Degenerative-dystrophic changes in the structure of the spinal column and adjacent tissues are called osteochondrosis. More than 70% of the world's population experiences back pain, accompanied by decreased mobility, and many of them have thisIt was also not suspected that all these troubles are symptoms of osteochondrosis, the most common disease of the spine. It is very important to recognize the problem in its early stages, because the later stages of the disease are difficult to treat, and starting the disease you can completelyrisk losing mobility.
Today we will talk about how osteochondrosis manifests itself, and what symptoms accompany this disease.
clinical manifestations of disease
The process of destruction in osteochondrosis affects not only the spinal-cartilaginous tissue, but also the vessels, arteries, nerve endings, therefore the symptoms, or syndromes of osteochondrosis, are combined according to the general clinical manifestations of the disease. ,
- Due to the transformation and destruction of the vertebrae, there is excessive pressure on the vessels, the main arteries, as a result, the blood supply deteriorates, hypoxia develops - this syndrome is called vascular.
- Deformation of the vertebrae, which occurs during the course of the disease, entails abnormal changes in the spinal column (lordosis, scoliosis, kyphosis), a normal change in posture is a stable syndrome.
- Violation of nerve endings, blood vessels and arteries leads to a deterioration in metabolic processes in the tissues supplying them with nutrients, resulting in symptoms of osteochondrosis (in the form of ulcerative manifestations on the skin), which are called trophic syndrome. .
- Violation of nerve endings is accompanied by numbness of the skin, a decrease in muscle reactivity, such symptoms of the disease are called neurological syndromes.
The disease can affect any part of the spinal column - cervical, thoracic, lumbar, in addition, it often captures two sections at once. Symptoms of osteochondrosis are directly related to the place of its localization and the affected area. depend on the degree of destruction.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae
Today, cervical osteochondrosis is most often diagnosed in the working-age population and the first symptoms, which, as usual, few people pay attention, are often occipital headaches, gradually moving to the temporal region. In addition, The initial stage of the disease is accompanied by discomfort, short-term pain in the cervical spine, a crunch when turning the head.
In addition, without proper treatment, the disease progresses, the pain intensifies, the sensitivity of the upper shoulder girdle decreases (this is due to the deterioration of the blood supply).
The apogee of the disease is the complete loss of motor activity of the upper limbs. In addition, the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis, which arise as a result of impaired blood supply, are:
- deterioration in the functions of the vestibular apparatus, dizziness, noise, ringing, whistling in the ears; impaired visual function (blurred vision, flies before the eyes);
- In elderly people, periodic loss of consciousness, shortness of breath and lack of oxygen are possible.
In addition, a person may be tormented by snoring, numbness, there is often a feeling of coldness in the fingers, there is a high probability of a violation of coordination of movements.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic vertebrae is a rare disease, since in this place the spinal column is less mobile and supported by a stronger rib frame. However, the disease does occur and the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region are very diverse.
The initial stage of the disease is accompanied by pain in the chest, which descends to the upper abdomen. Symptoms of breast osteochondrosis are often confused with manifestations of other diseases - cholecystitis, angina pectoris, even renal colic. Often, a patientComes to the cardiologist with complaints of pain in the region of the heart, and after a thorough examination he is referred to a neurologist with suspicion of osteochondrosis.
Depending on the location of the lesion (upper, middle, lower part of the thoracic segment), symptoms such as cough, so-called "lump in the throat", gastritis, increased pressure, arrhythmias and impaired intestinal motility may appear. , Therefore, before making an accurate diagnosis, the doctor should conduct a thorough examination to exclude other diseases.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
The initial manifestations of osteochondrosis are pulling pain in the lumbar region, radiating to the lower extremities. During rest, a person practically does not notice discomfort, however, should he engage in physical exertion, sudden movementsShould do or stay in one position for a long time, the pain sensation intensifies, accompanied by numbness of the groin and lower extremities.
As the disease progresses, the pain syndrome can be given to the groin area, while the sacrum, when taking a 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 develop into partial or complete paralysis;
- feeling of coldness in the legs, this occurs due to a violation of blood supply due to compression of the arteries, blood vessels;
- sweating function may be impaired;
- In addition, due to a violation of the blood supply to the lower spine, malfunctions of the genitourinary system are possible.
Osteochondrosis of any type is accompanied by a decline in the motor activity of the vertebrae, blood flow, compression of nerve endings and spasm of muscle fibers. The initial degree of the disease responds well to treatment, which is referred to as the later stages. Therefore, it is very important to timely diagnose the disease and start treatment.
Knowing the early symptoms of spinal osteochondrosis, you have every chance to completely overcome it without the use of drugs and surgical intervention, at this stage, full recovery occurs after the use of physiotherapeutic procedures and therapeutic exercises. Stay tuned, listen to your body and then you will be able to avoid many problems.