Chondrosis: symptoms, causes, treatment

Chondrosis is a pathological process occurring in the spine, accompanied by degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs - cartilage tissue is transformed into bone. In this case, pinching of the vertebral nerve endings occurs. There are cervical, thoracic and lumbar types of chondrosis. Articular chondrosis is classified separately, affecting the joints of the knee, elbows and ankles. The most common chondroses are the cervical and lumbar regions, affecting mainly women 40-60 years old.

Causes of chondrosis

The main cause of the development of the disease is considered to be metabolic disorders and vascular pathologies. Chondrosis can be provoked by heavy weight, which increases the load on the spine, diabetes mellitus and long-term hypertension.

The pathology also affects the muscle tissue of the spine, causing constant tension and pinching. This is due to the long-term presence of the skeletal and muscular system in one position (during sedentary work, night sleep in an uncomfortable position, etc.). Increased muscle tone can also be caused by exposure to cold temperatures (cold shower or sudden immersion in water), neuropsychological stress (stressful situations, anxiety, excessive emotionality, personality traits).

Chondrosis degenerations of the vertebral discs can develop after back injuries or operations. Undoubtedly, age-related changes occurring in the body also have a great influence on the progression of pathology.

Symptoms of chondrosis

Affected discs lose their functionality, the destruction of cartilage tissue leads to compression of the spinal plates and pinching of the nerve roots, which is manifested by severe pain. The mobility of the spinal links and depreciation are impaired, leading to their injury and inflammation of the soft tissues. First of all, vertebral chondrosis is manifested by severe pain, aggravated by movement, a feeling of stiffness and heaviness in the neck or lower back, especially in the morning.  

The main symptoms of spinal column pathology:

• limitation of motor functions of the body;
• pain in the spine and muscles;
• pain radiating to internal organs and adjacent areas (head, chest, pelvis, legs);
• severe headaches (migraines), dizziness, nausea, hearing and vision impairment (if the cervical vertebrae are affected);
• pain in the chest area, radiating to the shoulders and arms; difficulty breathing, cardiac dysfunction (thoracic chondrosis);
• pain in the lumbar region, abdomen, hips, projected to the legs, disturbance of genitourinary functions and intestinal activity;
• discomfort and pain in the body during sleep, in a sitting position, when walking for a long time;
• loss of sensation in the arms and legs, numbness and dull pain in the fingers;
• deterioration in quality of life due to limited mobility and pain in the affected areas of the spine.

The manifestation of symptoms depends on the area of ​​the spinal lesion, and can appear separately or in combination.

Cervical chondrosis

Chondrosis of the spine in the neck area is expressed in a change in the shape and structure of the vertebral discs in this area. The cervical vertebral discs fit together quite tightly, so degenerative changes in even one vertebra provoke deformation of all other discs and the entire spinal column.  The disease can occur in acute or chronic form with stages of remission and exacerbation. With timely treatment, you can get rid of the pathology.

Cervical chondrosis is manifested by the following symptoms:

• headaches of various types - acute, dull, debilitating, aggravated by moving the head or bright light, causing nausea;
• heaviness in the neck;
• pain in the neck, radiating to the shoulders and arms;
• darkening of the eyes, tinnitus and dizziness;
• a feeling of discomfort and stiffness when lying down; the patient cannot find a comfortable position;
• sleep disturbance;
• feeling of stiffness in the occipital region;
• deterioration of visual and auditory functions;
• when you turn your head, there is a characteristic crunch in the neck;
• attacks of hypertension;
• severe fatigue and drowsiness due to insufficient supply of blood and oxygen to the brain.

The appearance of the above symptoms requires urgent diagnosis and treatment.  

As a rule, chondrosis affects the most mobile areas of the spine that are subject to excessive stress. The development of chondrosis of the cervical vertebra is preceded by various diseases and negative factors:

• impaired blood circulation;
• curvature of the spine (scoliosis, hunchback, etc.);
• cervical deformities;
• excess body weight;
• excessive physical activity or lifting heavy objects;
• sedentary lifestyle and work;
• hereditary changes in the structure of the spine;
• neck injury in accidents, bruises, falls, during birth;
• impaired metabolism.  

Thoracic chondrosis

Chondrosis of the thoracic region is manifested primarily by pain due to compression of nerve fibers. Intervertebral discs lose elasticity due to the destruction of cartilage tissue and become flattened. The lesions affect the muscle tissue connecting the thoracic part of the vertebrae, the blood supply system and nutrition of the tissues of the vertebral discs. Constant compression of the nerves can cause loss of nerve sensitivity of internal organs (innervation) and their insufficiency, the formation of intervertebral hernias.

The development of pathology is preceded by the following factors:

• metabolic disorders;
• excess body;
• diseases of the cardiovascular system;
• lack of physical activity;
• constant stress on the back;
• various scoliosis and incorrect posture;
• spinal injuries;
• age-related changes.  

Symptoms of pathology of the thoracic spine:

• pain in the back, in the shoulder blades, radiating to the arms;
• pain in the heart and chest;
• respiratory impairment, shortness of breath, suffocation;
• pain that increases with inhalation and exhalation.  

Spinal chondrosis

Chondrosis of the spine in the lumbosacral region occurs mainly due to the heavy loads placed on this part of the body due to hard work, intense sports training, and long periods of sitting in one place. In such situations, the lumbar muscles and cartilage tissue are under constant tension, quickly wear out and their deformation and destruction begin.

The reasons for the development of pathology are in many ways similar to the general reasons for the development of chondrosis of the spinal column:

• violation of the shape of the spine due to flat feet and wearing uncomfortable shoes (high heels, incorrect lasts, etc.);
• load on the lower back when sitting for a long time (professional costs, limited mobility due to various diseases, disabilities);
• intense sports activities;
• heavy physical labor associated with carrying heavy objects or working in a bent position;
• excess body weight;
• emotional and mental stress;
• sleeping on an uncomfortable bed (very soft “sinking” mattresses, high pillows, etc.);
• metabolic disorder.  

Lumbar chondrosis is manifested by the following symptoms :

• severe pain in the lower back, spreading to the pelvis, sacrum, coccyx, lower limbs;
• calf cramps and dull pain in the legs;
• loss of sensation in the toes;
• weakness of the muscular system in the lower extremities;
• disruption of the genitourinary system;
• sudden shooting pains in the lower back when bending over, coughing, sudden movements, lifting heavy objects;
• limited mobility, especially in the morning;
• curvature of the spine in the spinal region.

Treatment of chondrosis of the lumbosacral spine consists of taking medications that relieve symptoms (painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, diuretics to relieve swelling); as supporting agents and to accelerate the processes of regeneration of damaged tissues - vitamin complexes, nicotinic acid.

To reduce the load on the lower back, the patient is prescribed walking with the help of crutches or a cane, and procedures for traction of the spine. For severe pain, novocaine blockades are applied to the spinal region.

Physiotherapeutic therapy includes ultrasound, electrophoresis, laser irradiation, massage, swimming, manual therapy, and acupuncture. Removal of hernias and protrusions, strengthening of the damaged area of ​​the spine is carried out through surgical intervention. As a rule, patients with lumbar chondrosis are prescribed bed rest.  

Treatment of chondrosis

Treatment of vertebral chondrosis requires a long time and a lot of effort. A feature of pathologies of the musculoskeletal system is that it is impossible to completely recover from the disease. However, timely initiation of therapy will make it possible to stop the process of destruction of the vertebral discs and get rid of unwanted symptoms. The duration of conservative treatment is 1-3 months, and after surgery the rehabilitation period lasts up to 12 months.

Treatment of chondrosis is carried out using several methods:

• drug therapy;
• surgical intervention;
• physiotherapeutic procedures (hardware procedures, special gymnastic exercises, massage, manual therapy, therapeutic baths, swimming);
• diet therapy;
• preventive measures to prevent the re-development of chondrosis.

Treatment activities are carried out in the following areas:

• relieving the patient of pain;
• relieving muscle and nerve spasms;
• release of pinched nerves and regeneration of their vital functions;
• relieving tissue swelling and eliminating inflammatory processes;
• fighting the very cause of the disease.

Drug treatment consists of prescribing the following medications:

• antispasmodics and pain relievers;
• NSAIDs;
• muscle relaxants that reduce muscle tone (Baclofen, Mydocalm);
• means for restoration of cartilage tissue of vertebral discs (chondroprotectors) - Rumalon, Chondroxide, Mucosat, Teraflex, etc.;
• drugs that strengthen and improve metabolism - vitamins, minerals;
• sedatives;
• to improve cerebral circulation - warming ointments and gels, vasodilators, antispasmodics in the form of tablets and injections.

In some cases, the initial stages of treatment are accompanied by an increase in pain intensity. This is due to the fact that muscle and nerve fibers, which have been in forced inactivity for a long time, begin to recover.  To relieve pain, the use of physiotherapeutic procedures, gymnastics and painkillers is very effective.

Gymnastic exercises are aimed at correcting posture, strengthening the muscular system that holds the spine and prevents compression of nerve fibers. Physical therapy is carried out using special exercise equipment and exercises to strengthen joints. Training helps normalize blood microcirculation in the muscles, improves metabolism and the supply of nutrients to the vertebrae and discs, stretches the spine, increasing the clearance between them, and strengthens the muscle corset, which allows you to evenly distribute the load on the spinal column.

Physiotherapeutic procedures consist in influencing the vertebral areas with low-frequency electric waves, magnetic therapy, ultrasound and laser radiation treatment.  Such procedures have an anti-inflammatory effect, relieve pain, and restore tissue well after surgery. Muscle pain and tension are well relieved by massage, which also improves blood flow to the organs. To relieve pain during exacerbation of chronic chondrosis, restore displaced vertebrae and release a pinched nerve, manual therapy is prescribed. To restore correct posture and straighten deformed spinal discs, spinal traction is used.

Prevention of chondrosis

Prevention of chondrotic pathology of the spine consists of a set of measures to prevent the development of the disease or exacerbation of the chronic form:

• an active lifestyle that helps normalize metabolic processes and prevent stagnant processes;
• regular physical exercises aimed at strengthening the muscular corset of the spine and developing flexibility;
• avoid excessive physical activity and heavy lifting;
• use an orthopedic mattress for sleeping;
• monitor body weight;
• follow the principles of healthy eating;
• when working sedentarily, do special gymnastics for the neck and lower back every hour, and take walks outside during your lunch break;
• normalize metabolism;
• Swimming lessons are very useful.

Chondrosis requires complex treatment using all methods of therapy. Compliance with all medical recommendations, competent treatment and patience of the patient guarantees favorable success in treating the disease.