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 cartilaginous segments and bone tissue. The increased mobility of the discs increases the probability of the process, which is determined by the statistics of 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 the location and grade, 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;
- wrong posture;
- structural anomalies and curvatures;
- received injuries;
- professional activity associated with prolonged stress or vibration of the pole;
- flatfoot;
- limitation of physical activity or reverse process due to physical overload;
- over weight.
- Cervical osteochondrosis is a condition commonly known as "salt deposition". The main causes of cervical osteochondrosis are found in increased activity of the neck and tissue malnutrition caused against the background of:
- excessive tension in the neck;
- hypothermia and previous colds;
- the practice of uncontrolled sports without observing the safety measures and security measures;
- unfavorable conditions due to meteorological factors;
- stressful situations;
- sitting for a long time without changing posture;
- exposure to chemicals.
- Dissecting osteochondrosis 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 adjacent artery branch.
Pathological abnormalities cause disordered growth of bone tissue, displacement of discs and joints, and irritation of 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 infringement 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 symptoms of other diseases, the pathological process is confused with angina pectoris, ischemia, pneumonia, gastroenterological disorders, which is why it is called "chameleon".
One of the common symptoms is dizziness with cervical osteochondrosis, which appears due to compression of the blood vessels and impaired cerebral circulation, in which insufficient oxygen and nutrients enter the brain. 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 blinking spots;
- throbbing headache;
- nausea and vomiting.
If you experience limited tongue movements and staggering when walking, seek urgent medical attention and lie on your stomach 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, visually visible.
Therapeutic activities
Treatment of the disease requires an integrated approach, divided into periods. In the acute stage, drug therapy is prescribed, in addition physiotherapy methods and folk remedies are used. During the remission period, recovery in resorts is recommended, but it should be remembered that the spa treatment of osteochondrosis during an exacerbation will not only be beneficial, but can also be harmful.
Drug treatment
In the acute phases of osteochondrosis, drugs are prescribed orally:
- anti-inflammatory drugs to eliminate the inflammatory process;
- pain relievers to relieve pain;
- 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 blocks 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 parallel with medications and during the remission period to maintain a stable position and prevent a relapse. For medicinal purposes, use:
- traction therapy and reflexology;
- acupuncture with electrical stimulation and exposure to cold;
- acupressure and cupping massage;
- ultrasonic and electromagnetic vibration therapy.
Procedures performed by a specialist appointed by a doctor improve blood circulation, restore the functionality of damaged segments and increase vitality. Self-medication can provoke a relapse, provoke deterioration and contribute to the development of pathology.