Signs of lumbar osteochondrosis are difficult to detect immediately.Symptoms appear slowly, the diagnosis is already placed in the stage of disease exacerbation.It is important to distinguish between spinal collapse and other diseases in order to see a doctor in a timely manner. The main signs of osteochondrosis of the spine in the lumbar spine:
- I'm bored. At first, it manifests itself only when lifting weights, but then it becomes constant. It can no longer be associated with any action. At the moment of deterioration, the pain is unbearable, requires immediate elimination.
- Impaired foot sensitivity. This occurs as a result of damage to the nerve endings. In the beginning, there is a characteristic sensation of tingling, burning sensation, the appearance of "goose bumps" under the sacrum. If the disease progresses, then the disappearance of tendon reflexes and muscle weakness will begin to be noticed in the lower extremities.
- Excessive sweating.
- Restriction of movement that occurs due to tight nerves. When you turn, tilt, change posture, pain attacks similar to electric shocks will occur.
- Coldness of the limbs, skin, whitening.
- In severe cases, sexual dysfunction, urinary problems occur.
Without timely treatment, lumbar osteochondrosis can lead to paralysis and disability.
Worsening of the disease
With relative forgiveness periods, deterioration occurs. They are characterized by shooting, sharp pain that surrounds and travels 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 pelvis. As a result, erectile dysfunction, constipation and urinary incontinence are observed.
Characteristics of the manifestation of osteochondrosis in women
Pain in the pelvic area with lumbar osteochondrosis negatively affects the reproductive system of the female body.As the disease progresses, the menstrual cycle breaks down and its dependence on osteochondrosis attacks can be noticed.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 get a positive result. The use of medication will only alleviate the pain syndrome, will not affect the cause of the disease. To get rid of the disease, you need to apply 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.
Treatment regimens during the acute phase and during remission vary considerably. In case of a deterioration, you should first relieve stress from the spine. For this, the patient must lie down. It is best to use an orthopedic mattress with cushions for the neck and lower back. It is necessary to take muscle relaxants to help you relax and relieve spasms. Injections of lidocaine, novocaine, are used to reduce the effects of nerve endings.
Pardon period assumes the following treatment regimen:
- taking vitamin B complexes to normalize the conduction of nerve impulses;
- restoring blood circulation to tissues due to vasodilator drugs;
- undergoing physical therapy to reduce the number of exacerbations. Special baths, various types of massage, magnetic therapy, acupuncture are described;
- physiotherapy exercises, which allow you to form a muscle corset, restore movement in the lumbar region and reduce the load on the vertebrae. The exercises are chosen by the trainer individually, taking into account the characteristics of the body.
Medications 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 leading to the muscle fibers, have a relaxing effect, help reduce spasm, improve blood flow);
- hormonal anti-inflammatory drugs. They are used for severe, excruciating pain. Hormones suppress inflammation, relieve pain, but suppress immunity, remove calcium from 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, stimulate the formation of new cartilage cells;
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Drugs reduce pain, relieve inflammation. You have to take them for a long time. They only eliminate the symptoms, do not affect the cause of the pathology. Negatively affect the mucosa of the digestive tract, causing gastritis and ulcers.
- Group B Vitamins
Furthermore, in the case of osteochondrosis, sedatives are prescribed to regulate the nervous system.
Exercise for lumbar osteochondrosis
Physiotherapy should be performed regularly, only in this condition will the effect of exercise be achieved.Physical activity should become the norm for people with osteochondrosis of the spine.Not only a series of special exercises, but also walking has a positive effect on the back.
There are some restrictions that need to be followed to reduce the risk of lower back injury during gymnastics. For example, weight-bearing exercises cannot be performed. This will lead to additional stress on the vertebrae, which are in a ruined state. It is also not recommended to twist in the lumbar region. This is especially true for patients with extension and hernia.
Physiotherapy should not be performed if the patient, in addition to lumbar osteochondrosis, has lesions, tumors of various origins and hematomas. It is not recommended that spinal diseases be treated with active sports.Dietary food as treatment
A well-designed menu will help maintain health and strengthen the body. The diet should contain:
- cabbage of all kinds;
- beef liver;
- green peas;
- sea fish;
- manaferrat;
- eggs;
- carrots;
- dried fruits.
Limit salt, pickles, pickles, spices, spirits, strong coffee and tea.
Possibility of surgical intervention
Lumbar osteochondrosis surgery is only prescribed if serious complications develop, for example, an intervertebral hernia.The most common deletion of a damaged disk.Surgical intervention is considered a radical measure, required 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.