Osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosisit is a world-class disease because it affects people all over the world (40-90%).This pathology in most cases occurs 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 the detailed symptoms, find out the causes and methods of treatment of osteochondrosis.In medicine, this disease is defined as 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 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, let's explain what the nucleus pulposus is.This medical term indicates the internal part of the intervertebral disc, which is represented by semi-fluid (connective tissue fibres) 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 vertebral prolapse, ligaments and muscles fail.This condition causes a 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 more surprising 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 bring the spinal column back to its original functions: support and protection.To achieve this, bony growths called osteophytes appear on the surface 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 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 are not always easy to determine.People are brought closer to the development of osteochondrosis by a sedentary lifestyle, so common today, by excess weight, bad habits (especially smoking), poor nutrition, flat feet, heavy physical activity and poor posture.Spinal injuries can contribute to the onset of osteochondrosis and can also develop through 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 connection between the development of osteochondrosis and vibrations.This directly concerns drivers of agricultural machinery or machine operators.

Today's 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 correct.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 on the background of osteochondrosis develop due to reduced 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 regress.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 the symptoms of this disease in yourself, hurry to consult 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 how it is related to this disease, is the coldness of thearts.Headaches and feeling dizzy often accompany osteochondrosis.A feature of the disease is also high eye strain and even decreased 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 characteristic signs.Therefore, with the cervical type of the disease, signs are observed in the form of headache (especially when moving the head), dizziness when turning the head, reduced 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 may 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 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 ailments.Osteochondrosis has symptoms common to some other diseases, so it is important to be able 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.In this way, the doctor can determine the site 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.

The myelographic examination is more complex than the radiographic examination.This is due to some manipulations that doctors have to perform during myelography: 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 can develop, and secondly, if the puncture is unsuccessful, the spinal cord can be damaged.Despite this, correctly performed myelography allows specialists to visualize the internal structure of the spinal cord canal.This method is especially important for diagnosing spinal hernia.

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

Treatment of osteochondrosis

Treatment of osteochondrosis is carried out comprehensively.This therapy works to eliminate 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 to achieve effective treatment is timely detection of the disease.People who are faced with 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 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 blocks.They deal with pain effectively.
• 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 the metabolic processes necessary for spinal health.

The examples of non-pharmacological treatments are varied, interesting and fun.The following will help you cope with the manifestations of osteochondrosis without drugs:

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

Let's look at these treatment methods in more detail.Physical therapy in case of osteochondrosis is a selection of physical exercises to eliminate compression of the nerve roots, correct posture and strengthen the muscle corset.Physical therapy helps prevent the development of complications of osteochondrosis.Such physical activity helps to 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 therapeutic massage helps to eliminate pain, but also manual therapy.Furthermore, it helps restore the mobility of the vertebrae and correct posture.

Traction... what is it?Under this, at first glance, the incomprehensible word hides a simple meaning: "extension".The desire to lengthen the spine is probably familiar to all people suffering from osteochondrosis.In today's medicine there are special devices that allow you to do this.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 the 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 mobility of cartilage and joints, and also 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 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 injectable solutions.Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can belong to several 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 previous drugs, drugs from the ibuprofen group are approved for use by pregnant and breastfeeding 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 in osteochondrosis is observed in connection with pain and muscle strain.As a result, a shortage of oxygen occurs in damaged tissues, 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 aids the analgesic effect of nonsteroidal 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 intended as agents that restore not only cartilaginous tissue, but also the mobility of the joint.Among the noteworthy 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 you might think: a painful syndrome that torments 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 drugs 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 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.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 are available in 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 back muscles, reduce pain, improve posture, prevent the development of complications and speed up recovery.There are some 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 worn for no more than 15 minutes, then you can wear it no more than 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, do exercises and fight any excess weight.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 respond negatively, so 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.The products consumed by a person must provide him with substances that synthesize cartilage tissue.We are talking about mucopolysaccharides contained in gelatin, jellied meat and gelatin.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.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 sea 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, 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, egg yolks, cottage cheese, potato peels and bananas.

Among the vitamins, the special role of groups A, B and C should be highlighted. 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 from childhood, is found in fresh fruits and vegetables.

So, if we consider 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 banned 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 adequately treated, can lead to disability.Complications of this pathology include:

• Stenosis of the spinal cord due to narrowing of its canal.This causes numbness in the limbs and problems walking.
• Pinched spinal nerves.
• Disc protrusion and subsequently intervertebral herniation.
• Radiculitis.
• Low back pain and sciatica.
• Vegetative-vascular dystonia.
• Schmorl's hernia.
• Vertebral displacement.
• Migraines and headaches.

With osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, increased 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.