Osteochondrosis: what everyone needs to know?

Osteochondrosis is a problem of the spine, affecting virtually every fourth inhabitant of the planet, at least according to experts from the WHO Statistics Center.

Among the top five most common diseases in the world, osteochondrosis occupies an "honorable" third place, followed only by heart diseases. In 2012, the British Broadcasting Corporation, the BBC's media giant, published medical research data that is simply shocking: Every year more than 5 million people die due to diseases caused by physical inactivity, that is, a sedentary lifestyle. A real epidemic of decreased physical activity has already covered a third of Earth's inhabitants, and due to scientific workThe latest results prove that the culprit of many health-threatening diseases is not a genetic predisposition or virus, but an unhealthy lifestyle. Almost all back problems - many associated with intervertebral hernias (hernias), osteoporosis, osteochondrosis and osteochondrosisOther diseases - are the result of sitting for many hours, whether in front of the TV, at a desk or in a car seat. Primary degenerative changes in the muscular corset account for about 80% of all reasons for the development of back pain and spinal diseases. The body and appearance are related to a lack of proper physical activity.

Osteochondrosis and spine

The structure of the spinal cord in living beings, whether animal or human, is basically the same. that the main cause of pathological changes in the spine is erect posture. As if the vertical position of the body leads to an incorrect, uneven load on the spinal column. Static load, which consists of the lower back and the sacrum, which consists of five vertebraeis most dangerous in terms of destructive effects on the intervertebral tissues. Dynamic loads, which are characterized by movements, affect the cervical spineThe 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 middle, which, when the spine is set in motion, shockIn addition, the vertebrae are connected by a large number of muscles and other tissues. The elasticity of this entire connecting system ensures the normal position of the spinal column. Simply put, the more elastic and adaptable the intervertebral discs are. That is, the more flexible and healthy the spine, the lower the risk of osteochondrosis. Today, the theory that erect posture is responsible for all degenerative diseases of the spine. Relentless statistics give doctors confidencethat inactivity, physical inactivity is a factor that provokes diseases of the spinal cord associated with dystrophy and degeneration of intervertebral tissues. In addition, excess weight, which actually increases the load on the discs, can also exacerbate destructive processesAnd can provoke osteochondrosis. Conclusion: movementLife itself is. The phrase is not new, it sounds painfully hackneyed, simple, however, it does not require proof. A striking example of the fact that physical activity and flexibility are important for the spinal column. There are examples of people who regularly do gymnastics, yoga and other types of body training. Nature itself gives children the opportunity to be flexible, because the vertebral discs of children are very elastic. Only the disc nucleus contains up to 80% fluid. With age, the amount of life-giving "lubrication" can decrease, but it can be consciously done by doing simple exercises and following the elementary rules of a healthy lifestyle. Can be preserved. Osteochondrosis is a disease of people who are forced to sit or lie down for hours, years, for whatever reason - on duty or of their own accord, because of obligations, laziness or 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 not a word about osteochondrosis, there such diseases are classified as rheumatic and dorsopathicIn the ICD-10, since 1999, in fact, a group of diseases with specific manifestations in the form of pain in the spine, not associated with visceral causes, is defined as dorsopathy. Osteochondrosis, What is recorded as dorsopathy, in turn, is divided into three large groups:

1. Degenerative diseases, dorsopathy - scoliosis, lordosis, kyphosis, subluxation, spondylolisthesis.
2. Spondylopathy - spondylosis, ankylosing spondylitis and other ossifying dystrophic malformations that limit the mobility of the spine.
3. Other, other dorsopathies are hernias, degenerative changes with protrusions.

Thus, osteochondrosis or osteochondrosis (from the Greek words - bone, cartilage and pain) is the general name for all problems of the spine that occur due to degeneration and malnutrition of the paravertebral tissues (degeneration and dystrophy). When deformed, The intervertebral shock-absorbing discs thin, flatten, causing overloading of the vertebrae and increasing their deformity to such an extent that they extend beyond the normal limits of the spine. Nerves with this type of deformityRoots appear pinched, swollen, painful.

Osteochondrosis affects almost the entire back, and depending on which part of the spine has 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, sacral, thoracic and extensive osteochondrosis. There are also cross pathologies - lumbosacral or, for exampleFor, the cervix.

Symptoms of osteochondrosis can be very diverse, but sooner or later they all increase and become clinically manifested. Of course, it is much easier and faster to treat osteochondrosis in the early stages of its development, when the following symptoms are noticed. Qualified to give:

• Pain, dull ache in the part of the spine affected by the degenerative process.
• Chronic muscle tension (especially characteristic of cervical osteochondrosis).
• Bursting when turning the body, 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 phase has symptoms that drive a person to the doctor, as they cause more pronounced discomfort:

• Radiation of pain into the limb.
• Numbness of fingers or toes.
• Radiation of pain to the ends of the fingers and toes.
• Severe pain in the spine while performing simple physical activities.
• For example, when traveling in transport, pain increases with small pushes, shaking.
• Inability to perform simple tasks involving twisting or tilting of the body.
• Mobility, normal range of motor activity.

The factors provoking problems of the spine called osteochondrosis are very diverse, but the already mentioned hypodynamia occupies the first place. Other causes include the following:

• Functional - monotonous work while maintaining the same posture.
• Biomechanical - flat feet, congenital anomalies in the development of the spine.
• Hormonal - changes in hormonal levels due to age-related changes.
• Infectious - dystrophy of the intervertebral environment due to the inflammatory process.
• Metabolic - overweight or underweight.

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:

1. Changes in disc biomechanics as a result of tissue degeneration and dystrophic changes. This is the preclinical stage, when signs, if any, are very weak, latent. At this stage, the fibrous ring surrounding the disc stretches or, conversely, shrinkslooks like.
2. The second stage is characterized by greater instability of the disc, the fibrous ring is simply not stretched, its fibers are stratified, the ring begins to rupture. Due to the violation of the nerve roots, there is pain in the spine, degenerative changes. CollagenAs tissue continues to break down, the normal height of the intervertebral distance decreases.
3. The disc often ruptures completely, this deformity is accompanied by swelling, herniation, and a violation of nerve endings. Prolapse (prolapse) causes specific pain not only in the damaged area of the spine, but also in the limbs and surrounding bodyis also reflected in the parts of
4. The most difficult phase, when spondylosis and other compensatory diseases of the spine join the dystrophy. Often, the vertebrae are flattened to compensate for the lost functions, and the elastic tissue of the fibrous ring is gradually replaced by scarring and bone growth. is replaced by.

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

Almost everyone who is associated with intellectual activity, from schoolchildren to the elderly, suffers from some form of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. Osteochondrosis of the cervical region is considered a disease associated with increased dynamic load that occurs in the intervertebral discs. Causes degeneration and their subsistence. Hardening and enlargement of the cartilaginous tissue leads to a violation of the depreciating properties of this part of the spine, twitching of the head - bending, circular movements, becomes difficult to turn and the typical symptoms of osteochondrosishappens with.

Symptoms that cause osteochondrosis of the cervical spine in the initial stages of the development of the disease are not specific and are similar to signs of other pathologies related to the skeletal system. List of manifestations of osteochondrosis, which must be differentiated and specified in order to determine the correct diagnosisshould be like this:

• Severe headache resembling migraine attacks.
• Headache from occiput to neck.
• Headache which is aggravated by coughing, rotating the head, sneezing.
• Headache radiates to chest or shoulder.
• Dizziness, sensory disturbances - double vision, difficulty concentrating. Noise in the ears, in advanced cases, impaired coordination of movements.
• Symptoms that are similar to cardiac pain, especially with pain in angina pectoris - pain in the heart, radiating to the cervical region below the shoulder blade or to the arm. The pain may increase and is not relieved by taking heart medicationsIs.
• Pain similar to high blood pressure (heaviness in the back of the head).

Consequences and complications

Before treating osteochondrosis, however, like any other disease, it is necessary to find out its causes, which are very difficult for degenerative pathology of the spinal column. Provoking deformation of the intervertebral discs of the cervical spineThe factors are associated with the physiological characteristics of this area. The vertebrae of the neck experience almost constant stress due to insufficient normal motor activity. If we take into account the total "sedentary" lifestyle of more than half of the working population, then the problem will never-Sometimes become insoluble. Furthermore, the cervical vertebrae are smaller than the vertebrae of other regions of the spine, and the internal canal is much narrower. A large number of nerve endings, an abundance of blood vessels, the presence of the most important artery thatfeeds the brain - all this makes the cervical region extremely vulnerable. The slightest narrowing of the intervertebral spaceviolation of the nerve roots, swelling, Inflammation and, accordingly, leads to a deterioration in 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, which dates back to such a distant time. of not, when Margaret Hilda Thatcher taunted her employee with the words: "Your problem isn't the headache or your own point of view on the issue isn't in the vote. The thing is, your spine isn't just connected to your brain. ", John. " This famous quote from the "Iron" woman perfectly characterizes the condition that causes osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, when it sometimes happens - the spine does not provide proper "nutrition" to the head. As for "nutrition", in fact, not only the spinal canal is involved in it, but also the canal of the artery passing through the transverse nerve processes. The vertebral artery to feed the cerebellum goes to the cranium, and this artery goes to the vestibular systemIt also supplies nutrients and oxygen to the vegetative-vascular syndrome. May aggravate or aggravate the course of follicles. In addition to VSD, osteochondrosis of the cervical region causes typical symptoms of radicular syndrome (sciatica), pallor (marbling) of the skin when the pain radiates to the fingers or a finger. One of the most unpleasant complications arising from cervical osteochondrosis is palmar fibromatosis, also known as Dupuytren's contracture. In this disease the aponeurosis (tendon plate) of the palm is affected and the flexion function of the fingers is disturbed. Is.

Diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is diagnosed by a specialist on the basis of patient complaints, and can be confirmed and specified using X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography.

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

Complete cure of 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 have to deal with the disease. One should not forget about the importance of timely treatment.

How to treat osteochondrosis?

It is not easy to treat osteochondrosis, as a rule, therapy is prescribed as widely as possible, which includes all means available to modern medicine. In addition to conservative drug treatment, of proven phytotherapeutic drugs, acupuncture, exercise. A therapeutic set, and sometimes surgical operations that eliminate the hernia and subluxation of the vertebrae, are also used. It should be recognized that osteochondrosis and treatment are two concepts that a sick person will have to face for quite a long time, sometimes throughout his life. Except for the initial stage, which is aimed at relieving the pain symptom, therapy consists of continuous restorative, rehabilitation and preventive actions. Treatment of complex, multifactorial diseases is always carried out for a long time. If the diagnosis is made - osteochondrosis, how to treat - 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. performs recoveryrole in.

What to treat?

The list of the most frequently used drugs for osteochondrosis:

• A complex, effective homeopathic preparation that needs to be used for a long time, like any other homeopathy (in the form of ampoules or tablets).
• An effective external remedy that relieves muscle and joint pain well.
• Anti-inflammatory non-steroidal agents (in the form of an ointment - externally, in tablets - orally).
• Ointment of complex effects from the category of homeopathic remedies.
• The drug in the form of tablets from the category of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
• A drug of the class of glucocorticoids.
• Ointment from the category of external anti-inflammatory non-steroidal agents.
• Gel from the category of external non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
• A drug from the category of external anti-inflammatory non-steroidal drugs.

If we summarize everything involved in the treatment of such a disease as osteochondrosis, then the treatment can be divided into the following stages and types:

1. NSAIDs - the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, considered the gold standard in the treatment of all degenerative, dystrophic pathologies of the bone and muscular system. The first thing these drugs do is reduce the symptoms of pain, the second is inflammationsignificant reduction in
2. Medicines called myelorelaxants because they are able to really effectively relieve muscle stiffness and spasms.
3. Traction therapy is a traction treatment. In this rather painful, but effective procedure, there is a gradual stretching of the tissues, muscles that surround the vertebrae, respectively, the intervertebral distance increases, approaching the norm.
4. Biogenic preparations, vascular agents that provide nutrition to dystrophic areas of tissues, B vitamins well restore the functional abilities of the deformed spine.
5. Sedative drugs that normalize the state of the nervous system. perfectly relieves muscle tension and nerve endings acupuncture.
6. Physiotherapy procedures - electrophoresis, phonophoresis, UHF, massage, mud procedures, balneotherapy, magnetotherapy.
7. Correction of the spine during the recovery period is carried out using manual therapy.
8. Osteochondrosis treatment consists in and with the help of constant exercises from the complex of physiotherapy exercises.

In the most extreme cases, when the course of osteochondrosis enters the final stage, surgical intervention is also indicated, which is performed in the area of the localization of the inflammatory process. Most often, a hernia is operated on, And it is also possible to remove deformed bone tissue of neighboring vertebrae.

Where to treat osteochondrosis?

Self-treatment of almost all diseases is a trend observed in almost all countries, but it is particularly characteristic of post-Soviet countries, where the traditional health structure is still changing. Confused by innovations, often out of ignorance. The reason, many of us try to deal with back, neck or lower back pain on our own. You can call this time the first stage of treatment, although it is not very effective, because only the help of a doctorIt is necessary to treat osteochondrosis from the second stage, when independent actions do not lead to the desired, lasting result, a person thinks about going to the doctor and the question arises, osteochondrosis - how to treat, how to cure, and, most importantly, where to treat osteochondrosis? First, you can contact a local doctor who, most likely, will refer the patient for examination - X-rays, blood tests, and will give a referral to a neurologist. Secondly, you will immediately consult with a neurologist. Can make an appointment, preferably before the consultation, at least undergo an X-ray examination of the entire spine. In no case should you go to the extremes and seek an experienced massage therapist, in any massage, first of all, involves a preliminary scan of the position of the body, especially the position of the spinal column. The problem of osteochondrosis is also treated by vertebrologists and vertebroneurologists - doctors who specialize in diseases of the spine.

Osteochondrosis is a complex disease, but the examples of many people who recover even from serious injuries of the spine prove that everything is possible and achievable. The main thing is at the first alarming signs that the back gives us, analyze our motor activity and take appropriate measures. Roop, who was extremely active, said, "There is a need for life and there is a need for movement, otherwise it is not life".

What does history say about osteochondrosis?

The etiology of osteochondrosis is still unclear, moreover, despite the apparently ancient origin of this disease, diseases of the spine began to be dealt with seriously only in the 18th century. Since then, true provoking degenerative changes in the intervertebral discsDisputes and discussions about the "enemy" have not stopped. Meanwhile, a long time ago, even in the time of Hippocrates, there were texts on bone cutting, which indicates that the ancient Hellenes also suffered from back pain. Hippocrates himself too. The spinal cord was so interested in subjects that he conducted medical experiments that were questionable from a modern point of view: his students arm the patient with arms and legs with their backs in a horizontal plane, stretching the limbs as much as possible. ThenThe great healer stood on the victim's back and began to walk on it. The founding fathers of medicine sincerely believed that such fixations, stretches, and massages would restore spinal health, which the ancient Greek saints believed in. According to, was the key to a man's happy life. OsteochoSome systematization of techniques used to treat nodrosis began only in the late 17th century. At the same time, the terminology appeared that formally applied fields in medicine, of which was bone-setting. Two centuries later, this was in chiropractic and osteopathy. Divided. The first direction was purely practical, using power techniques, osteopaths were more theorists and researchers. At the crossroads of these sciences, manual therapy gradually appeared, without which the treatment of osteochondrosis today is almost unthinkable.

As for the term defining the disease "osteochondrosis", a specific story occurred for osteochondrosis, which is typical for other diseases of unclear etiology. As soon as it was not called - and lumboischialgia, and sciatica, and Schmorl's hernia, andSciatica, and spondylosis. It took doctors nearly a century to diagnose osteochondrosis and come to a consensus.