Osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic change in the complex of vertebrae, intervertebral discs and joints. It develops as a result of metabolic disorders of the cartilage and bone tissues of the vertebrae and discs. Simply put, in the case of chondrosis and osteochondrosis, the discs and adjacent bone structures wear out over time, compensating for the changes with marginal tissue growth and compaction. In the case of chondrosis - only the disc cartilage itself, in the case of 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 it most often occurs due to increased stress on the spine - excess weight and a sedentary lifestyle.
Neurologist Igor Matsokin and physiotherapist Oksana Ivanova tell you what to do with osteochondrosis and where to go if the disease is suspected.
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 Spinal osteochondrosis, unspecified
Species
Depending on the location, there are several types:
Cervical
The cervical spine experiences high loads and a fairly complex range of motion.
Symptoms:
Cracking and clicking sensation in the neck when the head is turned from side to side, stiffness when moving. You may feel a headache (tension headache), a painful feeling in the muscles of the shoulder girdle.
Constantly tense muscles can cause numbness and tingling in the hands.
The main goal of treatment is recovery, relief of spasms and inflammation, and restoration of range of motion.
Chest
The chest region is less mobile than the rest of the body in which osteochondrosis occurs. That's why it rarely appears.
Symptoms: pain in the chest muscles, often aggravated by static load.
Brachialis
Osteochondrosis of the shoulder joint occurs due to injury, stretching of tendons and muscles. It occurs most often when there is excessive strain on the shoulder among athletes and lifters. But it can also develop in the cervical osteochondrosis complex.
There is pain and limitations when moving the joints.
Vertebrate
With 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 neck regions. This is called polysegmental or widespread osteochondrosis of the spine.
Lumbar
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar region is common. The spine of the lumbosacral region experiences the greatest stress.
Symptoms:
- pain in the lower back, legs
- pain when bending, turning - stiffness in back movements
Hip
With osteochondrosis of the hip joint, the pain is not serious, but it is important to consult a doctor immediately so that surgical intervention is not necessary.
Knee
Disease of the knee joint. The cartilage that ensures the smooth gliding and movement of the joint is destroyed and cannot be restored. Fibrocartilage forms, causing pain and stiffness in the foot. Pain and limitation of movement of the knee are the main reasons for a doctor's visit and diagnosis.
Youthful
The disease manifests itself in children, most often between the ages of 10 and 18. Degenerative changes occur in the spine, affecting the ligaments, joints, intervertebral discs and bones. Juvenile osteochondrosis develops rapidly, but in the initial stages it is difficult to recognize it, since there is no restriction of movement. Only in the morning does one feel some discomfort after sleep.
Reasons
The disease occurs when there is a metabolic disorder. As we age, our cartilage wears down. The lack of water, microelements and amino acids reduces the flexibility 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 strain on their backs, such as weightlifters. The risk increases after spinal cord injury. Osteochondrosis often occurs in school children who sit for a long time, bend over their desks, and in drivers. Which factor causes the disease depends on the lifestyle.
degrees
In the case of osteochondrosis, 4 degrees (stages):
- 1st degree - chondrosis. There is already pain
- Grade 2 - instability. The affected disc moves relative to the lower one, causing acute pain.
- Grade 3 - development 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 to take prevention
Better late than never. If you lead an overweight and 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:
- so it hurts
- coldness and numbness of the hands and feet
- headache
- restriction of movements
It is important not to confuse these signs with other diseases. The symptoms can be similar, for example, in the case of thoracic osteochondrosis and cardiovascular diseases. For an accurate diagnosis and immediate treatment, you should consult a neurologist or therapist to see a specialist.
Pain
Pain is the main problem of osteochondrosis, which is difficult to get rid of. Moreover, it is not just the disc or the joint that hurts - the pain continues to radiate throughout the body. And it happens that the pain of thoracic osteochondrosis radiates to the heart, so the sensations can easily be confused with heart diseases.
How to distinguish heartache from osteochondrosis:
- Heart problems cause a burning sensation in the chest that may radiate to the arms or neck. Painful sensations appear suddenly and last up to 30 minutes. The temperature rises, dizziness and chills appear. It is accompanied by a feeling of lack of air and shortness of breath.
- Osteochondrosis pain can be different: pressure, shooting. Generally moderate in nature. It is not accompanied by shortness of breath and changes in blood pressure and pulse. It is shingles in nature and can last for several days or disappear immediately.
Headache
Whether a headache may occur depends on the source of the disease. A headache is an overload of the musculo-ligament apparatus of the neck, the effect of the muscles on the channels for the passage of the painful skin branches of the trigeminal nerve, and the effect of the autonomic regulation of vascular tone on the trunks.
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: muscle overload and irritation of certain areas of the autonomic nervous system, followed by a vascular reaction. It is important to note that similar sensations in the ear can also be a sign of other diseases.
Lump in throat
A lump in the throat associated with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a common symptom. This is due to the fact that the volume of the inflamed tissue increases. A person may feel a tickling sensation, 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 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.
Shortness of breath
Shortness of breath occurs due to trapped vascular bundles. Appears with osteochondrosis of the neck or chest region. Because of the pain, you can't take deep breaths, you have to breathe often 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, 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 impaired blood circulation in the brain. And this often happens precisely with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine due to compression of blood vessels and vertebral artery. Chest pain and shallow breathing can also cause panic due to this condition.
Temperature
Whether there is a temperature 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 an increase in pressure.
Clinical guidelines
During the diagnosis, conservative therapy is recommended, followed by surgery to eliminate the cause of the pain. The following drugs are prescribed according to clinical guidelines:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the form of suppositories, injections, ointments, gels.
- In case of high-intensity acute pain, therapeutic blockades are prescribed, the main drugs of which are local anesthetics and glucocorticoids.
- Manual therapy, osteopathy, massage.
Exacerbation
The sooner treatment is started, 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 advisable not to lift heavy things at all. If exacerbations occur, drugs will save.
Treatment
The treatment is complex, using several methods at the same time. The main goal is to relieve pain and prevent further deterioration of the vertebrae and cartilage.
Therapeutic exercise (physiotherapy)
This is the main method of conservative treatment of musculoskeletal diseases. For metered loads
- nerve root decompression
- correction and strengthening of the muscle ligament
- maintaining the correct posture and ensuring the necessary flexibility of the ligamentous-muscular system
- prevention of complications
In order to achieve their goals, patients are advised to exercise regularly with rehabilitation equipment and perform joint exercises. These exercises improve blood circulation, normalize the metabolism and nutrition of the intervertebral discs, help the intervertebral space, form muscle ligaments and reduce the load on the spine.
However, the treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system is not limited to exercise therapy. Physiotherapy is based on the use of physical factors:
- low frequency currents
- magnetic fields
- ultrasound and laser
Application of physiotherapy
It makes it possible to speed up the treatment of many diseases, increase the effectiveness of drug therapy and reduce the dosage, as well as avoid the side effects typical of drugs.
Massage
It effectively relieves muscle tension and pain, improves blood circulation and has a general strengthening effect.
Manual therapy
The doctor's individual effect on the skeletal and muscular 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 body's reflexogenic zones and acupuncture points. The combined use of reflexology with other treatment methods significantly increases their effectiveness.
Drug therapy
It is indicated during the period of exacerbation of the disease and aims to relieve pain, eliminate the inflammatory process and increase metabolic processes. Medicines can be taken intramuscularly or intravenously.
It is important to note that although all of the listed methods are extremely effective, the greatest therapeutic effect can only be achieved if they are combined with exercises with rehabilitation equipment. This makes it possible to create a full-fledged muscle brace and ensure lasting treatment results. The method of treating 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 as recommended by your doctor. First, pay attention to your diet and do exercises at home. If you want to add folk remedies or decoctions to your treatment, consult your doctor to check if they are safe to combine with medications.
Drug
Most osteochondrosis drugs 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 the tablets in courses and not systematically because of their effect on the gastrointestinal tract.
- Opioid pain relievers (glucocorticoids) are prescribed by a doctor for severe pain when NSAIDs do not help relieve the pain.
- Neuropathic pain requires anticonvulsants or antidepressants.
- vasodilators to avoid oxygen starvation.
- osteochondrosis chondroprotectors - drugs to improve the functions of cartilage and joints.
- muscle relaxants help relieve pain from excessive muscle tension.
Applicators
Applicators for osteochondrosis are popular adjuncts to treatment. It affects nerve impulses and improves blood flow, helping to reduce 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 only be used after the permission of the attending physician.
Collar
A cervical collar (or bandage) helps in cervical osteochondrosis to relax the neck muscles and reduce the load on them. As a result, pain disappears and blood flow to the brain improves. Bandages come in different sizes and stiffnesses, 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.
With Darson
Darsonval is a medical device that produces electricity in the form of a pulsed damped discharge. It has a very broad spectrum of effects, from dermatological problems to gastrointestinal diseases. Darsonval improves tissue permeability and improves local blood circulation. Thanks to this, the drug penetrates faster and deeper, the muscles relax, and the spasms go away.
Droppers
Drops for osteochondrosis help to quickly relieve pain. They are prescribed in cases where other drugs are contraindicated. This happens, for example, in people who show intolerance to the ingredients of NSAID tablets.
Corset
The corset is used for osteochondrosis to fix the spine. This helps relieve tension and prevent the vertebrae from moving. You can use it after consulting your doctor.
Plasters
Pain in the spine and joints can be alleviated with pain-relieving patches. It is convenient to use when it is not possible to apply ointment or cream because it causes stains on clothes.
Injections
Injections help to quickly relieve pain during an exacerbation. Effective and fast. It is important to continue to take care of your body and, even if you are getting 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 administer in case of osteochondrosis:
- chondroprotectors
- NSAIDs
- anticonvulsants
- 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 the absorption of calcium, which is necessary for restoring the bone structure 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 vitamins (thiamine, pyridoxine, and cyanocobalamin) as pain relievers in cervical osteochondrosis. Thanks to this, you can reduce the intake of painkillers.
Orthopedic pillows
Orthopedic sleeping pillows are not a substitute for treatment, but sleeping with them will be much more comfortable. Pillows come in different shapes and are made of different 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 depression in the middle or a shoulder depression helps people with cervical osteochondrosis to maintain proper blood circulation in any position while sleeping. Optimal for the neck and its natural position.
It is also important to consider not only the form of osteochondrosis, but also the position in which a person wants to sleep. After analyzing the sleep preferences and characteristics of the course of the disease, the neurologist will tell you which pillow to choose correctly.
Massage
Therapeutic massage in the case of osteochondrosis can only be performed in a state of remission. It helps to 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 help, for example, electric massagers for the back and neck. 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, talk to your doctor about ways to lose weight and understand the reasons for your 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 consumed. It promotes fluid retention in the body.
Exercises
Those with a special therapeutic effect stand out, 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 relieving neck tension:
Exercise to improve chest mobility:
You can relieve and improve discomfort in the neck region and shoulders with a double massage roller:
Army
Whether someone with osteochondrosis is 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 one neurologist's report and X-ray. Otherwise, you can decide on military service after a medical examination.
In what cases are they not accepted into the army:
- damage to three or more intervertebral discs
- anatomical changes are visible
- pronounced pain syndrome, including after lifting weights
In case of symptoms and certificates, the young man can receive category B - limited service. This means that they will not be accepted into the army, but they can be drafted if they receive military training.
It is almost impossible to get category D - complete exemption from military service. It is possible, for example, with osteochondropathy 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 several advantages:
- the risk of allergic reactions is low
- 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 in cervical osteochondrosis
There are two optimal positions: lying on your back and lying 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 the knee.
When lying on the side, 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 desired position.
Is it possible to take a steam bath with osteochondrosis?
Most often, the bath is 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 causes complications.
Is it possible to do sports with osteochondrosis?
Moderate load is not only permissible, but also necessary for osteochondrosis. But there are exceptions:
- professional sport
- dangerous sport
- sport with weightlifting
Is it possible to warm the neck with cervical osteochondrosis?
You should not heat your neck to relieve pain. Thus, the blood begins to flow even more towards the inflammation, and it becomes stronger.
What not to do with osteochondrosis
- weight lifting, including in the gym
- make sudden movements, such as during sports
- 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 be sure to 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.