The signs of lumbar osteochondrosis are difficult to spot immediately.Symptoms appear slowly, and a diagnosis has been made in the worsening stage of the disease.It is important to distinguish spinal collapse from other diseases so that you can seek medical attention in time. The main signs of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine:
- Soreness. First, it only shows up when lifting weights, but then becomes constant. It can no longer be associated with any actions. When it gets worse, the pain is unbearable and needs to be eliminated immediately.
- Sensation disorder in the legs. This occurs due to damage to nerve endings. At the beginning, the characteristic tingling sensation, burning sensation and "chicken skin bump" will appear under the is bone. If the disease progresses, then in the lower extremities, loss of tendon reflexes and muscle weakness will begin to be observed.
- Excessive sweating.
- Limitation of movement due to compression of nerves. When turning, tilting, and changing posture, painful episodes similar to electric shocks occur.
- Limbs, skin chills.
- In severe cases, sexual dysfunction and urination problems can occur.
Without prompt treatment, lumbar osteochondrosis can lead to paralysis and disability.
The aggravation of this disease
Relative remission period will exacerbate the condition. They are characterized by shooting around and along the sciatic nerve, severe pain. As the disease progresses, the numbness reaches the toes. This attack destroys the function of the organs and systems of the small pelvis. The result is erectile dysfunction, constipation and urinary incontinence.
The manifestations of female lumbar spine chondropathy
Pain in the pelvic area with lumbar osteochondrosis can seriously affect the female reproductive system.As the disease progresses, the menstrual cycle is destroyed, and its dependence on the onset of osteochondrosis can be observed.During pregnancy, osteochondrosis can cause premature delivery or miscarriage.
Treatment of osteochondrosis: main directions
Lumbar osteochondrosis requires different treatments. Only by adopting a comprehensive approach can you achieve positive results. The use of drugs will only relieve the pain syndrome and will not affect the cause. To get rid of this disease, you need acupuncture, hand and foot therapy, massage massage, vacuum action, and change your usual lifestyle. The treatment plan should be formulated by experts, taking into account the stage of osteochondrosis, individual drug tolerance and the existence of chronic diseases.
The treatment plan for the acute phase and the remission phase is significantly different. In case the condition gets worse, the pressure on the spine must first be relieved. For this, the patient must lie down. It is best to use an orthopedic mattress with rollers for the neck and lower back. It is necessary to take muscle relaxants to help relax and relieve cramps. In order to reduce the consequences of pinching nerve endings, lidocaine and neocaine injections were used.
The following treatment options are used during remission:
- Take vitamin B complex to normalize the conduction of nerve impulses;
- The blood circulation of tissues is restored due to vasodilators;
- is receiving physical therapy to reduce the number of exacerbations. Specify special baths, different types of massage, magnetic therapy, acupuncture;
- Physical therapy exercises will allow you to form a muscular corset, restore mobility in the lumbar area and reduce the burden on the vertebrae. The trainer will select exercises individually based on physical characteristics.
Drugs for treating lumbar osteochondrosis
Drugs are divided into forms and methods of exposure:
- Anesthetic cream, topical gel;
- Antispasmodics (affect the nerves that cause muscle fibers, have a relaxing effect, help reduce spasms and improve blood flow);
- Hormonal anti-inflammatory drugs. They are used to relieve severe pain. Hormones can suppress inflammation and relieve pain, but can suppress immunity, remove calcium from bones, and reduce hormone synthesis.
- Cartilage protective agent for cartilage repair. They slow down the destruction of cartilage, activate the synthesis of intra-articular fluid, reduce inflammation, and stimulate the formation of new cartilage cells;
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. This medicine can reduce pain and relieve inflammation. You need to take it for a long time. They only eliminate symptoms and do not affect the pathological cause. It negatively affects the mucous membrane of the digestive tract, causing gastritis and ulcers.
- Group B vitamins
In addition, for osteochondrosis, prescription tranquilizers can make the nervous system function normally.
Lumbar osteochondrosis exercise
Physical therapy should be carried out regularly, only in this case can the effect of exercise be achieved.Physical activity should become the norm for patients with spinal osteochondrosis.Not only does a series of special exercises, but also walking has a positive effect on the spine.
Certain restrictions must be observed to reduce the risk of lower back injuries during gymnastics. For example, resistance exercises should not be performed. This will cause additional pressure on the vertebrae in a damaged state. It is also recommended not to twist in the waist area. This is especially true for patients with hernias and hernias.
If the patient is injured in addition to lumbar osteochondrosis, has tumors and hematomas of various origins, physical therapy should not be given. It is not recommended for patients with spine diseases to participate in sports.
Diet food
The well-designed menu will help maintain health and strengthen the body. The diet should include:
- All kinds of cabbage;
- beef liver;
- peas;
- Marine fish;
- Berries;
- eggs;
- Carrot;
- Dried fruits.
Limit salt, pickles, pickles, seasonings, alcoholic beverages, espresso and tea.
Possibility of surgical intervention
Surgery for lumbar osteochondrosis is only prescribed if there are serious complications (such as intervertebral hernia).The most common operation to delete a damaged disk.Surgery is considered a fundamental measure, which can be taken when other methods have not achieved positive results within six months. Modern medicine has high-tech microsurgery and endoscopic treatment methods with little trauma.