Osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic change in the vertebral complex, intervertebral discs and joints. Develops as a result of metabolic disorders in the cartilage and bone tissue of the vertebrae and discs. Simply put, with chondrosis and osteochondrosis, the discs and adjacent bone structures wear out over time, compensating for the changes by the small growth of tissue and its compaction. In the case of chondrosis - only the cartilage of the disc itself, and in the case of osteochondrosis - the vertebral bodies adjacent to it. This is a very common disease. According to WHO statistics, up to 80% of the world's population suffers from it. Doctors note that most often it occurs due to increased pressure on the spine - excess weight and an inactive lifestyle.
What to do with osteochondrosis and where to go if you suspect the disease, neurologist Igor Matsokin and exercise therapist Oksana Ivanova tell.
Classification
According to the ICD-10 classification, osteochondrosis of the spine has the code M42. It includes:
- M42. 0 Juvenile osteochondrosis of the spine Calf disease, Scheuermann's disease
Excludes: positional kyphosis (M40. 0)
- M42. 1 Osteochondrosis of the spine in adults
- M42. 9 Osteochondrosis of the spine, unspecified
Species
Depending on the location, there are several types:
Cervix
The cervical spine experiences a high load and a rather complex range of motion.
symptoms:
Throbbing and clicking in the neck when turning the head from side to side, stiffness when moving. You may feel a headache (tension headache), 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 rehabilitation, relief of stiffness and inflammation, and restoration of range of motion.
chest
The thoracic region is less mobile than the rest of the body where osteochondrosis occurs. Therefore it rarely appears.
Symptoms: pain in the chest muscles, often aggravated by static loads.
Brachial
Osteochondrosis of the shoulder joint occurs as a result of injury, stretching of tendons and muscles. Often occurs when there is excessive load on the shoulders in athletes and loaders. But it can also develop in the cervical osteochondrosis complex.
There is pain and restriction when moving the joint.
Vertebrates
With osteochondrosis of the spine, the intervertebral disc is destroyed. It happens that not one part of the spine is affected, but two or more. For example, in both the lumbar and cervical regions. 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 pressure.
symptoms:
- pain in the lower back, legs
- pain when bending, turning - stiffness in movement in the back
Hips
With osteochondrosis of the hip joint, the pain is not severe, but it is important to consult a doctor immediately so that surgical intervention is not required.
Kneeling
Knee joint disease. The cartilage that ensures unhindered gliding and joint movement is destroyed and cannot be restored. Fibrous cartilage forms, causing pain and stiffness in the legs. It is pain and limitation of movement in the knee that is the main reason to visit the doctor and make a diagnosis.
Stay young
This disease manifests itself in children, most often between the ages of 10 and 18 years. Degenerative changes occur in the spine, affecting ligaments, joints, intervertebral discs and bones. Juvenile osteochondrosis develops rapidly, but in the early stages it is difficult to detect because there is no limitation of mobility. Only in the morning a person feels some discomfort after sleep.
Cause
This disease occurs when there is a metabolic disorder. As we age, our cartilage tissue wears down. Lack of water, microelements and amino acids reduce the elasticity of the intervertebral disc. Salt deposits are the result of osteochondrosis. The cause of pain is often irritation (or irritation) of the nerve root.
This disease affects athletes who put a lot of stress on their back, such as weightlifters. The risk increases after a spinal cord injury. Osteochondrosis often occurs in schoolchildren who sit for a long time, bent over their desks, and in drivers. Which factors will cause disease depends on lifestyle.
Degree
For osteochondrosis, there are 4 degrees (stages):
- First degree - chondrosis. There is already pain
- 2nd degree - instability. The affected vertebral disc is displaced in relation to the lower one, which causes acute pain.
- The third stage - the formation of an intervertebral hernia. They compress nerve fibers and blood vessels.
- Grade 4-fibrosis of the intervertebral disc. Osteophytes may appear. This is the bone growth with which the body tries to restore the supporting function.
When you want 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 hands and feet
- headache
- restriction of movement
It is important not to confuse these symptoms with other diseases. Symptoms may be similar, for example, with osteochondrosis of the chest and diseases of the cardiovascular system. For an accurate diagnosis and immediate treatment, you need to consult a neurologist or therapist to receive a referral to a specialist.
ill
Pain is the main problem of osteochondrosis, which is difficult to get rid of. In addition, not only the spinal disc or the joint itself hurts - the pain radiates further into the whole body. And it happens that the pain of thoracic osteochondrosis radiates to the heart, so the sensation is easily confused with heart disease.
How to distinguish heart pain from osteochondrosis:
- With heart problems, a burning sensation occurs in the chest, which can radiate to the arms 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 simple. Not accompanied by shortness of breath and changes in blood pressure and pulse. It has the characteristics of shingles, can last for several days, or can disappear immediately.
headache
Whether a headache can occur depends on the cause of the disease. Headaches occur as a result of overstrain of the musculo-ligamentous apparatus of the neck, muscle effects on the channels for the path of the painful branch of the skin of the trigeminal nerve, and effects on the trunk of the autonomic regulation of vascular tone.
Dizziness and noise in the head
Feelings of dizziness and noise in the head with osteochondrosis occur for the same reasons as headaches: from muscle overstrain and irritation of certain areas of the autonomic nervous system with subsequent vascular reactions. It is important to remember that similar sensations in the ear can be a sign of other diseases.
Lump in throat
A lump in the throat with 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 feel a tingling sensation, throbbing in the neck, and even shortness of breath. It feels like 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 similar, 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 a pinched vascular bundle. Occurs with osteochondrosis of the cervical or thoracic region. Because of the pain, you cannot take a deep breath; you need to breathe often and shallowly. As a result, respiratory function is impaired, headaches and dizziness occur due to lack of oxygen in the brain. This can lead to serious consequences. If you notice such symptoms, consult your doctor.
Panic attack
Neurosurgeons at regional hospitals claim that there is a direct link between panic attacks and osteochondrosis. One of the causes of panic attacks is a sign of a violation in the blood circulation of the brain. And this often happens precisely with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine due to compression of blood vessels and vertebral arteries. Chest pain and shallow breathing can also cause panic due to this condition.
Temperature
Whether there can be a temperature with osteochondrosis depends on many reasons. It is important to exclude other factors, such as acute respiratory infection.
Pressure
This disease can affect blood pressure, it is important to avoid such pressure spikes.
Clinical guidelines
When diagnosing, conservative therapy is recommended followed by surgery to eliminate the cause of pain. The following drugs are prescribed in clinical guidelines:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the form of suppositories, injections, ointments, gels.
- For acute pain with high intensity, therapeutic restrictions are indicated, the main drugs of which are local anesthetics and glucocorticoids.
- Manual therapy, osteopathy, massage.
Severity
The sooner treatment is started, the easier it is to prevent 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 advised not to lift heavy objects at all. If aggravation occurs, drugs will come to the rescue.
Treatment
Treatment is complex, using several methods at once. The main goal is to relieve pain and prevent further deterioration of the vertebrae and cartilage.
Therapeutic exercise (physical therapy)
It is the main method of conservative treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Load dosed for
- nerve root decompression
- correction and strengthening of the muscle corset
- maintain correct posture and give the ligament-muscle system the necessary flexibility
- prevention of complications
To achieve their goals, patients are recommended to exercise regularly using rehabilitation equipment and joint exercises. This exercise improves blood circulation, normalizes the metabolism and nutrition of the intervertebral disc, helps to increase the intervertebral space, forms a muscular corset and reduces 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 current
- magnetic field
- ultrasound and laser
Use of physiotherapy
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
The doctor's individual effect on the musculoskeletal system to relieve acute and chronic pain in the spine and joints, as well as increase the range of motion and correct posture.
Reflexology
Various therapeutic techniques and methods to influence the body's reflexogenic zones and acupuncture points. The use of reflexology in combination with other treatment methods significantly increases its effectiveness.
Drug therapy
It is indicated during the period of exacerbation of the disease and aims to relieve pain, eliminate inflammatory processes and improve metabolic processes. Medicines can be taken intramuscularly or intravenously.
It is important to note that although each method listed is very effective, the greatest therapeutic effect can only be achieved when it is combined with exercise using rehabilitation equipment. This allows you to create a complete muscle corset and ensure lasting treatment results. How to treat each type of osteochondrosis depends on its location and the cause of its appearance.
Treatment at home
At home, you can and should continue 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 decoctions to your treatment, consult your doctor to find out if their combination with drugs is safe.
Drugs
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 to take tablets in courses and not systematically because of their effect on the gastrointestinal tract.
- Opioid analgesics (glucocorticoids) are prescribed by doctors for severe pain if NSAIDs do not help relieve pain.
- Anticonvulsants or antidepressants are needed for neuropathic pain.
- vasodilator to prevent oxygen starvation.
- chondroprotectors for osteochondrosis - drugs to improve cartilage and joint function.
- Muscle relaxants help relieve pain from excessive muscle tension.
Applicator
Applicators for osteochondrosis are a popular addition to treatment. It affects nerve impulses and increases blood flow, helping to relieve swelling. I mainly use two types of applicators:
- Kuznetsov applicator - a mat with plastic spikes
- Lyapko applicator - covered with needles and different metal alloys.
They can be used only after the permission of the attending physician.
Collar
Neck collars (or bandages) help with 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're experiencing neck pain, you should definitely see a doctor and find out what's causing it. 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 a current in the form of a pulsed damping discharge. It has a very wide spectrum of action, from dermatological problems to gastrointestinal disorders. Darsonval increases tissue permeability and improves local blood circulation. Due to this, the drug penetrates faster and deeper, and the 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 who are intolerant to the components of NSAID tablets.
Corset
Corsets are used for osteochondrosis to improve the spine. This helps relieve tension and prevent vertebral displacement. You can use it after consulting a doctor.
Plaster
Pain in the spine and joints can be relieved with pain relief patches. They are easy to use when it is not possible to use ointments or creams, because they stain clothes.
Injection
Injections help to quickly relieve pain during exacerbations. It is effective and fast acting. It is important to continue to take 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 disc.
What to inject for osteochondrosis:
- chondroprotectors
- NSAIDs
- antispasmodic
- vitamins
The choice depends on the course of the disease, the presence of pain and the recommendation of the attending physician.
Vitamins
- Vitamin D helps in the absorption of calcium, which is necessary for the restoration of the bone structure of the spine.
- Vitamins A, E, C contribute to the production of collagen and other tissues necessary for joints.
- Medical journals talk about B vitamins (thiamine, pyridoxine and cyanocobalamin), which have an analgesic effect in cervical osteochondrosis. Thanks to this, you can reduce the intake of painkillers.
Orthopedic pillow
An orthopedic sleeping pillow will not replace treatment, but sleeping with it will be more comfortable. Pillows come in many shapes and from different materials. For example:
- A rectangular pillow or one with a cushion is ideal for people with any type of osteochondrosis
- crescent shape for neck and shoulder pain
- a pillow with a rest in the middle or a rest for the shoulders will help people with cervical osteochondrosis 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 sleeping preferences and the characteristics of the course of the disease.
massage
Therapeutic massage can be done for osteochondrosis only in remission. It will help improve blood circulation, metabolic processes, flexibility of the spine and muscles. The right sequence slows down or even stops the spread of the disease. But it is not always possible to visit a massage therapist. 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 are overweight, you should discuss weight loss methods with your doctor and understand why you are overweight.
What is meant by a balanced diet:
- protein
- healthy saturated fat
- complex carbohydrates
- fruits and vegetables
It is also important to monitor the amount of salt you eat. It promotes fluid retention in the body.
Exercise
A special one with a therapeutic effect stands apart, for example, after surgery to remove a spinal hernia.
Moreover, this is a relatively easy exercise even for unprepared people. For example, "first aid" to relieve tension in the neck:
Gymnastics to improve thoracic mobility:
You can relieve discomfort in the cervical and shoulder areas and improve them using a double massage roller:
Army
Whether a person 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 the neurologist's report and radiography. Otherwise, after a medical examination, a decision on admission to military service is possible.
In what case they are not taken into the army:
- damage to three or more intervertebral discs
- anatomical changes can be seen
- significant pain syndrome, including after heavy lifting
If there are symptoms and a certificate, the young man can receive category B - limited suitability for service. This means that he will not be taken into the army, but may be drafted in case of military training.
It is almost impossible to get category D - complete exemption from military service. It is possible, for example, with kyphosis osteochondropathy - the final stage of osteochondrosis.
Questions and answers
Acupuncture for osteochondrosis
Acupuncture or acupuncture is used in conjunction with other treatments. It is especially effective at times of exacerbation of pain syndromes.
This procedure has several 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 your body. For proper 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 disturbed.
It is important to choose the right pillow depending on the position you like.
Is it possible to take a steam bath with osteochondrosis?
Usually, bathing is not a contraindication. On the other hand, due to the high temperature, blood flow 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 cause complications.
Is it possible to play sports with osteochondrosis?
Moderate loads are not only allowed, but also necessary for osteochondrosis. But there are exceptions:
- professional sports
- dangerous sport
- sport with weight lifting
Is it possible to warm the neck with cervical osteochondrosis?
You can't heat your neck to relieve pain. In this way, blood will begin to flow more to the inflammation and it will intensify.
What not to do with osteochondrosis
- lift weights, including in the gym
- make sudden movements, such as during sports
- sleeping on a mattress that is too soft or a pillow that is too high
- abusing high-calorie foods, coffee, alcohol
- taking 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 choice for physical activity for 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 still need to discuss it with your doctor.
Osteochondrosis is a serious condition that can be prevented. To do this, you need to monitor your diet and physical activity.