Osteochondrosis of the spine is a degenerative disease of the spine (i.e., associated with gradual tissue destruction and functional impairment).The main change is associated with the intervertebral disc (an elastic formation located between the vertebrae and is a type of shock absorber that softens the shock and vibration of the vertebrae relative to each other when walking).With osteochondrosis, the intervertebral disc becomes numb, hardens, and often protrudes into the spinal canal, where it can compress the spinal cord itself or its roots, causing corresponding complaints (pain in the arms and legs, back, numbness in the skin of the feet).
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the spine
- Pain in the back and neck: especially in the evening, after physical activity.
- A painful feeling of tension in individual muscles in the back.
- Numbness of the skin on the arm or leg (fingertips or as a separate strip of skin).
- Weakness in arm or leg muscles.
- Atrophy (thinning) of arm and leg muscles.
- Dizziness, headache: when the vertebral artery supplying the brain is compressed between the cervical vertebrae.
Form
- Depending on which part of the spine the greatest changes are localized, the following forms of osteochondrosis of the spine are distinguished:
- cervical spine osteochondrosis;
- osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine;
- osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine.
- Depending on the structural changes that have occurred in the intervertebral discs (elastic formations located between the vertebrae), the following stages of spinal osteochondrosis are distinguished:
- Stage 1: intradiscal movement of the disc core (solid formation in its center) to the side;
- 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 spinal cord root;
- Stage 4: gross changes not only in the intervertebral disc, but also in the surrounding tissue (overgrowth of bone tissue, strong pathological fixation of the vertebrae to each other).
Reason
- Excessive pressure on the spine:
- occupational hazards: heavy lifting (for example, for loaders), long-term work in a static (immobile) position;
- overweight, which increases the load on the spine;
- lifting objects that are too large (too heavy).
- Spinal injury: spinal fracture, ligament rupture.
- Hereditary causes: a tendency to gradual disruption of nutrition of the vertebrae and the tissues surrounding them (ligaments, intervertebral discs).
Diagnostics
- Analysis of complaints and medical history:
- how long ago did you have back pain, numbness in fingers and toes, and other complaints?
- whether work or household activities are associated with lifting heavy objects, maintaining an immobile back and neck position (sitting at a desk, etc.).
- Neurological examination: look for signs of neurological disorders (affecting sensitivity in 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 study 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 spinal bone tissue (osteophytes), which is also a result of malnutrition of the spine and sensitivity of the spine and can damage the sensitivity of the spine.
- CT (computed tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of the spine in the cervical and vertebral region: allow a layer-by-layer study of the structure of the spine and surrounding tissues (intervertebral discs, ligaments) and detect the thinning of the intervertebral disc, the presence and size of the protrusion (herniation) of the disc from the space between the vertebrae.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine
- Limit the load on the spine (do not lift heavy objects).
- Correct distribution of the load on the spine: for example, carry a bag not in one hand, but in both, which makes the load more even.
- Massage the back and neck collar area.
- Physical therapy: a set of exercises that strengthen the muscles of the spine.
- Swimming.
- Acupuncture: affects the local process of destruction of intervertebral disc tissue using injections with special small needles.
- Painkillers.
- Medicines that reduce muscle tension (muscle relaxants).
- For advanced processes (hernia prolapse 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 supplying the brain is compressed between the cervical vertebrae).
Prevention of osteochondrosis of the spine
- Gentle work regime: moderate weight lifting, refusal to lift too heavy objects, periodic changes in physical and mental labor (to "stretch" the spine).
- Active recreation.
- Gymnastics, morning exercise: daily performance of simple exercises that involve the spine (torso twisted, slightly bent).