Degenerative-dystrophic changes in the structure of the spinal column and surrounding tissues are called osteochondrosis. More than 70% of the world's population suffers from back pain accompanied by deteriorating mobility, and many of them did not even suspect that all this trouble is a sign of osteochondrosis, the most common disease of the spine. It is very important to identify the problem at an early stage, as the later stages of the disease are difficult to treat and with the onset of the disease you risk losing your mobility completely.
Today we will talk about how osteochondrosis is manifested and what symptoms accompany this disease.
Clinical manifestations of the disease
The process of destruction of osteochondrosis affects not only the bone-cartilage tissue of the spine, but also the blood vessels, arteries, nerve endings, so the symptoms, or rather osteochondrosis syndromes 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, the blood supply deteriorates, hypoxia develops - this syndrome is called vascular.
- Spinal deformity, which occurs during the disease, causes abnormal changes in the spine (lordosis, scoliosis, kyphosis), banal change of posture is a static syndrome.
- Disruption of nerve endings, blood vessels and arteries leads to deterioration of metabolic processes in tissues, the supply of nutrients to them, resulting in symptoms of osteochondrosis (in the form of ulcerative manifestations), which e. წ. Trophic syndrome.
- Disorders of the nerve endings are accompanied by numbness of the skin, deterioration of muscle response, such symptoms of the disease are called neurological syndrome.
The disease can affect any segment of the spine - the cervix, chest, waist, in addition, it often catches two sections at once. Signs of osteochondrosis directly depend on the site of its localization and the degree of destruction of the affected area.
Symptoms of cervical spine osteochondrosis
Nowadays cervical osteochondrosis is quite often diagnosed in the working population and the first signs that, as always, little attention is paid to are the frequent occipital headaches that gradually pass into the temporal region. Also, the initial stage of the disease is accompanied by discomfort, short-term pain in the cervical spine, cramps when turning.
In addition, without proper treatment, the disease progresses, the pain intensifies, the sensitivity decreases (this is due to the deterioration of the blood supply) to the upper shoulder girdle.
The apogee of the disease is the complete loss of motor activity of the upper extremities. Also, the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis that occur as a result of impaired blood supply are:
- Deterioration of the functions of the vestibular apparatus, dizziness, noise, wheezing, wheezing in the ears; Impaired visual function (blurred vision, flying in front of the eyes);
- Periodic loss of consciousness, shortness of breath and lack of oxygen are possible in the elderly.
In addition, a person may suffer from snoring, numbness, often feel cold in the fingers, have a high probability of impaired coordination of movements.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the chest region
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is a fairly rare disease because in this area the spinal column is less mobile and supports a strong rib frame. However, this disease occurs and the signs of osteochondrosis of the chest region are very diverse.
The initial stage of the disease is accompanied by pain in the chest, descending upper abdomen. Symptoms of breast osteochondrosis are often accompanied by manifestations of other diseases - cholecystitis, angina, and even renal colic. Often, the patient goes to the cardiologist with a complaint of pain in the heart area and after a thorough examination suspects osteochondrosis to consult a neurologist.
Depending on the location of the lesion (upper, middle, lower part of the chest segment), symptoms such as cough, so-called "feeding tumor", gastritis, increased blood pressure, arrhythmia, and bowel movements may be present. To rule out other diseases.
Symptoms of lumbar spine osteochondrosis
The initial manifestations of osteochondrosis are pain in the lumbar region, down to the lower extremities. During rest a person practically does not notice any discomfort, however if he performs physical labor, sudden movement or stays in one posture for a long time, the pain intensifies, accompanied by numbness and numbness of the lower extremities.
As the disease progresses, pain syndrome may be given in the groin area, and when taking a sacral, horizontal position, the person feels significant relief. Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine also has the following symptoms:
- Decreased sensitivity, tingling, peeling of the skin;
- Numbness of the legs, which may later turn into partial or complete paralysis;
- Feeling of coldness in the legs, it is caused by disruption of blood supply due to compression of arteries, blood vessels;
- Sweating function may be impaired;
- Also, due to disruption of blood supply to the lower part of the spine, a malfunction of the urogenital system is possible.
Any type of osteochondrosis is accompanied by deterioration of spinal motor activity, blood flow, compression of nerve endings, and spasm of muscle fibers. The initial degree of the disease responds well to treatment, which we can not say in the later stages, so it is very important to timely diagnose the disease and start treatment.
Knowing the early signs of osteochondrosis of the spine, you have every chance to completely overcome it, without the use of medication and surgery, at this stage complete recovery occurs after the use of physiotherapy procedures and therapeutic exercises. Be vigilant, listen to your body and then you will be able to avoid many problems.