Osteochondrosis is a dangerous disease of the spine, if it becomes complicated, it can permanently worsen the quality of life.This pathology has become significantly "younger": various forms of the disease are more and more common 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 location, osteochondrosis of the neck, chest and back (lumbosacral) is distinguished.
The causes of the disease are quite diverse:
- steep walk;
- scoliosis;
- spinal injuries;
- straight legs;
- heavy lifting work;
- frequent changes in body position;
- overload of the spine;
- staying in uncomfortable positions for a long time;
- obesity and low physical activity;
- poor nutrition accompanied by a lack of nutrients;
- stress.
Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
- First of all, the disease makes itself felt through pain.Pain hurts;
- There is a feeling of pain in the lower extremities and then numbness;
- Motor activity is significantly reduced due to anxiety;
- Pain worsens when lifting heavy objects, intense physical activity, sudden movement, even sneezing/coughing.
Diagnosis of lumbar osteochondrosis
The result is given by a neurologist based on the patient's complaints.The doctor examines the spine in different positions, at rest / in motion.X-ray, CT or MRI should be prescribed to confirm the diagnosis.Based on the results, the entire range of treatment is prescribed: drugs, exercise therapy, massage, physiotherapy procedures.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine with drugs
Medicines should stop the acute process, relieve symptoms and partially restore the damaged intervertebral disc tissue.
The drugs used are classified according to the type of action:
- pain relievers - relieve acute pain;
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) - relieve swelling and inflammation;
- muscle relaxant - relax spasmodic muscles;
- Glucocorticoid hormones - prescribed in the absence of the effect of other drugs;
- chondroprotectors - stimulate cartilage regeneration;
- Metabolism/blood flow accelerators;
- Minerals and vitamins - improve nerve conduction.
Treatment with drugs for exacerbation
The most important thing in this period is to relieve pain.Therapy begins with injections and then continues with tablets.It is very important to start treatment on time, because inflammation can block the vessels and nerves of the affected part of the spine.
Pain is relieved with analgesics and NSAIDs.Opioid analgesics are the 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 anxiety and inflammation.There are products for external use (gels, ointments), internal (tablets, capsules) and injection (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.Treatment with these continues for 2-3 weeks or until symptoms disappear.
Pain blocks
Blockade with anesthesia involves puncturing the affected area.They can inject with glucocorticoid preparations.The analgesic effect lasts up to 3 days.
Treatment with hormones
Glucocorticoid hormones have a strong anti-inflammatory effect.But they are used only when there is no effect of less aggressive drugs.Complex drugs are often 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 with warming and local heating effects are used.They may also be anti-inflammatory.Ointments and gels reduce the severity of the symptoms of the disease.
Vasodilators - vasodilators
Muscle spasms and pain cause blood vessels to constrict.To exclude this phenomenon, a drug is prescribed that expands blood vessels and improves tissue trophism.
Treatment during remission
In case of exacerbation, only drugs are used that eliminate the symptoms of back disease, but do not affect its causes.Restorative measures should be taken together with symptomatic therapy.However, osteochondrosis is not always acute;for example, when the breast area is affected, the disease progresses slowly and becomes chronic.Therefore, in some cases, treatment is carried out without strong 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 their condition.But such drugs need to be taken for a long time, sometimes for life.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 can contain one or both of these substances at the same time and can 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 injection.
Medicines that improve blood flow and metabolism
B vitamins, especially 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 support the health of the spine.To reduce the risk of exacerbation of the disease, 2-3 courses per year are enough.
Tranquilizers
Prolonged anxiety depresses a person and can lead to stress and even depression.To prevent deterioration of the psycho-emotional state, mother, 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.