Osteochondrosisit is a world-class disease because it affects people all over the globe (40-90%).This pathology in most cases appears in mature people, after 30 years.Back pain in everyday life is often attributed to this disease.In our article we will examine the detailed symptoms, find out the causes and methods of treatment of osteochondrosis.In medicine, this disease is referred to as a spinal tissue lesion of a degenerative-dystrophic nature.Osteochondrosis is associated with lesions of 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 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'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 tears in the annulus fibrosus.
- The next stage is closely related to the previous one: due to vertebral prolapse, ligaments and muscles decrease.This condition provokes motor imbalance of the vertebrae.This period is characterized by spondylolisthesis, or more simply, displacement of the vertebrae.
- The third stage of the development of osteochondrosis is characterized by the most surprising manifestations for an ordinary person - elongation of the intervertebral discs (extension of their contents) and arthrosis.
- The last stage of osteochondrosis is associated with osteophytes.Our body, noticing the "looseness" of the vertebrae, tries to return the spine to its original functions: support and protection.To achieve this, bony growths, which are called osteophytes, appear on the surfaces of the vertebrae.During the same period, fibrous tissue grows.The result of these processes is the capture of the motor segment of the spinal column in the shell.
Osteochondrosis is a disease with many types.There is 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.
Causes of the development of osteochondrosis
The reasons for the development of this disease are numerous and are not always easy to determine.People approach the development of osteochondrosis from 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.Spinal injury can contribute to the occurrence of osteochondrosis and 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 tremors.This is directly related to agricultural machinery drivers or machine operators.
Today's osteochondrosis does not have serious age restrictions - it occurs both in the elderly and in the young.There is an opinion that the development of osteochondrosis is associated with salt deposits, but it is not completely correct.Salt deposits are more a consequence of osteochondrosis.The cause of pain in osteochondrosis is often irritation of the nerve roots, medically called irritation.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.Pain is not always constant;it may periodically worsen and then decrease.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 visit 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 the coldness of the limbs.The pain ofheadache and a feeling of dizziness often accompany osteochondrosis.A characteristic feature of the disease is also 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, with the cervical type of the disease, signs are observed in the form of headache (especially during head movement), dizziness when turning the head, impaired sensitivity of 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 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 that radiates 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 several other diseases, so it is important to differentiate the pathologies.X-ray studies will help confirm the diagnosis of osteochondrosis: X-ray, myelography and computed tomography.
An X-ray study allows you to take an X-ray image of the spine or part 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 some manipulations that doctors have to perform during myelography: the contrast liquid is injected into the canal of the spinal cord.This may pose a risk 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, properly performed myelography allows specialists to look at the internal structure of the spinal cord canal.This method is especially important for the diagnosis of spinal hernia.
CT (computed tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) are the most effective and modern methods for differentiating osteochondrosis and spine diseases 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 drilling.The main task for receiving an 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 will depend on the form and degree of osteochondrosis.If the treatment of the disease begins in the first stage, then you can get rid of osteochondrosis forever.
For the treatment of osteochondrosis, doctors use medicinal and non-medicinal methods.Among the drugs used in the treatment of osteochondrosis, it is worth mentioning:
- 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 blockade.They deal effectively with pain.
- Steroid drugs.They are prescribed in the form of epidural and intramuscular injections.
- Muscle relaxants.Such tools help the patient to fight 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;
- withdrawal;
- 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 nerve root compression, proper posture and strengthening of the muscle corset.Exercise therapy helps prevent the development of complications of osteochondrosis.Such physical activity helps reduce the load directly on the spine and also improves its blood supply.
Physiotherapy procedures are prescribed to patients with osteochondrosis to eliminate pain and inflammation.Treatment with electrophoresis, ultrasound, laser and magnet 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 to restore the mobility of the vertebrae and the correct posture.
Attraction... 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 allow this.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 medicine for osteochondrosis should eliminate pain and inflammation, improve blood circulation, restore movement of cartilage and joints, and 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 in detail all these drugs.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, for osteochondrosis
NSAIDs help a patient with osteochondrosis to overcome pain, inflammation and swelling.These drugs can be produced both for external local use in the form of ointments and gels, and for internal use in the form of tablets and solutions for injection.Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be of different groups:
- A group of drugs with the active ingredient diclofenac. These drugs increase the analgesic effect of other sedatives and reduce inflammation.The disadvantage of this group is the impossibility of using them during pregnancy and lactation.
- Unlike the 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 therefore can be prescribed to children.
- 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 the damaged tissues occurs, and as a result, the functioning of the internal organs is interrupted.To avoid such complications, doctors recommend vasodilating medications to patients.
Muscle relaxants for osteochondrosis
Muscle relaxants relax the muscles and have a calming effect.This has a beneficial effect on blood circulation 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 joint mobility.Decent drugs in this group are those based on chondroitin and glucosamine.
Soothing for osteochondrosis
It seems, why take painkillers when treating osteochondrosis?The answer is not as complicated as one might think: a pain syndrome that follows a person for a long period of time can easily provoke depression and frequent stress.In most cases, taking valerian or motherwort tincture will be sufficient.
The attending physician must choose 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 for the cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions or for complete fixation of the spine.For thoracic osteochondrosis, corsets made of a special stretching material with metal or plastic splints inside are used.For lumbar osteochondrosis, rigid cross braces 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 adjust the entire spine are also called posture correctors.Corsets come 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 put on 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, exercise 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 received once can respond in a negative way, so you should 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 the health of the spine.Products consumed by a person should provide him with substances that synthesize cartilage tissue.We are talking about the mucopolysaccharides contained in jelly, jelly 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 seafood, 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, walnuts 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 known fact.Sources of manganese include chicken, egg yolks, cottage cheese, potato skins and bananas.
Among vitamins, it is worth emphasizing 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, 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 from this list we can create a menu with 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 treated properly, 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 problems with walking.
- Compressed spinal nerves.
- Disc protrusion and subsequent intervertebral herniation.
- Radiculitis.
- Lumbago and sciatica.
- Vegetative-vascular dystonia.
- Schmorl's hernia.
- Vertebral displacement.
- 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 the spine, hurry to seek help from a doctor, because timely treatment is the key to a successful recovery.