Chondroprotectors in osteochondrosis: benefit and harm
Chondroprotectors in osteochondrosis: benefit and harm
Osteochondrosis is a disease that causesdegenerative-dystrophic processes in the intervertebral discs, consisting of a fibrous-cartilaginous structure. To protect them, they usually use special drugs - chondroprotectors, which stop damage and destruction of cartilage. However, their application has both positive and negative sides.
The use of chondroprotectors
The main components of all chondroprotectivedrugs - glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, which, in turn, is a natural component of the cartilaginous tissue synthesized by its cells. Chondroitin is synthesized by the human body, enters the synovial articular fluid, stimulates the production of hyaluronic acid and promotes the regeneration of cartilage. All manufacturers of chondroprotectors claim that these drugs must necessarily be included in complex therapy in the treatment of osteochondrosis. Indications for the use of chondroprotectors are arthrosis, arthritis, osteoporosis, bursitis, various diseases of the spine and, of course, osteochondrosis. According to the opinion of pharmacists, chondroitin restores the structure of the cartilaginous tissue and ensures its hydration - since the degenerative processes of osteochondrosis begin precisely with the dehydration of the pulpous nucleus. However, after carrying out independent research, the specialists identified some discrepancies in the pharmaceutical theory with the actual effect obtained from the use of chondroprotectors. To some extent, they do have a positive effect on the damaged cartilage, but there are a number of nuances.Harm of chondroprotectors
Many patients with osteochondrosis after the courseThe treatment with chondroprotective agents does not notice noticeable changes for the better, regardless of the tablet or gel form of the preparation. Doctors say that this is due to the fact that, since there is no synovial fluid in the intervertebral discs, which is affected by chondroitin, the treatment of osteochondrosis with chondroprotectors actually is a placebo. For this reason, the taking of these medications is justified, rather, in diseases of the joints than the spine. Most people begin treatment of osteochondrosis at the stage of disk destruction, when it is impossible to restore it. In addition, because of its high molecular weight, chondroitin lingers in the surface structures of the vertebral-motor segment and simply does not reach the destination. Therefore, chondroprotectors are recommended to be taken for a long time (for several months) and at high dosages to increase the probability of achieving the drug's goal. Thus, the body is constantly bombarded with a high pharmacological load, which can negatively affect the state of human health.
