Osteochondrosis is a dangerous spinal disorder that, if complicated, can permanently worsen quality of life.This pathology has become significantly "juvenile": various forms of the disease are increasingly found in young people.
Lumbar Osteochondrosis: Symptoms and Drug Treatment
Osteochondrosis is the name given to deformations of the discs, cartilage, and bones of the spine.
According to different locations, it can be divided into cervical osteochondrosis, thoracic osteochondrosis and lumbar osteochondrosis.
The disease has various causes:
- Walk upright;
- Scoliosis;
- spinal injuries;
- flatfoot;
- Work involving heavy lifting;
- Frequent changes in body position;
- spinal overload;
- Remaining in uncomfortable positions for long periods of time;
- Obesity and low physical activity;
- Malnutrition, with nutrient deficiencies;
- pressure.
Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
- First, the disease is felt through pain.Pain is pain;
- There is soreness in the lower limbs, followed by numbness;
- Significant reduction in motor activity due to discomfort;
- The pain can worsen with heavy lifting, strenuous physical activity, sudden movements, or even sneezing/coughing.
Diagnosis of lumbar osteochondrosis
This conclusion was reached by the neurologist based on the patient's chief complaint.Doctors examine the spine in different positions at rest/exercise.An X-ray, CT, or MRI should be done to confirm the diagnosis.Based on the results obtained, a series of treatment options are developed: medications, exercise therapy, massage, physiotherapy procedures.
Drug treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis
The drug should arrest the acute process, relieve symptoms and partially restore damaged disc tissue.
The drugs used are classified according to their type of action:
- Painkillers – Relieve acute pain;
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – relieve swelling and inflammation;
- Muscle relaxants – relax spasmed muscles;
- Glucocorticoids – prescribed when other medications are ineffective;
- Chondroprotectant – stimulates cartilage regeneration;
- metabolism/blood flow accelerator;
- Minerals and Vitamins – Improve nerve conduction.
Use medications to treat exacerbations
The most important thing during this period is pain relief.Treatment begins with an injection and continues with pills.It is important to start treatment promptly because inflammation can block blood vessels and nerves in the affected part of the spine.
Analgesics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can relieve pain.Opioid analgesics are the most effective but can have side effects.NSAIDs are safer in this regard and are therefore prescribed more frequently.
Both analgesics and NSAIDs inhibit the production of prostaglandins, substances that are involved in the inflammatory process and cause pain.
NSAIDs relieve discomfort and inflammation.There are products for external use (gels, ointments), for internal use (tablets, capsules) and in the form of injectables (for intramuscular, subcutaneous, intravenous injection).
muscle relaxants
Muscle spasms are a response to inflammation.Muscle tension can increase pain.Muscle relaxants relax muscles, thereby reducing the severity of the disease.
Doses are chosen individually.These treatments are continued for 2-3 weeks or until symptoms resolve.
pain blockade
Blocking with anesthetic involves making a puncture of the affected area.They may inject corticosteroid medications.The analgesic effect lasts for up to 3 days.
hormone therapy
Glucocorticoids have powerful anti-inflammatory effects.But use them only if less aggressive medications don't work.Most often complex medications are prescribed, one of the components of which are hormones.Hormone therapy carries a high risk of side effects and therefore needs to be given for the shortest possible time.
topical preparations
In the case of worsening osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, various gels/ointments with warming and local warming effects can be used.They may also have anti-inflammatory effects.Ointments and gels can reduce the severity of disease symptoms.
Vasodilators - Vasodilators
Muscle spasms and pain can cause blood vessels to narrow.To rule out this phenomenon, doctors prescribe a drug that dilates blood vessels and improves tissue nutrition.
remission treatment
If the condition worsens, use only those medications that relieve the symptoms of lumbar disease without affecting its cause.Restorative measures should be combined with symptomatic treatment.However, osteochondrosis does not always appear severe.For example, when the chest area is affected, the disease progresses slowly and is chronic.Therefore, in some cases, treatment may be possible without the use of strong medications.
Chondroprotectants help restore lumbar disc function.They fill the cartilage tissue with useful substances and restore the elasticity of the intervertebral discs.
Chondroprotectants stop the cartilage-destroying process and stabilize its condition.But you need to take these medications for a long time, sometimes for your entire life.Results will not appear until at least six months after treatment begins.Chondroprotectants are available in topical, internal, and injectable forms.
These drugs are based on two active substances - glucosamine and chondroitin.Medications can contain one or two of these substances simultaneously and can also be supplemented with other active substances.
Examples of chondroprotectants:
- Based on glucosamine;
- Based on chondroitin;
- Contains glucosamine and chondroitin;
- Contains glucosamine, chondroitin and vitamins;
- Ampoule for injection.
Medications to improve blood flow and metabolism
B vitamins, especially B1, B6, and B12, and ascorbic acid have beneficial effects on the peripheral nervous system.Multivitamin preparations may be prescribed.Vitamin-mineral complexes are prescribed as general fortifiers.
The preventive course of this type of medication will support the health of the spine.2-3 courses of treatment per year are enough to reduce the risk of worsening of the condition.
sedative
Prolonged discomfort can be frustrating and can lead to stress or even depression.To prevent the deterioration of the psycho-emotional state, doctors prescribe motherwort, valerian and complex herbs.
If the mental disorder is severe, antidepressants are used.To improve sleep quality, sleeping pills are needed.