Osteochondrosis diagnostics. Prices, reviews, ratings
Osteochondrosis is a disease that affects the structural elements of the spine and the formations that connect them. The disease has a degenerative-dystrophic nature. Usually, at the initial stage, the pathology manifests itself weakly, since at first only the bones and ligaments are deformed. Symptoms in the form of pain appear much later, when
Osteochondrosis is a disease that affects the structural elements of the spine and the formations that connect them. The disease has a degenerative-dystrophic nature. Usually, at the initial stage, the pathology manifests itself weakly, since at first only the bones and ligaments are deformed. Symptoms in the form of pain appear much later, when the nerve cells are affected.
General information
The disease is not associated with age-related changes in the body. Most often, it makes itself known in people over 30 years of age, but it can also manifest itself in puberty. Hence, the assumption about the heredity of this disease seems quite reasonable.
The main cause of painful sensations is the increased sensitivity of the nerve roots in the affected area. Often, there is a violation of blood flow around them, swelling and fibrosis of the surrounding tissues occur.
Diagnosing osteochondrosis of the spine is complicated by the fact that unpleasant symptoms can appear in different parts of the body, even in the internal organs. Therefore, the patient often does not even suspect the presence of disorders in the musculoskeletal system.
In this regard, doctors recommend undergoing a preventive examination every year and not self-medicating, and at the slightest ailment, seek professional advice.
Detecting destructive processes at early stages is of paramount importance, since it will prevent irreversible changes in the structures of the spine.
Procedure
Diagnostics of osteochondrosis includes a whole range of measures - clinical and instrumental studies.
The main symptom of disorders is pain in any part of the body support. Abnormal deformations of the intervertebral discs act as the cause of pain in the area of the bases of the spinal nerves.
At the initial stage of the disease, pain is especially noticeable when lifting a heavy load. This symptom is caused by a sharp increase in intradiscal pressure and irritation of the nerve endings that innervate the deep muscles of the back, bone and cartilaginous elements, as well as the spinal cord membrane.
Diagnostics of lumbar osteochondrosis is carried out by checking for the Lasegue symptom: in the presence of pathological processes of the second or third degree, painful impulses are observed when raising a straightened leg from a supine position to an angle of 10-15 degrees.
X-ray examination is recognized as one of the main methods for determining deviations from the norm. Images are usually taken in the anteroposterior and lateral projections. A specialist can diagnose pathology of intervertebral structures if he sees the following indicators in the image:
- decrease in the height of the disc between the vertebrae;
- asymmetrical appearance of the intervertebral space;
- displacement of parts of the spine forward or backward;
- degenerative processes in the vertebral bodies (especially in the early stages of the disease).
Functional X-ray technique has recently become increasingly popular. It allows you to assess the degree of displacement of the vertebral structures. The method involves obtaining images in the lateral projection with extreme flexion and extension.
Computer tomography is a fairly informative method for obtaining data on the patient's health. It allows you to determine the degree of degenerative changes in the intervertebral disc. This diagnostic method is used only after a preliminary diagnosis has been made.
Differential diagnostics of osteochondrosis from tumors, injuries or infections is carried out by radioisotope scanning of the spine using phosphorus marked with the isotope technetium.
Indications
Symptoms that require consulting a doctor:
- pain and discomfort in the back with sudden movements and lifting weights;
- numbness of the arms or legs;
- pain in the back radiates to the left arm or leg.
Contraindications
X-ray examination is not performed in pregnant women.
Prices and clinics
A vertebrologist, who specializes in spinal diseases, can perform all the necessary procedures and make a diagnosis. Not all clinics have such a specialist; often his functions are performed by a neurologist, to whom the attending physician can refer you after a preliminary examination. You can make an appointment and see the prices for services on the website .
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