Osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosisis a world-class disease as it affects people all over the world (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 in detail the symptoms, find out the causes and methods of treatment for osteochondrosis.In medicine it is called a lesion of the spinal cord tissue of a degenerative-dystrophic nature.Osteochondrosis is accompanied by lesions of the intervertebral discs, articular surfaces, vertebral bodies and ligaments.As a rule, osteochondrosis initially affects the bones and ligaments.

The development of osteochondrosis occurs in several stages.Let's take a closer look at them:

• Osteochondrosis in the initial stages looks like dehydration of the nucleus pulposus, which leads to a deterioration in the position of the vertebrae.To make it clearer to the reader, we will explain what the nucleus pulposus is.This medical term refers to the interior of the intervertebral disc, which consists of semi-fluid (connective tissue fibers) and gelatinous (chondrin) components.During this time, cracks appear in the fibrous ring in the patient.
• The next stage is closely related to the previous one: due to a vertebral herniation, ligaments and muscles become slack.This condition leads to a motor imbalance in 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 noticeable manifestations for an ordinary person - protrusion of intervertebral discs (bulging of their contents) and arthrosis.
• The final stage of osteochondrosis is associated with osteophytes.Our body notices the “looseness” of the vertebrae and tries to return the spine to its original functions: supporting and protective.To achieve this, bone growths called osteophytes arise 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 into the shell.

Osteochondrosis is a multispecies disease.There is osteochondrosis in the cervical, thoracic and lumbosacral areas, as well as a common form of osteochondrosis.Osteochondrosis of the knee joint is becoming more and more 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 determine.Today's widespread sedentary lifestyle, excess weight, bad habits (especially smoking), poor nutrition, flat feet, heavy physical activity and poor posture bring a person closer to the development of osteochondrosis.An injury to the spine can contribute to the occurrence of osteochondrosis, but it can also develop due to 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 connection between the development of osteochondrosis and vibration.This directly affects drivers of agricultural machinery or machine operators.

There are no serious age restrictions for today's osteochondrosis - it occurs in both older and 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 a consequence of osteochondrosis.The cause of pain in osteochondrosis is often irritation of the nerve roots, called irritation in medicine.Vascular diseases against the background of osteochondrosis arise due to impaired innervation of the vasomotor system.

Symptoms of osteochondrosis

The most obvious symptom of osteochondrosis is pain and discomfort.The pain is not always constant;it may periodically worsen and then subside.These symptoms are often accompanied by numbness in the limbs.In most cases, the pain radiates to the left side of the body.If you notice symptoms of this disease, then hurry up and consult a specialist - a therapist or neurologist.Early detection of osteochondrosis improves the effectiveness of treatment.

With osteochondrosis, patients often complain of increased fatigue.An interesting feature, the connection of which with this disease is not clear at first glance, is chilliness of the limbs.Headaches and dizziness are often accompanied by osteochondrosis.Also, a characteristic feature of the disease is severe eye fatigue and even reduced vision.With osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral region, patients 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 the conception itself.Each type of osteochondrosis has its own characteristic signs.So, with the cervical type of the disease, signs are observed in the form of headaches (especially when moving the head), dizziness when turning the head, limited 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 limited 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 only 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 for diagnosing osteochondrosis

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

A survey x-ray allows you to take an x-ray of the spine or a section of it.This allows the doctor to determine the location affected by the disease.To clarify, we will explain how osteochondrosis can be determined using an X-ray: the picture shows a narrowing of the intervertebral disc, the presence of bone growths (osteophytes) or a change in the shape of the spinal segment.

The myelographic examination is more complex than the radiological examination.This is due to certain manipulations that doctors have to perform during myelography: contrast medium is injected into the spinal canal.This can pose a danger to the patient: firstly, an allergic reaction to the injected substance can occur, secondly, if the puncture is unsuccessful, damage to the spinal cord can occur.Nevertheless, properly performed myelography allows specialists to view the internal structure of the spinal canal.This method is especially important for diagnosing spinal hernias.

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

Treatment of osteochondrosis

Treatment of osteochondrosis is carried out comprehensively.This therapy is aimed at eliminating the main syndrome and causes of the disease.To combat osteochondrosis, doctors use acupuncture, vacuum treatment, manual therapy, laser treatment, traction, electrical stimulation, pharmacopuncture and magnetic puncture.The main task for effective treatment is timely detection of the disease.People faced with this serious illness are concerned with the main question: is it possible to cure osteochondrosis?The answer to this depends on the form and degree of osteochondrosis.If treatment of the disease is started at the first stage, you can get rid of osteochondrosis forever.

To treat osteochondrosis, doctors use drug and non-drug methods.Among the drugs used to treat osteochondrosis, the following should be highlighted:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.They help eliminate pain and inflammation. NSAIDs can be prescribed for topical use in the form of ointments and gels. 
• Novocaine blockades.They manage pain effectively.
• Steroid medications.They are prescribed in the form of epidural and intramuscular injections.
• Muscle relaxants.Such funds help the patient combat muscle spasms. 
• Vitamins B1, B6 and B12.They help improve metabolic processes necessary for spinal health.

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

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

Let's take a closer look at these treatment methods.Physiotherapy for osteochondrosis is a selection of physical exercises to eliminate 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.

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

Traction... what is it?Under this word, incomprehensible at first glance, there is a simple meaning hidden - “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 eliminate 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 aims to influence reflexogenic points on the human body.

The best remedy for osteochondrosis

An ideal remedy for osteochondrosis should eliminate pain and inflammation, improve blood circulation, restore mobility of cartilage and joints, and also reduce depression in the patient.A complex of selected 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 overcome pain, inflammation and swelling.These medicines 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 injection.Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can belong to different groups:

• A group of medicines with the active ingredient diclofenac. These medications enhance the pain-relieving effects of other painkillers and reduce inflammation.The disadvantage of this group is the impossibility of their use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• Unlike previous drugs, drugs in the ibuprofen group are approved for use by pregnant and breastfeeding women under medical supervision.The substance is well tolerated and can therefore be prescribed to children. 
• The ketoprofen group of drugs has an accelerated analgesic effect.
• The new generation NSAIDs include 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 tension.This leads to a lack of oxygen in the damaged tissue and thereby impairs the functionality of internal organs.To avoid such complications, doctors prescribe vasodilator medications to their patients. 

Muscle relaxants for osteochondrosis

Muscle relaxants relax the muscles and have a calming effect.This has a positive 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 active ingredients that not only restore the cartilage tissue, but also mobility in the joint.Worthy drugs in this group are those based on chondroitin and glucosamine.

Sedatives for osteochondrosis

It would seem, why take sedatives in the treatment of osteochondrosis?The answer is not as complicated as one might think: a pain syndrome that follows a person for a long time can easily lead to depression and frequent stress.In most cases, taking a valerian or feverfew tincture is sufficient. 

The attending physician must select medications to treat such a serious disease as osteochondrosis.

Corset for osteochondrosis

In the complex treatment of osteochondrosis of any type, doctors consider wearing a corset useful.Corsets are made separately specifically for the neck, chest and lumbar areas or to completely fix the spine.For breast osteochondrosis, corsets made of a special stretch 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.Bandage tape or neoprene is used as the material for production.A neck corset is called a collar and is rigid.Corsets that fix the entire spine are also called posture correctors.Corsets come in soft, medium and hard.The degree of stiffness of the corset is prescribed individually by the attending physician.

Wearing a corset for osteochondrosis helps to strengthen the back muscles, relieve pain, improve posture, prevent the development of complications and speed up recovery.There are certain rules that apply when wearing a corset.Patients with osteochondrosis should definitely consult a specialist regarding the choice and necessity of using a corset.The first time the corset is put on for no longer than 15 minutes and then may not be worn for more than 6 hours a day.

Prevention of osteochondrosis

Prevention is of great importance to maintain the health of the spine and prevent exacerbation of osteochondrosis.For prevention, it is necessary to lead a healthy and active lifestyle, play sports and, if necessary, fight excess weight.Stress and nervous shock can also lead to the development of osteochondrosis.Therefore, it is important to monitor your mental stability and avoid stressful situations.Injuries once sustained can ultimately have a negative impact, so you need to avoid them from childhood.Proper nutrition is of particular importance for osteochondrosis and its prevention.

Diet for osteochondrosis

Some experts talk about the important role of nutrition in spinal health.The products consumed by a person must provide him with substances that synthesize cartilage tissue.We are talking about mucopolysaccharides, which are contained in jelly, jellied meat and gelatin.It is important to ensure adequate fluid intake, as a deficiency causes the intervertebral discs to dry out.Proteins are useful in a normal diet, especially for osteochondrosis.These substances can be obtained from meat, nuts, fish, beans and eggplant.

Minerals and vitamins strengthen bone tissue.We can get calcium from hard cheese, dairy products, beans and salad.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 obtained by eating cucumbers, nuts and sunflower seeds.Many people know about the content of phosphorus in fish, but the fact that this element is also present in the composition of peas, soybeans, bran and cabbage is a lesser-known fact.Sources of manganese include chicken meat, egg yolks, cottage cheese, potato peelings and bananas.

Among the vitamins, the special role of groups A, B and C should be highlighted.Sources of vitamin A include raw eggs, liver, carrots and melon.Pork, beef, seafood, mushrooms and grains contain B vitamins.Ascorbic acid, known 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 compose 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), lemonade and coffee.

Complications of osteochondrosis

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

• Stenosis of the spinal cord due to narrowing of its canal.This leads to numbness in the limbs and problems walking.
• Pinched spinal nerves.
• Herniated disc and then herniated disc.
• radiculitis.
• Lumbago and sciatica.
• Vegetative-vascular dystonia.
• Schmorl hernia.
• Vertebral displacement.
• Migraines and headaches.

An increase in blood pressure is often observed with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.

If you have any complaints about the health of your spine, consult a doctor immediately, as timely treatment is the key to a successful recovery.