Osteochondrosis: pathogenetic bioregulatory opportunities of using Discus compositum

Abstract

Background: Osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disc disease, characterized by a primary lesion of the intervertebral disc cartilage and reactive changes of the adjacent vertebral bodies. As a result of deterioration in metabolic processes in the intervertebral discs there occur in them degenerative-dystrophic processes, which lead to reduction in hydrophilicity and degradation of their dampening properties. There occurs the thinning of the fibrous ring, it cracks, and the displacement of the nucleus pulposus occurs, forming an outpouching- protrusion, and at rupture of the fibrous ring – the hernia. The affection of the intervertebral disc occurs due to its repeated injuries, metabolic disorders, endocrine changes, inadequate and protracted reactions of vascular, musculoskeletal and endocrine systems to stress. In osteochondrosis and accompanying pain syndromes, a wide range of drugs is applied: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics, anesthetics, agents that enhance blood circulation, osteotropic agents, neuromuscular relaxants, etc. However, these groups of drugs have mainly temporary symptomatic effects and do not provide the necessary pathogenetic therapy. Conclusions: Discus compositum is a base complex bioregulatory drug for the treatment of osteochondrosis and its complications. It acts on the main substrate of osteochondrosis, contributing to the improvement of the elastic properties of hydrophilicity of intervertebral discs. Discus compositum is well tolerated, including by children, and does not cause side effects characteristic for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. It is used both as a monotherapy and in combination with other complex bioregulatory drugs and traditional medicines, thereby increasing the effectiveness of treatment, reducing its duration, avoiding surgery.