Osteochondrosis –degenerative-dystrophic damage to spinal tissues, characterized by damage to the intervertebral discs, adjacent articular surfaces and vertebral bodies, and the ligamentous apparatus of the spine.
Most often, pathological processes in osteochondrosis first affect bones and ligaments.We usually learn that the disease has already begun when complications appear - pain, sensory disturbances, muscle atrophy, dysfunction of internal organs.
Who suffers from osteochondrosis?
Nowadays, osteochondrosis affects from 40 to 90% of the world's population.Most often, the disease affects people over 30 years of age.However, the first symptoms of osteochondrosis may appear in adolescence.
Stages of development of spinal osteochondrosis
- The first stage of development of osteochondrosis.
Dehydration of the nucleus pulposus begins.This leads to a decrease in the height of the disk.Cracks appear in the fibrous ring, but the pathological process does not extend beyond the intervertebral disc.
- The second stage of development of osteochondrosis.
As a result of a decrease in the height of the disc, the attachment points of muscles and ligaments belonging to two adjacent vertebrae come closer together.Therefore, muscles and ligaments sag.This can lead to excessive mobility of the two vertebrae relative to each other, i.e.instability of the vertebral motion segment is formed.At this stage, slipping or displacement of the vertebrae relative to each other with the formation of spondylolisthesis is characteristic.
- The third stage of development of osteochondrosis.
During this period, the most pronounced morphological changes occur, which primarily affect the intervertebral discs themselves: disc prolapses and protrusions are formed.The articular apparatus of the vertebral motion segment also suffers.Subluxations occur in the intervertebral joints and unco-vertebral joints and arthrosis forms.
- The fourth stage of development of osteochondrosis.
At this stage, adaptive changes occur in the affected segments of the spine.The body tries to overcome excessive mobility of the vertebrae and immobilize the spine to preserve its supporting and protective functions.In this regard, marginal bone growths appear on adjacent surfaces of the vertebral bodies, in other words, osteophytes.An osteophyte that grows “in the wrong place” causes microtrauma to the nerve root.At the fourth stage, processes of fibrous ankylosis usually begin in the intervertebral discs and joints.Ultimately, the vertebral motor segment appears to be immured in a shell—the clinical manifestations subside.
Causes of osteochondrosis
In each of the many existing theories of the development of osteochondrosis, various reasons are accepted that are responsible for the occurrence of the disease, for example, mechanical trauma, hereditary predisposition or metabolic disorders.A particular difficulty in determining the cause of osteochondrosis is due to the fact that this disease can occur in both elderly and young people, both in well-built and less trained people.It is a common belief that the cause of osteochondrosis is the deposition of salts in the spine: allegedly, on X-rays, salts can be seen in the form of “growths” or “hooks” on the vertebrae.If, when moving, there is a crunching and creaking in the joints, as if sand had been poured between them, for many patients the only reason for this condition is the notorious “salt deposition.”Such misconceptions are not at all harmless: the correct idea of how to treat an illness can be determined based on an analysis of the causes that caused it.
The term "osteochondrosis" comes from the Greek roots osteon - "bone" and chondr - "cartilage".The ending “-oz” means that the disease of bone and cartilage is not associated with inflammatory processes, but is degenerative-dystrophic in nature, that is, the basis of the disease is a violation of tissue nutrition and, as a consequence, degeneration of its structure.Like all living tissues, the bone tissue of the vertebrae and the cartilage tissue of the intervertebral discs are constantly rebuilt and self-renewing.Under the influence of regularly exerted physical activity, they acquire strength and elasticity, and in the absence of loads, the strength of the tissues decreases.
This is due to the peculiarities of nutrition and blood supply to bone and cartilage tissue.The discs of adults do not have their own vessels; they receive nutrients and oxygen from neighboring tissues.Therefore, for proper nutrition of the discs, it is necessary to activate blood circulation in the tissues surrounding the discs.And this can only be achieved through intense muscle work.
Based on its composition, the intervertebral disc can be divided into two parts: it is the nucleus pulposus, which gives elasticity to the disc, located in the center and a strong fibrous ring surrounding it.Due to deterioration in the nutrition of the intervertebral discs, the complex structure of biopolymer compounds that make up the nucleus pulposus is destroyed.The moisture content in the nucleus pulposus decreases and it becomes more fragile.When exposed to even minor overloads, the nucleus pulposus can disintegrate into fragments.This leads to a decrease in its elasticity to an even greater extent.There is also a decrease in the strength of the fibrous rings of the discs.All these factors create the basis and form the cause for the development of osteochondrosis.
To restore the function of the spine, it is necessary to scar the damage to the intervertebral disc, mobilize the compensatory capabilities of the spine, as well as the musculoskeletal system as a whole, and not resolve “salt deposits” or eliminate “spikes” on the vertebrae.When performing an X-ray examination after the end of treatment, you can see that the vertebrae have not changed their shape.And the notorious “spikes” are not the cause of osteochondrosis, but a consequence of adaptive processes.Marginal growths increase the area of the supporting surface of the vertebral body.Due to the increase in area, the specific pressure decreases, which makes it possible to compensate for the decrease in the strength and elasticity of the intervertebral disc.
Degenerative-dystrophic changes occurring in the spine are accompanied by calcification (calcification) of damaged discs, individual sections of articular ligaments, cartilage, and capsules.This process can only be called deposition of salts conditionally.Thus, this is not the cause of osteochondrosis, but only a consequence and the final stage of the process described above.
Reversal of structural changes in the spine is almost impossible.But minimizing them is a very real task.If no effort is made to maintain the spine in the same condition that was achieved as a result of treatment, the pain may recur.
Clinical manifestations of osteochondrosis
Clinical manifestations of osteochondrosis are very diverse.They depend on the stage of development of osteochondrosis.The main clinical symptoms of osteochondrosis occur when the pathological process spreads to the posterior part of the fibrous ring and the posterior longitudinal ligament.Depending on the stage of degeneration of the intervertebral discs, irritation, compression or disruption of the conductivity of the spinal cord roots, compression of blood vessels or the spinal cord occurs.Various neurological syndromes develop - reflex and compression.
The main cause of pain in osteochondrosis is the so-called irritation of the nerve root.In this case, circulatory disturbance occurs, swelling occurs, and fibrosis of the surrounding structures may subsequently develop, which is accompanied by an increase in the sensitivity of the roots to various influences (movements in the affected segment of the spine, etc.).
Vascular disorders in osteochondrosis are often associated with impaired vasomotor innervation.Mechanical compression of blood vessels by osteophytes is also possible, for example in the cervical spine.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis
One of the features of spinal osteochondrosis that aggravates the process is that its symptoms are too extensive.The disease can manifest itself in completely different parts of the body.This may be pain or numbness in the limbs or disturbances and pain in the internal organs.At the same time, often a person does not in any way associate pain in the heart, dysfunction of the genital organs, headaches, pain and numbness in the legs with osteochondrosis and in general with the spine, directly “treating” the symptoms of osteochondrosis with the help of various kinds of painkillers, all kinds of advertised medications, dietary supplements and other methods.But this path only makes the situation worse.Osteochondrosis continues to develop, and the treatment methods used, at best, simply do not lead to significant improvement, other than temporarily relieving pain, and in the worst case, they can harm the body even more.
Thus, it is important to carefully analyze your condition and the changes occurring in it.It is necessary to start moving in the right direction: consult a doctor in a timely manner, undergo the necessary diagnostics, and only after determining the correct diagnosis begin treatment under the supervision of the attending physician.
The main symptoms of osteochondrosis include, first of all, pain and discomfort in the back.At the same time, pain can be periodic, inconsistent, appearing and disappearing.But the very first feeling of discomfort or pain in the spine should make you think.The appearance of the first pains is a signal to at least pay attention to this and try to remember the reason why they appeared.Such a reason could be lifting a heavy object, sudden movement, falling, etc.
Another symptom of osteochondrosis is the accompaniment of discomfort or back pain with pain and numbness of the extremities (arms or legs).The pain most often radiates to the left limb, that is, to the left arm or leg.In addition, pain can manifest itself in the heart area, in the back, and not only in the spine area, but, for example, in the ribs, etc.It is especially important in this case to pay attention to the nature of the change in pain depending on the patient’s actions, comparing the sensations of pain in the back with pain, for example, in the leg.If the patient sat for a long time and developed pain or numbness in the foot, discomfort in the lower back, and after a short warm-up or walk the pain disappeared, then this will be an indirect sign that determines lumbar osteochondrosis of the spine.The same picture can be with the neck and arm.To summarize, we can say that the main symptoms of osteochondrosis include pain and discomfort in the back.In cases where these symptoms coincide with pain in other parts of the body, osteochondrosis can be complicated by protrusion, disc herniation, or a pinched nerve.
Additionally, I would like to draw attention to the fact that even when the first pain in the spine appears, it is necessary to pay special attention to this ailment.After all, osteochondrosis may manifest itself weakly or not at all for quite a long time.At the same time, it will continue to develop successfully in the spine, leading to the degradation of an increasing number of discs.Therefore, a timely visit to a doctor will allow osteochondrosis to be diagnosed at an earlier stage, which will facilitate its treatment.
Osteochondrosis and salt deposition
Osteophytes or hook-shaped growths of the vertebrae appear in order to reduce the load on the intervertebral discs.In this case, the appearance of osteophytes harms the mobility of the intervertebral joints.
The widespread belief in everyday life that salt deposition is the main cause of osteochondrosis is erroneous.Therefore, treatment of osteochondrosis using a salt-free diet is pointless.
The most common complaints with spinal osteochondrosis
The most common complaints with osteochondrosis are the following:
- Discomfort in various parts of the spine.The pain can vary from minor, dull, nagging pain to severe, sometimes very intense and unbearable - with shooting.
- Increased fatigue during work, both physical and mental.
- Loss of sensitivity in the limbs and various parts of the body, chilliness of the hands or feet.
- Pain radiating to the legs, along the nerve trunks.
- Pain radiating to the shoulder blade, shoulder, as well as pain in the neck and back of the head.
- A frequent companion to cervical osteochondrosis is headaches and dizziness.Increased visual fatigue or decreased visual acuity is often observed.
- When the lumbosacral region is affected, disorders of the reproductive system - various sexual dysfunctions - are common.Therefore, most men experience an increase in sexual power after treatment.In women, normal functioning of the lumbosacral area increases the likelihood of conception and contributes to a comfortable pregnancy.
Diagnosis of osteochondrosis
To diagnose osteochondrosis, it is necessary to collect an anamnesis.Determining the patient’s complaints is of decisive importance.Certain symptoms of osteochondrosis are quite characteristic.Others, on the contrary, must be differentiated from signs of other diseases.It is important that the nervous, vascular, and trophic disorders that occur in osteochondrosis can mimic various diseases, such as angina pectoris, gastritis, gastric ulcer, and acute surgical diseases of the abdominal organs.Therefore, in order to avoid misdiagnosis and subsequent prescription of incorrect treatment, each symptom must be subjected to detailed analysis.
When collecting an anamnesis, including the patient’s complaints, the history of the current illness and the patient’s life, the doctor pays attention to his age, since osteochondrosis most often develops in older people, and to the evolution of symptoms from the moment they arise until the patient consults a doctor.Osteochondrosis is characterized by slow development, in which periods of exacerbation are periodically replaced by periods of remission.Additional research methods are prescribed to clarify the diagnosis.
X-ray studies for osteochondrosis
The most accessible method for diagnosing osteochondrosis, and at the same time quite informative, is x-ray examination.There are several types of x-ray methods for diagnosing this disease:
Survey radiography of the spine is the simplest radiological method for diagnosing osteochondrosis.Its essence is to obtain an x-ray of the spinal column as a whole or its individual segments.Most often, targeted radiography is performed - based on the symptoms of the disease and the patient’s complaints, the location of the spinal lesion is determined.On an x-ray image of a segment of the spine affected by osteochondrosis, one can see a decrease in the thickness (atrophy) of the intervertebral discs, manifested in the form of a decrease in the space between the vertebrae, the appearance of bone outgrowths of the vertebral bodies - osteophytes, partial dissolution - resorption of the bone tissue of the vertebral body, a change in the shape of the spinal segment, for example, smoothing of the lumbar lordosis.
Myelography is a more complex and dangerous diagnostic method.During such an examination, a certain amount of contrast fluid is injected into the spinal canal.The risk of this examination method is the possibility of allergic reactions to the contrast agent or the risk of damage to the spinal cord during puncture of the spinal canal.Myelography can determine the internal structure of the spinal canal.This method is especially informative for determining spinal hernias.
Computed tomography and nuclear magnetic resonance are the most modern, but also the most expensive and difficult to access methods for diagnosing osteochondrosis.These diagnostic methods are usually used when it is necessary to differentiate between osteochondrosis and other diseases of the spine that have similar symptoms, for example, tumors of the spinal canal.
For a comprehensive assessment of the patient’s condition, it is mandatory to conduct a neurological examination of the patient with osteochondrosis.Thanks to a neurological consultation, it is possible to clarify the location and degree of motor and sensory disorders.
Treatment of osteochondrosis
The clinic provides effective treatment for all forms of osteochondrosis.Treatment is carried out on an outpatient basis.The treatment is based on a comprehensive program aimed at quickly eliminating the underlying syndrome and the cause of suffering.The following methods can be used as part of complex therapy:
- acupuncture;
- vacuum therapy;
- gentle manual therapy techniques (post-isometric relaxation);
- laser therapy;
- pharmacopuncture;
- dry traction;
- magnetopuncture;
- electrical stimulation and other treatment methods.
On average, the course of treatment is 10-15 sessions, and the elimination of acute pain syndrome is from 1 to 3 sessions.
The sooner treatment is started, the better the result will be!
Is complete relief from osteochondrosis real?
It depends on the form of the disease, severity, correctness and timeliness of treatment.Complete cure is possible only in the initial stages.
But you can prevent exacerbations of osteochondrosis and not feel pain for years.If a person had osteochondrosis, but now he does not experience discomfort, this does not mean that it has passed without a trace.There may be changes in the spine.
The main task is to stop the development of the disease and do everything possible to ensure that some of the pathological changes in the spine disappear, the symptoms disappear or decrease (back pain, coldness and numbness of the arms, legs, headaches, etc.).