WHAT IS OSTEOCHONDROSIS REALLY
In the international classification of diseases, osteochondrosis exists, but its specificity differs significantly from how it is interpreted by some doctors in Ukraine. This is a group of rare diseases associated with a violation of the normal development of bone growth with damage to the centers of ossification in the epiphysis. Typically begins in childhood as a degenerative or necrotic condition. Examples would be Perthes disease, Osgood-Schlatter disease , Scheuermann’s disease .
For treatment, an additional examination (X-ray, MRI), painkillers and other methods are prescribed.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), back pain is one of the most common reasons patients seek medical care. When a patient in Western countries comes with such complaints, doctors use a symptomatic diagnosis – ” back pain ” (simply back pain), in which the maximum preservation of physical activity, therapeutic exercises or non-steroidal pain medications are recommended.
An additional examination is prescribed only when the patient reports relevant symptoms, an example of which is a violation of the sensitivity of the limbs, weakness in the muscles, dysfunction of the pelvic organs, pain at night. Usually these symptoms occur in the presence of a serious pathology of the spine, but they are found in more than 1% of cases. Such pathologies include tumor diseases, fractures, purulent-inflammatory processes, tuberculosis. Back pain can also occur in diseases of the internal organs and not related to the spine (as a disease of the pancreas, kidneys, pelvic organs).
What to do if your back hurts
If you have back pain, first of all we recommend:
- Stay as mobile as possible and try to continue your daily activities. Prolonged inactivity can worsen the condition
- Do simple back exercises
- Take anti-inflammatory pain relievers (after consulting a doctor)
If the pain does not disappear within a month, interferes with daily activities, and worsens over time, the doctor will prescribe additional treatment.