An imbalance between physical and emotional stress, trauma and complications suffered, hypothermia and colds contribute to the development of osteochondrosis. The pathology is caused by degenerative changes in the cartilage segments and bone tissue. Increased mobility of the discs increases the likelihood of the process, which is ascertained by the statistics of the maximum distribution in the cervical and lumbar regions. In addition to the spine, the joints of the upper and lower limbs are affected.
Types and causes of osteochondrosis
Excessive overload of vertebral segments or joints, depending on the position and degree, is the main cause of osteochondrosis, which is divided into the following types:
- Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is a pathological process of unclear etiology, however, according to clinical studies, it develops as a result of:
- hormonal disorders;
- incorrect posture;
- structural anomalies and curvatures;
- injuries received;
- professional activity associated with stress or prolonged vibration of the pole;
- flat feet;
- limitation of physical activity or reverse process for physical overload;
- overweight.
- Cervical osteochondrosis is a disease commonly referred to as "saline deposition". The main causes of cervical osteochondrosis lie in the increased activity of the neck and tissue malnutrition caused against the background of:
- excessive stress on the neck;
- hypothermia and previous colds;
- playing uncontrolled sports without observing safety measures and safety measures;
- unfavorable conditions due to meteorological factors;
- stressful situations;
- prolonged sitting without changing posture;
- exposure to chemicals.
- Osteochondrosis dissecans or Koening's disease is a degenerative-dystrophic process that begins with dystrophy followed by the addition of inflammation of the knee, hip, elbow and collarbone-shoulder joints. Causes of the event include:
- injuries received;
- hereditary predisposition;
- violation of the patency of the branch of the adjacent artery.
Pathological abnormalities result in disordered growth of bone tissue, displacement of discs and joints, and irritation of the nerve roots, which is accompanied by pain.
Symptoms of diseases
The clinical picture, depending on the type of pathology, is different. In particular, shortness of breath occurs in osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, caused by:
- pain that increases with breathing and restriction of movement in the chest area;
- intercostal neuralgia provoked by irritation or violation of the spinal roots;
- secondary deformities in the thoracic region against the background of kyphoscoliosis and a decrease in lung volume.
Due to the clinical picture, masked by symptoms of other diseases, the pathological process is mistaken for angina pectoris, ischemia, pneumonia, gastroenterological disorders, for which it is called "chameleon".
One of the most common symptoms is vertigo with cervical osteochondrosis, which appears due to compression of blood vessels and impaired cerebral circulation, in which insufficient amount of oxygen and nutrients enters the brain. Pathology is manifested by additional symptoms:
- loss of orientation in space;
- the occurrence of noise in the head and ears;
- darkening in the eyes or flickering spots;
- throbbing headache;
- nausea and vomit.
If you experience limited tongue movements and staggers when walking, consult a doctor urgently and lie face down before the patient arrives.
Symptoms of Koening's disease are determined by the stage of the process, ranging from discomfort and rapid fatigue of the affected limb to pain that grows over time and an increase in the volume of the joint, visible visually.
Therapeutic activities
Treatment of the disease requires an integrated approach, divided into periods. In the acute stage, drug therapy is prescribed, physiotherapy methods and folk remedies are also used. During the period of remission, recovery in resorts is recommended, but it should be remembered that spa treatment of osteochondrosis during an exacerbation will not only not be beneficial, but can also be harmful.
Pharmacological treatment
In the acute stages of osteochondrosis, drugs are prescribed orally:
- anti-inflammatory drugs to eliminate the inflammatory process;
- analgesics to relieve pain;
- muscle relaxants to eliminate muscle spasms;
- anticonvulsants to eliminate compression of nerve endings;
- hondoprotectors for the regeneration of cartilage tissue;
- sedatives to relieve stress and support the nervous system;
- vitamin complexes to provide the body with the necessary nutrients and general strengthening.
To relieve pain, therapeutic blocks are used by injection directly into the affected area. The analgesic effect and the strengthening of local blood circulation are produced by ointments and creams applied locally on the affected area.
Physiotherapy procedures
Physiotherapy is prescribed both in parallel with drugs, and during the period of remission to maintain a stable position and prevent relapses. For medicinal purposes, use:
- traction and reflexology therapy;
- acupuncture with electrical stimulation and exposure to cold;
- cupping and acupressure massage;
- therapy with ultrasonic and electromagnetic vibrations.
Procedures performed by a specialist appointed by the doctor improve blood circulation, restore the functionality of damaged segments and increase vitality. Self-medication can cause a relapse, lead to deterioration and contribute to the development of pathology.