Chondrolysis is a damage to the cartilage between joints and between vertebrae.Osteonecrosis is diagnosed in all joints without exception, however, according to medical statistics, such lesions are more common in intervertebral discs.
Function of the intervertebral disc
The main function of the intervertebral disc is to absorb shock when walking and running.Few people think about the load placed on the spine when exercising.Every step creates a push on the vertebrae.If there were no discs between them, the bones would wear out very quickly and the nerve endings of the spine would constantly be compressed between the vertebrae.
Its ability to absorb shock depends on the quality of the intervertebral disc.The younger the person, the more elastic the disc.In infants, joint cartilage and intervertebral discs are composed of almost 80% water, making them as elastic as possible, like a sponge.With age, tissues deteriorate, dry out, become less flexible and lose their shock-absorbing properties.The older a person is, the higher the risk of osteochondrosis complications, manifested by:
- hernia;
- radiculitis;
- protruding.
Symptoms of intervertebral disc disease
There is osteoarthritis in the neck, chest and lumbar region.At the same time, problems in the cervical region may not be accompanied by any characteristic pain, while problems in the thoracic region may manifest themselves with pain not in the spine, but in the chest, which is why patients often confuse them with pain in the heart or bronchi.
Sometimes cervical spondylosis manifests itself with pain in the arms.If there is no obvious injury that could cause pain in the arm, such a symptom is reason to examine the cervical spine.
If the pain is concentrated in the sacrum and spreads to the legs and buttocks (usually only on one side), this indicates that the lumbar disc has been damaged.After applying pressure to the damaged area, you may experience numbness in your legs or arms or tingling in one of your limbs.The main prominent symptoms of osteochondrosis in the intervertebral space are:
- Pain in the sacrum area, making it impossible to sit.
- Back pain prevents you from bending over.
- The pain gradually decreases when walking.
At the first signs of disc damage, you must avoid heavy physical activity on your back, that is, do not lift any heavy objects.
Why does bone degeneration occur?
There are several reasons that affect the condition of the disc.These include smoking and excessive exercise, especially when daily activities involve heavy lifting.On the other hand, a sedentary lifestyle and poor nutrition are a sure path to disc destruction.In addition, specific work that forces you to hold your torso in an uncomfortable position, a constant load on only one shoulder, as well as sleeping on an improperly chosen mattress all pose a risk of developing osteoarthritis.
Sleep properly on mattresses of moderate hardness so that the spine is in a natural, regular position when resting.Soft feather beds just seem comfortable.Lying on a soft bed for a long time will cause back pain in the morning.This occurs because the back muscles are stretched as the back bends under its own weight.Back strain that lasts throughout the night will lead to pain not only in the lower back but also along the entire length of the spine.
Flat feet are at risk of developing osteochondrosis because such feet cannot fully perform the functions of shock absorbers.As a result, the spine is subjected to greater loads and the discs wear out faster.
In addition, overweight people put more pressure on the spine than people with a body mass index near the ideal level.You need to monitor your figure so that the ratio of weight and height does not put additional stress on the skeleton.
However, people who are completely healthy and lead an athletic lifestyle can develop osteoarthritis.The main reason for this is injury.An unfortunate fall or collision with the spine often leads to herniation, bone protrusion and osteoarthritis.
Diagnosis of osteoarthritis
A surgeon, orthopedist, or neurologist can make the diagnosis.Since pain in the lumbar region often becomes a reason for contacting a neurologist, such patients will first be examined by this particular specialist.First, the patient is examined.To make a diagnosis, he needs to evaluate the patient's ability to twist, bend, sit, walk, and flex his legs.The spine is then palpated.Thanks to manual examination, the doctor will identify pain points and feel compression, or even herniation, between the vertebrae.
To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor prescribes an X-ray of the spine.This is the simplest test that can be performed even in a rural clinic.X-rays have long been used in medical practice and are an integral part of every trauma department.If X-rays do not confirm the diagnosis or when more detailed studies are needed, a CT or MRI of the spine will be indicated.With the help of such an examination, one can find out the quality of intervertebral discs, evaluate their elasticity and integrity, and also identify hidden pathologies.
How to treat osteoarthritis
As a conservative treatment, a course of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed.If the disc does not have serious damage and the doctor sees in the image that the cause of the pain is an inflamed muscle compressing the nerve, then treatment will be reduced to reduce the inflammatory process.Additionally, warming therapy may be prescribed to reduce swelling, relax muscles, and release compressed nerves.
In the case of a bulging or herniated disc, the problem of back pain can be resolved with surgery.Severely worn vertebrae can be replaced with prostheses.