Signs of lumbar osteochondrosis are difficult to recognize immediately.Symptoms appear slowly, diagnosis is made at the stage of exacerbation of the disease.It is important to distinguish between a collapse of the spine and other ailments in order to see a doctor immediately. The main signs of osteochondrosis of the spine in the lumbar spine:
- back pain. At first it only manifests itself when lifting weights, then it becomes constant. Actions can no longer be assigned. At the moment of exacerbation, the pain is unbearable, its immediate elimination is required.
- Sensory impairment of the legs. This is due to an injury to the nerve endings. At the very beginning there is a characteristic tingling sensation, burning sensation, the appearance of "goose bumps" below the sacrum. As the disease progresses, the extinction of tendon reflexes and muscle weakness begins to be observed in the lower extremities.
- Excessive sweating.
- Restricted movement due to pinched nerves. When turning, bending, changing posture, attacks of pain occur, similar to electric shocks.
- Coldness of the limbs, skin, blanching.
- In severe cases, sexual dysfunction occurs, problems with urination.
Without timely treatment, lumbar osteochondrosis can lead to paralysis and disability.
Aggravation of the disease
With relative periods of remission, exacerbations occur. They are characterized by stabbing, sharp pain that circles and wanders down 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.
Features of the manifestation of lumbar osteochondrosis in women
Pain in the pelvic area with lumbar osteochondrosis affects the reproductive system of the female body.As the disease progresses, the menstrual cycle is disturbed and its dependence on the attacks of osteochondrosis can be observed.During pregnancy, osteochondrosis can lead to premature births or miscarriages.
Treatment of osteochondrosis: main directions
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine requires various therapies. Only with an integrated approach can you get a positive result. The use of medication only relieves the pain syndrome and does not affect the cause of the disease. To get rid of the disease, you need to use 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 drug tolerance and the presence of chronic pathologies.
The treatment regimens during the acute phase and during remission differ significantly. In the event of an exacerbation, the first thing to do is to release the tension from the spine. To do this, the patient must lie down. It is better to use an orthopedic mattress with rollers for the neck and lower back. It is necessary to take muscle relaxants to relax and relieve cramps. To reduce the effects of pinching the nerve endings, injections of lidocaine and novocaine are used.
The remission period requires the following treatment regimen:
- Taking vitamin B complexes to normalize the transmission of nerve impulses;
- restoration of blood circulation in tissues due to vasodilators;
- will undergo physical therapy to reduce the number of exacerbations. Special baths, various types of massages, magnetic therapy, acupuncture are prescribed;
- Physiotherapy exercises that allow you to form a muscle corset, restore mobility in the lumbar spine and reduce stress on the vertebrae. The exercises are selected individually by the trainer, 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;
- antispasmodic (act on the nerves that lead to muscle fibers, have a relaxing effect, reduce spasms, improve blood circulation);
- hormonal anti-inflammatory drugs. They are used for severe, exhausting pain. Hormones suppress inflammation, relieve pain, but suppress immunity, flush calcium out of the bones and reduce the synthesis of their hormones.
- Chondroprotectors for cartilage restoration. They slow down the destruction of cartilage, activate the synthesis of intra-articular fluid, relieve inflammation and stimulate the formation of new cartilage cells.
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The drugs relieve pain, relieve inflammation. You have to take them for a long time. They only eliminate symptoms, do not affect the cause of the pathology. Affect the lining of the digestive tract, causing gastritis and ulcers.
- Vitamins of group B
In the case of osteochondrosis, sedatives are also prescribed to put the nervous system in order.
Exercise for lumbar osteochondrosis
Physiotherapy should be carried out regularly, only under this condition the effect of the exercises can be achieved.Physical activity should become the norm in people with osteochondrosis of the spine. Not only a series 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 lower back injury while exercising. For example, resistance exercises should not be done. This puts additional stress on the vertebrae, which are in a destroyed state. It is also not recommended to twist the lumbar spine. This is especially true for patients with protrusions and hernias.
Physiotherapy should not be performed if, in addition to lumbar osteochondrosis, the patient has injuries, tumors of various origins and hematomas. It is not recommended to actively participate in sports with diseases of the spine.
Diet food for treatment
A well-designed menu will help maintain health and strengthen the body's strength. The diet should contain:
- Cabbage of all kinds;
- beef liver;
- green peas;
- sea fish;
- berries;
- eggs;
- carrots;
- dried fruits.
Limit salt, pickles, pickles, spices, alcoholic beverages, strong coffee and tea.
Possibility of surgical intervention
Surgery for lumbar osteochondrosis is prescribed only if there are serious complications, such as: B. an intervertebral hernia.The most common wipe of a damaged hard drive.Surgical interventions are considered a radical measure and are used when other methods have not produced a positive result within six months. Modern medicine has high-tech methods of microsurgical and endoscopic treatment that are less traumatic.