The signs of lumbar osteochondrosis are difficult to spot right away.Symptoms appear slowly, the diagnosis is made already in the phase 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 only manifests itself 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 elimination is necessary.
- Reduced sensitivity in the legs. This occurs due to injury to the nerve endings. At first, there is a characteristic tingling sensation, burning sensation, the appearance of "goosebumps" under the sacrum. If the disease progresses, then the extinction of tendon reflexes and muscle weakness will begin to be observed in the lower limbs.
- Excessive sweating.
- Restriction of movement that occurs due to pinched nerves. When turning, bending, changing posture, bouts of pain will occur, similar to electric shocks.
- Coldness of the limbs, skin, whitening.
- In severe cases, sexual dysfunction, problems with urination occur.
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 excruciating, sharp pain that surrounds and travels along the sciatic nerve. As a result of 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.
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 osteochondrosis attacks can be observed.During pregnancy, osteochondrosis can cause premature birth or miscarriage.
Treatment of osteochondrosis: main directions
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine requires various therapies. Only with an integrated approach can you achieve 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, it is necessary to apply acupuncture, hirudotherapy, therapeutic massage, vacuum action, and also to 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 case of exacerbation, you must first relieve stress from the spine. For this, the patient must lie down. It is best to use an orthopedic mattress with pillows for the neck and lower back. Muscle relaxants need to be taken 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:
- taking vitamin B complexes to normalize the conduction of nerve impulses;
- restoration of blood circulation in the tissues due to vasodilator drugs;
- undergoing physical therapy to reduce the number of exacerbations. Special baths, different 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. The exercises are selected by the trainer individually, taking into account the characteristics of the body.
Medicines to treat lumbar osteochondrosis
Medicines are divided by forms and methods of exposure:
- anesthetic creams, gels for external use;
- antispasmodics (act on the nerves leading to muscle fibers, have a relaxing effect, help reduce spasm, improve blood flow);
- hormonal anti-inflammatory drugs. They are used for severe and exhausting pain. Hormones suppress inflammation, relieve pain, but suppress immunity, remove calcium from bones and reduce the 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;
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Medicines reduce pain, relieve inflammation. You have to take them for a long time. They only eliminate the symptoms, they do not affect the cause of the pathology. It negatively affects the mucous membrane of the digestive tract, causing gastritis and ulcers.
- Vitamins of group B
Also, for osteochondrosis, sedatives are prescribed to put the nervous system in order.
Exercise for lumbar osteochondrosis
Physiotherapy should be performed regularly, only in 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 set of special exercises, but also walking has a positive effect on the spine.
There are some restrictions that must be followed to reduce the risk of lower back injuries during gymnastics. For example, exercises with weights cannot be performed. This will lead to 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 lesions, tumors of various origins, hematomas. It is not recommended for diseases of the spine to play active sports.
Diet food as a treatment
A well-designed menu will help maintain health and strengthen body strength. The diet should include:
- cabbages of all kinds;
- beef liver;
- peas;
- sea fish;
- berries;
- eggs;
- carrots;
- dried fruit.
Limit salt, pickles, pickles, condiments, alcoholic beverages, strong coffee and tea.
Possibility of surgery
Lumbar osteochondrosis surgery is prescribed only if serious complications develop, for example, an intervertebral hernia.The most common erasing of a damaged disk.Surgery is considered a radical measure, it is used when other methods have not given a positive result within six months. Modern medicine has high-tech methods of microsurgical and endoscopic treatment, which are less traumatic.