Osteochondrosis is a dangerous disease of the spine, which, if complicated, can permanently impair 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 drug treatment
Osteochondrosis is the name given to the deformation of the intervertebral discs, cartilages and bones of the spine.
Depending on the localization, cervical, thoracic and lumbar (lumbosacral) osteochondrosis are distinguished.
The causes of the disease are quite diverse:
- walking upright;
- scoliosis;
- spine injuries;
- flat feet;
- work involving heavy lifting;
- frequent changes in body position;
- overload of the spine;
- prolonged stay in uncomfortable positions;
- obesity and low physical activity;
- poor nutrition accompanied by nutrient deficiency;
- stress.
Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
- First of all, the disease is felt through pain.The pain is painful;
- There is a feeling of pain in the lower limbs and subsequently numbness;
- Due to discomfort, motor activity is significantly reduced;
- The pain is aggravated by lifting heavy objects, intense physical activity, sudden movement and even 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.An X-ray, CT or MRI should be ordered to confirm the diagnosis.Based on the results obtained, a whole range of treatment is prescribed: drugs, exercises, massage, physiotherapy procedures.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine with drugs
Medicines should stop the acute process, relieve the symptoms and partially restore the damaged tissue of the intervertebral disc.
The drugs used are classified according to the type of action:
- Pain relievers - 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.
Drug treatment for exacerbations
During this period, the most important thing is to relieve the pain.Therapy begins with injections and then continues with tablets.It is very important to start treatment in a timely manner, because the 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 use).
Muscle relaxants
Muscle spasm is a response to inflammation.Muscle tension increases pain.Muscle relaxants relax the muscles and accordingly reduce the severity of the disease.
The dosage is selected individually.Therapy with them lasts 2-3 weeks or until symptoms disappear.
Pain blocks
Blockade with anesthetics involves a puncture of the affected area.They may give injections of glucocorticoid drugs.The analgesic effect lasts up to 3 days.
Hormone treatment
Glucocorticoid hormones have a powerful anti-inflammatory effect.But they are used only if there is no effect of less aggressive drugs.Most often, complex drugs are prescribed, one of the components of which are 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, which have a warming and local warming effect.They can also be anti-inflammatory.Ointments and gels reduce the severity of the symptoms of the disease.
Vasodilators - vasodilators
Muscle spasms and pain provoke narrowing of blood vessels.To rule out this phenomenon, a drug is prescribed that expands blood vessels and improves tissue trophism.
Treatment during remission
In case of exacerbation, only those drugs 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 acutely;for example, when the thoracic region is affected, the disease progresses slowly and is chronic.That is why in some cases the treatment is carried out without powerful 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 its condition.But you have to take such drugs for a long time, sometimes for a lifetime.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 drug may include one or both of these substances at once and may 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.
Medicines to improve blood circulation and metabolism
Vitamins of group B, in particular B1, B6 and B12, as well as ascorbic acid have a beneficial effect on the peripheral nervous system.Complex vitamin preparations can be prescribed.Vitamin-mineral complexes are prescribed as general strengthening agents.
A preventive course of such drugs will maintain the health of the spine.2-3 courses per year are enough to reduce the risk of exacerbation of the disease.
Soothing
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.Sleeping pills are prescribed to improve the quality of sleep.