Osteochondrosis is a systemic disease of the musculoskeletal system (specifically, cartilage tissue), manifested by a complex of degenerative changes in cartilage with changes in its consistency, density, and metabolic disorders of cartilage tissue. Osteochondrosis of the hip is a common occurrence in patients today, since most of the population leads a sedentary lifestyle.
If the cartilage tissue is excessively weak, the outer layer of intervertebral cartilage may rupture and the nucleus pulposus may come out. This phenomenon is called a herniated disc or herniated disc. The cause is osteochondrosis. A hernia can be complicated or uncomplicated. A hernia becomes complicated when it protrudes towards the spinal canal with compression of the spinal cord. Most often this phenomenon is observed in the lumbar spine. Due to compression of the spinal cord, the sensitivity and function of the muscles and organs located below the compression site are impaired. With this hernia, urinary incontinence, intestinal atony, and numbness in the genital area will be observed.
If compression of the spinal cord does not occur, and the nucleus pulposus protrudes towards the spinous processes of the vertebrae, the hernia becomes uncomplicated. Its main manifestations are disruption of active movements with a decrease in their volume.
One of the types of intervertebral hernia is Schmorl's hernia. This hernia develops as a result of a hereditary defect and appears in childhood. Due to underdevelopment of bone tissue in the area of the articular surfaces of the vertebrae, the end plate is pushed deep into the cancellous substance of the vertebra by the nucleus pulposus. These hernias are a predisposing factor to the development of compression fractures of the vertebral bodies. Spinal hernia is common in young mothers after cesarean section. One of the symptoms of having one may be pain that radiates to a woman’s leg.
As mentioned, osteochondrosis most often affects the lumbosacral spine, since it bears the greatest load. Due to damage to the intervertebral discs in this area, symptoms appear such as pain that radiates to the leg, hips, and causes numbness.
As is known, between the vertebrae there are openings formed by the body and pedicles of the vertebra or the lateral processes of two successive vertebrae. Spinal nerves and roots pass through these openings or canals. The spinal ganglia are also located there.
Normally, the size of this hole allows the spinal cord roots to pass through them freely. As a result of a decrease in the thickness of the cartilage, these holes become smaller and these roots are compressed. Because of this, sensitivity in the area of the nerves extending from this root is impaired.
Pain develops as a result of compression of the afferent branch of the neural arch. Because of this, such patients are seen by a neurologist, who already verifies the diagnosis. Often, due to damage to the roots and the development of muscle hypotonia, the gait of patients is disturbed, unsteadiness and lameness appear. Patients cannot stand on their feet for a long time, as osteochondrosis causes extreme pain.
Unlike the lumbosacral region, osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is much less common, however, it is with this form of osteochondrosis that strangulation of the hernia is more often observed. The main symptom of such osteochondrosis is the development of pain, the main feature of which is referred pain. Such pain can simulate diseases of other internal organs, such as the lungs and heart.
The most frequently simulated pain is in the lungs. A clinical picture of pneumonia or pleurisy appears - increased pain with a deep breath, but the pain is not accompanied by a significant temperature or cough. Therefore, patients often do not seek medical help, believing that they have contracted a respiratory disease, and are treated at home, but to no avail. A general examination of the patient, auscultation of the lungs and percussion can help determine an accurate diagnosis. Self-medication in such a situation can only do harm. Pain in the lungs will only get worse over time if nothing is done, and medications prescribed incorrectly will cause harm.
Most often, treatment of osteochondrosis is carried out on an outpatient basis, rarely in a hospital setting. Treatment is predominantly conservative, aimed at relieving pain and improving metabolic processes in the intervertebral cartilage.
Treatment consists of procedures such as massage, spinal traction, kinesitherapy, manual therapy, reflexology, and physiotherapy.
As can be seen from the above, osteochondrosis is “a disease of lazy and old people.” In order to prevent its development, it is recommended to review your daily routine and diet. You should start doing exercises and physical exercises, especially when working for a long time while maintaining a forced body position. The diet should be varied with vitamins, proteins, and calcium-containing foods. At the first manifestations of classic osteochondrosis of the hip, you should immediately consult a doctor to draw up an action plan to restore the affected discs. You should not self-medicate, as these signs and symptoms may hide a completely different disease. For example, pulmonary osteochondrosis can be confused with a cold. Because of this, it is recommended to undergo a whole range of diagnostic measures in order to clarify the diagnosis.
Osteochondrosis is a pathology of the spine that can affect different parts of it. So, for example, with osteochondrosis of the chest (as well as other localizations), changes primarily affect the intervertebral discs, against the background of which bone tissue grows.
Thoracic osteochondrosis is a rare disease that is diagnosed due to the fact that this part of the spine is practically immobile. The load on it is minimal, because the muscles of the chest and back take it over.
Of course, with osteochondrosis of the chest, pain can radiate to the mammary glands. They can be different in strength: weak and intense, and therefore it is not always possible to detect the development of such a serious pathology (especially if the course is asymptomatic in the initial stages). The causative factors and symptoms of this diagnosis may vary.
The reasons why thoracic osteochondrosis develops primarily lie in a sedentary and sedentary lifestyle. The growths that form on the bones increase in size over time, pinching the nerve and causing discomfort.
All muscles that are squeezed or pinched transmit signals to the nervous system. And due to the fact that the growths constantly put pressure on the nerves, the spasms intensify when coughing and making sudden movements. Depending on which nerves are pinched, the pain can be nagging or sharp, localized or radiate to different parts of the body.
Symptoms of chest pain caused by osteochondrosis include the following:
It is important to know that such symptoms of osteochondrosis can be confused with any heart disease. That is why, when they appear, you need to consult a doctor to make a correct diagnosis. A distinctive feature of the development of osteochondrosis can be called aching, prolonged pain, which intensifies with sudden movements. Such symptoms of this disease can last up to two weeks, dramatically affecting the general condition.
With osteochondrosis of the chest, painful sensations can manifest themselves in the following types:
The most important thing is to make a correct diagnosis and begin timely treatment. In addition, pain in the mammary glands is not the first symptom of osteochondrosis; it can appear already in an advanced form of the disease. With this diagnosis, pain shoots into both the right and left sides of the chest.
In order to identify the development of spinal disease, you need to pay attention to the nature of the spasms. First of all, you need to find out the duration of pain in the chest and their nature. Below you will find information about how osteochondrosis develops and how to distinguish it from heart diseases.
For heart diseases:
As a rule, these diseases develop after 45 years of age, which means that it is definitely not possible to identify a diagnosis according to the patient’s age. But as statistics show, female osteochondrosis of the chest develops much more often than male osteochondrosis. In addition, ischemia or infarction can occur against the background of osteochondrosis. Therefore, timely diagnosis is an important step on the path to health, because Treatment for these conditions varies significantly.
In order to identify an accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to carry out the following diagnostic methods:
It is also worth noting that pain in the mammary glands can appear not only with osteochondrosis of the chest, but also with damage to the cervical spine. In this case, they may not be so long-lasting, but in nature they may also resemble the symptoms of angina pectoris. Although their localization is the same.
Every sixth patient who comes to the doctor with cardiological complaints is diagnosed with osteochondrosis after examination.
To relieve unpleasant and painful sensations, the doctor may prescribe an analgesic (Falimint, Baralgin) and anti-inflammatory drug (Rimadil R, Nimesulide, Diklak). Recently, studies have been completed that have proven the greatest effectiveness and safety of Paracetamol in comparison with non-steroids, previously considered the No. 1 drug for pain relief. When the nerve endings are compressed, the doctor also prescribes anticonvulsants (Vimpat, Diphenin, Lamictal).
If the drugs described above are ineffective, then a novocaine blockade is performed, which has the following effects:
Also, a doctor may prescribe broad-spectrum NSAIDs to relieve chest pain due to osteochondrosis. But in order to ensure that spasms are observed as rarely as possible, it is recommended to perform the following measures:
In addition, it is recommended to take a more comfortable position while sleeping and during work. This is what will allow you to relieve spasms in a non-drug way. In order to relieve pain in the projection of the mammary glands, the patient requires bed rest and compliance with certain rules during sleep. These recommendations include the following:
As a comprehensive treatment, the doctor may prescribe the following medications:
Osteochondrosis is a serious disease that affects different parts of the spine, in which pain can radiate to different parts of the body: in the limbs, in the neck, in parts of the chest.
Sacral osteochondrosis develops very rarely; most often the disease spreads to the lower back. The disease occurs due to a sedentary lifestyle, when a person spends a long time at the computer, all this affects the flexor muscles of the back. Due to the fact that they bear a large number of loads, muscle tone decreases, which is why sacral osteochondrosis develops.
The disease often occurs due to heredity; if someone in your family suffers from radiculitis, you may have sacral osteochondrosis.
Often sacral osteochondrosis develops due to physical activity. When a person carries heavy weights for a long time, all this negatively affects the spinal muscles, then the ligamentous spinal apparatus is affected, which is why sacral osteochondrosis develops.
I am bothered by unpleasant pain sensations in the sacrum, lower back, and sciatic nerve; the lower extremities get cold, and then over time the sensitivity in them decreases. Due to osteochondrosis in the sacral region, shooting pain occurs, first in the hip area, then radiates to the feet.
Pain in the back of the legs can often be bothersome; it is localized in the heels and feet. Areas may become numb. Due to the fact that vascular exchange in the lower legs is disrupted, they are constantly cold, and chilliness appears in the feet and lower legs.
When a patient's sacrum is affected, paresis may occur in some of the lower leg muscles. The following symptoms may also often occur:
1. After a person lies on his back and raises his legs up, the pain increases and radiates to the buttocks, lower back, and thighs.
2. When the head is tilted sharply, the pain intensifies in the legs and lower back.
3. When a person sits down from a lying position, the leg can bend reflexively.
4. Pain in the lumbar region worsens when a person sneezes or coughs.
With the help of radiography and MRI, you can accurately find out about the diagnosis – osteochondrosis of the sacral spine.
The disease is treated with conservative and surgical methods. The conservative method of treatment uses non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - Diclofenac, tablets, ointments or injections can be used.
If the pain due to osteochondrosis in the sacral region is very severe, special blockades are used, which can be used to get rid of the pain.
The course of therapy for osteochondrosis must be comprehensive; physical therapy, massage, manual therapy, and physiotherapeutic procedures are often additionally used.
In cases where osteochondrosis of the sacral region is complicated by radiculoischemia, a hernia in the intervertebral disc,
You need to constantly monitor the condition of your spine. It is necessary to perform a special set of exercises to strengthen the spine. The horizontal bar has a positive effect on the condition of the spine, so you can relax it.
It is important to sleep in the correct position. The best position is on the back, make sure that there are no different bends or irregularities on it, because of which the spine can be deformed.
The diet should be balanced, it should contain as much fermented milk products, legumes, and seafood as possible, with their help you can improve metabolic processes. The spine should rest; it is also recommended to straighten and stretch while working.
1. Reduce pain.
2. Relieve tension, strengthen the muscular system in the lower back, pelvis, and legs.
3. Improve blood circulation, normalize metabolism.
4. Stop the inflammatory process in the sacral area.
5. Restore sensitivity in the lumbosacral region.
6. Restore the functionality of the pelvic organs.
Painful sensations can be relieved with the help of Renalgan, Analgin, Dexalgin. Sometimes these drugs are combined with Diphenhydramine. In some situations, steroid hormones and anti-inflammatory drugs are used. They may prescribe ointments and injections, which can be used to relieve swelling. You can get rid of pain using a modern procedure - paravertebral blockade, when novocaine is injected into the sacral region.
Analgesics are prescribed, as well as drugs that can help strengthen the immune system - Thymogen, Pentoxyl. An intravenous drip with Trental and Pentoxifylline is prescribed. All of the above drugs cannot be used independently, only after a doctor’s prescription.
They use laser, phonophoresis, magnetic resonance therapy, and amplipulse. To get rid of the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the sacral region, massage, acupuncture, and a special complex of gymnastics help.
Acupuncture is used on the auricle, lower back, and with the help of these points you can influence the entire body. Acupuncture plays an important role.
The best treatment method is massage, which is performed in a lying position. It can be used to straighten the spine. The massage therapist uses kneading and stroking techniques. It is important to perform a comprehensive massage. Thoroughly rub the collar area, lower limbs, and pelvic area to improve blood circulation.
You can restore vertebrae and discs that are displaced using manual therapy, using your hands to influence the spine.
Using a special set of exercises, you can relieve pain and relax tension in the back muscles. Gymnastics are allowed to be performed when the disease worsens, only in a supine position. To do this, you need to place a cushion under your head, bend your knees and stretch your body on a hard and flat surface. If the pain becomes unbearable, you need to adhere to bed rest.
Thus, osteochondrosis of the sacral region is a serious disease that is easier to prevent than to treat.