Causes of osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis is caused by overloading the intervertebral discs. One-sided physical strain increasingly leads to wear and tear of the intervertebral disc. This process begins as early as the age of 20 and represents a completely normal aging process.

If, however, the intervertebral discs are overloaded, this results in excessive wear and tear, to which the body ultimately reacts by forming bones. The excessive wear and tear results, for example, from constant standing or sitting, as well as a lack of movement. Due to the reduced movement, the surrounding muscles are not strong enough to bear loads or to support the disc in its function, so that the disc is even more stressed by the weak muscles.

Besides one-sided activities, overweight also plays a major role. Due to the increased body weight, the intervertebral discs are permanently exposed to strong pressure and can recover only slightly. The disease of scoliosis can also promote the development of osteochondrosis.

In scoliosis, in addition to the normal S-shape of the spinal column, there is a lateral curvature, which results in a poor posture and the intervertebral discs are only loaded on one side, which can ultimately lead to osteochondrosis. An intervertebral disc operation or an inflammation of the intervertebral discs can also promote osteochondrosis.A special form of osteochondrosis that occurs in young people is the so-called Scheuermann’s disease. In contrast to “normal” osteochondrosis, the disease is most noticeable in the area of the thoracic spine. It is usually associated with high growth and postural deformities. In the course of the disease, those affected develop a hump.

Diagnosis of osteochondrosis

Patients usually consult a doctor/orthopedist because their back pain does not improve. After an admission consultation, the doctor/orthopedist will then arrange for an X-ray of the spine for further diagnosis. Osteochondrosis can be easily diagnosed on the basis of an X-ray.

An X-ray usually shows a reduced height of the intervertebral discs. The reduction in height often does not occur on both sides of the intervertebral disc, but only on one side, for example due to one-sided wear. In addition to the reduction in height of the intervertebral discs, in some cases an increasing hardening of the tissue can be observed, a so-called sclerotherapy. If the disease is already more advanced, the new bone deposits can also be seen in the X-ray image. In most cases, an X-ray is sufficient for diagnosis, but in cases of doubt, a CT or MRI examination of the spine can be consulted.