Osteochondrosis is a dangerous disease of the spine, which, if complicated, can permanently worsen the quality of life.This pathology has become significantly “younger”: various forms of the disease are increasingly found in young people.
Lumbar osteochondrosis: symptoms and treatment with medications
Osteochondrosis is the name given to deformation of the intervertebral discs, cartilage and bones of the spinal column.
Depending on the location, cervical, thoracic and lumbar (lumbosacral) osteochondrosis is distinguished.
The causes of the disease are quite varied:
- upright walking;
- scoliosis;
- spinal injuries;
- flat feet;
- work involving heavy lifting;
- frequent changes in body position;
- spinal overload;
- prolonged stay in uncomfortable positions;
- obesity and low physical activity;
- poor nutrition, accompanied by a deficiency of nutrients;
- stress.
Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
- First of all, the disease makes itself felt through pain.The pain is aching;
- There is a feeling of aching in the lower extremities, and subsequently numbness;
- Due to discomfort, motor activity is significantly reduced;
- The pain worsens when lifting heavy things, intense physical activity, sudden movement, and even when sneezing/coughing.
Diagnosis of lumbar osteochondrosis
The conclusion is made by a neurologist based on the patient’s complaints.The doctor examines the spine in different positions, at rest / in motion.X-ray, CT or MRI should be ordered to confirm the diagnosis.Based on the results obtained, a whole range of treatment is prescribed: medications, exercise therapy, massage, physiotherapy procedures.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine with medications
Medicines should stop the acute process, relieve symptoms, and partially restore damaged intervertebral disc tissue.
The medications used are classified according to their type of action:
- Painkillers – relieve acute pain;
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – relieve swelling and inflammation;
- Muscle relaxants – relax spasmodic muscles;
- Glucocorticoid hormones - prescribed when other drugs have no effect;
- Chondroprotectors – stimulate cartilage regeneration;
- Metabolism/blood flow accelerators;
- Minerals and vitamins – improve nerve conduction.
Treatment with medications for exacerbations
During this period, the most important thing is to relieve pain.Therapy begins with injections and 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 part of the spine.
Pain is relieved with analgesics and NSAIDs.Opioid analgesics are 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 reaction to inflammation.Muscle tension increases pain.Muscle relaxants relax muscles and, accordingly, reduce the severity of the disease.
The dosage is selected individually.Therapy with these lasts 2-3 weeks or until symptoms disappear.
Pain blockades
Blockade with anesthetics involves puncture of the affected area.They can give injections with glucocorticoid drugs.The analgesic effect lasts up to 3 days.
Treatment with hormones
Glucocorticoid hormones have a powerful anti-inflammatory effect.But they are used only if there is no effect from less aggressive drugs.Most often, complex medications are prescribed, one of the components of which is hormones.Hormonal treatment is associated with a high risk of side effects, so it is prescribed for the shortest possible time.
Preparations for external use
In cases of exacerbation of lumbar osteochondrosis, various gels/ointments are used that have a warming and local warming effect.They may also be anti-inflammatory.Ointments and gels reduce the severity of symptoms of the disease.
Vasodilators - vasodilators
Muscle spasms and pain provoke a narrowing of blood vessels.To exclude this phenomenon, a drug is prescribed that dilates blood vessels and improves tissue trophism.
Treatment during remission
In case of exacerbation, only those medications 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 therapy.However, osteochondrosis does not always manifest itself acutely; for example, when the thoracic region is affected, the disease progresses slowly and is chronic.Therefore, in some cases, treatment is done without potent drugs.
Chondroprotectors help restore the functions of the intervertebral discs of the lumbar region.They saturate the cartilage tissue with useful substances and restore the elasticity of the discs.
Chondroprotectors stop the process of cartilage destruction and stabilize their condition.But you need to take such drugs for a long time, sometimes for life.The effect occurs at least six months after the start of therapy.Chondroprotectors are used both externally and internally, as well as in the form of injections.
These drugs are based on two active substances – glucosamine and chondroitin.The medicine may include one or both of these substances at once, and may also 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 flow and metabolism
B vitamins, in particular B1, B6 and B12, as well as ascorbic acid have a beneficial effect on the peripheral nervous system.Complex vitamin preparations may be prescribed.Vitamin-mineral complexes are prescribed as general strengthening agents.
A preventive course of such drugs will support the health of the spine.2-3 courses per year are enough to reduce the risk of exacerbation of the disease.
Sedatives
Prolonged discomfort depresses a person and can cause stress and even depression.To prevent deterioration of the psycho-emotional state, motherwort, valerian, and combined herbal medicines are prescribed.
If mental disorders are severe, antidepressants are used.To improve the quality of sleep, sleeping pills are prescribed.