Spinal osteosarcoma is a disease in which the structure and function of the discs and cartilage is impaired. It is accompanied by frequent sensations of pain, because the affected tissues must provide mobility and flexibility of the spine. According to ICD 10, it belongs to the group of diseases of the musculoskeletal system, code - M42. The essence of the disease lies in the compression of the discs during load bearing on the spine, which leads to their destruction or deformation. This leads to damage to the nerve endings, leading to pain and swelling. A neglected form of osteonecrosis of the spine can lead to disability.
The reasons for the development of osteonecrosis of the spine
What is this disease and what causes it? Usually, this disease appears in people after the age of 40. It is caused by age-related disorders of salt metabolism and dehydration. Factors that provoke the development of the disease:
- stooping leads to curvature of the spine;
- spinal muscles do not develop;
- stay in an uncomfortable position for a long time;
- often carry heavy objects;
- sedentary lifestyle associated with work characteristics;
- metabolic disorders in the body;
- genetic predisposition;
- negative effects of chemicals on the body;
- infectious diseases of a contagious nature;
- nervous tension, stress with nervous manifestations;
- hormonal disorders in the body;
- professional sports involving electrical loads;
- spinal cord injury;
- a drastic change in position.
It's important to know!Unfavorable climatic conditions, periodic hypothermia can contribute to the development of the disease! Therefore, you should protect yourself as much as possible against these factors.
General symptoms of the disease
Bone tumors are always accompanied by pain and numbness. Such diseases may also appear:
- sharp, cutting, shooting pain;
- aching limbs;
- dizziness, sometimes loss of consciousness;
- dryness and flaking of the skin;
- sweating profusely;
- low temperature of the extremities.
Depending on which part of the spine the disease develops, other specific symptoms appear.
Cervical spine tumor: signs
This is the most dangerous place of failure. After all, in the cervical region there is an artery passing, which contributes to the normal functioning of the brain. Due to the occurrence of the disease, this artery becomes compressed and prevents the blood supply to the brain. Therefore, the patient feels severe headache, dizziness, weakness. The ability to focus attention is reduced, the ability to remember is poor.
Accompanied by pain in the back of the neck, under the shoulder blades, forearms, sometimes numbness in the upper extremities.
Osteochondrosis in the chest area
This type of disease is quite rare, often occurs along with damage to other parts of the spine. May be accompanied by such diseases:
- pain between the shoulder blades;
- sharp pain when taking a deep breath;
- weakness and numbness in the fingers.
There are cases where disease in the thoracic region can cause discomfort in the heart area.
Lumbar spine bone tumor
It is the most common type of disease, as the lower back bears the maximum load during a person's lifetime. Can cause spinal osteonecrosis with lens syndrome. This disease is characterized by compression of the nerve roots in the lumbar region, accompanied by a lot of pain and can radiate down the thighs and buttocks.
During the period of development, the normal work of the lower extremities is interrupted and is accompanied by the following symptoms:
- tingling sensation on the back of the leg;
- weakness of the lower extremities;
- numbness of the toes.
Disorders of the genitourinary system and bowel function may also occur.
Important thing to remember!At the first symptoms, you should seek the help of a specialist! After all, an advanced form of the disease in a certain part can develop multisegment osteonecrosis of the spine, which involves defeating all parts at once.
Stages of osteochondrosis of the spine
In modern medicine, there are 4 stages of the disease:
- Degree of bone necrosis of the spine. At this stage, the disease is difficult to detect. There are no obvious signs. There are only general diseases, slight weakness in the back accompanied by discomfort, which is caused by overwork. The disease progresses slowly, often discovered randomly during routine health check-ups.
- Spinal fibroids grade 2. Pain symptoms appear due to the initial tissue destruction. If you see a specialist in time for help, this degree of disease can be quickly cured with medication.
- Spinal fibroids grade 3. The process of irreversible deformation of the cartilage tissues begins, which is the cause of the development of scoliosis, curvature and the appearance of tumors. Treatment at this stage will improve the condition and minimize the curvature.
- Spinal fibroids grade 4. In this final stage, a person undergoes irreversible destruction of the tissues of the spine. The patient becomes very difficult to move, which causes him excruciating pain.
It's important to know!Stage 4 of the disease leaves the patient disabled! Therefore, right from the first manifestations, it is necessary to consult a doctor and conduct timely treatment.
Diagnostic
Complaints emerged from patients asking to contact a specialist. To confirm the diagnosis, you should make an appointment with a neurologist or traumatologist, who, after a detailed survey and examination, will send you to perform the following studies:
- Magnetic resonance imaging;
- Supersonic;
- ECG;
- X-ray;
- General analysis of blood and urine.
Based on the studies performed, the doctor makes a conclusion and prescribes an effective treatment, depending on the stage of the disease.
Treatment of osteonecrosis of the spine
There are many ways that you can influence the course of the disease. They are not only intended to relieve discomfort, but also aid in full recovery. The most effective treatments are:
Medicines for treatment
They are aimed at relieving pain sensations, reducing inflammatory processes, restoring cartilage tissues and preventing the dynamic development of the disease. Vitamin supplementation during this period is very important.
Chondroprotectors
The therapeutic effect does not appear immediately, so a course is prescribed, the duration of which is about 2 months.
Injections
Their use is aimed at eliminating the pain syndrome; Injections have no therapeutic effect.
Ointment
The use of different ointments, creams or gels helps to get rid of inflammation. They also have an analgesic and warming effect.
Acupuncture
For such procedures, the patient is referred to a chiropractor. After all, only an experienced specialist can qualitatively perform this operation. Acupuncture helps to relieve even unbearable severe pain, has a beneficial effect on the nervous system and normalizes hormones.
Cupping massage
The essence of the procedure is to apply vacuum to the skin, which restores blood flow, removes toxins and improves the general condition of the body. Effective pain relief. This type of massage cannot be performed on the spine itself, mammary glands, heart and kidneys. Contraindications to the use of this procedure: patients with skin rashes, heart disease and pregnancy.
- Magnetic therapy. It is used as an adjunct in the treatment of osteonecrosis. Helps to weaken the inflammatory process, reduce puffiness, tone the muscles of the spine.
- Physical therapy. It is aimed at restoring mobility of the spine, strengthening the muscles of the back and normalizing metabolism. It is very important not to work too hard during exercise.
- Massage. Necessary to eliminate pain and strengthen muscles.
Important thing to remember!Regardless of the stage of osteonecrosis, only a specialist prescribes treatment! He can choose between two methods or a complex treatment.
Treatment with folk remedies
To combat this disease, you can use herbal remedies that are easy to prepare at home. For this, only natural ingredients are used.
Garlic
To prepare the drug, you will need 200 g of minced garlic, poured with 0. 5 liters of vodka or alcohol. Leave in a cool, dark place for 1 week, shaking daily. After a while, use it as a back rub. Helps relieve pain.
Bay leaf and juniper
You should take 1 tsp. Original ingredients, ground into a consistent powder. Blend with softened unsalted butter 100 g. Apply to the affected areas with the resulting ointment 3 times a day.
Sage
It will take 1 tbsp. l. wormwood, pour 1 glass of boiling water. Insist 3 hours. Strain the broth and rub your back before going to bed.
Important thing to remember!Regardless of the method of treatment you choose, you need to consult with your doctor! He may consider using home-made medicines as a complementary treatment.
Army and bone marrow destruction
Are they recruited into the military once such a diagnosis has been established? In order for a young man not to have to do military service, the following times must be met:
- disc osteonecrosis;
- strong, shooting pain on exertion;
- obvious signs of spinal deformity;
It's important to know!Pain sensations should be confirmed by regularly seeking medical help! Only in this situation, the young man was not healthy enough to do military service.
Complications of the disease
Since the spine is the basis of the musculoskeletal system, bone degeneration can cause irreparable harm to health. The consequences that the disease can lead to:
- herniated disc;
- rachiocampsis;
- displacement of the vertebrae.
This can lead to organ disruption, weakening of the immune system, which in turn leads to new serious illnesses.
It's important to know!Ignoring osteonecrosis leads to disability! Therefore, when there is a disease, it is necessary to conduct treatment immediately.
Prevention of osteochondrosis of the spine
To avoid the development of the disease, it is necessary to take the following preventive measures:
- Diet. This is especially true for the elderly. Ask to avoid spicy, fatty, canned and smoked foods as much as possible. You should also avoid using too much salt, coffee, chocolate, alcoholic beverages. Proper nutrition helps to remove salt from the body.
- Daily morning exercises. Gentle exercise will help keep the body fit and strengthen the muscular system.
- Orthopedic mattress. As for the rest, you should buy it, because healthy sleep and complete relaxation will reduce the likelihood of developing diseases to a minimum.
Pay special attention to where you want to sleep. The most comfortable position for the spine is the embryo. In this case, he is completely relaxed. It is better to use a small pillow. In these ways, you can protect your spine from undue stress and give it the rest it needs.