Osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosisit is 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 the age of 30.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 methods of treating osteochondrosis.In medicine, this disease is called spinal tissue damage of a degenerative-dystrophic nature.Osteochondrosis is accompanied by damage to intervertebral discs, articular surfaces, vertebral bodies and ligaments.As a rule, with osteochondrosis, bones and ligaments are affected first.

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

• Osteochondrosis in the initial stage resembles dehydration of the nucleus pulposus, which causes a decrease in the position of the vertebra.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 is represented by semi-fluid (connective tissue fibers) and gelatinous (chondrin) components.During this period, the patient presents fissures in the fibrous ring.
• The next stage is closely related to the previous one: due to vertebral prolapse, sagging of ligaments and muscles.This condition causes 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 manifestations that are more striking 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 “laxity” of the vertebrae, tries to return the spine to its original functions: support and protection.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 spinal column in the shell.

Osteochondrosis is a multispecies 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 not always easy to determine.People are closer to developing osteochondrosis due to a sedentary lifestyle, which is so common today, being overweight, bad habits (especially smoking), poor diet, flat feet, intense physical activity and poor posture.Injuries to the spine can contribute to the onset of osteochondrosis and 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 vibrations.This directly concerns agricultural machinery drivers or machine operators.

Current osteochondrosis does not have serious age restrictions - it occurs in both the elderly 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 most 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.

Osteochondrosis symptoms

The most obvious symptom of osteochondrosis is pain and discomfort.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 in yourself, hurry up and consult a specialist - a therapist or neurologist.Early detection of osteochondrosis will improve the effectiveness of your 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 thecold in the limbs.Headache and a feeling of dizziness often accompany osteochondrosis.A characteristic 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.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, decreased sensitivity in the affected area, pain in the neck, shoulder blades, 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 now in the chest area.In lumbosacral pathology, patients often complain of pain that radiates 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 collects the patient's medical history and carefully studies his complaints.Osteochondrosis has symptoms common to some other diseases, so it is important to know how to differentiate the 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.This way, the doctor will be able to determine the location affected by the disease.For greater clarity, we will explain how osteochondrosis can be determined by radiography: 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.

The myelographic examination is more complex than the radiographic examination.This is due to certain manipulations that doctors must perform during myelography: a contrast liquid 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 may be damaged.Despite this, correctly performed myelography allows specialists to visualize the internal structure of the spinal canal.This method is especially important for diagnosing spinal hernia.

Computed tomography (computed tomography) and magnetic resonance imaging (magnetic resonance imaging) are the most effective and modern methods for differentiating osteochondrosis from spinal diseases with similar symptoms.

Treatment of osteochondrosis

Treatment of osteochondrosis is carried out comprehensively.This therapy works by eliminating the main syndrome and causes of the disease.To combat osteochondrosis, doctors use acupuncture, vacuum treatment, manual therapy, laser treatment, traction, electrical stimulation, pharmacological and magnetic puncture.The main task in obtaining effective treatment is the timely detection of the disease.People facing this serious disease are concerned about the main question: is it possible to cure osteochondrosis?The answer will depend on the form and degree of osteochondrosis.If the treatment of the disease is started at the first stage, you can get rid of osteochondrosis forever.

To treat osteochondrosis, doctors use medicinal and non-medicinal methods.Among the medications 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 use 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.These remedies help the patient combat muscle spasms. 
• Vitamins B1, B6 and B12.They will help improve the 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 medication:

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

Let's look at these treatment methods in more detail.Physiotherapy in the case of osteochondrosis is a selection of physical exercises to eliminate compression of the nerve roots, correct posture and strengthen the muscular corset.Exercise therapy helps prevent the development of complications of osteochondrosis.This physical activity helps reduce the load directly on the spine and also improves 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 massage therapy helps to eliminate pain, but also manual therapy.Furthermore, it helps restore mobility to the vertebrae and correct posture.

Traction... what is it?Under this, at first glance, incomprehensible word, a simple meaning is hidden - “extension”.The desire to lengthen the spine is probably familiar to every person suffering from osteochondrosis.In current medicine there are special devices that allow this to be done.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 involves influencing reflex points on the human body.

The best cure for osteochondrosis

An ideal remedy for osteochondrosis should eliminate pain and inflammation, improve blood circulation, restore mobility to cartilage and joints, and also reduce the patient's depression.A complex of well-chosen medicines copes with all these tasks.In this part of the article we will analyze all these medicines 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 injectable solutions.Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be from different groups:

• Group of medicines with the active ingredient diclofenac. These medications enhance the analgesic effect of other pain relievers and reduce inflammation.The disadvantage of this group is the impossibility of its use during pregnancy and lactation.
• Unlike previous medicines, medicines 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. 
• 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 in osteochondrosis is observed in connection with pain and muscle tension.As a result, a lack of oxygen occurs in damaged tissues and, as a result, the functionality of internal organs is disturbed.To avoid such complications, doctors prescribe vasodilator medications 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 with the analgesic effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.Muscle relaxants also help speed up the repair process of damaged tissues. 

Chondroprotectors for osteochondrosis

Chondroprotectors and vitamin complexes help restore cartilage tissue.Chondroprotectors are understood as agents that restore not only cartilaginous tissue, but also joint mobility.Medicines worthy of 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 you might think: a painful syndrome that haunts a person for a long period of time can easily cause depression and frequent stress.In most cases, taking valerian or motherwort tincture 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 type, doctors consider it useful to wear a corset.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 elastic material with metal or plastic splints inside are used.For lumbar osteochondrosis, corsets with a rigid cross and longitudinal inserts made of metal or plastic are used.The material used for production is adhesive 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 individually by the attending physician.

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 wear a corset.For the first time, the corset is put on for a maximum of 15 minutes and then you can wear it for a maximum of 6 hours a day.

Prevention of osteochondrosis

Prevention is of great importance to maintain spinal health and prevent exacerbations of osteochondrosis.For prevention, it is necessary to lead a healthy and active lifestyle, exercise and combat 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 negatively, which is why it is necessary to 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 spinal health.Products consumed by a person must provide him with substances that synthesize cartilaginous tissue.We are talking about mucopolysaccharides contained in jams, jellies and gelatins.It is important to monitor sufficient fluid intake, as 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.Thus, we can obtain calcium from hard cheeses, dairy products, beans and lettuce.It is important to remember that vitamin D, found 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 eliminated from the body.Magnesium can be obtained by eating cucumbers, walnuts and sunflower seeds.Many people know the phosphorus content in fish, but the fact that this element is also part of the composition of peas, soybeans, bran and white cabbage is a lesser known fact.Sources of manganese include chicken meat, egg yolks, cottage cheese, potato peels 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, which we know from 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 take a look at the prohibited products.The black list of products for osteochondrosis includes: salt, pickles and marinades, hot seasonings, 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 mobility.
• Pinched spinal nerves.
• Disc protrusion and later intervertebral hernia.
• Radiculitis.
• Lumbago and sciatica.
• Vegetative-vascular dystonia.
• Schmorl's hernia.
• Vertebral dislocation.
• 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, seek medical help, as timely treatment is the key to successful recovery.