Signs of lumbar osteochondrosis are difficult to spot immediately.Symptoms appear slowly, the diagnosis is already made at the stage of exacerbation of the disease.It is important to distinguish between sagging spine and other conditions 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, then it becomes constant. It can no longer be associated with any action. At the time of exacerbation, the pain is unbearable, its immediate elimination is necessary.
- Decreased tenderness in the legs. It happens as a result of injury to the nerve endings. At the very beginning there is a characteristic tingling sensation, a burning sensation, the appearance of "goose bumps" under the sacrum. If the disease progresses, in the lower extremities, the extinction of tendon reflexes and muscle weakness will begin to be observed.
- Excessive sweating.
- Restriction of movement due to pinched nerves. When rotating, bending, or changing posture, attacks of pain will occur, similar to electric shock.
- Cold limbs, skin, bleaching.
- In severe cases, sexual dysfunction occurs, urination problems.
Without prompt treatment, lumbar osteochondrosis can lead to paralysis and disability.
Disease exacerbation
With relative periods of remission, exacerbations occur. They are characterized by a sharp, stabbing pain that encircles and descends the sciatic nerve. Due to the development of the disease, numbness reaches the toes. Such attacks disrupt the functioning of the organs and systems of the small pelvis. As a result, erectile dysfunction, constipation and urinary incontinence are observed.
Features of the manifestation of lumbar osteochondrosis in women
Pain in the pelvic region with lumbar osteochondrosis negatively affects the reproductive system of the female body.With the progression of the disease, the menstrual cycle is disturbed, and its dependence on attacks of osteochondrosis can be observed.During pregnancy, osteochondrosis can cause premature birth or miscarriage.
Treatment of osteochondrosis: main directions
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine requires different therapies. Only with an integrated approach can you achieve a positive result. The use of drugs will only relieve the pain syndrome, 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 way of life. 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 considerably. With an exacerbation, you first need to relieve stress on the spine. For this, the patient must lie down. It is best to use an orthopedic mattress with cushions for the neck and lower back. It is necessary to take muscle relaxants to help relax and relieve spasms. To reduce the consequences of pinching nerve endings, injections of lidocaine, novocaine are used.
The period of remission assumes the following treatment regimen:
- take vitamin B complexes to normalize conduction of nerve impulses;
- restoration of blood circulation in the tissues with vasodilator drugs;
- is undergoing physical therapy to reduce the number of exacerbations. Special baths, various types of massage, magnetic therapy, acupuncture are prescribed;
- physiotherapy 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 individually by the trainer, taking into account the characteristics of the body.
Drugs for the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis
Drugs are divided into forms and methods of exposure:
- anesthetic creams, gels for external use;
- antispasmodics (affect the nerves that lead to muscle fibers, have a relaxing effect, help reduce spasms, improve blood circulation);
- hormonal anti-inflammatory drugs. They are used for intense and exhausting pain. Hormones suppress inflammation, relieve pain, but suppress immunity, remove calcium from bones, and reduce synthesis of their hormones.
- chondroprotectors for the restoration of cartilage tissue. They slow down the destruction of cartilage, activate the synthesis of intra-articular fluid, relieve inflammation, stimulate the formation of new cartilage cells;
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Medicines reduce pain, relieve inflammation. You have to take them for a long time. They eliminate only the symptoms, do not affect the cause of the pathology. Negatively affects the mucous membrane of the digestive tract, causing gastritis and ulcers.
- Vitamins of group B
In addition, in case of osteochondrosis, sedatives are prescribed to cleanse the nervous system.
Exercise for lumbar osteochondrosis
Physiotherapy should be carried out regularly, only in this condition the effect of the exercises will be obtained.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.
Certain restrictions must be observed to reduce the risk of lower back injury during gymnastics. For example, weight-bearing exercises cannot be performed. This will put additional stress on the vertebrae, which are in a destroyed state. It is also not recommended to twist in the lumbar region. This is especially true for patients with protrusions and hernias.
Physiotherapy should not be performed if the patient, in addition to lumbar osteochondrosis, has injuries, tumors of various origins and hematomas. Active sports are not recommended for diseases of the spine.
Dietary foods as treatment
A well-designed menu will help maintain health and build strength in the body. The diet should include:
- cabbages of all kinds;
- beef liver;
- green peas;
- sea fish; berries
- ;
- eggs;
- carrots;
- dried fruits.
Limit salt, pickles, pickles, condiments, alcoholic beverages, strong coffee, and tea.
Possibility of surgical intervention
Surgery for lumbar osteochondrosis is only prescribed if serious complications develop, for example, intervertebral hernia.The most common deletion of a damaged disk.Surgical intervention is considered a drastic measure, it is used when other methods have not given a positive result within six months. Modern medicine has high-tech microsurgical and endoscopic treatment methods, which are less traumatic.