Osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic change of 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 through the marginal growth of tissues and their compaction. In chondrosis - only the disc cartilage itself, and in osteochondrosis - the vertebral bodies adjacent to it. This is a very common disease. According to WHO statistics, up to 80% of the world's inhabitants suffer from it. Doctors note that most often this is due to an 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, neurologist Igor Matsokin and physical therapy specialist Oksana Ivanova tell.
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
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 large load and a rather complex range of motion.
Symptoms:
Sensation of crunching and clicking 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, relieving spasms and inflammation and restoring range of motion.
Chest
The chest area is less mobile than the rest of the body, where osteochondrosis occurs. Because of this, it appears rarely.
Symptoms: pain in the chest muscles, often aggravated by static exercise.
Brachial
Osteochondrosis of the shoulder joint occurs due to injury, stretching of tendons and muscles. It most commonly occurs when there is excessive strain on the shoulder in athletes and lifters. But it can also develop in the cervical osteochondrosis complex.
There is pain and limitations in joint movement.
Vertebral
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, both in the lumbar and in the cervical region. This is called polysegmental or widespread 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 the 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 consult a doctor immediately so that surgery is not required.
Knee
Disease of the knee joint. The cartilage that ensures the smooth sliding and movement of the joint is destroyed and cannot be restored. Fibrocartilage forms, which causes pain and stiffness in the leg. It is pain and limitation of movement in the knee that are the main reasons for visiting a doctor and making a diagnosis.
Youthful
The disease occurs in children, most often between the ages of 10 and 18. Degenerative changes occur in the spine, affecting ligaments, joints, intervertebral discs and bones. Juvenile osteochondrosis progresses rapidly, but in the initial stage it is difficult to detect, since there is no limitation of mobility. Some discomfort is felt only in the morning after sleep.
reasons
The disease occurs when there is a metabolic disorder. As we age, our cartilage tissue wears down. The lack of water, trace elements 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 stress their backs, such as weightlifters. The risk increases after spinal injuries. Osteochondrosis often occurs in students who sit for a long time, bent over their desks, as well as 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
- 2 degree - instability. The affected spinal disc is displaced in relation to the lower one, causing sharp pain.
- 3 degree - formation of intervertebral hernias. They compress nerve fibers and blood vessels.
- Grade 4 - fibrosis of the intervertebral disc. Osteophytes may occur. These are bone growths with which the body tries to restore the supporting function.
When to do prophylaxis
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 hurts
- coldness and numbness of hands and feet
- headache
- restriction of movements
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 to get 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 only the spinal disc or joint that hurts - the pain spreads 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 pain in the heart from osteochondrosis:
- Heart problems cause a burning sensation in the chest that may 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.
- Pain with 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 character of herpes zoster, it can last for several days or disappear immediately.
Headache
Whether a headache can occur depends on the source of the disease. The headache occurs as a result of overstrain of the musculo-ligamentous apparatus of the neck, the effect of the muscles on the channels for the passage of painful skin branches of the trigeminal nerve and the effect on the trunks of the autonomic regulation of vascular tone.
Dizziness 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 vertebrae 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 this is not always osteochondrosis, it is important to exclude other pathologies, for example, an enlarged thyroid gland, chronic pharyngitis. If you feel something like this, it is better to start with an otolaryngologist. He will determine the cause and refer you to another specialist.
dyspnea
Shortness of breath occurs due to pinched vascular bundles. Appears with osteochondrosis of the cervical or thoracic region. Due to the pain, it is not possible to take a deep breath; As a result, respiratory functions are disturbed, headaches and dizziness occur due to lack of oxygen in the brain. This can lead to serious consequences. If you notice a similar 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 cerebral circulation. 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 there can be 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 spikes.
Clinical guidelines
Upon diagnosis, conservative therapy is recommended, followed by surgery to remove the cause of the pain. The following drugs are prescribed in the clinical guidelines:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the form of suppositories, injections, ointments, gels.
- In acute pain of high intensity, therapeutic blockades are indicated, the main drugs for which are local anesthetics and glucocorticoids.
- Manual therapy, osteopathy, massage.
Exacerbation
The sooner treatment begins, the easier it is to avoid future exacerbations. 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 recommended not to lift heavy things at all. If exacerbations occur, drugs will come to the rescue.
Treatment
The treatment is complex, using several methods at the same time. The main goal is to relieve pain and prevent further degradation of the vertebrae and cartilage.
Physical therapy (physical therapy)
This is the main method of conservative treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Dosed loads for
- nerve root decompression
- correction and strengthening of the muscle corset
- maintaining correct posture and giving the necessary flexibility to the ligamentous-muscular system
- prevent complications
To achieve their goals, patients are advised 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, treatment of musculoskeletal disorders is not limited to exercise therapy. Physiotherapy based on the use of physical factors:
- low frequency currents
- magnetic fields
- ultrasound and laser
Physiotherapy application
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 the side effects typical of drugs.
massage
Effectively relieves muscle tension and pain, improves blood circulation and has a general strengthening effect.
Manual therapy
Individual impact of the doctor on the locomotor 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
Different therapeutic techniques and methods of influencing reflexogenic areas of the body and acupuncture points. The use of reflexology in combination with other healing methods significantly increases their effectiveness.
Drug therapy
Shown during the period of exacerbation of the disease and is aimed at relieving pain, eliminating the inflammatory process and improving metabolic processes. Medicines 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 be achieved only when they are combined with exercises using rehabilitation equipment. This allows you to create a full-fledged muscle corset and ensure lasting treatment results. How to treat each type of osteochondrosis depends on its location and the causes of its occurrence.
Treatment at home
At home, you can and should continue the treatment 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 potions to your treatment, check with your doctor whether their combination with medications is safe.
medicines
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 ointments and gels. It is important that the tablets are taken in courses, and not systematically, because of their effect on the gastrointestinal tract.
- Opioid analgesics (glucocorticoids) are prescribed by a doctor for severe pain if NSAIDs do not help relieve pain.
- For neuropathic pain, anticonvulsants or antidepressants are needed.
- vasodilators to avoid oxygen starvation.
- chondroprotectors for osteochondrosis - drugs to improve the functions of cartilage and joints.
- 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:
- Kuznetsov applicator - mat with plastic spikes
- Lyapko applicator - covered with needles and alloys of various metals.
They can be used only after permission from the attending physician.
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 firmness, therefore, if you have 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 most suitable for you.
Darsonval
Darsonval is a medical device that produces current in the form of a pulsed decaying discharge. It has a very wide range of action, from dermatological problems to gastrointestinal disorders. Darsonval improves tissue permeability and improves local blood circulation. Thanks to this, the drug penetrates faster and deeper, muscles relax and 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.
A corset
The corset is used in osteochondrosis to fix the spine. This helps relieve tension and prevents the vertebrae from shifting. You can use it after consulting a doctor.
Plasters
Pain in the spine and joints can be relieved with pain-relieving plasters. They are convenient to 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 to continue to take care of your body and even if you get better, 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 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, C contribute to the production of collagen and other tissues necessary for joints.
- The medical journal talks about group B vitamins (thiamine, pyridoxine and cyanocobalamin) that 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 one with a pillow is suitable 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 to maintain proper 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 in what position a person prefers to sleep. The 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 done with osteochondrosis only in a state of remission. This will help improve blood circulation, metabolic processes, flexibility of the spine and muscles. The right massage slows down or even stops the spread of the disease. But it is not always possible to visit a massage specialist. Special devices will come to the rescue, such as electric back and neck massagers. 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 find out the reasons for the high 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 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 hernia of the spine.
In addition, these are quite simple exercises even for an untrained person. For example, "first aid" for neck tension relief:
Gymnastics to improve chest mobility:
You can relieve cervical and shoulder discomfort and improve it with the help of a double massage roller:
army
Whether a person with osteochondrosis will be accepted into the army depends on the extent of the disease and the exact diagnosis. All documents and certificates must be in order: at least a neurologist and an X-ray. Otherwise, after a medical examination, a decision to accept military service is possible.
In what cases are not taken into the army:
- damage to three or more intervertebral discs
- anatomical changes are visible
- pronounced pain syndrome, including after lifting weights
In the presence of symptoms and certificates, the young person can receive category B - limited fit for service. This means that he will not be taken into the army, but can be called up in case of military training.
It is almost impossible to get category D - complete exemption from military service. It is possible, for example, with osteochondropathy, kyphosis - the last stage of osteochondrosis.
Question and answer
Acupuncture in osteochondrosis
Acupuncture or acupuncture is used along with other treatments. It is especially effective at times 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 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 the body. For proper weight distribution, it is recommended to place a small pillow under your knees.
In the lateral position, the neck muscles relax, the load on the spine decreases and the blood circulation process is not disturbed.
It is important to choose the right pillow depending on the position you prefer.
Is it possible to take a steam bath with osteochondrosis?
Most often, the bath is not a contraindication. On the contrary, due to the high temperature, the blood circulation improves and the symptoms are relieved.
In case of exacerbation of osteochondrosis, the bath is contraindicated. If the 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 allowed, but also necessary in osteochondrosis. But there are exceptions:
- professional sport
- dangerous sport
- weightlifting sport
Is it possible to warm a neck with cervical osteochondrosis?
You don't need to warm your neck to relieve the pain. Thus, the blood will begin to flow even more to the inflammation and it will intensify.
What not to do with osteochondrosis
- weight lifting, including in the gym
- make sudden movements, such as when playing sports
- you sleep on a mattress that is too soft or a pillow that is too high
- abuse of high-calorie foods, coffee, alcohol
- take 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 option for physical activity in osteochondrosis. No sudden movements or heavy objects. Yoga not only removes the symptoms, but also fights the cause of the disease. In rare cases, yoga is contraindicated, so you should still discuss it with your doctor.
Osteochondrosis is a serious disease that can be prevented. To do this, you need to monitor your diet and physical activity.