Osteochondrosis is a dangerous disease of the spine, which, if complicated, can permanently worsen the quality of life. This pathology is clearly "younger": various forms of the disease are more and more frequent in young people.
Lumbar osteochondrosis: symptoms and drug treatment
Osteochondrosis is called the deformation of the intervertebral discs, cartilage and bones of the spine.
Depending on the localization, cervical, thoracic and lumbar (lumbo-sacral) osteochondrosis are isolated.
The causes of the disease are quite diverse:
- upright posture;
- scoliosis;
- Spinal injury;
- flat foot;
- work associated with lifting weights;
- frequent changes in body position;
- vertebral overload;
- prolonged stay in uncomfortable positions;
- obesity and low physical activity;
- poor nutrition, accompanied by nutrient deficiency;
- stress.
Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
- First of all, the disease makes itself felt by the pain syndrome. The pain is aching in nature;
- In the lower extremities there is a feeling of pain, and later - numbness;
- Due to discomfort, motor activity is significantly reduced;
- The pain is exacerbated by heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, sudden movements, and even sneezing/coughing.
Diagnosis of lumbar osteochondrosis
The conclusion is made by the neurologist, based on the patient's complaints. The doctor examines the spine in different positions, at rest / in motion. An X-ray, CT scan or MRI should be ordered to confirm the diagnosis. Based on the results obtained, a whole range of treatments is prescribed: medication, exercise therapy, massage, physiotherapy procedures.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine with drugs
Medicines should stop the acute process, relieve symptoms, partially restore damaged tissues of intervertebral discs.
The drugs used are classified according to the type of action:
- Analgesics - eliminate acute pain;
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) - relieve swelling and inflammation;
- Muscle relaxants - relax spasmodic muscles;
- Glucocorticoid hormones - prescribed in the absence of the effect of other drugs;
- Chondroprotectors - stimulate cartilage regeneration;
- Means for accelerating metabolism / blood flow;
- Minerals and vitamins - improve nerve conduction.
Drug treatment of exacerbations
During this period, it is very important to relieve pain. Therapy begins with injections, then continues with tablets. It is very important to start treatment in a timely manner, since inflammation can block the vessels and nerves of the affected spine.
Pain is relieved by painkillers and NSAIDs. Opioid pain relievers are the most effective but 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 (gels, ointments), 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, respectively, reduce the severity of the disease.
The dosage is selected individually. Therapy with these lasts 2-3 weeks or until symptoms disappear.
Blockages of pain
Blockade with anesthetics is scaling of the affected area. They can give glucocorticoid injections. The analgesic effect lasts up to 3 days.
Hormonal treatment
Glucocorticoid hormones have a powerful anti-inflammatory effect. But these are used only in the absence of the effect of less aggressive drugs. Most often, complex drugs are prescribed, one of the components of which are hormones. Hormone therapy is associated with a high risk of side effects, therefore it is prescribed for the shortest possible duration.
Preparations for external use
With the exacerbation of lumbar osteochondrosis, various gels / ointments are used that have a warming and local warming effect. They can also be anti-inflammatory. Ointments and gels reduce the severity of symptoms of the disease.
Vasodilators - vasodilators
Muscle spasms and pain cause blood vessels to constrict. To exclude such a phenomenon, a drug is prescribed that expands blood vessels and improves tissue trophism.
Treatment during remission
During an exacerbation, only drugs are used that relieve the symptoms of the disease of the lumbar spine, but do not affect its causes. Restorative measures should be carried out in combination with symptomatic treatment. However, osteochondrosis does not always manifest itself acutely, for example, when the chest region is affected, the disease progresses slowly and is chronic. Therefore, in some cases, treatment does without strong drugs.
Chondroprotectors help restore the functions of the lumbar intervertebral discs. They saturate the cartilaginous tissues with useful substances and restore elasticity to the discs.
Chondroprotectors stop the process of cartilage destruction, stabilize their condition. But these drugs need to be taken for a long time, sometimes for life. The effect occurs at least six months after the start of treatment. Chondroprotectors are used both externally and internally, as well as in the form of injections.
Two active substances are taken as the basis of these drugs - glucosamine and chondroitin. The drug can contain one or another of these substances, or both at the same time, as well as be supplemented with other active substances.
Examples of chondroprotectors:
- based on glucosamine;
- based on chondroitin;
- with glucosamine and chondroitin;
- with glucosamine, chondroitin and vitamins;
- ampoules for injections.
Drugs to improve blood circulation and metabolism
B vitamins, including B1, B6 and B12, as well as ascorbic acid, have a beneficial effect on the peripheral nervous system. Complex vitamin preparations can be prescribed. Vitamin-mineral complexes are prescribed as a general strengthening.
A preventive course with such drugs will support the health of the spine. Enough 2-3 courses per year to reduce the risk of exacerbation of the disease.
Sedatives (sedatives)
Prolonged discomfort depresses a person, can cause stress and even depression. In order to prevent the deterioration of the psycho-emotional state, preparations of motherwort, valerian and combined medicinal plants are prescribed.
If the mental disorders are severe, antidepressants are used. Sleeping pills are prescribed to improve the quality of sleep.