Hondroprotektory osteochondrosis: the benefits and harms

Osteochondrosis is a disease that can cause degenerative processes in the intervertebral discs, consisting of a fibro-cartilaginous structure. For their protection commonly used special drugs hondroprotektory that stop the damage and destruction of cartilage. However, their use has both positive and negative sides.

The use of chondroprotectors

Basic components of all chondroprotective drugs, glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate which, in turn, is a natural component of cartilage, synthesized by cells. Chondroitin is synthesized by the human body, enters the synovial joint fluid, stimulates the production of hyaluronic acid and helps to regenerate cartilage. All manufacturers of chondroprotectors claim that these drugs must include in the complex therapy in the treatment of osteoarthritis.

Indications for the use of chondroprotectors are arthrosis, arthritis, osteoporosis, bursitis, various diseases of the spine and of course lower back pain.

According to pharmacists, chondroitin restores the structure of cartilage and provides it with hydration – because the degenerative process of osteoarthritis begins with dehydration of the nucleus pulposus. However, after conducting independent research, professionals revealed some differences in the pharmaceutical theory to really get the effect of chondroprotectors. To some extent, they do have a positive effect on the damaged cartilage, but there are a number of some of the nuances.

The dangers of chondroprotectors

Many patients with osteoarthritis after treatment with chondroprotectors not point noticeable changes for the better, regardless of tablet or gel form of the drug. Doctors claim that this is due to the fact that, as in the intervertebral disks, there is no synovial fluid, which has an effect chondroitin treatment osteoarthritis cartilage protectors is actually receiving a placebo. For this reason the intake of these drugs is justified, rather, in diseases of the joints than the spine.

Treatment of osteoarthritis the majority of people begins at the stage of destruction of the disk when it is already impossible to restore. In addition, because of its high molecular weight chondroitin is retained in the surface structures of the vertebral-motor segment and simply does not reach the destination. So chondroprotectors are advised to take a long time (for several months) and in large doses to increase the likelihood of achieving a cure to his goal. Thus, the body is continuously bombarded by high pharmacological stress, which can adversely affect the human health.