Osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis is a degenerative bone and cartilage disease. The word osteochondrosis is composed of the terms osteo (bone), chondro (cartilage) and ose (wear, degeneration, disease). It occurs most frequently in the spine. Degeneration usually begins in the intervertebral disc (which consists of cartilage tissue). Later, the vertebral joints (arthrosis), tendons (tendinosis) and bones (spondylosis) may be affected. If osteochondrosis progresses further and shows symptoms such as irritation, cartilage defects and bone oedema (swelling), then we refer to this stage as erosive osteochondrosis.
Osteochondrosis symptoms and causes
The main cause of osteochondrosis is excessive or incorrect strain on the intervertebral discs and vertebral joints, which can result in cartilage damage. The changes in the cartilage tissue can lead to functional limitations of the joints and impact bone structure. In severe cases, osteochondrosis can lead to bone necrosis.
In addition to excessive or incorrect strain, there are other causes of osteochondrosis. These include genetic predisposition, injuries or trauma, and growth disorders in children and adolescents. The development of osteochondrosis can also be caused by circulatory disorders in the bone. This means that the bone cells can no longer be supplied with sufficient nutrients. As a result, they can die off. The technical term for this process is bone necrosis.
Osteochondrosis manifests through pain in the affected region, restricted movement, stiffness or instability of the joints, and neurological symptoms. The symptoms differ slightly depending on the affected area. If the cervical spine is affected, osteochondrosis would cause neck pain and even headache, in the thoracis spine – chest pain and in the lumbar region – lower back pain.
Osteochondrosis in the lumbar and cervical spine
Osteochondrosis and degeneration cause the intervertebral discs to lose height. This can put increased pressure on the surrounding vertebral joints and vertebral bodies. In response to this process, the bone substance becomes denser, forming bony growths that serve to compensate for the friction caused by the absence of the normal intervertebral disc. Although this natural protective mechanism may sound positive at first, it can lead to a blockage in the spine, resulting in stiffness. In addition, these bone growths cause narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal canal stenosis) and the nerve exit point (neuroforamen stenosis) as well as Facet joints arthrosis. Osteochondrosis occurs most commonly in the cervical and lumbar spine, and less commonly in the thoracic spine.
Osteochondrosis treatment
Appropriate treatment for osteochondrosis depends on the severity of the condition in the affected areas. The primary focus of treatment is on pain and symptom relief and stabilising the back.
- Pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory medication
- Physiotherapy to strengthen the back muscles
- Relief of the affected joints by adjusting lifestyle habits
In cases of advanced osteochondrosis, complications or if conservative treatment is unsuccessful, surgery may be considered. This may involve microsurgical removal of bone spurs (spinal canal enlargement and/or enlargement of the neuroforamen, less commonly spondylodesis). We are happy to discuss the surgical treatment options for osteochondrosis with you in a personal consultation. Please contact us by telephone, email or via our contact form.