Osteochondrosis is a disease that has a chronic course, accompanied by progressive degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs. Most often, such a pathological process affects the cervical or lumbar spine. Gradually, this leads to the formation of an intervertebral hernia, followed by compression of the spinal cord, vessels passing nearby, etc. In this article we will talk about the clinical signs and treatment of osteochondrosis of the intervertebral discs of the lumbar spine.
How does osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine manifest?
The main clinical sign of this pathological process is back pain.
The intensity and nature of the pain syndrome may vary in each case. Some patients report sharp pains, aggravated by the slightest movement and causing them to take a forced position.
However, most often (more than 70% of patients) there is a dull pain syndrome. The pain is moderate in intensity and present all the time. Despite the fact that the patient does not have to take a forced position, he limits his physical activity. When the lumbar spine is affected, it manifests as avoidance of sharp turns, slowness in sitting down and getting up.
In addition to symptoms of the spine itself, extravertebral signs may also be observed. In case of compression of the roots of the spine, the person indicates pain along the course of the peripheral nerves. A frequent manifestation of pathological changes in the region of the lumbar spine is lumboischialgia, which is manifested by an attack of acute pain localized in the lumbar region and thigh, which occurs during physical exertion.
Principles of treatment
Osteochondrosis is a disease that requires complex treatment. First of all, during the period of exacerbation, it is recommended to limit motor activity in the affected area. Here we mean bed rest.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics are prescribed to relieve pain. You can relieve muscle spasms with muscle relaxants. In some cases, the treatment plan is supplemented with anticonvulsants. With vertebral root compression, local administration of glucocorticosteroids is possible.
In addition to drug therapy, patients with such a diagnosis are prescribed physiotherapy, therapeutic exercises and massage.
At the stage of the rehabilitation cure, balneotherapy is recommended. In 2017, scientists from a federal university published an article, the results of which indicate the effectiveness of the rehabilitation treatment of patients with vertebral osteochondrosis with the help of combined balneotherapy, which includes dry air thermal bathsand aerosol wood baths.
With severe compression of the spinal cord, the question of surgical intervention is decided.