Osteosarcoma: what people need to know?

Osteoma is a problem of the spine, affecting every fourth inhabitant of the planet, at least according to experts from the WHO Statistics Center.

Of the top five most common diseases in the world, osteonecrosis occupies the "honorable" third place, with only cardiovascular disease coming ahead of it. In 2012, the British Broadcasting Corporation's media giant, BBC, published shocking medical research figures: every year more than 5 million people die from diseases caused by inactivity, i. e. due to inactivity. sedentary lifestyle. A veritable epidemic of reduced physical activity has covered a third of people on earth, and the latest scientific research has proven that the culprits of many health-threatening diseases are completely absent. not a genetic predisposition or a virus, but an unhealthy lifestyle. Almost all back problems - herniated discs (herniated discs), osteoporosis, osteonecrosis, and many others associated with osteonecrosis - are the result of sitting for long hours, whether beforeTV, desk or car seat. Approximately 80% of all reasons for back pain and spinal diseases develop are related to underlying degenerative changes in the corset and the lack of adequate sensible physical activity.

Osteochondrosis and the spine

The structure of the spine in organisms, whether animal or human, is essentially the same. However, only humans possess the proud title of Homo erectus, i. e. Homo erectus. Until recently, it was believed that the upright posture was the main cause of pathological changes in the spine. It is as if the vertical position of the body results in an incorrect, uneven load on the spine. Static loads, which are most exposed to the lower back and sacrum, including the five vertebrae, are the most dangerous in terms of destructive effects on disc tissues. dynamic load, which is characterized by movements, the cervical spine is affected. The structure of the spine is quite complexcomplex, it consists of many vertebrae connected by cartilage tissue - discs. The intervertebral discs, in turn, are multi-layered rings with a liquid core in the middle, performing the function of absorbing shocks when the spine moves. In addition, the vertebrae are connected by a large number of muscles and other tissues. The elasticity of this entire connecting system ensures a normal state of the spine. Simply put, the more elastic and adaptive the discs, the more flexible and healthy the spine, the less risk of osteonecrosis. Today, the theory that upright posture is the cause of all degenerative diseases of the spine is being challenged. Statistics continue to convince clinicians that rather than sedentary, inactivity is a factor in the spinal diseases associated with dystrophy and degeneration of disc tissues. In addition, excess weight, which actually increases the load on the intervertebral disc, can also exacerbate destructive processes and provoke osteonecrosis. Conclusion: motion is life. This phrase is not new, it seems hackney, trivial, however, it does not require proof. A striking example of the fact that physical activity and flexibility can be fundamental to spine health is the example of people who regularly exercise, yoga, and other forms of exercise. . Nature itself gives children the opportunity to be flexible, because their vertebral discs are very elastic, only in the nucleus of the disc up to 80% is liquid. With age, the amount of life-giving "lubricant" may decrease, but it can be maintained by consciously performing simple exercises and following the basic rules of lifestyle. Healthy living. Osteochondrosis is a disease of people who are forced to sit or lie down for hours, for years, for whatever reason - on duty or out of their own free will, out of obligation, out of laziness or simplicity. simply due to lack of understanding.

What is osteonecrosis?

Osteochondrosis is a concept that encompasses all degenerative and dystrophic changes in the spine. It should be noted that in the European version of the classification of diseases there is no word for osteonecrosis, there are such diseases which are classified as rheumatic and back pathologies. In the ICD-10, since 1999, indeed, a group of diseases typically presenting as pain in the spine, unrelated to visceral etiology, is defined as back pathology. Osteochondrosis, which is recognized as a back pathology, is divided into three large groups, in turn:

1. Deformed diseases, back diseases - scoliosis, curvature, scoliosis, spondylosis, spondylosis.
2. Spine pathologies - spondylolisthesis, ankylosing spondylitis and other dystrophic pathologies that limit the mobility of the spine.
3. Other, other dorsal spondylosis are degenerative changes accompanied by hernia, protrusion of the eyes.

Therefore, osteonecrosis or osteonecrosis (from Greek - bone, cartilage and pain) is the collective name for all problems in the spine caused by degeneration and malnutrition of the vertebral tissues. survival (degeneration and dystrophy). When deformed, the shock-absorbing discs of the intervertebral discs become thinner, becoming flattened, resulting in an overload of the vertebrae and even greater deformity to the point that they begin to extend beyond the normal boundaries of the vertebrae. Spine. Nerve roots with such pathology are pinched, inflamed, pain occurs.

Osteoma affects nearly the entire back, and depending on which part of the spine is more affected, it is referred to as a disease in clinical practice.

The most 'common', known by many as lumbar osteosarcoma, also defined as cervical tumour, second in prevalence, has sacral, thoracic, and extensive osteonecrosis. There are also cross pathologies - hemangiomas or, for example, thoracic cavity.

The symptoms of osteonecrosis can be varied, but sooner or later they all increase and manifest clinically. Of course, it is much easier and quicker to treat osteonecrosis in the early stages of development, when the following signs are noticeable:

• Pain, dullness in the part of the spine affected by the degenerative process.
• Chronic muscle strain (especially characteristic of cervical osteonecrosis).
• Bending when turning, neck.
• Headache, including tension headache (with cervical osteonecrosis).
• Sharp pain in the chest, often reminiscent of cardiovascular pain (with thoracic osteonecrosis).

Osteomas in the inflammatory stage have symptoms that warrant a visit to the doctor, as they cause more pronounced discomfort:

• Irradiation of painful limbs.
• Numbness of fingers or toes.
• Projection pain in fingers and extremities.
• Severe pain in the spine when performing simple physical activities.
• Pain is aggravated by pushing or shaking, such as when moving in traffic.
• Inability to perform simple tasks that involve rotating or tilting movements of the body.
• General limitations of mobility, motor activities.

The factors that can cause problems with the spine, known as osteonecrosis, are varied, but hypodysthesia was mentioned in the first place. Other reasons include:

• Functionality - monotonous work while maintaining the same posture.
• Biomechanics - flat feet, birth defects in the development of the spine.
• Hormones - changes in hormone levels due to age-related changes.
• Infection - dystrophy of the disc media caused by an inflammatory process.
• Metabolic - overweight or underweight.

The factors that cause osteonecrosis, that is, deformation and dystrophy of the intervertebral disc, as a rule, act in combination and almost never in isolation.

The development of osteonecrosis is divided into the following stages:

1. Changes in disc biomechanics due to tissue degeneration and dystrophic changes. This is the preclinical stage, when the signs, if any, are very weak and unrecognizable. At this stage, the fibrous ring surrounding the disc begins to stretch or, conversely, contract.
2. The second stage is characterized by instability of the larger disc, the annulus is not only stretched, its fibers are stratified, the ring begins to break. Due to the nerve roots being violated, pain appears in the spine, degeneration becomes more and more severe. As collagen tissue continues to break down, the normal height of the intervertebral disc space decreases.
3. The disc is often completely ruptured, this pathology is accompanied by inflammation, herniation and invasion of nerve endings. Prolapse (prolapse) causes characteristic pain not only in the affected spine, but also in the extremities and adjacent parts of the body.
4. The most difficult stage, when spondylosis and other compensatory diseases of the spine participate in the dystrophy phase. Normally, the vertebrae are flattened to compensate for lost function, the elastic tissue of the annulus is gradually replaced by scars and bone grows.

Cervical spine bone tumor

Almost everyone involved in mental functioning, from schoolchildren to the elderly, suffers from one form or another of cervical osteochondrosis. Cervical osteosarcoma is considered to be a disease associated with increased dynamic loads causing degeneration of the intervertebral discs and their subsidence. Hardening and growth of cartilaginous tissue leads to a violation of the degrading property of this part of the spine, head movements - tilt, circular, rotation become difficult and are accompanied by characteristic signsof osteonecrosis.

Symptoms that can cause cervical osteosarcoma in the early stages of the disease are nonspecific and resemble those of other non-skeletal disorders. The list of manifestations of osteonecrosis that need to be differentiated and specified in order to establish the correct diagnosis is as follows:

• Severe headache that resembles a migraine.
• The headache extends from the occipital to the neck.
• Headache that is aggravated by coughing, turning, or sneezing.
• Headache that radiates to the chest or shoulder.
• Dizziness, sensory disturbances - double vision, difficulty concentrating. Noise in the ear, in severe cases, impairs the ability to coordinate movements.
• Symptoms are similar to a heart attack, especially the pain that follows angina - pain in the heart, extending to the neck or arm area, below the shoulder blades. The pain may increase and not be relieved with heart medication.
• Pain similar to hypertension (heavier in the back of the head).

Consequences and complications

However, before treating cervical spondylosis, like any other disease, it is necessary to find out its cause, which is very difficult when it comes to spondylolisthesis. The factors that cause deformation of the discs of the cervical spine are related to the anatomical features of this region. The cervical vertebrae are almost constantly strained by insufficient joint motor activity. If we take into account the entire "sedentary" lifestyle of more than half of the working population, the problem sometimes becomes intractable. In addition, the cervical vertebrae are smaller than the vertebrae of other regions of the spine, and the visceral canal is also much narrower. A large number of nerve endings, a lot of blood vessels, the presence of the most important artery that feeds the brain - all this makes the cervical region extremely vulnerable. Even the slightest contraction ofintervertebral disc space leads to encroachment of nerve roots, swelling, inflammation and, as a result, impaired blood supply to the brain. Often, reduced mental functioning is caused by a person developing cervical osteochondrosis. There is a historical anecdote, dating back not too long ago, when Margaret Hilda Thatcher chastised her employees with the words: "Your problem is not your headache or your own view of the problem at hand. The thing is, your spine isn't connected to your brain, John. cervical spine, it happens sometimes - the spine does not provide proper "nourishment" to the head. As for "nutrition", in fact, not only the spinal canal participates in it, but also the channel of the artery that passes through cross-sectional neural processes. The vertebral artery goes to the skull to feed the cerebellum, and this artery also supplies nutrients and oxygen to the vestibular apparatus. The slightest disturbance of blood flow through these channels can induce or aggravate the course of the vegetative vascular syndrome. In addition to VSD, osteonecrosis in the cervical region causes typical symptoms of lens syndrome (sciatica), when pain radiates to the fingertips or one finger, and pale skin (marbled)) is clearly visible. One of the most unpleasant complications caused by cervical osteochondrosis is palmar sclerosis, also known as Dupuytren's contracture. With this disease, the aponeurosis (tendon plate) of the palm is affected and the flexor function of the fingers is disturbed.

Diagnosis of osteonecrosis of the cervical spine

Cervical osteosarcoma is diagnosed by a specialist based on patient complaints, confirmed and indicated by x-ray, magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography.

Treatment of osteonecrosis of the cervical spine

It is only possible to completely cure cervical spondylosis in the early stages, however, it is possible to save a person from the painful symptoms of this disease, prevent exacerbations and get rid of some pathological changesin the spine. Therefore, we should not forget the importance of timely treatment.

How to treat osteonecrosis?

Osteoma is not easy to treat, as a rule, therapy is indicated as comprehensively as possible, including all means available to modern medicine. In addition to conservative drug treatment, proven phytotherapeutic medications, acupuncture, a set of therapeutic exercises, and sometimes surgical operations to remove hernias and adnexal masses. vertebrae are also used. It should be recognized that osteonecrosis and treatment are two concepts that a patient will have to face for a long time, sometimes even a lifetime. In addition to the initial phase, aimed at pain relief, therapy includes ongoing restorative, restorative and preventive actions. Complex, multi-component diseases are always treated over the long term. If diagnosed - osteonecrosis, how to treat it - this is the first question that is decided not only by the doctor, but also by the patient himself, because of his direct involvement and responsible compliance, Fulfillment of prescriptions often plays a decisive role. role in recovery.

What treatment?

List of drugs most often used as a remedy for osteonecrosis:

• A complex, effective homeopathic preparation needs to be taken over the long term, just like any other homeopathic remedy (in ampoules or tablets).
• An effective external remedy for good muscle and joint pain relief.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (in the form of ointment - external use, tablets - oral).
• Ointment of complex effects from the catalog of homeopathic remedies.
• The drug in the form of tablets belongs to the group of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
• A drug belonging to the group of glucocorticoids.
• Ointment from the type of external non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Gel from the category of external non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
• A drug that belongs to the category of external non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

If we summarize everything involved in the treatment of such a disease as osteonecrosis, then the treatment can be divided into the following stages and types:

1. The use of NSAIDs - non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, is considered the gold standard in the treatment of all degenerative, dystrophic pathologies of the skeletal and muscular system. The first thing these drugs do is relieve pain, and the second is a significant reduction in inflammation.
2. The drugs are called bone marrow regulators, because they can actually reduce muscle spasms and spasms effectively.
3. Traction therapy is a method of traction therapy. During this rather painful but effective process, there is a gradual stretching of the tissues and muscles surrounding the vertebrae, correspondingly the distance between the discs increases, approaching the norm.
4. Biological preparations, angiogenic substances provide nutrition to the dystrophic tissue areas, vitamin B restores the functions of the deformed spine.
5. Sedatives normalize the state of the nervous system. Relieve muscle tension and acupuncture nerves perfectly.
6. Physiotherapy procedures - electrophoresis, electrophoresis, UHF, massage, mud procedures, balneotherapy, acupuncture.
7. The manipulation of the spine during the recovery period is done by manual therapy.
8. Treatment of osteosarcoma consists of and with the help of continuous exercise from a complex of physiotherapeutic exercises.

In the most severe cases, when the process of osteonecrosis enters the terminal stage, surgical intervention is also indicated, which is carried out in the localized area of the inflammatory process. Often, surgical hernia and removal of deformed bone tissue of adjacent vertebrae is also possible.

Where to treat osteonecrosis?

Self-treatment of most diseases is a trend observed in most countries, but it is especially characteristic of post-Soviet countries, where the traditional medical structure is still changing. Confused by innovations, often simply out of ignorance, many of us try to deal with back, neck, or low back pain on our own. You can call this the first stage of treatment, although it is not very effective, because all it takes is the help of a doctor to treat osteonecrosis. The second stage, when independent actions do not lead to the desired, long-term results, a person thinks of going to a doctor and asking the question, osteonecrosis - how to treat, how to treat andWhere is the most important treatment for osteonecrosis? First, you can contact a local therapist who will most likely refer the patient for an exam - x-rays, blood tests and a referral to a neurologist. Second, you can make an appointment with a neurologist right away, preferably before the consultation, at least do a full spine x-ray. In any case, you should not go overboard and go to an experienced masseur, any massage therapy, first of all, consists in a preliminary examination of the state of the body, especially thecondition of the spine. Osteoarthritis is also addressed by chiropractors and chiropractors - doctors who specialize in diseases of the spine.

Osteochondrosis is a complex disease, but the examples of many people who have overcome even severe spinal injuries prove that anything is possible and achievable. The main thing is that at the first alarm signals that the rear gives us, let's analyze our motor activities and take appropriate measures. You can immediately go to the doctor and start treatment, or, if the disease does not progress, start moving, because, like Aristotle, the teacher of the great Alexander the Great, who was extremely active, said: "Life requires and needs movement. , otherwise it is not life".

What does history say about osteonecrosis?

The etiology of osteonecrosis is still unclear, moreover, despite the clear ancient origin of the disease, diseases of the spine only began to be seriously treated in the 18th century. Since then, controversies and discussions about the real "enemy" that causes degenerative changes in the intervertebral disc. Meanwhile, long ago, even in the time of Hippocrates, there were treatises about cutting bones indicating that the ancient Greeks also suffered from back pain. Hippocrates himself was so interested in spinal topics that he conducted medical experiments that were not obvious from a modern point of view: his students painstakingly tied the patient's hands and feet on a flat surface. Lie on your back, straighten your limbs as much as possible. the better. Then the great healer stood on the back of the suffering man and began to walk on it. The father of medicine was sincerely convinced that such immobilization, stretching and massaging would restore health to the spine, which, according to the ancient Greek sages, was the key to one's happiness. a man. Some systematization of techniques for the treatment of osteonecrosis began only in the late 17th century. At the same time, the emergence of the term formalized fields of application in medicine, among them equipment. bone formation. Two centuries later, it split into chiropractic and chiropractic. The first direction is purely practical, using strength techniques, chiropractors are more theorists and researchers. At the time of the intersection of these sciences, manual therapy gradually appeared, which today the treatment of osteonecrosis is almost unthinkable.

As for the disease-defining term "necrosis of the bone", a typical story has happened with osteonecrosis, which is typical for other diseases of unknown etiology. As soon as it is not called - and migraine, and sciatica, and Schmorl's hernia, and sciatica, and spondylolisthesis. It took doctors nearly a century to find osteonecrosis and come to a consensus.