The lumbar spine unites the thoracic region with the sacrum, is characterized by great mobility and has 5 vertebrae. Regardless of the lifestyle of a person, 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 discs between the vertebrae are deformed. In the absence of proper treatment, dangerous complications can develop.
Common symptoms of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
The first and main sign of the formation of the disease are constant acute pain in the lumbar region. The pain may come on suddenly. The back loses flexibility, it is difficult for a person to perform turns or tilts. In certain situations, pain can spread to the lower limbs or buttocks.
The following main signs of the disease are distinguished:
- soreness increases with the slightest physical activity, with coughing or sneezing;
- impaired mobility of the lumbar zone after a long stay in one position;
- constant tension of the muscles of the back;
- backache;
- tingling and tingling sensation, chilliness in the lower extremities;
- sensory disturbance in the thighs, buttocks, and sometimes in the foot;
- disturbed sweating;
- spasm of the arteries of the feet, the pulse may disappear;
- in painful areas, peeling, as well as dryness of the skin, loss of sensitivity is possible.
Very often, a patient suffering from lumbar osteochondrosis has irritability and general fatigue. It is difficult for a person to find a comfortable position for relaxing in bed, and as a result, the patient's sleep is disturbed. 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 medicines is prescribed:
- to relieve pain;
- to relax tight muscles;
- to relieve inflammation in the nerve endings;
- in order to improve metabolism in tissues;
- to restore damaged cartilage tissue;
- to normalize blood flow.
All of the above tasks are solved by an individual treatment regimen correctly chosen 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 quick 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.
Drug therapy involves the use of creams, ointments and gels. All medications for topical application can be divided into the following groups:
- drugs containing analgesics or anti-inflammatory non-steroidal drugs. This group has an analgesic effect;
- combined medicines. 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 locally irritating effects. 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 resolving 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 in a short time to get the medicine into the body. Blockades of the spine are considered effective - the introduction of an anesthetic in places with affected nerve roots. With this method, rapid pain relief is achieved.
Blockades are prescribed for urgent pain relief, reducing spasm, tension and tightness in the muscles, and a positive effect on the inflammatory process.
In addition to blockades, with lumbar osteochondrosis, ordinary injections for intramuscular or intravenous administration are also prescribed.
To relieve psychoneurological pathologies, sedatives, anticonvulsants, and antidepressants can be used.
With 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.
Treatment with physiotherapy 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 to relieve soreness of inflamed muscles. The procedure uses a low power current. The 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. Deeply penetrating into the tissues, the infrared beam stimulates metabolic processes, activates the restoration of cartilage tissue;
- detensor therapy. The essence of the method is the extension 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 impact of constant or variable magnetic fields of different frequencies;
- ultrasound therapy helps to relieve inflammation and pain. Ultrasonic waves, acting pointwise on the affected areas, activate metabolic processes.
In addition, ultraviolet irradiation and vibration therapy on vibration massagers can be used.
Lumbar osteochondrosis is considered a fairly common disease. With untimely treatment, pathology can cause dangerous complications. Complex therapy of osteochondrosis usually eliminates the unpleasant manifestations of the disease and returns the patient to everyday life.