Osteochondrosis is a dangerous disease of the spine, which in the complicated course can permanently impair the quality of life. This pathology is clearly "younger": various forms of the disease are becoming more common in young people.
Lumbar osteochondrosis: symptoms and drug treatment
Osteochondrosis is the deformation of the intervertebral discs, cartilage and bones of the spine.
Depending on the localization, cervical, thoracic and lumbar (lumbosacral) osteochondrosis are isolated.
The causes of the disease are very diverse:
- upright posture;
- scoliosis;
- spinal injury;
- flat feet;
- work related to lifting weights;
- frequent changes in posture;
- overload of the spine;
- prolonged stay in uncomfortable positions;
- obesity and low physical activity;
- poor nutrition, accompanied by a lack of nutrients;
- emphasize.
Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
- First of all, the disease makes itself felt through the pain syndrome. Pain is inherently painful;
- In the lower extremities there is a feeling of pain, and later - numbness;
- Due to discomfort, motor activity is significantly reduced;
- The pain is made worse by lifting heavy objects, strenuous exercise, sudden movements, and even sneezing/coughing.
Diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
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. An X-ray, CT, or MRI should be ordered to confirm the diagnosis. Based on the results obtained, a whole range of treatments is prescribed: medication, exercise therapy, massage, physiotherapy procedures.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine with drugs
Drugs should stop the acute process, relieve symptoms, partially restore damaged tissues of the intervertebral discs.
The drugs used are classified according to the type of effect:
- painkillers - eliminate acute pain;
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) - reduce swelling and inflammation;
- muscle relaxants - relax spasmodic muscles;
- Glucocorticoid hormones - prescribed in the absence of the effect of other drugs;
- Chondroprotectors - stimulate regeneration of cartilage;
- Means for accelerating metabolism / blood flow;
- Minerals and vitamins - improve nerve conduction.
Drug treatment of exacerbations
During this time, the most important thing is to relieve pain. Therapy begins with injections and then continues with tablets. It is very important to start treatment in a timely manner, since inflammation can block the vessels and nerves of the affected spine.
Pain is relieved with analgesics and NSAIDs. Opioid analgesics are the most 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 reduce discomfort and inflammation. There are products for external use (gels, ointments), for internal use (tablets, capsules) and in the form of injections (for intramuscular, subcutaneous, intravenous administration).
muscle relaxants
Muscle spasms are a response to inflammation. Muscle tension increases the pain. Muscle relaxants relax the muscles or reduce the severity of the disease.
The dosage is chosen individually. Therapy with these lasts 2-3 weeks or until symptoms disappear.
pain blocks
Blockage with anesthetics is chipping off the affected area. You can give injections with glucocorticoid drugs. The analgesic effect lasts up to 3 days.
hormone treatment
Glucocorticoid hormones have a strong anti-inflammatory effect. However, these are used only in the absence of the effect of less aggressive drugs. Complex drugs are most often prescribed, the components of which include hormones. Hormone treatment is associated with a high risk of side effects, so it is prescribed for the shortest possible time.
preparations for external use
With exacerbation of lumbar osteochondrosis, various gels / ointments are used that have a warming and local warming effect. They 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 narrow. To exclude such a phenomenon, a drug is prescribed that expands blood vessels and improves tissue trophism.
treatment during remission
With an exacerbation, only such drugs are used that relieve the symptoms of the disease of the lumbar spine, but do not affect its causes. Restorative measures should be carried out in combination with symptomatic therapy. However, osteochondrosis does not always make itself felt acutely, for example, if the thoracic area is affected, the disease progresses slowly and is chronic. Therefore, in some cases, potent drugs are dispensed with.
Chondroprotectors help restore the functions of the intervertebral discs of the lumbar spine. They saturate the cartilage tissue with useful substances and restore the elasticity of the intervertebral discs.
Chondroprotectors stop the process of cartilage destruction, stabilize their condition. But these drugs have to be taken for a long time, sometimes for life. The effect occurs at the earliest six months after the start of therapy. Chondroprotectors are used both externally and internally, as well as in the form of injections.
As the basis of such drugs, two active substances are taken - glucosamine and chondroitin. The drug can contain either one of these substances or both at the same time, as well as 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 injection.
Drugs to improve blood circulation and metabolism
B vitamins, especially B1, B6 and B12, as well as ascorbic acid have a positive effect on the peripheral nervous system. Complex vitamin preparations can be prescribed. For general strengthening, vitamin-mineral complexes are prescribed.
A preventive course with such drugs will support spinal health. Enough 2-3 courses per year to reduce the risk of exacerbation of the disease.
tranquilizers (sedatives)
Prolonged discomfort depresses a person, can cause stress and even depression. To prevent the deterioration of the psycho-emotional state, preparations of motherwort, valerian and combined herbal medicines are prescribed.
Antidepressants are used for severe mental disorders. Sleeping pills are prescribed to improve sleep quality.