Currently, a huge number of people suffer from osteochondrosis. Many of them don't even know about the existing problem. In the meantime, if you don't start treatment on time, complications will arise that will be felt for the rest of your life. Osteochondrosis, like many other diseases, is "aging" and significantly worsens the quality of life, taking it out of its usual rhythm.
In our article we will get acquainted with the disease itself a little, as well as dwell in detail on the pharmacological method of its treatment.
Osteochondrosis and its types
Osteochondrosis is a deformation of the articular cartilage, the bone tissue of the spine and the intervertebral discs.
Osteochondrosis occurs:
- lumbar (lumbosacral),
- cervical,
- chest.
Causes of osteochondrosis:
- standing,
- curvature of the spine,
- spinal injury,
- flat feet,
- frequent heavy lifting,
- frequent changes in trunk position,
- prolonged stay in uncomfortable positions,
- spinal overload,
- physical inactivity and obesity,
- malnutrition,
- stressful conditions.
Stages in the development of osteochondrosis
- Due to some changes in the intervertebral disc, instability of the vertebrae appears. The spine is very susceptible to injury.
- The onset of destruction of the fibrous ring of the intervertebral disc occurs. The intervertebral distance decreases.
- Annulus fibrosus ruptures. The nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc protrudes. Due to the formation of an intervertebral hernia, deformity of the spine is provoked.
- A pronounced pain syndrome occurs. Due to the formation of bone growths and ossification of the ligaments of the spine, movement becomes limited.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis
Lumbar region (lumbosacral)
- Constant back pain.
- Sensation of pain and numbness in the limbs.
- Decreased physical activity.
- Increased pain during sudden movements, weight lifting, exercise, sneezing and coughing.
Cervical region
- Pain in arms and shoulders, headache.
- Vertebral artery syndrome (throbbing and burning headache, dizziness, noise in the head, colored spots and "flies" in front of the eyes).
Thoracic region
- Pain in internal organs, especially in the chest ("stake" in the chest) and in the heart.
Determining the diagnosis
Diagnosis is made by appointment by a neurologist based on the patient's complaints (pain syndrome, limitation of mobility, etc. ). The spine is examined by him in the position of the patient standing, sitting and lying down (at rest and in motion). When examining the back, attention is paid to posture, structural features of the torso, the lower corners of the shoulder blades, the lateral contours of the neck and waist, the position of the shoulder girdles, etc. After that, the doctor, as a rule, directs the patient to radiography, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, with the help of which the diagnosis is clarified and concretized, the degree of damage is determined, and hidden deviations from the norm are revealed. Based on the data obtained, the neurologist prescribes the appropriate treatment. As a rule, this is a complex therapy, which includes the use of medicines, massage, physical therapy and other methods.
Therapeutic exercises for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
Treatment of osteochondrosis with drugs
To begin with, it should be noted that at the initial stage of the development of osteochondrosis, in some cases, you can do without drugs. It will be enough to use corrective gymnastics, all types of applicators, as well as to reduce loads and eliminate other causes of the disease. If symptoms are gaining strength and studies have shown characteristic changes, drugs should be used to help affect both the cause and symptoms of osteochondrosis.
Treatment of osteochondrosis with drugs is indicated during the period of its exacerbation and is aimed at relieving the inflammatory process, relieving pain and improving metabolic processes due to internal intake or administration of drugs by injections.
Due to the fact that osteochondrosis is a systemic disease that negatively affects various organs and systems, its treatment should be comprehensive. Medicines for the treatment of osteochondrosis perform the following tasks:
- pain relief
- removal of inflammation,
- improve blood circulation in affected tissues,
- cartilage restoration,
- restore joint mobility,
- elimination of depression caused by constant pain.
So what drugs can a neurologist prescribe to treat osteochondrosis?
- NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
Eliminates 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).
Due to muscle tension and pain in osteochondrosis, narrowing of the blood vessels occurs. In order to avoid undesirable consequences against the background of this, the doctor can prescribe vasodilator drugs for a better restorative effect.
- Muscle relaxants (muscle relaxants).
Muscle relaxants have a relaxing and calming effect on the muscles. The drug-free healing process of this group proceeds more slowly, since due to their properties, blood circulation is normalized, painful sensations dull, mobility returns, and affected tissues recover faster.
- Chondroprotector.
Chondroprotectors do not give further destruction, they stabilize the condition. Taking chondroprotectors is long-term, for life, the effect occurs after treatment for a period of at least 6 months. Chondroprotectors are used externally, internally and in the form of injections.
- glucosamine
- chondroitin
- glucosamine + chondroitin
- glucosamine + chondroitin + vitamins
- Sedatives (sedatives).
Long-term pain syndrome can trigger stress and depression. In this case, valerian, motherwort, combined herbal preparations are prescribed. For more severe ailments, antidepressants and hypnotics are used to improve the falling asleep process and sleep quality.
- Vitamins and vitamin-mineral complexes.
Vitamins of group B are of great importance here, as they are able to restore the sensitivity of the affected nerve fibers and reduce pain.
For the purpose of general strengthening of the body, vitamin and mineral complexes can also be prescribed.