Do they take into the army with osteochondrosis?

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Do people with osteochondrosis join the army?

Updated: October 18, 2021
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Every year, the number of conscripts with diseases of the musculoskeletal system is growing, so the question of whether people with osteochondrosis are accepted into the army is more relevant than ever. Today, the disease affects not only older people. Diagnoses such as diseases of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine and even intervertebral hernia are increasingly being made to young men. But we note right away that getting an exemption from military service due to osteochondrosis is not so easy. In this article we will answer questions that are relevant to many conscripts and tell you how to get a deferment from the army with disorders of the musculoskeletal system.

Features of development and symptoms of osteochondrosis

Before finding out whether people with spinal osteochondrosis are recruited into the army , it is important to understand the origin of this disease. It is characterized by serious pathological changes, as a result of which the structure and function of the intervertebral discs are gradually disrupted in the patient.

According to statistics, the average age of patients with this diagnosis is 30-40 years, but the likelihood of progression of this disease in young men is also possible.

Most often, lumbar osteochondrosis and other types of dystrophic lesions develop due to uneven load on the spine. For example, carrying heavy weights in one hand or incorrect posture while sitting can give impetus to the gradual progression of the disease.

Additional provoking factors for the development of osteochondrosis are:

excess weight;
incorrectly selected pillow;
using inappropriate shoes;
previous back injuries;
existing severe joint damage, leading to uneven load on the back while walking;
scoliosis;
sedentary lifestyle and absence of any stress on the back;
physical strain associated with work;
acute lack of vitamins;
metabolic disorders;
smoking.

It is important to note that it will be much more difficult for conscripts with osteochondrosis (especially in advanced forms of the disease) to serve in the army, since in such a condition they can observe the following signs of the disease:

disruption of myocardial function;
hypotension;
spasm;
pain in the back and neck, lower back;
feeling of stiffness in the body;
migraine;
dizziness.

As a rule, signs of spinal damage largely depend on the location of the degenerative process. Thus, with thoracic osteochondrosis, the patient may suffer from shortness of breath, pain in the area of the shoulder blades and tingling in the heart.

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine provokes “floaters” before the eyes, tinnitus and chronic migraines.

Damage to the lumbar region can lead to problems in the reproductive system, as well as pain radiating to the lower extremities.

Article 66 – Deformities, diseases of the spine and their consequences

Disease schedule article	Names of diseases, degree of dysfunction	Category of suitability for military service
Disease schedule article	Names of diseases, degree of dysfunction	column I	Count II	Count III
66	Deformities, diseases of the spine and their consequences:
a) with significant impairment of functions	NGI	NGI	NGI
b) with moderate dysfunction	GPS	GPS	GPS, GNS – IND
c) with minor dysfunction	GPS	GPS	GO SpS – IND
d) in the presence of objective data without dysfunction	GO	GO	G SSO – IND

Point “a” includes:

congenital and acquired fixed curvatures of the spine, confirmed radiographically by wedge-shaped deformations of the vertebral bodies, their rotation in the places of greatest curvature of the spine (kyphosis, scoliosis of the IV degree, etc.) and accompanied by a sharp deformation of the chest (costal hump and others), as well as impaired external respiration function restrictive type;
ankylosing spondylitis (ankylosing spondylitis) with frequent exacerbations (3 or more times a year);
congenital and (or) acquired central stenosis of the spinal canal (cervical region less than 13 mm, thoracic region less than 13 mm, lumbar region less than 16 mm), accompanied by severe conduction and (or) radicular disorders (paralysis or deep paresis, dysfunction of the pelvic organs) ;
spondylolisthesis IV, V degrees;
widespread grade IV osteochondrosis of all parts of the spine with pain, confirmed by medical documents, radicular and (or) conduction disorders;
fixing ligamentosis (Forestier disease);
widespread deforming spondylosis of the III degree of all parts of the spine;
infectious spondylitis with frequent (3 or more times a year) exacerbations.

Point “b” includes:

congenital and acquired fixed curvatures of the spine (kyphosis, scoliosis of the third degree) with moderate deformation of the chest and impaired respiratory function of a restrictive type;
congenital and (or) acquired central spinal canal stenosis, accompanied by moderate radicular disorders (moderate paresis);
ankylosing spondylitis (ankylosing spondylitis) with rare exacerbations;
spondylolisthesis III degree;
widespread osteochondrosis of the III and (or) IV degree of at least two parts of the spine with recurrent (3 or more times a year) pain syndrome with exemption from duty, confirmed by the notes of a neurologist in medical documents;
widespread deforming spondylosis of the III degree of at least two parts of the spine;
infectious spondylitis with rare exacerbations.

Point “c” includes:

multiple developmental anomalies in at least one part of the spine in various combinations, leading to the development of osteochondrosis of III, IV degrees, scoliosis of II and higher degrees, spondylosis of II, III degrees, instability syndrome;
congenital and (or) acquired central spinal stenosis, accompanied by mild radicular disorders and recurrent pain syndrome, confirmed by the notes of a neurologist in medical documents;
osteochondropathic kyphosis of the third degree;
scoliosis of the second degree with a curvature angle of 18 degrees or more;
ankylosing spondylitis (ankylosing spondylitis) in the initial stage;
spondylolisthesis II degree;
widespread grade III osteochondrosis of one or more parts of the spine;
widespread deforming spondylosis of the III degree of one part of the spine;
limited osteochondrosis of the III and (or) IV degree of at least two parts of the spine;
limited spondylosis of the III degree of at least two parts of the spine.

Point “d” includes:

single or multiple developmental anomalies in one part of the spine;
scoliosis II degree with a curvature angle of 11–17 degrees;
congenital and acquired fixed curvatures of the spine (second degree kyphosis, first degree kyphosis with structural changes in the vertebrae, first degree scoliosis);
osteochondropathy kyphosis II degree;
spondylolisthesis I degree;
isolated, limited grade III (IV) osteochondrosis of one part of the spine;
limited or widespread osteochondrosis of I, II degree of one or more parts of the spine;
limited or widespread spondylosis of I, II degree of one or more parts of the spine.

Asymptomatic course of intervertebral osteochondrosis in the form of Schmorl's hernias of one or two vertebrae, kyphosis of the I degree, isolated osteochondrosis of the I, II degree of one or more parts of the spine, isolated spondylosis of the I, II degree of one or more parts of the spine, non-fusion of the arches of the V lumbar and I sacral vertebrae are the basis for the application of this article and do not interfere with compulsory military service, service in the reserve, or admission to military educational institutions and secondary military training.

In all cases, the basis for establishing a diagnosis should be the data of a clinical examination and radiological diagnostics with strict adherence to research methods.

The main method for diagnosing degenerative-dystrophic changes in the spine is the x-ray method. It is also fundamental when making expert decisions. The nature of pathological changes in the spine should be confirmed by multi-axial, load and functional studies. CT, MRI, MRI with functional tests, spiral CT and other radiation methods of research are additional and are interpreted according to the X-ray data.

When examining, a decrease in the height of the L5-S1 intervertebral disc should be considered pathological only if there are other signs of a degenerative process.

Signs of instability syndrome are:

for the lumbar spine - displacement of the vertebra by more than 4 mm forward or backward during functional radiography;
for the cervical spine - a displacement of the first cervical vertebra in relation to the second cervical vertebra by more than 3.5 mm, in the lower cervical region - a displacement of the vertebrae by 2 mm or more.

Spinal movements in the sagittal plane are highly variable. Normally, the distance between the spinous process of the VII cervical vertebra and the tubercle of the occipital bone increases by 3–4 cm when the head is tilted, and decreases by 8–10 cm when the head is tilted back (extension).

The distance between the spinous process of the VII cervical and I sacral vertebrae when bending increases by 5–7 cm compared to normal posture and decreases by 5–6 cm when bending backward. Lateral movements (tilts) in the lumbar and thoracic regions are possible within 25–30 degrees.

Osteochondrosis and spondylosis of the spine can be radiological findings, not accompanied by dysfunction of the spine, spinal cord and its roots and, accordingly, not disrupt the functions of the body as a whole. Osteochondrosis is characterized by primary non-inflammatory degenerative damage to cartilage up to its necrosis, followed by involvement of the endplates of adjacent vertebrae in the process (sclerosis) and the formation of marginal osteophytes. Osteophytes in osteochondrosis are formed from marginal plates perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the spine. Spondylosis is changes in the spine that occur during the process of natural aging with the preservation of the turgor of the nucleus pulposus and the preservation of the height of the intervertebral space, the absence of sclerosis of the endplates, the presence of osteophytes formed at the attachment sites of the longitudinal ligaments in the form of staples along the anterior and lateral surfaces of the spine due to calcification of the anterior longitudinal ligament.

X-ray signs of osteochondrosis are:

in grade I – minor changes in the configuration of the spine in one or several segments, instability of the intervertebral disc during functional tests;
in degree II – compaction of the endplates of the vertebral bodies, straightening of the physiological lordosis, a slight decrease in the height of the intervertebral disc (the underlying disc is equal in height to the overlying one), ventral and dorsal exostoses of the vertebral bodies;
in grade III – subchondral sclerosis of the endplates of the vertebral bodies, a moderate decrease in the height of the intervertebral disc (the underlying disc is smaller in height than the overlying one), dystrophic changes in the intervertebral joints with moderate narrowing of the intervertebral foramina (signs of spondyloarthrosis);
in grade IV – subchondral sclerosis of the endplates of the vertebral bodies, a pronounced decrease in the height of the intervertebral disc (the underlying disc is two or more times smaller in height than the overlying one), significantly pronounced dystrophic changes in the intervertebral joints with a significant narrowing of the intervertebral foramina and the spinal canal.

Determining the degree of deforming spondylosis using radiographs:

I degree – deforming changes along the edges of the vertebral bodies (at the limbus);
II degree – marginal growths in the direction from vertebra to vertebra and not reaching the degree of fusion;
III degree – fusion of osteophytes of two adjacent vertebrae in the form of a bracket.

Osteochondrosis and spondylosis can be:

isolated – when one intervertebral disc or two adjacent vertebrae are affected;
limited – when two discs or three vertebrae are affected;
common - when more than two discs or more than three vertebrae are affected.

Spondylolysis is a defect in the interarticular part of the vertebral arch. Spondylolysis can be the result of a malformation - dysplasia or a stress fracture due to mechanical overload. Spondylolysis occurs without spondylolisthesis and may be accompanied by severe instability of the affected segment and, accordingly, pain.

Spondylolisthesis is a displacement of the body of the overlying vertebra relative to the underlying one in the horizontal plane. Normally, due to the elasticity of the disc and ligamentous apparatus, displacement of the vertebrae in the horizontal plane is possible with maximum flexion or extension within 3 mm.

The degree of displacement is determined by a radiograph in a lateral projection: the cranial endplate of the underlying vertebra is conventionally divided into four parts, and a perpendicular descends from the posteroinferior edge of the upper vertebra to the endplate of the lower one.

The degree of listhesis is determined by the zone onto which the perpendicular is projected:

I degree – displacement over 3 mm to 1/4 of the vertebral body;
II degree – displacement from 1/4 to 1/2 of the vertebral body;
III degree – displacement from 1/2 to 3/4 of the vertebral body;
IV degree – displacement over 3/4 to the width of the vertebral body;
V degree (spondyloptosis) – anterior displacement of the upper vertebra by the full anteroposterior size of the body in combination with additional caudal displacement.

Spinal deformity in scoliosis is assessed using an anteroposterior radiograph of the spine in a standing position, including the wings of the ilium (level I of the sacral vertebra).

To determine the angular value of scoliotic arches, the Cobb method is used:

the cranial and caudal vertebral segments of the deformity arc are determined;
parallel to the endplates of the bodies of the cranial and caudal vertebrae, straight lines are drawn in the image, the angle of intersection of which is the value of the deformation arc. Taking into account the possible deformation of the vertebral bodies, the endplate with the greatest slope is taken for delineation. Taking into account the severity of the deformation, the intersection angle of the selected lines can be calculated using a geometric technique by drawing counter perpendiculars.

Severity of scoliotic spinal deformity:

I degree – arc of deformation from 5 to 10 degrees;
II degree – arc of deformation from 11 to 25 degrees;
III degree – arc of deformation from 26 to 40 degrees;
IV degree – deformation arc of 41 degrees or more.

Spinal deformity in pathological thoracic kyphosis (juvenile osteochondrosis, Scheuermann-Mau disease) is assessed using a lateral radiograph of the spine in a standing position, including the wings of the iliac bones (level I of the sacral vertebra).

To determine the angular value of the kyphosis arc, the Cobb technique is used:

the cranial and caudal vertebral segments of thoracic kyphosis are determined ( V and XII thoracic vertebrae );
parallel to the endplates of the upper edge of the cranial and lower edge of the caudal vertebrae, straight lines are drawn on the image, the angle of intersection of which is the magnitude of the arc of deformity. Taking into account the severity of the deformation, the intersection angle of the selected lines can be calculated using a geometric technique by drawing counter perpendiculars.

Severity of kyphotic spinal deformity:

I degree – kyphosis angle from 31 to 40 degrees;
II degree – kyphosis angle from 41 to 50 degrees;
III degree – kyphosis angle from 51 to 70 degrees;
IV degree – kyphosis angle over 70 degrees.

Categories of suitability for the army

After receiving the summons, conscripts must go through a special military commission. It is she who will decide whether the young man is fit for service or not.

Doctors on such a commission pay attention to all acute and chronic diseases that can prevent a man from joining the army.

There are 5 categories of eligibility for conscripts:

"A" . In this case, the man is completely healthy and fit for service. He has no health restrictions or contraindications to physical activity.
"B" . Category “B” is assigned to a man who is fit for the army, but with certain restrictions. For example, such conscripts may have mild types of illnesses that do not interfere with service (minor vision problems).
"IN". Such conscripts are sent into reserve due to some health problems.
"G" . This category is assigned to those men who receive a short-term health deferment in order to undergo the necessary treatment and fully recover. After this, the person will need to undergo a second commission.
"D" . Men who receive this category can count on complete exemption from the army. In addition to osteochondrosis, this category is established for asthma, advanced forms of allergies or hypertension with complications.

Possible complications in the army

Military service with advanced stage osteochondrosis is dangerous. As a result of excessive physical exertion, a young person with pathology may develop the following complications:

intervertebral hernia;
muscle tissue atrophy;
salt deposits;
spinal cord stroke;
radiculitis.

The physical activity typical of the army can be a serious test for a damaged spine. That is why young people with signs of osteochondrosis should be carefully examined. A simple x-ray and examination by a neurologist will help to recognize an unpleasant illness in time and, possibly, receive exemption from military service.

Ivan Golubkin

Legal specialist and manager. Experience in the legal field - more than 10 years, in the field of assistance to conscripts - more than 3 years. Writes useful articles for conscripts.

Degrees of osteochondrosis

Before passing the commission, it is important for a man to understand that the initial diagnosis of “osteochondrosis” is not a significant indication for release from service. In fact, the consequences that the disease provokes play a much larger role (there may be problems with the heart, respiratory system, neurological disorders, etc.).

Medical board doctors at the military registration and enlistment office also pay attention to the following factors:

availability of documents that confirm the diagnosis;
extracts and certificates from doctors about recorded cases of exacerbation of the disease;
diagnosed consequences of the disease and chronic pathologies that arose in a person against the background of osteochondrosis.

Moreover, no less attention is paid to the degree of neglect of the disease. There are only 4 stages of osteochondrosis, each of which is characterized by its own characteristics:

The first degree of the disease provokes pathological changes in the vertebrae. As a rule, patients do not experience any characteristic symptoms, as a result of which they may not even be aware of the pathology. Osteochondrosis of the 1st degree is usually detected randomly when performing an MRI. Conscripts with this diagnosis are fit for service.
The second stage provokes changes in cartilage tissue, as well as the appearance of instability of the spine. The first signs of such a disease will be prolonged pain in the neck and back, which may be periodic. Patients often do not pay attention to such manifestations of pathology, which leads to the development of 2nd degree osteochondrosis.
The third stage provokes the formation of hernias, severe pain and various neurological disorders. Conscripts in this condition may be assigned fitness category B.
The fourth stage of osteochondrosis leads to secondary pathological changes. Such patients often experience spondylosis, hernia and other complications. Young men with this diagnosis should be assigned a fitness category D, which deems the person unfit for service.

Controversial issues when deciding on the suitability of a conscript and deferment from the army

The Military Medical Commission recognizes conscripts with the first or second degree of illness as fit for service. In case of disagreement with the decision, a citizen of military age has the right to insist on a re-examination.

IMPORTANT!

The choice of institution and specialists when conducting an independent medical examination remains with the young man. The services of experts are paid for by the conscript.

An application for examination is submitted with the decision of the military medical commission, a passport and documents confirming the presence of the disease. Based on the application, an agreement to conduct an examination is concluded with the conscript. The results of the independent examination are not a reason for canceling a decision on fitness for military service, but on their basis the conclusion of the Military Commission for Military Commissions can be challenged. If a conscript refuses re-examination, he has the right to file a claim in court.

When diagnosing “osteochondrosis,” it is prohibited to impose increased dynamic or physical stress on the body. For conscripts with the third stage of the disease, military service is contraindicated, since it involves overloading the spine and the appearance of complications associated with accelerated degeneration of internal organs, as well as a transition to a more severe stage with the occurrence of inflammatory processes.

Publication date 01/14/2019

Intervertebral osteochondrosis

Intervertebral osteochondrosis is a form of the disease during which serious changes in fibrous tissue are observed. A conscript’s condition is considered serious in the following cases:

observation of long-term pain that occurs during physical activity;
pronounced degree of curvature of the spine;
damage to the intervertebral discs, which led to the formation of hernias.

Most often, conscripts with this diagnosis are assigned category G or D.

Diagnostic measures

To identify osteochondrosis, an examination by an orthopedist and therapist is not enough. In such a condition, the patient should perform the following diagnostic tests:

MRI of the cervical spine or other affected areas;
radiography in two projections;
neurological examination of the sensitivity of the limbs.

You will also need an examination by a neurologist who will identify salts, see the distance between the vertebrae and give an understanding of the degree of neglect of the pathology.

Lumbar osteochondrosis and the army

Each type of osteochondrosis is dangerous for humans, but the most severe consequences are characterized by the lumbar form of this lesion.

This is due to the fact that in such a condition the patient often experiences drying out of the discs, their protrusion and subsequent complete destruction.

Due to severely pinched nerves, patients may experience severe shooting pain, difficulty urinating, deterioration of erection, and even paralysis of the legs. These are dangerous complications, the occurrence of which is a prerequisite for urgent surgical intervention.

Of course, a conscript can take a deferment for medical therapy, but if the disease is advanced, there is a high risk that he will not be able to serve in the future.

Is it possible to wait for release from service?

According to the law, men with the following manifestations of osteochondrosis and its complications are exempt from conscription into the army:

The patient has complications in the form of motor abnormalities.
Detection of spondylosis.
Obvious manifestations of spinal deformity.
Severe curvature of the thoracic region, which provokes scoliosis and impaired respiratory function.

How to prove osteochondrosis

must have the following documents with him when undergoing a military medical examination

conclusion of the attending physician with a diagnosis of osteochondrosis;
documents that will confirm the limitation of spinal functions;
MRI and radiography results;
a doctor’s report with identified complications from this spinal lesion.

Confirmation of diagnosis at the military registration and enlistment office

In order to confirm the diagnosis at the military registration and enlistment office and receive exemption from military service, the conscript will need to provide a list of documents:

a neurologist's conclusion about the presence of osteochondrosis;
results of the studies - x-rays and MRI;
documents confirming anatomical changes in the vertebral discs;
a doctor's conclusion about the presence of complications caused by osteochondrosis.

If the commission of the military registration and enlistment office accepts the doctors’ arguments as convincing, the conscript may receive a deferment from the army, and in advanced stages, even a military ID. After completing treatment, the young person will be sent a second summons to undergo the next examination.

Service and osteochondrosis

Conscripts need to know that they should not hide osteochondrosis. This is especially true for those young people who take analgesics to hide back pain.

In such a condition, painkillers will only mask the problem, instead of eliminating the cause of the lesion.

As a rule, this disease has a chronic form with gradual progression. Excessive physical activity, hypothermia, stress, and poor nutrition can aggravate the patient’s condition. For this reason, men with advanced forms of spinal lesions are not recommended to enlist.

Symptoms of spondylolisthesis

In the initial stages, when the displacement of the vertebra, and accordingly the degree of its mobility, is not expressed strongly enough, patients are bothered by pain in the lumbar spine, a feeling of uncertainty and weakness in the lumbar region. Sometimes patients say that “I need to put the vertebra back in place and I feel better,” i.e. The patient himself uses movements in the spine to return the vertebra “to its place.”

When the displacement begins to take on critical values, neurological symptoms appear - radiculitis, cauda equina syndrome, manifested by pain in the legs, “numbness” in the perineum, weakness in the legs, etc.