Pain in the spine when moving or
Even at rest, it probably occurred in almost every adult.Such unpleasant sensations can be caused by many factors, from chronic nutritional disorders to serious illnesses.However, one of the most common causes of pain in the spine is osteochondrosis.
Osteochondrosis is a complex pathology associated mainly with impaired nutrition of the bone and cartilaginous structures of the spine.The result of this is a gradual flattening of the intervertebral disc, a deterioration in its shock-absorbing properties and a weakening of the musculoskeletal system that supports the spine.
Scientists today, strangely enough, believe that the main cause of osteochondrosis of the spine is an evolutionary factor.This is a kind of “payback for walking upright.”Because with a vertical posture, the load on the spine is maximum.The situation can worsen and accelerate the development of pathology:
- Working with frequent bending, twisting and sudden movements;
- constantly sitting in the wrong position;
- Frequent lifting and carrying heavy loads;
- intensive participation in certain sports.
What types of osteochondrosis are there?
There are several variants of this disease, which are classified depending on the part of the spine in which the diseases occur:
- cervical osteochondrosis;
- Breast;
- lumbosacral.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
The main symptom of this disease is pain caused by compression of the nerve pathways exiting the spinal cord.The pain may be constant or may occur in the form of attacks or stabbings in the neck, shoulder, and forearm.These are quite intense sensations that are exacerbated by sudden head turns or after a period of immobility (e.g. after sleeping).Other symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis include:
- reduced range of motion in the neck;
- a crunching sound is heard when turning the head;
- constantly tense neck muscles;
- smoothness of the cervical curvature of the spine;
- forced head tilt.
A dangerous complication is compression of the neck vessels, which impairs blood flow to the brain.This leads to constant headaches that are difficult to respond to analgesics, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, tinnitus and visual disturbances.
Breast osteochondrosis
The pathology of the thoracic spine is characterized by pain throughout the chest, back, interscapular region, armpit and hands.Often, pain in thoracic osteochondrosis spreads along the intercostal nerves and becomes circular.
Pain when moving leads to a restriction in the amplitude of movement and the person feels restricted.In addition to motor disorders, all kinds of sensibilities also suffer, both superficial, cutaneous and deep, proprioceptive.
The pathological process can also affect internal organs innervated by the roots of the thoracic spinal cord.So, pain in the heart and behind the sternum, pain in the right hypochondrium, in the liver area, and the functioning of the digestive system is disrupted can often occur.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar region
This is the most common type of osteochondrosis of the spine, as the lumbosacral area is usually placed under the greatest strain when walking, running, jumping and other active movements.The key symptom of this pathology is pain in the lumbar region, which spreads along the sciatic nerve to the buttocks and the back of the leg.
This pain is usually dull and aching in nature and is difficult to treat with painkilling medication.The intensity of unpleasant sensations in lumbar osteochondrosis increases with sudden movements or prolonged immobility.Sometimes there is also muscle weakness in the leg, muscle atrophy and skin sensitivity problems.The lumbar curvature of the spine may be flattened, limiting range of motion.
Treatment of spinal osteochondrosis
Treatment of this pathology is imperative because there is a high risk of complications such as a herniated disc, which can only be eliminated surgically.Treatment of osteochondrosis includes pharmacotherapy, physiotherapy, physiotherapy, massage, diet and orthopedic techniques.