Symptoms and treatment of osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a disease based on degenerative changes that occur in the intervertebral discs, vertebrae and small joints of the spine.Osteonecrosis is a faithful companion of old age.But more and more diagnoses are being made in young people, perhaps because of mainly sedentary jobs, unhealthy lifestyles and lack of physical activity.We can safely assume that most of the adult population shows signs of osteoarthritis.

Reason

The elasticity of the spine, its mobility and ability to withstand physical activity largely depend on the condition of the intervertebral discs.The basis of the pathological process in osteoarthritis is malnutrition of spinal structures, especially intervertebral discs.This leads to changes in the normal structure of tissues, the disc loses elasticity and its shape changes.Such metamorphoses lead to narrowing of the intervertebral discs and, as a result, compression of the nerve roots.In fact, these changes explain the appearance of neurological symptoms, especially back pain due to osteoarthritis.

Then, degeneration occurs in the small joints of the spine and bone growths form on the surface of the vertebrae.All these changes lead to decreased flexibility of the spine.

Such changes of cartilage and bone tissue are a result of the physiological aging process of the body.But when exposed to certain adverse factors, dystrophic changes in the joints between the vertebrae occur ahead of time.These factors include:

• Obesity;
• Sedentary lifestyle;
• Heavy work;
• Work requires standing or sitting for long periods of time during work hours;
• Flat, crooked feet;
• Spinal deformity;
• Autoimmune connective tissue disease;
• Fluctuations in hormone levels (pregnancy, menopause);
• Exercise and sports;
• Emphasize;
• Spinal injuries, etc

Types of osteoarthritis

Features of the clinical picture of the disease depend on which segment of the spine the pathological process occurs.The following types of osteochondrosis are distinguished:

1. Cervix;
2. Chest;
3. Lumbar.

Cervical bone degeneration

Osteoarthritis of the cervical spine is common.The musculature of the neck is quite poorly developed, therefore, against the background of cartilage degeneration, even with insignificant loads, the vertebrae are displaced and, as a result, the vessels and nerves of the neck are compressed.This explains the specificity of the clinical picture in cervical spondylosis.

Therefore, the main signs of cervical spondylosis include:

• Constant pain in the neck and occipital region, aggravated by neck movements;
• Migraine - in one hemisphere;
• Dizziness, tinnitus;
• Pain in the arm;
• Numbness and tingling sensation in hands.

Osteoarthritis of the chest bone

Osteonecrosis of the thoracic region is quite rare.The main prerequisite for the development of the disease is the presence of spinal malformations.

Signs of bone and cartilage degeneration in the chest:

1. Dull pain in the chest area, often with a feeling of tightness in the back;
2. Pain gradually increases when turning, sneezing, coughing, laughing;
3. Visceral pain in the heart, right lower quadrant, abdomen;
4. Numbness and paresthesia in the chest area.

Lumbar spondylosis

The most common type of osteoarthritis.This is probably because the greatest load falls directly on the lumbar region.Symptoms of lumbar osteoarthritis:

• Pain, less commonly acute pain in the lower back, increases with movement or prolonged stay in a static position;
• Feeling of stiffness in the lower back;
• To relieve pain, a person must be in a forced position;
• Aching or sharp pain (such as low back pain) in the buttocks, thighs, or lower legs;
• Tingling and paresthesia in the legs.

Diagnosis of osteoarthritis

To detect osteoarthritis, radiation research methods are used: X-ray, computer and magnetic resonance imaging of the spine.The most characteristic and important sign of osteoarthritis is a decrease in the height of the intervertebral space.

In later stages of degeneration, marginal growth (osteoporosis) appears on the vertebral surface.They are more easily detected on lateral radiographs because the bone spurs are located in front and behind the vertebrae.

In addition, with cartilage degeneration, displacement of the bodies of adjacent vertebrae occurs, which can also be determined by X-ray.

Treatment of osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis treatment will be more effective if started early.As mentioned, osteoarthritis is a change in the structure of the intervertebral discs and vertebrae.Unfortunately, many people ignore back pain for a long time and do not consult a doctor in time. Missing the moment can still stop the pathological process.

Treatment of osteoarthritis is carried out with the help of medication, physiotherapy, massage and surgery.

Drug treatment:

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the form of tablets, ointments, injections for pain relief;
• Muscle relaxants;
• Chondroprotectors - promote the regeneration of damaged cartilage;
• Vitamin and mineral complex;
• Vasodilators;
• The drug normalizes metabolic processes in tissues.

After eliminating the exacerbation of the disease, you should turn to rehabilitation.Therefore, physical therapy is a very important aspect in the fight against osteoarthritis.Performing certain exercises contributes to the formation of a muscle corset.This is extremely important, because thanks to a strong corset, the physical load is evenly distributed along the spine.With regular performance of a set of exercises, stiffness in the spine will disappear and the range of motion will increase.Massage, physical therapy, acupressure, and spinal stretching will help enhance the effectiveness of physical therapy.

If complications occur in the form of intervertebral hernia, radiculitis, and if conservative treatment is unsuccessful, surgical intervention is required.The goal of surgical treatment is to eliminate compression of nerve roots and blood vessels, as well as stabilize the structure of the disc or vertebra.

Treat osteoarthritis at home

Folk remedies will help alleviate the symptoms of osteoarthritis, but in no case can they replace the main treatment.You can find a lot of traditional treatments on the Internet, but not all of them are safe, so be sure to consult your doctor.

Traditional medicine

The general principle of folk osteoarthritis treatment is to use substances with a stimulating effect.The result is an improvement in blood supply to a certain area of the body, as well as a reduction in pain.

In folk medicine, the following rub recipe is known: mix 0.25 cups of vodka with 0.5 cups of honey, add 0.75 cups of grated beets and two spoons of salt.The resulting mixture should be rubbed on problem areas of the back twice a day.The procedure must be repeated within a week.

To relieve pain, you can apply potato compresses to your back.Mashed raw potatoes must be mixed with honey in equal proportions.Then wrap the resulting mixture in gauze, apply it to your back and wrap it with a scarf.You can also use compresses with burdock.To prepare, pour a cup of boiling water into a spoonful of finely ground burdock leaves.Wrap the mixture in gauze and apply it on your back for half an hour.After removing the gauze, remember to wrap your back with a warm towel.

You can do it even simpler: grate the radish, put it in a cotton sock and lie face up on top.

Please note: It is important to be careful when using folk remedies and not to touch your face with your hands.Radishes and other plants that come into contact with the eyes can cause corneal burns.

Exercise therapy

Physical exercises can only be performed outside of periods of exacerbation.In case of acute pain, you should limit exercise as this will only increase the pain.

An approximate set of assignments might look like this:

1. Lie on your back and straighten your legs.Pull your right foot toward you and your left toe away from you.This must be done one by one.
2. While lying on your back, place your hands behind your neck.The legs should be closed and bent at the knees.Your knees should be tilted to the left and your head should be facing the opposite direction.Hold for just a few seconds.Then move your knees to the right and your head to the left.
3. Lie on your back with your arms along your body.You need to bend your knees and lift your pelvis.Hold this position for a few seconds.As you exhale, lower your pelvis.
4. Roll to one side.Straighten your top leg and swing it back and forth.
5. Starting position on all fours.Arch your back, hold for just a few seconds and then arch at the waist.
6. Roll over on your back.Pull the bent left knee toward the right elbow and vice versa.