Osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosisis a global disease because it affects people worldwide (40-90%).This pathology in most cases occurs in mature people, after 30 years.Back pain in everyday life is often caused by this disease.In our article, we will look at the symptoms in detail, find out the methods and methods of treatment for osteochondrosis.In the medical field, this disease is said to be a spinal tissue injury of a degenerative-dystrophic nature.Osteochondrosis is accompanied by lesions of the intervertebral discs, articular surfaces, vertebral bodies and ligaments.As a rule, with osteochondrosis, bones and ligaments are first affected.

There are several stages in the development of osteochondrosis.Let's look at them in more detail:

• Osteochondrosis in the early stages looks like dehydration of the nucleus pulposus, which causes a decrease in the position of the vertebrae.To make it clearer for the reader, let us explain what the nucleus pulposus is.This medical term refers to the inner part of the intervertebral disc, which is represented by a semi-fluid component (connective tissue fibers) and a gelatinous component (chondrin).During this period, the patient developed a fracture in the fibrous ring.
• The next stage is closely related to the previous one: caused by prolapse of vertebrae, ligaments and muscles.This condition causes vertebral motor imbalance.This period is characterized by spondylolisthesis, or, in simple terms, vertebral displacement.
• The third stage of the development of osteochondrosis is characterized by more interesting manifestations for ordinary people - intervertebral disk protrusions (protrusion of its contents) and arthrosis.
• The final stage of osteochondrosis is associated with osteophytes.Our body, seeing the "relaxation" of the vertebrae, tries to return the spine to its original function: support and protection.To achieve this, bony growths appear on the surface of the vertebrae, called osteophytes.During the same period, fibrous tissue grows.The result of this process is the capture of the spinal motor segment into the shell.

Osteochondrosis is a multispecies disease.There is osteochondrosis of the cervical, thoracic and lumbosacral regions, as well as the usual type of osteochondrosis.Osteochondrosis of the knee joint has become increasingly common in medical practice.

Reasons for the development of osteochondrosis

The reasons for the development of this disease are many and not always easy to determine.People are closer to the development of osteochondrosis by an inactive lifestyle, which is so common today, overweight, bad habits (in particular, smoking), poor diet, flat feet, heavy physical activity and poor posture.Injury to the spine can contribute to the appearance of osteochondrosis, and it can also develop through genetic predisposition.Metabolic disorders, infections, congenital anomalies and age-related changes are common causes of the development of this disease.An interesting fact is the relationship between the development of osteochondrosis and vibration.This directly concerns agricultural machinery drivers or machine operators.

Osteochondrosis today has no serious age restrictions - it occurs in the elderly and young people.There is an opinion that the development of osteochondrosis is associated with salt deposits, but it is not entirely fair.Salt deposits are more likely to result from osteochondrosis.The cause of pain in osteochondrosis is often nerve root irritation, which is called irritation in medicine.Vascular disorders against the background of osteochondrosis develop due to irregularities in the vasomotor system.

Symptoms of osteochondrosis

The most obvious symptoms of osteochondrosis are pain and discomfort.The pain is not always constant;It can worsen and then subside.These symptoms are often accompanied by numbness of the limbs.In most cases, the pain radiates to the left side of the body.If you see the symptoms of this disease in yourself, then hurry up and see a specialist - a therapist or a neurologist.Detecting osteochondrosis at an early stage will increase the effectiveness of its treatment.

With osteochondrosis, patients often complain of increased fatigue.An interesting feature, at first glance it is not clear how it relates tothis disease, is the purity of the body parts.Headaches and dizziness often accompany osteochondrosis.The characteristic feature of this disease is also high eye fatigue and also decreased vision.With osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral region, the patient may experience problems with the reproductive system.It is important for women to know that osteochondrosis can interfere with the normal course of pregnancy and conception itself.Each type of osteochondrosis has its own characteristic signs.Therefore, with this type of cervical disease, symptoms are observed in the form of headache (especially when moving the head), dizziness when turning the head, disturbed sensitivity of the affected area, pain in the neck, shoulder blades, arms and chest.An interesting and unpleasant symptom of cervical osteochondrosis is the destructive movement of the tongue.The thoracic type of osteochondrosis is rare and is characterized by pain in the chest, especially when breathing.Pain can radiate to the stomach, heart and liver.This type is also characterized by numbness, only now in the chest area.With lumbosacral pathology, patients often complain of pain radiating to their legs.Another symptom of this type of osteochondrosis is lower leg paresis.

Methods for diagnosing osteochondrosis

Before starting the diagnostic study, the neurologist collects the patient's medical history and carefully reviews his complaints.Osteochondrosis has common symptoms with several other diseases, so it is important to be able to distinguish pathology.X-ray studies will help confirm the diagnosis of osteochondrosis: radiography, myelography and computed tomography.

A survey X-ray allows you to get an X-ray image of the spine or that section.In this way, the doctor can determine the location affected by the disease.For clarity, we will explain how osteochondrosis can be determined by X-ray: the image will show the narrowing of the intervertebral disc, the presence of bone growths (osteophytes) or changes in the shape of the spinal segments.

Myelographic examination is more complex than radiographic examination.This is due to certain manipulations that the doctor has to perform during myelography: a contrast liquid is injected into the canal of the spinal cord.This can pose a danger to the patient: Firstly, an allergic reaction to the injected substance can develop, and secondly, if the puncture is unsuccessful, the spinal cord can be damaged.However, a properly performed myelography allows the specialist to see the internal structure of the spinal canal.This method is very important to diagnose spinal hernia.

CT (computed tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) are the most effective and modern methods for distinguishing osteochondrosis and diseases of the spinal column with similar symptoms.

Treatment of osteochondrosis

Treatment of osteochondrosis is carried out comprehensively.This therapy works to eliminate the main syndrome and the cause of the disease.To combat osteochondrosis, doctors use acupuncture, vacuum treatment, manual therapy, laser treatment, traction, electrical stimulation, pharmaco and magnetic.The main task to obtain effective treatment is timely detection of the disease.People who face this serious disease are concerned about the main question: Is it possible to cure osteochondrosis?The answer to this depends on the form and degree of osteochondrosis.If the treatment of the disease begins at the first stage, then you can get rid of osteochondrosis forever.

To treat osteochondrosis, doctors use medical and non-medical methods.Among the drugs used in the treatment of osteochondrosis, it is worth highlighting:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.They help relieve pain and inflammation. NSAIDs can be prescribed for topical use in the form of ointments and gels. 
• Novocaine blockade.They effectively cope with pain.
• Steroid drugs.They are prescribed in the form of epidural and intramuscular injections.
• Muscle relaxants.Such drugs help patients fight muscle spasms. 
• Vitamins B1, B6 and B12.They will help improve the metabolic processes necessary for the health of the spine.

Examples of non-drug treatments are varied, interesting and fun.The following will help you overcome the manifestations of osteochondrosis without medication:

• exercise therapy;
• physiotherapy;
• Massage;
• manual therapy;
• attraction;
• Reflexology.

Let's look at this method of treatment in more detail.Physical therapy in the case of osteochondrosis is the selection of physical exercises to eliminate nerve root compression, correct posture and strengthen the muscle corset.Exercise therapy helps prevent the development of osteochondrosis complications.Such physical activity helps reduce the load directly on the spinal column and also improves its blood supply.

Physiotherapy procedures are prescribed to patients with osteochondrosis to eliminate pain and inflammation.Electrophoresis, ultrasound, laser and magnetic treatment work effectively in this area.Massage stimulates blood circulation and relieves muscle tension.Not only therapeutic massage helps relieve pain, but also manual therapy.In addition, it helps restore mobility to the vertebrae and correct posture.

Attraction ... what is it?Below, at first glance, an incomprehensible word hides a simple meaning - "advance".The desire to stretch the spine may be common to all people suffering from osteochondrosis.In medicine today there are special devices that allow this to be done.This procedure allows you to get rid of pain and increase the intervertebral space.

Another interesting method of non-drug treatment of osteochondrosis is reflexology.It is closely related to acupuncture, as it involves influencing the reflexogenic points of the human body.

The best cure for osteochondrosis

The ideal medicine for osteochondrosis should eliminate pain and inflammation, improve blood circulation, restore cartilage and joint mobility, and also reduce depression in the patient.A well-chosen complex of drugs with all these tasks.In this section of the article, we will analyze all these drugs in detail.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, for osteochondrosis

NSAIDs help patients with osteochondrosis cope with pain, inflammation and swelling.These drugs can be produced for local external use in the form of ointments and gels, and for internal use in the form of tablets and solutions for injections.Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be of different groups:

• A group of drugs with the active ingredient diclofenac. These drugs increase the analgesic effect of other painkillers and reduce inflammation.The weakness of this group is the impossibility of its use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• Unlike previous drugs, ibuprofen group drugs are approved for use by pregnant and lactating women under the supervision of a doctor.This substance is well tolerated and therefore can be prescribed to children. 
• The ketoprofen group of drugs has an accelerated analgesic effect.
• New generation NSAIDs include the nimesulide group.They have minimal side effects. 

Vasodilators for osteochondrosis

Narrowing of blood vessels with osteochondrosis is observed in connection with pain and muscle tension.As a result, oxygen starvation of damaged tissue occurs, and as a result, the function of internal organs is disturbed.To avoid such complications, doctors prescribe vasodilator drugs to their patients. 

Muscle relaxants for osteochondrosis

Muscle relaxants relax the muscles and have a calming effect.This has a beneficial effect on blood flow and helps the analgesic effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.Muscle relaxants also help speed up the repair process of damaged tissue. 

Chondroprotectors for osteochondrosis

Chondroprotectors and vitamin complexes help restore cartilage tissue.Chondroprotectors are understood as agents that restore not only cartilage tissue, but also mobility in joints.Eligible drugs in this group are based on chondroitin and glucosamine.

Sedative for osteochondrosis

Apparently, why take sedatives when treating osteochondrosis?The answer is not as complicated as one might think: a pain syndrome that haunts a person for a long period of time can easily lead to frequent depression and stress.In most cases, taking Valerian or Motherwort tincture will be sufficient. 

The attending physician must choose drugs for the treatment of serious diseases such as osteochondrosis.

Corset for osteochondrosis

In the complex treatment of osteochondrosis of any kind, doctors consider wearing a corset useful.Corsets are made separately for the cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions or for complete fixation of the spine.For thoracic osteochondrosis, a corset made of special stretch material with a metal or plastic splint inside is used.For lumbar osteochondrosis, a corset with a rigid cross and longitudinal inserts made of metal or plastic is used.The material used for production is bandage tape or neoprene.Neck corsets are called collars and rigid.Corsets that correct the entire spine are also called posture correction.Corsets come soft, medium and hard.The degree of rigidity of the corset is determined by the attending physician individually.

Wearing a corset for osteochondrosis will help strengthen the back muscles, reduce pain, improve posture, prevent the development of complications and speed up recovery.There are certain rules when wearing a corset.Patients with osteochondrosis definitely need to consult a specialist about the selection and need to use a corset.For the first time, the corset is put on for no more than 15 minutes, and then you can wear it for no more than 6 hours a day.

Prevention of osteochondrosis

Prevention is very important to maintain the health of the spine and prevent osteochondrosis.For prevention, it is necessary to lead a healthy and active lifestyle, do exercises and fight excess weight, if any.Stress and nervous shock can also cause the development of osteochondrosis.Therefore, it is important to monitor your mental stability and avoid stressful situations.Injuries once received can eventually react in a negative way, so you need to avoid them from childhood.Proper nutrition for osteochondrosis and for its prevention is very important.

Diet for osteochondrosis

Some experts talk about the important role of nutrition for spine health.The product used by a person must provide him with substances that synthesize cartilage tissue.We are talking about mucopolysaccharides contained in jelly, jellied meat, and gelatin.It is important to monitor adequate fluid intake, as a lack of it leads to dehydration of the intervertebral disc.Protein is useful in a normal diet, and especially in the presence of osteochondrosis.These ingredients can be obtained from meat, beans, fish, beans and eggplant.

Minerals and vitamins strengthen bone tissue.Therefore, we can get calcium from hard cheese, dairy products, nuts and salads.It is important to remember that vitamin D, found in eggs, butter and sea fish, is necessary for the absorption of calcium.Magnesium helps retain calcium in bone tissue and prevents it from being washed out of the body.Magnesium can be found by eating cucumbers, nuts and sunflower seeds.Many people know about the phosphorus content in fish, but the fact that this element is also included in the composition of beans, soybeans, bran and white cabbage is a little known fact.Sources of manganese include chicken, yolks, cottage cheese, potato skins, and bananas.

Among the vitamins, it is important to highlight the special role of groups A, B and C. sources of vitamin A are raw eggs, liver, carrots and melons.Pork, beef, seafood, mushrooms and grains contain vitamin B. Ascorbic acid, familiar to us since childhood, is found in fresh fruits and vegetables.

So, if we look at the products that are included in the diet for osteochondrosis or for its prevention, we will see that from this list we can make a menu of very tasty and varied dishes.

Now let's look at the banned products.The black list of products for osteochondrosis includes: salt, pickles and marinades, hot spices, processed foods, sugar (can be replaced with honey), soda and coffee.

Complications of osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis, if not treated properly, can cause the patient to become disabled.Complications of this pathology include:

• Spinal stenosis is caused by narrowing of the spinal canal.This causes numbness in the limbs and problems walking.
• Pinched spinal nerve.
• Disc protrusion and subsequent intervertebral hernia.
• Radiculitis.
• Lumbago and Sciatica.
• Vegetative-vascular dystonia.
• Schmorl's hernia.
• Vertebral displacement.
• Migraines and headaches.

With osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, an increase in blood pressure is often observed.

If you have complaints about the health of your spine, hurry to get help from a doctor, because timely treatment is the key to a successful recovery.