Spinal osteochondrosis

Spinal osteochondrosis is a chronic process of the intervertebral discs dystrophy, which is characterized by their elasticity and hydrophilia decrease (the discs seem to shrink, their height decreases). Because of the fluid loss, discs lose their damping function, and the spine is no longer able to withstand the loads. The fibrous disc membrane is getting thin and damaged; it creates micro-cracks and ruptures, through which the pulpous core contents can come out.

Thus, the intervertebral discs bulging develop toward the vertebral canal (so called protrusions and hernias). In addition, the functional spinal unit instability and the bone spurs formation (osteophytes) develop, that worsens the osteochondrosis course. Spine osteochondrosis leads to a reversible incapacitation across the population, and in 70% of cases back pain accounted for the main its cause. With age, the risk of its development significantly increases, but in recent decades, signs of osteochondrosis can be found in patients under 30 years of age.

Causes of osteochondrosis of the spine

All causes of osteochondrosis can be conditionally divided into 4 main groups:

1. The condition of the spine. Of course, the condition of the human spine itself is important: the presence of any pathologies or anomalies of the vertebral column, its distortions, back injuries, acquired or congenital posture disorders. Such people should pay more attention to the spine and monitor their health especially carefully.

2. Way of life and nutrition. The wrong way of life of people has led to the fact that nowadays osteochondrosis of the spine occurs even in teenagers. People spend a lot of time on computers and tablets, they don’t move much, they lead a mostly sedentary lifestyle, they don’t do morning gymnastics. Improper nutrition can also be mentioned here, because often office workers and freelancers are used to eating without leaving their desk, or, on the contrary, overeating late at night, which leads to metabolic disorders, weight gain, and obesity.
3. Physical load. A modern person doesn’t play sports much, and if he starts playing sports, he can often overdo it, which also has a bad effect on the condition of the spine. Heavy physical work, systematic lifting of loads also provokes the development of osteochondrosis, so residents of rural areas often complain of back pain.
4. External factors and associated diseases. Provocative factors include stress, constant nervous tension, hypothermia, poor living conditions, infectious diseases, among others. Some endocrine diseases and hormonal changes in the body can also serve as a background for the development of intervertebral disc dystrophy.

Osteochondrosis of the cervical and lumbosacral spine is most often encountered in the clinical practice of a neurologist. Osteochondrosis of the chest also deserves attention, but it takes only 3rd place after the two options listed above. If osteochondrosis affects 2 or more parts of the spine, then it is called “spread” osteochondrosis.

• osteochondrosis of the cervical spine;
• osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine;
• osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral spine;
• spread osteochondrosis – when the disease spreads to two or three parts of the spine at the same time.

Calling osteochondrosis of the spine a disease is still not entirely correct and correct, since the degenerative changes that occur in the discs refer to the natural aging process of the body. It’s just that in some cases it takes pathological forms and requires serious and comprehensive treatment. Therefore, you should not be afraid of this term prematurely, but you also do not need to endure pain.

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine is a difficult task, and a lot depends on the patient himself. A doctor is not able to control a person 24 hours a day, he can only explain, direct, advise and prescribe treatment, and all control over the implementation of medical recommendations falls on the shoulders of the patient himself or his relatives. Therefore, the success of treatment largely depends on this. It is necessary to understand that the treatment of osteochondrosis should include not only the traditional use of painkillers. This can cause complications from the gastrointestinal tract and cardiovascular system and will not bring the desired result. For the treatment of osteochondrosis, a comprehensive approach is necessary, taking into account all the individual characteristics of the patient. In the Bersenev Medical Center, a unique method of metamer treatment of osteochondrosis is used, which combines both medication and reflexotherapy effects on the compromised metamer. In addition, an individual treatment program is drawn up for each patient, which must be followed for the next 1.5-2 years (that’s how much is needed to achieve full remission of the disease and restoration of the intervertebral discs). In this program, the methods of therapeutic influence for home use, which are necessary for the patient, are described in a certain sequence and compatibility, recommendations and advice on physical therapy, nutrition, body weight correction and much more are given.

If you feel pain in your back and legs, you are often bothered by headaches and dizziness, after sleep your fingers are numb, your memory and attention are impaired, you note deterioration of vision and hearing, then you definitely need to consult a neurologist. Do not engage in self-medication at home and do not expect that everything will improve by itself – this way you will only lose precious time and lead to the fact that the disease turns into a chronic form and is burdened with new and new symptoms.

By contacting the Bersenev Medical Center, you will receive qualified medical care and be able to get rid of pain. Our clinic is staffed by specialists with many years of experience who have been trained in metameric treatment methods by Dr. Volodymyr Andriyovych Bersenev.

Learn more about non-operative treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine or make an appointment for an initial consultation by calling the contact center: (044) 238-22-31.