Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine

During the period of exacerbation of osteochondrosis, patients are prescribed injections to relieve pain, as well as replenish intervertebral discs with nutrients and strengthen bone tissue. At the Yusupov Hospital, doctors use chondroprotectors containing components of animal origin as injections. These drugs nourish cartilage tissue and also promote the process of restoration of joint cartilage.

Injections during the period of exacerbation of osteochondrosis of any localization are highly effective in improving the general well-being of the patient. The course of such therapy lasts on average 10-20 days, followed by a period of remission of the disease. Injection therapy, as a rule, has a pronounced therapeutic effect. Only in very rare cases is it ineffective or causes allergic reactions.

In many ways, the effectiveness of injection treatment depends on the correct choice of the drug, its dosage, as well as compliance with indications and contraindications for its use. That is, a lot depends on the qualifications of the doctor prescribing the treatment.

At the Yusupov Hospital, leading Russian doctors are dealing with the problem of treating osteochondrosis. The disease requires complex therapy, which neurologists, vertebroneurologists, physiotherapists and doctors of other specialties develop individually for each patient, taking into account a huge number of different factors.

Probable causes

Among the probable causes of the pathology, it is customary to highlight:

increased or insufficient load on the muscles due to non-physiological factors;
violation of metabolic processes;
suffered injuries, in particular not only acute, but also chronic microtrauma received in the process of playing sports;
dysfunction of the musculoskeletal system;
genetic predisposition to pathological processes occurring in bone and cartilage tissue;
poor posture;
lack of physical activity;
features of human professional activity.

It is worth noting that uneven distribution of load along the spinal column can cause a deterioration in the quality of blood supply to the intervertebral discs, which sooner or later leads to their degeneration and final destruction.

Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis

Considering the clinical picture of lumbosacral osteochondrosis, one can trace certain symptoms characteristic of this type of pathology.

The main symptom of lumbar osteochondrosis is pain of varying intensity, often aching in nature, but sharp pain can also occur. Symptoms manifest themselves in static conditions and are especially noticeable in the morning, after rest.

The variability in the nature of pain is due to different mechanisms of its occurrence. Pain can be caused by poor circulation in tissues, swelling of muscles and ligaments, as well as compression of nerve roots.

Clinical practice involves identifying a set of symptoms that accompany lumbar osteochondrosis.

Symptoms characteristic of vertebral syndrome

Vertebral syndrome is a complex of pathological conditions caused by various disorders of the musculoskeletal system.

Characteristic features are:

in particular, flattening or deepening of the curves of the lumbar region;
decreased mobility of the location of the disease, impaired muscle tone;
pain of varying intensity when performing movements that require the use of the lumbar region;
increased lumbar sensitivity.

Symptoms characteristic of extraverbal syndrome

Extraverbal syndrome is divided into two groups:

reflex - syndromes, the manifestation is associated with irritability of nerve endings, caused by compression of the spinal nerves, provoking swelling of nearby tissues, spasms and the onset of the inflammatory process. Accompanied by intense pain, which can be acute, sharp or prolonged, as well as paresthesia (sensitivity disorder, burning/tingling).
compression syndromes - caused by compression of tissues in the condition of destruction of vertebral bodies, as well as the formation of herniated intervertebral discs. They are determined by systematic fatigue of the lower extremities and disruption of the usual gait.

WHAT HAPPENS WITH LUMBOSACROSIS OSTEOCHONDROSIS

The disease affects the lower back: from the lower back to the tailbone.
Due to an incorrect lifestyle, the muscles that support the spine become weaker than nature intended. Even a small load, microtrauma caused by an impact or a sharp turn of the body, can provoke the onset of osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral spine. Abrasion of intervertebral discs and vertebrae occurs, among other things, due to the fact that the spine in this area is not very mobile. It is difficult to give it a load with exercises alone, to establish tissue nutrition, blood flow and lymph flow. Everything in the spine is interconnected, and problems with the position of its individual elements are sometimes caused by unexpected reasons. For example, flat feet that go unnoticed in childhood lead to an improper load on the skeleton and, as a result, osteochondrosis of the sacral region, neck problems, headaches, scoliosis, etc. Poor supply of nutrients to the vertebrae is sometimes caused by problems in the upper regions - for example, in the lumbar or thoracic region.

Degree of development of lumbar osteochondrosis

The extent of damage to the intervertebral discs allows us to determine the degree of clinical development of the pathology:

1st degree – a characteristic manifestation is a decrease in the elasticity of the intervertebral discs. When performing sufficiently sudden movements, cracks may appear in the annulus fibrosus, the formation of which is accompanied by sharp pain. With osteochondrosis of the lumbar region of the 1st degree, a spasm of the muscular frame surrounding the lumbar location of the disease can be traced;
2nd degree – loss of stability at the site of pathology, formation of protrusions (swellings) of the intervertebral disc. Increased chronic pain in the lower back and lower extremities. Osteochondrosis of the lumbar region of the 2nd degree is often accompanied by paresthesia, swelling and fatigue in the lower extremities;
3rd degree – the beginning of the manifestation of intervertebral hernias. It is expressed in pain from a pinched nerve root, numbness of the lower extremities. In rare cases, “distant” symptoms may occur, namely diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and kidneys.
Grade 4 – the properties of the intervertebral disc are completely lost. The vertebral bodies come closer together and, as a result, their destruction occurs. Compression syndrome is observed. “Remote” symptoms become persistent.

Medicines for osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis is a dangerous disease of the spine, which manifests itself as a result of degenerative pathological processes in the intervertebral discs. The soft tissue around the damaged disc gradually becomes inflamed and puts pressure on the nerve endings, resulting in pain. Since osteochondrosis is a systemic disease, its treatment should be carried out comprehensively. What medications for osteochondrosis effectively fight the pathology?

Principles of treatment of osteochondrosis

Medicines used in the treatment of pathology must perform a number of tasks:

eliminate pain,
stop inflammatory processes,
stimulate blood circulation in damaged tissues,
restore cartilage tissue,
restore natural joint mobility,
improve the patient's emotional state.

Medicines treating osteochondrosis are divided into several main groups.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

NSAIDs eliminate pain, relieve swelling and stop the inflammatory process in tissues. Similar medications for osteochondrosis are available both in the form of ointments and rubbing gels, and in the form of injections and tablets:

1. Diclofenac is a popular and effective drug for the treatment of osteochondrosis; it is the active ingredient of many medicines:

Voltaren,
Diklak,
Diclobene,
Dikloberl,
Dicloran plus,
Diklo-F,
Ortofen.

2. Ibuprofen has an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect. Analogues:

Dolgit,
Ibuprom,
Ibupron,
Nurofen,
Reumafen.

3. Indomethacin has an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect directly on damaged tissue. Analogues:

Arthrocid,
Indobene,
Indovazin,
Indomethacin,
Indocide,
Inteban.

4. Ketoprofen (Fastum gel, Ketonal, Flexen, Febrofid).

5. Nimesulide is a new generation drug. Analogues:

Nise,
Nimesil,
Nimika,
Nimulid.

Vasodilators

Pain due to osteochondrosis provokes constant muscle tension, which results in vasoconstriction. This is a dangerous condition, as oxygen deficiency develops in the tissues and the functions of internal organs are disrupted. To prevent such consequences, vasodilators are used:

Actovegin,
Berlition,
Xanthinol nicotinate,
Pentoxifylline,
Trental,
Eufillin.

Drugs that restore cartilage tissue

In the process of complex treatment of osteochondrosis, it is important to restore the cartilage tissue responsible for joint mobility. For these purposes, patients are prescribed chondroprotectors - effective medications for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, which have an anti-inflammatory and restorative effect:

Collagen Ultra,
Oseoartisi,
Teraflex,
Chondroxide.

For these purposes, special vitamin complexes containing vitamins A, B, C, D, E, as well as calcium and phosphorus are also used. B vitamins eliminate pain and restore the sensitivity of damaged nerve endings. B vitamins are included in the following vitamin complexes:

Milgama,
Neurorubin,
Neurobion,
Neuroplex.

Muscle relaxants

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region involves the use of muscle relaxants, which promote muscle relaxation and also have a calming effect. As a result, natural blood circulation is restored, pain goes away, and active regeneration of damaged tissue occurs. These are the following medicines:

Baclofen,
Mydocalm,
Sirdalud,
Cyclobenzaprine.

Sedatives

Prolonged pain can cause depression and depression in the patient, so doctors often prescribe sedatives. It could be valerian, motherwort tincture. For severe depressive conditions, antidepressants are prescribed:

Gidazepam,
Donormil,
Eglonil.

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Diagnostic features

Only a specialist can make a diagnosis after a thorough examination.

It is important to remember that the symptoms of a degenerative-dystrophic disease are nonspecific, which implies the need to consult a doctor who can rule out the presence of other ailments, in particular various neoplasms that can provoke similar symptoms.

In order to determine the localization of the pathology, an x-ray examination is prescribed. Clarification and confirmation of the presumptive diagnosis is carried out using magnetic resonance imaging, which provides high-quality images of each layer of the spinal column.

A wide range of nonspecific symptoms often leads to a false diagnosis and, as a consequence, incorrect treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis. Based on this, we can come to the conclusion that it is important to carry out a comprehensive diagnosis by visiting different specialists, including: vertebrologist, neurologist, nephrourologist, gastroenterologist and surgeon.

Non-drug methods for treating lumbar osteochondrosis

Destructive processes in lumbar osteochondrosis occur to a greater extent in the cartilaginous tissues of the intervertebral discs. Due to the peculiarities of the clinical picture, complete regeneration of destroyed tissues is impossible, and therefore it is important to begin treatment in a timely manner, namely, from the moment the first moderate pain in the lumbar region appears.

With a timely diagnosis and the development of a competent treatment regimen, pathological processes can be significantly slowed down or stopped altogether.

Before embarking on non-drug treatments, it is important to consult with a specialist.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapeutic procedures are carried out in order to eliminate pain and improve blood circulation in tissues, eliminate the inflammatory process. Among the most popular methods of physiotherapy are:

electrophoresis (exposure to direct electric current in combination with the administration of various drugs);
diadynamic therapy (exposure to currents of varying intensity);
ultrasound therapy (exposure to ultrasound along the affected part of the spine);
magnetotherapy (exposure to an alternating magnetic field).

Massage

The most common and one of the most beloved methods of prevention and treatment. Not applicable during the acute phase.

The massage should be performed by a specialist with a medical education who knows the specifics of the pathological process and is proficient in therapeutic massage techniques.

Exercise therapy

Physical therapy for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is the most important component of treatment.

The type of gymnastics and exercises for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine are determined strictly on an individual basis, taking into account the characteristics of the body and help eliminate spasms, strengthen the muscle frame, and stimulate blood circulation.

Exercise therapy for lumbar osteochondrosis is an important component of treatment, because exercise has a beneficial effect, stimulating blood circulation and normalizing the functioning of all body systems.

TREATMENT OF OSTEOCHONDROSIS OF THE LUMBAR-SACRAL SPINE

Today there are many ways to relieve pain and reduce the frequency of relapses. But not all methods can save the patient from osteochondrosis of the sacral spine for a long time. The problem is the superficial impact on the disease, or rather only on its symptoms.

Of course, treatment of osteochondrosis of the sacral region begins with making the patient feel better, but it should not stop there.

For high-quality treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral region, a complex of health-improving measures is required, designed to systematically correct the emerging pathology. It is necessary to correct the position of the vertebrae, achieve their stability by strengthening the muscle corset, ensure the correctness of the formed motor stereotypes, normalize metabolism, improve blood flow and lymph outflow, take care of the rapid replenishment of the intervertebral disc, eliminate muscle tension, salt deposits on the ligaments and joints .

It is this comprehensive approach to the treatment of osteochondrosis of the sacral spine that is used at Doctor Ost MC. They work here using proprietary technology that has no analogues. Since 2008 The patent-protected treatment regimen gave lasting results and stopped the progression of osteochondrosis in thousands of patients.

Drug treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis

Treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis with medications is best started from the appearance of the first symptoms, after confirmation of the diagnosis by the attending physician.

Depending on the degree of lumbar osteochondrosis, different groups of drugs can be used. So, to relieve swelling in the tissues surrounding the lesion, diuretics are used, and antispasmodics are used to eliminate muscle spasms.

It is worth noting that self-medication can aggravate the situation and lead to negative consequences, and therefore only the attending physician should prescribe medications.

Gels and ointments for osteochondrosis

May have an analgesic or warming effect. The composition often uses components that have a cooling or warming effect (menthol, snake venom), which helps eliminate muscle spasms and significantly alleviate pain.

The most prescribed are:

Nise;
Capsicam;
Voltaren.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for lumbar osteochondrosis

They are used to eliminate pain in the primary stages of pathology development. NSAIDs are available as ointments, gels or injections.

In case of intense pain, the attending physician may prescribe a novocaine blockade, which allows pain relief for a long time.

Among the most effective NSAIDs are:

Artradol;
Aertal

Chondroprotectors

The primary stages of the development of the disease, due to the peculiarities of the progression of the pathology, require pathogenetic treatment, in particular the normalization of metabolic processes occurring in cartilage tissue. Chondroprotectors come to help in solving this issue.

The key direction of action of the drugs is the normalization of the structural and functional state of cartilage tissue.

Some of the most effective are:

Artakam;
Don;
Alflutop.

Glucocorticosteroid drugs

Prescribed for progressive lumbar osteochondrosis, in case of insufficiency of treatment with chondroprotectors and NSAIDs.

Active substances contribute to the effective elimination of inflammatory syndrome.

Among the most effective and frequently used is the drug Flosteron.

Surgical intervention

A radical method of treating the disease, used only in severe cases.

During surgery, the doctor eliminates the cause of pain and stabilizes the spine.

Groups of drugs for the treatment of illness

Treatment of osteochondrosis necessarily includes the use of medications prescribed by the attending physician.

To achieve a more pronounced therapeutic effect, several groups of drugs with different properties are used at once. This:

Drugs in the form of tablets (antipyretics if the patient experiences hyperthermia, painkillers for moderate pain, vitamin complexes, chondoprotectors to restore intervertebral disc tissue, sedatives to eliminate sleep disturbances);
Ointments and gels that have a warming effect. The effect of such drugs is to eliminate pain, relieve inflammation;
Drugs in the form of injections (injections) are used in the treatment of osteochondrosis in the later stages of its development, when pain significantly limits the patient’s mobility. The drugs have a whole range of actions: they quickly relieve pain, have a pronounced anti-inflammatory and regenerating effect, improve blood circulation and nutrition in the affected area. In some cases, the patient is also prescribed vitamin preparations in the form of injections;
Folk remedies (compresses) are used to treat the disease in the early stages. Use only after doctor's approval.

Nutritional Features

In order to prevent and treat pathologies of the musculoskeletal system, a balanced diet is an important component.

The diet for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine involves a varied, low-calorie diet, enriched with vitamins and essential microelements.

Proper nutrition for degenerative-dystrophic diseases prevents further development of the disease. It is important to come to a diet that will not become a one-time event, but will develop into a way of life.

Main goals of the diet

Planning a healthy diet should primarily be driven by goals such as:

maintaining optimal body weight;
saturating the body with all necessary substances;
eliminating the possibility of dehydration;
preventing the progression of pathology of the musculoskeletal system.

Basic nutrition rules

A menu developed for feeding people with osteochondrosis should be formed taking into account the following rules:

daily calorie intake should not exceed energy expenditure;
The frequency of meals is determined individually. The interval between each of them should not exceed 4 hours;
food products must be enriched with vitamins and beneficial elements;
proteins, fats and carbohydrates must be present;
limiting fast sugars, animal fats and synthesized oils;
compliance with the drinking regime.

By adhering to the basic rules of nutrition, it is impossible to completely get rid of the pathology, but there is a possibility of progression of the disease.

WHY DOES Osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral region occur?

Risk factors:

problems with the position of the vertebrae relative to each other: from incorrect posture to scoliosis;
flat feet: longitudinal and transverse;
structural anomalies (one leg is slightly shorter than the other, non-physiological functioning of the hip joints, etc.);
failure of connective tissue or muscles caused by genetic diseases.

The following are also associated with lumbosacral osteochondrosis of the spine:

physical inactivity: lack of the necessary load on the entire body, and, as you know, movement is life!;
excess loads and their incorrect distribution: heavy lifting with active involvement of the sacrum and lower back, abnormal sports overloads with non-compliance with the rest regime;
unhealthy diet with a lack of vitamins and microelements;
excess weight;
injuries, bruises, sprains;
bad habits (adopting an unphysiological posture while sitting, stooping, incorrect shoes);
autoimmune diseases and infections of bones, muscles and ligaments.

Many risk factors for the development of osteochondrosis of the sacral spine are difficult to overcome. But there is still a chance to slow down the development of the disease and minimize its manifestations. Contacting the Doctor Ost clinic is the first step on the path to a harmonious recovery without injections, pills and surgeries.

Measures to prevent lumbar osteochondrosis

Lumbar osteochondrosis is a serious chronic disease that significantly reduces a person’s quality of life. Timely treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis allows you to slow down the course of pathological processes and avoid radical measures and the development of dangerous complications.

The best treatment for lumbar osteochondrosis is its prevention. In order to prevent degenerative-dystrophic processes, it is important:

determine and maintain a moderate schedule of physical activity;
take systematic breaks from work (5-7 minutes per hour);
sleep only on a flat surface or an orthopedic mattress;
wear suitable shoes;
Healthy food;
to refuse from bad habits.

Remember that a healthy body is an integral component of a full life for every person. Prevention and timely treatment of many diseases ensure the elimination of the disease and improve the quality of life.