Lumbar osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic lesion of the spine in the lumbar region. Pain syndrome is caused by damage to the intervertebral discs, spinal roots, nerve fibers and cartilage tissues. For the treatment of lumbosacral osteochondrosis, it is necessary to contact a neurologist.
Lumbar Osteochondrosis Symptoms
- severe pain syndrome that can radiate to the leg and pelvic organs
- pain in the kidneys and sacrum
- numbness of the limbs
- rigidity
- tension in the lumbar region
- fatigue, weakness
- dizziness
Lumbar osteochondrosis has gender characteristics of the course. Vertebrogenic pain, which occurs due to the compression of the nerve roots by the 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 indicators, the more pronounced the pain.
Also, the reflex lumbosacral pain syndrome can be associated with concomitant diseases of the internal organs. In females, diseases of the genitourinary sphere prevail, for men disorders of the gastrointestinal tract are more characteristic.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral region
Treatment of patients with neurological manifestations of lumbosacral osteochondrosis should be comprehensive and gradual. At the first medical appointment, a clinical and functional examination (clarification of complaints and anamnesis) and a clinical examination are carried out. A neurologist examines the dynamic and static function of the spine, assesses posture and parameters of paravertebral muscle tone, determines the degree of mobility of the various parts of the spine and limbs. The standard treatment regimen for osteochondrosis includes:
- exclusion of adverse loads
- immobilization (use of corsets, orthoses, orthopedic styling)
- pharmacological therapy
- physiotherapy procedures
- gentle acupressure massage
- physical therapy
- acupuncture
- mud therapy
- traction techniques (traction)
If conservative methods do not give the desired effect, surgery may be required.
Physiotherapy for lumbar osteochondrosis
To eliminate pain, reduce swelling, normalize the tone of the back muscles, activate recovery processes, resolve fibrous foci and increase the mobility of damaged segments, a number of physiotherapeutic procedures are used:
- pulsed diadynamic currents
- darsonvaluation
- magnetotherapy (exposure to a static or alternating magnetic field)
- laser treatment
- medicinal electrophoresis
- UV radiation
- local cryotherapy
- ultrasound
- transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
Thanks to physiotherapy combined with the simultaneous use of several methods, the effectiveness of therapy for lumbar osteochondrosis increases by 30%.
Physiotherapy
A special role in the conservative treatment of degenerative pathologies of the musculoskeletal system is assigned to recreational physical education. Instructors-rehabilitators of the rehabilitation center develop individual complexes of physical therapy and stretching exercises for osteochondrosis of the spine. This takes into account the patient's gender, age and physical capabilities.
The optimized therapeutic exercises aim to strengthen the muscles of the back, abdominals, pelvic region and lower limbs. Thanks to training therapy, pathological muscular tensions are eliminated, pressure on the intervertebral discs is reduced, swelling and pain are eliminated, the spine stabilizes and posture is improved.
Surgical intervention
An absolute indication for decompressive surgery is disabling radiculomyeloishemia. This dangerous pathological condition is caused by the hernial compression of the nerve roots and the alteration of the blood flow in the sacrococcygeal area. It leads to unbearable intermittent pain, dysfunction of the pelvic organs, intermittent claudication, and other motor, reflex or sensory disturbances. A relative indication for operative stabilization is the lack of effect of long-term (more than 1. 5-2 months) conservative therapy.
Endoscopic methods of osteoplasty are recognized as the most optimal: installation of intercorporeal implants and fixation cages made of biocompatible materials. Minimally invasive interventions quickly restore the ability to support the operated ward and allow early rehabilitation to begin.
Injection therapy (injections for lumbar osteochondrosis)
The main manifestation of osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral region is pain. This multi-component symptom complex is associated with local inflammation, abnormal muscle tension, ligament damage, biomechanical causes and dysfunction of the pain perception system. Therefore, the treatment should be carried out in a complex. For faster pharmacological action and reduction of gastro and cardio risks, drugs for injection therapy are prescribed:
- anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs)
- pain relievers (analgesics)
- muscle relaxants (relaxants, relieving muscle tone)
- vasodilator (improving blood microcirculation)
- chondroprotectors (stimulating the regeneration of the intervertebral discs, slowing down the destruction of cartilage tissue).
On the recommendation of a doctor, homeopathic injections can be used for the treatment of osteochondrosis and vitamins. For the rapid and effective removal of severe pain syndrome, paravertebral therapeutic blocks (injections into the lumbosacral nerve plexus) are prescribed.
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 to relieve muscle spasm)
- 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
Tablet preparations for the treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral spine are prescribed for a long time (up to 2 months or more).
Methods of treatment
- Therapeutic Exercise (LFK)
- Physiotherapy
- Selection of orthopedic products
- Massage therapy
Effects
Osteochondrosis, affecting the more 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 the calf muscles and toes
- spinal ischemic stroke
- rupture of the pelvic organs (sphincter dysfunction, impotence)
- paresis and paralysis
To avoid possible complications, it is recommended to regularly engage in therapeutic exercises and minimize the effect of provoking factors.
Frequent questions
How to provide assistance during acute pain in lumbar osteochondrosis?
In case of sudden acute pain, it is necessary to repair the lower back. This will immobilize the spasmodic muscles and shift the load away from them. Then, if possible, lay the patient on their back, placing a pillow under the bent knees. To reduce pain, you should take a drug with analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect (NSAID). Also, you can use an ointment or gel based on diclofenac or its analogues or apply a cold compress (no 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 do physical exercises with lumbar osteochondrosis?
Physical education with lumbar osteochondrosis is not only not prohibited, but also recommended (with the exception of the period of acute pain). However, care should be taken not to allow axial load on the spine and categorically refuse to squat, jump and lift weights. A set of exercises should be selected by a specialist on an individual basis.