An imbalance between physical and emotional stress, trauma and complications experienced, hypothermia and colds contribute to the development of osteochondrosis. Pathology is provoked by degenerative changes in cartilaginous segments and bone tissue. Increased disc mobility increases the likelihood of the process, which is ensured by the largest distribution statistics in the cervical and lumbar regions. In addition to the spine, the upper and lower joints are also affected.
Types and causes of osteochondrosis
Excessive load 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 unclear etiology, however, according to clinical studies, it develops as a result of:
- hormonal disorders;
- incorrect posture;
- structural anomalies and curvatures;
- receiving injuries;
- professional activities related to stress or with prolonged vibration of the pole;
- Flat feet;
- limits of physical activity or processes otherwise due to excessive physical load;
- overweight.
- Cervical osteochondrosis is a pathology commonly referred to as "salt deposition". The main causes of cervical osteochondrosis lie in increased neck activity and tissue malnutrition caused by the background:
- excessive pressure on the neck;
- hypothermia and previous colds;
- playing uncontrolled sports without adhering to safety measures 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 an increase in inflammation of the knee, hip, elbow and collar-shoulder joints. Causes of the incident include:
- injuries received;
- hereditary tendencies;
- violation of the patency of adjacent arterial branches.
Pathological abnormalities give rise to irregular growth of bone tissue, displacement of discs and joints and irritation of nerve roots, which is accompanied by pain.
Symptoms of the disease
The clinical picture, depending on the type of pathology, is different. In particular, shortness of breath appears in osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, which is caused by:
- increased pain with breathing and restriction of movement in the chest area;
- intercostal neuralgia triggered by irritation or violation of the spinal roots;
- secondary defects in the thoracic region against the background of kyphoscoliosis and decreased lung volume.
Because of the clinical picture, which masquerades as the symptomatology of other diseases, the pathological process is mistaken for angina pectoris, ischemia, pneumonia, gastroenterological disorders, consequently it is called "chameleon".
One of the common symptoms is dizziness with cervical osteochondrosis, which appears as a result of compression of blood vessels and impaired cerebral circulation, in which insufficient amounts of oxygen and nutrients enter the brain. Pathology is indicated by additional symptoms:
- loss of orientation in space;
- the occurrence of noise in the head and ears;
- dark in the eyes or blinking spots;
- throbbing headache;
- dizziness and vomiting.
If you experience limited tongue movement and stuttering while walking, seek immediate medical attention, and lay your face down before the patient arrives.
Symptoms of Koening’s disease are determined by the stage of the process, from rapid discomfort and fatigue in the affected limb to pain that grows over time and an increase in joint volume, which can be seen visually.
Therapeutic activity
Treatment of the disease requires an integrated approach, divided into periods. In the acute stage, drug therapy is prescribed, physiotherapy methods and folk remedies are also used. During the remission period, rehabilitation is recommended at the resort, but it should be remembered that spa treatment of osteochondrosis during exacerbations is not only not beneficial, but can also be harmful.
Drug treatment
In the acute phase of osteochondrosis, medications are prescribed orally:
- anti-inflammatory drugs to eliminate the inflammatory process;
- analgesics for pain relief;
- muscle relaxants to relieve muscle cramps;
- anticonvulsants to relieve nerve endings compression;
- hondoprotectors for cartilage tissue regeneration;
- sedatives to relieve stress and support the nervous system;
- vitamin complex to provide the body with necessary nutrients and general strengthening.
To relieve pain, therapeutic blockade is applied with direct injection into the affected area. Analgesic effects and increased 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 relapse. For medical purposes, use:
- attraction 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 doctor -appointed specialist improve blood circulation, restore the function of damaged segments and increase vitality. The drugs themselves can cause relapses, lead to deterioration and contribute to the development of pathology.