Osteochondrosis is an inflammatory dystrophy of the vertebrae and intervertebral discs. As the disease progresses, its elasticity loses, becomes rigid and invades nerve endings. As a result, edema and persistent pain occurred.
The final stage of osteochondrosis is characterized by significant movement limitation, which is the basis for establishing a disability group of patients.
Cause of disease
Most doctors believe that the main reason for the development of osteochondrosis is the uneven load of different parts of the spine. In turn, it is caused by the following factors:
Poor posture and uncomfortable posture for a long time.
Back muscle weakness.
Excessive exercise and heavy lifting.
Weighed heredity.
Metabolism (deficiency of phosphorus, magnesium, calcium and other trace elements).
Constant emotional stress.
Low temperature.
Endocrine imbalance.
Spinal injuries (injuries, 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, and lower back depends on the cutting, sharpness, and shooting characteristics of the lesion.
Muscle cramps.
I have a terrible headache.
Dizziness, fainting, caused by cramping and clamping of the supply container.
Intercostal neuralgia.
There are flies and flashing spots in front of you, especially when you change your body position.
Dry skin.
Increase or decrease in sweating.
The skin of the lower extremities cools.
Tiredness, coughing, staying in one place for a long time, and worsening of chronic diseases can increase discomfort and pain. The development of the above symptoms requires urgent medical attention.
Stage of disease
Modern medical classification divides diseases into four levels.
The first stage is characterized by lack of clinical manifestations. Changes in the spine and intervertebral discs are compensated by the body's reserve system. In most cases, grade 1 osteochondrosis is accidentally diagnosed during medical examinations or other diseases.
In the second stage, the patient complains of neck, chest or back pain. During this period, NSAIDs can effectively relieve symptoms, so it is not always the reason for patients to see a doctor.
The third stage is characterized by increased spinal deformity. Form pathological curves, scoliosis or humps. At this point, 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 extreme pain, restricted movement, and severe spinal deformation. This stage of the disease ends when the patient is assigned a disability group.
How to get rid of osteochondrosis forever
The treatment of osteochondrosis should be comprehensive. Currently, drugs, physical therapy and surgical methods are used.
In addition, to get rid of the disease, regular physical therapy courses and massage are important.
Through physical therapy procedures, electrophoresis, ultrasound exposure, and reflex therapy can be used. Mineral water and therapeutic mud also have a beneficial effect on the diseased spine, so patients must go to specialized nursing homes regularly.
Among the drugs used in the early stage of the disease, the most commonly used are analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These drugs can effectively fight pain and relieve inflammation.
With the development of muscle cramps, the patient was prescribed muscle relaxants.
It is also important to take vasodilators and vitamin complexes.
Not only can alleviate the symptoms of the disease, but the most effective drug that can slow down the progression of the disease is the chondroprotectant. They have cumulative and long-term effects.
Chondrprotectant group:
Based on chondroitin 4-sulfate.
Mucopolysaccharide.
Glucosaminoglycan.
Based on marine life.
Moreover, effective combinations of vitamin-rich chondroprotective agents have now been developed.
Medications used to treat osteochondrosis can be used topically (in the form of gels and ointments) or systemically (orally, by injection).
In order to relieve symptoms, patients are advised to buy orthopedic mattresses, pillows and sleeping collars. Such equipment will help maintain the correct posture at night, avoid muscle spasms and squeeze blood vessels and nerve trunks.
important! Do not take the medicine by yourself, and if you experience typical symptoms, be sure to consult a specialist. Remember, osteochondrosis is a dangerous disease that can cause permanent deformity of the spine and even disability. The doctor will choose a competent comprehensive treatment that can quickly relieve the uncomfortable symptoms of your disease and return to normal life.