Pain in the spine when moving or
even at rest, it probably occurs in almost every adult.Such unpleasant sensations can be caused by many factors, from chronic eating disorders to serious diseases.But one of the most common causes of pain in the spine is osteochondrosis.
Osteochondrosis is a complex pathology that is primarily associated with disturbed nutrition of bone and cartilage structures of the spine.The consequence of this is the gradual flattening of the intervertebral disc, the deterioration of its cushioning properties, as well as the weakening of the muscle-ligament apparatus that supports the spine.
Today's scientists believe, strangely enough, that the main cause of osteochondrosis of the spine is an evolutionary factor.This is a sort of "impairment for walking upright".After all, with the vertical position of the body, the load on the spinal column will be maximum.The situation can worsen and accelerate the development of pathology:
- work that involves frequent bending, turning and sudden movements;
- constant sitting in the wrong position;
- Frequent lifting and carrying of heavy loads;
- intense practice of certain sports.
What are the types of osteochondrosis?
There are several variants of this disease, which are classified depending on which part of the spine the disorders occur in:
- cervical osteochondrosis;
- chest;
- lumbosacral.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
The main symptom of this disease is pain, which is caused by the compression of the nerve pathways coming out of the spinal cord.The pain can be constant, and it can appear in the form of attacks or shootings in the neck, shoulder and forearm.These are quite intense feelings, which are further intensified by sudden turns of the head or after a period of immobility (for example, after sleep).Also symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are:
- reduced freedom of movement in the neck;
- crunching heard when turning the head;
- constantly tense neck muscles;
- smoothness of the cervical curve of the spine;
- forced tilting of the head.
A dangerous complication here is the compression of the vessels of the neck, which impairs blood circulation in the brain.This causes constant headaches that are difficult to respond to analgesics, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, tinnitus and visual impairment.
Thoracic osteochondrosis
Pathology of the thoracic spine is characterized by pain in the entire chest, back, interscapular area, armpit and arms.Often, pain in thoracic osteochondrosis spreads along the intercostal nerves, becoming surrounding.
Pain during movement leads to limitation of their amplitude, the person feels restrained.In addition to motor disorders, all types of sensitivity, superficial, cutaneous and deep proprioceptive, also suffer.
The pathological process can affect the internal organs that are innervated by the roots of the thoracic spinal cord.This often causes pain 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 spinal column, because it is the lumbosacral region that usually bears the greatest load during walking, running, jumping and other active movements.The leading symptom of this pathology is pain in the lumbar region, which spreads along the sciatic nerve into the buttocks and down the back of the leg.
This pain is usually dull and painful in nature and is difficult to treat with analgesic drugs.The intensity of unpleasant sensations in lumbar osteochondrosis increases with sudden movements or prolonged immobility.Sometimes leg muscle weakness, muscle atrophy and skin sensitivity disorders also occur.The lumbar curve of the spine can flatten, limiting freedom of movement.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine
It is necessary to treat this pathology, because there is a high risk of complications such as disc herniation, which can only be eliminated surgically.Treatment of osteochondrosis includes pharmacotherapy, physiotherapy, physical therapy, massages, diet and orthopedic techniques.