osteochondritis of the spinal cord

Osteochondrosis is a disease characterized by degenerative changes in the cartilaginous tissues of the spine. Lack of adequate therapy leads to a violation of the structure and dysfunction of the intervertebral discs, deformation of the spinal column. Depending on the location of the pathological process, the following typesOsteochondrosis are: cervical, thoracic, lumbar. As statistics show, this disease is observed in more than half of the world's population in people over 35 years old. The main reasons for its development are injuries, systematic unevenness on the spine and legs. are loads.

What is this

Talking about what is osteochondrosis, it is necessary to say that this disease provokes a violation of the structure of the tissues of the intervertebral discs, reduces their elasticity and changes their shape. Also, the distance between them. decreases, which ultimately leads to loss of stability of the spine.

As a result of the contraction of the intervertebral space, the nerve endings coming from the spinal cord are pinched. This leads to an increase in muscle tone and pain.

Loss of elasticity leads to the formation of intervertebral hernias and the development of protrusions (a disease in which the vertebral annulus fibrosus begins to protrude into the spinal canal without rupture). And if treatment is performed incorrectly or completelyIf the type is absent, it will damage the joints of the spinal column and ligaments with further formation of osteophytes (bone processes).

The development of osteochondrosis provokes a violation of motor functions. The person begins to be bothered by constant pain in the area of the pathological focus, which intensifies during flexion / extension of the back. There is a high probability of subluxation, curvature of the back.

As a rule, the first signs of the disease appear in people during the period of physiological aging of the body. But there are situations when the pathology begins to develop much earlier. And the reason is often the wrong way of life.

In medicine, there is such a thing as chondrosis, and it has similar symptoms and etiology. What is the difference between chondrosis and osteochondrosis? It is simple. Chondrosis is the initial stage in the development of osteochondrosis, when the process of replacing damaged tissues with fibrosis and the formation of osteophytes has not yet begun in the spinal column. When there is a pronounced deformation of the spine and the formation of new processesOccurs, then we are talking about osteochondrosis.

provoking factor

What is chondrosis and osteochondrosis - find out. Now we should talk about the causes of their development. After all, if you do not eliminate them, the treatment of the disease will not allow to achieve positive dynamics. As already veryMentioned at the beginning, the main reason for the onset of pathology is uneven load on the spine. It can be provoked by:

• carrying a heavy bag on one shoulder or in one hand;
• improper posture while sitting;
• soft mattress, sleeping on high pillows;
• Wearing uncomfortable and physically incorrect shoes.

And also osteochondrosis of the spine can develop against the background of:

• hypodynamia (with impaired blood circulation, decreased muscle tone, shortness of breath);
• inactive lifestyle;
• obesity;
• injuries (fractures, sprains, bruises);
• flat feet;
• Other degenerative diseases that lead to poor circulation in the spinal column.

Highlighting the causes of osteochondrosis of the spine, it should also be noted:

• constant physical stress;
• neuro-emotional exhaustion;
• metabolic disorders;
• intoxication (drug, chemical);
• pathology of the digestive system;
• genetic predisposition;
• scoliosis;
• hypovitaminosis;
• pregnancy;
• smoking;
• drinking alcoholic beverages;
• Prolonged/persistent dehydration.

There are many reasons for the development of osteochondrosis of the back. Most often, its occurrence occurs against the background of the influence of several factors (for example, trauma, inactive lifestyle, smoking, a long stay in the wrong posture). This wholeThe diagnosis can be established only through the study of history.

stages of development

Before talking about what to do if chondrosis develops, it is also necessary to say about the stages of its development, since not only the severity of the symptoms, but also the treatment tactics directly depend on them. Total 4 degreesHuh:

• First stage. At this stage, pathological processes occur in the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc. It is noted dehydration (dehydration), which ultimately contributes to a decrease in its height and the formation of cracks in the annulus fibrosus. There is no symptomatic picture at the level. A person may feel only a slight discomfort in the back area after intense physical exertion, being in an uncomfortable position for a long time, etc.
• The second stage. It is accompanied by a decrease in the intervertebral space, a relaxation of the vertebral muscles and ligaments. Such changes lead to an increase in the mobility of the vertebrae. And any provoking factor can cause them to move or slip. For, at this stage, patients already have back discomfort and pain that accompanies certain types of loads.
• The third stage. It is characterized by the presence of prolapses and protrusions, subluxation, arthrosis of the intervertebral joints. At this stage, the disease often provokes stiffness of movements, tingling sensation and numbness in the pathological area. The pain syndrome has a pronounced character, This happens from time to time even at rest, in the absence of heavy loads.
• Stage four. At this stage, the body is trying to adapt to the disorders that have arisen. His task is to do everything possible to improve the fixation of the spine. To do this, he begins to form osteophytes- Bone structures that replace the gaps in the spinal column. However, in this way the body not only helps itself, but also harms it. After all, osteophytes cause neuralgia, to healthy vertebraeInjury occurs. And this becomes the cause of the development of fibrous ankylosis in the joints and intervertebral discs (an increase in the amount of fibrous tissue with its simultaneous fusion with cartilage remnants). If a person has at the same time a micro-traumaAnd if there is a violation, then the severity of the pain syndrome increases. In their absence, the clinical picture is reduced.

Symptom

Speaking about what osteochondrosis is and how to get rid of it, one cannot but talk about the symptoms with which it can manifest itself. The main signs of its development are neck, thoracic region and lower back. There is the presence of discomfort or pain in the part. Severity of sensations directly depends on the degree of development of the disease.

A visual examination of the patient reveals curvature of the spinal column in the transverse or longitudinal plane. Most often they are observed in the lower back or neck, less often in the thoracic region.

If we talk about the feelings of the patient himself, then among them there are periodic or constant fatigue in the back area, as well as pain, which, depending on the severity of the pathological processes, can be both worsening and pronouncedIt can be localized in:

• Neck,
• shoulder girdle;
• Chest;
• lumbar region;
• perineum

In this case, stiffness of movements is possible, which makes it difficult to perform household duties. This occurs mostly in the upper limbs. The symptomatic picture can be supplemented by other signs. All this depends on the location of the focus, its severity andDepends on the characteristics of the organism. If a patient has discs, protrusion, hernia, displacement of osteophytes, this often leads to impaired blood circulation, dysfunction of the spinal canal, edema, fibrosis, pinching. All this provokes the appearance of symptoms that can complicate the diagnosis and lead to an incorrect diagnosis.

Speaking about how osteochondrosis manifests itself, it is necessary to highlight the most common symptoms that patients complain about. These include:

• pain in the neck, lumbar, shoulder girdle, ribs;
• stiffness of movements, restlessness after waking up in the morning, when bending, twisting;
• a feeling of numbness in the arms, legs, neck;
• discomfort in the joints and muscles of the back;
• persistent dizziness, migraine;
• rapid fatigue;
• heart ache;
• violation of the sensitivity of the upper limbs;
• Decreased muscle tone.

Symptoms of osteochondrosis directly depend on the location of the pathological focus:

• Cervical department. In this case, the pain is localized in the neck, arms, shoulder girdle. She can give to the shoulder blades and shoulders. Cervical osteochondrosis also manifests itself as headache, tinnitus, "goose bumps" before the eyes and dizzinesscan appear as
• Chest segment. With this pathology, there is pain in the chest. Upper shoulders, can give to the armpits. It often causes discomfort and pain in the region of the heart. It can provoke a malfunction of the respiratory system, shortness of breath.
• Lumbosacral region. Pain syndrome predominates in the lumbar spine. It also manifests as discomfort in the legs, hips and pelvic organs. Often provokes sexual dysfunction.

Any problem with the spine is a serious reason to see a doctor.

The presence of such signs as back fatigue, pain can indicate not only the onset of the disease in question, but also add other diseases that have nothing to do with dystrophic changes in the intervertebral discs. Diagnosis of osteochondrosis or chondrosis onlyCan be done after a thorough diagnosis by an experienced doctor.

diagnosis

What causes osteochondrosis and how it can manifest, we talked. But I must say that only a visual examination and making the correct diagnosis based on the patient's own feelings will not work. To do this, you need to completelywill have to undergo an examination, which necessarily includes:

• X-ray of the cervical, thoracic or lumbar spine (depending on the area of discomfort);
• myelography;
• Neurological examination of sensitivity, reflexes.

As additional diagnostic methods are used:

• whistle;
• MRI;
• NMR.

To exclude the presence of inflammatory or infectious diseases, laboratory tests are also prescribed:

• OAM;
• UAC;
• blood chemistry.

If necessary, a consultation of specialists of a narrower profile is appointed.

Treatment Methods

Unlike chondrosis, with osteochondrosis in the region of the ridge, a chronic process occurs, which cannot be eliminated by conservative methods. But this does not mean that there is no need to fight it. Serious consequences from the lack of adequate therapyThere may be - the spine becomes deformed, fibrous tissue will appear in place of the bone structure, which is not able to perform the necessary functions, the person will be disabled.

conservative medicine

What to do with osteochondrosis, the doctor will tell you. As a rule, with such a disease, the following methods are used:

• Drug treatment. In this case, drugs are used to eliminate painful sensations, relieve inflammation and restore metabolism. If the patient has severe pain, drug inhibitors are used, whichIn addition to the analgesic effect, helps to reduce the severity of muscle-tonic syndrome. The following types of blockade are used in osteochondrosis: blockade of trigger points, intrauterine, facet, paravertebral, epidural.
• Physiotherapy activities. They are also used to reduce pain and improve the effectiveness of drugs. Most often, for osteochondrosis, ultrasound therapy, magnetic fields, low-frequency currents, laser beams, etc. are used.
• Physiotherapy and kinesitherapy. Exercise therapy is prescribed to all patients without exception. It is carried out under the supervision of specialists. Provides posture correction, increases muscle tone, relieves nervous tension. Systematic set of special exercisesFulfillment also helps to increase the gap between the discs, to distribute the same load on the musculoskeletal system.
• Massage. Manual massage helps to normalize blood circulation, relieves muscle spasm and stiffness. If the patient has nervous system disorders, hydromassage is prescribed.
• Treatment carried out by hand. It is selected individually for each patient. Provides normalization of lymphatic outflow, blood circulation, metabolism, mobility of the spine. Prevents the development of complications, strengthens the immune system.
• Spinal traction. This method involves stretching the spine using special equipment. Thus, it is possible to achieve an increase in the intervertebral space and reduce the manifestation of osteochondrosis.

operative treatment

If conservative treatment does not help to eliminate the signs of osteochondrosis and does not give any positive dynamics, they resort to surgical intervention. Indications for this are:

• cauda equina syndrome, which develops in the presence of a massive hernia;
• stenosis of the spinal canal with compression of the brain and neurovascular bundles;
• Combination of osteochondrosis with significant spondylolisthesis with severe segmental instability;
• compression of the root at the level of the lumbar segment L5;
• Cervical osteochondrosis occurs with discogenic syndrome of the vertebral arteries.

Treatment of osteochondrosis by surgery can be done in several ways:

• Laminotomy. This type of operation involves removing a piece of bone structure and the yellow ligament.
• Laminectomy. During this, most of the spine that limits the spinal canal is removed.
• Foraminotamia. The purpose of the operation is to dilate the radicular canal.
• Discectomy. In this operation, partial or complete removal of the intervertebral disc is performed.
• Laser vaporization of the disc core. It is performed with the participation of a special LED, which ensures partial destruction of the disc, leading to the reverse development of the hernia.

How to get rid of osteochondrosis, only the doctor decides. It is necessary to understand that each case is individual, and the choice of one or another method of surgical intervention depends on the location of the pathology, its severity, the patient has other diseases.

traditional way

At home you can treat the disease of the spine. But this should be done only in cases where there are still symptoms of chondrosis (the initial stage of the development of the disease) and after a preliminary consultation with a doctor.

Speaking about what helps with chondrosis, the following alternative medicine recipes should be highlighted:

1. You need to take 1 kg of coarse salt, mix it with 3 tbsp. l dry mustard, add 100 ml of water, mix everything thoroughly. The resulting ghee should be put on low heat and heated to a temperature of 50 degreesNeed. The mixture is applied to the painful area, a film is placed over it, then a warm handkerchief. With such a compress, the patient needs to lie down until completely cooled. After the procedure, it is necessary to stay warm for another 2 hours.
2. Pour 1. 5 liters of water into a saucepan, add 3 handfuls of sawdust to it and bring the resulting mixture to a boil, then sieve. The sawdust is laid out on a plastic sheet, which is previously covered with a sheet on the bed. SawdustA gauze napkin is placed on top of the body, after which they lie back on it, and cover it from above with a warm blanket. Lie like this for 30 to 40 minutes.
3. Take 200 g of cinquefoil roots, 100 roots of Potentilla, 100 g of elecampane. Herbs are placed in a 3-liter jar, filled with vodka. The resulting composition is kept in a dark place for 3 weeks, and then filtered. 3 times a day before meals, take 1 tbsp. lwhole month. Then take a break of 10 days and repeat the course.

Osteochondrosis is difficult to treat. It is difficult to respond to conservative methods of therapy. But if you combine them with proper nutrition, home remedies, exercise therapy and all the recommendations of the doctor, then the patient will have relief from pain and no complications. There is every chance to stop development.