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, vertebral roots, nerve fibers and cartilage tissue. For the treatment of lumbosacral osteochondrosis, you need to contact a neurologist.
Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
- severe pain syndrome that may radiate to the legs and pelvic organs
- pain in the kidneys and sacrum
- numbness of limbs
- stiffness
- tension in the lumbar region
- fatigue, weakness
- dizziness
Lumbar osteochondrosis has gender features of the course. Vertebrogenic pain, which occurs due to compression of the nerve roots by the damaged cartilage of the intervertebral discs, is much more difficult for women than for men. The intensity of pain is directly related to the level of estrogen. The lower their indicators, the more pronounced the pain.
In addition, the syndrome of reflected lumbosacral pain can be associated with concomitant diseases of internal organs. In women, diseases of the genitourinary sphere predominate, in 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 staged. During the first medical appointment, a clinical and functional examination is carried out (clarification of complaints and anamnesis) and a clinical examination. A neurologist examines the dynamic and static function of the spine, assesses 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 adverse charges
- immobilization (use of corsets, braces, orthopedic hairdressing)
- pharmacotherapy
- physiotherapy procedures
- gentle acupressure massage
- exercise therapy
- acupuncture
- mud therapy
- pulling (pulling) techniques
If conservative methods do not give the desired effect, surgical intervention 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 complex of physiotherapeutic procedures is used:
- pulsed diadynamic currents
- darsonvalisation
- magnetic therapy (exposure to a static or alternating magnetic field)
- laser treatment
- medicinal electrophoresis
- UV radiation
- local cryotherapy
- ultrasound
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
Thanks to combined physiotherapy 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 given to recreational physical education. Instructors-rehabilitators of the rehabilitation center develop individual complexes of exercises of dynamic exercise therapy and stretching for osteochondrosis of the spine. This takes into account the sex, age and physical abilities of the patient.
Optimized therapeutic exercises aim to strengthen the muscles of the back, abdominals, pelvic region and lower limbs. Thanks to training therapy, pathological muscle tension is eliminated, pressure on the intervertebral discs is reduced, swelling and pain are eliminated, the spine is stabilized and posture improves.
Surgical intervention
An absolute indication for decompressive surgery is disabling radiculomyeloishemia. This dangerous pathological condition is caused by hernial compression of the nerve roots and impaired blood flow in the sacrococcygeal area. It causes intermittent unbearable pain, pelvic organ dysfunction, intermittent claudication, and other motor, reflex, or sensory disturbances. A relative indication of operational stabilization is the lack of effect of long-term (more than 1. 5-2 months) conservative treatment.
Endoscopic methods of osteoplasty are recognized as the most optimal: placement of intersomatic implants and fixation cages made of biocompatible materials. Minimally invasive interventions quickly restore the ability to take charge of the operated department and allow early rehabilitation.
Injection treatment (injections for lumbar osteochondrosis)
The main manifestation of osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral region is pain. This complex, multi-component 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 carried out in a complex. For faster pharmacological action and reduction of gastro- and cardiovascular risks, injection therapy drugs are prescribed:
- anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs)
- analgesics (analgesics)
- muscle relaxants (relaxing, relieving muscle tone)
- vasodilator (improving blood microcirculation)
- chondroprotectors (stimulating the regeneration of intervertebral discs, slowing down the destruction of cartilage tissue).
On the recommendation of a doctor, homeopathic injections for the treatment of osteochondrosis and vitamins can be used. For a quick and effective elimination of severe pain syndrome, therapeutic paravertebral blockades are prescribed (injections into the lumbosacral nerve plexus).
medical therapy
Traditionally, the complex therapy of degenerative diseases of the spine includes treatment with tablets and capsules, similar to the injection method:
- NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
- painkillers
- myotropic antispasmodics (drugs to relieve muscle spasms)
- vegetocorrectors (autonomic nervous system tone stabilizers)
- vasodilators (to improve blood flow and tissue trophism)
- chondroitin and glucosamine dosage forms
- 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).
Treatment methods
- 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 and toe muscles
- ischemic stroke
- disturbance of pelvic organs (sphincter dysfunction, impotence)
- paresis and paralysis
To avoid possible complications, it is recommended to regularly perform therapeutic exercises and minimize the effect of provoking factors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to provide assistance with acute pain in lumbar osteochondrosis?
In case of sudden acute pain, it is necessary to fix the lower back. This will immobilize the spasmodic muscles and shift the load from them. Then, if possible, lay the patient on their back with a pillow under the bent knees. To reduce pain, you need to take a drug with analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect (NSAIDs). Additionally, 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 prohibited, but also recommended (except for the period of acute pain). However, one should be careful 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.