Back pain is an issue that most people do not give proper attention until the situation becomes critical. But timely treatment of back pain significantly reduces the risk of developing chronic diseases of the spine, in which osteonecrosis takes a special place.
What is bone necrosis?
Osteochondrosis is a disease that affects the tissues of the spine, resulting in a deformation of the spine occurring (a disease of the disc and the spine in general). As a result, the spine loses its ability to absorb, the intervertebral discs gradually thin, and later can swell or squeeze, leading to complications such as disc herniation, ….
The main risk of osteonecrosis of the spine lies in its latent process. Usually, it is diagnosed in patients already in the terminal stage, when the severe pain due to complications is unable to lead a normal life.
Reasons for development
There are many theories that explain the occurrence of spondylosis, including heredity, hormonal disorders, and blood vessel problems. However, none of them give a clear explanation for why spondylolisthesis occurs.
Let's highlight some of the factors that increase the likelihood of developing osteonecrosis:
- spinal cord injury - congenital or acquired;
- heredity;
- overweight, poor metabolism;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- age criteria;
- flat feet, crooked posture, underdeveloped muscular system;
- work involving heavy loads on the back;
- Incorrect load distribution to the spine during exercise;
- bad habits, unbalanced diet;
- choosing the wrong shoes, often wearing high heels (for women);
- environmental factors - high humidity, too low temperature, etc. v.
Developmental stages of bone necrosis
There are different stages in the development of bone necrosis, due to different symptoms and feelings. The disease progresses slowly, for a long time, new signs of this disease form. Staging allows doctors to devise an effective treatment plan for the spine.
- Phase one.There is compression of the spinal disc, hook-shaped processes increase. During this period, the patient feels discomfort when exertion or in one position for long periods (sitting, standing, lying down). Treatment of osteonecrosis includes the use of decongestants, antihistamines and pain relievers, chondoprotectors.
- Stage two.The cartilage structures of the spine are unstable, the distance between the discs decreases, the holes narrow. This development of the disease results in pinched nerves and intense pain. According to statistics, at this stage, the patient first visits a doctor with complaints. The doctor prescribes treatment - manual therapy, analgesics, physiotherapy.
- Stage three.Changes in the structure of the spine and disc are marked. The near complete closure of the holes between the discs leads to the appearance of disc herniations. It is possible to eliminate painful sensations in osteonecrosis not only with the help of drugs but also through surgical intervention.
- Stage four.The last stage flows very quickly from the third stage and is the most dangerous (final) stage. In this case, the patient is not able to walk normally. Osteochondrosis is treated with formulation methods.
Symptoms of the disease
The main symptom of necrosis of the spine is pain of different intensity and characteristics. However, in addition to this, each type of bone necrosis exhibits several characteristics.
Cervical spinal tumors are characterized by:
- headache that did not respond to treatment;
- dizziness, weakness, fainting;
- stiff feeling in the shoulder of the neck;
- neck pain, arm pain;
- Impaired vision and hearing is possible.
Chest spine:
- pain in the chest and shoulder blades, significantly worse after exertion, hypothermia, and during sleep;
- difficulty breathing (chest pain when inhaling - exhaling);
- frequent "chills" on the skin, poor blood circulation leading to frequent frostbite on limbs.
Lumbar spine:
- lower back aches and pains, worsened after exertion
- episodes of acute periodic pain radiating to the legs, pelvic region;
- the ability of the trunk to move is limited;
- decreased sensitivity of the lower extremities (in the terminal phase).
Any of the symptoms listed should be a reason to seek medical attention. The earlier the disease is detected, the easier and more effective it can be treated.
Diagnose
Before discovering an inherent disease of the spine, you need to see a doctor to be examined. Note that early osteonecrosis can be mistaken for other diseases. This is why a thorough spinal examination is so important.
The diagnosis begins with a collection of history - the study of the patient's complaints, familiarization with the history of the disease. Next, a physiological examination is performed:
- a painful area of the spine is felt;
- the patient's gait, the position of his body is assessed;
- the amount of motion is determined;
- A visual examination of the skin is performed - the presence of peeling, redness, rash;
- the pain sensitivity of the spine is checked;
- areas of localization of pain are defined.
The patient was sent for an x-ray of the spine, but with no success. Also in fact, the study of the spine using computer tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used. Imaging from these devices will help check not only the disc and their position, but also determine the height of the disc, pinching of nerve ends, and boundary development.
Which doctor should I see?
If you have been diagnosed with or suspect necrosis of the back bone, you must make an appointment with a neurologist and orthopedist.
Treatment
Timely diagnosis of the disease with spinal necrosis is the key to successful treatment. Bone necrosis can be identified with a thorough examination of the doctor. After consulting with your doctor, you will be examined and then referred to a CT or MRI scan. The specialist will determine the location of the pain in the spine and prescribe a course of treatment.
Surgical intervention for osteonecrosis is appropriate in the late stages of the disease, if complications are required (hernias) or in cases that threaten the bone marrow. In other cases, conservative treatment is recommended, including:
- physiotherapy (magnetic and laser therapy, vibrating massage machines, spinal scissors);
- physical therapy exercises;
- Massage;
- manual therapy.
Therapeutic exercise, gymnastics and gymnastics
Moderate and proper physical activity with the spinal destruction process helps the body to be more resilient. All exercises are specifically designed to strengthen the muscles of the spine for more effective treatment.
The elastic and strengthening ligaments do not allow the vertebrae to move during daily movements. In addition, physical activity normalizes metabolism, which has a positive effect on cartilage tissue regeneration. Doctors recommend gymnastics and exercise therapy to treat patients diagnosed with osteonecrosis.
Medicine treatment
The use of the drug may be of a different nature for osteonecrosis. Depending on the stage, the type of bone necrosis of the spine, the nature of symptoms during treatment, the doctor may prescribe different drugs:
- pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs for pain relief;
- antispasmodic drugs to eliminate muscle spasm;
- preparations for the restoration of cartilage structure;
- meant to improve blood circulation and normalize blood vessels;
- Antioxidants.
The appropriate treatment direction is determined by the attending physician and provides a systematic and comprehensive approach. It is extremely dangerous to self-treat, rely on acupuncture, the masseuse in question and the orthopedic doctor do not have the appropriate qualifications. This will not speed up the healing process in any way, and could also lead to serious consequences, which are difficult to repair.
To avoid this, just promptly thinking about the prevention of bone necrosis is enough. Regular exercise, swimming, and jogging. Reconsider your diet - reducing your salt intake, eating foods rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals will also significantly reduce your risk of developing osteonecrosis.
Ointment
Ointment is used in the complex treatment of bone necrosis. They are combined with other drugs. They have a topical and analgesic effect. Specialists prescribe a warming, anti-inflammatory and analgesic ointment, a chondroprotective protector that helps restore damaged cartilage tissue.
Injections
Doctors prescribe injections for rapid relief of pain in compression syndrome (a pinched nerve). In this case, the patient may not even be able to move normally without pain relief. Injections are prescribed for relapses, when the treatment with ointments and tablets is ineffective. With this operation, the necessary nutrients will be quickly delivered to the affected area and contribute to effective treatment.
Dietary treatment
Diet as part of therapy makes it easier and quicker to cope with osteonecrosis. The diet does not require strict restrictions, but patients will have to adjust the menu. Avoid excessively salty and fatty foods that are harmful to health. It is better to eat regularly and divide it into small portions (5-6 times a day). Therapeutic products must be saturated with:
- magnesium- avocado, seaweed, cucumber, banana, dried apricots, beans, oatmeal;
- calcium- eggs, seeds, nuts, dairy products, beets;
- phosphorus- broccoli, cabbage, hard cheese, cheese, figs, dates, seafood, fish;
- vitamin B- red meat, milk, seafood;
- vitamin A- potatoes, carrots, apricots, peaches, tomatoes, green beans;
- vitamin D- sea fish, hard cheese, eggs, beans, butter;
- vitamin C- Citrus fruits, sauerkraut, rose hip, honeysuckle, sea buckthorn, black currant, bell pepper.
Surgical intervention
Doctors prescribe bone necrosis surgery in cases where conservative therapy is ineffective. Surgical indications may be:
- loss of sensitivity of the muscles in the legs or gradual weakness;
- Large spinal hernia;
- sharp narrowing and compression of the spinal canal;
- situation when cervical bone necrosis there is a risk of developing a stroke;
- presence of the risk of paralysis of the feet.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is indicated for severe disc muscle pain. By acting on the acupuncture points, the doctor reduces tension and clamping, edema, improves blood microcirculation.
Complications may occur
Spinal tumors are not only painful and uncomfortable. It also has a number of negative complications, of which the most common are:
- hearing problems;
- migraine headaches and frequent headaches;
- visual impairment;
- pulp inflammation;
- dysfunction of the genitourinary system;
- dry;
- development of disc herniation.
Is it possible to fully recover?
With effective treatment of spinal necrosis disease, it is possible to avoid the progression of the disease and its recurrence, reduce stress, strengthen muscles and normalize metabolic processes.
Prevention methods
If you take care of your own health at first, you can avoid the questions: "What is osteonecrosis? What are its causes, symptoms and treatments? "
Effective preventive methods for treating osteoporosis of the spine are:
- organized in the right workplace - comfortable orthopedic chair, well-lit, acceptable table height;
- sleeping places should be as comfortable as possible - mattresses, orthopedic pillows;
- You should control your posture while sitting in front of a computer, while walking (do not slouch);
- healthy and balanced nutrition;
- systemic physical activity - jogging, exercise, gymnastics, swimming;
- massage procedures for the spine.