Osteochondrosis of the spine. Definition

Osteochondrosis: What is that?

Osteochondrosis (from the Greek "osteon" = bone and "chondron" = cartilage) is caused by changes to the disc´s cartilage, with an accompanying reaction in the vertebral body taking place. In this disease, degenerative changes occur in the disc. The height of the disc is reduced and the disc´s physiological function is lost, resulting in instability and changes in the vertebral joints. As the disease progresses, a reaction occurs in the end plate of the vertebral body. This reaction can be divided into three stages:

  • Modic I = oedema formation,
  • Modic II = fatty degeneration and
  • Modic III = sclerosis.

Osteochondrosis of the spine. Symptoms

Back pain while standing

First signs of osteochondrosis: back pain while standing, walking and lying.

Symptoms

Osteochondrosis of the spine. Causes

Compressed intervertebral disc are the cause of osteochondrosis.

Compressed intervertebral disc are the cause of osteochondrosis.

Causes

Professional care

Wimmer

Prof. Dr. med. univ.

Cornelius Wimmer


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