A sedentary lifestyle or, conversely, physical overload, injuries and poor posture have a negative effect on the spine.The result is osteochondrosis, a chronic degenerative disease of the vertebrae and intervertebral discs.To some extent, pathology is present in every elderly person, but at the same time there is a tendency towards an earlier onset of the disease - in 30-40 year old people.Although osteochondrosis is an irreversible disease, its manifestations can be reduced and the quality of life can be significantly improved.We tell you what you can do next.
What is Osteochondrosis?
The disease leads to deformation and destruction of the vertebrae.In addition, atrophic changes occur in the intervertebral discs - they become flatter, tear and no longer perform shock-absorbing functions.This allows the vertebral bodies to touch each other and press on the nerve endings.The pathology is accompanied by pain, limited joint mobility and other symptoms.
Depending on the area of damage, a distinction is made between osteochondrosis of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions.The disease of the first and third types most often occurs in areas at the junction of the static and moving parts of the spine.It is the vertebrae of the neck and lower back that are exposed to increased stress and, as a result, degenerative changes.
Causes of the disease
Osteochondrosis is often referred to as a disease of civilization.The life of a modern person does not require active physical activity, so many people are faced with the problem of reduced muscle tone.Weak muscles cannot hold the spine in the correct position and posture problems begin.If we add to this the static loads on the spine during sitting or standing work, as well as excess weight and bad habits, the cause of the development of osteochondrosis in many people under the age of 40 becomes clear.
The occurrence of the disease is favored by:
- back injuries;
- Overload with irregular strength training;
- Bending over when walking, habit of sitting unevenly;
- Frequently lifting heavy objects with the load on your back instead of your legs;
- Shock loads on the spine (e.g. in transport drivers).
In addition, osteochondrosis can occur as a result of a hereditary predisposition, certain diseases of the endocrine system, as well as other diseases of the musculoskeletal system.The pathology goes through several stages in its development, so it is very important to pay attention to the slightest changes in well-being.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis
The initial stage of the development of the disease is chondrosis.At this stage, degenerative changes only affect the intervertebral discs.Few patients pay attention to the symptoms of chondrosis:
- mild regular pain in the back and neck;
- slight difficulty turning your head;
- Postural disorders (stooping, raising one shoulder relative to the other, bending the lower back forward, etc.);
- Fatigue.
These signs can appear at a young age (20-25 years) but do not cause serious symptoms.From the age of about 35, more pronounced symptoms of osteochondrosis appear due to the development of complications.In this case, patients already notice severe pain, which can be local and distant.
For injuries to the cervical spine |
For damage to the lumbar area |
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Diagnosis of osteochondrosis
The disease is diagnosed by a neurologist or vertebrologist based on the patient's complaints and data from a series of examinations:
- X-ray of the spine and its single segment in two projections;
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
In addition, the patient may need to consult a therapist and doctors of other specialties about chronic diseases that may have similar symptoms or aggravate the course of osteochondrosis.For example, pain under the shoulder blade and collarbone can cause cardiovascular disease.
Tablets and vitamins for osteochondrosis
To relieve pain, eliminate muscle spasms and reduce inflammation, the doctor may prescribe painkillers in the form of tablets and injections.Long-term use of tablets is not permitted as side effects may occur.According to the instructions, you cannot take the medication for more than 5-7 days in a row, after which other measures are required.
When nerve roots in various parts of the spine are compressed, not only pain but also cramps and muscle tension can occur.Experts believe this is the body's response to pain.Muscle relaxants are prescribed to relax the muscles.According to the instructions, the products increase peripheral blood circulation and reduce spasms and spasms.
With chondrosis and osteochondrosis, damaged cartilage tissue and intervertebral discs require special nutrition and restoration.For this purpose, the doctor may prescribe chondroprotectors. Such drugs require long-term use, the duration of treatment is usually at least two months.
With osteochondrosis, tissue trophism usually worsens and the patient may suffer from migraines and other complications.To improve blood microcirculation, antispasmodics and vasodilators are prescribed.Medication helps restore capillary blood flow, which restores skin sensitivity over time if it was impaired.
Vitamins are mandatory for osteochondrosis and other diseases of the spine and musculoskeletal system.The most important of these is PP or nicotinic acid.The drug helps reduce blood cholesterol levels and ensures the normal course of oxidation and reduction reactions in tissues.
In addition to vitamin PP, the doctor may prescribe retinol, tocopherol, B vitamins, etc.
Blockages in osteochondrosis
If severe muscle pain occurs that hinders movement and impairs performance, blockages are used.The doctor injects the medication directly into the extensions of the nerve fibers in the spine.
Relief from pain and cramps occurs immediately, but this is a temporary measure.The patient needs complex treatment that eliminates not only the symptoms, but also the causes of the pathology.Depending on the indication, the patient can be prescribed tablets, ointments, physiotherapy, etc.
Ointments that help with osteochondrosis
To maintain the effect of the tablets and eliminate pain, the doctor may prescribe painkillers and warming ointments.The effect is achieved by improving blood circulation in the affected area, i.e. increasing tissue nutrition.
There are less aggressive anti-inflammatory ointments, the active ingredient of which penetrates deep into the tissue, suppresses inflammatory processes and eliminates pain.
When the inflammatory process has subsided, it is allowed to use chondroprotectors in the form of ointments.Although these are drugs for external use, they can stop degenerative processes in the joints of the spine.In addition, chondroprotectors stimulate the production of intra-articular secretions and have a mild analgesic effect.
Ointments of complex action are aimed at reducing inflammation, relieving pain, preventing the formation of blood clots and restoring damaged tissue.However, broad-spectrum ointments are usually prescribed with caution, since each patient may have certain contraindications to any of the effects of such a drug.
Despite the availability of the listed drugs in pharmacies, you cannot buy them without a doctor's prescription and do not self-medicate.For each medicine there are certain indications and contraindications that must be taken into account.
Therapeutic baths for osteochondrosis
Water therapy perfectly complements other methods of treating diseases of the joints and spine.Baths with added herbs and salt reduce the frequency of acute pain attacks and have a generally strengthening effect.You can add to the water:
- Sea salt
- Pine extract
- juniper
Diet and nutrition for osteochondrosis
Proper eating habits help prevent many diseases.Osteochondrosis can also be caused by excess weight.Reducing body weight reduces the load on the spine and cartilage tissue.
With osteochondrosis, it is important to monitor the calorie content of food and give preference to products of plant origin.Experts recommend consuming foods rich in microelements such as zinc, cobalt, iron, calcium and magnesium.
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Jellied meat and low-fat fish, jelly, low-fat meat broths. |
Fried meat and fish, purchased ready-made meals, smoked meats, sausages, lard. |
Low-fat milk, cottage cheese, hard cheese, milk porridge. |
Cream, sour cream, margarine. |
Cabbage, beets, lettuces, carrots, tomatoes, cucumbers, broccoli, peppers. |
Radish, turnip, radish, celery, herbs. |
Black bread. |
Pastries, bread and rolls made from white flour. |
Fermented milk drinks, freshly squeezed fruit and vegetable juices, smoothies, herbal teas. |
Sweet carbonated drinks, strong black tea and coffee, alcohol. |
Dried fruits and nuts. |
Marinades and pickles. |
Berry and fruit jellies. |
Sweet confectionery. |
Osteochondrosis is a complex disease that is difficult to treat.It is best to consult a doctor at the first signs of illness, then the prescribed therapy will be most effective.Spinal diseases are most difficult to treat in their late stages.Advanced osteochondrosis may require hospitalization or even surgery.At the same time, you shouldn't give up.Modern medicine and pharmacology offer patients with diseases of the musculoskeletal system ample opportunities to maintain their health and quickly eliminate acute attacks.