Osteochondrosis is a dangerous disease of the spine, which, if complicated, can permanently worsen the quality of life.This pathology has become significantly “younger”: various forms of the disease are increasingly found among young people.
Lumbar osteochondrosis: symptoms and drug treatment
Osteochondrosis is the name given to the deformation of the intervertebral discs, cartilage and bones of the spine.
Depending on the location, cervical, thoracic and lumbar (lumbosacral) osteochondrosis are distinguished.
The causes of the disease are quite varied:
- walking upright;
- scoliosis;
- spinal injuries;
- flat feet;
- work involving heavy lifting;
- frequent changes in body position;
- spinal overload;
- prolonged stay in uncomfortable positions;
- obesity and low physical activity;
- poor nutrition, accompanied by nutrient deficiency;
- stress.
Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
- First of all, the disease manifests itself through pain.The pain is painful;
- There is a feeling of pain in the lower extremities, then numbness;
- Due to discomfort, motor activity is significantly reduced;
- The pain worsens when lifting heavy objects, during strenuous physical activity, sudden movements, and even when sneezing or 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.An X-ray, CT scan, or MRI should be ordered to confirm the diagnosis.Depending on the results obtained, a whole range of care is prescribed: medications, exercise therapy, massages, physiotherapy procedures.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine with medications
Medicines should stop the acute process, relieve symptoms and partially restore the damaged tissue of the intervertebral disc.
The drugs used are classified according to their type of action:
- Analgesics – relieve acute pain;
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – relieve swelling and inflammation;
- Muscle Relaxants – relax spasming muscles;
- Glucocorticoid hormones - prescribed when other drugs have no effect;
- Chondroprotectors – stimulate cartilage regeneration;
- Metabolism/blood flow accelerators;
- Minerals and vitamins – improve nerve conduction.
Treatment with drugs for exacerbations
During this period, the most important thing is to relieve pain.Treatment begins with injections and then continues with tablets.It is very important to start treatment on time, because inflammation can block the vessels and nerves in the affected part of the spine.
The pain is relieved by painkillers and NSAIDs.Opioid painkillers are the most effective, but they have side effects.NSAIDs are safer in this regard and are therefore prescribed more often.
Analgesics like 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), internal (tablets, capsules) and in the form of injections (for intramuscular, subcutaneous, intravenous administration).
Muscle relaxers
Muscle spasms are a reaction to inflammation.Muscle tension increases pain.Muscle relaxants relax the muscles and thus reduce the severity of the disease.
The dosage is selected individually.Treatment with these lasts 2 to 3 weeks or until symptoms disappear.
Pain blocks
Blockade with anesthetics involves puncture of the affected area.They may administer glucocorticoid injections.The analgesic effect lasts up to 3 days.
Hormone treatment
Glucocorticoid hormones have a powerful anti-inflammatory effect.But they are used only if there is no effect of less aggressive drugs.Most often, complex medications are prescribed, one of the components of which is hormones.Hormonal treatment is associated with a high risk of side effects, therefore it is prescribed for the shortest possible duration.
Preparations for external use
In case of exacerbation of lumbar osteochondrosis, various gels / ointments are used that have a warming and local effect.They may also be anti-inflammatory.Ointments and gels reduce the severity of symptoms of the disease.
Vasodilators - vasodilators
Muscle spasms and pain cause blood vessels to narrow.To exclude this phenomenon, a drug is prescribed that dilates blood vessels and improves tissue trophism.
Treatment during remission
In case of exacerbation, only drugs are used that relieve the symptoms of lumbar spine disease, but do not affect its causes.Restorative measures should be carried out in combination with symptomatic treatment.However, osteochondrosis does not always manifest itself acutely;for example, when the thoracic region is affected, the disease progresses slowly and becomes chronic.Therefore, in some cases, treatment is carried out without strong medications.
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 discs.
Chondroprotectors stop the process of cartilage destruction and stabilize their condition.But you have to take these medications for a long time, sometimes for life.The effect occurs at least six months after the start of treatment.Chondroprotectors are used both externally and internally, as well as in the form of injections.
These medications are based on two active substances: glucosamine and chondroitin.The medicine may contain one or both of these substances, or both, and may also be supplemented with other active substances.
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, including B1, B6 and B12, as well as ascorbic acid have a beneficial effect on the peripheral nervous system.Complex vitamin preparations may be prescribed.Vitamin and mineral complexes are prescribed as general strengthening agents.
Preventive treatment of these medications will support spinal health.2 to 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, motherwort, valerian and combined medicinal plants are prescribed.
If mental disorders are severe, antidepressants are used.To improve the quality of sleep, sleeping pills are prescribed.