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Osteochondrosis – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Osteochondrosis is a degenerative spinal condition involving the breakdown of intervertebral discs and vertebral bone tissue. It commonly causes back and neck pain and affects many adults over the age of 30.

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Things worth knowing about "Osteochondrosis"

Osteochondrosis is a degenerative spinal condition involving the breakdown of intervertebral discs and vertebral bone tissue. It commonly causes back and neck pain and affects many adults over the age of 30.

What is Osteochondrosis?

Osteochondrosis (also known as osteochondrosis intervertebralis) is a degenerative disease of the spine characterized by the progressive deterioration of intervertebral disc cartilage and structural changes in the adjacent vertebral bodies. Over time, the discs lose height and elasticity, increasing pressure on the spinal joints and nerve roots. The condition is most commonly seen in adults over the age of 30 and tends to worsen with age.

Causes

Osteochondrosis develops due to a combination of factors:

Natural aging: Wear and tear on the intervertebral discs increases with age.
Poor posture and lack of movement: Prolonged sitting, repetitive strain, and physical inactivity accelerate disc degeneration.
Excess body weight: Obesity places continuous additional load on the spine.
Genetic predisposition: A family history of spinal degeneration increases risk.
Heavy physical labor: Frequent lifting of heavy loads contributes to early disc wear.
Metabolic disorders: Conditions such as diabetes mellitus can impair cartilage metabolism.

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending on the region of the spine affected and the severity of the degeneration:

Lower back pain (lumbago) when the lumbar spine is affected
Neck pain and shoulder tension when the cervical spine is affected
Radiating pain into the arms or legs if nerve roots are compressed
Morning stiffness of the spine
Reduced range of motion
In advanced stages: tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of osteochondrosis is established through several steps:

Medical history and physical examination: Assessment of pain characteristics, duration, and triggers, along with evaluation of mobility and reflexes.
X-ray imaging: Typical findings include narrowing of the disc space and sclerotic changes in the vertebral endplates.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Provides detailed visualization of the discs, nerve roots, and surrounding soft tissue.
Computed Tomography (CT): Used as supplementary imaging when findings are ambiguous.

Treatment

Conservative Treatment

The majority of osteochondrosis cases are managed without surgery:

Physiotherapy: Targeted muscle strengthening and stretching exercises to relieve spinal load.
Pain management: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or diclofenac are used to reduce pain and inflammation.
Heat therapy: Application of warmth relaxes muscles and provides pain relief.
Orthopedic aids: Back braces or specialized insoles may offer temporary support.
Weight management: Reducing excess body weight relieves long-term stress on the spine.

Surgical Treatment

Surgery is considered only in severe cases with persistent neurological deficits or pain that does not respond to conservative treatment. Procedures may include disc surgery or the implantation of vertebral implants.

Prevention

Regular physical activity, ergonomic working conditions, good posture, and maintaining a healthy body weight are key factors in preventing osteochondrosis. Low-impact endurance sports such as swimming or cycling are particularly beneficial for spinal health.

References

Schünke, M. et al. - Prometheus Atlas of Anatomy. Thieme Publishers, 2018.
German Society for Orthopaedics and Orthopaedic Surgery (DGOOC) - Guideline on Non-Specific Low Back Pain, 2017. Available at: www.awmf.org
Brinjikji, W. et al. - Systematic Literature Review of Imaging Features of Spinal Degeneration in Asymptomatic Populations. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol, 2015. PubMed PMID: 25430861.

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