Chondroprotectors in osteochondrosis. Chondroprotectors of the new generation. Chondroprotectors - ointments

Today, osteochondrosis creates a big problem for many people. During the disease, intervertebral discs are destroyed, which restrain the load on the vertebrae. Earlier it was believed that the main cause of the development of the disease are age-related degenerative dystrophic processes occurring in the spine, but the problem lies in the fact that osteochondrosis is increasingly diagnosed in young people.

Chondroitin and chondroprotectors

Studies show that the mechanism of the development of the disease depends more on the volume of chondroitin, a special substance contained in the cartilage layer of the disc. This substance supports the elasticity of cartilage and delays moisture in the vertebrae. In connection with this theory, a large number of drugs appear in medicine, which are called "chondroprotectors." In osteochondrosis, these medications are often prescribed because they contain chondroitin and help improve the condition of patients.

The use of chondroprotectors is a new modern trend in pharmacological practice, and not all doctors treat it the same way. It is required to understand, what chondroprotectors for osteochondrosis are necessary for, and whether they are capable to restore the lost cartilaginous tissue.

Chondroprotectors - what is it?

First of all, it is necessary to understand where the definition of "chondroprotektor" came from. In a normal state, chondrocytes are present in the body - cells that are part of cartilage tissue and are involved in the synthesis of chondroitin. The function of this substance is to accelerate the reproduction of hyaluronic acid, restore cartilaginous tissue and retain moisture in the cartilage. In addition, chondroitin is present in the composition of the liquid inside the joint bag. Another important component of the cartilaginous tissue is glucosamine, the precursor of chondroitin, which performs the same functions. Thus, effective chondroprotectors contain both substances.

Indications for use

With the help of chondroprotectors, the following conditions and diseases are treated:

• Arthrosis (dystrophic, degenerative processes occurring in the joints);
• Osteochondrosis of the spine (including the use of chondroprotectors for osteochondrosis of the cervical region);
• Bursitis, arthritis (inflammatory processes of the spine and joints);
• Osteoporosis (increased porosity of bone tissue and lack of calcium);
• Calcium deficiency.

Need to use

When new generation chondroprotectors appeared on the market, they caused an ambiguous reaction of physicians. Some doctors believed that this group of drugs improves cartilaginous tissue and is capable of retaining moisture in them, while others have indicated that the use of medicines is unjustified, since they can only create a placebo effect (a positive imaginary reaction to the use of the drug). To agree with someone's opinion, first of all it is necessary to understand what kind of disease it is - osteochondrosis, and how it differs from osteoarthritis (degenerative dystrophic change in the joints).

Why osteochondrosis develops

As already mentioned, the disease has recently been increasingly affected by a young part of the population, and this diagnosis does not apply specifically to the elderly. The main causes of osteochondrosis are:

• Lack of mobility;
• Deficiency of nutrients;
• High physical activity;
• Trauma, microcracks of the spine;
• excess weight.

As a result of these factors, not so much the vertebrae as the intervertebral discs suffer. There is their abrasion, they are deformed, they become brittle and thin. Then the state of cartilage deteriorates, the size of the cartilage deteriorates, the work of the entire apparatus of ligaments and the vertebral osteal processes is disrupted. Thus, the development of osteochondrosis, which was the reason for the development of new generation chondroprotectors.

Pharmacological properties

The most effective varieties of drugs are made from bones, ligaments, blood of fish and animals. The existing contradictions and doubts of doctors are based on the fact that the effect of medications is mainly designed for the synovial fluid inside the joint bag. This is what causes good results of treatment when using chondroprotectors for the therapy of arthrosis. The maximum effect can be achieved by simultaneously applying chondroprotectors-ointments, as well as preparations in the form of tablets. However, there is no synovial fluid in the spine, so different types of medications are used to treat both the spine and joints.

The peculiarity of the use of drugs is still that chondroprotectors, when used osteochondrosis, consist of molecules that have a high weight. After taking the drug for a long time, until they penetrate into the cartilaginous tissue of the spine. This fact makes it necessary to take medications to treat osteochondrosis in large doses.

When is the best time to take

The maximum effect can be obtained if you start taking chondroprotectors in osteochondrosis at the onset of the disease. However, often begin to heal when the disease is in full swing. It is necessary to understand well that the cartilaginous tissue is poorly restored, so the medicine should be started at the first signs of the disease in large doses. This, of course, does not completely relieve the disease, but it will stop the processes of disk destruction.

Advantages and disadvantages

Common non-steroid drugs used for the treatment of osteochondrosis are mainly anti-inflammatory drugs, they quickly relieve pain, but they can not solve the problem radically. Chondroprotectors (drugs) for osteochondrosis use a longer time, but the effect is more significant. The big plus of medications is the lack of side effects and good patient tolerance. In addition, chondroprotectors lead to normal bone turnover, increase the reproduction of glucosamines, enhance the synthesis of fibrin and lipids in the spine that feeds the spine. The only drawback of the drugs is the increased burden on the liver during therapy.

Which chondroprotectors are better to use

There are two types of medication: for internal use and for injecting into muscles or diseased joints. Preparations intended for oral administration should be used for a long time. The effect of their use can be seen after 3 months. And for a stable condition, the drug should take at least six months.

Chondroprotectors of the new generation are popular on the market, they include preparations Piaskledin, Alflutol, Rumalon. At the heart of medicines is the bone marrow and cartilage of animals, as well as plant components. Medications Chondroxide, Mukosat, Structum, Chondrolon include chondroitin sulfate.

The third group of chondroprotectors includes the preparation "Arteparon", which is made on the basis of mucopolysaccharides. Medications "Arthron flex" and "Don" have an active component of glucosamine.

They use medicines that combine vitamins, glucosamine and chondroitin. These are the complexes "Teraflex", "Formula-C", "Arthron". The last type of chondroprotectors is the drug "Artrodar", which contains chondroitin together with anti-inflammatory components.

The best results are obtained using chondroprotectors simultaneously with physiotherapeutic procedures, magnetophoresis, iontophoresis, phonophoresis. Effective use of ointments containing chondroitin.

Contraindications

It is not recommended to use chondroprotectors for osteochondrosis during breastfeeding and lactation, with individual non-taking of the constituents of the medication, with inflammatory pathologies of the intestine and stomach.

During treatment, excessive physical exertion to the affected joints should be avoided. It is necessary to make small walks for half an hour, making 10-minute breaks for rest. It is desirable to perform simple exercises from the gym. It is recommended to change the diet with excess weight, more to eat vitamins, fiber, raw foods.