There are several different points of view regarding the definition. Some experts believe that it is more correct to use the general name - dorsalgia or non-specific back pain. Difficulties in definition are also due to the fact that different specialists work with this disease - neurologists, orthopedists, neurosurgeons and general practitioners. Sometimes a person with a diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the spine turns to a cardiologist, since the manifestations of the disease are very similar to pain in the heart.
The term "osteochondrosis of the spine" was proposed by Hildebrandt in 1933. as a multifactorial degenerative disease of the spinal motor segment
Osteochondrosis of the spine is a pathological process in 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;
Causes of osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the spine occurs as a result of the impact of predisposing factors on the human body. The disease does not differ by gender. Reasons 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 disorders caused by diseases of the organs of internal secretion;
- poor nutrition and overweight;
- viral and bacterial infections;
- lifestyle: lifting and carrying heavy objects, working in a current, constant exposure to vibrations, lack of physical activity;
- constant psycho-emotional overload;
- bad habits: smoking, alcohol, opiates.
Osteochondrosis of the spine: types
Osteochondrosis of the spine is divided according to the degree of damage, each type has its own distinctive features and characteristics of treatment.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine.
The most common disease of the back is osteochondrosis of the lumbar region, which is associated with a heavy load on this region. Tendency to complications such as bulging of the intervertebral discs and the appearance of herniation, both single and multiple. In case of complications, it can be accompanied by dysfunction of the pelvic organs and atrophy of the muscles of the lower limbs.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae
Second place in the classification of back diseases. Pathological processes develop as a result of a sedentary lifestyle and increased load on the shoulder girdle. The muscles of the neck require special training, in the absence of which they simply cannot cope with the load, given their poor development.
Osteochondrosis of the chest
The rarest pathology of the back 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 artery disease, intercostal neuralgia, lung diseases).
General process
The pathology covers several departments at the same time, occurs rarely and against the background of congenital diseases of the musculoskeletal system and is practically not treated.
Stages of osteochondrosis and possible complications
A description of the four stages of spinal osteochondrosis was proposed by Osna in 1971. They are not used to formulate a diagnosis, but allow us to understand how the disease progresses.
- Intervertebral discs become less elastic. The disc may be slightly deformed; This stage either does not occur at all, or a slight pain appears.
- 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, a herniated disc 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 can completely lose mobility.
As a result of spinal osteochondrosis, various complications arise in some cases. Intervertebral disc problems, herniations, and protrusions can lead to spinal canal narrowing, spinal cord compression, and injury.
Depending on the level of damage, different problems with nerve root involvement are possible. These are intercostal neuralgia, disorders of sensitivity and motor function of the upper and lower limbs, disorders in the functioning of internal organs. Inflammation of the sciatic nerve, or sciatica, not only causes severe pain, but can also lead to pelvic disorders and infertility.
In addition to nerve roots, osteochondrosis can cause compression of spinal vessels. If blood circulation is impaired in the spinal arteries that pass into the cervical region and supply the brain, brain disorders, problems with vision or hearing, breathing or heart function may develop.
Diagnosis of osteochondrosis
In the framework of official medicine, the diagnosis of osteochondrosis includes an examination by a neurologist to determine the degree of damage to the nerve roots, examination of reflexes and sensitivity.
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;
- CT also uses x-ray methods, but it allows you to build a three-dimensional image of the examined area and detect even small displacements of the vertebrae;
- MRI specializes in the study of soft tissues, allows to assess the condition of the spinal cord and visualize the internal structure of the intervertebral disc.
Laboratory tests, general blood and urine tests, and calcium metabolism are used for differential diagnosis.
Therapy for osteochondrosis is complex.
- The first and very important tool in the treatment of osteochondrosis is lifestyle. Normalization of working conditions, moderate and regular exercise, as well as sound sleep significantly improve the condition of patients.
- For medical treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine, a neurologist or general practitioner can prescribe drugs. Most often, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed - this is the standard treatment for osteochondrosis of the spine. They reduce pain and reduce inflammation. Muscle relaxants help reduce muscle spasms. Vitamins and antioxidants are prescribed to protect nerve tissue from damage. However, every drug has side effects, for example NSAIDs can negatively affect the stomach.
- In addition to drugs, physiotherapy is used, for example, massage for spinal osteochondrosis, as well as manual therapy. In case of severe complications of osteochondrosis, surgery may be required, but it is prescribed only if there is no effect of long-term conservative treatment.