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, nearby vessels and so on. In this article, we will talk about the clinical signs and treatment of osteochondrosis of the intervertebral discs in the lumbar spine.
How does lumbar osteochondrosis manifest itself?
The main clinical sign of this pathological process is back pain.
The intensity and nature of the pain syndrome can vary in each case. Some patients report acute pain, which worsens with the slightest movement and forces them to take a forced position.
However, most often (more than 70% of patients) there is a dull pain syndrome. The pain is of moderate intensity and is 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 is manifested by avoiding sharp bends, slow sitting and getting up.
In addition to the symptoms from the spine itself, extravertebral signs can also be observed. In case of compression of the spinal roots, the person indicates pain along the course of the peripheral nerves. A common manifestation of pathological changes in the lumbar spine is lumbosciatica, which manifests itself as a sharp attack of 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 exacerbation period, 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 alleviate muscle spasms with the help of muscle relaxants. In some cases, the treatment plan is supplemented with anticonvulsants. In case of spinal root compression, local application of glucocorticosteroids is possible.
In addition to drug therapy, patients with such a diagnosis are prescribed physiotherapy, therapeutic exercises, and massage.
In the phase of rehabilitation treatment, balneotherapy is recommended. In 2017, scientists from the Federal University published a paper whose results indicate the effectiveness of rehabilitation treatment of patients with osteochondrosis of the spine using combined balneotherapy, which includes dry-air thermal and aerosol baths for horns.
With strong compression of the spinal cord, the issue of surgical intervention is resolved.