💃🏻 😊 🐍 How does osteochondrosis manifest: the first signs, causes and treatment 👩🏿‍🤝‍👩🏾 ✋🏾 🥁

Even almost a century ago, a person learned about a disease such as osteochondrosis, only being in old age. Today, doctors make similar diagnoses sometimes to twenty-year-old patients.

According to medical statistics, almost 90% of Russian residents have been diagnosed with a particular chronic pathology of the spine, including osteochondrosis. This is an ailment that causes malfunctions in the functioning of other body systems and deprives a person of ordinary joys, turning his life into a constant struggle with pain.

Pathology Description

According to medical terminology, osteochondrosis is a series of dystrophic disorders that occur in the cartilage of the joints. A similar phenomenon affects the intervertebral discs, affecting them and depriving the spine of mobility and flexibility.

How does the pathology develop? In connection with impaired blood circulation or metabolic processes, weakness of the muscles and ligaments of the back, as well as increased loads, negative changes in the intervertebral discs occur. They begin to receive a smaller amount of nutrients and water, which is why they dry out and wrinkle. At the same time, the intervertebral discs begin to crack, become less elastic and elastic. In this state, they are not able to fulfill the functions assigned to them by nature. They concern the protection of the spinal column from tremors and the distribution of load.

In the cracks appearing in the fibrous disk ring, the pulpous nucleus begins to leak out . The result of this process is the appearance of an intervertebral hernia, compressing the nerve roots and blood vessels. And even if osteochondrosis occurs without it, it seriously disrupts the functioning of internal organs and the autonomic nervous system.

Loss of depreciation of the vertebrae leads to their gradual destruction. The body struggles with a similar process, increasing the number of osteophytes formed. Their growth occurs, which causes a narrowing of the spinal canal, compression of blood vessels and nerve roots. Sometimes a person has a spasm of muscles trying to keep the spine in the correct position.

Compression of blood vessels and nerve roots causes severe pain, which intensifies due to edema that occurs at the site of the pathology. The disease can have a different localization. Depending on the place of its occurrence, osteochondrosis is divided into lumbar, thoracic and cervical.

The prevalence of types of pathology

About how often the disease occurs in a particular place, we can find out from the data of the World Health Organization. So, osteochondrosis, which is observed in the cervical spine, is diagnosed in 80% of cases. Not so often, the pathology manifests itself in the lower back. This is 16% of all patients who applied. The spinal discs in the thoracic region are most rarely affected. A similar type of pathology is detected in 4% of cases.

Why is the neck area most often affected? Explain this fact is quite simple. The fact is that the cervical vertebra in its anatomical structure has a poorly expressed body. Because of this, the cartilaginous plate has the appearance of a thin layer. This becomes the main reason that it is easily damaged, and then destroyed.

Stages of the development of pathology

In its dynamics, osteochondrosis goes through 4 stages:

The first degree is the initial stage of the disease. As a result of a long load on the spine, the process of dehydration or dehydration of the pulpous nucleus located in the intervertebral disc begins to develop. This causes a decrease in the height of the disk with the simultaneous occurrence of cracks in the fibrous ring. At this stage, a person usually has only slight discomfort after a long active movement or stay in an uncomfortable position.
In the second stage, the height of the disks decreases. This leads to a reduction in the distance between the vertebrae, which causes sagging vertebral ligaments and muscles. A similar process is very dangerous. After all, it contributes to the increased mobility of the affected vertebrae, which can slip or shift. The second stage of the pathology is characterized by discomfort and pain, which are especially pronounced with certain types of movements and load.
The third degree of osteochondrosis is expressed in the occurrence of protrusions and prolapse of the intervertebral discs. A similar phenomenon is accompanied by subluxation or arthrosis of the intervertebral joints. At this stage, with some types of movement, a person begins to feel insufficient mobility and stiffness. In addition, numbness or tingling sometimes occur in the limbs. Symptoms of this stage are manifested in pronounced pain in the neck, back, lower back or in the coccyx.
The final, fourth stage of osteochondrosis leads to hypermobility of the vertebrae, which violates the functionality of the entire spinal column. With a similar phenomenon, the body begins to fight. It begins the formation of new bone formations - osteophiles. On the one hand, this contributes to the fixation of the vertebrae, but on the other, it further infringes on the nerves. As a result, fibrous ankylosis develops in the intervertebral joints and discs. Symptoms of the disease may subside. But this happens only in the absence of infringements of the nerve roots and microtraumas.

Causes of cervical pathology

The sedentary lifestyle that modern society leads today leads to the development of this ailment. That is why office workers are most susceptible to osteochondrosis. After all, they have to be in a static position throughout the working day. And even during breaks in the work, the deep muscles do not relax. They continue to be in deep tension. A similar phenomenon leads to circulatory disorders, including in the spine, due to which the process of dystrophic changes in the intervertebral discs begins. Among other causes of cervical osteochondrosis are:

lifestyle, taking into account all factors, namely proper nutrition, regimen and existing bad habits;
heredity, which plays a role only in the presence of the previous factor;
autoimmune diseases, including lupus erythematosus;
hypothermia of the neck and back;
spinal injuries and bruises;
excessive physical activity;
flat feet;
scoliosis;
excess weight;
failures in metabolic processes;
age-related changes;
exhaustion of a neuro-emotional nature;
gastrointestinal diseases, due to which the body lacks nutrients;
hypovitaminosis;
pregnancy, especially if it is multiple, combined with a poorly developed muscular-ligamentous apparatus.

Among the main factors in the development of osteochondrosis, an uneven load on the spine is distinguished.

Often, the disease is a result of the habit of carrying a bag in one hand or on one shoulder, sleeping on an overly soft mattress or high pillow, occupying the wrong body position while sitting, wearing tight shoes or high heels.

Symptoms of cervical pathology

Osteochondrosis, manifested in this part of the spine, is a chronic disease. It is characterized by damage to the intervertebral space in the cervical region. If untreated, there is a risk of a hernia. How is osteochondrosis manifested? The main symptoms of cervical pathology are:

swelling under the eyes;
neck pains;
limited movement of the spine in the cervical spine;
numbness of the fingers;
headache.

The difficulty in identifying a disease lies in the fact that sometimes it can be confused with other types of pathology. So, numbness of the fingers is observed with thoracic osteochondrosis.

In the clinical description of the course of the pathology, several syndromes are distinguished:

Reflex. How does osteochondrosis of the cervical spine manifest in this case? With reflex syndrome, a person complains of acute pain. They appear in the cervical spine and intensify during movement. In addition, there is a strong muscle tension and discomfort in them.
Radicular. How is cervical osteochondrosis manifested in this syndrome? The patient has a decrease in reflex reactions and sensitivity. The probability of changes in the motor sphere is high. How is cervical osteochondrosis manifested? Neurological symptoms, including tinnitus, impaired vision and hearing, as well as pain in the arms and neck.
Radicular-vascular. How does cervical osteochondrosis manifest in this syndrome? The main symptom in this case is the weakness of the muscles of the shoulder girdle, in which the hands become numb.
Compression-spinal and cerebral. In this case, how does cervical osteochondrosis manifest? Symptoms of pathology are pain in the neck and shoulders, as well as a violation of sensitivity. In old age, myelopathy also occurs.

How does osteochondrosis of the cervical spine manifest in adolescents? At this age, the pathology is similar to migraine. Teenagers often have a headache, and also nausea, and sometimes vomiting. An accurate diagnosis in this case can be quite difficult to establish.

How is cervical osteochondrosis manifested? Symptoms of pathology are somewhat unusual. So, doctors have proven that one of the signs of this type of disease is an increase in the process of hair loss. The fact is that when the nerve roots located between the vertebrae of the neck are infringed, the regulation of the head blood vessels is disturbed. As a result, the bulbs are getting less and less the nutrition they need, which is why intensified hair loss occurs.

How is cervical osteochondrosis manifested? In rare cases, the patient's face goes numb. Sometimes pathology is accompanied by a crunch in the neck.

What can cause such an ailment? With the development of cervical osteochondrosis, the vertebral artery is compressed, due to which there is a supply of blood to the part of the brain - the cerebellum. If you do not carry out appropriate treatment, then this process leads to impaired coordination, a decrease in hearing and vision, as well as a stroke.

Neurological symptoms

How is cervical osteochondrosis manifested? Symptoms in the form of neurological manifestations:

Cervicalgia. It takes place at all stages of the disease. How is pain with osteochondrosis manifested in this case? She is dull and is felt in the neck in her deep tissues. Sometimes pains in this area are stitching. Such discomfort occurs throughout the day, and at night its increase is observed.
Inflammatory processes in the anterior scalene muscle. How is osteochondrosis manifested in this case? Pathology is expressed by pain, which occurs in the lateral region of the neck and tangibly gives into the corresponding arm. In addition, the patient, upon awakening, has aches in the fingers. A similar symptom is caused by inflammation of the roots and nerve fibers of the vertebrae C5-C7.
Cranialgia. A similar neurotic manifestation is characteristic of severe cervical osteochondrosis. In this case, burning pain symptoms arise over the eyebrows and in the crown of the head. Often, taking the most powerful painkillers does not help to relieve such discomfort.
Cochleovestibular. Such sensations are characterized by crackling and pain in the ears, which are the result of oxygen starvation.

Manifestations of cervical osteochondrosis at various stages

Symptoms of pathology at its initial stage of development are not obvious. As a rule, patients come to the doctor with complaints when the disease has passed into its second or third stage.

Nevertheless, it should be borne in mind that earlier detection of pathology, as well as its treatment, will avoid many negative consequences for the body. To identify osteochondrosis of the cervical spine in the first stage will allow symptoms such as:

shooting pains after sudden movements, uncomfortable posture and excessive physical exertion;
Dizziness
restrictions on neck mobility;
general weakness;
headache;
lump in throat;
tinnitus;
hearing loss.

Similar signs of pathology occur due to compression of the nerve roots and malfunctions in the blood circulation.

The progression of the disease and its transition to the second stage are indicated by increased pain, deterioration of overall well-being, as well as discomfort in the upper back, which is especially pronounced after a long stay in one position or during physical exertion. The vertebrae in this case begin their rapprochement, increasing discomfort. The displacement of the ligaments becomes the cause of increased pain during extension and bending of the neck and during its rotation. A protrusion of the disc leads to a violation of posture.

With osteochondrosis of the cervical spine of the third degree, there are:

visual impairment;
Dizziness
fainting
noise and buzz in the ears and in the head;
partial loss of control over the movements of the legs and arms;
headaches that do not go away even at night.

Osteochondrosis of the cervical fourth degree manifests itself in almost all organs and systems of the patient’s body. First of all, these are symptoms of malfunctions of the motor and brain centers, namely:

the inability to perform certain movements (lifting from a chair, turns, etc.);
constant pain syndromes in the area of the temples, crown of the head, arms, back and neck, which are boring and aching, sometimes growing and sometimes receding;
various types of neuralgia;
inhibition of brain activity, expressed by apathy and drowsiness, impaired attention and memory;
emotional outbursts in the form of tearfulness or aggression;
visual impairment in the form of reflections and double vision;
loss of consciousness and frequent fainting;
paralysis;
drying out or enlargement of one of the limbs;
noise and ringing in the ears;
trembling and numbness in the hands with the inability to control the movement of the limbs;
pains in the face, shoulders and jaw, as well as numbness or twitching of half of the face;
difficulty swallowing and the inability to complete a full breath;
pressure surges;
symptoms of heart disease - shortness of breath and angina pectoris.

Thoracic osteochondrosis

From the side of neurology, this type of disease is expressed by the following symptoms:

Dorsalgia. A patient has aching pain under the shoulder blade. He begins to lean forward. In addition, a person feels an unbearable heaviness, which is supposedly located in the upper back.
Swollen ribs and plexuses located near the collarbone. How is osteochondrosis of the thoracic region manifested in this case? A person feels discomfort when turning his back. In addition, you can observe the swelling that has arisen under the scapula.
Pain arising in the atrium. It's all about the inflammatory process that takes place in the xiphoid process. It occurs in connection with pathology of the spine. Despite the complaints of a person about heart pain, the ailment has no effect on the work of this organ.

The symptoms listed above are typical. Their consideration gives a complete picture of how osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is manifested. Such signs of the disease are accompanied by serious discomfort.

How does breast osteochondrosis manifest in women? The onset of the disease in representatives of the weak half of humanity begins with sensations of atypical symptoms. In men, this is not observed. The development of pathology is characterized by the appearance of typical signs.

How is thoracic osteochondrosis manifested? In women, the symptoms of the disease appear somewhat later than in men. How can this be explained? Pain in women is dulled due to the effects of estrogen - a sex hormone. In addition, the manifestation of the symptoms of breast osteochondrosis in women is dependent on the menstrual cycle, as well as on menopause. Accordingly, men have no such dependence.

In a strong half of humanity, thoracic osteochondrosis rarely causes another disease to develop. Patients also have to undergo a course of therapy from concomitant pathologies in almost 50% of cases.

How does osteochondrosis of the chest appear in women? Often they have nervous breakdowns and hormonal disruptions. In men, this is rather rare. In addition, when studying the question of how osteochondrosis manifests itself in women, it becomes clear that, regardless of the location of its localization, one of the symptoms of the disease is headaches. Representatives of the stronger sex do not always suffer from this syndrome. This happens only with pathology of the cervical spine.

How does chest osteochondrosis manifest in men?All symptomatic manifestations of the pathology intensify in them throughout the day. As for women, such dependence is not always the case with them.

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Features of the manifestation of the disease in this area are associated with the structure of the spine. In the cervical region there are a large number of blood vessels that feed the tissues of the face, brain and nerve roots. In addition, the vertebrae in this area are close to each other. In this regard, the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervicothoracic region in women are especially severe. The fact is that they have a weak muscular-ligamentous apparatus, as well as a more fragile skeleton. That is why even the smallest changes that occur in the structure of the vertebrae or discs immediately affect the functioning of the whole organism.

How is cervicothoracic osteochondrosis manifested? Specific signs of this type of disease are rare. Many patients complain of neck pain similar to a shock. They appear with a sharp tilt of the head or turn, as well as after a person is at a computer for a long time. This pain extends to the area of the shoulders and neck, and can also be felt in the region of the heart muscle. With any movement, the discomfort intensifies. Due to the occurrence of pain, as well as muscle spasm, spinal mobility is very limited.

However, the way osteochondrosis manifests itself greatly complicates its diagnosis. Most often, treatment of non-existent diseases begins. And this leads to even greater development of degenerative processes that worsen the condition of the patient.

How is osteochondrosis of the cervicothoracic spine manifested? With this human pathology, frequent headaches, dizziness torment him, he has fluctuations in blood pressure, hearing and vision deteriorate. In addition, periodic toothaches, as well as swelling and numbness of the tongue, may occur. Sometimes a person has a feeling of stiffness in the neck and snoring. Discomfort in the throat can lead to a reflex cough. Sometimes coordination of movements is disturbed and attention is impaired.

In a chronic disease that provokes compression of the nerves for a long time, the work of many organs worsens. Cervico-thoracic osteochondrosis in this case can cause muscle pain, weakness, and even their atrophy. In the most severe cases, a person may experience a sense of panic. A similar symptom is also characteristic of the pathology of the cervical spine.

How do panic attacks occur in osteochondrosis? In a person, shortness of breath begins to intensify. The pulse quickens, and the patient throws into a sweat. At the same time, it becomes very difficult to breathe. With bouts of pain in a person’s heart, he shivers or shivers. The head becomes heavy, and the psychological state clearly characterizes the patient as apathetic, lethargic and depressed. Often, for no reason, tears begin to appear in his eyes. Sleep also worsens and insomnia develops. Obsessive thoughts, sometimes even suicidal ones, begin to appear in the patient’s head. In the most severe cases, bouts of fear and panic are accompanied by confused consciousness and thoughts. A person with such attacks is afraid to die.

Pathology of the lumbar

A symptom of this spinal problem is pain. It focuses on the lumbar region. Discomfort affects the sacrum, as well as the lower limbs. How is lumbar osteochondrosis manifested? Other symptoms of the disease are:

numbness in the muscles of the legs;
pain transmitted to the genitourinary system;
backache, which occur in the lumbar region with a sharp change in body position, with severe coughing and when lifting weights;
dry skin and a change in its color to bluish;
scoliosis, as well as distortion of the spinal column.

How is lumbar osteochondrosis manifested? The presence of the disease can also be suspected in those cases when a person, after being at rest, has pain that is weaker and quieter, aggravating with sudden movements and with weight lifting.

In this case, uncomfortable sensations are localized in the lumbar region. This type of osteochondrosis can be recognized by symptoms such as:

constant tension of the back muscles;
pulling sensations in the lower back, as well as dull pain in this area, sometimes radiating to the leg, which occurs, as a rule, with physical effort;
sweating disorder;
increased pain when trying to straighten your back;
varicose veins;
disruptions in the menstrual cycle (in women);
impaired sexual function (in men).

Osteochondrosis Treatment

It is possible to get rid of pathology of the spine only with an integrated approach. In this case, the duration of treatment will depend on the stage and range from 1 to 3 months. Subsequently, the patient will need supportive measures to consolidate the results. They sometimes last up to 1 year.

Depending on the degree of pathology, therapy can be carried out using two directions. The first of these is conservative treatment. It is a medication prescribed by a doctor, as well as the implementation of special exercises.

In the absence of positive dynamics of the disease, as well as its progression against the background of prolonged use of conservative therapy, the method of surgical intervention is used.

In addition to medical methods, patients with osteochondrosis are recommended to follow a diet, as well as the application of measures necessary for successful rehabilitation.

How does osteochondrosis manifest: the first signs, causes and treatment