Osteochondrosis is a dangerous disease of the spine, which, if complicated, can permanently worsen the quality of life. This pathology is significantly "younger": various forms of the disease are increasingly common in young people.
Lumbar osteochondrosis: symptoms and drug treatment
Osteochondrosis is called deformation of the intervertebral discs, cartilage and bones of the spine.
Depending on the location, cervical, thoracic, and lumbar (lumbosacral) osteochondrosis is isolated.
The causes of the disease are quite diverse:
- correct posture;
- scoliosis;
- spinal injury;
- flat foot;
- work associated with lifting weights;
- frequent changes in body position;
- spinal overload;
- prolonged stay in uncomfortable positions;
- obesity and low physical activity;
- malnutrition, accompanied by nutrient deficiency;
- stress.
Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
- First, the disease is felt by the pain syndrome. Pain is painful by nature;
- In the lower extremities there is a feeling of pain, and then - numbness;
- Due to discomfort, motor activity is significantly reduced;
- The pain is exacerbated by lifting heavy things, strenuous exercise, sudden movements, and even sneezing/coughing.
Diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the lumbar
The conclusion is made by the neurologist, based on the patient's complaints. The doctor examines the spine in different positions, at rest/in motion. An X-ray, CT or MRI scan should be ordered to confirm the diagnosis. Based on the results obtained, a whole range of treatments is prescribed: medication, exercise therapy, massage, physiotherapy procedures.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine with medications
Medications should stop the acute process, relieve symptoms, partially restore damaged tissues of the intervertebral discs.
The drugs used are classified according to the type of action:
- Analgesics - eliminate acute pain;
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) - relieve swelling and inflammation;
- Muscle relaxants - relax spasmodic muscles;
- Glucocorticoid hormones - prescribed in the absence of the effect of other drugs;
- Chondroprotectors - stimulate cartilage regeneration;
- Means to accelerate metabolism/blood flow;
- Minerals and vitamins - improve nerve conduction.
Drug treatment for exacerbations
During this period, it is most important to relieve pain. Therapy starts with injections and continues with pills. It is very important to start treatment in a timely manner, as inflammation can block the vessels and nerves in the affected spine.
Pain is relieved with pain relievers and NSAIDs. Opioid pain relievers are more effective but have side effects. NSAIDs are safer in this regard, so they are prescribed more often.
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), internal (tablets, capsules) and in the form of injections (for intramuscular, subcutaneous, intravenous administration).
muscle relaxants
Muscle spasm is a response to inflammation. Muscle tension increases pain. Muscle relaxants relax the muscles, respectively, reduce the severity of the disease.
Dosage is selected individually. Therapy with these lasts for 2-3 weeks or until symptoms disappear.
pain blocks
Blockage with anesthetics is a splinter of the affected area. They may give injections with glucocorticoid medications. The analgesic effect lasts up to 3 days.
Hormone treatment
Glucocorticoid hormones have a powerful anti-inflammatory effect. But these are used only in the absence of the effect of less aggressive drugs. Most often, complex drugs are prescribed, one of the components of which are hormones. Hormone treatment is associated with a high risk of side effects, so it is prescribed for the shortest possible time.
Preparations for external use
With the 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 symptoms of the disease.
Vasodilators - vasodilators
Muscle spasm and pain cause blood vessels to constrict. To exclude such a phenomenon, a drug is prescribed that dilates blood vessels and improves tissue trophism.
Treatment during remission
During an exacerbation, only drugs that relieve the symptoms of low back disease but do not affect its causes are used. Restorative measures should be performed in combination with symptomatic therapy. However, osteochondrosis is not always acute, for example, when the thoracic region is affected, the disease progresses slowly and is chronic. Therefore, in some cases, the treatment dispenses with potent drugs.
Chondroprotectors help restore the functions of the lumbar intervertebral discs. They saturate the cartilaginous tissues with useful substances and restore the elasticity of the discs.
Chondroprotectors stop the process of cartilage destruction, stabilize its condition. But these drugs need to be taken for a long time, sometimes for a lifetime. The effect occurs at least six months after starting therapy. Chondroprotectors are used externally and internally, as well as in the form of injections.
Two active substances are taken as the basis of such drugs - glucosamine and chondroitin. The drug can include either or both of these substances at the same time, as well as be supplemented with other active substances.
Examples of chondroprotectors:
- glucosamine-based;
- chondroitin-based;
- with glucosamine and chondroitin;
- with glucosamine, chondroitin and vitamins;
- ampoules for injection.
Medications to improve blood flow and metabolism
The B vitamins, in particular 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-mineral complexes are prescribed as a general strengthening.
A preventive course with these medications will support spine health. Enough 2-3 courses per year to reduce the risk of exacerbation of the disease.
Sedatives (sedatives)
Prolonged discomfort depresses a person, can cause stress and even depression. To prevent deterioration of the psycho-emotional state, preparations of mother herb, valerian and combined herbal medicines are prescribed.
If mental disorders are severe, antidepressants are used. Sleeping pills are prescribed to improve sleep quality.