Osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosisis a world-class disease because it affects people all over the world (40-90%).This pathology occurs in most cases in people of mature age, after 30 years.Back pain in everyday life is often attributed to this disease.In our article, we will look at the detailed symptoms, find out the causes and methods of treatment of osteochondrosis.In medicine, this disease is referred to as a lesion of the spinal tissue of a degenerative-dystrophic nature.Osteochondrosis is accompanied by lesions of intervertebral discs, joint surfaces, vertebral bodies and ligaments.As a rule, in osteochondrosis, bones and ligaments are affected first.

There are several stages in the development of osteochondrosis.Let's take a closer look at them:

• Osteochondrosis in the initial stage looks like dehydration of the nucleus pulposus, which causes a decrease in the position of the vertebra.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 the prolapse of the vertebrae, the ligaments and muscles decline.This condition causes a motor imbalance of the vertebrae.This period is characterized by spondylolisthesis or, to put it more simply, displacement of the vertebrae.
• The third stage of the development of osteochondrosis is characterized by more striking manifestations for an ordinary person - protrusions of the intervertebral discs (protrusion 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: supportive and protective.In order to achieve this, bone growths called osteophytes appear on the surfaces of the vertebrae.Fibrous tissue grows in the same period.The result of these processes is the entrapment of the motor segment of the spine in the shell.

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

Reasons for the development of osteochondrosis

The reasons for the occurrence of this disease are numerous and it is not always easy to determine.A sedentary lifestyle, which is so common today, excess weight, bad habits (especially smoking), poor nutrition, flat feet, heavy physical activity and bad posture bring people closer to the development of osteochondrosis.Spinal injury can contribute to the appearance of osteochondrosis, and it can also develop due to genetic predisposition.Metabolic disorders, infections, congenital anomalies and age changes are frequent causes of the development of this disease.An interesting fact is the connection between the development of osteochondrosis and vibrations.This directly concerns agricultural machinery drivers or machine operators.

Today's osteochondrosis has no serious age restrictions - it occurs both in the elderly and in young people.There is an opinion that the development of osteochondrosis is associated with salt deposits, but this is not entirely fair.Salt deposits are more likely the result of osteochondrosis.The cause of pain in osteochondrosis is often irritation of nerve roots, which is called irritation in medicine.Vascular disorders on the background of osteochondrosis develop due to disturbed 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 resolve.These symptoms are often accompanied by numbness in the limbs.In most cases, the pain spreads to the left side of the body.If you notice the symptoms of this disease in yourself, hurry up and visit a specialist - a therapist or a neurologist.Detecting osteochondrosis at an early stage will improve the effectiveness of its treatment.

Patients with osteochondrosis often complain of increased fatigue.An interesting feature, at first glance it is not clear how it is related to this disease, is the coldness of the limbs.Headache and a feeling of dizziness 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, in the cervical type of the disease, signs 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 blade, arms and chest.An interesting and not particularly pleasant symptom of cervical osteochondrosis is reduced mobility of the tongue.The thoracic type of osteochondrosis is rare and is characterized by chest pain, especially when breathing.The pain can spread 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 the legs.Another symptom of this type of osteochondrosis is paresis of the lower extremities.

Methods of diagnosing osteochondrosis

Before starting diagnostic studies, 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 know how to distinguish pathologies.X-ray studies will help confirm the diagnosis of osteochondrosis: radiography, myelography and computed tomography.

An 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 the sake of 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 a spinal segment.

Myelographic examination is more complex than radiographic examination.This is due to certain manipulations that doctors must 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, damage to the spinal cord can occur.Despite this, 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

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 puncture.The main task for achieving 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 depends on the form and degree of osteochondrosis.If the treatment of the disease is started in the first stage, then you can get rid of osteochondrosis forever.

Doctors use medical and non-medical methods to treat osteochondrosis.Among the drugs used in the treatment of osteochondrosis, it is worth noting:

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

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

• exercise therapy;
• physiotherapy;
• massage;
• manual therapy;
• traction;
• reflexology.

Let's look at these treatment methods in more detail.Physical therapy in the case of osteochondrosis is a choice 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 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 does therapeutic massage help relieve pain, but so does manual therapy.In addition, it helps restore the mobility of the vertebrae and correct posture.

Traction... what is it?Under this, at first glance, incomprehensible word hides a simple meaning - "expansion".The desire to stretch the spine is probably known to all people suffering from osteochondrosis.In today's medicine, there are special devices that make this possible.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

An ideal drug for osteochondrosis should eliminate pain and inflammation, improve blood circulation, restore cartilage and joint mobility, and also reduce depression in the patient.A complex of well-chosen medicines carries out 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 patients 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 solutions for injections.Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be of different groups:

• A group of drugs with the active ingredient diclofenac. These drugs enhance the analgesic effect of other painkillers and reduce inflammation.The disadvantage of this group is the impossibility of their use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• Unlike the previous drugs, drugs from the ibuprofen group are approved 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. 
• Ketoprofen group of drugs has an accelerated analgesic effect.
• The new generation of NSAIDs includes the nimesulide group.They have minimal side effects. 

Vasodilators for osteochondrosis

Narrowing of blood vessels in osteochondrosis is observed in connection with pain and muscle strain.As a result, there is oxygen starvation of the damaged tissues, and as a result, the functionality of the internal organs is disturbed.To avoid such complications, doctors prescribe vasodilators to 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 in the analgesic effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.Muscle relaxants also help speed up the recovery process of damaged tissue. 

Chondroprotectors for osteochondrosis

Chondroprotectors and vitamin complexes help restore cartilage tissue.Chondroprotectors are meant to restore not only cartilage tissue, but also mobility in the joint.Medicines based on chondroitin and glucosamine are valuable in this group.

Sedatives for osteochondrosis

It seems, 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 time can easily cause depression and frequent stress.In most cases, taking valerian or lemon balm tincture will be sufficient. 

A doctor 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 it useful to wear a corset.Corsets are made especially for neck, thoracic and lumbar parts or for complete fixation of the spine.For thoracic osteochondrosis, corsets made of special stretchable material with metal or plastic splints inside are used.Corsets with rigid cross and longitudinal inserts made of metal or plastic are used for lumbar osteochondrosis.The material used for production is bandage tape or neoprene.The neck corset is called a collar and is rigid.Corsets that fix the entire spine are also called posture correctors.Corsets are soft, medium and hard.The degree of stiffness of the corset is prescribed by the doctor on an individual basis.

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 it comes to wearing a corset.Patients with osteochondrosis should definitely consult a specialist regarding 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 of great importance for maintaining the health of the spine and preventing the deterioration of osteochondrosis.For prevention, it is necessary to lead a healthy and active lifestyle, do exercises and fight with 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 sustained can eventually react negatively, so you must avoid them from childhood.Proper nutrition for osteochondrosis and its prevention is of particular importance.

Diet for osteochondrosis

Some experts talk about the important role of nutrition for spine health.Products consumed by a person must provide him with substances that synthesize cartilage tissue.These are mucopolysaccharides contained in jelly, jelly and gelatin.It is important to monitor sufficient fluid intake, because its lack leads to dehydration of the intervertebral discs.Proteins are useful in a normal diet, and especially in the presence of osteochondrosis.These substances can be obtained from meat, nuts, fish, beans and eggplant.

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, found in eggs, butter and seafood, is necessary for calcium absorption.Magnesium helps retain calcium in the bone tissue and prevents its leaching from the body.Magnesium can be obtained by eating cucumbers, nuts and sunflower seeds.Many people know about the phosphorus content in fish, but the less known fact is that this element is also included in the composition of peas, soybeans, bran and white cabbage.Sources of manganese include chicken, egg yolks, cottage cheese, potato skins and bananas.

Among vitamins, the special role of groups A, B and C should be highlighted. Sources of vitamin A are raw eggs, liver, carrots and melons.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 we can create a menu of very tasty and varied dishes from this list.

Now let's look at the prohibited 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 lead to disability.Complications of this pathology include:

• Spinal cord stenosis due to narrowing of its canal.This causes numbness in the limbs and problems with walking.
• Pinched spinal nerves.
• Disc protrusion and then intervertebral hernia.
• Radiculitis.
• Lumbago and sciatica.
• Vegeto-vascular dystonia.
• Schmorl's hernia.
• Movement of the vertebrae.
• Migraines and headaches.

In 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 medical help, because timely treatment is the key to a successful recovery.