Chronic form of spinal diseases. What is chronic osteochondrosis? What can it do for osteochondrosis?

Osteochondrosis is a pathology familiar to 40% of the population under the age of 35-40 and almost 90% of the elderly. Even teenagers sometimes show signs of osteochondrosis - decreased disc height, pain, and discomfort in the spine. If you start treating the disease at the first stage, before the disc is destroyed, the chance of stopping the progression is very high.

What is osteochondrosis?

With osteochondrosis of the spine, one or more intervertebral discs are damaged. The disease can occur in any department:

• Grudny;
• Shane;
• Lumbar (lumbosacral).

In severe cases, degeneration of the vertebral discs due to osteochondrosis is observed throughout the spinal column, which becomes the cause of human disability. So what kind of disease is osteochondrosis? The pathology is associated with a gradual, steady and progressive malnutrition of the hyaline cartilages located on the intervertebral discs, as a result of which they change position, shape, and crack. A person experiences severe pain, the functions of the entire musculoskeletal system are disrupted.

What is osteochondrosis regarding its consequences? If treatment is not carried out, the vertebrae will compress, the gaps between them will decrease, and the discs will begin to crush and collapse. This will lead to damage to the nerve roots, damage to the spinal cord and disruption of the internal organs. Bone osteophytes appear along the edges of the discs - growths that cause even more severe pain. The consequences of this spinal disease can be very serious.

Scientists have come to the conclusion, studying osteochondrosis, that this disease is a consequence of human upright walking, so most people are susceptible to it. Daily high loads on the spinal discs, age-related deterioration of vascular function, poor nutrition and aging of the body are the main causes of osteochondrosis. The following factors complicate the situation:

Injuries and heavy physical activity greatly aggravate the development of spinal osteochondrosis. Therefore, among athletes and manual workers, lumbar osteochondrosis is a very “popular” problem. Heredity also plays an important role in the pathogenesis of the syndrome - if the parents had serious back problems at a young age, the child has a high risk of developing a spinal disease.

Psychosomatic causes of pathology are a new direction in the search for prerequisites for its formation. Psychosomatics implies the influence of psychological factors on the development and course of physical illness. The connection between physical and mental problems is really close, and a seemingly healthy person can suffer from regular pain. With osteochondrosis, in some people there are no objective reasons for the pathology, but it continues to progress.

Up to 30% of patients after a visit to the doctor indicate such troubles as:

• Constant stress;
• Chronic experiences;
• Nervous tension;
• Family problems;
• Conflicts;
• Moral breakdown.

In this case, psychosomatics in the appearance of spinal lesion syndrome is clearly visible - the person “bends” under the weight of problems, which causes the spine to suffer. If the pathology has similar causes, treatment of osteochondrosis will be difficult; medications usually do not help. Exacerbations of pathology occur during a new wave of stress, and there are no physical reasons for them.

Psychosomatics especially often affects the cervical spine, but the pain syndrome can range throughout the entire spinal column. Treatment of osteochondrosis should begin with searching for and solving psychological problems under the supervision of a psychotherapist.

The intervertebral disc consists of liquid and solid parts. The first is in the center, representing the core, which gives elasticity. The core is surrounded on top by a strong ring. It is from the liquid structure that all pathological changes in the disc begin, which later spread to its shell.

In medicine, there are four stages of development of osteochondrosis. This refers to a conditional division of pathology according to the severity of disorders in the spine:

• The first stage of osteochondrosis. The amount of moisture in the disc drops and it becomes dehydrated. No destruction has yet occurred, but after severe dehydration of the nucleus, microcracks begin to appear on the fibrous ring. There are usually no symptoms at this stage of the disease.
• Second stage of osteochondrosis. The height of the disc begins to decrease, which means the gradual addition of symptoms and progression of pathology. In the spine, the distance between its individual segments decreases, causing the ligaments to sag. At this stage, in a number of patients the disease causes slipping of the vertebrae - spondylolisthesis. Pain and discomfort occur during exacerbations, aching pain can be present even in remission.
• Third stage. Osteochondrosis of the spine at this stage causes severe pain, as complications begin to form. Most often these are protrusions, disc prolapses, less often - arthrosis (degeneration) of the vertebral joints, vertebral subluxations. The pain is complemented by limited mobility of the affected segment of the spine.
• The fourth stage of osteochondrosis. The spinal column begins to adapt to the new conditions of existence, trying to fix the vertebrae in order to protect it from final destruction. For this purpose, osteophytes grow, as if “walling up” the vertebra. The pain can be sharp due to injury to the nerve endings.

The first signs of osteochondrosis usually begin at the initial stage, when there is no pain yet. In the neck, lower back, and less often in the thoracic region, you can hear a crunching sound when moving (this means a malnutrition of the disc, its dehydration). Further, when overloaded or working in an uncomfortable position, a person may notice stiffness in the muscles of the back or neck. They become “stony” on one or both sides, which can be uncomfortable, causing burning and irritation.

Subsequently, the symptoms of osteochondrosis become more obvious. At rest, a person may feel normal, but work, heavy lifting, or sleeping on an uncomfortable pillow can provoke the following phenomena:

• Aching pain;
• Aches;
• Numbness of the hands (if the neck is affected);
• Feeling of stiffness;
• Forced reduction in movements;
• Muscle spasm;
• Shoots;
• Increased pressure;
• Poor posture.

When the diseased spine is overloaded, osteochondrosis gives more pronounced signs and symptoms. Pain occurs in the shoulders, radiates to the arms, elbows, and headaches appear. With osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, there is tinnitus, dizziness, vertebral artery syndrome develops, and vision is impaired. Over time, without treatment for osteochondrosis, muscle atrophy occurs and the skin becomes pale. The course of cardiac pathologies may worsen, the functioning of the liver, gallbladder, and gastrointestinal tract may be disrupted.

The consequences of this disease are always unpleasant; they provoke increased pain. With osteochondrosis, the following occurs:

• Disc protrusion;
• Prolapse and disc herniation;
• Attacks of radiculitis, sciatica, lumbago;
• Kyphosis, scoliosis.

The danger to humans largely depends on the type of hernia in spinal osteochondrosis. They can be anterior, posterior, lateral, and the most dangerous are posterior hernias - they can compress the spinal cord. In the lumbar segment of the spine, hernias occur most often, mainly between 4-5 vertebrae.

Lumbar osteochondrosis can cause very unpleasant symptoms - lumbago (lumbago). The pain of lumbago is burning, sharp, unbearable, and very difficult to bear. The cause is a pinched nerve, because the patient’s neurovascular bundle is damaged. Particularly dangerous in cases of osteochondrosis is cauda equina syndrome, when a large bundle of spinal nerves is pinched in a person. As a result, bowel and bladder functions suffer, and paralysis of the legs may even occur.

Signs of osteochondrosis often boil down to severe muscle atrophy. If muscles do not participate in the work of the body for a long time, the movements of the spine are constrained, then individual fibers weaken. As a result, the patient may become disabled and bedridden. Cervical osteochondrosis is also very dangerous, because a hernia in this segment can cause disruption of the blood supply to the brain. At this stage there is a risk of impairment of vision, swallowing, speech and other brain functions.

Having independently recognized the signs of osteochondrosis, you need to think about its treatment. Since damage to the spine can reach different stages, the treatment of osteochondrosis will also be different. It is important to make the correct diagnosis so that the therapy is selected correctly.

Due to the widespread nature of the disease and the presence of characteristic symptoms, the doctor will be able to suggest a diagnosis during a preliminary examination. But to differentiate osteochondrosis from other diseases of the back and internal organs, the following diagnostics are performed:

• X-ray of the spine. It will help to identify the height of the discs, the degree of their thinning, as well as the presence of osteophytes.
• CT, MRI. More preferable in examination. With this disease, it will be possible to determine the severity of damage to nerves and soft tissues, and to find the smallest protrusions.

In osteochondrosis, laboratory tests do not play a primary role, but general analysis and biochemistry are required to exclude an inflammatory process, rheumatoid damage to bones and joints. To study muscle function, the doctor conducts a series of physical tests, and to clarify the functioning of blood vessels and nerves, they do duplex electromyography.

If the symptoms and treatment for osteochondrosis are determined, you should not delay treatment - the disease progresses quickly. At an early stage, gymnastics and massage to strengthen muscles are usually recommended - this will be enough. At other stages of osteochondrosis, drug treatment and sometimes surgery will be required.

Pain, the most unpleasant sign of the disease, can be relieved with the help of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They cannot cure osteochondrosis, but they are always prescribed before exercise therapy to relieve symptoms. In severe cases, the drugs are administered in injections, but more often they are recommended in a course of 7-14 days in tablets and topically, in the form of ointments. The most popular NSAIDs for osteochondrosis are:

• Meloxicam;
• Ketorolac;
• Ketoprofen;
• Arcoxia;
• Dexalgin;
• Diclofenac.

If a person has a severe painful syndrome in the spinal area, he is given injections of glucocorticosteroids directly into the affected area. The drugs of choice are Diprospan, Kenalog. Short-term pain relief is possible using blockades with Novocaine and other anesthetics.

Treatment of osteochondrosis is also carried out using the following means:

• B vitamins (Milgamma, Neuromultivit). Helps improve nerve conduction in the spine.
• Chondroprotectors (Arthra, Dona, Alflutop). Nourishes intervertebral cartilage, strengthens discs.
• Muscle relaxants (Mydocalm, Sirdalud). Reduce the strength of muscle spasms in osteochondrosis.
• Vascular drugs (Trental, Actovegin). Optimize blood circulation in the spine.

If osteochondrosis has developed, then only chondroprotectors are given for pain relief and pathogenetic treatment; they are taken in courses of 3-6 months. The remaining drugs have a symptomatic effect and do not affect the course of osteochondrosis itself.

The list of measures to treat osteochondrosis must include physiotherapeutic methods. Thanks to physiotherapy, the treatment of osteochondrosis will be more effective, because the effect extends directly to the source of inflammation. Physiotherapy will relieve the painful syndrome, eliminate spasms, improve blood microcirculation, and help remove pressure from the nerves. The most popular methods are:

• Electrophoresis. Treatment of osteochondrosis using this method will allow you to deliver relaxing, anti-inflammatory substances and anesthetics directly to the area of ​​the vertebrae, muscles, and ligaments.
• Ultrasound. Relieves unpleasant symptoms, relieves pain, creates the effect of vibration massage, and activates metabolism at the local level.
• Magnetotherapy. Alternating or constant magnetic fields anesthetize and eliminate the inflammatory process.
• Detensor therapy. In this disease, a person is placed on a special mattress with “ribs”, where the spine is stretched and massaged. At the same time, muscle tone improves.

All types of physiotherapy should be carried out in courses of 10-15 procedures, while individual contraindications must be taken into account.

Exercise therapy plays a leading role in the treatment of osteochondrosis. Without exercise therapy, it will not be possible to form a strong muscle corset, and the latter is urgently needed to maintain a diseased spine. Gymnastics also increases blood circulation in the vertebral area, improves metabolic processes and helps to quickly remove decay products.

How to cure osteochondrosis with gymnastics? The complex is selected only individually, and only at stages 1-2 it can be carried out without the supervision of a doctor. In later stages, unnecessary, forceful movements can cause the disc to slip and worsen the problem. At stage 3, all exercises are done only in a lying position.

To treat osteochondrosis, massage is required. In the acute stage it is not done - it will cause sharp sensations. But a properly performed massage in the chronic stage of osteochondrosis is irreplaceable. After a course of sessions, muscles relax, clamps are removed, and nerves and blood vessels begin to function normally. The massage is carried out only in a gentle mode, without sudden movements. You cannot trust your spine to a non-professional!

The disease is most easily amenable to complex therapy if it is treated using different approaches. It is very important to improve nutrition in case of osteochondrosis - it should include vitamins, minerals, more food with gelatin, jellied meats, broths (if they are not contraindicated). This way, the nutrition of the cartilage will be improved, and the discs will begin to recover.

Methods for treating spinal osteochondrosis may be as follows:

• Manual therapy. The specialist physically influences the vertebrae, “puts” them in place when they are displaced, after which the result should be consolidated by exercise therapy.
• Extraction or traction. An effective method of treating osteochondrosis, carried out only with an individually selected load, quickly eliminates the unpleasant syndrome.
• Acupuncture. In the treatment of osteochondrosis, this method helps activate blood circulation in the vertebral area, which relieves pain and improves nutrition of cartilage.
• Orthopedic therapy. It involves wearing bandages that relieve pain and straighten posture, as well as sleeping on special pillows.

There is also a folk treatment for osteochondrosis. This is the use of ointments, drinking herbal infusions, rubbing and herbal poultices. Such methods can be used in complex therapy, but they will not work as the only remedy for this disease.

How to treat osteochondrosis if the situation has reached the point of disc destruction? Only surgery will help, because otherwise the person remains disabled. There are not many indications for intervention; for osteochondrosis these are:

• Intractable pain (2-3 months or more);
• Movement disorders;
• Progressive muscle atrophy;
• Disk destruction;
• Complications from the nerves and spinal cord.

For the treatment of osteochondrosis, microdiscectomy (microsurgery) is most often recommended. It is performed by an experienced neurosurgeon to eliminate radicular compression. Part of the disc is removed, and it stops pinching the nerve. The doctor also removes bone osteophytes, which can be voluminous at an advanced stage of the disease. The disc itself remains in place, and the incision is only 1-2 cm.

For osteochondrosis, a more serious operation is the complete removal of the disc and its replacement with a graft. The vertebrae are fixed with iron devices. Unfortunately, the spine will become immobile at this point, but the nerve roots will be freed. You can also place elastic silicone discs between the vertebrae - then the spinal column will fully retain its functions, but this intervention for osteochondrosis is quite expensive.

In order to avoid surgery for osteochondrosis, it is important to carefully consider preventive measures:

• Avoid physical inactivity. This disease can progress with strength loads, but swimming, skiing, and exercise will only be beneficial and will help strengthen muscles and health in general.
• Watch your posture. At work and at home, it is important to sit correctly and not hunch over, and this has been happening since childhood.
• Sleep on comfortable pillows. There are preventive pillows; for existing osteochondrosis, several other, therapeutic ones are used.
• Do not lift heavy objects. If necessary, you should sit down and stand with the object, keeping your back straight.
• Do regular exercise to strengthen your muscles. This is important for the muscles of the neck, back, abs, and lower back.
• Wear comfortable shoes. High-quality shoes (orthopedic, if necessary) will prevent the development of flat feet - a risk factor for damage to the vertebrae.

It is also important to eat well, not smoke, enrich your diet with vitamins, and consume more fluids - this will reduce the likelihood of pathology.

One of the most common diseases of the 21st century is osteochondrosis. has noticeably looked younger over the past few years. It is diagnosed not only in older people, but also in those under thirty; more and more teenagers are suffering from the disease.

The reasons for its occurrence are a sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, sedentary work, and stress on an untrained back.

The disease leads to disruption of many vital functions of the body: arrhythmia, loss of sensitivity and paralysis of the limbs, often to disability.

Symptoms

Osteocondritis of the spine is a disease associated with dystrophic deformations of the intervertebral discs and their tissues. The danger is that in the first time after the onset of the disease, it does not reveal itself at all. Painful sensations are either absent or insignificant.

First, the physiological location of the discs is disrupted, tissues and cartilage become thinner, which gradually leads to the destruction of bones and joints; ignoring the problem leads to irreversible consequences.

WITHsymptomsOSteochondrosisA:

• pain in the spine of varying intensity;
• when moving;
• headache;
• in the region of the heart;
• numbness of the limbs;
• discomfort when sitting, walking, bending;
• loss of former flexibility.

There are several typesOSteochondrosisAspine: lumbar, cervical, thoracic.

Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis.

The most common type of this pathology is Ocervical osteochondrosis, this is due to the initial weakness of the muscles of the region and the close location of the vertebrae.

It is characterized by degradation of the cervical vertebrae, the appearance of sharp pain when turning or tilting the head. Insufficient neck mobility contributes to a decrease in fluid in the areas between the vertebrae, and the cartilage becomes less elastic.

WITHsymptomswshe NWowosteochondrosisA:

• headache;
• impaired mobility and flexibility of the neck;
• ear noise;
• joint crunch when moving;
• headache;
• violation of movement coordination;
• growth of growth, the so-called withers.

Gradually shifting vertebrae put pressure on the nerve processes, causing pain and discomfort. Blood circulation worsens, headaches intensify. Ltreatmentwshe NWowosteochondrosisAspinemaybe a little longnudgedue to late diagnosis.

Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis.

Thoracic osteochondrosis– occurs less frequently than other types of the disease and is difficult to diagnose. Occurs more often in people suffering. Gradually, the curvature of the spine intensifies, deformation of the chest occurs, and discs are displaced.

Symptoms:

• constant nagging pain occurs,
• sometimes sudden sharp pain when walking,
• pain when raising arms, breathing.
• respiratory processes are burdened, shortness of breath appears,
• tingling between ribs.

The disease is similar to heart disease. Sometimes it manifests itself as pain in the mammary glands, radiating to the stomach. Unpleasant sensations occur between the shoulder blades, the pain worsens at night.

Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis.

Damage to the vertebrae, their compression due to unphysiological postures at work or when performing household tasks are the causes of the disease. Over time, disc loss and the formation of growths lead to partial loss of motor ability and disability.

Symptomslumbarwow ohSteochondrosisA:

• pain in the lumbar region;
• spreading pain to the pelvic area;
• pain going down to the legs;
• numbness of the legs, perineum;
• tingling in the legs, pelvis.

The causes of the pathology include improper physical activity, heavy physical labor, and sports injuries. Hernias, curvatures of the spinal column, and hump-shaped growths may appear.

The final stage of the pathology is characterized by difficulty urinating, defecating, or the uncontrollability of these processes.

Existing treatments

Can't put it offltreatment of osteochondrosis, Since it is useless to do this in the final stages, irreversible processes occur.

Modern medicine offers a variety of therapy methods; treatment of osteochondrosis at home, as an addition, can improve inpatient results.

Traditional is the drug treatment of spinal osteochondrosis.

The patient is given injections to relieve pain and prescribed medications. Special injections inhibit the development of bone abnormalities and relieve spasms.

Drug therapy for the treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine , indicated in the presence of symptoms:

• unbearable pain,
• difficulty moving,
• inflammatory processes.

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar region with medications includes taking painkillers, chondroprotectors, and, less often, ointments that relieve spasms and accelerate blood flow.

Treatment of spinal osteochondrosis involves limiting physical activity, adding walks, correcting nutrition, and alternating inpatient procedures with home ones.

Treatment of osteochondrosis at home may include:

• elements of special gymnastics;
• massage and self-massage with special devices;
• use of compact devices for physiotherapy;
• application AS- plates for the spine;
• thermal treatments.

Physiotherapeutic methods of treating osteochondrosis.

Treatment of osteochondrosis using stationary techniques involves the use of expensive equipment and is costly. The patient has to waste time traveling to the hospital or inpatient treatment.

Physiotherapy includes:

• electrotherapy, “currents”;
• magnetic therapy;
• UV rays;
• laser procedures.

Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis.

The presence of periodic intensifying pain in the area of ​​the shoulders, neck, head, increased blood pressure, dizziness, and a characteristic hill-like compaction on the bend are typical signs of the disease.

Common methods for eliminating osteochondrosis of the cervical region – treatment with medications, massage, electrophoresis.

Treatmentosteochondrosiscervicaldepartmentspinemassage - effective only in the early stages, not during inflammatory processes.

Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in late stages:

• this period is characterized by severe pain, the presence of bone growths of osteophytes, so pain relief is required;
• the occurrence of inflammation requires the use of drugs aimed at eliminating them;
• Severe bone destruction with cervical osteochondrosis will require surgical treatment.

For cervical osteochondrosis of the spine, treatment is often prescribed with ultrasound or magnetic waves - they relieve spasms, inflammation, and restore impaired tissue functions.

Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis at home problematic, but it will help ease the situation correct selection of pillows, mattresses, self-massage.

Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is also possible with the help of leeches.

Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis.

Compressive acute pain, lack of air, discomfort near the heart are symptoms of degradation of the spine-thoracic region.

What to do:

• if the pain is severe, anesthesia is mandatory;
• contacting your doctor;
• vitaminization;
• massages, mud therapy, acupuncture;
• after destructive intervertebral changes - surgery.

Treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis.

Important! If you have lumbar osteochondrosis, treatment at home is fraught with injury when performing gymnastic exercises and physical activity.

It is necessary to undergo a high-quality examination. X-rays, which are prescribed in regular clinics, will never show the whole picture of the disease! You will definitely need to undergo an MRI or CT scan.

These services are paid, but it's worth it. Osteochondrosis of the lumbar region, in 70% of cases burdened by the presence of hernias. There are also Schmorl's hernias, which only an MRI will show.

If you have a hernia, you should not bend forward, round your back, or lift heavy objects. All this will lead to aggravation. In particularly advanced cases, sequestration of the hernia may occur - leakage of fluid through the fibrous ring.

The most important thing in the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis is changing motor patterns:

• change in posture to return lumbar lordosis;
• avoid prolonged sitting leaning forward;
• relieving muscle spasms;
• eliminating the load on the spine, and at the same time strengthening the muscles.

Otherwise, the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis is no different from the treatment of other parts.

Disadvantages of conservative treatment of osteochondrosis.

The disadvantages of such methods are:

• high price, not everyone can afford expensive activities,
• loss of time - frequent visits to hospitals are not accessible to everyone, not to mention a sanatorium stay;
• physiotherapy procedures, massages are effective only at an early stage;
• due to the patient’s late request for help, surgery becomes the only option;
• the result of surgical intervention is not always predictable and may result in disability;
• long period of rehabilitation;
• in 50% of cases, after surgery there is a relapse and the need for reoperation.

Despite the variety of methods , Treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine does not always lead to positive dynamics. The process of tissue restoration of intervertebral discs is complicated by the structural features of the spine.

Nutrients are supplied to the discs only during movement, due to the diffusion effect, because they lack blood vessels. The moisture needed to maintain the core of the disc also comes through diffusion.

All this significantly complicates treatment, inhibiting recovery processes. How to deal with this? It is necessary to add walking to the treatment - at least 1.5 hours continuously!

You can also use portable devices for physical procedures that cause vibrations in tissues, and as a result, diffusion, to deliver water and nutrients to the tissues of the discs.

AS plate treatment

An alternative to expensive procedures is to use AS– Pfins, which was developed by a group of scientists led by Doctor of Technical Sciences Alexander Suvorov , to provide treatment for osteochondrosis of the spine .

Suvorov’s innovative method has been certified, and since 2008 it has been tested on 97 volunteers, who noted positive dynamics in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine.

This information is on the official website: ASNano

For more than ten years, the plate underwent clinical trials; as a result, 12 scientific articles and four books were published, where facts confirmed the highly effective treatment of osteochondrosis.

Thanks to innovative research, effective treatment of osteochondrosis at home has become possible - AS – The plate is conveniently attached to the body.

The plate provides:

• treatment of spinal osteochondrosis;
• prevention of destructive processes of bone tissue;
• improving blood circulation, supplying cells with oxygen;
• relief of pain symptoms;
• influences the reduction of spinous formations;
• provides activation of electrons that prevent inflammation.

And most importantly, it increases the metabolic rate by 2.6 times. This occurs due to micropulses that create diffusion necessary to nourish the tissues of the intervertebral discs.

When developing the AS-plate, a special nanocoating was used, which activates the processes of restoration of damaged tissue, which makes it possible to eliminate osteochondrosis at any stage of neglect.

Compared to other methods of eliminating the disease, the AS plate has a number of significant advantages:

• efficiency;
• painlessness;
• Ease of use.

The product has no contraindications and facilitates the treatment of osteochondrosis at home.

The surface is covered with nanoparticles that have a delicate effect on cells and tissues.

UsageAS– platespainless. Incorrect massage can aggravate the disease, medications burden the work of the liver and kidneys, meanwhile the plate acts without contraindications, generating a magnetic field.

The device does not rub the skin; if you are very sensitive, you can attach it to your underwear.

The plate is conveniently attached to the spine area, first for two hours, then the contact time increases. At the same time, the patient goes about his business without feeling discomfort.

Article publication date: 02/01/2013

Article updated date: 10/13/2019

Osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic change (destruction) of the bone tissue of the spine, articular cartilage, ligaments and intervertebral discs. As the disease progresses, pathological mobility of the spinal column develops, in which soft tissues, nerve fibers and blood vessels located near the lesion are infringed - this is how pain occurs. At the final stage of the pathology, there is active growth of bone processes, which should stabilize the intervertebral joints, but they quite often lead to additional damage to the nerve roots and blood vessels. Symptoms of osteochondrosis directly depend on the stage and location of the pathology. Let's talk about them in more detail.

Main groups of symptoms

Clinical manifestations of the disease occur due to damage to blood vessels and nerve tissue located near the affected area. They may also be associated with changes in the anatomy of the spinal column itself. Osteochondrosis syndromes (that is, complexes of symptoms) are divided into four groups.

1. Static syndrome

Static signs are associated with changes in the shape of the vertebrae. As a result, posture may be disrupted: when pathological mobility appears in the joints, scoliosis, kyphosis or lordosis is formed. There may also be limited mobility in the joints of the spine, when a person cannot turn their head or fully straighten.

Types of posture disorders. Click on the picture to enlarge

2. Neurological syndrome

Neurological symptoms are caused by damage to the nervous tissue. In this case, the sensitivity of the skin of certain areas of the body and movement in the limbs may be impaired (decreased strength of muscle contractions).

The main neurological manifestation of osteochondrosis is pain, which is caused by compression or irritation of the spinal roots. In the first stages of the disease, discomfort is usually local, that is, limited to the affected area of ​​the spine. As the pathology progresses, pain spreads to distant areas of the body innervated* by the affected root. Often there is a violation of skin sensitivity, the appearance of goosebumps, tingling or numbness.

* Innervation is the connection of organs and tissues with the central nervous system through nerves.

Impaired motor function (motor changes) with this disease are observed much less frequently than sensory ones. Depending on the degree of impairment of motor function, they manifest themselves as paresis (partial limitation of voluntary movements) or paralysis (complete loss of voluntary movements). For example, with osteochondrosis of the lumbar region, paresis of the right or left leg sometimes occurs.

3. Vascular syndrome

Vascular symptoms develop for two reasons:

As a result of direct compression of the arteries and veins by the modified vertebrae and their processes. Such compression is typical for cervical osteochondrosis, since it is in this area that large vessels supplying the brain pass through the openings of the vertebral processes. As a result, symptoms associated with oxygen deficiency in certain areas of the brain appear: for example, when the blood supply to the inner ear is disrupted, dizziness and nausea occur.

When the tone of the sympathetic nervous system changes. It increases when the nerve plexus located in the spinal column is irritated. The result is prolonged spasm of peripheral vessels and chronic ischemia (oxygen starvation) of internal organs.

4. Trophic syndrome

Trophic syndrome is characterized by impaired tissue nutrition and the appearance of superficial skin defects (ulcers). It appears due to a combination of vascular and neurological factors.

Signs of osteochondrosis vary depending on which part of the spine is affected.

Signs of cervical osteochondrosis

The first symptom of cervical osteochondrosis is quite often a headache, which does not go away after taking painkillers analgesics. It usually starts from the occipital region and then spreads to the temples. Pain may intensify after a long stay in a forced position (sleeping, sedentary work).

Quite often, headaches are accompanied by discomfort and loss of sensitivity in the shoulder girdle and arms. And in advanced cases, paresis and even paralysis of the arms can be observed.

Painful symptoms are often accompanied by signs of impaired blood supply to various areas of the brain:

• Dizziness, nausea, and tinnitus occur with decreased blood flow in the area of ​​the cochlea and semicircular tubules.
• If the power supply of the optical apparatus is disrupted, floaters may flicker before the eyes or a decrease in visual acuity.
• Sudden loss of consciousness is more typical for older people, because their brain usually already experiences oxygen starvation due to atherosclerotic narrowing of the arteries. Additional disruption of blood flow during osteochondrosis can lead to a complete cessation of nutrition to some areas of the brain.

If the phrenic nerve* is irritated, hiccups or a feeling of lack of air may occur, which is often accompanied by shortness of breath and fear of death.

* The phrenic nerve is part of the cervical plexus and is involved in regulating the depth and frequency of breathing.

The stage of the disease determines what static manifestations will be observed. But usually these are subluxations in the joints of the spine in the cervical region and limited mobility in the neck.

Signs of thoracic osteochondrosis

The area of ​​the thoracic spine is least affected, but the symptoms of breast osteochondrosis are quite varied.

Pain occurs in the early stages of the disease and is localized within the chest (intercostal, in the area of ​​the shoulder blades) and the upper abdomen. Often the first signs of thoracic osteochondrosis imitate the symptoms of other diseases (angina pectoris, cholecystitis, intestinal or renal colic).

So-called visceral symptoms (i.e. related to the internal organs) may occur, which vary depending on the level of damage to the spinal cord:

• changes in the upper thoracic segment are accompanied by impaired swallowing, a feeling of a lump in the throat and cough;
• with changes in the mid-thoracic segment, gastralgia occurs, simulating gastritis and ulcers, and cardialgia, accompanied by arrhythmia and increased pressure;
• irritation of the lower thoracic roots leads to disruption of intestinal motility and the appearance of symptoms similar to appendicitis.

Signs of lumbar osteochondrosis

Damage to the lumbar region can begin to manifest itself with any symptoms, but most often its first signs are pain in the lower back and legs, as well as numbness of the skin of the legs.

Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral region:

When the sensory roots are damaged, pain is observed - the most typical manifestation of lower back damage. There may be a sensation of lumbago after physical activity.

If the motor fibers are affected, then the pain is accompanied by paresis and paralysis of the lower extremities.

Often there is a violation of pelvic functions (problems with erection and urination in men), as the sympathetic tone of the nervous system increases and the blood supply to the organs of the urogenital tract worsens.

Conclusion

Osteochondrosis can manifest itself with various symptoms, and it cannot always be suspected at the first sign. This is precisely why patients initially turn not to a specialized specialist (neurologist), but to a cardiologist, gastroenterologist or therapist. Therefore, the disease can often be diagnosed only when a characteristic pain syndrome appears.

Owner and responsible for the site and content: Afinogenov Alexey.

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Your comments and questions for the doctor:

Irina | 01.12.2019 at 14:52

Good evening! Difficulty breathing. With every breath, there is a sharp pain in the ribs and radiates to the back in both shoulder blades.. no temperature.. but it’s difficult to breathe.. the therapist said osteochondrosis.. but the signs are not as described.. or does it manifest itself that way?

Nikolay | 02/07/2019 at 00:46

Good afternoon. I am 38 years old. About 14 years ago I had sand in my kidneys, it came out. About 10 years ago, pain in the lumbar region began to appear. I attributed this to the uncomfortable seats in the car. After a year of visiting the pool, everything returned to normal. Now a weak aching pain in my lower back haunts me regularly. I want to stretch and bend over. There are no problems with urination. I’ve been doing martial arts for 10 years now, I move a lot, often do twisting movements, and I sweat a lot. After training for three or four days I feel good, then everything repeats itself. What preliminary diagnosis would you give me? Thank you.

Svetlana | 12/23/2018 at 15:02

Svetlana | 23.11.2018 at 17:29

I am constantly bothered by pain in the abdomen, sometimes on the right, sometimes on the left, the examination was completed, everything is normal, MRI of the spine, spondoloarthrosis of the thoracic and lumbar regions, I began to tingle in my arms and legs, the gastroenterologist is treating everything for the liver, because the ultrasound showed signs of cholecystitis, I take pills but The abdominal pain does not go away. I am 48 years old. Thank you.

antonina | 10/19/2018 at 15:19

Hello. I have this situation. severe pain in the spine in the lower part and lumbar region. And the pain radiates to the stomach, the whole stomach was checked, an ultrasound was done on the abdominal cavity and it was checked like a woman. X-ray of the lumbar region showed def. Spandylosis but abdominal pain does not go away

Irina | 10/07/2018 at 13:54

Good afternoon, I have osteochondrosis of the cervical and thoracic regions... dizziness, tinnitus, spasm of the muscles of the neck and scapulohumeral area, I was treated with diclofenac and vitamin B12, droppers with trental and lysinar, various gels and ointments, after this course bifren was prescribed month, use of the Shants splint, gymnastics. The pain and symptoms have decreased quite a bit. How can you alleviate all the symptoms and manifestations of radicular syndrome? Thanks in advance for your answer.

Denis | 09.28.2018 at 15:25

Hello. For half a year now I have been hearing noise in my left ear, at the beginning it was not too strong, now it is more like a squeak. I had an appointment with an otolaryngologist, said it was not his profile, and sent him to a neurologist. A neurologist examined her and diagnosed vegetative vascular dystonia. Prescribed a bunch of medications. There are doubts, maybe you need to take some tests or undergo an examination. Please tell me what to do. I also feel tired, lethargic in the afternoon, and I don’t work physically. Thank you.

Natalia | 08/19/2018 at 08:58

Hello. I’m 47 years old, I had high blood pressure for 6 days, it reached 190/110, it didn’t go down completely, a maximum of 140/90. Now the pressure has returned to normal, but the headaches in the head and the back of the head remain, sweating and a feeling of weakness... tell me please what could it be...thanks in advance...

Alexey | 08/12/2018 at 18:33

Hello. I am 39 years old. I work as a driver. In general, I’m moving a little. For about two weeks now I have been feeling numbness and tingling in the fingers of my left hand and I have this feeling that I am constantly lacking oxygen and sometimes I have to inhale more deeply.

Daria | 08/12/2018 at 06:35

Hello. Five days ago, a sensation of goosebumps appeared in the little finger and index finger of the left hand. I didn’t attach any importance to it, believing that it would go away on its own. But for the fifth day now nothing has happened. The sensations only weaken when I lower my hand down. What could be causing this?

Vika | 02.08.2018 at 13:58

Good afternoon For about a week, periodic cutting spasmodic pain in the abdomen (most often occurs in the afternoon). FGDS, blood, ultrasound are normal, no gastrointestinal diseases were shown. Is this osteochondrosis?

Roman | 07/30/2018 at 11:36

Hello. I wanted to consult about which specialist to contact. 5 days ago a symptom appeared: with any physical activity, pulsation begins in the back of the head and parietal region. There is no pain, just a strong pulsation, sometimes when I move my neck, I feel dizzy. When I stand or sit without moving, the pulsation goes away. If I walk slowly, it’s also gone. As soon as I start moving more intensely, it happens again. With what it can be connected. So, there are no special problems, no bad habits, the only thing is that I am inactive, I constantly sit at the computer. I started doing yoga exercises, and it seems to be letting me go. Which specialist should I start with? And what could be causing the symptoms? Thanks in advance for your answer.

Tatiana | 07/16/2018 at 16:01

Hello! I am 46 years old. Two weeks ago, something strange was happening in my head. I don't know what this is? There is a tight feeling in the neck area. There is a feeling of squeezing in the back of the head, sometimes there is tinnitus, dizziness, and nausea. And very tired. What could it be? What to do. I simply don’t trust our doctors. Some say one thing, others say another. It is not clear who to believe. I have cervical, thoracic and lumbar sacral osteochondrosis and hernias. What can you do at home?

Alena | 07/09/2018 at 09:43

Hello, a week ago I came from another city 300 km from us. At night I started feeling dizzy. but did not betray the meaning as it happens sometimes. And towards evening I became so dizzy that I couldn’t bend over the sink to wash my face. The ambulance measured blood pressure and it was 170/110. I received treatment in a hospital, but mostly everything was cardiac. Now I'm feeling dizzy again. nausea hurts the back of the head and radiates pain to the neck. Blood pressure is 110\70 but weakness is a sign of osteochondrosis or something else, please tell me

andrey | 05/17/2018 at 13:41

good afternoon. A couple of days ago I had pain in the dimple below the Adam’s apple. When swallowing, the pain radiates lower to the ribs. I feel a lump in my throat and when I swallow it it becomes easier. Tell me what this could be and what tests should be taken. Which doctor should I go to? .?THANKS FOR THE ANSWER.

Sergey | 05/15/2018 at 15:46

Hello. I’m suffering for half a minute, I was put on VSD with panic attacks, I was prescribed Teraligen and Paxil, I’ve been taking it for a month. For the last two months, I have been suffering from pain under my left shoulder blade, intermittent pain in my chest, my arms are quickly taken away in an uncomfortable position, in the mornings after getting up my left arm hangs, after a minute the sensitivity returns, there is an unpleasant sensation in my left leg, as if the calf is being squeezed. Intermittent tingling of hands and feet. There may be a lump in the throat and difficulty breathing. Sometimes headaches and a feeling of pressure in the skull. Tachycardia and elevated blood pressure. Neck pain intermittently. My legs sometimes feel like they're made of cotton. It gets dark in the mountains, sometimes there are spots in front of my eyes. Intermittent tingling on the top of the head. Once, while falling asleep, there was a sort of shooting sensation on the left side from the neck to the leg. A week ago they called an ambulance, I thought my heart was seized, the pain in my chest and under my shoulder blade intensified. The ambulance arrived and measured the blood pressure, it was elevated + tachycardia. The oxygen saturation of the brain was measured at 98%. They said that most likely osteochondrosis, the nurse also said that I was a barometer, saying that the weather had deteriorated and how sensitive I was to it. Yesterday I did an ECG showing an incomplete blockade of the right branch of the anterior gisa, a variant of the norm. Half a year ago this incomplete blockade did not exist. Because of all this, I have a constant fear of death, at night I have trouble sleeping superficially. A couple more times my legs gave way when I turned my head sharply to the side.
Could all this be due to osteochondrosis or does it manifest itself in all types of diseases or both? What is most interesting is the pain in the chest and under the shoulder blade, what is it associated with!?

natalya | 04/13/2018 at 12:28

Hello, my mother is 62 years old. Lately I have been suffering from stiffness in my left arm (can’t lift it up and move it back) + pain has appeared in my left breast and my lymph nodes have become enlarged. had a mammogram. We found a small wen. doctor said. that it has nothing to do with the hand. Could this be osteochondrosis and which doctor should I contact?

Zemfira | 04/03/2018 at 20:20

Good afternoon With mild pain above the chest (one might say not pain, but some kind of tingling in the area above the chest), I first turned to a mammologist (he said that this did not apply to his part), then I turned to a neurologist and a therapist. A neurologist and therapist diagnosed osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine. Massage, swimming and exercise therapy are all treatments. Two years later, same symptoms. Am I diagnosed correctly or could these pains mean something else? If true, is there some kind of treatment or massage, bow and swimming - is that enough? Thank you.

Anastasia | 04/03/2018 at 19:03

Hello! I have the following problem: a couple of days ago I began to feel pain on the left side of my body, just below my armpit. The pain is not severe, but unpleasant, sometimes radiating to the top of the chest (on the left side), slightly to the back and arm. If you press on this place, sometimes the pain intensifies. At the same time, sometimes I notice a tingling in my heart even in a calm state (previously this only happened when I was very nervous). I'm going to the doctor in a few days. Please tell me, does this look like osteochondrosis, or could there be something more serious here?

Yana | 04/02/2018 at 09:11

Hello. I have been suffering from sharp pain in the lower back for 5 days. The pain occurs at night, closer to the morning and is so strong that I cannot move. Everything goes on during the day until the next night. Tell me what this could be and which doctor I should see. Thank you in advance.

Karina | 03/29/2018 at 09:40

Hello, please tell me. My back has been hurting for probably 3 months now. There is pain under the right shoulder blade if you turn your torso, or if you bring it together it bursts. Then the back itself hurts when you bend back in the middle of the shoulder blades. And in general, if, for example, I am in one position for a long time, there is some kind of heaviness in the back , discomfort. I was in the hospital with my son for 3 days, and there my back didn’t hurt, I was already surprised. Since we were leaving for the hospital, my back hurt like hell, and we slept there for three nights and it was as if it had never hurt. Maybe at our home is the sofa bad? and in general, what kind of pain and discomfort in the back could this be?

Natalia | 03/22/2018 at 15:44

Hello!!! I am 23 years old. I’ll only go to the hospital on Monday, but I’d like to ask you, tell me, could I have osteochondrosis, if my shoulder blade, shoulder, and heaviness in my neck hurt (pulling)? (for the second week already) I don’t have any severe pain, but causes discomfort.

Inessa | 03/16/2018 at 14:43

Hello. Recently, a nagging pain in the back has appeared while sitting, which goes away after a good warm-up and warm-up. Moreover, the pain can be first in one place, then in another. I went to the clinic, they felt my back, nothing hurt. They said there is a suspicion of beginning osteochondrosis, in which department it is unknown. Tell me, can this really be osteochondrosis, despite the fact that I am 17 years old? And in the last two months I have had a lot of stress, could my back pain be related to it and be of this nature?

Dina | 02/28/2018 at 19:47

Hello. On February 16, I removed 2 teeth, after which the doctor prescribed me the antibiotic Tsiprolet. After taking it, on the 3-4th day I felt severe pain in the stomach, intestinal upset, and colitis. Side effects are all that are described in the annotation. And my back began to burn between my shoulder blades, the pain spread to my shoulders to my elbows and armpits. The chest feels constricted and there is shortness of breath. A cough appeared and as if macrotas were somewhere in the throat with a feeling of a lump in the throat. I went to see a therapist, had a normal fluoroscopy, and was diagnosed with osteochondrosis of the osteochondrosis. They prescribed Fastum gel and Loxidol and omeprazole. It hasn’t gone away for 12 days. I have a cough. I don’t sleep well at night and in the morning my back hurts in the shoulder blade area. Is it really osteochondrosis that gives a cough and persistent pain, and what else can be used?

Sergey | 01/08/2018 at 11:06

Hello! I am 33 years old, about half a year ago I encountered an illness, a burning sensation in the heart area, increased blood pressure, and I felt a very strong palpitation, had an ultrasound of the heart, and was diagnosed with tachycardia. I took the pills and it didn’t get better. Everything is the same. Tell me what it is

Currently, a huge number of people suffer from osteochondrosis. Many of them are not even aware of the problem. Meanwhile, if treatment is not started on time, complications will occur that will make themselves felt for the rest of your life. Osteochondrosis, like many other diseases, makes you “younger” and significantly worsens the quality of life, knocking you out of its usual rhythm.

In our article we will get acquainted a little with the disease itself, and also dwell in detail on the drug method of treating it.

Osteochondrosis and its types

Osteochondrosis is a deformation of articular cartilage, bone tissue of the spine and intervertebral discs.

Osteochondrosis occurs:

• lumbar (lumbosacral),
• cervical,
• chest

Causes of osteochondrosis:

• upright posture,
• rachiocampsis,
• spinal injuries,
• flat feet,
• frequent lifting of weights,
• frequent changes in body position,
• staying in uncomfortable positions for a long time,
• spinal overload,
• physical inactivity and obesity,
• malnutrition,
• stressful conditions.

Stages of development of osteochondrosis

1. Due to certain changes in the intervertebral disc, vertebral instability appears. The spine is very susceptible to injury.
2. The destruction of the fibrous ring of the intervertebral disc begins. The intervertebral gap decreases.
3. The annulus fibrosus ruptures. The nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc protrudes. Due to the formation of an intervertebral hernia, spinal deformity is provoked.
4. A pronounced pain syndrome occurs. Due to the formation of bone growths and ossification of the spinal ligaments, movements become limited.

Symptoms of osteochondrosis

Lumbar (lumbosacral) region

• Constant aching back pain.
• Feeling of aching and numbness in the limbs.
• Decreased physical activity.
• Increased pain when making sudden movements, lifting weights, physical activity, while sneezing and coughing.

Cervical region

• Pain in the arms and shoulders, headaches.
• Vertebral artery syndrome(burning throbbing headache, dizziness, noise in the head, colored spots and “floaters” before the eyes).

Thoracic region

• Pain in the internal organs, in particular the chest (“stake” in the chest) and the heart area.

Determining the diagnosis

Treatment of osteochondrosis with medications

To begin with, it should be noted that at the initial stage of development of osteochondrosis, in certain cases you can do without medications. It will be enough to use therapeutic exercises, all kinds of applicators (Lyapko roller, Kuznetsov applicator), as well as reducing stress and eliminating other causes of the disease. If the symptoms become stronger, and studies have shown characteristic changes, you should use medications that help influence both the cause and the symptoms of osteochondrosis.

Treatment of osteochondrosis with medications is indicated during the period of its exacerbation and is aimed at relieving the inflammatory process, relieving pain and enhancing metabolic processes through internal administration or administration of medications using injections.

Due to the fact that osteochondrosis is a systemic disease that negatively affects various organs and systems, its treatment must be comprehensive. Medicines for the treatment of osteochondrosis perform the following tasks:

• anesthesia,
• relieving inflammation,
• improving blood circulation in affected tissues,
• restoration of cartilage tissue,
• restoration of mobility to joints,
• eliminating depression caused by constant pain.

So, what medications can be prescribed by a neurologist to treat osteochondrosis?

1. NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)

Eliminate inflammation and pain. They are used externally (gel, cream), internally (capsules, tablets), and also in the form of injections (intramuscular, intravenous, subcutaneous).

• diclofenac(voltaren, diklak)
• ibuprofen(Nurofen, Dollit)
• ketoprofen(ketonal, febrofide)
• nimesulide(nimesil, nise)
• meloxicam(movalis, movasin)

1. Vasodilators (vasodilators)

As a result of muscle tension and pain in osteochondrosis, narrowing of blood vessels occurs. In order to avoid this background of undesirable consequences, your doctor may prescribe pentoxifylline(trental), dilates blood vessels and improves tissue nutrition, as well as actovegin And berlition for better restorative effect.

1. Muscle relaxants (muscle relaxants)

They have a relaxing and calming effect on the muscles. The healing process without drugs of this group proceeds more slowly, since thanks to their properties, blood circulation is normalized, pain is dulled, mobility returns, and the affected tissues are restored faster. For these purposes, your doctor may prescribe sirdalud,mydocalm or baclofen.

1. Chondroprotectors

Chondroprotectors do not cause further destruction and stabilize the condition. Taking chondroprotectors is long-term, lifelong; the effect occurs after treatment for at least 6 months. Chondroprotectors are used externally, internally and in the form of injections.

• glucosamine(don)
• chondroitin(chondroxide, structum)
• glucosamine + chondroitin(arthra)
• glucosamine + chondroitin + vitamins(teraflex)
• alflutop(concentrate of 4 species of sea fish)

1. Sedatives (calming) drugs

Long-term pain can provoke stress and depression. In this case, valerian, motherwort, and combined herbal preparations are prescribed. For more severe disorders, antidepressants are used (Cymbalta), and to improve the process of falling asleep and quality of sleep - sleeping pills (donormil).

1. Vitamins and vitamin-mineral complexes

B vitamins are of greater importance here, as they can restore the sensitivity of damaged nerve fibers and reduce pain. They are included in such drugs as milgamma(tablets and solution for injection) and neuromultivitis(pills).

For the purpose of general strengthening of the body, vitamin and mineral complexes can also be prescribed. (compliment, multi-tabs).