Osteochondrosis of the spine is a degenerative disease of the spine (that is, associated with the gradual destruction of tissue and disruption of its function).The main changes are related to the intervertebral disc (an elastic formation located between the vertebrae and is a kind of shock absorber that softens the shocks and vibrations of the vertebrae in relation to each other during walking).In osteochondrosis, the intervertebral discs become calloused, harden and often protrude into the spinal canal, where they can compress the spinal cord itself or its roots, causing corresponding complaints (pain in the arms and legs, back, numbness of the skin of the extremities).
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the spine
- Back and neck pain: especially in the evening, after physical activity.
- A feeling of painful tension in certain muscles on the back.
- Numbness of the skin on the hands or feet (fingertips or as a special band on the skin).
- Weakness in the muscles of the arms or legs.
- Atrophy (thinning) of the muscles of the arms and legs.
- Dizziness, headache: when the vertebral artery that supplies the brain is compressed between the neck vertebrae.
Forms
- Depending on which part of the spine the greatest changes are localized, the following forms of osteochondrosis of the spine are distinguished:
- osteochondrosis of the cervical spine;
- osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine;
- osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine.
- Depending on the structural changes that have occurred in the intervertebral disc (elastic formation located between the vertebrae), the following stages of osteochondrosis of the spine are distinguished:
- Stage 1: intradiscal movement of the disc core (dense formation in its center) to the edge;
- Stage 2: the appearance of cracks in the fibrous ring of the disc (consisting of connective tissue) and instability of the spine (excessive mobility);
- Stage 3: complete rupture of the disc with its prolapse in the form of a hernia into the spinal canal, possible compression of the root of the spinal cord;
- Stage 4: gross changes not only in the intervertebral discs, but also in the surrounding tissues (overgrowth of bone tissue, strong pathological fixation of the vertebrae to each other).
Reasons
- Excessive stress on the spine:
- occupational hazards: lifting heavy loads (for example, for loaders), long-term work in a static (immobile) position;
- excess body weight, which increases the load on the spine;
- lifting excessively large objects (excessively heavy).
- Spine injuries: vertebral fractures, ligament ruptures.
- Hereditary causes: a tendency to gradually disrupt the nutrition of the vertebrae and the surrounding tissues (ligaments, intervertebral discs).
Diagnostics
- Analysis of complaints and history:
- How long ago did you first experience back pain, numbness in your fingers and toes, and other ailments?
- whether work or household chores are associated with lifting heavy objects, long-term maintenance of a stationary position of the back and neck (sitting at a table, etc.).
- Neurological examination: looking for signs of neurological disorders (impaired sensitivity in the arms or legs, curvature of the spine, pain when palpating the muscles of the back and neck).
- X-ray of the spine: this method allows studying the structure of the spine in one or more planes, detecting the thinning of the intervertebral discs (elastic formations located between the vertebrae), their protrusion towards the spinal canal, as well as the marginal growth of bone tissue of the spine (osteophytes), which are also the result of malnutrition, damage to the spinal roots and pain in the spine.disorders.
- CT (computed tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance) of the spine in the neck and spinal region: allow for a layer-by-layer study of the structure of the spine and surrounding tissues (intervertebral discs, ligaments) and reveal the thinning of the intervertebral discs, the presence and size of protrusions between the vertebrae (herniations) of the discs.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine
- Limiting the load on the spine (do not lift heavy objects).
- Correct distribution of the load on the spine: for example, do not carry bags in one hand, but in both, which makes the load more even.
- Back and neck massage.
- Physical therapy: a set of exercises that strengthen the muscles of the spine.
- Swimming.
- Acupuncture: affects the local processes of tissue destruction of the intervertebral disc by applying injections with special small needles.
- Painkillers.
- Medicines that reduce muscle tension (muscle relaxants).
- In advanced processes (prolapse of the hernia with compression of the spinal cord root), surgical treatment (removal of the intervertebral disc, fixation of the affected part of the spine).
Complications and consequences
- Chronic back pain.
- Paralysis (weakness in arms or legs).
- Poor cerebral circulation (when the vertebral artery that supplies the brain is compressed between the neck vertebrae).
Prevention of osteochondrosis of the spine
- Gentle work regime: moderate weight lifting, refusal to lift excessively heavy objects, occasional changes in physical and mental work (to "stretch" the spine).
- Active recreation.
- Gymnastics, morning exercises: daily performance of simple exercises that involve the spine (turns of the trunk, light inclines).