How to help yourself with osteoarthritis

A sedentary lifestyle or, conversely, physical overload, injuries and poor posture have a negative impact on the spine.The result is osteochondrosis, a chronic degenerative disease of the vertebrae and intervertebral discs.To one degree or another, the pathology is present in every elderly person, but at the same time there is a tendency to have an earlier onset of the disease - in people 30-40 years old.Despite the fact that osteonecrosis is an incurable disease, its manifestations can be reduced and quality of life can be significantly improved.We'll let you know what you can do next.

What is osteonecrosis?

The disease causes deformation and destruction of vertebrae.In addition, atrophic changes occur in the intervertebral discs - they collapse, rupture and stop performing shock-absorbing functions.As a result, the vertebral bodies can come into contact and press on the nerve endings.Pathology is accompanied by pain, limited joint mobility and other symptoms. 

Depending on the damaged area, osteoarthritis in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions is distinguished.Type one and type three diseases often occur in the transition zones between the static and moving parts of the spine.The cervical and lower back vertebrae are subjected to increased pressure and the result is degeneration. 

Cause of the disease

Osteonecrosis is often called the disease of civilization.The life of modern people does not require active physical activity, so many people face the problem of reduced muscle tone.Weak muscles cannot support the spine in the correct position and postural problems begin.If we add static loads on the spine during sedentary work or standing, as well as overweight and bad habits, then the reasons for the development of osteoarthritis in many people under 40 years of age become clear. 

The appearance of the disease is facilitated by:

• back injury;
• overload during irregular strength training;
• slouching, irregular sitting habits;
• Frequently lift heavy objects with the load on your back instead of your legs;
• shock load to the spine (eg, in truck drivers).

In addition, osteoarthritis can occur due to genetic predisposition, some diseases of the endocrine system, as well as other diseases of the musculoskeletal system.During its development, the pathology goes through many stages, so it is very important to pay attention to the slightest changes in health.

Symptoms of osteoarthritis

The first stage of the development of the disease is cartilage disease.At this stage, degenerative changes affect only the intervertebral discs.Few patients pay attention to the symptoms of cartilage disease:

• Frequent mild pain in the back and neck;
• a bit difficult to turn around;
• Postural disorders (hunching, raising one shoulder relative to the other, bending the lower back forward, etc.);
• Tired.

These signs may appear at a young age (20-25 years old) but do not cause serious discomfort.More pronounced symptoms of osteochondrosis appear after about age 35 due to the development of complications.In this case, the patient noted severe pain, which could be local and distant.

In case of cervical spine injury	In case of injury to the lumbar region
tinnitus, dizziness; blurred vision; sharp pain in the back of the head and vertex area; numbness and tightness in the neck in the morning; speech disorders, decreased tongue sensitivity; pain and numbness in the collarbone and shoulder area; The pain spreads from the neck and shoulder blades to the elbows and fingers.	persistent, sometimes sharp pain in the lower back and sacrum that does not subside even at night; If the sciatic nerve is affected, pain will radiate down to the hip; tingling and numbness in the pelvic area; limited movement, difficulty walking, change in body position when lying down.

Diagnosis of osteoarthritis

The disease is determined by a neurologist or spine specialist based on the patient's complaints and data from several examinations:

• X-ray of the spine and its individual segments in two views;
• magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Additionally, patients may need to consult with a therapist and other specialists regarding chronic conditions that may have similar symptoms or aggravate osteoarthritis.For example, pain under the shoulder blades and collarbone can cause cardiovascular diseases. 

Tablets and vitamins treat osteoarthritis

To relieve pain, eliminate muscle spasms and reduce inflammation, the doctor can prescribe painkillers in the form of tablets and injections.Long-term use of the tablets is not allowed as side effects may develop.According to the instructions, you can take the drug for no more than 5-7 consecutive days, after which other measures need to be taken. 

When nerve roots are compressed in various parts of the spine, not only can pain occur, but muscle cramps and tightness can also occur.Experts believe that this is the body's response to pain.Muscle relaxants are prescribed to relax the muscles.According to the instructions, the product increases peripheral blood flow, reduces spasms and convulsions. 

With cartilage disease and osteonecrosis, damaged cartilage tissue and intervertebral discs require special nutrition and recovery.For these purposes, the doctor may prescribe chondroprotective drugs. Such drugs require long-term use, the course of treatment is usually at least two months.

With osteonecrosis, tissue nutrition often worsens and patients may experience migraines and other complications.To improve blood microcirculation, antispasmodics and vasodilators are prescribed.The drug helps restore capillary blood flow, therefore, over time, skin sensitivity will be restored if it is impaired. 

For osteoarthritis and other diseases of the spine and musculoskeletal system, vitamins are mandatory.The most important of these is PP, or nicotinic acid.The drug helps reduce cholesterol in the blood, ensuring normal oxidation and reduction reactions in tissues. 

In addition to vitamin PP, the doctor may prescribe retinol, tocopherol, B vitamins, etc. 

Blockade for osteoarthritis

If severe muscle pain occurs that impedes movement and affects a person's performance, blocks will be used.In this case, the doctor injects medication directly into the protrusion of the spinal nerve fibers. 

Pain and spasm relief occurs immediately, but this is only a temporary measure.Patients need complex treatment to eliminate not only the symptoms, but also the cause of the disease.Depending on the indications, the patient may be prescribed tablets, ointments, physiotherapy, etc.

Ointment helps treat osteoarthritis

To maintain the effect of using the drug and eliminate pain, the doctor may prescribe painkillers and warming ointments.The effect is achieved by improving blood flow to the affected area, that is, increasing tissue nutrition.

There are less aggressive anti-inflammatory ointments, the medicinal substances of which penetrate deep into the tissue, inhibit the inflammatory process and eliminate pain. 

When the inflammatory process has subsided, it is permissible to use cartilage protectors in the form of ointments.Despite the fact that these are drugs for external use, they can prevent degenerative processes in the spinal joints.In addition, cartilage protectors stimulate the production of secretions in the joints and have a mild analgesic effect. 

Complex action ointment is aimed at reducing inflammation, pain, preventing the formation of blood clots and restoring damaged tissues.However, broad-spectrum ointments are usually prescribed with caution, since each patient may have certain contraindications to one of the effects of the drug.

Although the listed medicines are available in pharmacies, you cannot buy them without a doctor's prescription and must not self-medicate.Each drug has certain indications and contraindications that need to be taken into account. 

Bath therapy for osteoarthritis

Water therapy perfectly complements treatments for other joint and spinal diseases.Baths with the addition of herbs and salts help reduce the frequency of acute pain attacks and have a strengthening effect on overall health.You can add to water:

• sea salt
• pine extract
• juniper

Diet and nutrition for osteoarthritis

Proper eating habits help prevent many diseases.Osteoarthritis can also be caused by being overweight.Reducing body weight reduces the load on the spine and cartilage tissue. 

With osteoarthritis, it is important to monitor the calorie content of food and give preference to products of plant origin.Experts recommend consuming foods rich in trace elements such as zinc, cobalt, iron, calcium and magnesium. 

you can	you can't
Jelly meat and low-fat fish, jelly, low-fat meat broth.	Fried meat and fish, store-bought convenience foods, smoked meats, sausages, lard.
Low-fat milk, fresh cheese, hard cheese, milk porridge.	Heavy cream, sour cream, margarine.
Cabbage, beets, salad, carrots, tomatoes, cucumbers, broccoli, sweet peppers.	Radishes, radishes, radishes, celery, herbs.
Whole wheat bread.	Cakes, breads and rolls made from white flour.
Fermented milk drinks, fresh fruit and vegetable juices, smoothies, herbal teas.	Sweet carbonated drinks, black tea and strong coffee, alcohol.
Dried fruits and nuts.	Sauces and pickles.
Fruit and berry jelly.	Sweet candies.

Osteonecrosis is a complex disease that is difficult to treat.It is best to consult a doctor at the first sign of illness, in which case prescribed treatment will be most effective.Spinal disease is most difficult to treat in its late stages.With advanced osteonecrosis, hospitalization or even surgery may be required.At the same time, you should not give up.Modern medicine and pharmacology provide enough means for patients with diseases of the musculoskeletal system to maintain good health and quickly get rid of acute attacks.