Tablets for lumbar osteochondrosis: features of drug treatment, the best drugs to treat

Osteochondrosis is a disease that is degenerative in nature.

Lumbar osteochondrosis, causes

Conservative treatment of the disease must be comprehensive. The complex includes physiotherapy, physical therapy and kinesitherapy, massage and manual therapy, reflexology, diet, traditional medicine methods, as well as drug treatment. Drug treatment means the use of topical medications (creams, ointments, gels, patches, etc.), taking medications in the form of tablets (vitamins, NSAIDs, chondroprotectors, etc.), as well as in cases of severe exacerbation and during remission, injections are used with osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine.

Injections for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine

On a note! Injectable medications are more effective than topical medications and tablets.

Features of drug treatment

There is no universal cure for lumbar osteochondrosis, since treatment requires an integrated approach, including not only medications, but physiotherapeutic procedures, massages, and gymnastics. Only in this case can you achieve a good result.

Treatment with medications is aimed at achieving the following results:

Elimination of acute pain syndrome.
Slowing down the progression of the pathological process.
Restoring joint mobility.
Regeneration of cartilage tissue.
Normalization of blood circulation.
Eliminate stiffness and return to normal life.
Improvement of psycho-emotional state.

Drug treatment can significantly improve the quality of life and restore normal motor activity. To do this, doctors use various groups of modern pharmacological agents. These are anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics, chondroprotectors, muscle relaxants and vitamin complexes.

Conservative therapy effectively relieves stiffness and swelling and improves the patient’s overall physical condition. But without taking medications aimed at restoring damaged discs, the effect will always be temporary, and the vertebrae will continue to deform. Therefore, self-medication with uncontrolled use of drugs aimed at eliminating the main symptoms is unacceptable, this only worsens the patient’s condition.

Indications for use of tablets

The main indications for the use of tablets for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine include the following:

pathological changes in cartilage tissue in the cervical spine, which were confirmed during an x-ray examination;

Manifestations of neck osteochondrosis
frequent attacks of nausea, dizziness and severe headache;
decreased blood pressure;
stiffness of movements;
decreased sensitivity in the cervical region or its complete loss;
antispasmodic contractions of the neck muscles caused by pinched nerves;
pronounced painful sensations.

Some drugs for osteochondrosis

The appearance of at least one of the above symptoms should be a reason to use medications. It is also recommended to take tablets when diagnosing the initial stages of pathology. This will prevent the development of serious complications caused by the progression of cervical osteochondrosis.

Analgesics

The main task of the doctor in the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis is to eliminate pain. For this purpose, various painkillers are prescribed, depending on the cause of the discomfort. They are aimed at improving the patient’s general condition and eliminating spasm. Despite the fact that they effectively relieve pain, they do not have any effect on the cause of the pathological process. The following painkillers are used for lumbar osteochondrosis:

"Ketanov."
"Ketorol".
"Spazmalgon."
"Novigan".
"Nise."

Painkillers have a number of serious contraindications, so before prescribing, the doctor carefully examines the patient’s medical history and the presence of chronic pathologies.

Types of medications for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis

For cervical osteochondrosis, drug treatment has several goals:

getting rid of pain or dulling it;
relief of inflammation;
slowing down the destruction of cartilage tissue;
restoration of joint mobility.

But how to treat cervical osteochondrosis? The doctor prescribes a complex drug treatment for osteochondrosis, consisting of several drugs, based on a complete medical history.

Painkillers

For moderate pain, painkillers in tablets, for example, Paracetamol or Analgin, are prescribed. In case of unbearable discomfort, opioid medications are selected. The most effective medicine for osteochondrosis from this group is the drug Tramadol. The disadvantage of the second group is the mechanism of rapid addiction, so using them in the case of cervical osteochondrosis more than 3 times is potentially dangerous.

None of the painkillers affect the cause of cervical osteochondrosis; they only relieve pain for effective therapeutic treatment.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Anti-inflammatory drugs for osteochondrosis with a non-steroidal nature are not related to human hormones and have minimal side effects. Drugs for osteochondrosis of this group are designed to relieve discomfort, swelling and other manifestations of pathology. The release form of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is extensive, but each serves a specific stage:

solutions (for example, Voltaren, the drug Ketorol) are administered for pain relief;
tablets (Ortofen, Ibuprofen) are used for long-term therapy;
gels and ointments (Fastum, Voltaren) are designed to get rid of residual inflammation.

Antibiotics are not used for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine; they are not able to relieve inflammation in the bone tissue.

Vasodilator medications

Cervical osteochondrosis is the root cause of local vascular spasms, leading to poor blood supply to the brain, consequently, lack of oxygen and increased blood pressure. Vasodilator medications (Trental, Mexidol) in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis play the role of stabilizers of pressure, metabolic processes and blood circulation at the site of the pathological process.

Chondroprotectors

An effective remedy for cervical osteochondrosis is a group of chondroprotectors. The course of treatment with such drugs takes a long period of time; among the main effects of use is inhibition of inflammatory and degenerative processes in bone tissue. Typically, chondroprotectors are chosen in the form of tablets or injections (for example, Teraflex, Artra, etc.).

Vitamins

Since the blood supply is disrupted due to the progression of cervical osteochondrosis, nutrients are limited to the tissues. In order to compensate for their deficiency, as well as for complex therapy of the disease, doctors prescribe vitamin preparations for the treatment of osteochondrosis (multivitamin Milgamma, Duovit, Doppelherz and others). Sometimes calcium is prescribed personally. In addition, vitamin complexes help the body cope during the recovery period, strengthening the immune system and providing a general healing effect.

B vitamins

B vitamins are used to prevent damage to the neural structures of the brain and restore cellular structures in cervical osteochondrosis. It has been proven that they help protect nerve roots from destructive influences, restoring nervous sensitivity, reducing numbness of the hands - symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis. The most common of them are Thiamine (B1), Cyanocobalamin (B12), and the drug Pyridoxine (B6).

Vitamin D

Vitamin D plays a special role in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis - the presence of this vitamin in the body promotes the complete absorption of calcium, which is necessary for the reconstruction of damaged bone structures of the spine. The drug Calciferol is widely used.

Vitamins A and E

To stimulate metabolism and fully restore damage to the cervical spine with osteochondrosis, vitamin A or Retinol (the drug is called “Retinol acetate”) is indispensable. It stimulates the body's production of collagen, which slows down the aging of all structures, strengthens intervertebral discs and participates in the renewal of almost all tissues of the body.

An element such as tocopherol or vitamin E is used to regulate blood circulation and regenerate cartilage structures. Promotes the body's resistance to toxins.

Muscle relaxants

Muscle relaxants help to cope with muscle spasms in cervical osteochondrosis. Additional effects that are characteristic of this group of drugs are sedative and analgesic. Common drugs include Tizanidine and Baclofen. It is worth noting that they are used for a short course because they are addictive.

Paravertebral blockade

In some cases, it is necessary to immediately relieve pain and normalize the exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis, for example, in cases of diagnosis or surgical intervention. The block is an injection of a special solution into the nerve, performed by a trained medical professional. The paravertebral type of blockade is characterized by the insertion of a needle in close proximity to the spine. Novocaine is usually used, the effect of which begins instantly and lasts up to 3-4 weeks.

Hormonal drugs

In situations where the pain syndrome could not be relieved with non-hormonal drugs, drugs for osteochondrosis based on glucocorticoid hormones are used (the drug Prednizolog, Diprospan and others). The disadvantage of such drugs is addiction and a large number of side effects; their use must be justified.

Types of ointments against osteochondrosis

For some patients, traditional treatment is not available; medications for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are selected based on the manifestations of concomitant diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, in which it has been established that tablets cannot be taken for osteochondrosis, as well as the heart or endocrine system. The use of local remedies - ointments, gels, patches - is justified. According to their effect, ointments can be divided into the following groups:

relieving inflammation with an analgesic effect (Natsz, Voltaren, Fastum gel);
warming, which helps stimulate blood flow (Finalgon, Nicoflex);
chondoprotective ointments (the drug Chondroxide);
complex with several effects (Dolobene);
homeopathic with a composition mainly of extracts and squeezes of various plants (Bishofite, Traumeel S).

Anti-inflammatory drugs

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for lumbar osteochondrosis are the basis of therapy, as they can enhance the effect of painkillers and eliminate inflammation, swelling, and reduce pressure on nerve endings. They are used in the form of injections, tablets and ointments.

The main groups of NSAID drugs are:

Tablets that relax muscles for osteochondrosis

Diclofenac (“Voltaren”, “Diklak”).
Ketoprofen (“Febrofid”, “Ketonal”).
Ibuprofen (Dolgit, Nurofen).
Nimisulide (“Nise”, “Nimesil”).
Meloxicam (Movasin, Movalis).

Such drugs for the treatment of osteochondrosis are not used for a long time, as they can provoke serious damage to the mucous membrane of the stomach or intestines. Therefore, the dosage and duration are selected strictly by the doctor; self-medication is unacceptable.

Injections for osteochondrosis of the thoracic and lumbar spine

The principle of action of injections for osteochondrosis of the thoracic or lumbar spine is similar to the treatment of the cervical spine. Painkillers, anti-inflammatory and restorative drugs are also used here.

The dosage of the medicine is calculated based on the patient’s age, weight and other indicators. At the same time, injections for lumbar osteochondrosis can reduce the harmful effects on the stomach and intestines, since the medicine goes directly to the affected area.

Chondroprotectors

Drugs from the category of chondroprotectors are indispensable in the treatment of degenerative processes of the lumbosacral spine. Most of them contain glucosamine as an active substance, which helps restore cartilage tissue and protect healthy cells from damage. The following medications are prescribed to patients:

"Mukosat."
"Triactive".
"Rumalon".
"Arteparon".
"Structum".
"Movex".

It will take a long time to treat the affected tissue with tablets; for some patients, courses of up to six months are prescribed. But the resulting effect lasts for life. The most effective chondroprotectors are in the form of injections and tablets. They provide effectiveness depending on the stage of development of the pathological process.

Drugs for the treatment of osteochondrosis. Description and dosage

"Actovegin"

"Actovegin" is a drug with a wide range of applications. The action is aimed at activating metabolism in tissues and stimulating the regeneration process. The drug significantly increases the resistance of tissues and cells to hypoxia. Improves the synthesis of collagen fibers. Enhances the utilization of glucose from the blood, which leads to normalization of the functioning of all parts of the central nervous system.

Active substance: deproteinized hemoderivative from the blood of calves. Also contains water and sodium chloride.

Release form:

Vasodilators

Vasodilators are also prescribed for osteochondrosis of the lumbar region, which help restore normal blood circulation in the affected area. They stabilize the condition by saturating tissues with oxygen and other nutrients. The following medications are usually used by doctors:

"Pentoxifylline."
"Berlition".
"Eufillin."
"Trental."

The drugs are used with extreme caution, as they have a large number of contraindications. It is unacceptable to prescribe them if you have heart problems, kidney failure, or a high probability of an allergic reaction to one of the components of the drug.

Injectable drugs are used primarily in hospital settings

Blockade for osteochondrosis

Blockades are used to instantly relieve pain syndromes. The effect of the drugs begins immediately at the time of administration of the drug. The result is:

blocking pain impulses coming from the affected area;
stimulation of blood supply;
reduction of muscle spasms;
anti-inflammatory effect.

For osteochondrosis, in combination with vitamins, antispasmodics, hormonal drugs, novocaine blockades are also used, when novocaine is injected into the painful point.

Muscle relaxants

Osteochondrosis often causes stiffness in the lumbar region. This does not allow you to fully straighten up, walk normally, or even fully care for yourself. In order to relieve muscle spasms, the doctor prescribes a drug from the group of muscle relaxants that can relax the tight area, normalize blood flow in it, and improve overall well-being. The following drugs are used to restore vertebral mobility:

"Mydocalm."
"Baclofen."
"Tizanidizine."
"Baclofen."
"Cyclobenzaprine."

Treatment with products from this group allows you to restore normal mobility of the affected area, speed up the recovery process and eliminate the tension. However, muscle relaxants are not used unless there are serious indications, as they can cause a large number of unwanted side effects. Their use is unacceptable if the patient has peptic ulcers, liver failure, or myasthenia gravis.

Osteochondrosis: treatment, injections

Osteochondrosis is a chronic disease that, if left untreated, can lead to a huge number of complications. As a rule, it is diagnosed in people over the age of forty. But the pathology shows the first signs in the form of pain in the spine much earlier - at 20-30 years of age.

Unfortunately, many patients seek medical help only in cases where osteochondrosis worsens, the person is overcome by insurmountable weakness, and is tormented by severe muscle spasms and pain. In this situation, a person is unable to care for himself and requires urgent medical attention.

The patient's suffering can be quickly relieved with an injection of an anesthetic drug. After the injection, the medicine immediately enters the bloodstream and begins to act immediately. For severe pain accompanying osteochondrosis, injections are the most effective means of combating pain.

Vitamin complexes

To fully restore the affected area of cartilage due to lumbar osteochondrosis, you will need to use drugs with a high content of calcium and other useful substances. It is the elimination of the deficiency of necessary components that helps improve the condition of bones, ligaments, muscles and cartilage. The following drugs are used:

"Milgamma".
"Neurorubin."
"Neurobion".
"Neuroplex".

All of them contain B vitamins and mineral components that help strengthen bone tissue, protect it from destruction, and reduce the manifestation of the inflammatory process. Thanks to the use of such drugs, it is possible to achieve stable remission and restore the patient's health.

Special plasters effectively relieve pain due to osteochondrosis

Forms of release of medicines

Medicines are offered in pharmacies in various forms: ointments, tablets, injections. The doctor selects the appropriate one, taking into account the patient’s severe symptoms, concomitant diseases, and chronic pathologies. Many types of painkillers are contraindicated for injections in the presence of pathologies of the kidneys, liver or stomach.

Tablets and capsules

The most convenient and simple form of medicines that is used during the treatment of osteochondrosis. You can take the tablets with you, so you don’t have to interrupt treatment while traveling or on a business trip, and it’s easier to calculate the required dosage. The active substance is in a gelatin or other shell, which dissolves only in the intestines. This eliminates the premature destruction of components due to the negative effects of gastric juice. The tablets are prescribed:

Analgesics.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Muscle relaxants.
Vitamin complexes.

Tablets and capsules are prescribed mainly during outpatient treatment. When staying in a hospital, it is more advisable to use injections, since the likelihood of an allergic reaction to one of the components of the drug is lower.

Ointments and gels

If there are a large number of contraindications, doctors prescribe products for external use. These can be balms, creams, gels or ointments that act locally on the affected area. They are non-toxic, and the active substance reaches the right place through the skin and has the desired effect. The main drugs used in the form of ointments:

"Viprosal."
"Finalgon"
"Capsicam."
"Gevkaman."

The big advantage is minimal entry into the bloodstream, which eliminates the likelihood of developing systemic side effects. Ointments can be used simultaneously with tablets or injections, which allows you to reduce the dose of drugs and minimize the burden on the patient’s body.

Injections

Solutions for intramuscular or intravenous administration are used mainly for inpatient treatment of a patient. They can effectively relieve severe pain, eliminate swelling and inflammation. For intolerable radicular syndrome, blockades using Novocaine or Lidocaine are used. They are injected directly into the lesion and allow you to eliminate unpleasant sensations for a long time.

One of the advantages of this dosage form is the rapid onset of the therapeutic effect, eliminating stiffness of movement within a few minutes. The effect of use lasts for several days.

Injections for osteochondrosis

With the help of injections it is possible to achieve the fastest possible effect:

Reduce inflammation
Relieve the pain
Inject the medicine directly into the affected area.

Pain relief is not a cure, but only allows you to get rid of symptoms for a while. Therefore, the doctor always prescribes complex treatment - physiotherapeutic procedures, therapeutic massage, shock wave therapy, spinal traction.

The blockade for osteochondrosis is done at the point where the nerve root exits the spine. This targeted administration of the medication reduces pain in a matter of minutes.

Medicines during an exacerbation

During the period of exacerbation of lumbar osteochondrosis, the main task is to eliminate acute pain syndrome. For this purpose, suitable drugs are selected that suppress the inflammatory process, relieve swelling and alleviate the condition. The complex prescribed by the doctor may consist of the following drugs:

Analgesics (“Tramadol”, “Analgin”, “Baralgin”).
Non-steroidal drugs (Naloxifene, Indomethacin, Ketorol).
Muscle relaxants (Baclofen, Sirdalud, Mydocalm).
Blockade (Lidocaine, Novocaine, glucocorticoid medications).

Injections are carried out only in a treatment room, under the supervision of medical personnel. After providing first aid and stopping the acute form, full treatment is prescribed, including, in addition to medications, physiotherapy and gymnastics.

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar region requires complex treatment, which includes taking several groups of medications. Only this approach allows not only to relieve unpleasant symptoms for a long time, but also to start the process of regeneration of destroyed cartilage tissue. The release form, dosage and duration of treatment are selected individually, taking into account the patient’s age, the degree of progression of the pathological process and the presence of contraindications. Self-medication is dangerous to health and can cause dangerous complications.

What is not treated for exacerbation of protrusions and hernias

It should be immediately clarified that in the Russian Federation there is no way to treat even very severe acute back pain caused by a hernia with narcotic analgesics, for example, by applying the Durogesic patch. What is used in developed countries, such as the USA, Great Britain, Israel, and the Czech Republic, where hernia treatment is carried out according to modern standards and with great efficiency, is practically impossible in Russia. A doctor who prescribes Durogesic for a hernia, at the very least, risks being left without a position, and, in extreme cases, attracting the close attention of the relevant authorities.

It is also not customary to treat intervertebral hernias with drugs called antispasmodics. For example, Baralgin or No-shpa will be ineffective because they relax mainly the smooth muscles of the internal organs and have nothing to do with the back muscles, although they relieve pain from spasms in gallstone disease.

It is useless to “treat” an intervertebral hernia with analgin and other ancient drugs. Aspirin, all types of acetylsalicylic acid, and paracetamol will have no effect on pain. Their job is to lower the temperature. By the way, during exacerbation of osteochondrosis and the appearance of back pain due to protrusions and hernias, there is never an increase in temperature.

If fever occurs against the background of back pain, then this may be a serious sign of exacerbation of pyelonephritis, the presence of atypical forms of cholecystitis and appendicitis with irradiation to the back, and other serious diseases.

Protrusions and hernias are not treated using various angioprotectors, such as pentoxifylline, trental and others. Their task is to improve capillary microcirculation in diseases such as diabetes, Raynaud's syndrome, and so on. Since intervertebral cartilage is generally devoid of any vessels, it makes no sense to use them. But it makes no sense to improve microcirculation in spasmed muscles, since first the muscle spasm should be relieved (using muscle relaxants), and then the muscle can cope on its own without additional means.

Various “drips” or intravenous infusions are not indicated: after all, the primary task is to relieve inflammation and remove swelling, and adding fluid to the body prevents this and can only increase the pain. The most effective medications are those from the group of NSAIDs and muscle relaxants. True, in some cases, on the first day of acute back pain, you can additionally relieve swelling by prescribing mild diuretics that will not harm the heart and retain potassium in the body. So, the patient can be prescribed spironolactone (or Veroshpiron) for one or two days for this purpose.