Degenerative-dystrophic changes in the structure of the spinal column and adjacent tissues are called osteochondrosis. More than 70% of the world’s population has experienced back pain accompanied by deteriorating mobility, and many of them have no idea that all of these problems are signs of osteochondrosis, the most common disease of the spine. It is very important to recognize the problem at an early stage, as the later stages of the disease are difficult to treat and risk a complete loss of mobility when the disease is started.
Today we will talk about how osteochondrosis manifests itself and what symptoms accompany this disease.
Clinical manifestations of the disease
In osteochondrosis, the process of destruction affects not only the bone-cartilage tissue of the spine, but also the blood vessels, arteries, nerve endings, so the symptoms or rather the syndromes of osteochondrosis are combined according to the general clinical manifestations of the disease. .
- Due to the change and destruction of the vertebrae, there is excessive pressure on the blood vessels, the main arteries, as a result of which the blood supply deteriorates and hypoxia develops - this syndrome is called vascular.
- Vertebral deformity during the disease leads to pathological changes in the spine (lordosis, scoliosis, kyphosis), a banal postural change is a static syndrome.
- Damage to the nerve endings, blood vessels and arteries leads to a deterioration of the metabolic processes in the tissues and their supply of nutrients, as a result of which the symptoms of osteochondrosis (in the form of ulcerative manifestations on the skin) occur. trophic syndrome.
- Violation of nerve endings is accompanied by numbness of the skin, deterioration of the muscle reaction, such symptoms of the disease are called neurological syndrome.
The disease can affect any segment of the spine - the neck, chest, lumbar, and often affects two sections at once. Signs of osteochondrosis depend directly on the location of the localization and the extent to which the affected area is destroyed.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae
Nowadays, cervical osteochondrosis is often diagnosed among the working-age population, and the first signs, which, as a general rule, pay little attention to, are frequent cervical headaches that gradually spread to the temporal region. Also, the initial stage of the disease is accompanied by discomfort, pulling short-term pain in the cervical spine, a crackle when you turn your head.
Furthermore, without proper treatment, the disease progresses, the pain increases, and the sensitivity of the upper shoulder girdle decreases (this is due to a deterioration in the blood supply).
The culmination of the disease is a complete loss of motor activity in the upper extremities. In addition, symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis due to impaired blood supply include:
- deterioration of the functions of the vestibular apparatus, dizziness, noise, ringing, whistling in the ear; impaired visual function (blurred vision, flies in front of eyes);
- in the elderly, intermittent loss of consciousness, shortness of breath and lack of oxygen are possible.
In addition, a person may suffer from snoring and numbness, there is often a cold feeling in the fingers, and there is a high probability of violation of movement coordination.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic vertebrae is a fairly rare disease because the spinal cord is less motile at this site and is supported by a strong skeletal framework. However, this disease occurs and the signs of osteochondrosis in the thoracic region are very varied.
The initial stage of the disease is accompanied by chest pain that sinks into the upper abdomen. Symptoms of breast osteochondrosis are often confused with other diseases - gallbladder inflammation, angina pectoris, and even kidney colic. It is quite common for a patient to complain of heart pain to a cardiologist and, after a thorough examination, be referred to a neurologist on suspicion of osteochondrosis.
Depending on the location of the lesion (upper, middle, lower part of the chest segment), symptoms such as coughing, called "sore throat", gastritis, increased pressure, arrhythmia, and impaired bowel movements may occur. . Therefore, before making an accurate diagnosis, your doctor should perform a thorough examination to rule out other diseases.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
The initial manifestation of osteochondrosis is pain in the lumbar region that radiates to the lower extremities. At rest, one practically does not notice any discomfort, however, if one does physical work, makes a sudden movement, or stays in a position for a long time, the feeling of pain intensifies, accompanied by numbness of the lumbago and lower extremities.
As the disease progresses, the pain syndrome may be applied to the lumbar region, while the sacrum will feel significant relief as it moves to a horizontal position. Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine also has the following symptoms:
- decreased sensitivity, tingling, peeling skin;
- numbness of the legs, which may later become partial or complete paralysis;
- feeling cold in the legs due to violation of the blood supply due to constriction of the arteries and blood vessels;
- sweating function may be impaired;
- and a malfunction of the urogenital system due to a violation of the blood supply to the lower spine.
Any type of osteochondrosis is associated with impaired motor activity of the vertebrae, blood flow, compression of nerve endings, and spasms of muscle fibers. The initial stage of the disease responds well to treatment, which cannot be said of the later stages, so it is very important to recognize the disease in time and start treatment.
Knowing the initial signs of osteochondrosis of the spine, there is every chance of completely overcoming it without medication and surgery, and at this stage, complete healing occurs after the application of physiotherapy procedures and therapies. Be alert, listen to your body and then you can avoid many problems.