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 cartilage segments and bone tissue. The increased mobility of the discs increases the likelihood of the process, which is confirmed by statistics of the largest 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 overloading of spinal segments or joints, depending on 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;
- bad posture;
- structural anomalies and curvatures;
- suffered injuries;
- professional activity associated with stress or prolonged vibrations of the pole;
- flat foot;
- limitation of physical activity or the reverse process due to physical overload;
- Overweight.
- Cervical osteochondrosis is a condition commonly referred to as "salt 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;
- practicing uncontrolled sports without observing safety measures and security measures;
- unfavorable conditions for meteorological factors;
- stressful situations;
- prolonged sitting position without change in 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. Causes of occurrence include:
- injuries received;
- hereditary predisposition;
- violation of the patency of the branch of the adjacent artery.
Pathological abnormalities cause 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 caused by irritation or damage to the spinal roots;
- secondary deformities of the thoracic region on the background of kyphoscoliosis and decrease in lung volume.
Due to the clinical picture, disguised as a symptomatology of other diseases, the pathological process is confused with angina, ischemia, pneumonia, gastroenterological disorders, as a result of which it is called "chameleon".
One of the common symptoms is dizziness with cervical osteochondrosis, which occurs due to compression of blood vessels and impaired circulation in the brain, in which insufficient oxygen and nutrients enter the brain. The pathology is manifested by additional symptoms:
- loss of orientation in space;
- the appearance of noise in the head and ears;
- darkening of the eyes or sparkling spots;
- throbbing headaches;
- nausea and vomiting.
If you experience limited tongue movement and stagger when walking, see an emergency doctor and lie on your stomach 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 worsens over time and an increase in the size 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 is recommended at resorts, but it should be remembered that thermal treatment of osteochondrosis during an exacerbation will not only be beneficial, but can also be harmful.
Medical treatment
In the acute stages of osteochondrosis, drugs 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 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 blockages are used by injection directly into the affected area. The analgesic effect and the improvement of local blood circulation are produced by ointments and creams applied topically to the affected area.
Physiotherapy procedures
Physiotherapy is prescribed both in conjunction with medication and during the period of remission to maintain a stable posture and prevent relapses. For medicinal purposes use:
- traction therapy and reflexology;
- acupuncture with electrical stimulation and exposure to cold;
- cupping massage and acupressure;
- therapy with ultrasonic and electromagnetic vibrations.
Procedures performed by a specialist appointed by a doctor improve blood circulation, restore the functionality of damaged segments and increase vitality. Self-medication can cause relapse, lead to deterioration and contribute to the development of pathology.