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 adequate 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 sharp pain in the lumbar region. Pain can come on suddenly. The back loses flexibility, it is difficult for a person to perform bends or inclinations. In certain situations, the pain can spread to the lower limbs or buttocks.
The following main signs of the disease are distinguished:
- pain increases with minimal physical activity, with coughing or sneezing;
- reduced mobility of the lower back after a long stay in one position;
- constant tension of the back muscles;
- backache;
- tingling and tingling sensation, cold in the lower limbs;
- sensory disturbances in the thighs, buttocks and sometimes the foot;
- disturbed sweating;
- spasm of the arteries of the feet, the pulse may disappear;
- in the painful areas, peeling and dryness of the skin, loss of sensation is possible.
Most often, a patient with lumbar osteochondrosis presents with general irritability and fatigue. It is difficult for a person to find a comfortable position to relax in bed, and as a result, the patient's sleep is disturbed. Also, 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;
- relax tense muscles;
- to relieve inflammation in nerve endings;
- in order to improve metabolism in tissues;
- restore damaged cartilage tissue;
- to normalize blood flow.
All the above tasks are solved by a correctly chosen individual treatment regimen 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;
- in addition, 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 drugs for topical application can be divided into the following groups:
- drugs containing analgesics or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. This group has an analgesic effect;
- combined medicines. These drugs contribute to tissue repair, have anti-inflammatory and absorbable effects. They are characterized by analgesic and thrombolytic effect;
- drugs that have analgesic and 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 an anti-inflammatory and 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. The injections help in a short time to get the medicine into the body. Blockages of the spine are considered effective: the introduction of an anesthetic to places with affected nerve roots. Quick pain relief is achieved with this method.
Blocks are prescribed to relieve urgent pain, reducing spasm, tension and tension in the muscles and a positive effect on the inflammatory process.
In addition to blockages, with lumbar osteochondrosis, ordinary injections are also prescribed for intramuscular or intravenous administration.
Sedatives, anticonvulsants and antidepressants can be used to relieve psychoneurological diseases.
With manifestations of radiculopathy, the doctor prescribes diuretic drugs, and with paralysis - takes anticholinesterase drugs.
The pharmaceutical industry produces a large number of medicines to combat the disease, the reception of which can only be prescribed by a doctor.
Physiotherapy treatment for lumbar osteochondrosis
For the efficacy of therapy for lumbar osteochondrosis, drug treatment must be supplemented with physiotherapy:
- electrotherapy is considered to be one of the most common methods of relieving pain in 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. Penetrating deep into the tissues, the infrared ray 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;
- Shockwave 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 helps relieve inflammation and pain. The ultrasonic waves, acting promptly on the affected areas, activate the metabolic processes.
Additionally, ultraviolet irradiation and vibration therapy can be used on the vibrating massagers.
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 brings the patient back to everyday life.