There are several different views on the definition. Some experts believe that it is more correct to use the general name - back pain or nonspecific back pain. Difficulties in definition are also due to the fact that various specialists work with this disease - neurologists, orthopedists, neurosurgeons and general practitioners. Sometimes a person diagnosed with osteochondrosis of the spine turns to a cardiologist, since the manifestations of the disease are very similar to heart pain.
The term "osteochondrosis of the spine" was proposed by Hildebrandt in 1933 as a multifactorial degenerative disease of the motion segment of the spine.
Vertebral osteochondrosis is a pathological process of the spine characterized by degenerative-destructive disorders of the vertebrae and intervertebral discs. The danger of the disease is due to the hidden course of the process; Upon admission, patients enter the complication phase, when severe pain begins.
Causes of osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the spine occurs as a result of the influence of predisposing factors on the human body. The disease does not differ depending on gender. Triggers for the development of osteochondrosis:
- heredity;
- back injuries;
- congenital or acquired defects in the structure of the musculoskeletal system (flat feet, changes in posture);
- metabolic failures caused by diseases of the internal secretion organs;
- poor diet and excess weight;
- viral and bacterial infections;
- lifestyle: lifting and carrying heavy objects, working in a draft, constant exposure to vibrations, physical inactivity;
- constant psycho-emotional overload;
- bad habits: tobacco, alcohol, opiates.
Osteochondrosis of the spine: types
Osteochondrosis of the spine is divided depending on the level of damage, with each type having its own characteristics and treatment features.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine.
The most common back disease is osteochondrosis of the lumbar region, which is associated with a heavy load on this particular region. Subject to complications such as protrusion of intervertebral discs and the occurrence of single or multiple hernias. In case of complications, it may be accompanied by dysfunction of the pelvic organs and atrophy of the muscles of the lower extremities.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
Second place in the ranking of back diseases. Pathological processes develop due to a sedentary lifestyle and increased load on the shoulder girdle. Neck muscles require special training, without which they simply cannot withstand the load given their poor development.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine
The rarest back pathology due to the low mobility of the region and the most developed muscular corset. It is difficult to diagnose due to a long asymptomatic course and mimicry of other diseases (coronary heart disease, intercostal neuralgia, pulmonary diseases).
Common process
Pathology covers several departments at once, occurs rarely and against the background of congenital diseases of the musculoskeletal system and is practically incurable.
Stages of osteochondrosis and possible complications
A description of the four stages of vertebral osteochondrosis was proposed by Osna in 1971. They are not used to formulate a diagnosis, but allow us to understand the evolution of the disease.
- The intervertebral discs become less elastic. The disc may be slightly warped; the internal nucleus pulposus moves inside the disc. This stage either does not manifest itself at all, or minor pain occurs.
- In the second stage, cracks may appear in the disc and the surrounding ligaments weaken. The connection of the vertebrae becomes unstable. Attacks of acute pain with impaired working capacity occur.
- The third stage is characterized by complete damage to the intervertebral disc. When the nucleus pulposus extends beyond the disc, an intervertebral disc herniation occurs. Spinal deformity or pinched nerve roots may occur.
- At the fourth stage, the surrounding tissues are affected - vertebrae, ligaments, spinal membranes. As a result, the spinal segment may completely lose mobility.
Due to osteochondrosis of the spine, various complications arise in some cases. Problems with intervertebral discs, herniation and protrusion can lead to narrowing of the spinal canal, compression of the spinal cord and disability.
Depending on the level of damage, various problems with nerve root damage are possible. These are intercostal neuralgia, disorders of sensitivity and motor function of the upper and lower limbs and disorders of the functioning of internal organs. Inflammation of the sciatic nerve, or sciatica, not only causes severe pain, but can also lead to pelvic disease and infertility.
In addition to nerve roots, osteochondrosis can cause compression of vertebral vessels. If blood flow is disrupted in the vertebral arteries, which run through the cervical region and supply blood to the brain, brain disorders, problems with vision or hearing, breathing or heart function may develop.
Diagnosis of osteochondrosis
Within the framework of official medicine, the diagnosis of osteochondrosis includes an examination by a neurologist to determine the extent of nerve root damage, reflex and sensitivity tests.
The following instrumental methods can be used:
- Vascular ultrasound can reveal the degree of circulatory disturbance, for example in the vertebral arteries;
- x-ray of the spine;
- Computed tomography also uses X-ray methods, but makes it possible to construct a three-dimensional image of the studied area and detect even small displacements of the vertebrae;
- MRI specializes in the study of soft tissues, allows you to assess the condition of the spinal cord and visualize the internal structure of the intervertebral disc.
For differential diagnosis, laboratory tests, general blood and urine tests and calcium metabolism are used.
Treatment of osteochondrosis is complex.
- The first and very important remedy in the treatment of osteochondrosis is lifestyle. Normalization of working conditions, moderate and regular exercise, as well as healthy sleep significantly improve the condition of patients.
- For drug treatment of spinal osteochondrosis, a neurologist or general practitioner can prescribe medications. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are most often prescribed - this is the standard treatment for osteochondrosis of the spine. They reduce pain and reduce inflammation. Muscle relaxers help reduce muscle spasms. Vitamins and antioxidants are prescribed to protect nerve tissues from damage. However, any medication has side effects, for example NSAIDs can have a negative effect on the stomach.
- In addition to medications, physiotherapy is used, for example, massage for osteochondrosis of the spine, as well as manual therapy. In case of serious complications of osteochondrosis, surgical intervention may be necessary, but it is prescribed only if there is no effect of long-term conservative treatment.