Lumbar osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic lesion of the spine in the lumbar region. The 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
- pain in the kidneys and sacrum
- limb numbness
- stiffness
- 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 men. The intensity of pain is directly related to the level of estrogen. The lower their indicators, the more pronounced the pain.
In addition, reflected lumbosacral pain syndrome may be associated with concomitant diseases of the internal organs. In females, diseases of the genitourinary sphere prevail, for men, disorders of the gastrointestinal tract are more typical.
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 appointment, a clinical and functional examination is carried out (clarification of complaints and anamnesis) and a clinical examination. A neurologist examines the dynamic and static function of the spine, assesses posture and parameters of paravertebral muscle tone, 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 styling)
- drug therapy
- physiotherapy 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 required.
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
- UV irradiation
- local cryotherapy
- ultrasound
- transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
Thanks to the combined physiotherapy 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 of the rehabilitation center develop individual complexes of dynamic and stretching exercise therapy exercises for osteochondrosis of the spine. This takes into account the gender, age and physical capabilities of the patient.
Optimized therapeutic exercises are aimed at strengthening 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 from 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 fixing 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, treatment should be carried out in a complex. For faster pharmacological action and reduction of gastro- and cardio-risks, injection therapy drugs are prescribed:
- anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs)
- painkillers (analgesics)
- muscle relaxants (relaxing, relieving muscle tone)
- vasodilating (improving blood microcirculation)
- chondroprotectors (stimulating 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 quick and effective removal of severe pain syndrome, paravertebral therapeutic blockades are prescribed (injections into the lumbosacral nerve plexus).
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 spasm)
- vegetocorrectors (stabilizers of the tone of the autonomic nervous system)
- vasodilators (to improve blood flow and tissue trophism)
- dosage forms of chondroitin and glucosamine
- 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
- Massotherapy
Effects
Osteochondrosis, which affects the most mobile segments of the lower spine, can exacerbate existing visceral problems and lead to serious health consequences:
- protrusions and intervertebral hernias
- decreased sensation in the front of the thighs
- weakness of the calf muscles and toes
- ischemic spinal stroke
- disruption of the pelvic organs (dysfunction of sphincters, impotence)
- paresis and paralysis
To avoid possible complications, it is recommended to regularly engage in therapeutic exercises and minimize the effect of provoking factors.
Frequently asked Questions
How to provide assistance during acute pain in lumbar osteochondrosis?
In case of sudden acute pain, it is necessary to fix the lower back. This will immobilize the spasmodic muscles and shift the load from them. Then, if possible, lay the patient on his back, placing a pillow under bent knees. To reduce pain, you should take a drug with an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect (NSAIDs). Additionally, 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 do physical exercises with lumbar osteochondrosis?
Physical education with lumbar osteochondrosis is not only not prohibited, but also recommended (with the exception of the acute pain period). However, one should be careful not to allow axial load on the spine and categorically refuse to squat, jump and lift weights. A set of exercises should be selected by a specialist on an individual basis.