Lumbar osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic injury of the spine in the lumbar region. Pain syndrome is caused by damage to the intervertebral discs, spinal roots, nerve fibers and cartilage tissue. You should contact a neurologist for treatment of lumbosacral osteochondrosis.
Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
- severe pain syndrome that can spread to the legs and pelvic organs
- pain in the kidneys and sacrum
- alignment of limbs
- hardness
- tension in the lumbar region
- fatigue, weakness
- dizziness
Lumbar osteochondrosis has gender characteristics of course. Vertebrogenic pain caused by compression of nerve roots by altered cartilage of the intervertebral discs is more difficult for women than for men. The intensity of pain directly depends on estrogen levels. The lower their score, the more pronounced the pain.
In addition, the reflected lumbosacral pain syndrome may be associated with concomitant diseases of the internal organs. Diseases of the genitourinary tract are predominant in women, and disorders of the gastrointestinal tract are more common in men.
Treatment of lumbar-sacral osteochondrosis
Treatment of patients with neurological manifestations of lumbosacral osteochondrosis should be comprehensive and phased. At the first medical appointment, a clinical and functional examination (clarification of complaints and anamnesis) and a clinical examination are performed. A neurologist examines the dynamic and static function of the spine, assesses the parameters of posture and paravertebral muscle tone, determines the degree of mobility of various parts of the spine and limbs. The standard treatment regimen for osteochondrosis includes:
- exclusion of negative loads
- immobilization (use of corsets, orthoses, orthopedic style)
- drug treatment
- physiotherapy procedures
- gentle acupressure massage
- exercise therapy
- acupuncture
- mud therapy
- traction technique (traction)
If conservative methods do not give the desired effect, surgery may be required.
Physiotherapy for lumbar osteochondrosis
A number of physiotherapeutic procedures are used to relieve pain, reduce swelling, normalize the tone of the back muscles, activate recovery processes, resolve fibrous foci and increase the mobility of damaged segments:
- pulsed diadynamic currents
- darsonvalization
- magnetotherapy (exposure to static or alternating magnetic fields)
- laser treatment
- drug electrophoresis
- UV radiation
- local cryotherapy
- ultrasound
- stimulation of the transcutaneous electrical nerve
Combined physiotherapy using several methods simultaneously increases the effectiveness of therapy for lumbar osteochondrosis by 30%.
Physiotherapy
A special role in the conservative treatment of degenerative pathologies of the musculoskeletal system is given to rest physical education. Instructors-rehabilitators of the rehabilitation center develop individual complexes of dynamic and stretching exercise therapy 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. Training therapy relieves pathological muscle tension, reduces pressure on the intervertebral discs, eliminates swelling and pain, stabilizes the spine, improves posture.
Surgical intervention
An absolute indication for decompressive surgery is the removal of radiculomyelosis. This dangerous pathological condition is caused by herniation of nerve roots and disruption of blood flow in the sacrococcygeal zone. It leads to intermittent excruciating pain, pelvic dysfunction, occasional claudication, and other motor, reflex, or sensory disturbances. A relative indicator for surgical stabilization is the lack of effect of long-term conservative therapy (more than 1. 5-2 months).
Endoscopic methods of osteoplasty are considered the most optimal: the installation of interbody implants and fixation cages made of biocompatible materials. Minimally invasive interventions quickly restore the ability to support the operated department and allow early rehabilitation to begin.
Injection therapy (needles for lumbar osteochondrosis)
The main manifestation of osteochondrosis of the lumbar-sacral region is pain. This complex multicomponent symptom is associated with local inflammation, abnormal muscle tension, ligament damage, biomechanical causes, and pain perception system dysfunction. Therefore, treatment should be comprehensive. Injection therapy drugs are prescribed for faster pharmacological action and reduction of gastrointestinal and cardio-risks:
- anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs)
- painkillers (analgesics)
- muscle relaxants (relaxants, reducing muscle tone)
- vasodilator (improve blood microcirculation)
- chondroprotectors (stimulates the regeneration of intervertebral discs, slows down the destruction of cartilage tissue).
Homeopathic injections and vitamins can be used to treat osteochondrosis on the advice of a doctor. Paravertebral therapeutic blockades (injections into the lumbosacral nerve plexus) are prescribed to quickly and effectively relieve 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 (drugs that relieve muscle spasms)
- vegetocorrectors (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 tension and chronic stress)
- vitamin and mineral complexes
Tablets for the treatment of lumbar-sacral lumbar osteochondrosis are prescribed for a long time (up to 2 months or more).
Methods of treatment
- Therapeutic exercise (LFK)
- Physiotherapy
- Selection 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
- decreased sensation in the front of the thighs
- weakness of calf muscles and toes
- ischemic spinal stroke
- pelvic disorders (sphincter dysfunction, impotence)
- paresis and paralysis
To prevent possible complications, it is recommended to engage in regular therapeutic exercises and minimize the impact of irritants.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to help with acute pain in lumbar osteochondrosis?
In case of sudden sharp pain, the lower back should be straightened. This will immobilize the spasmodic muscles and transfer the load from them. Then, if possible, place the patient on his back, placing a pillow under the bent knees. You should take a drug that has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects (NSAIDs) to reduce pain. 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 rule out the burden on the spine and consult a doctor as soon as possible.
Is it possible to exercise with lumbar osteochondrosis?
Physical training with lumbar osteochondrosis is not only prohibited, but also recommended (except for periods of acute pain). However, care must be taken to avoid axial loading on the spine and to refrain from squatting, jumping and lifting weights. The set of exercises should be selected individually by a specialist.