Osteochondrosis is an inflammatory-dystrophic lesion of the vertebrae and intervertebral discs which, as the disease progresses, lose their elasticity, become rigid, and impinge on nerve endings. As a result, edema and persistent pain develop.
The last stage of osteochondrosis is characterized by severe restrictions on movement, which are the basis for the establishment of the patient's disability group.
Causes of the disease
According to most doctors, the main reason for the development of osteochondrosis is an uneven load on different parts of the spine. And this, in turn, is provoked by the following factors:
Poor posture and prolonged uncomfortable posture.
Weakened back muscles.
Excessive exercise and heavy lifting.
Has weighed on heredity.
Metabolic disorders (deficiency of phosphorus, magnesium, calcium and other trace elements).
Constant emotional stress.
Hypothermia.
Endocrine imbalance.
Injuries to the spine (bruises, fractures).
Symptoms of osteochondrosis
The main clinical manifestations of the disease:
Decreased sensitivity of upper and lower limbs.
Severe pain syndrome in the neck, chest, lower back, depending on the location of the lesion of a cutting, pointed and pulling character.
Muscle spasms.
Severe headache.
Dizziness, fainting, resulting from spasm and clamping of feeding vessels.
Intercostal neuralgia.
The appearance of flies and sparkling spots in front of the eyes, especially when changing the position of the body.
Dry skin.
Increase or decrease in sweating.
Cooling of the skin of the lower limbs.
Feelings of discomfort and pain increase with physical exertion, coughing, prolonged stay in the same position and exacerbation of chronic diseases. The development of the above symptoms requires urgent medical attention.
Stages of the disease
Modern medical classification distinguishes four degrees of the disease.
The first stage is characterized by the absence of clinical manifestations. Changes in the spine and intervertebral discs are compensated for by the body's reserve systems. In most cases, grade 1 osteochondrosis is accidentally diagnosed during a medical examination or during an examination for another disease.
In the second stage, patients complain of pain in the neck, chest or back. During this time, symptoms are effectively relieved by NSAIDs and therefore may not always be a reason for patients to seek medical attention.
The third stage is characterized by the addition of deformities of the spine. Pathological curves, scoliosis or a bump are formed. At this stage, it is still possible to stabilize the patient's condition and slow the progression of the disease.
The fourth stage of osteochondrosis is accompanied by irreversible changes. The person suffers from excruciating pain, restriction of movement, severe deformities of the spine. This stage of the disease ends with the assignment of a disability group to the patient.
How to get rid of osteochondrosis forever
Treatment of osteochondrosis must be comprehensive. Currently, drugs, physiotherapy and surgical methods are used.
Also, in order to get rid of the disease, it is important to regularly conduct physiotherapy courses and take a massage course.
Physiotherapeutic procedures, electrophoresis, exposure to ultrasound, reflexology are used. Mineral waters and healing mud also have a beneficial effect on the diseased spine, so patients should regularly visit specialized sanatoriums.
Among drugs in the early stages of the disease, pain relievers and NSAIDs are most often used. These drugs effectively fight pain and relieve inflammation.
With the development of muscle spasms, patients are prescribed muscle relaxants.
It is also important to take vasodilators and vitamin complexes.
The most effective drugs that not only relieve the symptoms of the disease, but also slow its progression are chondroprotectors. They have a cumulative effect and a prolonged action.
Chondroprotective groups:
Chondroitin-4-sulfate based.
Mucopolysaccharide.
Glucosaminoglycan.
Based on marine organisms.
In addition, effective combined chondroprotective agents enriched with vitamins have now been developed.
Medicines used to treat osteochondrosis can be used topically (as gels and ointments) or systemically (by mouth, by injection).
To relieve symptoms, patients are advised to purchase an orthopedic mattress, pillow, and sleep collar. Such devices will help maintain the correct position of the body at night, prevent muscle spasms and squeeze the vascular and nerve trunks.
Important! Do not self-medicate and if you experience characteristic symptoms, be sure to consult a specialist. Remember that osteochondrosis is a dangerous disease that can lead to permanent deformities of the spine and even disability. The doctor will select a competent and comprehensive therapy that will quickly relieve you from the unpleasant manifestations of the disease and return to normal life.