Osteochondrosis is a common, age-related condition of the spine that causes changes in the intervertebral discs, vertebral bodies, and surrounding cartilage. Due to prolonged strain, overuse, or misalignment of the spine, intervertebral discs lose their elasticity, which increases pressure on adjacent vertebral bodies.
The condition can occur in the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine and affects both individual vertebrae and entire sections of the spine.
Osteochondrosis particularly often develops in areas with heavily stressed joints and intervertebral discs.
Osteochondrosis of the spine is a gradual condition that the person affected may not even notice at first. Initially, pain occurs only occasionally. Later, the back hurts even when lying down or sitting, causing significant distress for those affected.
Osteochondrosis of the spine: What exactly is it?
Intervertebral osteochondrosis is a change in the vertebral joints, intervertebral discs, and vertebrae in the cervical, thoracic, and/or lumbar spine (C-spine, T-spine, L-spine). As a result, these structures may theoretically undergo increased wear and tear—a condition that medical professionals refer to as degeneration.
The causes of such osteochondrosis of the spine are not yet fully understood. Localized circulatory disorders in the bone, growth abnormalities, or prolonged excessive or improper strain on the back may play a role. Osteochondrosis can also develop as a result of changes in the intervertebral discs.
Symptoms of Osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the spine can cause pain, which may worsen over time. Patients often adopt a protective posture to relieve pressure on the affected structures. However, mild cases of osteochondrosis may remain asymptomatic and are sometimes discovered incidentally, for example, during an MRI scan. This is generally no cause for concern.
Possible symptoms of a severe case of the condition include:
Back and neck pain are common in cases of extensive osteochondrosis of the spine. Headaches and limited range of motion are possible accompanying symptoms. In some cases, pain may also radiate. If the condition is very advanced, doctors refer to it as erosive (advanced) osteochondrosis. If multiple joints are affected at the same time, this is called multisegmental osteochondrosis.
Forms of the Condition
Osteochondrosis has many forms. A common form is intervertebral osteochondrosis. This involves changes in the vertebral joints, the intervertebral discs, and the vertebrae of the spine. When accompanied by signs of wear and tear, the condition is often referred to as spondylosis.
Spondylosis refers to nonspecific wear and tear in the spine. This leads to overloading of the affected joint, and the bone is slowly broken down. The body counteracts this wear and tear by producing bone mass. However, this leads to ossification of the affected segment. The most commonly affected area is the junction between the lumbar spine and the pelvis (L5/S1).
Osteochondrosis between the 4th and 5th lumbar vertebrae; By Dr. Jochen Lengerke - Dr. Jochen Lengerke’s Practice, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, Link
Other forms of the disease:
1. Osteochondrosis dissecans (active osteochondrosis)
This is a change in bone metabolism involving the articular cartilage. This condition occurs primarily in the ankle, knee, or elbow joints. In the late stages, a cartilage-bone fragment is dislodged into the joint, which can lead to painful impingement symptoms.
2. Scheuermann’s disease (juvenile osteochondrosis)
Scheuermann’s disease is a growth disorder of the thoracic spine and is the most common spinal disorder among adolescents. The changes usually begin between the ages of 11 and 13, and boys are affected more frequently than girls. The exact cause of this condition has not yet been fully elucidated. In addition to a hereditary component, one-sided strain on the spine and poor posture due to weak core muscles contribute significantly to the development of Scheuermann’s disease.
3. Perthes Disease
Perthes disease is a form of osteochondrosis affecting the femoral head that typically occurs between the ages of 5 and 9. Children complain of pain in the hip or knee area, which is caused by changes in the femoral head and the accompanying joint effusion. If left untreated, Perthes disease can lead to permanent deformities of the femoral head after growth is complete. During the growth phase, the condition can often be successfully treated with targeted surgical procedures.
Diagnosis of Osteochondrosis
Most patients come to the clinic with acute or chronic pain. The medical history, clinical examination, and analysis of posture and gait form the basis of the diagnosis. However, the doctor will perform additional imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis. Various X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasound examinations help determine the severity of osteochondrosis.
Treatment: Pain Relief & Improved Mobility
Treatment is primarily based on the patient’s clinical presentation and the stage of the disease. The foundation of non-surgical (conservative) treatment consists of pain relievers and physical therapy. Pain relievers (analgesics) not only alleviate pain—they are also helpful for muscle tension. Sometimes inflammation also occurs in the affected areas, which is why the doctor prescribes anti-inflammatory medications.
As a complementary therapy, physical therapy treatments help alleviate pain and improve mobility. Physical therapies such as magnetic therapy, oxygen therapy, electrotherapy, heat treatments (fango or mud packs), or massages have no significant effect on bone metabolism and cannot cure the condition. Such procedures should be used, if at all, as adjunctive therapy—for example, to relax the muscles. Scientific studies have also shown that reducing weight-bearing (e.g., using crutches) does not provide any lasting benefit.
Exercise is recommended for osteochondrosis accompanied by muscle weakness in order to stabilize the muscles surrounding the joints. However, make sure that the type of exercise does not place additional strain on your joints. Low-impact sports, in particular
- swimming
- Nordic walking
- cycling,
are ideal in this regard. Also, make sure to follow a balanced, Mediterranean-style diet.
Conclusion
Osteochondrosis can occur throughout the entire skeletal system; the spine is frequently affected. Treatment for osteochondrosis depends on the affected joint and the stage of the disease. In addition to conservative treatment, there are successful orthopedic surgical procedures to alleviate the condition and prevent potential complications.
FAQ on Osteochondrosis
What is osteochondrosis?
Osteochondrosis is a degenerative disease characterized by wear and tear of the intervertebral discs, cartilage, and vertebral bodies of the spine.
Where does osteochondrosis occur most frequently?
Osteochondrosis occurs particularly frequently in the cervical and lumbar spine, as these sections are subjected to heavy strain.
What symptoms does osteochondrosis cause?
Typical symptoms include back pain, neck pain, and limited range of motion, as well as numbness or tingling in the arms or legs in advanced cases.
How is osteochondrosis diagnosed?
Diagnosis is made through medical history, physical examination, and imaging techniques such as MRI or X-ray.
How is osteochondrosis treated?
Treatment typically involves conservative management with physical therapy and rest, while surgery is necessary only in severe cases.
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