Osteochondrosis is a dangerous disease of the spine, which in case of complications can permanently impair the quality of life.This pathology has become significantly "younger": various forms of the disease are found more and more often among young people.
Lumbar osteochondrosis: symptoms and drug treatment
Osteochondrosis is a deformation of the intervertebral discs, cartilages and bones of the spinal column.
Depending on the location, cervical, thoracic and lumbar (lumbosacral) osteochondrosis can be distinguished.
The causes of the disease are quite diverse:
- walking straight;
- scoliosis;
- spinal injuries;
- flat feet;
- work involving heavy lifting;
- frequent changes in body position;
- spine overload;
- prolonged stay in uncomfortable situations;
- obesity and low physical activity;
- poor nutrition accompanied by nutrient deficiencies;
- tension.
Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
- First, the disease makes itself felt through pain.Pain hurts;
- There is a feeling of pain in the lower limbs, followed by numbness;
- Motor activity is significantly reduced due to discomfort;
- The pain worsens when lifting heavy objects, intense physical activity, sudden movement, and even sneezing/coughing.
Diagnosis of lumbar osteochondrosis
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 should be ordered to confirm the diagnosis.Based on the results obtained, a whole series of treatments are prescribed: medicines, exercise therapy, massage, physiotherapy procedures.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine with medication
Medicines must stop the acute process, alleviate the symptoms and partially restore the damaged intervertebral disc tissue.
The drugs used are classified according to their type of action:
- Analgesics - relieves acute pain;
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – relieve swelling and inflammation;
- Muscle relaxants – relax spasmodic muscles;
- Glucocorticoid hormones - prescribed when other drugs have no effect;
- Chondroprotectors – stimulate cartilage regeneration;
- Metabolism/blood flow accelerators;
- Minerals and vitamins - improve nerve conduction.
Drug treatment in case of exacerbation
During this period, the most important thing is to relieve the pain.The therapy starts with injections and then continues with tablets.It is very important to start the treatment in time, because the inflammation can block the blood vessels and nerves of the affected part of the spine.
Pain can be relieved with pain relievers and NSAIDs.Opioid pain relievers are the most effective, but they have side effects.NSAIDs are safer in this regard, so they are prescribed more often.
Both pain relievers and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs inhibit the production of prostaglandins, which play a role in the inflammatory process and are 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 (intramuscular, subcutaneous, intravenous administration).
Muscle relaxants
Muscle spasm is a reaction to inflammation.Muscle tension increases the pain.Muscle relaxants relax the muscles and accordingly reduce the severity of the disease.
The dosage is selected individually.Therapy with these lasts for 2-3 weeks or until the symptoms disappear.
Pain blocks
Blockade with anesthetics involves puncturing the affected area.They may 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.But they are used only when less aggressive drugs have no effect.Most often, complex drugs are prescribed, one of the components of which are hormones.Hormone treatment carries a high risk of side effects, so it is prescribed for the shortest possible time.
Preparations for external use
In case of exacerbation of lumbar osteochondrosis, various gels/ointments are used, which 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 narrow.To exclude this phenomenon, a drug is prescribed that dilates blood vessels and improves tissue trophism.
Treatment in remission
In case of exacerbation, only those drugs are used that relieve the symptoms of the disease of the lumbar spine, but do not affect its causes.Restorative measures should be implemented in combination with symptomatic therapy.However, osteochondrosis does not always present acutely;for example, if the chest region is affected, the disease progresses slowly and becomes chronic.Therefore, in some cases, the treatment is carried out without strong drugs.
Chondroprotectors help to restore the functions of the intervertebral discs of the lumbar region.They saturate the cartilage tissue with useful substances and restore the flexibility of the discs.
Chondroprotectors stop the process of cartilage destruction and stabilize their condition.But you have to take such drugs for a long time, sometimes for life.The effect appears at least six months after the start of therapy.Chondroprotectors are used externally and internally, as well as in the form of injections.
These drugs are based on two active ingredients - glucosamine and chondroitin.The medicine may contain one or both of these substances at the same time, and may be supplemented with other active substances.
Examples of chondroprotectors:
- based on glucosamine;
- chondroitin-based;
- with glucosamine and chondroitin;
- with glucosamine, chondroitin and vitamins;
- injection ampoules.
Medicines that improve blood circulation and metabolism
B vitamins, especially B1, B6 and B12, as well as ascorbic acid have a beneficial effect on the peripheral nervous system.Complex vitamin preparations can be prescribed.Vitamin-mineral complexes are prescribed as a general tonic.
A preventive course of such drugs supports the health of the spine.2-3 courses per year are sufficient to reduce the risk of worsening of the disease.
Tranquilizers
Prolonged discomfort depresses a person and can cause stress and even depression.In order to prevent deterioration of the psycho-emotional state, motherwort, valerian and combined herbs are prescribed.
If the mental disorders are severe, antidepressants are used.Sleeping pills are prescribed to improve the quality of sleep.