The lumbar spine unites the chest 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 appropriate treatment, dangerous complications can develop.
Common symptoms of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
The first and main sign of the formation of the disease is constant acute pain in the lumbar region. The pain may come on suddenly. The back loses flexibility, it is difficult to make turns or inclines. In certain situations, the pain may spread to the lower limbs or buttocks.
The following main signs of the disease are distinguished:
- the pain increases at the slightest physical exertion, when coughing or sneezing;
- impaired mobility of the lumbar region after a long stay in one position;
- constant tension of the back muscles;
- back pains;
- tingling and numbness, chills in the lower extremities;
- sensory disturbances in the thighs, buttocks, and sometimes in the foot;
- impaired sweating;
- spasm of the arteries of the legs, the pulse may disappear;
- in painful areas, peeling, as well as dry skin, loss of sensitivity is possible.
Very often the patient suffering from lumbar osteochondrosis has irritability and general fatigue. It is difficult for a person to find a comfortable position for resting in bed and as a result the patient's sleep is disturbed. In addition, in this pathology there may be dysfunction of the genitourinary system.
Drug treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis
Treatment of the disease with the help of drugs is prescribed:
- to relieve pain;
- to relax tight muscles;
- to relieve inflammation in the nerve endings;
- to improve metabolism in tissues;
- to repair damaged cartilage tissue;
- to normalize blood flow.
All the above tasks are solved through an individual treatment regimen, correctly chosen by the doctor.
For the treatment of the disease the following drugs are prescribed in the form of tablets:
- Analginic analgesics are used to relieve pain. It should be remembered that in the acute course of osteochondrosis these drugs are characterized by short-term effect;
- use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve pain and reduce inflammation;
- 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 vitamin tablets, immunomodulators.
Drug therapy involves the use of creams, ointments and gels. All topical medications can be divided into the following groups:
- medicines containing analgesics or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. This group has an analgesic effect;
- combination drugs. These drugs contribute to tissue repair, have anti-inflammatory as well as absorbable effects. They are characterized by analgesic and thrombolytic effect;
- drugs that have analgesic as well as local irritant effect. 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 analgesic and restorative effects.
In addition, massage balms, which have a dissolving and anti-inflammatory effect, show a good effect. These drugs are characterized by analgesic effect.
We must not forget about such a method of drug therapy in the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis as injections. Injections help the medicine to enter the body in a short time. Spinal blockades are considered effective - the introduction of anesthetic in places with affected nerve roots. This method achieves rapid pain relief.
Blockades are prescribed to urgently relieve pain, reduce spasms, tension and muscle tightness and a positive effect on the inflammatory process.
In addition to blockades, with lumbar osteochondrosis, simple injections for intramuscular or intravenous administration are prescribed.
Sedatives, anticonvulsants and antidepressants can be used to alleviate psychoneurological pathologies.
In case of radiculopathy, the doctor prescribes diuretics, and in case of paralysis - taking anticholinesterase drugs.
The pharmaceutical industry produces a large number of drugs to combat the disease, the use of which can only be prescribed by a doctor.
Treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis with physiotherapy
For the effectiveness of therapy for lumbar osteochondrosis, drug treatment should be supplemented with physiotherapy:
- Electrotherapy is considered to be one of the most common methods of relieving pain in inflamed muscles. The procedure uses low power current. The course of treatment - 6 procedures;
- laser therapy allows you to eliminate inflammation, improves microcirculation. The affected area is affected by electromagnetic waves and quantum particles. Penetrating deep into the tissues, the infrared beam stimulates metabolic processes, activates the recovery of cartilage tissue;
- detensor therapy. The essence of the method is to lengthen 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 with different frequencies;
- Ultrasound therapy helps relieve inflammation and pain. Ultrasound waves, acting on the affected areas, activate metabolic processes.
In addition, ultraviolet radiation and vibration therapy of vibration massagers can be used.
Lumbar osteochondrosis is considered to be a fairly common disease. With untimely 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.