Pain in the spine when moving or
Even at rest, it may occur in almost every adult.Unpleasant sensations like this can be caused by many factors, ranging from chronic dietary disorders to serious illnesses.But one of the most common causes of pain in the spinal column is osteochondrosis.
Osteochondrosis is a complex pathology that is mainly associated with impaired nutrition of the bone and cartilaginous structure of the spine.The result is a gradual flattening of the intervertebral disc, a deterioration in its shock-absorbing properties, as well as a weakening of the muscle-ligament apparatus that supports the spine.
Scientists today believe, strangely enough, that the main cause of osteochondrosis of the spine is an evolutionary factor.This is a kind of "payback for walking upright."After all, with the vertical position of the body, the load on the spinal column will be maximum.This situation can aggravate and accelerate the development of pathology:
- Work that involves frequent bending, turning and sudden movements;
- keep sitting in the wrong position;
- Frequently lifting and carrying heavy loads;
- Intense participation in certain sports.
What are the types of osteochondrosis?
There are several variants of this disease, classifying it depending on the part of the spine that occurs in:
- cervical osteochondrosis;
- chest;
- Lumbosacral.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
The main symptom of this disease is pain, which is caused by the compression of the nerve line emerging from the spinal cord.The pain can be constant, or it can appear in the form of attacks or shooting in the neck, shoulders and forearms.This is a rather intense sensation, which is intensified by a sudden turn of the head or after a period of immobility (for example, after sleep).Also symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are:
- decreased freedom of movement in the neck;
- crunching sound heard when turning the head;
- Constantly tense neck muscles;
- the smoothness of the cervical curve of the spine;
- Forced head tilt.
A dangerous complication here is the compression of the neck vessels, impairing blood circulation in the brain.This causes persistent headaches that are difficult to respond to analgesics, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, tinnitus, and visual disturbances.
Thoracic osteochondrosis
Thoracic spine pathology is characterized by pain throughout the chest, back, interscapular region, armpits and hands.Often the pain with thoracic osteochondrosis spreads along the intercostal nerve, becoming encircling.
Pain during movement leads to the limitation of their amplitude, the person feels in control.Along with motor disorders, all types of sensitivity, both superficial, skin, and deep, proprioceptive, also suffer.
Pathological processes may also involve internal organs coordinated by the thoracic spinal cord roots.Therefore, pain may often appear in the heart and behind the sternum, pain in the right hypochondrium, in the area of the liver, and the functioning of the digestive system is disturbed.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar region
This is the most common type of osteochondrosis of the spinal column, because it is the lumbosacral region that usually bears the highest load when walking, running, jumping and other active movements.The main symptom of this pathology is pain in the lumbar region, which spreads along the sciatic nerve to the back and back of the leg.
This pain is most often dull and painful and difficult to treat with analgesic drugs.The intensity of unpleasant sensations with lumbar osteochondrosis increases with sudden movements or long-term immobility.Sometimes there is also muscle weakness in the legs, muscle atrophy and skin sensitivity disorders.The lumbar curve of the spine can flatten, limiting freedom of movement.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine
It is important to treat this pathology, because it has a high risk of complications such as a herniated disc, which can only be removed surgically.Osteochondrosis treatment includes pharmacotherapy, physiotherapy, physical therapy, massage, diet and orthopedic techniques.