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, spinal roots, nerve fibers and cartilage tissue. A neurologist should be contacted to treat lumbosacral osteochondrosis.
Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
- severe pain syndrome that can radiate to the leg and pelvic organs
- pain in the kidneys and sacrum
- numbness of the limbs
- stiffness
- tension in the lumbar region
- fatigue, weakness
- dizziness
Lumbar osteochondrosis has sexual flow characteristics. Vertebrogenic pain, which occurs due to compression of nerve roots by altered cartilage of the intervertebral discs, is much more severe 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.
In addition, reflected lumbosacral pain syndrome may be associated with concomitant internal organ disease. In women, diseases of the genitourinary sphere predominate, while 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 phased. During the first medical examination, a clinical and functional examination (clarification of problems and anamnesis) and a clinical examination are performed. The neurologist examines the dynamic and static function of the spine, assesses the posture and parameters of paravertebral muscle tone, and determines the degree of mobility of various parts of the spine and limbs. The standard treatment regimen for osteochondrosis includes:
- exclusion of harmful loads
- immobilization (use of corset, orthosis, orthopedic styling)
- drug therapy
- physiotherapy procedures
- gentle acupressure massage
- exercise therapy
- acupuncture
- mud therapy
- traction techniques
If conservative methods do not give the desired effect, surgical intervention may be required.
Physiotherapy for lumbar osteochondrosis
A set of physiotherapeutic procedures is used to eliminate pain, reduce swelling, normalize back muscle tone, activate the recovery process, resolve fibrous foci and increase the mobility of damaged segments:
- pulsed diadynamic currents
- darsonvalization
- magnetotherapy (exposure to static or alternating magnetic field)
- laser treatment
- medical electrophoresis
- UV radiation
- local cryotherapy
- ultrasound
- transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
Thanks to the combined physiotherapy with the simultaneous use of several methods, the efficiency of the therapy of lumbar osteochondrosis increases by 30%.
Physiotherapy
Recreational physical education has a special role in the conservative treatment of degenerative pathologies of the musculoskeletal system. Rehabilitation center instructors-rehabilitators develop individual complexes of dynamic therapy exercises and stretching exercises for osteochondrosis of the spine. This takes into account the sex, age and physical capabilities of the patient.
Optimized therapeutic exercises are aimed at strengthening the muscles of the back, abdomen, pelvic region and lower extremities. Thanks to the training therapy, pathological muscle tension is eliminated, the pressure on the intervertebral discs is reduced, swelling and pain are eliminated, the spine is stabilized, and posture is improved.
Surgical intervention
The absolute indication for decompressive surgery is the disabling of radiculomyelochemistry. This dangerous pathological condition is caused by hernial compression of the nerve roots and impaired blood flow in the sacrococcygeal zone. This leads to occasional unbearable pain, pelvic organ dysfunction, occasional claudication and other motor, reflex or sensory disorders. The relative indication for operative stabilization is the lack of the effect of long-term conservative therapy (more than 1. 5-2 months).
Endoscopic methods of osteoplasty have been recognized as the most optimal: the installation of interbody implants and fixing cages made of biocompatible materials. Minimally invasive interventions quickly restore the ability to support the operated department and enable the beginning of early rehabilitation.
Injection treatment (injections for lumbar osteochondrosis)
The main manifestation of osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral region is pain. This complex multicomponent symptom is associated with local inflammation, abnormal muscle tension, ligament damage, biomechanical causes, and dysfunction of the pain perception system. Therefore, treatment should be carried out in the complex. For faster pharmacological action and reduction of gastro- and cardio risk, drugs for injection therapy are prescribed:
- anti-inflammatory (NSAID)
- painkillers (analgesics)
- muscle relaxants (relaxation, alleviation of muscle tone)
- vasodilating (improves blood microcirculation)
- chondroprotectors (stimulate the regeneration of intervertebral discs, slow down the destruction of cartilage tissue).
On the recommendation of a doctor, homeopathic injections can be used to treat osteochondrosis and vitamins. Paravertebral therapeutic blockades (injections into the lumbosacral nerve plexus) are prescribed to quickly and effectively eliminate the severe pain syndrome.
Medical therapy
Traditionally, complex therapy of degenerative diseases of the spine includes treatment with tablets and capsules, similar to the method of injection:
- NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
- analgesics
- myotropic antispasmodics (medicines to relieve muscle spasm)
- vegetative correctors (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-mineral complexes
Tablets for the treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral spine are prescribed for a longer period (up to 2 months or more).
Methods of treatment
- Therapeutic exercise (LFK)
- Physiotherapy
- Selection of orthopedic products
- Masotherapy
Effects
Osteochondrosis, which affects the most mobile segments of the lower spine, can worsen existing visceral problems and lead to serious health consequences:
- protrusions and intervertebral hernias
- decreased feeling in the front of the thigh
- weakness of the leaf muscles and toes
- ischemic spinal stroke
- pelvic organ disorder (sphincter dysfunction, impotence)
- paresis and paralysis
To avoid possible complications, it is recommended to regularly engage in therapeutic exercises and minimize the effects of provoking factors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to help during acute pain in lumbar osteochondrosis?
In case of sudden acute pain, the lower back needs to be repaired. This will immobilize the cramping muscles and shift the load from them. Then, if possible, place the patient on his back, placing a pillow under his bent knees. To reduce pain, you should take a drug with analgesic and anti-inflammatory action (NSAIDs). In addition, you can use an ointment or gel based on diclofenac or its analogues or put 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 periods 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. The set of exercises should be selected by experts on an individual basis.