchers. At the intersection of these sciences, manual therapy gradually emerged, without which the treatment of osteochondrosis is almost unthinkable today.
As for the term defining the disease "osteochondrosis", then a typical history has happened to osteochondrosis, which is typical for other disorders of unclear etiology. As soon as it was not called - and low back pain, and sciatica, and Schmorl's hernia, and sciatica and spondylosis. It took nearly a century for doctors to understand osteochondrosis and reach a consensus.