Osteochondrosis is a dangerous disease of the spine, which, if complicated, can permanently worsen the quality of life.This pathology has become noticeably "younger": various forms of the disease are increasingly found in 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 is distinguished.
The causes of the disease are quite different:
- walking straight;
- scoliosis;
- spinal cord injuries;
- flat feet;
- work that involves heavy lifting;
- frequent changes in body position;
- spinal overload;
- prolonged stay in uncomfortable positions;
- obesity and low physical activity;
- poor nutrition, accompanied by a lack of nutrients;
- stress.
Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
- First of all, the disease is felt through pain.Pain is pain;
- There is a feeling of pain in the lower extremities, and then numbness;
- Due to discomfort, motor activity decreases significantly;
- The pain gets worse when you lift heavy things, intense physical activity, sudden movements, even when you sneeze/cough.
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.X-rays, CT or MRI should be ordered to confirm the diagnosis.Based on the results obtained, a whole range of treatment is prescribed: medications, exercise therapy, massage, 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:
- pain relievers - relieve 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;
- Accelerators of metabolism/blood flow;
- Minerals and vitamins - improve nerve conduction.
Treatment with medications for irritations
During this period, the most important thing is pain relief.Therapy begins with injections and then continues with tablets.It is very important to start treatment at the right time, as inflammation can block the vessels and nerves of the affected part of the spine.
Pain is relieved with analgesics and NSAIDs.Opioid analgesics are the most effective, but they 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 (gel, ointment), 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 and, accordingly, reduce the severity of the disease.
The dose is selected individually.Therapy with these lasts 2-3 weeks or until symptoms disappear.
Pain block
An anesthetic block involves puncturing the affected area.They can give injections of glucocorticoid drugs.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 from less aggressive drugs.Most often, complex medications are prescribed, one of the components of which are hormones.Hormonal treatment is associated with a high risk of side effects, so it is prescribed for the shortest possible time.
Preparations for external use
In cases of lumbar osteochondrosis irritation, various gels/ointments are used that have a warming and local heating 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 provoke a narrowing of blood vessels.To exclude this phenomenon, a drug is prescribed that expands blood vessels and improves tissue trophism.
Treatment during remission
In case of worsening, only those medications are used that relieve the symptoms of the spine disease, but do not affect its causes.Restorative measures should be carried out in combination with symptomatic therapy.However, osteochondrosis does not always manifest acutely;for example, when the chest region is affected, the disease progresses slowly and is chronic.Therefore, in some cases, the treatment is done without powerful drugs.
Chondroprotectors help restore the functions of the intervertebral discs of 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 such drugs for a long time, sometimes for life.The effect occurs at least six months after the start of therapy.Chondroprotectors are used both externally and internally, as well as in the form of injections.
These drugs are based on two active substances - glucosamine and chondroitin.The drug can include one or both of these substances at the same time, and it can 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;
- ampoule for injection.
Drugs to improve blood circulation and metabolism
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 described as general strengthening agents.
A preventive course of such drugs will support the health of the spine.2-3 courses per year are sufficient to reduce the risk of worsening the disease.
soothing
Prolonged worry depresses a person and can cause stress and even depression.To prevent deterioration of the psycho-emotional state, herbal, valerian and combined medicines are prescribed.
If the mental disorders are severe, antidepressants are used.To improve the quality of sleep, sleeping pills are prescribed.