Osteochondrosis of the spine: symptoms and treatment

Osteochondrosis of the spine - symptoms, treatment

Osteochondrosis of the spine is a disease caused by the destruction of bone and cartilaginous tissues of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine.

First of all, when the disease progresses, the central part of the vertebral disc changes - the so-called gelatinous nucleus. Because of this, the vertebra loses some of its damping properties, and thinning and cracks form on the fibrous ring along the periphery of the disc.

Further progression of osteochondrosis leads to complications of the disease - protrusion of discs or ruptures of the fibrous ring and intervertebral hernia, as its consequence.

Instability of the spine in the affected area leads to pain and limited mobility of the head for osteochondrosis spine of the cervical region, as well as to limited mobility of the trunk with osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine and lumbar.

In 75% of cases, it is the osteochondrosis of the spine that causes back pain. With age, the risk of dystrophy of the spinal tissues significantly increases, therefore, on average, the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the spine are observed in every second inhabitant of the planet older than 30 years.

Causes of osteochondrosis of the spine

The provoking factors in the development of osteochondrosis are spinal injuries or systematic back-pressure on hard physical work or occupational conditions of vibration. If you have to deal a lot with loading and unloading, get a tail lift for your car.

The early manifestation of symptoms of osteochondrosis of the spine is caused by weak physical development, flat feet or excess weight.

Unfavorable in terms of health of the spine are also intensive training in the gym with violation of the rules of distribution of the load on the back, a sedentary lifestyle and malnutrition.

Symptoms of osteochondrosis

The disease manifests itself in a number of typical symptoms.

For osteochondrosis of the spine are characterized by: aching in the back, a feeling of numbness in the affected spine, a decrease in the amplitude of movements, increased pain when lifting the gravity, sudden movement, tension during coughing or sneezing.

Chronic pain, as one of the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the spine, causes increased fatigue.

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When squeezing the nerve roots with the spinal discs, the pain can be more intense and have a sharp, "shooting" character.

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Its localization in this case is not limited to the area of ​​the back, but is felt by a person in the region of the extremities.

Stages of osteochondrosis of the spine

The stage of the disease depends on the severity of the symptoms of the osteochondrosis of the spine.

At the first stage of osteochondrosis, the pain is practically not felt, if only mild indisposition and weak resistance of the spine to injuries.

The destruction of the fibrous ring, a decrease in the size of the vertebral fissures and pain of varying intensity is a symptom of the spinal osteochondrosis of the second stage.

The third stage of the disease is characterized by significant deformations of bone and vertebral tissues until the appearance of intervertebral hernias.

Symptom of osteochondrosis of the spine of the most severe fourth stage is massive bony proliferation, limited mobility, intense pain, as well as complete or partial paralysis of the extremities caused by compression nerve roots.

Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine often leads to violations of blood circulation due to compression of the arteries. This leads to intense headache, dizziness and fainting.

With osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, there is sometimes a syndrome of the vertebral artery. It is characterized by a sensation of noise in the head, flickering "flies" or colored spots in front of the eyes.

With osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, peripheral pain in the area of ​​the shoulders or arms is also possible.

Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine

Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine can aggravate the course of various cardiac pathologies.

The disease causes the progression of intercostal neuralgia (squeezing of the intercostal nerves).

With osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, pain in the chest and a feeling of "cola" in the center of the chest are observed.

Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine leads to the development of the following diseases: sciatica, lumbago and so-called lumbar radiculitis.

Sciatica, as one of the complications of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, is characterized by a lesion sciatic nerve, pain in the gluteal region, hypotonia (reduced tone) of calves and glutes muscles.

Lumbar radiculitis, another complication of the osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, is provoked by the hernias of the lowest discs of the spine. It is accompanied by pain in the buttocks with irradiation to the posterior surface of the thigh, popliteal fossa, shin and foot.

Diagnosis of spinal osteochondrosis

A preliminary diagnosis of "spinal osteochondrosis" is established by a neurologist after a primary examination in connection with the patient's complaints of back pain and limited mobility. The stage of osteochondrosis of the spine is established depending on the degree of deformation of the spine, the patient's posture and the number of affected discs.

All of the above symptoms of spine osteochondrosis are diagnosed with the patient's back feeling. The doctor also pays attention to the state of muscle tone. Since in most cases, the disease is accompanied by hypertonia of the muscles of the back.

With the help of tests on flexion of the spine, the amplitude of the patient's movements is determined. Thanks to the use of radiography, CT and MRI, the diagnosis is specified and the future tactics of treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine is determined.

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine

In the treatment of spinal osteochondrosis, conservative and surgical techniques are used. The goal of both is to eliminate the pain syndrome and prevent further progression of the spinal deformity.

In this case, surgical treatment of the osteochondrosis is applied only if conservative therapy of the disease has proved ineffective.

The active phase of conservative methods lasts an average of 2 months. At the beginning of it, there may be a short-term increase in the pain syndrome caused by the body's response to medications, exercise therapy (PHE) and physical therapy.

In conservative treatment of spinal osteochondrosis, massage, manual therapy, stretching and reflexotherapy are also used.

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The effectiveness of treatment of the osteochondrosis of the spine depends on the systemic procedures and persistence of the patient himself in the performance of complexes of exercise therapy.

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Surgical treatment of the osteochondrosis of the spine is performed with a herniated intervertebral disc, whose prescription is more than 6 months old. Indication for the operation is also a reduction in the gap between the vertebrae to 1/3 of the original size and compression of the roots of the spinal cord.

The leading method in the surgical treatment of spine osteochondrosis is a discectomy, i.e. removal of deformed disk.

The operation can be minimally invasive, carried out with the help of endoscopic instruments by the method microdiscectomy, B-Twin system, as well as puncture laser vaporization of the deformed nucleus disk.

from the topic of the article:

The information is generalized and is provided for informational purposes only. At the first signs of illness, consult a doctor. Self-treatment is dangerous to health!

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Osteochondrosis of the spine - signs, manifestations, diagnostics, medicinal and folk remedies

When osteochondrosis of the spine is very important to conduct quality treatment, because this pathology can be accompanied by so much pain in the back, which is simply impossible to endure.

This disease is very common and can overtake any person, regardless of gender and other characteristics of the body. Read why osteochondrosis arises on the spine and how it manifests itself.

Read the information about its diagnosis and treatment.

What is osteochondrosis of the spine?

Dystrophic destruction of cartilage and bone tissue is characteristic for this disease. It affects the cervical, thoracic, lumbar spine.

When the disease progresses, the jelly nucleus, the central part of the disc, changes. As a result, the vertebra loses its cushioning properties, the fibrous ring becomes thinner and cracks.

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Then the discs protrude, the intervertebral hernia begins, which causes severe pain and significantly limits mobility.

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No one is insured against the disease. A specific list of factors provoking osteochondrosis depends on which part of the spine is affected. Deformation of the cervical segment, as a rule, occurs because of:

• changes in the nucleus of the intervertebral disc in people of the older age group;
• sedentary lifestyle in young people;
• prolonged driving;
• hypothermia of the neck;
• sedentary work;
• frequent lifting of weights;
• wrong position of the neck during sleep;
• violation of posture;
• hereditary predisposition;
• curvature of the spine;
• hormonal failures;
• injuries that led to the displacement of the disk;
• stress;
• overweight.

Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is much less common than other types of the disease. It can be called:

• age-related changes in the intervertebral disc;
• long stay in the same position (for example, when performing a specific job);
• injuries.

The most common is osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine. The occurrence of the disease can be facilitated by one or several of the following:

• heredity;
• long stay in an uncomfortable position (with cargo in hands or on the back, carrying heavy loads, semi-bent position);
• obesity;
• injuries;
• flat feet;
• occupation of certain sports.

Symptoms

Specific signs of pathology largely depend on which part of the spinal column is affected. However, there are several common symptoms of the disease:

• aching pain in the back, which becomes stronger with any careless movement, coughing, sneezing;
• numbness (hypesthesia) of the affected department;
• decrease in the amplitude of movements;
• increased fatigue.

This type of osteochondrosis is characterized by the presence of such symptoms:

• intense headaches;
• fainting due to compression of the arteries and impaired circulation of blood;
• numbness of the tongue, fingertips;
• dizziness;
• radicular syndrome;
• limited mobility of the neck;
• noise in the ears;
• slowing down the reaction;
• increased pressure;
• crunch when turning the head;
• flies and spots before the eyes;
• weakness of the muscles in the limbs;
• pain in the neck, forearms, hands.

Breast department

This kind of defeat is the rarest. Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is characterized by such symptoms:

• pain in the heart, stomach, kidneys, can be both paroxysmal and acute (the person thinks that he has a heart attack), and stupid, aching;
• difficulty breathing;
• numbness of the chest;
• sexual dysfunction;
• pain in the scapula;
• stiffness of movements;
• squeezing and numbness in the chest.

The lumbar division

When osteochondrosis of this segment of the spine, the following symptoms are observed:

• pain in the buttocks, legs;
• cold feet syndrome;
• difficulty in lower back movements;
• menstrual cycle disorders;
• problems with sleep;
• inability to fully bend;
• hypotension of the calf muscles;
• sciatica;
• violation of reflexes;
• problems of the genital area in men;
• irritability;
• fatigue;
• sharp pain in the lower back.

Stages of

Osteochondrosis of the back develops in several stages, exacerbations alternate with remissions. There are such stages of the disease of the spinal column:

1. The initial. Manifestations are still insignificant. The patient feels a pain in the spine, bending over, turning. Characteristic muscle spasms, puffiness. Sealings appear on intervertebral discs.
2. The second. Constant pain during exercise, which is weakened during the remission of osteochondrosis, but does not go to the end. Periodically limbs numb. The lumen of intervertebral discs decreases. Muscles are constantly in suspense.
3. The third. Severe pain, numbness of hands and feet. A person's gait changes, mobility is significantly limited. At this stage, not only vertebrae, but also nerves are affected. Fibrous ring completely destroyed. The formation of anterior, lateral or posterior hernia begins.
4. The last one. The vertebral bodies expand, the destroyed tissue is replaced by cicatricial, which leads to damage to the nerves of the spinal cord or even to complete overlapping of the canals. The disease started before this stage leads to a huge number of complications, some of them are irreversible and pose a serious risk to life.

Diagnostics

To identify osteochondrosis and confirm it, it is necessary to conduct a complex of clinical studies. After the initial examination and a survey, the following procedures (one or several) may be prescribed by a specialist:

1. Radiography of the spine. A study that helps to accurately determine the height of the discs, changes in their structure of the vertebrae. Roentgen shows whether there are bone growths on the spine. It is performed in two projections: a straight line lying on the back, a lateral one.
2. Magnetic resonance imaging. There are pictures of vertebrae, vessels, nerve fibers. The study helps determine which segments are changed, whether there are hernias.
3. CT scan. This study is less accurate than magnetic resonance, but it helps to identify if there are protrusions and hernias. Carried out after X-rays.
4. Laboratory research. Blood tests are required, and the level of calcium and red blood cells in it is studied.
5. Differential diagnostics. Studies are being conducted to exclude the pathology of other organs and to distinguish osteochondrosis from other diseases, especially radiculitis. Cardiogram, ultrasound, electroencephalography, endoscopy are used.

Treatment of osteochondrosis

Therapy of the spine is carried out in a complex manner. Intervertebral osteochondrosis is treated with certain medications, physiotherapy, gymnastics and massages, wearing a corset.

Effective and traditional medicine, as an additional measure. Therapy is selected in accordance with the form of the pathology of the spine and its stage. Sometimes conservative treatment is inconclusive.

Then the only way to alleviate the patient's condition is surgical intervention.

Medication

With osteochondrosis, several groups of drugs are used. Among them, there must be medicines to eliminate painful spine syndrome. It can be means, whose action is directed to:

1. Reduce the conductivity of nerve impulses. Local local anesthesia with blockades of novocaine, its derivatives.
2. Stop the production of cellular and plasma mediators of inflammation. Hormonal preparations are prescribed, for example, Prednisolone.
3. Influence opioid receptors, which are responsible for pain in the spine. The doctor prescribes narcotics: Tramadol, Leoran, Promedol.
4. Block the synthesis of prostaglandins, which cause inflammation and swelling. Assign non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs:

• analgesics (Sedalgin, Paracetamol, Baralgin);
• combined preparations (Voltaren, Orthofen, Diclofenac, Indomecin, Ibuprofen, Ketoprofen);
• selective second-generation cycloxinase inhibitors (Movalis, Celebrex, Naise).

In addition to pain medications for osteochondrosis prescribe drugs for:

• Muscular relaxation (Sirdalud, Midokalm, Baclofen);
• improvement of microcirculation and metabolism (Tanakan, Trental, Actovegin, Curantil).
• expansion of blood vessels (Complamine, nicotinic acid);
• improvement of venous outflow (Escuzan, Troxevasin);
• restoration of the metabolism of cartilaginous tissues (chondroprotectors Rumalon, Dona, Alflutop, Struktrum, Arthron).

Diclofenac

This anti-inflammatory drug quickly removes unpleasant symptoms of the disease, especially helps to get rid of the pain. There are different forms of Diclofenac release, which can be used for osteochondrosis:

1. Injections. Intramuscular injections very quickly relieve pain. The dosage is determined by the doctor depending on the form and stage of the disease.
2. Tablets and pills. Often Diclofenac of this form is prescribed for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine. Tablets relieve pain, inflammation, remove swelling. The dosage is determined by the doctor, taking into account the degree of pathology, the age of the patient.
3. Candles, ointments. The drug in these forms is appropriate to use if the patient can not make injections.

Ointments

Local preparations relieve inflammation and relax the muscles, and some of them even prevent further destruction of the structure of the cartilaginous tissue. They have a number of advantages before injections, pills, do not affect the functioning of the digestive tract. What ointments can be prescribed for osteochondrosis:

1. Painkillers. Fastum, Bystrum, Finalagel, Nurofen, Dolgit, Voltaren, Naise, Dicloberl, Nimulid.
2. Warming. Finalgon, Nikoflus, Turpentine ointment, Capsicum.
3. Integrated. Dolobien, Fitobene.
4. Chondroprotectors. Chondroart, Honda, Chondroxide.
5. Homeopathic, massage. The Hood, The Purpose of T.

Exercises

The therapeutic gymnastics for the spine helps to slow down the development of osteochondrosis. The complex of exercises should be selected taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient.

Movements are extremely simple to remember and perform, but are aimed at working out all parts of the spine. Be sure to do gymnastics from osteochondrosis regularly, otherwise it will not bring results.

Performing exercises is allowed only after the complete removal of the pain syndrome.

Massage

Very effective for the spinal chiropractic. At the initial stage of the disease, massage can completely remove the symptoms and stop its progression. Advantages of its use:

• quickly relieves pain, spasms;
• normalizes blood supply;
• reduces swelling.

The most effective massage techniques for the disease:

• stroking;
• squeezing;
• trituration;
• kneading;
• vibration;
• effleurage.

Folk remedies

If you do not know how to treat the spine, you can ask for help not only to traditional, but also to alternative medicine.

With osteochondrosis, various tinctures and decoctions for oral administration, compresses, lotions, therapeutic baths help.

Several popular folk recipes for the disease:

1. In the evening, pour one spruce cone with a glass of boiling water, insist all night. Drink half the sutra liquid, and the remainder before going to bed. Take the disease for a month in a row, every day, preparing a new portion. Take a ten-day break, then repeat the course.
2. Half-liter jar fill with elderberries for three quarters. Fill it with alcohol. Insist for a week. Strain, rub the diseased with the affected areas before going to bed or make compresses at night.
3. Pour 300 grams of camomile stalks 5 liters of boiling water, leave for two hours. Pour the liquid into the bath, add warm water to the desired volume. Dive into it for a quarter of an hour. Take chamomile baths with back disease every other day.

Prevention

To protect your spine from osteochondrosis, follow these rules:

• avoid obesity;
• Do not carry the bag constantly on one shoulder;
• do sports, especially swimming;
• in the event that your work is associated with prolonged sitting, interrupt periodically and do a warm-up;
• keep your lower back warm;
• watch your posture;
• choose an orthopedic pillow, a comfortable surface for sleeping.

A source: http://sovets.net/12321-osteohondroz-pozvonochnika.html

Osteocondritis of the spine

Osteocondritis of the spineIs a chronic disease in which degenerative changes occur in the vertebrae and intervertebral discs located between them.

Depending on the site of the lesion, the spine is distinguished: cervical osteochondrosis, thoracic osteochondrosis and lumbar osteochondrosis.

For the diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the spine, it is necessary to perform X-rays, and in case of complications (eg, herniated discs) - MRI of the spine.

In the treatment of spinal osteochondrosis, along with medicamental methods are widely used, reflexology, massage, manual therapy, physiotherapy and physical therapy.

Osteocondritis of the spineIs a chronic disease in which degenerative changes occur in the vertebrae and intervertebral discs located between them. Depending on the site of the lesion, the spine is distinguished: cervical osteochondrosis, thoracic osteochondrosis and lumbar osteochondrosis.

Etiology and pathogenesis

To some extent, the osteochondrosis of the spine develops in all people of the age and is one of the aging processes of the body.

Earlier or later, intervertebral discs develop atrophic changes, but traumas, diseases and various spinal overloads contribute to an earlier occurrence of osteochondrosis.

The most common osteochondrosis of the cervical region and osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine.

About 10 theories of osteochondrosis have been developed: vascular, hormonal, mechanical, hereditary, infectious-allergic and others. But none of them gives a full explanation of the changes occurring in the spine, they are rather complementary.

It is believed that the main point in the onset of osteochondrosis is a constant overload the vertebral-motor segment, consisting of two adjacent vertebrae with the located between them intervertebral disc.

This overload can arise as a result of the motor stereotype - posture, individual manner of sitting and walking. Disorders of posture, sitting in the wrong posture, walking with an uneven spinal column cause additional stress on the disks, ligaments and muscles of the spine.

Most often, the defects in the structure are found in the cervical region (Kimerli anomaly, craniovertebral anomalies, anomaly Chiari) and lead to vascular disorders and early appearance of signs of cervical osteochondrosis the spine.

The occurrence of osteochondrosis of the lumbar region is more often associated with its overloading with tilts and lifts of gravity. A healthy intervertebral disc can withstand heavy loads due to the hydrophilicity of the pulp core located in its center.

The core contains a large amount of water, and liquids are known to be slightly compressible.

A rupture of a healthy intervertebral disc can occur with a force of compression of more than 500 kg, while a disc that is altered as a result of an osteochondrosis ruptures when the pressure is 200 kg.

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A load of 200 kg experiences a lumbar spine of a person weighing 70 kg, when he holds a 15 kg weight in the torso position forward by 200. Such a large pressure is due to the small size of the pulp nucleus.

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With an increase in the slope of up to 700, the load on intervertebral disks will be 489 kg. Therefore, often the first clinical manifestations of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine arise during or after lifting weights, doing housework, weeding in the garden, etc.

When osteochondrosis, the pulpous nucleus loses its hydrophilic properties. This is due to irregularities in its metabolism or insufficient intake of essential substances.

As a result, the intervertebral disc becomes flat and less elastic, in the fibrous ring, radial cracks appear during loading.

The destruction of the connective tissue of the fibrous ring of the disc, ligaments and capsules of the facet joints causes immune system reaction and development of aseptic inflammation with puffiness of the facet joints and their surrounding tissues.

Because of the displacement of the vertebral bodies, the capsules of the facet joints are stretched, and the altered intervertebral disc no longer firmly fixes the bodies of adjacent vertebrae. The instability of the vertebral segment is formed.

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Because of instability, it is possible to infringe on the root of the spinal nerve with the development of radicular syndrome. With osteochondrosis of the cervical spine this often occurs during head turns, with osteochondrosis of the lumbar region - during the torso inclinations.

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It is possible to form a functional block of the vertebral-motor segment. It is caused by the compensatory contraction of the vertebral muscles.

A herniated disc is formed when the disc is displaced rearward, the posterior longitudinal ligament ruptures and the part of the disc protrudes into the spinal canal.

If the pulpous nucleus of the disc is squeezed into the cerebrospinal canal, then such a hernia is called ruptured. The severity and duration of pain with such a hernia is much greater than when unexploded.

Herniated disc can cause radicular syndrome or compression of the spinal cord.

The main symptom of osteochondrosis of the spine is pain.

Pain can be acute with high intensity, it increases with the slightest movement in the affected segment and therefore causes the patient to take a forced position.

So, with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, the patient holds the head in the least painful posture and can not turn it, with osteochondrosis of the thoracic region pain increases even with deep breathing, and with osteochondrosis of the lumbar region it is difficult for the patient to sit down, get up and walk. Such a pain syndrome is typical for the compression of the root of the spinal nerve.

Approximately 80% of cases show dull pain of a constant nature and moderate intensity. In such cases, when examining the doctor, it is necessary to differentiate the manifestations of osteochondrosis of the spine from the myositis of the muscles of the back.

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Dull pain in osteochondrosis is caused by excessive compensatory tension of the muscles holding the affected spinal-motor segment, inflammatory changes, or significant intervertebral extension disk.

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In patients with such a painful syndrome, there is no forced position, but the limitation of movement and physical activity is revealed.

Patients with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine avoid sharp turns and head inclinations, with osteochondrosis of the lumbar region - slowly sit down and stand up, avoid the torso of the trunk.

All the symptoms of osteochondrosis, manifested only in the region of the spinal column, belong to the vertebral syndrome. All changes localized outside the spine form an extravertebral syndrome.

In osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, these are vascular disorders in the vertebrobasilar basin of the brain caused by compression of the vertebral artery.

Complications of osteochondrosis are associated with a herniated intervertebral disc.

These include compression of the spinal cord (discogenic myelopathy), which is characterized by numbness, weakness of certain muscle groups of extremities (in depending on the level of compression), leading to the appearance of paresis, muscle atrophy, changes in tendon reflexes, urination disorders and defecation. Intervertebral hernia can cause compression of the artery feeding the spinal cord, with the formation of ischemic sites (spinal cord infarction) with the death of nerve cells. This is manifested by the appearance of a neurological deficit (impaired movement, loss of sensitivity, trophic disorders), corresponding to the level and prevalence of ischemia.

Diagnosis of spinal osteochondrosis

Diagnosis of osteochondrosis is performed by a neurologist or vertebrologist. At the initial stage, a radiograph of the spine is made in 2 projections. If necessary, they can shoot a separate vertebral segment and shoot in additional projections.

To diagnose the intervertebral hernia, assess the condition of the spinal cord and identify complications of osteochondrosis, use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI of the spine).

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An important role is played by MRI in the differential diagnosis of osteochondrosis and other diseases spine: tuberculosis spondylitis, osteomyelitis, tumors, Bechterew's disease, rheumatism, infectious lesions.

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Sometimes in cases of complicated osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, the exclusion of syringomyelia is necessary. In some cases, if it is not possible to perform an MRI, myelography is indicated.

Sighting of the affected intervertebral disc is possible with the help of discography.

Electrophysiological studies (evoked potentials, electroneurography, electromyography) are used for determination of the extent and localization of lesions of the nervous pathways, monitoring the process of their recovery in the course of therapy.

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine

In an acute period, rest in the affected vertebral-motor segment is shown.

For this purpose, with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, fixation is used with the help of the Shantz collar, with osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine - bed rest.

Fixation is also necessary for osteochondrosis of the cervical region with instability of the vertebral segment.

In drug therapy of osteochondrosis, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used: diclofenac, nimesulide, lornoxicam, meloxicam, ketoralak. In severe pain syndrome, analgesics are shown, for example, an analgesic of the central effect of flupirtine.

To relieve muscle tension use muscle relaxants - tolperisone, tizanidine.

When a radicular syndrome occurs, the patient is shown hospital treatment. Possible local administration of glucocorticoids, anti-edema therapy, the use of traction.

In the treatment of osteochondrosis, physiotherapy, reflexology, massage, and exercise therapy are widely used.

The use of manual therapy requires strict adherence to the technique of its implementation and special care in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.

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Operations on the spine are shown primarily with significant compression of the spinal cord.

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It consists in the removal of the hernia of the intervertebral disc and the decompression of the spinal canal.

It is possible to conduct microdiscectomy, puncture valorization of the disc, laser reconstruction of the disc, replacement of the affected disc with an implant, stabilization of the vertebral segment.

A source: http://www.krasotaimedicina.ru/diseases/zabolevanija_neurology/osteochondrosis

Osteocondritis of the spine

Osteochondrosis is a chronic remitting degenerative-dystrophic disease of the intervertebral disc, vertebral bodies, intervertebral joints, ligamentous apparatus, roots, veins, arteries, sympathetic nervous system, fascia and muscular corset.

The basis of the pathology of the spine is the entire vertebral motor segment (PDS) - two vertebral bodies, a disc, adjacent neuromuscular structures. The main character of the pain syndrome is the muscular structure.

For the development of pathology, PDS matter

- pathology of the bony structures of the vertebrae - arthrosis, arthritis, stenoporosis; - Vascular pathology, - Muscular imbalance pathology of the ligamentous apparatus (atrophy of ligaments with subsequent calcification contributes to infringement of nerves and vessels),

- disc pathology: pathology of hyaline plates, pathology of the fibrous ring - anterior hernias (clinically insignificant), lateral (with compression of rootlets and vessels - radiculopathy and radiculo-ischemia), posterior (compression of membranes, vessels, spinal cord), pathology pulpous nucleus.

The chondrosis of the nucleus is the loss of fluid, osteochondrosis - degenerative-dystrophic changes are formed around the altered nucleus.

Osteochondrosis develops under the influence of basic factors that can not change a person - strabismus, sitting, imperfection blood supply to the spine, leading to early hypoxia and physiological aging, autoimmune reactions, violation hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal structures. Deforming spondylosis is a protective reaction of the body. "Thorns, hooks" on X-rays are a defense against spondylolisthesis.

Risk factors for osteochondrosis

To the disease lead the risk factors:

- Muscular dysfunction-microtraumas, forced postures-infections and intoxications-pathology of internal organs (according to one-sclerotomous localization, internal organs can cause pain in the spine, the patient's spine can aggravate the existing pathology of the internal organs, but not cause it) - "bad" legs, leading to vertebral dysfunction pillars - flat feet, varus and valgus deformities... disturbing the gait, causing muscle imbalance (walking involves muscles that do not have to walk), hypertension and pain syndrome

- psychogenic factor (vyvyvaet hypertonus of degenerated muscles and pain).

Pain is always a lack of endorphins. Their quantity is regulated by the limbic-reticular formation and the cortex of the brain. During stress, regulation is disturbed and endorphins are not enough. As a consequence, any pathology is aggravated, including muscle. Psychogenic pains are muscular.

Symptoms of osteochondrosis at the cervical level

The cervical region is characterized by a small muscle mass, a large number of vital organs - the vertebral artery blood supply cervical and limbico-reticular complex, posterior cervical sympathetic plexus, truncus sympaticus, thyroid gland, ENT - organs. This determines the clinical picture of pathology.

Cervicalgia - pain in the cervical spine. This is an undifferentiated muscular reaction to any pathology in the cervical region.

There are values ​​of angina, acute respiratory disease, retropharyngeal abscess, pathology of the apex of the lungs, mediastinum, teeth, coronary spasm and even myocardial infarction.

Cervicobrahialgia - pain in the neck with irradiation of pain in the arm, possibly a violation of sensitivity in the hand, numbness, paresthesia.

Syndrome of the front staircase - neck pain, numbness, paresthesia, tingling, hyperhidrosis, then plexalgia passes into plexitis.

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At the base of the spasm of the anterior staircase muscle, in only 25-28% of cases, the osteochondrosis of the spine is to blame, the remaining% are traumas, the atology is easy, the kidneys are calculous, calculous cholecystitis.

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Shoulder-scapular periarthrosis and periarthritis - pains in the shoulder joint, collarbone, scapula, restriction of arm movements upward and establishment back.

Epicondylosis - pain in the elbow joint, local, in the nasier or internal condyle, restriction of movements. They are more common in injuries, in athletes, in work on a conveyor belt, in a garden ...

Shoulder-brush syndrome - pain in the neck, then in the shoulder, then in the hand, the edema of the hand, hyperhidrosis is added, the pain syndrome disappears and atrophy, necrosis develops.

Cardialgia. There are no true vertebrogenic cardialgias. A "bad" backbone can be a risk factor for compromised cardiac muscles.

Syndrome of the vertebral artery -

- functional - cervical posterior sympathetic syndrome (s / m Bare-Lieu, cervical migraine) - half headache and pain in the neck, "like a removed helmet nausea, vomiting, vestibulopathy - staggering, dizziness, photopsy, noise in the ear,
- organic - vertebrob basilar insufficiency - develops in the presence of atherosclerotic manifestations in the vessels.

C2C3 - pain in the neck, a swelling of the tongue, glossodini; 3C4 - pain in the shoulder and forearm, heart, increased the tone of the diaphragms; 4С5 - pain in the neck, shoulder, forearm, hypotension in the C5 zone, deltoid muscle weakness; 5C6 - pain from the shoulder strap along the outer surface of the shoulder to the thumb and forefinger, the sensitivity in the root zone is reduced, the reflex from the biceps muscle is dropped, strength in 1 and 2 fingers; 6С7 - pains on the posterolateral surface of the forearm with irradiation into the middle finger, sensitivity in the root zone decreased, the reflex from the triceps muscle fell, weakness triceps;

C7C8 - pain in the foreleg, on the inner surface of the shoulder and forearm, 4 - 5 fingers, hypoalgesia in the root zone, muscle weakness.

Symptoms of osteochondrosis at the thoracic level

The thoracic region is characterized by a small number of muscles, the presence of a bone (costal-chest) carcass for the internal organs, low mobility of the thoracic spine. Degenerative - dystrophic pathology develops faster and earlier in the thoracic department.

The thoracic area is often prone to kypho-scoliotic deformities.

Thoracalgia - pain in the thorax - muscular-vegetative complex, undifferentiated muscular reaction to any pathology.

Pains are associated with immobility - a prolonged standing, sitting, night pains, intensifying with inclines, deep inspiration, coughing.

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More often thoracalgia is caused by diseases of internal organs - lungs, heart, stomach, gall bladder, herpetic infection.

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OR, rohnitis, pneumonia, pleurisy, pneumothorax, lung tumor, pulmonary tuberculosis, angina pectoris, myocarditis, myocarditis, peptic ulcer, cholecystitis, pancreatitis, esophagitis - everything will give thoracology. More often there is an intercostal myalgia or a neuralgia.

Cardiological syndrome.

Syndrome of anterior staircase.

The syndrome of the anterior chest wall - pain along the front surface of the chest, parasternally, depends on the position.

The syndrome of the posterior thoracic wall is pain in the region of the scapulae, the interscapular region, the presence of myosteofibrosis foci (as a result of chronic muscle hypoxia and degeneration).

Truncalgic syndrome - pain in the chest half.

Radicular syndromes at the thoracic level are rare.

Symptoms of osteochondrosis at the lumbar level

The lumbar spine has the biggest load, the largest muscles, many joints. The sacral plexus "floats" in the small pelvis and any pathology of the pelvic organs will cause spasm of the pear-shaped muscle and compression of the sacral plexus.

The sciatic nerve passes in the thickness of the gluteus muscle. Long sitting, injections can cause pain along the nerve. The pathology of the knee joints affects the bifurcation of the nerve in the popliteal region.

The lower extremities often affect the vessels - arteries and veins, which contributes to the pain syndrome.

When vertebrogenic lumbalgia pains acute, shooting, intensifying during movements, slopes, coughing, head inclinations, raising legs. It is difficult for the patient to lie down, sit down, stand up.

On examination, positive symptoms of perspiration - Lassega, Neri, Dezherin, Wasserman.

Lumboishialgia - pain in the lower back and in the leg, pulling, aching, twisting, shooting, associated with movement, coughing, accompanied by numbness of the foot, paresthesia, decrease tendon reflexes, neuromuscular, neurodystrophic, neurovascular syndromes - muscle spasms, crampies, unilateral syndromes, foci of myofibrosis, joint pain, pseudo-arteritis

Radicular symptoms:

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L4 - pains in the anterior parts of the thigh, along the inner surface of the knee joint and lower leg, hypoesthesia, weakness of the crushers of the lower leg, knee joint the reflex has fallen out, the Achilles are alive; 5 - pain along the sciatic nerve to 1 finger of the foot, hypoesthesia in the root zone, weakness of the dorsal flexor feet;

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S1 - pain along the sciatic nerve to 3 - 5 toes of the foot, hypoesthesia, weakness of the foot, knee reflex preserved, Achilles dropped out.

Vascular syndromes - radiculo-ischemia - develop with vascular compression - there is no pain, muscle weakness appears. The cone syndrome is weakness of both feet, dysfunction of the pelvic organs, hypoalgesia of the sacral area.

Diagnosis of osteochondrosis

The syndromes described immediately require a thorough examination of a neurologist, not a trip to "restore" the discs that have fallen out and knock out the salts from the spine.

"Hiding" under the mask of osteochondrosis can be a serious illness and it is unacceptable to do a manual therapy with myocardial infarction, and physiotherapy procedures with metastases in the spine and so Further.

Necessary examinations - blood and urine tests (first general, and then individually depending on the clinical picture), ECG (with cervicotoracalgia) and consultation cardiologist, lung fluorography or chest X-ray with therapist's consultation, radiograph of the spine, computed tomography, magnetic resonance tomography. Due to the variety of options and combinations, consultations and additional urologist, gastroenterologist, gynecologist, traumatologist, orthopedist, neurosurgeon, angio-surgeon, phthisiatrist, oncologist, otolaryngologist.

Treatment of osteochondrosis

Treatment is appointed individually, according to the established diagnosis, stage (exacerbation, subacute, remission), the severity of the pain syndrome (severe, moderate, remission) and concomitant somatic pathology.

Treatment in the acute period of pain syndrome: rest, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (dicloberl, voltaren..., coxibs - arkoxia ...), spasmolytic mixtures intravenously, blockade medicinal substances, muscle relaxants, tranquilizers, B group vitamins, gabapentins (gabantine, tebanthine, gatonin), cortexing, topical cleansers (fastum gel, dipryliphil, apizarthron, the lifeblood ...).

In cases of severe uncontrollable pain syndrome and the presence of compression of the root of the herniated disc, operative treatment is indicated.

Rehabilitation measures: physiotherapy (diadynamic currents, magnetotherapy, darsonvalization, ultrasound, electrophoresis, stimulus, myotone), massage, manual therapy, traction, postisometric relaxation, acupuncture, whirlpool baths, physiotherapy exercises, spa treatment (balneotherapy, radon, ozocerite, mud, underwater extension ...).

Prevention of osteochondrosis

Prevention is the impact on risk factors - the fight against sedentary lifestyle, obesity, exercise therapy, swimming, exercising on exercise machines, fitness, massage... - improving the muscular corset.

With spondylolisthesis in the lumbar department, use corsets for physical exertion. For a good night's rest, use orthopedic mattresses and pillows. Follow the correct posture when walking and sitting. Avoid hypothermia.

The better the muscles and the better mobility in the spine - the less likely will be pain.

The doctor neurologist Kobzeva S.V.

A source: http://www.medicalj.ru/diseases/orthopedics/539-osteochondrosis