Pain in the spine during movement or
even at rest, it probably happened to almost all adults.Such discomfort can be caused by many factors, from chronic eating disorders to serious illnesses.But one of the most common causes of spinal column pain is osteochondrosis.
Osteochondrosis is a complex pathology, which is primarily associated with nutritional disorders of the bones and cartilaginous structures of the spine.The consequence of this is the gradual flattening of the intervertebral disc, the deterioration of its shock-absorbing properties, and the weakening of the musculo-ligamentous apparatus that supports the spine.
Today's scientists strangely believe that the main cause of osteochondrosis of the spine is an evolutionary factor.This is a kind of "payback for walking straight".After all, with the vertical position of the body, the load on the spinal column will be maximum.The situation can aggravate and accelerate the development of pathology:
- work involving frequent bending, turning and sudden movements;
- constant sitting in the wrong position;
- frequent lifting and carrying of heavy loads;
- intensive participation in certain sports.
What are the types of osteochondrosis?
There are several variants of this disease, which can be classified according to which part of the spine the abnormalities 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 exiting the spinal cord.The pain can be constant, but it can appear in attacks or shootings in the neck, shoulders and forearms.These are quite intense sensations, which are further intensified after sudden turns of the head or a certain immobility (for example, after sleep).The symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are also the following:
- reduced freedom of movement in the neck;
- a crackling sound is heard when turning the head;
- constantly tense neck muscles;
- the smoothness of the cervical curvature of the spine;
- forced head tilt.
A dangerous complication here is the compression of the neck vessels, which impairs the blood circulation of the brain.This causes constant headaches, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, tinnitus and visual impairment that are difficult to respond to painkillers.
Thoracic osteochondrosis
Pathology of the thoracic spine is characterized by pain throughout the chest, back, interscapular region, armpits and hands.Often, the pain caused by thoracic osteochondrosis spreads along the intercostal nerves and surrounds them.
Pain during movement leads to a limitation of their amplitude, the person feels restricted.In addition to motor disorders, all types of sensitivity are affected, both superficial and cutaneous, as well as deep, proprioceptive.
The pathological process can also affect internal organs that are innervated by the roots of the thoracic spinal cord.Thus, pain can often appear in the heart and behind the sternum, pain in the right hypochondrium, in the area of the liver, 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 the lumbosacral region usually bears the greatest load during walking, running, jumping and other active movements.The main symptom of this pathology is pain in the lumbar region, which spreads along the sciatic nerve to the buttocks and the back of the leg.
This pain is most often dull and aching and difficult to treat with painkillers.The intensity of discomfort associated with lumbar osteochondrosis increases with sudden movements or long-term immobility.Sometimes there is also muscle weakness in the legs, muscle atrophy and skin sensitivity disorders.The lumbar curve of the spine can flatten, which limits freedom of movement.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine
This pathology must be treated, as there is a high risk of complications, such as disc herniation, which can only be removed surgically.Treatment of osteochondrosis includes medication, physiotherapy, physical therapy, massages, diets and orthopedic techniques.