Osteochondrosis is a dangerous disease of the spine, which, if complicated, can permanently worsen the quality of life.This pathology has become significantly "younger": various forms of the disease are more often found in young people.
Lumbar osteochondrosis: symptoms and drug treatment
Osteochondrosis is the name for the deformation of the intervertebral discs, cartilage and bones of the spinal column.
Depending on the location, there are cervical, thoracic and lumbar (lumbosacral) osteochondrosis.
The causes of the disease are quite different:
- walking upright;
- scoliosis;
- spinal injuries;
- flat feet;
- work involving heavy lifting;
- frequent changes in body position;
- spine overload;
- prolonged stay in uncomfortable positions;
- obesity and low physical activity;
- poor nutrition, accompanied by a lack of nutrients;
- stress.
Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
- First of all, the disease is felt through pain.Pain is painful;
- There is a feeling of pain in the lower extremities, and then numbness;
- Due to discomfort, motor activity is significantly reduced;
- The pain worsens with heavy lifting, intense physical activity, sudden movements, and even sneezing/coughing.
Diagnosis of lumbar osteochondrosis
The conclusion is made by the neurologist based on the patient's complaints.The doctor examines the spine in different positions, at rest / in motion.To confirm the diagnosis, it is necessary to order an X-ray, CT or MRI.Based on the obtained results, a whole series of treatments is prescribed: medicines, exercise, massage, physiotherapy procedures.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine with drugs
Medicines should stop the acute process, alleviate the symptoms and partially restore the damaged tissue of the intervertebral disc.
The drugs used are classified according to the type of action:
- Painkillers – relieve acute pain;
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – relieve swelling and inflammation;
- Muscle relaxants – relax muscle spasms;
- 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
In this period, the most important thing is to alleviate the pain.The therapy starts 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 alleviated with analgesics and NSAIDs.Opioid analgesics are the most effective, but they 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 reaction to inflammation.Muscle tension increases pain.Muscle relaxants relax the muscles and, accordingly, reduce the severity of the disease.
Dosage is selected individually.Therapy with them lasts 2-3 weeks or until the symptoms disappear.
Blockade of pain
Blockade with anesthetics means puncturing the affected area.They can give injections with glucocorticoid drugs.The analgesic effect lasts up to 3 days.
Treatment with hormones
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 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 that have a warming effect and local heating are used.They can also be anti-inflammatory.Ointments and gels reduce the severity of disease symptoms.
Vasodilators - vasodilators
Muscle spasms and pain cause blood vessels to constrict.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 alleviate the symptoms of the lumbar spine disease, but do not affect its causes.Restorative measures should be implemented in combination with symptomatic therapy.However, osteochondrosis does not always manifest itself acutely;for example, when the thoracic region is affected, the disease progresses slowly and is 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 you have to take such drugs for a long time, sometimes for life.The effect appears 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 medicine can include one of these substances or both at once, and it 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 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 can be prescribed.Vitamin-mineral complexes are prescribed as means for general strengthening.
A preventive course of such drugs will support the health of the spine.2-3 courses a year are enough to reduce the risk of worsening of the disease.
Sedatives
Prolonged discomfort depresses a person and can cause stress and even depression.To prevent deterioration of the psycho-emotional state, lemon balm, valerian and combined herbal remedies are prescribed.
If the mental disorders are severe, antidepressants are used.To improve the quality of sleep, sleeping pills are prescribed.