Spine pain when moving or
even at rest, it can occur in almost any adult.Such discomfort can be caused by many factors, from chronic eating disorders to serious diseases.But one of the most common causes of spine pain is osteoarthritis.
Osteonecrosis is a complex pathology mainly associated with nutritional deterioration of the bone and cartilage structures of the spine.The consequence of this is the gradual flattening of the intervertebral disc, the deterioration of its shock-absorbing properties, as well as the weakening of the musculo-ligamentary apparatus that supports the spine.
Scientists today believe that, strangely enough, the main cause of spondylolisthesis is evolutionary factors.This is a kind of “payback for going straight”.After all, with an upright position of the body, the load on the spine will be maximum.The situation can worsen and accelerate the development of pathology:
- work requires frequent bending, turning, and sudden movements;
- constantly sitting in the wrong position;
- Frequently lift and carry heavy objects;
- Actively participate in several sports.
What are the types of osteoarthritis?
There are several variations of this disease, classifying them depending on which part of the spine the disorder occurs:
- cervical osteochondrosis;
- chest;
- lumbosacral.
Cervical spine degeneration
The main symptom of this disease is pain, caused by compression of nerve pathways originating from the spinal cord.The pain may be constant or may appear as shooting or shooting pains in the neck, shoulders, and forearms.These are quite intense sensations, which become more intense when turning the head suddenly or after a period of immobility (for example, after sleep).In addition, symptoms of cervical spondylosis are:
- reduced freedom of movement in the neck;
- crunching sound when turning head;
- neck muscles are constantly tense;
- smoothness of the cervical curve;
- forced to tilt his head.
A dangerous complication here is compression of blood vessels in the neck, hindering blood circulation to the brain.This causes constant headaches that are difficult to respond to pain relievers, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, tinnitus, and impaired vision.
Osteoarthritis of the chest
Pathology of the thoracic spine is characterized by pain throughout the chest, in the back, intercostal areas, armpits and hands.The pain is often accompanied by cartilage degeneration in the chest area and spreads along the intercostal nerves, covering it.
Pain when moving leads to limited range and the patient feels constrained.Along with movement disorders, all types of sensitivity, both superficial, cutaneous and deep, proprioception are also affected.
The pathological process can also involve internal organs innervated by the roots of the thoracic spinal cord.Therefore, pain can often appear in the heart and behind the sternum, pain in the right lower quadrant, liver area and disrupted digestive system function.
Osteoarthritis of the lumbar region
This is the most common type of osteoarthritis of the spine, as this is the lumbosacral region that often bears the highest load when walking, running, jumping and other active movements.The leading symptom of this disease is lower back pain, pain spreading along the sciatic nerve to the buttocks and down the back of the legs.
This pain is often dull and aching and difficult to treat with pain relievers.The intensity of discomfort with lumbar osteoarthritis 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 may collapse, limiting the ability to move freely.
Treatment of spondylosis
It is imperative to treat this pathology because it has a high risk of complications such as disc herniation, which can only be removed by surgery.Treatment of cartilage degeneration includes pharmacotherapy, physical therapy, physical therapy, massage, diet, and orthopedic techniques.