Osteochondrosis is a common spinal disease. As it progresses, the discs that lie between the vertebrae degenerate and become dystrophic, and then the vertebral tissue is affected.
Osteochondrosis is characterized by a pain syndrome in the cervical, spinal and lumbar regions. In the neglected form, pain is felt in the upper and lower extremities, chest and shoulders. Then muscle atrophy begins, their sensitivity is lost, and the organs adjacent to the painful area become dysfunctional: adjacent organs are often compressed and displaced. If left untreated, the disease can progress and can lead to disability.
Causes of Osteochondrosis
The most common causes of osteochondrosis are severe hypothermia, excessive physical exertion, and sharp turns that lead to displacement of the vertebrae.
The main cause of the disease is thought to be uneven tension on the spine. As a result, in the areas of the spine that are subjected to intense physical pressure, a deformation of the cartilage structure develops. Other factors that contribute to the development of osteochondrosis are:
- Incorrect body posture (bending over);
- back muscle weakness;
- Lazio Campsis;
- handling and lifting heavy objects;
- prolonged periods of time in uncomfortable positions;
- a sedentary lifestyle;
- genetic susceptibility;
- Metabolic disorders, lack of vitamins and minerals;
- exposure to infectious diseases;
- negative effects of chemicals;
- Stressful situations, nervous disorders;
- hypothermia;
- hormonal changes;
- Spinal cord injury;
- high-intensity exercise;
- Sudden changes in body posture.
A prerequisite for the emergence of osteochondrosis may be unfavorable climatic factors that negatively affect people who are prone to meteorological dependence.
Signs and symptoms of osteochondrosis during remission
During osteochondrosis remission, mild pain occurs only in uncomfortable areas of the body. Bending, jumping, sharp turns of the trunk or head, or abruptly getting out of bed can make the pain worse. It is usually worth changing positions and the pain stops.
During remission, there were no disease symptoms associated with root irritation.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis during exacerbations
During disease progression, symptoms vary depending on the site of inflammation. With the deterioration of the neck area, the sensitivity of the neck and crown skin is significantly reduced, the disease is accompanied by acute pain in the neck area. In addition, the pain syndrome is felt at the fingertips, descending through the shoulder joint. When the vertebral artery is squeezed, the following symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis occur:
- nausea;
- Dizziness;
- flies and darkened eyes;
- severe pain in the head;
- Tinnitus, hearing loss.
Inflammatory symptoms of disease in the lumbar region are caused by compression of the spinal cord roots. Depending on the area of the squeeze, signs of deterioration can be distinguished:
- leg and groin pain;
- decreased sensitivity in the legs and groin;
- lower back shot;
- Defecation and urinary incontinence may occur;
- In women, irregular menstruation;
- In men, potency decreased;
- Muscle atrophy.
Signs of worsening thoracic osteochondrosis are often confused with disease of the heart, gastrointestinal tract, and other internal organs. These symptoms are also called faking. During exacerbations of thoracic osteochondrosis, patients often think they have worsening gastritis, peptic ulcers, or angina.
The main sign of inflammation is severe pain in the back, sides, and chest area. The pain syndrome can last for a long time, and develop sharply and become more intense during exercise.
Additionally, coughing and difficulty breathing may occur. There is often a feeling of heartache and arm pain.
Drug therapy for osteochondritis
At the beginning of the disease, you can go without medication. Using the applicator, exercise therapy, reducing the load on the spine is sufficient. If symptoms worsen, medication should be used.
The aim of treating inflammation with drugs is to eliminate inflammatory processes, pain and increase metabolic processes. Because osteochondrosis is a systemic disease that can adversely affect many organs, its treatment should be comprehensive. To treat osteochondrosis during exacerbations, the following drugs are recommended:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Reduce pain and inflammation. It is used in the form of ointment, cream, tablet, injection.
- Vasodilator. The drug is a vasodilator. Muscle pressure and pain can cause blood vessels to constrict.
- Muscle relaxant. These drugs are used to relax muscles. They relax and soothe muscles, normalize blood circulation, and relieve pain.
- chondroprotective agent. The drug should be taken for a long time. Positive results will be felt after about six months.
- sedative. With prolonged pain, a depressive state may develop. Valerian, motherwort, and antidepressants are used as sedatives.
- Vitamin and mineral complex. It is important to take B vitamins to restore the sensitivity of nerve endings.
- For the general strengthening of the body, a multivitamin complex is prescribed.