An imbalance between physical and emotional stress, trauma and complications, hypothermia and colds contributes to the development of osteochondrosis. It is provoked by degenerative changes in pathological cartilage segments and bone tissue. Increased disc mobility increases the likelihood of a process determined by the largest distribution statistics 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
Depending on the location and degree, overuse of vertebral segments or joints is a major cause of osteochondrosis and is divided into the following types:
- Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is a pathological process of unknown etiology, but according to clinical studies, it develops as a result of:
- hormonal disorders;
- incorrect posture;
- structural anomalies and curves;
- injuries received;
- occupational activity associated with stress or prolonged vibration of the pole;
- straight legs;
- the presence of a reverse process due to restriction of physical activity or physical exertion;
- overweight.
- Cervical osteochondrosis is a pathology commonly referred to as "salt deposition. "The main causes of cervical osteochondrosis are increased cervical function and tissue malnutrition in the background:
- excessive stress on the neck;
- hypothermia and previous cold;
- to play unsupervised sports without observing safety measures and security measures;
- unfavorable conditions for meteorological factors;
- stressful situations;
- sitting for a long time without changing posture;
- exposure to chemicals.
- Osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic process in which dissecans or Koening's disease begins with dystrophy and is followed by inflammation of the knee, thigh, elbow, and clavicle-shoulder joints. Causes include:
- injuries received;
- hereditary predisposition;
- violation of the openness of the branch of the adjacent artery.
Pathological abnormalities cause irregular growth of bone tissue, dislocation of discs and joints, and irritation of nerve roots accompanied by pain.
Symptoms of diseases
The clinical picture is different depending on the type of pathology. In particular, shortness of breath is seen in osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, caused by:
- increased pain with restriction of breathing and movement in the chest area;
- intercostal neuralgia provoked by irritation or disruption of the spinal roots;
- kyphoscoliosis and secondary deformities in the thoracic region against the background of a decrease in lung volume.
According to the clinical picture, disguised as the symptomatology of other diseases, the pathological process is confused with angina pectoris, ischemia, pneumonia, gastroenterological disorders, resulting in the so-called "chameleon".
One of the most common symptoms is dizziness with cervical osteochondrosis, which occurs as a result of constriction of blood vessels and disruption of cerebral circulation, in which insufficient amounts of oxygen and nutrients enter the brain. It manifests itself with pathological additional symptoms:
- loss of orientation in space;
- noise in the head and ears;
- darkening or trembling spots in the eyes;
- throbbing headache;
- nausea and vomiting.
If you feel limited tongue movements and confusion while walking, seek emergency medical attention and lie on your face before the patient arrives.
Symptoms of Coening's disease are determined by the stage of the process, from discomfort and rapid fatigue of the affected joint to increasing pain over time and an increase in the size of the visually visible joint.
Therapeutic activities
Treatment of the disease requires an integrated approach that is divided into periods. In the acute stage, drug treatment is prescribed, physiotherapy methods and folk remedies are used in addition. Rehabilitation in spas is recommended during remission, but it should be borne in mind that spa treatment of osteochondrosis during exacerbation will not only be useful, but also harmful.
Drug treatment
In the acute stages of osteochondrosis, drugs are prescribed orally:
- anti-inflammatory drugs to eliminate the inflammatory process;
- analgesics for painkillers;
- muscle relaxant to relieve muscle spasms;
- anticonvulsants to relieve nerve ending compression;
- hondoprotectors for cartilage tissue regeneration;
- sedatives to relieve stress and support the nervous system;
- vitamin complexes to provide the body with the necessary nutrients and overall strength.
Therapeutic blockades are used by injection directly into the affected area to relieve pain. Analgesic effect and strengthening 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 medication and to maintain a stable position during remission and prevent relapse. Use for medicinal purposes:
- traction therapy and reflexology;
- acupuncture with electrical stimulation and exposure to colds;
- cup and acupressure massage;
- therapy with ultrasound and electromagnetic vibration.
Procedures performed by a doctor-appointed specialist improve blood circulation, restore the functionality of damaged segments and increase vitality. Self-medication can cause relapse, worsen, and contribute to the development of pathology.