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 summit 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 pains in the lower back. Pain can come on suddenly. The back loses flexibility, it is difficult for a person to perform curves or inclines. 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 less physical activity, with coughing or sneezing;
- impaired mobility of the lower back after a long stay in one position;
- constant tension of the back muscles;
- back pain;
- tingling and tingling sensation, chills in the lower extremities;
- sensory disturbance in the thighs, buttocks, and sometimes the foot;
- disturbed sweating;
- spasm of the arteries of the feet, the pulse may disappear;
- in painful areas, peeling and dry skin, loss of sensation is possible.
Often, a patient suffering from 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. 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 drugs is prescribed:
- to relieve pain;
- to relax tense muscles;
- to relieve inflammation in nerve endings;
- to improve metabolism in tissues;
- to restore damaged cartilage tissue;
- normalize blood flow.
All 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, fast-acting analgesics are used - 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 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 analgesic effect;
- combined drugs. These drugs contribute to tissue repair, have anti-inflammatory and 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 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 must 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. Spinal blocks are considered effective - the introduction of an anesthetic into sites with affected nerve roots. With this method, quick pain relief is achieved.
Blockages 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 blocks, with lumbar osteochondrosis, common injections for intramuscular or intravenous administration are also prescribed.
To alleviate 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 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 to relieve pain in inflamed muscles. The procedure uses a low power current. The course of treatment - 6 procedures;
- laser therapy allows to remove 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;
- tensor therapy. The essence of the method is the extension of the spine under its own weight. A special mattress is used. The method allows normalizing 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 therapy helps relieve inflammation and pain. Ultrasonic waves, acting punctually 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 very common disease. With premature treatment, the pathology can cause dangerous complications. Complex therapy of osteochondrosis often eliminates the unpleasant manifestations of the disease and returns the patient to everyday life.