Currently, a huge number of people suffer from osteochondrosis. Many of them do not even know about the existing problem. In the meantime, if you do not start treatment on time, complications will occur that will be felt for the rest of your life. Osteochondrosis, like many other diseases, "rejuvenates" and significantly impairs the quality of life, killing it from its usual rhythm.
In our article we will get acquainted with the disease itself, as well as we will focus in detail on the medical method for its treatment.
Osteochondrosis and its types
Osteochondrosis is a deformity of the articular cartilage, the bone tissue of the spine and the intervertebral discs.
Osteochondrosis occurs:
- lumbar (lumbosacral),
- cervical,
- breasts.
Causes of osteochondrosis:
- upright walking,
- curvature of the spine,
- spinal cord injury,
- flatfoot,
- often lifting heavy weights,
- frequent changes in torso position,
- prolonged stay in awkward positions,
- spinal congestion,
- physical inactivity and obesity,
- malnutrition,
- stress states.
Stages of development of osteochondrosis
- Due to certain changes in the intervertebral disc, instability of the vertebrae occurs. The spine is very prone to injury.
- The destruction of the fibrous ring of the intervertebral disc begins. The intervertebral space decreases.
- The fibrous ring is torn. The nucleus pulposis of the intervertebral disc protrudes. Due to the formation of an intervertebral hernia, a deformity of the spine is provoked.
- Severe pain syndrome occurs. Due to the formation of bone growths and the ossification of the ligaments of the spine, movements are limited.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis
Lumbar region
- Constant back pain.
- Feeling of pain and stiffness in the limbs.
- Decreased physical activity.
- Increased pain with sudden movements, weight lifting, exercise, sneezing and coughing.
Cervical area
- Pain in the arms and shoulders, headache.
- Spinal artery syndrome (burning throbbing headache, dizziness, noise in the head, colored spots and "flies" in front of the eyes).
Chest
- Pain in the internal organs, especially in the chest ("stake" in the chest) and the heart area.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is made with the appointment of a neurologist based on the patient's complaints (pain syndrome, limited mobility, etc. ). The spine is examined by him in the position of the patient upright, sitting and lying down (at rest and in motion). When examining the back, attention is paid to the posture, structural features of the torso, the lower corners of the shoulders, the lateral contours of the neck and waist, the position of the shoulder girdle, etc. The doctor then usually refers the patient to X-ray, computed tomography or MRI, with which the diagnosis is clarified and specified, the degree of damage is determined and hidden abnormalities are revealed. Based on the data obtained, the neurologist prescribes appropriate treatment. As a rule, this is a complex therapy that includes the use of drugs, massage, exercise and other methods.
Therapeutic exercises for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
Treatment of osteochondrosis with drugs
To begin with, it should be noted that in the initial stage of development of osteochondrosis in certain cases you can cope without drugs. It will be enough to use therapeutic gymnastics, all kinds of applicators, as well as to reduce the load and eliminate other causes of the disease. If symptoms worsen and studies show characteristic changes, medications should be used to affect both the cause and the symptoms of osteochondrosis.
Treatment of osteochondrosis with drugs is indicated in the period of its exacerbation and is aimed at relieving the inflammatory process, relieving pain and enhancing metabolic processes due to internal or drug administration by injection.
Due to the fact that osteochondrosis is a systemic disease that adversely affects various organs and systems, its treatment must be comprehensive. Osteochondrosis drugs perform the following tasks:
- pain relief,
- eliminate inflammation,
- improving blood circulation in the affected tissues,
- cartilage repair,
- restore joint mobility,
- Eliminate depression caused by constant pain.
So, what medications can a neurologist prescribe to treat osteochondrosis?
- NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
Eliminate inflammation and pain. They are used externally (gel, cream), internally (capsules, tablets), as well as in the form of injections (intramuscularly, intravenously, subcutaneously).
- Vasodilators (vasodilators).
As a result of muscle tension and pain in osteochondrosis, narrowing of blood vessels occurs. To avoid side effects against this background, the doctor may prescribe vasodilators for a better restorative effect.
- Muscle relaxants (muscle relaxants).
Muscle relaxants have a relaxing and calming effect on muscles. The healing process without drugs from this group is slower, because due to their properties the blood circulation is normalized, the sensations of pain are dulled, mobility is restored and the affected tissues recover faster.
- Chondroprotectors.
Chondroprotectors do not give additional destruction, they stabilize the condition. The intake of chondroprotectors is long-term, lifelong, the effect occurs after treatment for at least 6 months. Chondroprotectors are used externally, internally and in the form of injections.
- glucosamine
- chondroitin
- glucosamine + chondroitin
- glucosamine + chondroitin + vitamins
- Soothing (calming).
Long-term pain syndrome can cause stress and depression. In this case, valerian, maternity, combined herbal preparations are prescribed. In more severe disorders, antidepressants and hypnotics are used to improve the process of falling asleep and the quality of sleep.
- Vitamins and vitamin-mineral complexes.
B vitamins are important here because they are able to restore the sensitivity of the affected nerve fibers and reduce pain.
In order to strengthen the body in general, vitamin and mineral complexes can be prescribed.