Osteochondrosis of the spine - symptoms and treatment

Causes and mechanism of development of osteochondrosis

To understand why your back hurts, you need to understand how our spine is structured, how it works, what functions it performs and what factors can lead to its damage.

The human spine consists of 32-34 vertebrae (7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 sacral, 3-5 coccygeal), between which there is an intervertebral disc consisting of cartilage tissue. In the middle of the intervertebral disc there is the nucleus pulposus - a semi-liquid formation in the form of a “ball”, which performs the function of shock absorption and is surrounded by dense cartilage tissue (fibrous ring). The spinal canal, which contains the spinal cord and the nerves extending from it, runs through the entire spine. This entire structure is surrounded by muscles and ligaments. The main functions of the spine are musculoskeletal, shock-absorbing, and protective.

Imagine the Ostankino TV tower, which is held in a vertical position thanks to a whole system of cables stretched from the base to the top. Likewise, our spine is held in the desired position by a group of stabilizer muscles, which normally evenly distribute the load on the spine and joints. Unlike the Ostankino TV tower, our spine is more complex; it can bend in different directions and even twist, all this is possible due to the presence of an intervertebral disc, muscles and ligaments.

Every day a person makes some monotonous, repetitive movements associated with work or leisure activities. If the same muscles work for a long time, they become overstrained and spasm, while other muscles at this time do not experience any stress at all and atrophy. This leads to a change in the “geometry” of the body, the load on the intervertebral disc is redistributed, spasmed muscles tighten the vertebrae, and nutrition deteriorates. With monotonous hard physical labor, the same processes occur. In addition, the intervertebral disc does not have blood vessels, and its nutrition is provided by the surrounding muscles, and during movement in the intervertebral joint, nutritious synovial fluid enters it.

Cartilage tissue consists of 80-85% water, so the drinking regime is of great importance. During the day, a person should drink at least 2 liters of clean water. If not enough water enters the body, then dehydration (drying out) of the intervertebral disc occurs, the cartilage cracks and collapses.

In my practice, I have long noted that stress, anxiety, and worries often contribute to the occurrence of back pain. Our body perceives any stressful situation as danger. At the same time, the sympathetic part of the nervous system is activated, the adrenal glands “inject” stress hormones into the blood, blood pressure rises, the heartbeat quickens, and muscles tense. In nature, if an animal is frightened of something, it runs or defends itself, accordingly, stress hormones burn and the muscles, after working, relax. Man is a social being; he begins to worry more often and move less, so there is no relaxation. As a result, pain in the spine, headache, motor tics and more occurs.

In the literature you can find different formulations of osteochondrosis, but their essence is the same. Osteochondrosis is a “breakdown” of the motor segment, destruction, degeneration of cartilage tissue. The reason is an incorrect motor stereotype and, as a consequence, a malnutrition of the cartilage.

The progression of osteochondrosis is promoted by: a sedentary lifestyle, heavy physical activity, heavy lifting, obesity, carrying a bag on one shoulder, high-heeled shoes, too soft a mattress for sleeping, frequent hypothermia, bad habits, hereditary predisposition, stressful situations, insufficient drinking regime and other.

Diagnosis of osteochondrosis

A preliminary diagnosis is made during the initial examination of the patient. The examination is usually carried out by a neurologist in connection with the patient's complaints of local changes, which may manifest as pain, deformation or limited mobility. The spine is examined with the patient standing, sitting and lying, both at rest and in motion. The level of spinal damage is determined by counting the number of vertebrae from certain anatomical landmarks or according to a special scheme.

When examining the back, pay attention to posture, structural features of the body, note the line of the spinous processes (median groove of the back), the lower angles of the shoulder blades, the crests of the iliac bones, the lateral contours of the waist and neck, the position of the shoulder girdle, the deviation of the intergluteal groove from the vertical, and identify the protrusion of the spinous processes, pay attention to the relief of the muscles located next to the spine.

Feeling the spine allows you to supplement the examination data (presence or absence of deformation), determine the location, degree and nature of pain. When palpating, tension in the muscles located next to the spine is also noted, because Most injuries and diseases of the spine are accompanied by an increase in muscle tone.

Spinal flexion is used to determine the range of motion in various parts of the spine.

The main role in the study of the spine is played by radiography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, with the help of which the level of damage is determined, the diagnosis is clarified and specified, and hidden pathologies are revealed. Diagnostic data allows the attending physician to determine treatment tactics and select the most effective treatment methods.

Symptoms of osteochondrosis

Manifestations of osteochondrosis will depend on the location and severity of the lesion in the spinal motion segment. At the initial stage, patients complain of dull, aching back pain, discomfort, slight limitation of movements in the spine, periodic numbness in the arms or legs, headache, and fatigue. By starting treatment and changing your lifestyle during this period, the result will not be long in coming and recovery will come quickly.

With severe damage to the intervertebral disc, severe pain, persistent numbness and/or weakness in the arm or leg occurs (depending on the level of damage). These signs may indicate destruction of the intervertebral disc and the presence of a hernia, and it is necessary to immediately consult a doctor and begin treatment.

In the most severe cases, the pain syndrome can be extremely severe, possible dysfunction of the pelvic organs, severe weakness and numbness in the arm or leg. If these signs are present, urgent hospitalization in a hospital is necessary to resolve the issue of surgical treatment.

With cervical osteochondrosis, pain occurs in the neck, can radiate to the shoulder, arm or head, numbness or weakness in the arm, headache, dizziness.

With osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, pain occurs in the chest, radiates to the sternum or scapula, intensifies with breathing and movement, and sometimes there is a feeling of lack of air. Patients often confuse this condition with heart pain.

When the lumbosacral spine is affected, the pain is localized in the lower back, intensifies with movement, radiates to the leg or perineum, and numbness or weakness in the leg may occur.

It is necessary to remember that our body is a single whole, and the division of osteochondrosis into cervical, thoracic, and lumbar is arbitrary. As a rule, the disease develops throughout the spine, but manifests itself in the part that experiences the greatest load.

Is cough a sign of osteochondrosis?

Osteochondrosis is a disease that affects the musculoskeletal system. A decrease in the volume of cartilage tissue leads to abrasion of the intervertebral discs, which, in turn, affects the functioning of the respiratory system. And this leads to coughing.

How does a cough appear?

After analyzing the general algorithm for the appearance of cough in osteochondrosis, we will consider in detail each case separately. It's worth starting with the cervical region. Its main functions are movement, support of the head and protection of the spinal cord.

The department consists of 7 vertebrae, which are connected to each other by movable joints. With the exception of the first, there are intervertebral discs between all other vertebrae. Their role is to absorb the load during movements and protect the surface of the joints.

With osteochondrosis, cartilage tissue loses its elasticity, becomes thinner, and becomes deformed. The discs narrow and begin to compress the roots that leave the spinal cord through the intervertebral canals. When they are pinched, the nerve becomes inflamed, and the muscle fibers of the pharynx and neck are no longer supplied with nerve cells. The result is muscle contraction and coughing.

Another situation is if sensitive roots are infringed. The pain impulse does not reach its target. A person feels a lump in the throat, itching. The body’s protective reaction to such phenomena is coughing and sneezing.

If the intervertebral discs in the area of the 3rd and 4th vertebrae are deformed, the nerve that supplies the diaphragm with cells is pinched. It contracts involuntarily and hiccups occur. The breathing function is impaired. A cough appears.

How does a cough develop in the thoracic region?

There are several types of osteochondrosis (depending on the location of the disease). One of them is the thoracic region. The disease occurs rarely. This is due to the static nature and limited movement of the thoracic region.

When the disease appears and develops, cartilage is affected, resulting in curvature of the spinal column. The most common diagnoses are kyphosis and scoliosis. The nerve roots are pinched, and the mobility of the muscles and diaphragm is impaired. Deep breaths are difficult. The body lacks oxygen, hypoxia develops. The result is a cough.

If the curvatures are serious, the volume of the lungs also decreases - they are not able to expand completely. Coughing in this case is a way to improve ventilation of the organ.

How to recognize osteochondrosis?

Coughing can indicate various diseases. But there are characteristic signs that indicate osteochondrosis. The cough should be:

Unproductive/dry (no phlegm);
Harassing, debilitating (sudden onset of cough).

As a rule, the symptom does not bring relief and appears periodically, usually after sleep. This is caused by a change in body position (from horizontal to vertical). There is no intoxication syndrome.

Other signs of osteochondrosis include:

Pain in the area of nerve fiber damage;
Inflammation of the skeletal muscles;
Reducing discomfort when taking a certain position;
constant headaches;
Decreased concentration and memory;
Reducing skin sensitivity, up to its complete absence.

How to diagnose the disease?

A cough is not the only indicator that a person has osteochondrosis. The doctor makes an accurate diagnosis only after a comprehensive examination. The following studies are most effective and appropriate:

Blood Clinic;
X-ray in 2 projections;
ECG;
Spirography;
Peak flowmetry;
MRI.

Conclusion

The disease can be located in both the thoracic and cervical regions.
To be sure that you really have osteochondrosis, you need to take into account the symptoms of the disease. Diagnosis by examining blood, affected areas using magnetic resonance, radioactive radiation and electrical impulses guarantees the most accurate result. Author: K.M.N., Academician of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences M.A. Bobyr

Diagnostics

Faced with signs of thoracic osteochondrosis, most people wonder how the pathology is diagnosed and the degree of impairment is determined. Qualified specialists at the Ruzhansky sanatorium are ready to assess the patient’s general condition and prescribe appropriate therapy.

To prescribe a course of treatment, it is important to go through the following diagnostic stages:

consultation with a qualified neurologist;
examination by a doctor, palpation and medical history;
laboratory examination;
X-ray or MRI;
additional examination;
drawing up a course of complex therapy.

If you have been diagnosed with thoracic osteochondrosis, treatment at home may not give the expected effect. Therefore, it is best to undergo therapy under the supervision of qualified specialists and in appropriate conditions, which will minimize the risk of complications.

Lack of proper attention to the exacerbation of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, a person may develop complications such as atherosclerosis, prostate dysfunction, pneumosclerosis and even infertility. The progression of the disease leads to the gradual destruction of the vertebrae, cartilage and ligaments.

Cough with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

Cough with cervical osteochondrosis can also occur for another reason. Here is the radicular nerve responsible for the innervation of the thyroid gland. It is located between the C7-T1 vertebrae. When it is compressed, dysfunction of the thyroid gland is observed. It stops producing enough hormones, which negatively affects the state of the autonomic nervous system. Also, an increase in thyroid tissue can provoke a reflex cough.

Cough with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a negative clinical sign; it indicates that:

there is a decrease in the height of the intervertebral disc due to dehydration of the cartilage tissue of the fibrous ring;
there is a secondary static overstrain of the muscles of the collar zone;
the intensity of blood supply to the structures of the posterior parts of the brain decreases;
there is a risk of rupture of the fibrous ring with partial exit of the nucleus pulposus beyond its limits (formation of an intervertebral hernia).

If a cough occurs due to osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, then it is necessary to carry out differential diagnosis. For this purpose, the patient is prescribed fluorography (to exclude pathology of the lung tissue), consultation with a pulmonologist and otolaryngologist. If a visual examination reveals hyperemia of the tissues of the upper respiratory tract, then most likely the cause of the cough is a cold.

Also, during differential diagnosis, the possibility of developing pathologies of the esophagus and thyroid gland should be excluded. This may be gastroesophageal reflux disease and thyrotoxicosis. They may cause a reflex cough, unrelated or indirectly provoked by osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.

Prevention

We recommend to prevent the disease:

during the day, lie down for 40-50 minutes - this will relieve the load on the spine;
if you work a lot at the computer, change your position, get up from your chair every 2 hours, bend a couple of times in different directions, stretch, straighten your shoulders;
engage in water sports: swimming, diving, water aerobics;
do not get too cold, keep your back warm;
Do the following exercise regularly: lying on your stomach, place your hands on the floor and bend back. Stay in this position for 5-10 seconds. Repeat the exercise 8-10 times.

It is also strongly recommended to maintain body weight at the proper level and give up bad habits (including smoking).

Prevention of thoracic osteochondrosis

To prevent the development of osteochondrosis of the thoracic, cervical and lumbar spine, you should adhere to the following recommendations:

prevent overwork and exhaustion of the body;
avoid hypothermia;
Avoid heavy lifting and try to avoid excessive physical activity;
watch your posture;
try to maintain a comfortable posture;
give preference to resting on a comfortable bed with an anatomical mattress;
adhere to the principles of proper nutrition;
Combine sitting with periodic rest and exercise.

Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis appear at the stage when it can still be stopped and excellent health restored through the use of fairly gentle measures that require minimal effort.