Osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosisis a world-class disease because it affects people worldwide (40-90%).This pathology in most cases occurs in people of mature age, after 30 years.Back pain in everyday life is often attributed to this disease.In our article, we will consider detailed symptoms, find out the causes and methods of treatment of osteochondrosis.In medicine, this disease is called a lesion of the spinal tissue 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, the bones and ligaments are affected first.

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

• Osteochondrosis in the initial stage looks like dehydration of the nucleus pulposus, which provokes a decrease in the position of the vertebrae.To make it clearer for the reader, let's explain what the nucleus pulposus is.This medical term refers to the interior of the intervertebral disc, which is represented by semi-fluid (connective tissue fibers) and gelatinous (chondrin) components.During this period, the patient experiences cracks in the annulus fibrosus.
• The next stage is closely related to the previous one: due to prolapse of the vertebrae, ligaments and muscles sag.This condition provokes motor imbalance of the vertebrae.This period is characterized by spondylolisthesis or, more simply, displacement of the vertebrae.
• The third stage of development of osteochondrosis is characterized by more vivid manifestations for the average person - protrusions of the intervertebral discs (bulging of their contents) and arthrosis.
• The final stage of osteochondrosis is associated with osteophytes.Our body, noticing the "looseness" of the vertebrae, tries to return the spine to its original functions: supporting and protective.To achieve this, bone growths called osteophytes appear on the surfaces of the vertebrae.During the same period, fibrous tissue grows.The result of these processes is the entrapment of the motor segment of the spine in the shell.

Osteochondrosis is a multifaceted disease.There is osteochondrosis of the cervical, thoracic and lumbosacral region, as well as a general type of osteochondrosis.Osteochondrosis of the knee joint is increasingly common in medical practice.

Reasons for the development of osteochondrosis

The reasons for the development of this disease are numerous and not always easy to establish.People approach the development of osteochondrosis through a sedentary lifestyle, which is so common today, overweight, bad habits (especially smoking), improper nutrition, flat feet, heavy physical activity and bad posture.Damage to the spine can contribute to the appearance of osteochondrosis and can develop due to a 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 vibrations.This directly applies to drivers of agricultural machinery or machine operators.

Today's osteochondrosis has no serious age restrictions - it occurs both in adults and in 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 a consequence of osteochondrosis.The cause of pain in osteochondrosis is often irritation of the nerve roots, which in medicine is called irritation.Vascular disorders against the background of osteochondrosis develop due to impaired innervation of the vasomotor system.

Symptoms of osteochondrosis

The most obvious symptom of osteochondrosis is pain and discomfort.Pain is not always constant;it may worsen periodically and then subside.These symptoms are often accompanied by numbness in the extremities.In most cases, the pain radiates to the left side of the body.If you notice 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 improve the effectiveness of its treatment.

With osteochondrosis, patients often complain of increased fatigue.An interesting feature, at first glance it is not clear what the connection is with this disease, is the cold extremities.Headache and feeling dizzy often accompany osteochondrosis.A characteristic feature of the disease is high eye fatigue and even reduced vision.With osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral region, patients may have 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.Thus, with the cervical type of disease, signs are observed in the form of headache (especially when moving the head), dizziness when turning the head, impaired sensitivity of the affected area, pain in the neck, shoulder, arms and chest.An interesting and not particularly pleasant symptom of cervical osteochondrosis is impaired mobility of the tongue.The thoracic type of osteochondrosis is rare and is characterized by chest pain, especially when breathing.The pain can radiate to the stomach, heart and liver.This type is also characterized by numbness, but already in the chest area.With lumbosacral pathology, patients often complain of pain radiating to the legs.Another symptom of this type of osteochondrosis is paresis of the lower limbs.

Methods of diagnosing osteochondrosis

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

An exploratory X-ray allows you to get an X-ray image of the spine or part of it.In this way, the doctor can determine the place affected by the disease.For greater clarity, we will explain how osteochondrosis can be determined by an X-ray: the image will show a narrowing of the intervertebral disc, the presence of bone growths (osteophytes) or a change in the shape of the spinal segment.

Myelographic examination is more complicated than radiographic examination.This is due to some manipulations that doctors have to perform during myelography: a contrast liquid is injected into the canal of the spinal cord.This can be dangerous for 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 specialists to see the internal structure of the spinal cord canal.This method is especially important for diagnosing spinal hernia.

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

Treatment of osteochondrosis

The treatment of osteochondrosis is complex.This therapy works to eliminate the underlying syndrome and causes of the disease.To combat osteochondrosis, doctors use acupuncture, vacuum treatment, manual therapy, laser treatment, traction, electrical stimulation, pharmaco- and magnetic puncture.The main task for obtaining effective treatment is timely detection of the disease.People facing this serious disease are concerned about the main question: is it possible to cure osteochondrosis?The answer to this will depend 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.

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

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

Examples of drug-free treatment are varied, interesting and enjoyable.The following will help you cope with the manifestations of osteochondrosis without drugs:

• exercise therapy;
• physical therapy;
• massage;
• manual therapy;
• grip;
• reflexology.

Let's take a closer look at these treatment methods.Physical therapy in the case of osteochondrosis is a set of physical exercises to remove compression of nerve roots, correct posture and strengthen the muscle corset.Exercise therapy helps prevent the development of complications of osteochondrosis.Such physical activity helps to reduce the load directly on the spine 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 to eliminate pain, but also manual therapy.In addition, it helps to restore the mobility of the vertebrae and correct posture.

Traction... what is it?Beneath this, at first glance, incomprehensible word lies a simple meaning - "extension".The desire to stretch the spine is probably familiar to all people suffering from osteochondrosis.In modern medicine, 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 medicine for osteochondrosis

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

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs for osteochondrosis

NSAIDs help a patient with osteochondrosis to overcome pain, inflammation and swelling.These drugs can be produced both for local external use in the form of ointments and gels, and for internal use in the form of tablets and injection solutions.Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be from different groups:

• A group of drugs with the active ingredient diclofenac. These drugs enhance the analgesic effect of other pain relievers and reduce inflammation.The disadvantage of this group is the impossibility of using them during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• Unlike the previous drugs, drugs from the ibuprofen group are allowed for use by pregnant and lactating women under the supervision of a doctor.The substance is well tolerated and therefore can be prescribed to children. 
• Medicines from the Ketoprofen group have an accelerated analgesic effect.
• New generation NSAIDs include the nimesulide group.They have minimal side effects. 

Vasodilators in osteochondrosis

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

Muscle relaxants for osteochondrosis

Muscle relaxants relax the muscles and have a calming effect.This has a beneficial effect on blood circulation and supports 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 means that restore not only cartilage tissue, but also mobility in the joint.Decent drugs from this group are those based on chondroitin and glucosamine.

Soothing for osteochondrosis

It seems, why take sedatives in the treatment of 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 provoke depression and frequent stress.In most cases, it will be enough to take a tincture of valerian or motherwort. 

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

Corset for osteochondrosis

In the complex treatment of osteochondrosis of any kind, doctors consider wearing a corset useful.Corsets are made specifically for the cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions or for complete fixation of the spine.For thoracic osteochondrosis, corsets made of special stretchy material with metal or plastic splints inside are used.For lumbar osteochondrosis, corsets with rigid transverse and longitudinal inserts made of metal or plastic are used.The material used for the production is bandage tape or neoprene.The neck corset is called a collar and is stiff.Corsets that fix the entire spine are also called posture correctors.Corsets are soft, medium and firm.The degree of stiffness of the corset is prescribed by the attending physician on an individual basis.

Wearing a corset for osteochondrosis will help strengthen the muscles of the back, reduce pain, improve posture, prevent the development of complications and speed up recovery.There are certain rules when it comes to wearing a corset.Patients with osteochondrosis must necessarily consult a specialist regarding the choice and necessity of using 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 of great importance in maintaining the health of the spine and preventing exacerbation of osteochondrosis.For prevention, it is necessary to lead a healthy and active lifestyle, exercise 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 respond in a negative way, so you should avoid them from childhood.Proper nutrition in osteochondrosis and its prevention is of particular importance.

Diet for osteochondrosis

Some experts talk about the important role of nutrition in the health of the spine.The products consumed by a person must supply him with substances that synthesize cartilage tissue.We are talking about the mucopolysaccharides contained in jelly, jellied meat and gelatin.It is important to ensure sufficient fluid intake, because their lack leads to dehydration of the intervertebral discs.Proteins are useful in normal nutrition and especially in the presence of osteochondrosis.These substances can be obtained from meat, nuts, fish, beans and eggplants.

Minerals and vitamins strengthen bone tissue.So, we can get calcium from hard cheeses, dairy products, beans and lettuce.It is important to remember that vitamin D, contained in eggs, butter and marine 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.You can get magnesium by eating cucumbers, nuts and sunflower seeds.Many people know about the phosphorus content of fish, but the fact that this element is also included in the composition of peas, soybeans, bran and white cabbage is a less known fact.Sources of manganese include chicken, egg yolks, cottage cheese, potato skins and bananas.

Among vitamins, it is worth highlighting the special role of groups A, B and C. Sources of vitamin A are raw eggs, liver, carrots and melon.Pork, beef, seafood, mushrooms and cereals contain B vitamins. Ascorbic acid, known to us since childhood, is found in fresh fruits and vegetables.

So, if we look at the products 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 pickles, hot spices, processed foods, sugar (can be replaced with honey), soda and coffee.

Complications of osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis, if not treated properly, can lead to disability for the patient.Complications of this pathology include:

• Stenosis of the spinal cord due to narrowing of its canal.This causes numbness in the limbs and trouble walking.
• Pinched spinal nerves.
• Disc protrusion and subsequent intervertebral hernia.
• Radiculitis.
• Lumbago and sciatica.
• Vegeto-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 the spine, hurry to seek help from a doctor, because timely treatment is the key to successful recovery.