Osteochondrosis is a disease that has a chronic course, accompanied by progressive degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs. Most often, such a pathological process affects the cervical or lumbar spine. Gradually, it leads to the formation of an intervertebral hernia, followed by compression of the spinal cord, vessels passing nearby, and so on. In this article, we will talk about the clinical signs and treatment of osteochondrosis of the intervertebral discs in the lumbar spine.
How does osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine manifest itself?
The main clinical sign of this pathological process is back pain.
The intensity and nature of the pain syndrome may vary in each case. Some patients indicate acute pain, aggravated by the slightest movement and forcing them to take a forced position.
However, most often (more than 70% of patients) there is a dull pain syndrome. The pain is of moderate intensity and is present all the time. Despite the fact that the patient does not have to take a forced position, he limits his physical activity. When the lumbar spine is affected, this is manifested by the avoidance of sharp bends, slow sitting down and standing up.
In addition to symptoms from the spinal column itself, extravertebral signs can also be observed. In the event that compression of the spinal roots occurs, the person indicates pain along the course of the peripheral nerves. A frequent manifestation of pathological changes in the region of the lumbar spine is lumboischialgia, which manifests itself as a sharp pain attack localized in the lumbar region and thigh, which occurs during physical exertion.
Principles of treatment
Osteochondrosis is a disease that requires complex treatment. First of all, during the period of exacerbation, it is recommended to limit motor activity in the affected area. Here we mean bed rest.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics are prescribed for pain relief. You can relieve muscle spasm with the help of muscle relaxants. In some cases, the treatment plan is supplemented with anticonvulsants. With compression of the spinal roots, local administration of glucocorticosteroids is possible.
In addition to drug therapy, patients with such a diagnosis are prescribed physiotherapy, therapeutic exercises, and massage.
At the stage of rehabilitation treatment, balneotherapy is recommended. In 2017, scientists from a federal university published a paper, the results of which indicate the effectiveness of the rehabilitation treatment of patients with spinal osteochondrosis using combined balneotherapy, which includes dry-air thermal and aerosol antler baths.
With severe compression of the spinal cord, the issue of surgical intervention is decided.