The upset of the balance between physical and emotional stress, trauma and complications, hypothermia, and colds contributes to the development of osteochondrosis. The pathology is provoked by degenerative changes in cartilage segments and bone tissue. The increased mobility of the discs increases the likelihood of the process, as evidenced by the statistics of the largest distribution in the cervical and lumbar region. In addition to the spine, the joints of the upper and lower limbs are also affected.
Types and causes of osteochondrosis
Excessive overload of vertebral segments or joints, depending on their location and extent, is the main cause of osteochondrosis, which is divided into the following types:
- Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is a pathological process of unknown aetiology, but clinical studies have shown that it results in:
- hormonal disorders;
- improper posture;
- structural anomalies and curvatures;
- suffered injuries;
- professional activity related to stress or prolonged vibration of the column;
- goosefoot;
- restriction of physical activity or reverse process due to physical overload;
- overweight.
- Cervical osteochondrosis is a pathology commonly referred to as "salt deposition. "The main causes of cervical osteochondrosis are increased neck activity and the resulting tissue malnutrition, in the background:
- excessive stress on the neck;
- hypothermia and previous colds;
- uncontrolled sports without observing safety and security 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 inflammation of the knee, hip, elbow, and clavicle joints. The causes are as follows:
- injuries received;
- hereditary predisposition;
- violation of the patency of the branch of the adjacent artery.
Pathological disorders cause abnormal growth of bone tissue, dislocation of the discs and joints, and irritation of the nerve roots, accompanied by pain.
Symptoms of the disease
The clinical picture varies depending on the type of pathology. Shortness of breath occurs especially in osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine caused by:
- pain that is exacerbated by breathing and restricted movement in the chest area;
- intercostal neuralgia caused by irritation or damage to the spinal roots;
- secondary deformities in the thoracic region underlying kyphoscoliosis and decreased lung volume.
Due to the clinical picture, which is disguised as a symptom of other diseases, the pathological process is confused with angina pectoris, ischemia, pneumonia, gastroenterological disorders, as a result of which it is called "chameleon".
One common symptom is dizziness with osteochondrosis of the neck, which occurs due to compression of blood vessels and impaired cerebral circulation when insufficient amounts of oxygen and nutrients enter the brain. The pathology manifests itself with additional symptoms:
- loss of orientation in space;
- occurrence of noise in the head and ears;
- darkening of the eyes or flashing spots;
- throbbing headache;
- nausea and vomiting.
If you experience limited tongue movements and stagnation while walking, seek immediate medical attention and lie down face down before the patient arrives.
Symptoms of Koening's disease are determined by the stage of the process, from discomfort and rapid fatigue in the affected limb to increasing pain over time and visually increasing joint volume.
Therapeutic activities
Treating the disease requires an integrated approach, divided into periods. In the acute stage, drug therapy is prescribed, as well as physiotherapy and folk remedies. During the remission period, recovery is recommended at the resorts, but it should be remembered that spa treatment for osteochondrosis during exacerbation may not only be beneficial but also detrimental.
Drug treatment
In the acute phase of osteochondrosis, the medication is prescribed orally:
- anti-inflammatory drugs to eliminate the inflammatory process;
- analgesics for analgesia;
- muscle relaxants to relieve muscle cramps;
- antispasmodics to prevent 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.
Therapeutic blockades are used to relieve pain by injecting directly into the affected area. The analgesic effect and the increase in local blood circulation are exerted by ointments and creams applied topically to the affected area.
Physiotherapy procedures
Physiotherapy is prescribed both in parallel with medication and during remission to maintain a stable condition and prevent relapse. Use for medical purposes:
- traction therapy and reflexology;
- acupuncture with electrical stimulation and exposure to cold;
- cupping and acupressure massage;
- therapy with ultrasonic and electromagnetic vibrations.
Procedures performed by a physician-appointed specialist improve blood circulation, restore the functioning of injured segments, and increase vitality. Self-medication can cause relapse, lead to deterioration, and contribute to the development of the pathology.