Osteochondrosis is a dangerous disease of the spine that, if complicated, can permanently worsen the quality of life.This pathology has become significantly “younger”: various forms of the disease are increasingly appearing in young people.
Lumbar osteochondrosis: symptoms and treatment with medications
Osteochondrosis is a deformation of the intervertebral discs, cartilage and bones of the spine.
Depending on the location, a distinction is made between cervical, thoracic and lumbar (lumbosacral) osteochondrosis.
The causes of the disease are very diverse:
- walking upright;
- scoliosis;
- spinal injuries;
- flat feet;
- working with heavy lifting;
- frequent changes in posture;
- overloading of the spine;
- prolonged stay in uncomfortable positions;
- obesity and low physical activity;
- poor nutrition, accompanied by a lack of nutrients;
- Stress.
Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
- Initially, the disease manifests itself through pain.The pain hurts;
- There is a feeling of pain in the lower extremities and then numbness;
- Due to the symptoms, motor activity is significantly reduced;
- The pain worsens when lifting heavy objects, during intense physical activity, with sudden movements, and even when sneezing/coughing.
Diagnosis of lumbar osteochondrosis
The conclusion is made by a neurologist based on the patient's complaints.The doctor examines the spine in different positions, at rest/in motion.X-ray, CT or MRI should be ordered to confirm the diagnosis.Based on the results achieved, a whole range of treatments are prescribed: medication, exercise therapy, massage, physiotherapeutic procedures.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine with medications
Medications are designed to stop the acute process, relieve symptoms and partially restore damaged intervertebral disc tissue.
The medications used are classified according to their type of action:
- Painkillers – relieve acute pain;
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – relieve swelling and inflammation;
- Muscle relaxants – relax tense muscles;
- Glucocorticoid hormones – prescribed when other medications have no effect;
- Chondroprotectors – stimulate cartilage regeneration;
- metabolism/blood flow accelerators;
- Minerals and vitamins – improve nerve conduction.
Treatment with medication for exacerbations
During this time, the most important thing is pain relief.Therapy begins with injections and then continues with tablets.It is very important to start treatment on time, as inflammation can block the vessels and nerves of the affected part of the spine.
Pain is relieved by analgesics and NSAIDs.Opioid analgesics are the most effective, but have side effects.NSAIDs are safer in this regard and are therefore more commonly prescribed.
Both analgesics and NSAIDs inhibit the production of prostaglandins, substances involved in the inflammatory process and responsible for pain.
NSAIDs relieve discomfort and inflammation.There are products for external use (gels, ointments), for internal use (tablets, capsules) and in the form of injections (for intramuscular, subcutaneous, intravenous administration).
Muscle relaxants
Muscle spasms are a response to inflammation.Muscle tension increases the pain.Muscle relaxants relax the muscles and, accordingly, reduce the severity of the disease.
The dosage is chosen individually.Therapy with these lasts 2-3 weeks or until the symptoms disappear.
Pain blocks
When blocking with anesthetics, the affected area is punctured.You can give injections with glucocorticoid drugs.The pain-relieving effect lasts up to 3 days.
Treatment with hormones
Glucocorticoid hormones have a strong anti-inflammatory effect.However, they are only used when less aggressive medications have no effect.Most often, complex drugs are prescribed, the components of which include hormones.Hormone treatment carries a high risk of side effects and is therefore prescribed for the shortest possible time.
Preparations for external use
With an exacerbation of lumbar osteochondrosis, various gels/ointments are used that have a warming and local warming effect.They can also be anti-inflammatory.Ointments and gels reduce the severity of the symptoms of the disease.
Vasodilators - vasodilators
Muscle spasms and pain cause blood vessels to constrict.To exclude this phenomenon, a drug is prescribed that dilates blood vessels and improves tissue trophism.
Treatment during remission
In case of an exacerbation, only drugs are used that relieve the symptoms of the disease of the lumbar spine, but do not affect its causes.Restorative measures should be carried out in combination with symptomatic therapy.However, osteochondrosis does not always manifest itself acutely;For example, if the breast region is affected, the disease progresses slowly and becomes chronic.Therefore, in some cases the treatment takes place without effective medication.
Chondroprotectors help restore the functions of the intervertebral discs in the lumbar region.They saturate the cartilage tissue with useful substances and restore the elasticity of the intervertebral discs.
Chondroprotectors stop the process of cartilage destruction and stabilize its condition.But you have to take such drugs for a long time, sometimes for life.The effect occurs at least six months after the start of therapy.Chondroprotectors are used both externally and internally, as well as in the form of injections.
These drugs are based on two active ingredients – glucosamine and chondroitin.The medicine can contain one or both of these substances at the same time and can also be supplemented with other active ingredients.
Examples of chondroprotectors:
- based on glucosamine;
- based on chondroitin;
- with glucosamine and chondroitin;
- with glucosamine, chondroitin and vitamins;
- Ampoules for injections.
Medicines to improve blood circulation and metabolism
B vitamins, especially B1, B6 and B12, as well as ascorbic acid have a positive effect on the peripheral nervous system.Complex vitamin preparations may be prescribed.Vitamin-mineral complexes are prescribed as general tonics.
Preventative treatment with such medications supports the health of the spine.2-3 courses per year are enough to reduce the risk of exacerbation of the disease.
Sedatives
Prolonged discomfort depresses a person and can cause stress and even depression.To prevent deterioration of the psycho-emotional state, feverfew, valerian and combined herbal medicines are prescribed.
Antidepressants are used for serious mental disorders.To improve the quality of sleep, sleeping pills are prescribed.