Osteochondrosis is a common disease of the spine. Its progression leads to degeneration and dystrophy of the discs located between the vertebrae, which then affect the vertebral tissues.
Osteochondrosis is characterized by painful syndromes in the cervical, spinal and lumbar region. Feelings of pain in the upper and lower extremities, chest and shoulders appear in a neglected form. Then the atrophy of the muscles begins, their sensitivity is lost, the dysfunction of the organs located next to the painful areas occurs: often the adjacent organs are compressed and displaced. If timely treatment is not started, the disease progresses and can cause disability.
Reasons for the development of osteochondrosis
The most common reasons for the development of osteochondrosis are severe hypothermia of the body, excessive physical exertion, sharp turns that cause displacement of the spine.
The main cause of the disease is considered to be uneven tension of the spine. As a result, in the areas of the spine, which are subjected to strong physical pressure, deformation of the cartilage structure occurs. Factors in the development of osteochondrosis are:
- incorrect body position (bending);
- weak back muscles;
- rachiocampsis;
- carrying and lifting heavy objects;
- be in an awkward position for a long time;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- genetic predisposition;
- metabolic disorders, vitamin and mineral deficiency;
- exposure to infectious diseases;
- negative impact of chemicals;
- stressful situations, nervous disorders;
- body hypothermia;
- hormonal changes;
- spinal cord injury;
- high intensity sports;
- sudden changes in posture.
Prerequisite for the occurrence of osteochondrosis may be adverse climatic factors that adversely affect people prone to meteorological dependence.
Signs and symptoms of osteochondrosis during remission
During the remission of osteochondrosis, mild pain occurs only in uncomfortable body positions. The pain is intensified by bending, jumping, sharp turns of the torso or head, sudden getting out of bed. It is usually worth changing position and the pain stops.
In the period of remission there are no symptoms of the disease associated with root irritation.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis during exacerbation
During the exacerbation of the disease, the symptoms differ depending on the site of inflammation. With the worsening of the cervical region, the sensitivity of the skin on the neck and scalp is significantly reduced, the disease is accompanied by acute pain in the cervical area. In addition, the pain syndrome is felt in the fingertips, which descends through the shoulder joint. The following symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis occur when the vertebral artery is compressed:
- nausea;
- dizziness;
- flies and darkness in the eyes;
- severe headache;
- tinnitus, hearing loss.
Symptoms of inflammatory disease in the lumbar region are caused by compression of the spinal cord roots. Depending on the area of compression, the signs of exacerbation differ:
- pain in the leg and groin;
- decreased sensitivity in the legs and groin;
- shooting in the lower back;
- fecal and urinary incontinence may occur;
- in women, menstrual irregularities;
- in men, decreased potency;
- muscle atrophy.
Signs of exacerbation of thoracic spine osteochondrosis are often confused with diseases of the heart, gastrointestinal tract and other internal organs. These symptoms are also called forgery. During the exacerbation of thoracic osteochondrosis, patients often believe that they have worsening gastritis, peptic ulcer or angina pectoris.
The main signs of inflammation are severe pain in the back, hips, chest. Pain syndromes last for a long time, appear sharply and become stronger during movement.
In addition, coughing and shortness of breath may occur. There is often a feeling of pain in the heart, pain in the arm.
Treatment of osteochondrosis inflammation with drugs
At the beginning of the disease you can without medication. It is enough to use applicators, exercise therapy, reduce the load on the spine. If symptoms worsen, medications should be used.
Treatment of inflammation with drugs is aimed at eliminating the inflammatory process, pain and increase metabolic processes. Since osteochondrosis is a systemic disease that negatively affects many organs, its treatment should be comprehensive. The following drugs are recommended for the treatment of osteochondrosis during exacerbation:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Relieves pain and inflammation. It is used in the form of ointments, creams, tablets, injections.
- Vasodilators. Drugs are vasodilators. Muscle stress and pain lead to vasoconstriction.
- Muscle relaxants. Medications serve to relax muscles. They relax and calm muscles, normalize blood circulation, relieve pain.
- Chondroprotectors. Medications should be taken for a long time. A positive result is felt in about six months.
- Sedatives. Prolonged pain can lead to depression. Valerian, lemon balm, antidepressants are used as a sedative.
- Vitamin-mineral complexes. It is very important to take B vitamins, which restore the sensitivity of nerve endings.
- Multivitamin complexes are prescribed for general strengthening of the organism.