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 cartilage segments and bone tissue. The increased mobility of the discs increases the probability of the process, which is verified by the statistic with greater 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 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 obscure etiology, however, according to clinical studies, it develops as a result of:
- hormonal disorders;
- inappropriate posture;
- structural anomalies and curvatures;
- received injuries;
- professional activity associated with stress or prolonged vibration of the mast;
- 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 in the context of:
- excessive stress on the neck;
- hypothermia and previous colds;
- playing sports wildly without observing safety measures and security measures;
- unfavorable conditions for meteorological factors;
- stressful situations;
- sitting for a long time without changing posture;
- exposure to chemicals.
- Osteochondrosis dissecans or Koening's disease is a degenerative-dystrophic process that begins with dystrophy followed by increased inflammation in the knee, hip, elbow and shoulder blade joints. Causes of occurrence include:
- injuries received;
- hereditary predisposition;
- violation of the patency of the branch of the adjacent artery.
Pathological anomalies cause disordered growth of bone tissue, displacement of discs and joints, and irritation of the nerve roots, which is accompanied by pain.
disease symptoms
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 region;
- intercostal neuralgia caused by irritation or violation of the spinal roots;
- secondary deformities in the thoracic region in the context of kyphoscoliosis and decreased lung volume.
Due to the clinical picture, disguised as the symptomatology of other diseases, the pathological process is confused with angina pectoris, ischemia, pneumonia, and gastroenterological disorders, which is why it is called "chameleon".
One of the common symptoms is dizziness with cervical osteochondrosis, which arises from the compression of blood vessels and impaired cerebral circulation, in which an insufficient amount of oxygen and nutrients enter the brain. The pathology manifests itself by additional symptoms:
- loss of orientation in space;
- the occurrence of noise in the head and ears;
- darkening of the eyes or shimmering spots;
- throbbing headache;
- nausea and vomiting.
If you experience limited tongue movement and stagger when walking, seek urgent medical attention and lie face down before the patient arrives.
The symptoms of Koening's disease are determined by the stage of the process, which ranges from discomfort and rapid fatigue of the affected limb to pain that grows with time and an increase in the volume of the joint, which is visually visible.
Therapeutic activities
The treatment of the disease requires an integrated approach, divided into periods. In the acute phase, drug therapy is prescribed, physical therapy methods and folk remedies are additionally used. During the remission period, recovery is recommended at resorts, but it should be remembered that spa treatment for osteochondrosis during an exacerbation will not only not be beneficial, it can also be harmful.
drug treatment
In the acute phases 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 cartilage tissue regeneration;
- sedatives to relieve stress and support the nervous system;
- vitamin complexes to provide the body with necessary nutrients and general strengthening.
To relieve pain, therapeutic blocks are used by injection directly into the affected area. The analgesic effect and increased local blood circulation are produced by topically applied ointments and creams to the affected area.
physiotherapy procedures
Physical therapy is prescribed both in parallel with medications and during the remission period to maintain a stable position and prevent relapse. For medicinal purposes, use:
- traction therapy and reflexology;
- acupuncture with electrical stimulation and exposure to cold;
- massage with cups and acupressure;
- therapy with ultrasonic and electromagnetic vibrations.
Procedures performed by a specialist indicated by the doctor improve blood circulation, restore the functionality of the damaged segments and increase vitality. Self-medication can cause a relapse, lead to deterioration and contribute to the development of the pathology.