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 can radiate to the leg and pelvic organs
- kidney and sacrum pain
- limb numbness
- stiffness
- tension in the lower back
- fatigue, weakness
- dizziness
Lumbar osteochondrosis has gender features of 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 it is for men. Pain intensity is directly related to estrogen level. The lower your indicators, the more pronounced the pain.
In addition, reflected lumbosacral pain syndrome may be associated with concomitant diseases of internal organs. In females, genitourinary diseases prevail, for men, gastrointestinal tract disorders are more characteristic.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral region
Treatment of patients with neurological manifestations of lumbosacral osteochondrosis should be comprehensive and phased. At the first medical consultation, a clinical and functional examination is performed (clarification of complaints and anamnesis) and a clinical examination. A neurologist examines the dynamic and static function of the spine, assesses 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, orthotics, orthopedic style)
- drug therapy
- physical therapy procedures
- gentle acupressure massage
- exercise therapy
- acupuncture
- mud therapy
- traction 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
- medical electrophoresis
- UV 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. Instructors-rehabilitators at the rehabilitation center develop individual complexes of dynamic exercise therapy and stretching exercises for osteochondrosis of the spine. This takes into account the patient's gender, age and physical capabilities.
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 improves.
Surgical intervention
An absolute indication for decompressive surgery is disabling radiculomyeloishemia. This dangerous pathological condition is caused by hernial compression of the nerve roots and impaired blood flow in the sacrococcygeal zone. It leads to intermittent unbearable pain, pelvic organ dysfunction, intermittent claudication, and other motor, reflex, or sensory disturbances. A relative indication for operational 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 ideal: 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 multicomponent symptom complex is associated with local inflammation, abnormal muscle tension, ligament damage, biomechanical causes, and dysfunction of the pain perception system. Therefore, treatment must be carried out in a complex. For faster pharmacological action and reduction of gastro and cardio risks, injectable therapy drugs are prescribed:
- anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- pain relievers (analgesics)
- muscle relaxants (relaxing, relieving muscle tone)
- vasodilator (improve blood microcirculation)
- chondroprotective (stimulating the regeneration of intervertebral discs, delaying the destruction of cartilage tissue).
On the recommendation of a doctor, homeopathic injections can be used for the treatment of osteochondrosis and vitamins. For rapid and effective removal of severe pain syndrome, therapeutic paravertebral blocks (injections into the lumbosacral nerve plexus) are prescribed.
medical therapy
Traditionally, complex therapy for degenerative diseases of the spine includes treatment with pills and capsules, similar to the injection method:
- NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
- painkillers
- myotropic antispasmodics (drugs to relieve muscle spasm)
- vegetocorrectors (autonomic nervous system tone stabilizers)
- 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 more mobile segments of the lower spine, can exacerbate existing visceral problems and lead to serious health consequences:
- intervertebral protrusions and hernias
- decreased sensation in the front of the thighs
- weakness of the calf muscles and toes
- ischemic stroke
- rupture of Organs pelvic organs (sphincter dysfunction, impotence)
- paresis and paralysis
To avoid possible complications, it is recommended to regularly practice therapeutic exercises and minimize the effect of provoking factors.
Common questions
How to provide assistance during acute pain in lumbar osteochondrosis?
In case of sudden sharp pain, it is necessary to correct the lower back. This will immobilize the spasmodic muscles and transfer their load. Then, if possible, lay the patient on his or her back, placing a pillow under the bent knees. To reduce the pain, you must take a medication with an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect (NSAIDs). In addition, you can use an ointment or gel based on diclofenac or its analogues, 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 exercise with lumbar osteochondrosis?
Physical education with lumbar osteochondrosis is not only prohibited, but also recommended (with the exception of the period of acute pain). However, care should be taken not to allow axial load on the spine and categorically refuse to squat, jump and lift weights. A set of exercises must be selected by an expert individually.