Lumbar osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic lesion of the spine in the lumbar region. Pain syndrome is caused by damage to the intervertebral discs, spinal roots, nerve fibers and cartilaginous tissues. For the treatment of lumbosacral osteochondrosis, you need to contact a neurologist.
Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
- severe pain syndrome that may radiate to the leg and pelvic organs
- pain in the kidneys and sacrum
- numbness of the extremities
- rigidity
- tension in the lumbar region
- fatigue, weakness
- dizziness
Lumbar osteochondrosis has gender characteristics of the course. Vertebrogenic pain, which occurs due to compression of the nerve roots by the altered cartilage of the intervertebral discs, is much more difficult for women than for men. The intensity of the pain is directly related to the level of estrogen. The lower its indicators, the more pronounced the pain.
Also, reflected lumbosacral pain syndrome may be associated with concomitant diseases of internal organs. In women, diseases of the genitourinary sphere prevail, for 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 staged. At the first medical appointment, a clinical and functional examination (clarification of complaints and anamnesis) and a clinical examination are carried out. A neurologist examines the dynamic and static function of the spine, assesses the posture and paravertebral muscle tone parameters, determines the degree of mobility of various parts of the spine and limbs. The standard treatment regimen for osteochondrosis includes:
- exclusion of adverse loads
- immobilization (use of corsets, orthoses, orthopedic style)
- drug therapy
- physical therapy procedures
- gentle acupressure massage
- exercise therapy
- acupuncture
- mud therapy
- pulling techniques (traction)
If conservative methods do not give the desired effect, surgical intervention may be necessary.
Physiotherapy for lumbar osteochondrosis
To eliminate pain, reduce swelling, normalize the tone of the back muscles, activate recovery processes, resolve fibrous foci and increase the mobility of damaged segments, a set of physiotherapeutic procedures is used:
- pulsed diadynamic currents
- darsonvalization
- magnetotherapy (exposure to a static or alternating magnetic field)
- laser treatment
- medicinal electrophoresis
- ultraviolet irradiation
- local cryotherapy
- ultrasound
- transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
Thanks to physiotherapy combined with the simultaneous use of several methods, the effectiveness of therapy for lumbar osteochondrosis increases by 30%.
Physiotherapy
A special role in the conservative treatment of degenerative pathologies of the musculoskeletal system is given to recreational physical education. The instructors-rehabilitators of the rehabilitation center develop individual complexes of stretching and dynamic exercise therapy exercises for osteochondrosis of the spine. This takes into account the sex, age and physical abilities of the patient.
Optimized therapeutic exercises aim to strengthen the muscles of the back, abdominals, pelvic region and lower extremities. Thanks to training therapy, pathological muscle tension is eliminated, pressure on the intervertebral discs is reduced, swelling and pain are eliminated, the spine is stabilized and posture is improved.
Surgical intervention
An absolute indication for decompressive surgery is disabling radiculomyeloishemia. This dangerous pathological condition is caused by herniated compression of the nerve roots and impaired blood flow in the sacrococcygeal area. It leads to intermittent excruciating pain, pelvic organ dysfunction, intermittent claudication, and other motor, reflex, or sensory disturbances. A relative indication for operative stabilization is the lack of effect of long-term conservative therapy (more than 1. 5-2 months).
Endoscopic methods of osteoplasty are recognized as the most optimal: installation of interbody implants and fixation cages made of biocompatible materials. Minimally invasive interventions quickly restore the ability to support the operated department and allow early rehabilitation to begin.
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, the treatment must be carried out in a complex. For faster pharmacological action and reduction of gastrointestinal and cardiovascular risks, injection therapy drugs are prescribed:
- anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs)
- analgesics (analgesics)
- muscle relaxants (relaxants, which reduce muscle tone)
- vasodilator (improves blood microcirculation)
- chondroprotectors (which stimulate the regeneration of intervertebral discs, slowing down the destruction of cartilage tissue).
On the recommendation of a doctor, homeopathic injections for the treatment of osteochondrosis and vitamins can be used. For the rapid and effective elimination of severe pain syndrome, therapeutic paravertebral blockades (injections into the lumbosacral nerve plexus) are prescribed.
medical therapy
Traditionally, complex therapy for degenerative diseases of the spine includes treatment with tablets and capsules, similar to the injection method:
- NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
- analgesics
- myotropic antispasmodics (drugs to relieve muscle spasms)
- Vegetocorrectors (stabilizers of the tone of the autonomic nervous system)
- vasodilators (to improve blood flow and tissue trophism)
- chondroitin and glucosamine dosage forms
- sedatives and antidepressants (to relieve emotional tension and chronic stress)
- vitamin and mineral complexes
Tablet preparations for the treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral spine are prescribed for a long period (up to 2 months or more).
treatment methods
- Therapeutic exercise (LFK)
- Physiotherapy
- Selection of orthopedic products
- massage therapy
effects
Osteochondrosis, which affects the most mobile segments of the lower spine, can exacerbate existing visceral problems and lead to serious health consequences:
- intervertebral bulges and hernias
- decreased sensation in the front of the thighs
- weakness of the calf muscles and toes
- spinal ischemic stroke
- disturbance of the pelvic organs (dysfunction of the sphincters, impotence)
- paresis and paralysis
To avoid possible complications, it is recommended to regularly carry out therapeutic exercises and minimize the effect of provoking factors.
Frequent questions
How to provide assistance during acute pain in lumbar osteochondrosis?
In case of sudden acute pain, it is necessary to repair the lower back. This will immobilize the spasmodic muscles and take the load off them. Then, if possible, lay the patient on their back, placing a pillow under their bent knees. To reduce pain, you need to take a drug with analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect (NSAID). Additionally, you can use an ointment or gel based on diclofenac or its analogs, or apply 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 the period of acute pain). However, one must be careful not to allow an axial load on the spine and categorically refuse to squat, jump and lift weights. A specialist must select a set of exercises individually.