The lumbar spine connects the thoracic part 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 on a daily basis. 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 lumbar osteochondrosis
The first and main sign of the disease is constant acute pain in the lumbar region. Pain may appear suddenly. The back loses flexibility, it is difficult for a person 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:
- pain increases with minimal physical activity, coughing or sneezing;
- reduced mobility of the lumbar zone after a long stay in one position;
- constant back muscle tension;
- back pain;
- tingling and tingling, chills in the lower extremities;
- sensory disturbance in the thighs, buttocks, and sometimes in the feet;
- impaired 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 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.
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;
- restoration of damaged cartilage tissue;
- to normalize blood flow.
All of the above tasks are handled by an individual treatment regimen properly selected by the physician.
The following drugs in the form of tablets are prescribed for the treatment of the disease:
- fast-acting analgesics - Analgin - are used to relieve pain. It should be borne in mind 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:
- drugs containing analgesics or anti-inflammatory nonsteroidal drugs. This group has an analgesic effect;
- combination drugs. These drugs contribute to tissue regeneration, have anti-inflammatory as well as absorbent effects. They are characterized by analgesic and thrombolytic action;
- drugs that have analgesic as well as local irritant action. They dilate blood vessels, increase blood flow to the affected area, normalize metabolic processes;
- chondroprotectors in the form of local remedies;
- homeopathic remedies are characterized by anti-inflammatory, anti-edematous action. They have analgesic and regenerative effect.
In addition, massage balms, which have a diluting and anti-inflammatory effect, also 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. Spinal blockades are considered effective - the introduction of anesthetics in places with affected nerve roots. This method achieves rapid pain relief.
Blockades are prescribed for immediate relief of pain, reduction of cramps, tension and muscle contractions, and a positive effect on the inflammatory process.
In addition to blockages, ordinary injections for intramuscular or intravenous administration are prescribed for lumbar osteochondrosis.
Sedatives, anticonvulsants and antidepressants may be used to alleviate psychoneurological pathologies.
In the manifestations of radiculopathy, the doctor prescribes diuretics, and in paralysis - taking anticholinesterase.
The pharmaceutical industry produces a large number of drugs to combat the disease, the reception of which can only be prescribed by a doctor.
Treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis with the help of physiotherapy
For the effectiveness of lumbar osteochondrosis therapy, drug treatment should be supplemented with physiotherapy:
- Electrotherapy is considered to be one of the most common methods for relieving pain in inflamed muscles. The procedure uses low power current. 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 cartilage tissue regeneration;
- detention therapy. The essence of the method is to expand 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 swelling. The essence of the method is the influence of constant or variable magnetic fields of different frequencies;
- Ultrasound therapy helps relieve inflammation and pain. Ultrasound waves, acting pointwise on the affected areas, activate metabolic processes.
In addition, ultraviolet radiation and vibrotherapy on vibrating 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 removes the unpleasant manifestations of the disease and returns the patient to everyday life.