Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis are difficult to detect immediately.Symptoms appear slowly, the diagnosis is already in the acute stage of the disease.It is important to differentiate between spinal collapse and other diseases in order to see a doctor in a timely manner. The main symptoms of lumbar spine osteochondrosis:
- Rear. At first it shows itself only when lifting weights, but then it becomes stable. It can no longer be associated with any action. In case of exacerbation, the pain is unbearable and requires immediate removal.
- Sensory disorders in the legs. This occurs as a result of damage to the nerve endings. At the very beginning there is a characteristic tingling sensation, a burning sensation, the appearance of "gas lumps" under the sacrum. As the disease progresses, the disappearance of tendon reflexes and muscle weakness will begin to be observed in the lower extremities.
- Excessive sweating.
- Restriction of movement due to nerve compression. When turning, there will be bending, change of posture, pain attacks similar to electric shock.
- Hands and feet, cold skin, bleaching.
- In severe cases, sexual dysfunction and urinary problems occur.
Without timely treatment, osteochondrosis of the spine can lead to paralysis and disability.
Exacerbation of the disease
Inflammation occurs with periods of relative remission. They are characterized by shooting, sharp pain surrounding the sciatic nerve and extending downward. As a result of the development of the disease, numbness reaches the toes. Such attacks disrupt the functioning of small pelvic organs and systems. As a result, erectile dysfunction, constipation and urination are observed.
Features of manifestation of lumbar osteochondrosis in women
Pain in the pelvic region with lumbar osteochondrosis adversely affects the reproductive system of the female body.With the development of the disease, the menstrual cycle is disrupted and dependence on osteochondrosis attacks can be observed.Osteochondrosis during pregnancy can lead to premature birth or pregnancy.
Treatment of osteochondrosis: main directions
Lumbar osteochondrosis requires different therapies. Only with an integrated approach can you achieve a positive result. The use of drugs will only eliminate the pain syndrome, not affect the cause of the disease. To get rid of the disease, you need to apply acupuncture, hirudotherapy, therapeutic massage, vacuum surgery and change your usual lifestyle. The treatment plan should be determined by specialists, taking into account the stage of osteochondrosis, individual drug tolerance and the presence of chronic pathologies.
Treatment regimens differ significantly in the acute phase and in remission. In case of exacerbation, you must first relieve stress from the spine. To do this, the patient must lie down. It is better to use an orthopedic mattress with pillows for the neck and back. It is necessary to take muscle relaxants to help relax and relieve spasms. Lidocaine and novocaine injections are used to reduce the effects of nerve ending compression.
The remission period involves the following treatment regimen:
- intake of vitamin B complexes to normalize the conduction of nerve impulses;
- Restoration of blood circulation in tissues due to vasodilator drugs;
- Physical therapy is done to reduce the number of exacerbations. Special baths, different types of massage, magnetic therapy, acupuncture are prescribed;
- Physiotherapy exercises that allow you to create a corset of muscles, restore mobility in the lumbar region and reduce the load on the spine. Exercises are selected individually by the coach, taking into account the characteristics of the body.
Medications for the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis
Medications are divided into forms and methods of exposure:
- anesthetic creams, gels for external use;
- antispasmodics (affects the nerves that cause muscle fibers, has a calming effect, helps reduce spasms, improves blood flow);
- hormonal anti-inflammatory drugs. They are used for severe, tiring pain. Hormones suppress inflammation, reduce pain, but suppress immunity, remove calcium from the bones and reduce the synthesis of hormones.
- Chondroprotectors for cartilage repair. Slows down the destruction of cartilage, activates the synthesis of intra-articular fluid, eliminates inflammation, stimulates the formation of new cartilage cells;
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Medications reduce pain, eliminate inflammation. You have to take them for a long time. They only eliminate the symptoms, they do not affect the cause of the pathology. Causes gastritis and ulcers by adversely affecting the mucous membrane of the digestive tract.
- B vitamins
In addition, sedatives are prescribed to calm the nervous system during osteochondrosis.
Exercise for lumbar osteochondrosis
Physiotherapy should be performed regularly, only in this case the effect of exercise will be achieved.Physical activity should become the norm for people with osteochondrosis of the spine. Not only a number of special exercises, but also walking has a positive effect on the spine.
To reduce the risk of back injuries during gymnastics, certain restrictions must be observed. For example, resistance actions should not be done. This will cause additional stress on the destroyed vertebrae. Bending at the waist is also not recommended. This is especially true for patients with bulges and hernias.
Physiotherapy should not be performed if the patient has injuries other than lumbar osteochondrosis, tumors of various origins and hematomas. Spinal diseases are not recommended for active sports.
Dietary food as a treatment
A well-prepared menu will help maintain health and strengthen the body. The diet should include:
- all kinds of cabbage;
- beef liver;
- green peas;
- sea fish;
- berries;
- egg;
- carrots;
- dried fruits.
Limit salt, pickles, pickles, spices, alcoholic beverages, strong coffee and tea.
Probability of surgical intervention
Lumbar osteochondrosis surgery is prescribed only in case of serious complications, such as an intervertebral hernia.The most common deletion of a damaged disk.Surgery is considered a radical measure, while other methods do not work within six months. Modern medicine has less high-tech microsurgical and endoscopic treatments that are less traumatic.