Osteochondrosis of the spine is a degenerative disease of the spine (i.e. associated with the gradual destruction of the 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 relative to each other when walking).In osteochondrosis, the intervertebral discs become rigid, harden and often protrude into the spinal canal, where they can press the spinal cord itself or its roots, causing the corresponding complaints (pain in the arms and legs, back, numbness of the skin of the limbs).
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the spine
- Back and neck pain: especially in the evening, after physical activity.
- Sensation of painful tension in the individual muscles of the back.
- Numbness of the skin of the hands or feet (fingertips or as a separate strip 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 supplying the brain is compressed between the cervical vertebrae.
forms
- Depending on which part of the spine the greatest changes are localized, the following forms of spinal osteochondrosis are distinguished:
- osteochondrosis of the cervical spine;
- osteochondrosis of the chest;
- osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine.
- Depending on the structural changes that have occurred in the intervertebral disc (an elastic formation located between the vertebrae), the following stages of spinal osteochondrosis are distinguished:
- Stage 1: intradisc movement of the disc nucleus (dense formation in its center) towards 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 in the spinal canal, possible compression of the roots 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 load on the spine:
- occupational risks: lifting weights (e.g. for loaders), prolonged work in a static (stationary) position;
- excess body weight, which increases the load on the spine;
- lifting excessively large objects (excessively heavy).
- Spine injuries: vertebral fractures, ligament tears.
- Hereditary causes: a tendency to gradually disrupt the nutrition of the vertebrae and the tissues that surround it (ligaments, intervertebral discs).
Diagnosis
- Analysis of complaints and medical history:
- how long ago did you first experience back pain, numbness in your fingers and toes, and other complaints?
- whether work or household activities are related to lifting heavy objects, long-term maintenance of a motionless position of the back and neck (sitting at a desk, etc.).
- Neurological examination: looking for signs of neurological disorders (impaired sensitivity of the arms or legs, curvature of the spine, pain when feeling the muscles of the back and neck).
- X-ray of the spine: this method allows you to examine the structure of the spine in one or more planes, to detect thinning of the intervertebral discs (an elastic formation located between the vertebrae), their protrusion towards the spinal canal, as well as marginal growth of the bone tissue of the spine (osteophytes), which are also a consequence of malnutrition of the spine and can damage the spinal roots, causing pain and sensitivity disorders.
- CT (computed tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance) of the spine in the cervical and vertebral region: allow a layer-by-layer examination of the structure of the spine and surrounding tissues (intervertebral discs, ligaments) and detect thinning of the intervertebral discs, the presence and size of protrusion (herniation) of discs from the space between the vertebrae.
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, carry the bags not in one hand, but in both, which makes the load more even.
- Massage of the back and neck and collar area.
- Physiotherapy: a set of exercises to strengthen the muscles of the spine.
- Swimming.
- Acupuncture: influencing local processes of tissue destruction of the intervertebral disc through injections with special small needles.
- Pain relievers.
- Medicines that reduce muscle tension (muscle relaxants).
- In advanced processes (hernia prolapse with compression of the spinal cord roots), 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 supplying the brain is compressed between the cervical vertebrae).
Prevention of osteochondrosis of the spine
- Gentle mode of work: moderate weight lifting, refusal to lift excessively heavy objects, periodic changes in physical and mental work (to "stretch" the spine).
- Active recreation.
- Gymnastics, morning gymnastics: daily performance of simple exercises that involve the spine (rotation of the torso, light turns).