Osteochondrosis of the spine: symptoms and treatment

spinal osteochondrosis

There are several different views on the definition. Some experts believe that it is more accurate to use the general name - dorsalgia, or non-specific back pain. The difficulty in definition is 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, because the manifestations of this 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 motion segment.

Osteochondrosis of the spine is a pathological process in the spine characterized by degenerative disorders-destroying vertebrae and intervertebral discs. The danger of this disease is due to the hidden process during admission, the patient enters the complication stage, when severe pain begins.

Causes of osteochondrosis

 Osteochondrosis of the spine occurs due to the influence of predisposing factors on the human body. This disease does not differ according to gender. Triggers for the development of osteochondrosis:

  • descent;
  • back injury;
  • congenital or acquired defects in the structure of the musculoskeletal system (flat feet, postural changes);
  • metabolic failure caused by diseases of internal secretory organs;
  • poor nutrition and overweight;
  • viral and bacterial infections;
  • lifestyle: lifting and carrying heavy objects, working in drafts, continuous vibration exposure, physical inactivity;
  • constant psycho-emotional burden;
  • 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 characteristics and features of treatment.  

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine.  

The most common back disease is osteochondrosis in the lumbar region, which is associated with heavy loads in this region. Susceptible to complications such as intervertebral disc protrusion and hernia occurrence, both single and multiple. In the case of complications, it may be accompanied by dysfunction of the pelvic organs and atrophy of the muscles of the lower part.  

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

 Second place in the classification of back diseases. The pathological process develops due to an inactive lifestyle and increased load on the shoulder girdle. The neck muscles require special training, without which they cannot withstand the load given their poor development.  

Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine 

The rarest pathology in the back is due to low mobility in this region and the most developed muscle corset. It is difficult to diagnose because of the long asymptomatic course and mimics other diseases (coronary artery disease, intercostal neuralgia, lung disease).  

Normal process 

Pathology includes several departments at the same time, is rare and against the background of congenital diseases of the musculoskeletal system, and can be said to be incurable.

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 develops.

  1. Intervertebral discs become less elastic. The disc may be slightly deformed and the internal nucleus pulposus shifts within the disc. This stage is either not noticeable at all, or minor pain occurs.
  2. In the second stage, cracks may appear in the disc, and the surrounding ligaments become weak. Vertebral joints become unstable. Attacks of acute pain with impaired ability to work occur.
  3. The third stage is characterized by complete damage to the intervertebral disc. When the nucleus pulposus passes through the disc, herniation of the intervertebral disc occurs. Spinal deformity or pinched nerve roots may occur.
  4. In the fourth stage, surrounding tissues are affected - vertebrae, ligaments, spinal membrane. As a result, spinal segments may lose their mobility completely.

As a result of osteochondrosis of the spine, various complications arise in some cases. Problems with intervertebral discs, hernias and protrusions can cause narrowing of the spinal canal, compression of the spinal cord and disability.

Depending on the level of damage, various problems with nerve root involvement are possible. These are intercostal neuralgia, disturbances in the sensitivity and motor functions of the upper and lower extremities, and disturbances in the functioning of internal organs. Inflammation of the sciatic nerve, or sciatica, not only causes severe pain, but can also cause pelvic disease and infertility.

In addition to nerve roots, osteochondrosis can cause compression of the vertebral canal. If blood flow is interrupted in the vertebral artery, which flows in the cervical region and supplies 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, reflex and sensitivity tests.

The following instrumental methods can be used:

  • Vascular ultrasound can reveal the extent of circulatory disorders, for example, in the vertebral artery;
  • radiography of the spine;
  • CT also uses the x-ray method, but allows you to build a three-dimensional image of the area being studied and detect even small displacements of the vertebrae;
  • MRI specializes in the study of soft tissues, allowing 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.

Therapy for 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 patient's condition.
  • For the drug treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine, a neurologist or general practitioner can prescribe drugs. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are most often 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, any 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 the case of severe osteochondrosis complications, surgery may be required, but it is prescribed only if there is no effect from long-term conservative treatment.