The signs of lumbar osteochondrosis are difficult to notice right away.The symptoms appear slowly, the diagnosis is already made at the stage of exacerbation of the disease.It is important to distinguish between collapse of the spine and other ailments in order to see a doctor in a timely manner. The main signs of osteochondrosis of the spine in the lumbar spine:
- Back pain. At first, it manifests itself only when lifting weights, but then it becomes constant. It can no longer be associated with any action. At the time of exacerbation, the pain is unbearable, its immediate removal is required.
- Sensory impairment in the legs. This occurs as a result of injury to the nerve endings. At first, there is a characteristic tingling, burning sensation, the appearance of "goose bumps" under the sacrum. If the disease progresses, then the extinction of tendon reflexes and muscle weakness in the lower extremities will begin to be observed.
- Excessive sweating.
- Restriction of movement that occurs due to pinched nerves. Turning, crouching, changing posture will cause attacks of pain, similar to electric shocks.
- Coldness of extremities, skin, paleness.
- In severe cases, sexual dysfunction occurs, urination problems.
Without prompt treatment, lumbar osteochondrosis can lead to paralysis and disability.
Exacerbation of the disease
With relative periods of remission, exacerbations occur. They are characterized by a stabbing, stabbing pain that surrounds and runs through the sciatic nerve. As a result of the development of the disease, numbness reaches the toes. Such attacks interrupt the work of the organs and systems of the small pelvis. As a result, erectile dysfunction, constipation, and urinary incontinence are observed.
Characteristics of the manifestation of lumbar osteochondrosis in women
Pain in the pelvic area with lumbar osteochondrosis adversely affects the reproductive system of the female body.With the progression of the disease, the menstrual cycle is interrupted and its dependence on attacks of osteochondrosis can be observed.During pregnancy, osteochondrosis can lead to premature labor or miscarriage.
Treatment of osteochondrosis: main directions
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine requires different therapies. Only with an integrated approach can you get a positive result. The use of drugs will only relieve the pain syndrome, it will not affect the cause of the disease. To get rid of the disease, you need to apply acupuncture, hirudotherapy, therapeutic massage, vacuum action, and also change your usual lifestyle. The treatment plan should be prescribed by specialists taking into account the stage of osteochondrosis, individual tolerance to drugs and the presence of chronic pathologies.
Treatment regimens during the acute phase and during remission differ significantly. In the event of an exacerbation, you must first relieve stress on the spine. To do this, the patient must lie down. It is best to use an orthopedic mattress with cushions for the neck and lower back. You need to take muscle relaxants to help relax and relieve spasms. To reduce the consequences of pinching the nerve endings, injections of lidocaine, novocaine are used.
The remission period assumes the following treatment regimen:
- take vitamin B complexes to normalize the conduction of nerve impulses;
- restoration of blood circulation in tissues due to vasodilator drugs;
- undergo physical therapy to reduce the number of exacerbations. Special baths, different types of massages, magnetotherapy, acupuncture are prescribed;
- physical therapy exercises, which allow you to form a corset of muscles, restore mobility in the lumbar region and reduce the load on the vertebrae. Exercises are selected by the trainer individually, taking into account the characteristics of the body.
Medications for the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis
Medicines are divided into forms and methods of exposure:
- anesthetic creams, gels for external use;
- antispasmodics (affect the nerves leading to muscle fibers, have a relaxing effect, help reduce spasms, improve blood flow);
- hormonal anti-inflammatory drugs. They are used for intense and exhausting pain. Hormones suppress inflammation, relieve pain, but suppress immunity, remove calcium from your bones, and reduce the synthesis of your hormones.
- chondroprotectors for cartilage restoration. They slow down the destruction of cartilage, activate the synthesis of intra-articular fluid, relieve inflammation, stimulate the formation of new cartilage cells;
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Medications reduce pain, relieve inflammation. You need to take them for a long time. They only eliminate the symptoms, they do not affect the cause of the pathology. They negatively affect the mucous membrane of the digestive tract, causing gastritis and ulcers.
- Vitamins of group B
Furthermore, in case of osteochondrosis, sedatives are prescribed to order the nervous system.
Exercise for lumbar osteochondrosis
Physiotherapy should be performed regularly, only under this condition will the effect of the exercises be achieved.Physical activity should become the norm for people with osteochondrosis of the spine. Not only a series of special exercises, but also walking has a positive effect on the spine.
There are certain restrictions that must be followed to reduce the risk of lower back injuries during gymnastics. For example, resistance exercises should not be performed. This will lead to additional stress on the vertebrae, which are in a destroyed state. Twisting in the lumbar region is also not recommended. This is especially true for patients with lumps and hernias.
Physiotherapy should not be performed if the patient, in addition to lumbar osteochondrosis, presents injuries, tumors of various origins, bruises. It is not recommended for diseases of the spine to participate in active sports.
Diet foods as a treatment
A well designed menu will help maintain health and strengthen the body's strength. The diet should include:
- cabbage of all kinds;
- beef liver;
- green peas;
- sea fish;
- berries;
- eggs;
- carrots;
- nuts.
Limit salt, pickles, pickles, condiments, alcoholic beverages, strong coffee, and tea.
Possibility of surgical intervention
Surgery for lumbar osteochondrosis is prescribed only when serious complications develop, for example, an intervertebral hernia.The most common removal of a damaged disk.Surgical intervention is considered a radical measure, it is used when other methods have not given a positive result in six months. Modern medicine has high-tech methods of microsurgical and endoscopic treatment, which are less traumatic.