The signs of lumbar osteochondrosis are difficult to detect immediately.The symptoms appear slowly, the diagnosis is made at the stage of exacerbation of the disease.It is important to distinguish between collapse of the spine and other diseases in order to consult 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 in weight lifting, 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.
- Impaired leg sensitivity. This occurs as a result of injury to nerve endings. In the beginning, there is a characteristic sensation of tingling, burning sensation, the appearance of "chills" below the sacrum. If the disease progresses, then in the lower extremities, the extinction of tendon reflexes and muscle weakness will begin to be observed.
- Excessive sweating.
- Movement restriction that occurs due to pinched nerves. When you turn, bend, change your posture, there will be attacks of pain, similar to electric shocks.
- Coldness of limbs, skin, whitening.
- In severe cases, sexual dysfunction occurs, problems when urinating.
Without timely treatment, lumbar osteochondrosis can cause paralysis and disability.
Exacerbation of the disease
With relative periods of remission, exacerbations occur. They are characterized by a sharp and acute pain that surrounds and runs through the sciatic nerve. As a result of the development of the disease, numbness strikes the toes. These attacks disrupt the functioning of the organs and systems of the small pelvis. The result is erectile dysfunction, constipation and urinary incontinence.
Characteristics 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.As the disease progresses, the menstrual cycle is interrupted and you can see your dependence on osteochondrosis crises.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, it will not affect the cause of the disease. To get rid of the disease, it is necessary to apply acupuncture, hirudotherapy, massage therapy, vacuum action and also change your usual lifestyle. The treatment plan must be prescribed by specialists, taking into account the stage of osteochondrosis, individual tolerance to medications 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 spinal stress. For this, the patient must lie down. It is best to use an orthopedic mattress with pillows for the neck and lower back. It is necessary to take muscle relaxants to help you relax and relieve spasms. To reduce the consequences of pinching nerve endings, injections of lidocaine, novocaine are used.
The remission period assumes the following treatment regime:
- taking vitamin B complexes to normalize the conduction of nerve impulses;
- restoration of blood circulation in the tissues due to vasodilator drugs;
- in physiotherapy to reduce the number of exacerbations. Special baths, different types of massages, magnetic therapy, acupuncture are prescribed;
- physiotherapy exercises, which make it possible to form a corset of muscles, restore mobility in the lower back and reduce the load on the vertebrae. The exercises are selected by the trainer individually, taking into account the characteristics of the body.
Medicines 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 that lead to muscle fibers, have a relaxing effect, help to 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, release calcium from bones and reduce the synthesis of your hormones.
- chondroprotectors for cartilage restoration. They delay 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 need 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.
- Group B vitamins
In addition, in case of osteochondrosis, sedatives are prescribed to cleanse the nervous system.
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 walking also has a positive effect on the spine.
There are certain restrictions that must be followed to reduce the risk of injury to the lower back during gymnastics. For example, resistance exercises should not be performed. This will lead to additional stress on the vertebrae, which are destroyed. It is also not recommended to twist in the lower back. 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. Active sports are not recommended for spine disorders.
Dietary foods as treatment
A well-designed menu will help to maintain health and strengthen the body's strength. The diet should include:
- cabbage of all kinds; bovine 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
Lumbar osteochondrosis surgery is prescribed only if serious complications occur, for example, an intervertebral hernia.The most common deletion of a damaged disk.Surgical intervention is considered a radical measure, it is used when other methods have not tested positive in six months. Modern medicine has high-tech methods of microsurgical and endoscopic treatment, which are less traumatic.