Signs of lumbar osteochondrosis are difficult to recognize immediately.Symptoms appear slowly, the diagnosis is made at the stage of exacerbation of the disease.It is important to distinguish between spine collapse and other diseases in order to consult a doctor in a timely manner. The main signs of osteochondrosis of the spine in the lumbar spine:
- Back pain. At first it appears only when lifting weights, but then it becomes permanent. It can no longer be associated with any actions. At the moment of exacerbation the pain is unbearable, it is necessary to remove it immediately.
- Impaired leg sensitivity. This occurs as a result of injury to the nerve endings. At the very beginning there is a characteristic 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 observed in the lower extremities.
- Excessive sweating.
- Restriction of movement that occurs due to nerve compression. When turning, bending, changing posture, attacks of pain similar to electric shocks will occur.
- Colds on the limbs, skin, whitening.
- In severe cases, sexual dysfunction, urination problems occur.
Without timely treatment, lumbar osteochondrosis can lead to paralysis and damage.
Exacerbation of the disease
Exacerbations occur with relative periods of remission. They are characterized by shooting, a sharp pain that surrounds and travels down the sciatic nerve. As a result of the development of the disease, the tingling 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.
Peculiarities of lumbar osteochondrosis in women
Pelvic pain with lumbar osteochondrosis adversely affects the reproductive system of the female body.As the disease progresses, the menstrual cycle is disrupted and its dependence on osteochondrosis attacks can be observed.During pregnancy, osteochondrosis can cause premature birth or miscarriage.
Treatment of osteochondrosis: basic guidelines
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine requires various therapies. Only with an integrated approach can you get a positive result. The use of drugs 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 differ significantly. In case of exacerbation, you must first relieve the stress from the spine. For this, the patient must lie down. It is better to use an orthopedic mattress with rollers for the neck and lower back. You need to take muscle relaxants to help relax and relieve cramps. To reduce the effects of pinching nerve endings, injections of lidocaine, novocaine are used.
The remission period implies the following treatment regimen:
- intake of vitamin B complexes to normalize the conduction of nerve impulses;
- restoration of blood circulation in the tissues due to vasodilators;
- underwent physical therapy to reduce the number of exacerbations. Special baths, various types of massage, magnetic therapy, acupuncture are prescribed;
- physiotherapy exercises that allow you to form a corset of muscles, restore mobility in the lumbar region and reduce the load on the vertebrae. The exercises are selected by the coach individually, taking into account the characteristics of the body.
Drugs for the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis
Drugs are divided into forms and methods of exposure:
- anesthetic creams, gels for external use;
- antispasmodics (affect the nerves that lead to muscle fibers, have a relaxing effect, help reduce spasm, improve blood flow);
- hormonal anti-inflammatory drugs. They are used for severe, debilitating pain. Hormones suppress inflammation, relieve pain, but suppress immunity, wash calcium from the bones and reduce the synthesis of their hormones.
- chondroprotectors to restore cartilage tissue. 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. Medications 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. They have a negative effect on the lining of the digestive tract, causing gastritis and ulcers.
- B vitamins
In addition, sedatives are prescribed for osteochondrosis to regulate the nervous system.
Exercise for lumbar osteochondrosis
Physiotherapy should be performed regularly, only under 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 set of special exercises, but also walking has a positive effect on the spine.
There are certain restrictions that must be observed to reduce the risk of lower back injury during exercise. For example, weight-bearing exercises cannot be performed. This will lead to additional stress on the vertebrae, which are in a destroyed state. Lumbar torsion is also not recommended. This is especially true for patients with protrusions and hernias.
Physiotherapy should not be performed if the patient, in addition to lumbar osteochondrosis, has injuries, tumors of various origins and hematomas. It is not recommended to do active sports for diseases of the spine.
Dietary food as a treatment
A well-designed menu will help maintain health and strengthen the body. The diet should include:
- cabbage of all kinds;
- beef liver;
- green peas;
- sea fish;
- fruits;
- eggs;
- carrots;
- dried fruits.
Limit salt, pickles, pickles, spices, alcoholic beverages, strong coffee and tea.
Possibility for surgical intervention
Lumbar osteochondrosis surgery is only prescribed if serious complications, such as an intervertebral hernia, develop.The most common way to delete a damaged disk.Surgery is considered a radical measure, it is resorted to when other methods have not yielded a positive result within six months. Modern medicine has high-tech methods for microsurgical and endoscopic treatment that are less traumatic.