Currently, many people suffer from osteochondrosis. Many of them are unaware of the problem. If you do not start treatment at this time, you will have complications that will make you feel for a lifetime. Osteochondrosis, like many other diseases, "rejuvenates" and significantly worsens the quality of life, taking it out of its normal rhythm.
In our article we will learn a little about the disease itself, as well as talk in detail about the medical method of treatment.
Osteochondrosis and its types
Osteochondrosis is a deformity of the articular cartilage, spinal tissue and intervertebral discs.
Osteochondrosis occurs:
- waist (lumbosacral),
- cervical,
- chest.
Causes of osteochondrosis:
- vertical walk,
- curvature of the spine,
- spinal cord injury,
- straight legs,
- often heavy lifting,
- Frequent changes in body position,
- staying in anxious situations for a long time,
- spinal overload,
- physical inactivity and obesity,
- nutrition,
- stressful conditions.
Stages of development of osteochondrosis
- Vertebral instability occurs due to certain changes in the intervertebral disc. It is very prone to spinal cord injury.
- It is the beginning of the destruction of the fibrous ring of the intervertebral disc. The intervertebral space decreases.
- Anulus fibrosus is broken. The pulp of the nucleus of the intervertebral disc comes out. Spinal deformity is provoked due to the formation of an intervertebral hernia.
- An obvious pain syndrome occurs. Movement is limited due to the formation of bone growths and ossification of the spinal cord.
Symptoms of Osteochondrosis
lumbar (lumbosacral) region
- Persistent back pain.
- Pain and numbness in the legs.
- Decreased physical activity.
- Increased pain when doing sudden movements, lifting weights, exercising, sneezing and coughing.
Cervical region
- Pain in arms and shoulders, headache.
- Vertebral artery syndrome (burning throbbing headache, dizziness, noise in the head, colored spots and "flies" in front of the eyes).
chest area
- Pain in the internal organs, especially in the chest ("share" in the chest) and in the heart.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is made by a neurologist based on the patient's complaints (pain syndrome, limited mobility, etc. ). The spine is examined in the patient's position when standing, sitting, and lying (at rest and in motion). When examining the back, look at the posture, the structural features of the body, the lower angles of the shoulder blades, the lateral contours of the neck and waist, the condition of the shoulder girdle, and so on. The doctor then, as a rule, directs the patient to an X-ray, computed tomography or MRI, with which the diagnosis is clarified and specified, the degree of damage is determined and latent deviations from the norm are detected. Based on the information received, the neurologist prescribes appropriate treatment. As a rule, it is a complex therapy that includes the use of drugs, massage, exercise therapy and other methods.
Therapeutic exercises for lumbar osteochondrosis
Drug treatment of osteochondrosis
To begin with, it should be noted that in the early stages of the development of osteochondrosis, in some cases, you can do without medication. It is enough to use therapeutic gymnastics, any application, as well as to reduce the load and eliminate other causes of the disease. If symptoms worsen and studies show characteristic changes, medications that affect both the cause and the symptoms of osteochondrosis should be used.
Drug treatment of osteochondrosis is indicated in the period of exacerbation and is aimed at eliminating the inflammatory process, relieving pain and strengthening metabolic processes due to internal administration or injection of the drug.
Osteochondrosis is a systemic disease that affects various organs and systems, so treatment should be comprehensive. Drugs for the treatment of osteochondrosis perform the following functions:
- painkiller,
- elimination of inflammation,
- improve blood circulation in affected tissues,
- cartilage repair,
- to restore joint mobility,
- Eliminate depression caused by constant pain.
So, what drugs can be prescribed by a neurologist to treat osteochondrosis?
- NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
Eliminate inflammation and pain. It is used externally (gel, cream), internally (capsules, tablets), as well as in the form of injections (intramuscular, intravenous, subcutaneous).
- vasodilators (vasodilators).
Narrowing of blood vessels occurs as a result of muscle tension and pain in osteochondrosis. Against this background, the doctor may prescribe vasodilator drugs to have a better restorative effect to prevent undesirable consequences.
- Muscle relaxant (muscle relaxant).
Muscle relaxants have a relaxing and soothing effect on the muscles. Without drugs of this group, the healing process is slower, because due to its properties, blood circulation is normalized, pain is dull, mobility returns, and the affected tissues recover faster.
- Chondroprotectors.
Chondroprotectors do not destroy more, they stabilize the situation. Chondroprotectors are long-acting, with a lifelong effect that occurs at least 6 months after treatment. Chondroprotectors are used externally, internally and by injection.
- glucosamine
- chondroitin
- glucosamine + chondroitin
- glucosamine + chondroitin + vitamins
- Soothing (calming).
Long-term pain syndrome can lead to stress and depression. In this case, valerian, breast milk, mixed herbal preparations are prescribed. For more severe disorders, antidepressants are used, and hypnotics are used to go to sleep and improve sleep quality.
- 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.
Vitamin and mineral complexes can also be prescribed for general strengthening of the body.