An imbalance between physical and emotional stress, trauma and complications suffered, hypothermia and colds contribute to the development of osteochondrosis. Pathology is provoked by degenerative changes in cartilaginous segments and bone tissue. The increased mobility of the discs increases the likelihood of the process, which is ascertained by the statistics of the greatest distribution in the cervical and lumbar regions. In addition to the spine, the joints of the upper and lower extremities are affected.
Types and causes of osteochondrosis
Excessive overload of vertebral segments or joints, depending on the location 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;
- improper posture;
- structural anomalies and curvatures;
- received injuries;
- professional activity associated with stress or with prolonged vibration of the pole;
- flat feet;
- limitation of physical activity or the reverse process due to physical overload;
- overweight.
- Cervical osteochondrosis is a pathology commonly referred to as "salt deposition". The main causes of cervical osteochondrosis lie in the increased activity of the neck and caused tissue malnutrition against the background of:
- excessive stress on the neck;
- hypothermia and previous colds;
- uncontrolled playing sports without observing safety measures and safety measures;
- unfavorable conditions for 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 clavicle-shoulder joints. The causes of occurrence include:
- injuries received;
- hereditary predisposition;
- violation of the patency of the branch of the adjacent artery.
Pathological abnormalities provoke a disorderly 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 appears 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 infringement of the spinal roots;
- secondary deformities in the thoracic region against the background of kyphoscoliosis and a decrease in lung volume.
Because of the clinical picture, disguised as the symptomatology of other diseases, the pathological process is mistaken for angina pectoris, ischemia, pneumonia, gastroenterological disorders, as a result of which it is called "chameleon".
One of the common symptoms is dizziness with cervical osteochondrosis, which appears due to compression of blood vessels and impaired cerebral circulation, in which an 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 vomiting.
If you experience limited tongue movements and staggering when walking, seek urgent medical attention, and lay face down before the patient arrives.
The 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 additionally used. During the period of remission, recovery is recommended at the resorts, but it should be remembered that the spa treatment of osteochondrosis during an exacerbation will not only not be beneficial, but can also be harmful.
Drug treatment
In the acute phases of osteochondrosis, medications are prescribed orally:
- anti-inflammatory drugs to eliminate the inflammatory process;
- analgesics for pain relief;
- muscle relaxants to eliminate muscle spasms;
- anticonvulsants to eliminate compression of nerve endings;
- hondoprotectors for cartilage tissue regeneration;
- sedatives to relieve stress and support the nervous system;
- vitamin complexes in order to provide the body with the necessary nutrients and general strengthening.
To relieve pain, therapeutic blockades are used by injection directly into the affected area. The analgesic effect and the enhancement of local blood circulation are produced by ointments and creams applied topically to the affected area.
Physiotherapy procedures
Physiotherapy is prescribed both in parallel with medications, and during the period of remission to maintain a stable position and prevent relapse. For medicinal purposes, use:
- traction therapy and reflexology;
- acupuncture with electrical stimulation and exposure to cold;
- cupping and acupressure massage;
- therapy with ultrasonic and electromagnetic vibrations.
The procedures performed by a physician-appointed specialist 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.