The human spine carries a heavy load, so over time, its tissues begin to collapse. It is the degenerative process that underlies the development of osteochondrosis, in which changes affect the vertebrae themselves, intervertebral discs, ligaments.
As the disease progresses, increased mobility of the affected vertebrae occurs, which leads to irritation of nerve fibers and the appearance of characteristic symptoms. Pathology can be localized in only one area or be systemic.
Common osteochondrosis is diagnosed if two or more areas are irritated. This type of disease is severe and occurs in every sixth patient.
Features of the disease
With age, the intervertebral discs age and wear out. Abnormal loads on the spine and improper lifestyle lead to disturbances in their tissues. Changing the location of the vertebrae and the condition of the discs provokes the development of osteochondrosis. This disease has characteristic symptoms.
Common osteochondrosis of the spine (according to ICD-10 code M42) is characterized by the fact that violations occur immediately in several parts of the spinal column. This form of the disease is considered the most severe. According to statistics, approximately 30% of patients have this particular diagnosis.
Often, the defeat of this disease is observed in people after 40 years. However, experts note that pathology can also occur in young people.
Causes of occurrence
Common osteochondrosis of the spine (ICD-10 - M42) occurs with the defeat of several departments at once. Pathological changes can begin in the thoracic region, gradually capturing the shoulders, neck, sacrum and lower back. The well-being of a person is significantly deteriorating, so the doctor needs to act very quickly.
The main reasons for the rapid development of the disease is joint osteoarthritis and osteochondrosis in one of the departments, which gradually begins to progress and affect adjacent areas of the spine and joints weakened by osteoarthrosis. Among the main causes of the disease should be called the following:
- previous surgery on the spine;
- age-related changes;
- weak muscle tone;
- excess weight;
- intense physical activity;
- malnutrition;
- metabolic disease;
- weak ligaments.
According to statistics, in about 15% of cases, patients with osteochondrosis are diagnosed with a common form of the disease.
Metabolic disorders and minimal activity lead to the gradual destruction of cartilage in the interdiscal space, as weak muscles cannot support the spine in the correct position. With heavy loads, the intervertebral discs are deformed and displaced, squeezing the blood vessels and nerve endings.
There are problems with blood circulation. Tissues do not get enough nutrition, oxygen starvation begins, which is especially dangerous with cervical osteochondrosis, as it can lead to the death of certain parts of the brain. Metabolic disorders also provokes swelling. As a result, hernias form in areas of displaced vertebrae.
Main symptoms
Symptoms of common osteochondrosis of the spine can be different. It all depends on which areas are affected by the disease. The first sign of the appearance of pathology is considered to be recurring back pain. Their appearance is often due to a sharp movement, a fall or just a lifting of gravity. The nature of the pain can be different, namely:
- slight discomfort;
- dull, pulling pain symptoms;
- backache with intense pain.
Among the symptoms of common spinal osteochondrosis occurring in the cervical spine, stiffness and soreness in the shoulders and interscapular region occupy a special place. Discomfort can also be in the chest and arms. Numbness and tingling are observed in this area.
In addition, common osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is expressed by the following symptoms:
- frequent headaches;
- dizziness;
- changing the tone of voice;
- hypotension or hypertension;
- hearing and vision impairment;
- tooth problems.
Additionally, pathological changes in other areas of the spinal column are observed. With common osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, the following symptoms occur:
- pain in the chest with a deep breath, sneezing, laughing;
- signs of intercostal neuralgia;
- restriction of movement of the trunk, arms, neck;
- disturbances in the functioning of internal organs.
Often, symptoms appear during movement and disappear at rest. With common osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, pain is observed when walking. There may be a tingling sensation in the legs and back. In the case of widespread osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral spine, there is difficulty in defecation and urination, spontaneous cramping and muscle weakness, impaired sexual function.
Diagnostics
The diagnosis of common spinal osteochondrosis is quite simple, as the disease has a pronounced symptomatology. Initially, the doctor conducts a survey and examination of the patient, and then prescribes additional research methods. These include the following:
- radiography of the affected area;
- CT
- MRI
During all these diagnostic procedures, images are required in all segments where osteochondrosis is suspected. It is recommended to be examined by a neurologist who can assess the dysfunction of the nervous system.
Treatment features
Treatment of common spinal osteochondrosis is mostly conservative. Therapeutic measures are selected based on the localization of pathological changes. Since it is extended, the treatment will be lengthy.
The complex of basic therapeutic measures often includes manual therapy, acupuncture, physiotherapy, physiotherapy. The course of the disease implies periods of exacerbation and remission. With exacerbation, anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed. Their action is aimed at eliminating swelling of tissues and relieving pain. With very severe pain, novocaine blockade is possible.
During remission, manual therapy is performed. It aims to expand the space between the vertebrae and release the transmitted nerve endings. When the bone elements are displaced, they return to their original position.
An important role is played by therapeutic exercises, however, it should be carried out only under the supervision of a qualified instructor. During an exacerbation period, physical activity must be ruled out, since complications may occur.
There are especially complex cases of the course of the disease, which may require surgery. However, such treatment is quite risky. Even a highly qualified surgeon cannot guarantee success. In addition, a long recovery is required. Do not bring the disease to an extreme degree. When the first symptoms of widespread spinal osteochondrosis appear, treatment should be carried out immediately to prevent the occurrence of dangerous complications. It is also important to change your lifestyle and periodically carry out preventive measures.
Drug therapy
Drug treatment of common spinal osteochondrosis is of particular importance, as the signs of the disease significantly impair the performance and quality of life of patients. Regardless of which department is affected, the following groups of drugs are prescribed:
- anti-inflammatory;
- local analgesics;
- muscle relaxants;
- B vitamins;
- chondroprotectors.
Anti-inflammatory drugs are considered the most effective drugs that help get rid of the symptoms of the disease. They reduce the severity of inflammation, pain, and even autonomic changes. The most popular are Diclofenac, Piroxicam, Indomethacin.
Local analgesics help reduce the intensity of pain in some areas of the back. Muscle relaxants suggest relaxation of the back muscles, which significantly reduces the severity of pain, and increase the range of motion.
B vitamins are required to maintain and stabilize the affected nerve tissue. They normalize nerve conduction by restoring a full metabolism. Chondroprotectors are long-acting drugs that gradually penetrate the cells of damaged cartilage. Inside the intervertebral discs, they stabilize the metabolism, which reduces the progression of the disease and reduces the intensity of symptoms. The best are considered to be Arthra, Chondrolon, Protekon. All medicines should be prescribed only by the attending physician, choosing the right dosage and course of administration.
Massage and physiotherapy
In the treatment of common spinal osteochondrosis, massage and physiotherapy play an important role. Physiotherapeutic techniques imply a physical effect on damaged tissue. They are aimed at normalizing metabolism, blood flow, reducing signs of the disease. Among the most common physiotherapeutic methods, it is necessary to distinguish the following:
- phonophoresis;
- electrophoresis;
- magnetotherapy;
- electromyostimulation;
- laser treatment;
- acupuncture;
- UHF therapy.
Back massage has the same goals as physiotherapy. It is necessary that the procedure was carried out by a qualified specialist in order not to harm the patient.
Physiotherapy
With common osteochondrosis of the spine, exercise therapy plays a very important role, since exercises affect not only the pathological process, but also eliminate the symptoms of the disease, which reduces the need for medication.
The first time physical therapy classes are carried out under the supervision of a specialist, starting from 30 minutes a day. Gradually, the intensity of the exercises and the frequency of their implementation increases, which allows you to bring back to normal tissue of the spine. The course of therapeutic exercises is complemented by swimming. This not only allows you to create the correct load on the back muscles, but also to exclude additional damage to the intervertebral discs.
Dieting
Nutrition in osteochondrosis should be aimed at providing the body with useful substances and controlling body weight. Excess weight can cause a deterioration in well-being. About a third of the diet should be proteins. They are found in fish, meat, legumes, nuts, mushrooms.
To strengthen bone tissue, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, and vitamins are required. An important part of the diet should be fresh fruits and vegetables, vegetable and butter, bran, dairy products, eggs.
Smoked, fried, salted dishes and semi-finished products should be discarded, as they not only contribute to the gain of excess weight, but also worsen the condition of tissues. If the pathological process has affected the cervical spine, then it is worth reducing salt intake.
Operation
In especially complex forms of common osteochondrosis of the spine, an operation can be prescribed, which implies performing plastic surgery of the intervertebral disc or replacing it with a prosthesis.
It is quite difficult to treat the disease in this way, since several parts of the back are damaged at once. However, when the process is running, the operation still needs to be performed. In this case, pathology is usually eliminated in the most damaged place.
After the operation, rehabilitation is appointed, which will help to restore the lost functions as much as possible.
Treatment for exacerbation
Common osteochondrosis of the spine (ICD-10: M42) is a complex disease characterized by periods of exacerbation and remission. In relapses, it is important to choose the right treatment that will help you quickly and effectively get rid of your existing symptoms.
Antispasmodics, anti-inflammatory, analgesics and diuretics are required. If the drugs do not have the desired result, then a novocaine blockade is prescribed, which helps to stop soreness for 2 days.
For strong fixation of the spine, protection against displacement of the vertebrae and reduce load, a bandage and cervical collars are used. When the patient's well-being goes into remission, the doctor prescribes procedures that do not overload the body much. It can be medical gymnastics or manual therapy.
Possible complications
If treatment is not done in a timely manner, then dangerous complications can arise over time. These include the following:
- degenerative disc disease;
- spondylarthrosis;
- stenosis.
Degenerative changes are the wear of one or more intervertebral discs, which normally absorb friction between the vertebrae. As a result of this, hernial protrusions may form. This often leads to compression of the nerve endings or even the spinal cord.
Spondylarthrosis is a lesion of one or more facet joints connecting adjacent vertebrae. As a result of the abrasion of the cartilage tissue, painful friction between the bones occurs and bone growths are formed.
Stenosis is a gradual narrowing of the spinal canal associated with compression of the spinal cord and nerve endings in the area where they enter and exit the spinal column. Often a similar problem is provoked by other types of osteochondrosis.
Prophylaxis
To stop the pathological process, it is necessary to carry out comprehensive prevention. It is important to follow these recommendations:
- try to move as much as possible;
- eliminate excessive physical stress;
- monitor your weight and metabolism.
It is necessary to tune in to the long-term treatment of osteochondrosis, since the first results of therapy appear after about 1.5 years.