Osteochondrosis is a chronic disease in which the nucleus of the intervertebral disc is affected. In turn, the focus of the lesion involves the tissues around the vessels and the nervous system in the process. This is the cause of changes in the musculoskeletal system, in bone and muscle tissue.
Young people often ignore the first symptoms of osteochondrosis, which occurs en masse at the age of 25 and earlier. This often happens among students whose jobs involve an inactive lifestyle. Therefore, the elderly often turn to medical treatment when chronic osteochondrosis has been observed, its treatment may be difficult.
Dystrophic phenomena in the spinal space can have pathological effects on internal organs. In medical practice, the link between the health of internal organs and the spine has been confirmed.
Effective treatment of osteochondrosis
If the diagnosis of osteochondrosis is confirmed, this means that the treatment procedure is long overdue, despite the reckless attitude towards the disease in society.
The best treatment for osteochondrosis involves an integrated approach. The course consists of several stages, each aimed at achieving a specific outcome.
First stage
The sensation of pain is eliminated. Doctors may recommend wearing a device that supports the neck and buttocks in the most physiologically correct position. Together, they prescribe painkillers and physiotherapy procedures, as well as traditional medical methods, for example, acupuncture, which are certified in official sources and cover a network of services of medical health institutions approved by the Ministry of Health.
The second phase
Its job is to restore the spinal space disc and prevent changes in the nature of dystrophy.
Treatment involves dietary adjustments, physical therapy, manual therapy, massage, acupuncture. This complex increases blood circulation in the intervertebral disc and surrounding tissues.
With symptoms of a neurological nature, a neurologist may perform novocaine blockade or use more serious medications to relieve muscle spasms. They may return after a while, but long work on the joints and tendons restores their healthy function.
It should be noted that in the early stages, treatment can be carried out without the use of drugs. In the complex of therapeutic measures, it is enough to introduce exercise therapy, reduce strenuous physical exercise, use applicators, physiotherapy procedures.
Drug therapy
The drug begins to be used with the progression of the disease and when the patient has already begun to develop posterior osteochondrosis. Treatment with medications can affect not only the symptoms, but also the cause of the disease and its consequences.
Medication allows you to complete the following tasks:
- relieving pain syndrome;
- reduction of tissue inflammation and edema;
- strengthening of biologically active processes and blood circulation in the affected area;
- cartilage tissue recovery; return of motor activity to the joints;
- elimination of depressive states from constant pain and worry about their own health.
Drugs prescribed by neurologists for osteochondrosis:
NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Relieves pain and swelling of tissues, can be used in the form of injections, ointments and gels, tablets and capsules. Among them: diclofenac, meloxicam, ibuprofen, nimesulide, ketoprofen. Vasodilators (vasodilators). Vessels are capable of narrowing from chronic pain syndrome. To ensure a normal tone, the doctor prescribes: pentoxifylline (to reducevascular tone), thioctic acid, (for better recovery). (muscle relaxant) and pain reliever. Treatment takes longer without this medication. Provides a calming effect, increased joint movement, normalizes blood flow, and the pain process disappears. Drugs from this group: baclofen, tetrazepam Chondroprotectors (symptomatic drugs with delayed action). They contain an easily digestible form of collagen fiber that can relieve inflammation, slow down and reverse degenerative phenomena in cartilage and bone tissue. The effect of the drug occurs after prolonged use (at least 6 months). Among the drugs in this group: chondroitin, bioactive concentrate of 4 species of marine fish, glucosamine, glucosamine + chondroitin, pentoxifylline, hyaluronic acid. Sedative (sedative). They relieve stress and depression with a background of illness. There are synthetic and natural origins. These include: tincture of motherwort, valerian; antidepressants, maprotiline), hypnotics (antihistamines, barbiturate derivatives and benzodiazepines). Vitamin and mineral complex. Preference is given to preparations containing vitamin "B", which are able to have a regenerating effect on the affected nerve areas and relieve pain.
Osteochondrosis and massage
Today, when choosing one of the methods of treating osteochondrosis with massage, doctors recommend to listen to the prescription of a neurologist or attending therapist.
Any type of therapeutic massage is prescribed only in case of illness. In case of exacerbation, it is not recommended to use it, so as not to aggravate the condition.
Among the types of massage used to treat osteochondrosis are:
- classic;
- self massage;
- point;
- Thai;
- segment reflex;
- vacuum;
- periosteal.
The duration of the procedure is 20-45 minutes. This is enough to achieve a healing effect and the ability to feel relieved in the first session.
To achieve a lasting effect, the duration of the course is 10-15 procedures. This is followed by a break for several months, after which the sequence of therapy is repeated again, and for as long as necessary at the discretion of the attending physician.
Third degree osteochondrosis, treatment
At this stage, the fibrous ring of connective tissue undergoes destruction. This in turn causes protrusion and herniation of the intervertebral disc. In this case, the painful sensation is not expressed, but persists because of the possibility of pinching the root of the nerve end.
It can manifest itself as numbness in the legs, loss of control over the function of the pelvic organs, decreased muscle tone, impaired coordination and balance. Really confirm the diagnosis of grade 3 osteochondrosis is possible only with the help of radiography, which will show defragmentation (appearance of cracks) and deformation of the spinal joints and the formation of osteophytes (bone growth).
On magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography examination, hernias and displacements with sheath rupture and nerve endings can be seen, these complications often accompany stage 3.
Treatment of spinal osteochondrosis in patients at this stage does not always have a good prognosis. The majority can not completely get rid of the manifestations of this disease.
The therapeutic effect is achieved in the complex therapy of conservative and surgical methods.
Conservative methods
These consist of medication treatment, massage treatment, exercise therapy, maintaining a healthy lifestyle (avoiding heavy lifting, sharp spine, letting go of bad habits).
Injectable drug treatment
They performed novocaine blockade, facet joint blockade, epidural and paravertebral blockade, using corticosteroid medications (dexamethasone, prednisolone) to relieve inflammation.
During treatment with injections, the active ingredient immediately enters the paravertebral area, or directly into the vertebrae, which ensures the fastest therapeutic effect.
Surgical methods
It is often used for the destruction and transplantation of the intervertebral disc and consists of the following operations:
- removal of the intervertebral disc, partially or completely;
- connection (osteosynthesis) of adjacent vertebrae to protect the spinal cord.
Hirudotherapy methods
Medicine with many methods makes it possible to influence osteochondrosis. Treatment with leeches helps increase joint activity, and the active ingredient (hirudin) in his saliva thins the blood, helps restore and regenerate affected tissues due to better nutrient absorption, relieves swelling, pain, pain in the nerves, and enhances the effect of conservative methods. another. The procedure is painless and in one session, which lasts for 30-60 minutes, 5-7 pharmaceutical individuals, or medical leeches, are used.
The course of treatment consists of 8-10 procedures with a duration of 5 days between them.
Due to the fact that a large number of people have osteochondrosis of the spine with varying severity, and the disease is underestimated as a result, it makes sense to contact the clinic as soon as possible to seek medical help from our generals and perform appropriate treatment, early diagnosis of the disease. . .