Lumbar osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic lesion of the spine in the lumbar region. The pain syndrome is caused by damage to the intervertebral discs, spinal roots, nerve fibers and cartilage. For the treatment of lumbosacral osteochondrosis it is necessary to contact a neurologist.
Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
- severe pain syndrome that can spread to the legs and pelvic organs
- pain in the kidneys and sacrum
- tingling in the limbs
- stiffness
- tension in the lumbar region
- fatigue, weakness
- dizziness
Lumbar osteochondrosis has sexual characteristics. Vertebrogenic pain, which occurs due to compression of the nerve roots by altered cartilage of the intervertebral discs, is much more difficult for women than for men. The intensity of the pain is directly related to the level of estrogen. The lower their performance, the more severe the pain.
In addition, the syndrome of reflected lumbosacral pain may be associated with concomitant diseases of the internal organs. In women, diseases of the genitourinary tract predominate, for men, disorders of the gastrointestinal tract are more typical.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral region
The treatment of patients with neurological manifestations of lumbosacral osteochondrosis should be complex and gradual. At the first medical examination, a clinical and functional examination (clarification of complaints and anamnesis) and a clinical examination are performed. The neurologist examines the dynamic and static function of the spine, evaluates the posture and parameters of paravertebral muscle tone, determines the degree of mobility of different parts of the spine and limbs. The standard treatment regimen for osteochondrosis includes:
- exclusion of unfavorable loads
- immobilization (use of corsets, orthoses, orthopedic style)
- drug therapy
- physiotherapy procedures
- gentle acupressure massage
- exercise therapy
- acupuncture
- mud therapy
- traction techniques
If conservative methods do not give the desired effect, surgery may be necessary.
Physiotherapy for lumbar osteochondrosis
To eliminate pain, reduce swelling, normalize the tone of the back muscles, activate the recovery process, resolve fibrotic foci and increase the mobility of damaged segments, a set of physiotherapy procedures is used:
- pulsed diadynamic currents
- darsonvalization
- magnetic therapy (exposure to static or alternating magnetic field)
- laser treatment
- drug electrophoresis
- UV radiation
- local cryotherapy
- ultrasound
- transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
Thanks to the combined physiotherapy with the simultaneous use of several methods, the effectiveness of the therapy for lumbar osteochondrosis increases by 30%.
Physiotherapy
A special role in the conservative treatment of degenerative pathologies of the musculoskeletal system is given to recreational physical education. Rehabilitation instructors of the rehabilitation center develop individual complexes of dynamic and stretching exercises for exercises for osteochondrosis of the spine. This takes into account the patient's gender, age and physical capabilities.
Optimized therapeutic exercises are aimed at strengthening the muscles of the back, abdomen, pelvis and lower extremities. Thanks to the training therapy the pathological muscle tension is eliminated, the pressure on the intervertebral discs is reduced, swelling and pain are eliminated, the spine is stabilized and the posture is improved.
Surgical intervention
An absolute indication for decompressive surgery is the disability of radiculomyeloischeemia. This dangerous pathological condition is caused by hernial compression of the nerve roots and impaired blood flow in the sacrococcygeal area. This leads to periodic unbearable pain, pelvic dysfunction, periodic claudication and other motor, reflex or sensory disorders. A relative indication for surgical stabilization is the lack of effect of long-term conservative therapy (more than 1, 5-2 months).
Endoscopic methods of osteoplasty are recognized as the most optimal: installation of intercorporeal implants and fixing cells of biocompatible materials. Minimally invasive interventions quickly restore the ability to maintain the operated ward and allow early rehabilitation to begin.
Injection treatment (injections for lumbar osteochondrosis)
The main manifestation of osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral region is pain. This complex multicomponent symptom is associated with local inflammation, abnormal muscle tension, ligament damage, biomechanical causes, and dysfunction of the pain perception system. Therefore, the treatment should be performed in a complex. For faster pharmacological action and reduction of gastro- and cardio risks, drugs for injection therapy are prescribed:
- anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- painkillers (analgesics)
- muscle relaxants (soothing, relieving muscle tone)
- vasodilator (improving blood microcirculation)
- chondroprotectors (stimulating the regeneration of intervertebral discs, slowing the destruction of cartilage tissue).
On the recommendation of a doctor, homeopathic injections can be used to treat osteochondrosis and vitamins. Paravertebral therapeutic blockades (injections into the lumbosacral nerve plexus) are prescribed to quickly and effectively eliminate the severe pain syndrome.
Medical therapy
Traditionally, complex therapy for degenerative diseases of the spine includes treatment with tablets and capsules, similar to the injection method:
- NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
- analgesics
- myotropic antispasmodics (medicines to relieve muscle spasm)
- vegetative correctors (stabilizers of the tone of the autonomic nervous system)
- vasodilators (to improve blood flow and tissue trophism)
- dosage forms of chondroitin and glucosamine
- sedatives and antidepressants (to relieve emotional stress and chronic stress)
- vitamin-mineral complexes
Tablets for the treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral spine are prescribed for a long period (up to 2 months or more).
Methods of treatment
- Therapeutic Gymnastics (LFK)
- Physiotherapy
- Choice of orthopedic products
- Mass therapy
Effects
Osteochondrosis, which affects the most mobile segments of the lower spine, can exacerbate existing visceral problems and lead to serious health consequences:
- protrusions and intervertebral hernias
- reduced sensation in the front of the thighs
- weakness of the calf muscles and toes
- ischemic spinal stroke
- pelvic disorders (sphincter dysfunction, impotence)
- paresis and paralysis
To avoid possible complications, it is recommended to regularly engage in therapeutic exercises and to minimize the effect of provoking factors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to help during acute pain in lumbar osteochondrosis?
In case of sudden sharp pain it is necessary to fix the waist. This will immobilize the spasmodic muscles and shift the load from them. Then, if possible, place the patient on his back, placing a pillow under the bent knees. To reduce the pain, you should take a medicine with analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect (NSAIDs). In addition, you can use an ointment or gel based on diclofenac or its analogues or apply a cold compress (not more than 10 minutes). It is very important to exclude the load on the spine and consult a doctor as soon as possible.
Is it possible to exercise with lumbar osteochondrosis?
Physical education with lumbar osteochondrosis is not only not prohibited, but also recommended (except for the period of acute pain). However, care must be taken not to allow axial loading of the spine and to refuse to squat, jump and lift weights. The set of exercises should be chosen by a specialist on an individual basis.