The lumbar spine unites 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 osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
The first and main sign of the formation of the disease is constant sharp pain in the lumbar region. The pain may come on suddenly. The back loses flexibility, it is difficult for a person to perform bends or inclinations. In some situations, the pain may spread to the lower extremities or the buttocks.
The following main signs of the disease are distinguished:
- pain increases with the slightest physical activity, with coughing or sneezing;
- reduced mobility of the lumbar zone after a long stay in one position;
- constant tension of the back muscles;
- Back ache;
- tingling and tingling sensation, chills in the lower extremities;
- sensory disturbances 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 with lumbar osteochondrosis has irritability and general 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 drugs is prescribed:
- ease the pain;
- relax tense muscles;
- to relieve inflammation of nerve endings;
- in order to improve the metabolism in the 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 drugs 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 nonsteroidal 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 vitamin tablets, immunomodulators.
Drug therapy involves the use of creams, ointments and gels. All drugs for topical application can be divided into the following groups:
- medicines containing analgesics or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. This group has an analgesic effect;
- combined drugs. These drugs contribute to tissue repair, have anti-inflammatory and resorbable effects. They are characterized by an analgesic and thrombolytic effect;
- drugs that have analgesic effects, as well as local irritant effects. They expand 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 in the form of injections. Injections help in a short time to get the drug into the body. Spinal blockades are considered effective - the introduction of an anesthetic in places where the nerve roots are affected. With this method, rapid pain relief is achieved.
Blockades are prescribed for emergency pain relief, reduce spasms, tension and tightness in the muscles, and have a positive effect on the inflammatory process.
In addition to blockages, 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 drugs to combat the disease, the reception of which can only be prescribed by a doctor.
Physiotherapy treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis
For the effectiveness of the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis, drug therapy 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. 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 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 varying magnetic fields of different frequencies;
- ultrasound therapy helps relieve inflammation and pain. Ultrasonic waves, acting pointwise on the affected areas, activate metabolic processes.
Additionally, ultraviolet irradiation and vibration therapy on vibrating massagers can be used.
Lumbar osteochondrosis is considered a fairly common disease. With untimely treatment, pathology can lead to dangerous complications. Complex therapy for osteochondrosis usually eliminates unpleasant manifestations of the disease and returns the patient to everyday life.