Osteochondrosis is a common disease of the spine. With its progression, degeneration and dystrophy of the discs located between the vertebrae occur, and then the tissues of the vertebrae 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 extremities, chest and shoulders. Then muscle atrophy begins, their sensitivity is lost, dysfunction of the organs adjacent to the painful areas occurs: very often the adjacent organs are squeezed and displaced. If prompt treatment is not started, the disease progresses and can lead to 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 bends that cause displacement of the vertebrae.
The main cause of the disease is considered uneven tension on the spine. As a result, in areas of the spine under strong physical pressure, a deformation of the cartilaginous structure is formed. Factors for the development of osteochondrosis are also:
- incorrect body position (stooping);
- weak back muscles;
- rachiocampus;
- carrying and lifting heavy objects;
- being in an uncomfortable position for a long time;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- genetic predisposition;
- metabolic disorders, lack of vitamins and minerals;
- exposure to infectious diseases;
- negative impact of chemicals;
- stressful situations, nervous disorders;
- hypothermia of the body;
- hormonal changes;
- Spinal injury;
- high intensity sports;
- sudden changes in body posture.
A prerequisite for the appearance of osteochondrosis can be unfavorable climatic factors that negatively affect people who are prone to weather dependence.
Signs and symptoms of osteochondrosis during remission
During remission of osteochondrosis, pain of a mild nature occurs only in uncomfortable positions of the body. The pain is aggravated by bending, jumping, sharp bends of the torso or head, abrupt exit from bed. Usually it is worth changing 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 an exacerbation
During an exacerbation of the disease, the symptoms differ from each other depending on the site of inflammation. With an exacerbation of the cervical region, the sensitivity of the skin of the neck and crown is significantly reduced, the disease is accompanied by sharp pain in the cervical zone. In addition, the pain syndrome is felt in the fingertips, descending through the shoulder joint. When compressing the vertebral artery, the following symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis occur:
- nausea;
- dizziness;
- flies and darkening of the eyes;
- severe pain in the head;
- tinnitus, hearing loss.
Symptoms of the disease inflammation in the lumbar region arise from compression of the root of the spinal cord. Depending on the zone of compression, signs of exacerbation are distinguished:
- pain in the leg and groin;
- decreased tenderness in the legs and groin;
- lower back shots;
- fecal and urinary incontinence may occur;
- in women, menstrual irregularities;
- in men, a decrease in potency;
- muscle atrophy.
Signs of exacerbation of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine are often confused with diseases of the heart, gastrointestinal tract and other internal organs. These symptoms are also called feint. During an exacerbation of thoracic osteochondrosis, patients often believe that they have exacerbated gastritis, peptic ulcer or angina pectoris.
The main signs of inflammation are severe pain in the back, sides and chest. Pain syndromes persist for a long time, appear sharply and become stronger during movement.
In addition, a cough and difficulty breathing may occur. Often there is a feeling of pain in the heart, pain in the arm.
Drug treatment of inflammation of osteochondrosis
At the onset of the disease, you can do without medication. It is enough to use applicators, exercise therapy, reduce the load on the spine. If symptoms worsen, medication should be used.
Treatment of inflammation with drugs is aimed at eliminating the inflammatory process, pain, and increasing metabolic processes. Since osteochondrosis is a systemic disease that affects many organs, its treatment should be comprehensive. For the treatment of osteochondrosis during an exacerbation, the following drugs are recommended:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Relieves pain and inflammation. Used in the form of ointments, creams, tablets, injections.
- Vasodilators. The drugs are vasodilators. Muscle stress and pain lead to vasoconstriction.
- Muscle relaxants. Medicines are used to relax the muscles. They relax and soothe muscles, normalize blood circulation, relieve pain.
- Chondroprotectors. Medications need to be taken for a long time. A positive result is felt in about six months.
- Sedatives. With prolonged pain, a depressive state may occur. 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.
- For the general strengthening of the body, multivitamin complexes are prescribed.