Back pain when moving or
even at rest, it has probably occurred in almost all adults.These unpleasant sensations can be caused by a variety of factors, from chronic eating disorders to serious illnesses.But one of the most common causes of spinal pain is osteochondrosis.
Osteochondrosis is a complex pathology that is mainly associated with impaired nutrition of the bone and cartilaginous structures of the spine.The consequence of this is a gradual flattening of the intervertebral disc, a deterioration in its shock-absorbing properties, as well as a weakening of the musculo-ligamentous apparatus that supports the spine.
Scientists today believe, interestingly, that the main cause of spinal osteochondrosis is an evolutionary factor.This is a kind of “retribution for walking upright”.After all, with the vertical position of the body, the load on the spine will be maximum.The situation can worsen and accelerate the development of the pathology:
- work involving frequent bending, turning and sudden movements;
- constantly sitting in the wrong position;
- Frequent lifting and transport of heavy loads;
- intense participation in certain sports.
What are the types of osteochondrosis?
There are several variants of this disease, classifying them depending on the part of the spine in which the disorders occur:
- cervical osteochondrosis;
- chest;
- lumbosacral.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
The main symptom of this disease is pain, caused by compression of the nerve pathways that emerge from the spinal cord.The pain can be constant or appear in the form of attacks or shootings in the neck, shoulder and forearm.These are quite intense sensations, which intensify even more with sudden turns of the head or after a period of immobility (for example, after sleeping).Also the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are:
- decreased freedom of movement in the neck;
- crunching sound heard when turning head;
- neck muscles constantly tense;
- smoothness of the cervical curve of the spine;
- forced tilt of the head.
A dangerous complication here is compression of the vessels in the neck, impairing blood circulation in the brain.This causes constant headaches that are difficult to respond to painkillers, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, tinnitus, and visual impairment.
Thoracic osteochondrosis
Thoracic spine pathology is characterized by pain throughout the chest, back, interscapular region, armpits and hands.Often, pain in thoracic osteochondrosis spreads along the intercostal nerves, becoming enveloping.
Pain during movements leads to limitation of their range, the person feels constrained.Along with motor disorders, all types of sensitivity, both superficial, cutaneous, and deep, proprioceptive, also suffer.
The pathological process may also involve internal organs that are innervated by the roots of the thoracic spinal cord.So, pain in the heart and behind the sternum, pain in the right hypochondrium, in the liver region may often appear, and the functioning of the digestive system is disturbed.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar region
This is the most common type of osteochondrosis of the spine, as it is the lumbosacral region that usually bears the greatest load when walking, running, jumping and other active movements.The main symptom of this pathology is pain in the lower back, which spreads along the sciatic nerve to the buttock and down the back of the leg.
This pain is usually dull and aching in nature and is difficult to treat with painkillers.The intensity of discomfort in lumbar osteochondrosis increases with sudden movements or prolonged immobility.Sometimes there is also muscle weakness in the legs, muscle atrophy and skin sensitivity disorders.The lumbar curve of the spine can become flattened, limiting freedom of movement.
Treatment of spinal osteochondrosis
Treatment of this pathology is essential, as it presents a high risk of complications such as a herniated disc, which can only be eliminated surgically.Treatment of osteochondrosis includes pharmacotherapy, physiotherapy, physiotherapy, massages, diets and orthopedic techniques.