Osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosisis a world-class disease because it affects people all over the globe (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 look at detailed symptoms, find out the causes and treatment methods for osteochondrosis.In medicine, this disease is spoken of as a lesion of 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 first affected.

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

• Osteochondrosis at the initial stage looks like dehydration of the nucleus pulposus, which provokes a decrease in the position of the vertebra.To make it clearer for the reader, let us 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 fibrous ring.
• The next stage is closely related to the previous one: due to vertebral prolapse, ligaments and muscles sag.This condition provokes motor imbalance of the vertebrae.This period is characterized by spondylolisthesis, or, in simple terms, displacement of the vertebrae.
• The third stage of development of osteochondrosis is characterized by more striking manifestations for an ordinary person - protrusions of 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: supporting and protective.To achieve this, bone growths appear on the surfaces of the vertebrae, which are called osteophytes.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 multi-species disease.There are osteochondrosis of the cervical, thoracic and lumbosacral regions, as well as a common 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 numerous and are not always easy to determine.People are brought closer to the development of osteochondrosis by a sedentary lifestyle, which is so common today, excess weight, 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 connection between the development of osteochondrosis and vibrations.This directly concerns drivers of agricultural machinery or machine operators.

Today's osteochondrosis has no serious age restrictions - it occurs in both older people 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 a consequence of osteochondrosis.The cause of pain in osteochondrosis is often irritation of the nerve roots, called irritation in medicine.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.The pain is not always constant; it can periodically 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 notice symptoms of this disease in yourself, then hurry up and see a specialist - a therapist or 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 how it is related to this disease, is chilliness of the limbs.Headache and a feeling of dizziness often accompany osteochondrosis.A characteristic feature of the disease is also high eye fatigue and even decreased 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 conception itself.Each type of osteochondrosis has its own characteristic signs.Thus, 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, impaired 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 impaired tongue mobility.The thoracic type of osteochondrosis is rare and is characterized by pain in the chest, especially when breathing.The 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 paresis of the lower extremities.

Methods for 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 be able to differentiate pathologies.X-ray studies will help confirm the diagnosis of osteochondrosis: radiography, myelography and computed tomography.

A survey X-ray allows you to obtain an X-ray image of the spine or a section of it.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 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 complex than radiographic examination.This is due to certain manipulations that doctors have to perform during myelography: contrast fluid is injected into the spinal cord canal.This can pose a danger to the patient: firstly, an allergic reaction to the injected substance may develop, and secondly, if the puncture is unsuccessful, the spinal cord can be damaged.Despite this, properly performed myelography allows specialists to view the internal structure of the spinal cord canal.This method is especially important for diagnosing spinal hernia.

CT (computed tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) are the most effective and modern methods for differentiating 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 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 faced with 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 treatment of the disease is started at the first stage, then you can get rid of osteochondrosis forever.

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

• Non-steroidal 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 effectively cope with pain.
• Steroid drugs.They are prescribed in the form of epidural and intramuscular injections.
• Muscle relaxants.Such remedies help the patient fight muscle spasms. 
• Vitamins B1, B6 and B12.They will help improve metabolic processes necessary for spinal health.

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

• 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 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 reduce the load directly on the spinal column and also improves its blood supply.

Physiotherapeutic procedures are prescribed to patients with osteochondrosis to eliminate pain and inflammation.Electrophoresis, ultrasound, laser and magnet 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 restore mobility to the vertebrae and correct posture.

Traction... what is it?Under this, at first glance, incomprehensible word hides a simple meaning - “extension”.The desire to stretch the spine is probably familiar to all people suffering from osteochondrosis.In today's 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 reflexogenic points of the human body.

The best cure for osteochondrosis

An ideal remedy 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 medications 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 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.Non-steroidal 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 lactation.
• Unlike previous drugs, drugs of the ibuprofen group are approved for use by pregnant and lactating women under the supervision of a doctor.The substance is well tolerated and can therefore 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 strain.As a result, oxygen starvation of damaged tissues occurs, and as a result, the functionality of internal organs is disrupted.To avoid such complications, doctors prescribe vasodilator drugs to their patients. 

Muscle relaxants for osteochondrosis

Muscle relaxants relax 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 the joint.Worthy drugs in this group are those based on chondroitin and glucosamine.

Sedatives for osteochondrosis

It would seem, why take sedatives when treating osteochondrosis?The answer is not as complicated as one might think: a pain syndrome that haunts a person over a long period of time can easily provoke depression and frequent stress.In most cases, taking tincture of valerian or motherwort will be sufficient. 

The attending physician must select medications 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 specially made separately for the cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions or for complete fixation of the spine.For thoracic osteochondrosis, corsets made of a special stretch material with metal or plastic splints inside are used.For lumbar osteochondrosis, corsets with rigid cross and longitudinal inserts made of metal or plastic are used.The material used for production is bandage tape or neoprene.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 rigidity of the corset is prescribed by the attending physician 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 with 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 no more than 6 hours a day.

Prevention of osteochondrosis

Prevention is of great importance for maintaining the health of the spine and preventing exacerbations of 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 respond in a negative way, so you need to avoid them from childhood.Proper nutrition for osteochondrosis and for its prevention is of particular importance.

Diet for osteochondrosis

Some experts talk about the important role of nutrition for spinal health.The products consumed 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 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 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, 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 phosphorus content in fish, but the fact that this element is also included in the composition of peas, soybeans, bran and white cabbage is a less well-known fact.Sources of manganese include chicken meat, yolks, cottage cheese, potato skins, and bananas.

Among the 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, familiar 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 create a menu of very tasty and varied dishes.

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 properly treated, can lead the patient to disability.Complications of this pathology include:

• Spinal cord stenosis due to narrowing of its canal.This causes numbness in the limbs and walking problems.
• Pinched spinal nerves.
• Disc protrusion and subsequently intervertebral hernia.
• Radiculitis.
• Lumbago and sciatica.
• Vegetative-vascular dystonia.
• Schmorl's hernia.
• Vertebral displacement.
• Migraine 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, rush to seek help from a doctor, because timely treatment is the key to a successful recovery.