Osteochondrosis of the 1st degree (stages, st. ) is the initial stage of a degenerative-dystrophic disease of the spinal column. Damage to the intervertebral discs, and, accordingly, the symptoms of the disease at this stage are not yet pronounced. In this period, the disease responds well to treatment, if all the recommendations are followed, it is possible to slow down the destruction of cartilage tissue and avoid complications..

1 degree of osteochondrosis - the initial stage, if vigorous measures are taken during this period, the development of the disease can be stopped Osteochondrosis of the first degree: features. Intervertebral discs are located, respectively, between the vertebrae, providing mobility and flexibility of the spine. Each disc consists of 2 components - the nucleus pulposus and the annulus fibrosus.

Any part of the spine can be affected:.

cervical;

chest;

lumbar;

sacral.

The disease is characterized by a gradual progression of changes - from initial degenerative changes in the intervertebral disc to the displacement of the nucleus pulposus, the formation of bone growths. In accordance with the existing changes, several stages of osteochondrosis are distinguished.

Osteochondrosis of the 1st degree of the lumbar spine is characterized by initial degenerative changes in the nucleus pulposus and the posterior part of the fibrous ring. The fibrous ring protrudes towards the spinal canal, irritating the receptors of the posterior longitudinal ligament. So there is back pain and compensatory muscle tension in the affected area. The integrity of the fibrous ring is not violated.

Causes There is no single cause that would lead to the development of the disease. Many factors influence. The most common include:.

Provoking factor.

Explanation.

Excessive exercise.

The development of osteochondrosis is promoted by various static and dynamic loads.. This is due to microtrauma of the intervertebral discs during physical overload..

Obesity.

Excess body weight leads to overload of the intervertebral joints and imbalance.

Improper nutrition.

Lack of vitamins and microelements in the diet can lead to degeneration of intervertebral discs.. Cartilage loses strength and elasticity.

flat feet.

The main function of the foot is to support body weight.. With flat feet, this function is impaired, so the spine has to cope with the additional load..

Other factors.

Other factors also have a negative impact on the condition of the disks:.

sleeping on a soft mattress;

· sedentary lifestyle;

Carrying heavy bags on the shoulder;

· sedentary work.

Plays a role and hereditary predisposition. The development of the disease can be caused by the influence of both one factor and their combination.. At the same time, the more factors act, the higher the likelihood of developing a pathological process.. Also, the older a person is, the more likely they are to develop the disease..

Clinical symptoms Often the only symptom that worries the patient is back pain.. Pain occurs reflexively due to irritation of the posterior longitudinal ligament. Pain in the initial stage of the disease has the following characteristics:.

occurs after physical exertion, with a long stay in an uncomfortable position;

goes away after rest;

not intense;

is intermittent, not permanent.;

localized in the region of the affected disc.

Localization of pain depends on which part of the spine is affected. It can hurt the neck, lower back, less often - the thoracic region.

A feature of stage 1 osteochondrosis is the absence of additional symptoms. The nerve roots in this period are not infringed, respectively, the pain does not radiate, there are no symptoms of sensitivity disorders (numbness, crawling sensation).

Diagnostic methods Only clinical symptoms are not enough to make a diagnosis, since back pain is a non-specific symptom. Physical examination and additional tests required. During a physical examination, the doctor reveals:.

localization of pain (according to the spinous processes of the vertebrae);

muscle tension near the spine;

no neurological disorders.

Additional studies are used to clarify the diagnosis.. Plain radiography of the spine, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

There are no changes on the survey radiograph in the initial stage of the disease.. The study is carried out for differential diagnosis with other diseases of the spine. With the help of MRI, it is possible to determine the localization of the lesion, the degree of degeneration of the discs.

How to treat the disease At an early stage of the disease, conservative methods of treatment are used, surgery is not indicated. Conservative therapy has 2 directions - drug and non-drug.

Drug therapyDrug treatment of osteochondrosis includes the use of several groups of drugs - non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), muscle relaxants, chondroprotectors.

The use of chondroprotectors refers to pathogenetic treatment, that is, drugs from this group directly affect the mechanism of the development of the disease. But the use of NSAIDs and muscle relaxants are symptomatic treatment, that is, they only eliminate the symptoms.

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