Such a problem, like subchondral osteosclerosis of the spine and articular surfaces, is known to many people not by hearsay.
It is important to understand what manifestations are characteristic for the disease, what treatment is recommended, and what to do to prevent the development of osteosclerosis.
This will be discussed in the article.
Content
- 1What is the disease?
- 2Causes
- 3Characteristic manifestations
- 4Diagnostics
- 5Types of treatment
- 6Prevention
What is the disease?
Subchondral sclerosis is a manifestation of osteoarthritis.
Sclerosis does not belong to an independent disease. It is a manifestation relating to groups of diseases, including arthrosis, as well as osteochondrosis of the spine.
The lesion affects the joints of the fingers, knees, as well as the hip joints.
Changes observed in the spine, most often affect its departments such as lumbar and cervical.
Causes
In most cases, the disease is observed in people of advanced age. Nevertheless, recently, the disease is increasingly found in young people.
All the reasons specialists divided into two groups.
The first group includes internal aspects:
- vascular disorders;
- endocrine changes;
- genetic factors;
- age;
- immunological disorders.
Microtrauma causing osteosclerosis
The second large group assumes external factors:
- inactive way of life;
- the presence of anomalies concerning the development of joints that are congenital;
- excess weight;
- presence of intra-articular fractures;
- joint dysplasia;
- microtrauma;
- metabolic disease.
Characteristic manifestations
If you know the characteristic symptoms of the disease, you can quickly determine it and seek professional medical help in a timely manner. Symptoms depend on which stage the patient is taking.
There are three main stages:
- The first stage (initial). The person complains that the movements of the joints cause discomfort and cause unusual sensations.
- The second stage is characterized by the presence of restrictions relating to work, as well as the emergence of certain complexities in ordinary life;
- the third assumes significant changes, due to which there is a complete loss of function.
Diagnostics
When osteosclerosis of the spine, it is important to correctly diagnose. If an X-ray is taken to a healthy person, the spine will be illuminated fairly well.
If there are bone seals, the spine will be seen badly, and in the pictures appears a lot of dark color. Darkening is one of the signs of the disease.
Signs of osteosclerosis on an x-ray
To determine the cause of the disease, additional tests are prescribed. So, a blood test is being given-deployed, general and biochemical.
In addition, computer or magnetic resonance therapy is used.
Types of treatment
In the treatment, the task is reduced to diagnosing the disease, which is the main one. In addition, it will be necessary to block the causes that cause the development of the disease.
To achieve high efficiency in treatment becomes possible when it is carried out at the initial stages. Therefore, when the first manifestations of the disease appear, you should immediately consult a doctor, for the purpose of appropriate treatment.
Most often, people turn to doctors at a stage when the disease progresses. Surgical treatment is prescribed when there are bone growths.
The set tasks during the therapy are aimed at reducing the present clinical manifestations. Also, doctors, giving the appointment to patients, pursue the goals, consisting in inhibition of the underlying disease.
To stop the pain, doctors prescribe NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Physiotherapy will also help relieve pain. In addition, physical procedures improve blood circulation.
For the treatment of sclerosis affecting the articular surfaces, drugs containing glucosamine and chondraitin are used.
For successful treatment, a special massage of the spine area and proper nutrition are necessary.
In addition, doctors recommend patients a spa treatment. It is important to choose appropriate institutions that specialize in treating precisely this category of diseases, practicing effective methods.
Prevention
For prophylaxis to give good results, it is important to eliminate the causes that may cause subchondral osteosclerosis.
It will be necessary to observe the proper daily routine. The diet should be rational, the body should receive enough vitamins. In the cold season, hypothermia is unacceptable. This is due to the fact that the joints love heat.
To maintain the mobility of the joints, the movements should be carried out under the condition of a balanced rate. This also contributes to a significant improvement in blood supply. These preventive measures are aimed at combating excess kilograms, because excess weight causes many health problems.
As soon as there are suspicions of problems with the spine, you should immediately go to a medical facility. Do not self-medicate. It is necessary to undergo preventive examinations. If you find the problem at an early stage, you can deal with it much faster and easier.