The lumbar spine joins the thoracic region with the sacrum, is characterized by great mobility and has 5 vertebrae. Regardless of a person's lifestyle, this part of the ridge is subjected to quite heavy loads every day. For this reason, lumbar osteochondrosis is considered a very common pathology in which the discs between the vertebrae are deformed. In the absence of proper treatment, dangerous complications can develop.
Common symptoms of lumbar spine osteochondrosis
The first and main sign of the formation of the disease are persistent acute pain in the lumbar region. The pain may appear suddenly. The back loses flexibility, it is difficult for a person to perform turns or tilts. In certain situations, the pain may spread to the lower limbs or buttocks.
The following main signs of the disease are distinguished:
- pain increases with less physical activity, with coughing or sneezing;
- Impaired mobility of the lumbar area after a long stay in one position;
- constant tension of the back muscles;
- backache;
- tingling and tingling sensation, coldness in the lower extremities;
- sensory disturbances in the thighs, buttocks and sometimes the legs;
- disturbed sweating;
- spasm of the arteries of the legs, the pulse may disappear;
- in painful areas, peeling as well as drying of the skin, loss of sensitivity is possible.
Very often, a patient suffering from lumbar osteochondrosis has general nervousness and fatigue. It is difficult for the person to find a comfortable position to relax in bed and as a result, the patient loses sleep. In addition, with this pathology, there may be a violation of the functions of the organs of the genitourinary system.
Medical treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis
Treatment of the disease with the help of medication is described:
- to relieve pain;
- to relax tight muscles;
- to relieve inflammation in nerve endings;
- to improve tissue metabolism;
- to restore damaged cartilage tissue;
- to normalize blood circulation.
All of the above tasks are solved by an individual treatment regimen chosen correctly by the doctor.
For the treatment of the disease, the following medicines are prescribed in the form of tablets:
- to relieve pain, analgesics are used that have a rapid effect - Analgin. It should be remembered that in the acute course of osteochondrosis, these drugs are characterized by a short-term effect;
- to relieve pain and reduce inflammation, use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- chondroprotectors are used to protect cartilage tissue from further destruction;
- also, to improve the patient's condition, it is recommended to take in the form of tablets of vitamins, immunomodulators.
Medication therapy involves the use of creams, ointments and gels. All topical medications can be divided into the following groups:
- medicines containing analgesic or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. This group has an analgesic effect;
- combination medicines. These drugs contribute to tissue repair, have anti-inflammatory as well as absorbent effects. They are characterized by analgesic and thrombolytic effect;
- drugs that have analgesic as well as irritating effects locally. They dilate blood vessels, increase blood flow to the affected area, normalize metabolic processes;
- chondroprotectors in the form of topical agents;
- Homeopathic remedies are characterized by anti-inflammatory, anti-edematous effect. They have an analgesic and restorative effect.
In addition, massage balms, which have a laxative and anti-inflammatory effect, show a good effect. These drugs are characterized by an analgesic effect.
We should not forget about such a method of drug therapy in the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis as injections. Injections help to get the medicine into the body in a short time. Spinal blocks are considered effective - the introduction of an anesthetic into the sites of the affected nerve roots. This method achieves rapid pain relief.
Blockages are prescribed for urgent pain relief, reduction of spasm, tension and tightness in muscles and a positive effect on the inflammatory process.
In addition to blockades, with lumbar osteochondrosis, common injections for intramuscular or intravenous administration are also prescribed.
Sedatives, anticonvulsants and antidepressants may be used to relieve psychoneurological pathologies.
With the manifestations of radiculopathy, the doctor prescribes diuretic drugs, and with paralysis - taking anticholinesterase drugs.
The pharmaceutical industry produces a large number of medicines to fight the disease, the reception of which can only be prescribed by a doctor.
Physiotherapy treatment for lumbar osteochondrosis
For the effectiveness of therapy for lumbar osteochondrosis, drug treatment should be supplemented with physiotherapy:
- electrotherapy is considered one of the most common methods for relieving pain in inflamed muscles. The procedure uses a low power current. Course of treatment - 6 procedures;
- Laser therapy allows you to remove inflammation, improves microcirculation. The affected area is affected by electromagnetic waves and quantum particles. Penetrating deep into the tissue, the infrared ray stimulates metabolic processes, activates the restoration of cartilage tissue;
- detensor therapy. The essence of the method is the alignment of the spine under its own weight. A special mattress is used. The method allows you to normalize muscle tone;
- Shock wave therapy can relieve pain and relieve swelling. The essence of the method is the influence of constant or variable magnetic fields of different frequencies;
- Ultrasound therapy helps relieve inflammation and pain. Ultrasonic waves, acting in the direction of the point in the affected areas, activate metabolic processes.
In addition, ultraviolet radiation and vibration therapy can be used in vibration massager.
Lumbar osteochondrosis is considered a fairly common disease. With premature treatment, the pathology can cause dangerous complications. Complex therapy of osteochondrosis usually eliminates the unpleasant manifestations of the disease and returns the patient to daily life.