Osteochondrosis is a common disease of the spine. As it progresses, degeneration and dystrophy of the discs located between the vertebrae occur, after which the vertebral tissues are affected.
Osteochondrosis is characterized by pain syndromes in the cervical, spinal and lumbar regions. In a neglected form, pain sensations appear in the upper and lower limbs, chest and shoulders. Then muscle atrophy begins, their sensitivity is lost, there is dysfunction of the organs adjacent to the painful areas: quite often the adjacent organs are compressed and displaced. If timely treatment is not started, the disease progresses and can lead to disability.
Reasons for the development of osteochondrosis
The most common causes of osteochondrosis are severe hypothermia of the body, excessive exercise, sharp bends that cause displacement of the vertebrae.
The main cause of the disease is considered to be uneven tension of the spine. As a result, deformation of the cartilage structure is formed in the areas of the spine that are subjected to strong physical pressure. Factors for the development of osteochondrosis are also:
- incorrect body position (bending);
- weak back muscles;
- rachiocampis;
- carrying and lifting heavy objects;
- long time in an awkward position;
- sedentary way of life;
- genetic predisposition;
- metabolic disorders, lack of vitamins and minerals;
- exposure to infectious diseases;
- adverse effects of chemicals;
- stressful situations, nervous disorders;
- hypothermia of the body;
- hormonal changes;
- spinal cord injury;
- high-intensity sports;
- sudden changes in body posture.
Adverse climatic factors that negatively affect people prone to meteorological dependence may be a prerequisite for the occurrence of osteochondrosis.
Signs and symptoms of osteochondrosis during remission
During remission of osteochondrosis, mild pain occurs only in uncomfortable positions of the body. The pain is aggravated by bending, jumping, sharp turns of the torso or head, abrupt getting out of bed. It is usually worth changing the position and the pain stops.
During 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 exacerbation of the cervical region, the sensitivity of the skin of the neck and crown is significantly reduced, the disease is accompanied by acute pain in the cervical area. In addition, the pain syndrome is felt in the fingertips running down the shoulder joint. When the spinal artery is compressed, the following symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis appear:
- nausea;
- dizziness;
- flies and darkening of the eyes;
- severe headache;
- tinnitus, hearing loss.
Symptoms of inflammation of the disease in the lumbar region arise from compression of the spinal cord root. Depending on the area of compression, signs of exacerbation are distinguished:
- pain in the legs and groin;
- decreased sensitivity in the legs and groin;
- shooting in the lower back;
- fecal and urinary incontinence may occur;
- in women, menstrual disorders;
- in men, a decrease in potency;
- muscle atrophy.
Signs of exacerbation of osteochondrosis of the chest are often confused with diseases of the heart, gastrointestinal tract and other internal organs. These symptoms are also called pretense. During exacerbations of thoracic osteochondrosis, patients often believe they have acute gastritis, peptic ulcer or angina pectoris.
The main signs of inflammation are severe pain in the back, side, chest. Pain syndromes last a long time and appear abruptly and become stronger during movement.
In addition, coughing and difficulty breathing may occur. There is often a feeling of heart pain, pain in the arm.
Drug treatment of osteochondrosis inflammation
At the beginning of the disease you can do without medication. It is enough to use applicators, exercises for therapy, to 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. Because osteochondrosis is a systemic disease that affects many organs, its treatment must be comprehensive. The following drugs are recommended for the treatment of osteochondrosis during exacerbations:
- Non-steroidal 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 are used to relax muscles. They relax and soothe muscles, normalize blood circulation, relieve pain.
- Chondroprotectors. Medications must be taken for a long time. A positive result is felt after about six months.
- Soothing. Prolonged pain can lead to depression. Valerian, motherwort, antidepressants are used as sedatives.
- Vitamin and 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.