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 varied:
- walking upright;
- scoliosis;
- spinal cord injuries;
- flatfeet?
- jobs that involve heavy lifting.
- frequent changes in body position;
- overload of the spine;
- prolonged stay in uncomfortable positions.
- obesity and low physical activity.
- poor diet, accompanied by nutrient deficiencies.
- stress.
Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
- First of all, the disease is felt through pain.Pain hurts.
- There is a feeling of pain in the lower extremities, and then numbness.
- Due to discomfort, motor activity is significantly reduced.
- Pain worsens when lifting heavy things, vigorous physical activity, sudden movements, even sneezing/coughing.
Diagnosis of lumbar osteochondrosis
The conclusion is drawn 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 scan, or MRI should be ordered to confirm the diagnosis.Based on the results obtained, a whole series 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 tissue of the intervertebral disc.
The drugs used are classified according to their type of action:
- Painkillers - relieve acute pain.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – relieve swelling and inflammation.
- Muscle relaxants – relax spasmodic muscles.
- Glucocorticoid hormones - prescribed when other drugs do not work.
- Cartilage protectors – stimulate the regeneration of cartilage.
- Metabolism/blood flow boosters?
- Minerals and vitamins – improve nerve conduction.
Treatment with drugs for exacerbations
During this time, the most important thing is to get relief from pain.Treatment begins with injections and then continues with tablets.It is very important to start treatment in time, as the inflammation can block the vessels and nerves of the affected part of the spine.
Pain is relieved with analgesics and NSAIDs.Opioid pain relievers are more 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 administration).
Muscle relaxants
Muscle spasm is a reaction to inflammation.Muscle tension increases pain.Muscle relaxants relax the muscles and, consequently, reduce the severity of the disease.
The dosage is selected individually.Treatment with these lasts 2-3 weeks or until the symptoms disappear.
Pain Blocks
Blockade with anesthetics involves puncturing the affected area.They can give injections of glucocorticoid drugs.The analgesic effect lasts up to 3 days.
Hormone therapy
Glucocorticoid hormones have a strong anti-inflammatory effect.But they are used only if there is no effect from less aggressive drugs.Most often, complex drugs are prescribed, one of the components of which are hormones.Hormonal therapy 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 that have a heating and local heating effect.It can 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 dilates blood vessels and improves tissue trophism.
Treatment during recession
In case of an exacerbation, only those drugs are used that relieve the symptoms of the disease of the lumbar spine, but do not affect its causes.Remedial measures should be carried out in conjunction with symptomatic treatment.However, osteochondrosis does not always manifest acutely.for example, when the thoracic region is affected, the disease progresses slowly and is chronic.Therefore, in some cases, the treatment is done without strong drugs.
Chondroprotectors help to 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 cartilage destruction process and stabilize their condition.But you have to take such drugs for a long time, sometimes for life.The result appears at least six months after the start of treatment.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 the same time and may also be supplemented with other active substances.
Examples of chondroprotectants:
- based on glucosamine;
- based on chondroitin;
- with glucosamine and chondroitin.
- with glucosamine, chondroitin and vitamins.
- ampoules for injections.
Medicines to 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 may be prescribed.Vitamin-mineral complexes are prescribed as general strengthening agents.
A preventive course of such drugs will support spinal health.2-3 courses a year are enough to reduce the risk of disease flare-ups.
Tranquilizers
Prolonged discomfort depresses a person and can cause anxiety and even depression.To prevent deterioration of the psycho-emotional state, motherwort, valerian and combined herbal medicines are prescribed.
If the mental disorders are severe, antidepressants are used.To improve the quality of sleep, sleeping pills are prescribed.