One of the conditions, accompanied by a severe pain syndrome, is called osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, the symptoms and treatment of the disease, at least first aid for "lumbago", should be known to all.
Diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
The diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is performed in several stages. It begins with the collection of the patient's existing complaints and the subsequent study of the history of the disease.
The next step is to examine the patient. Pain points are revealed by palpation on the surface of the spine.
Radiology is mandatory for humans. This technique is the key way to diagnose the disease. In the resulting image, the doctor is able to trace the typical signs of inflammation - narrowing of the cracks between the vertebrae. In addition, X-rays reveal subchronic sclerosis, a condition in which the surface of a single vertebra is compacted, as well as osteophytes (bone growths).
MRI is also mandatory. It is magnetic resonance imaging that allows us to diagnose pathological processes occurring in the spine with maximum accuracy.
Computed tomography can become an alternative to MRI, replacing the procedure in case a person is not physically able to spend about 40 minutes in a confined space on the tomograph.
A blood test is additionally scheduled. It is necessary to exclude rheumatic pathology. An analysis is performed if a patient with a confirmed diagnosis of osteochondrosis has elevated ESR.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
Each vertebra contains a fibrous ring that helps the spine withstand the stress placed on it. Pathological changes that have occurred in the intra-cartilage tissue cause increased pressure on the fibrous ring. Its protrusion occurs, accompanied by injury to the nerve roots. The result of the change is a severe pain syndrome. This is how osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine manifests itself, the symptoms and treatment of which we are considering.
Signs of inflammation of the lumbar spine are:
- severe pain is the main symptom of degenerative changes in the spine, as a healthy person does not experience back pain;
- increased pain - is fixed after a long stay of a person in the same position;
- feeling of sharp pain - lumbago - in the lumbar region;
- periodic tingling sensation in the legs.
In women, the pathology may present with additional symptoms (they are caused by a violation of local blood circulation as a result of high blood pressure):
- inflammation of the organs of the reproductive system - uterus and ovaries;
- infertility - develops in rare cases and is a complication of the advanced form of osteochondrosis of the lumbar region.
In osteochondrosis, the thigh muscles hurt and do not allow walking - what to do
If during osteochondrosis the thigh muscles ache and do not allow walking, then how can the pain be relieved and what is the cause of the pain?
This pathology is characterized by the development of unpleasant sensations in the lower back. Initially, they are formed only after strenuous exercise, but with the deterioration of the condition they become continuous, becoming painful. Sometimes a person has "lumbago" - a sharp painful sensation.
Pain is relieved when walking and when the patient is in a horizontal position. But when a person sits, stands or coughs / sneezes, the pain only intensifies. In this case, the pain can spread to the thigh muscles and significantly worsen the patient's quality of life.
Symptomatic medications are usually recommended to relieve the condition. They do not cure osteochondrosis, but only reduce the symptoms of pain.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed to relieve the condition.
Blockade is practiced in severe pain. But only a specialist can deliver this type of pain relief. The doctor gives injections at certain points, which helps to completely relieve the pain. Individual intolerance to the drug used becomes a contraindication.
Preparations for the treatment of low back osteochondrosis
One of the most unpleasant diseases of the back is osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, the symptoms and treatment of the disease involves the use of several groups of drugs. The funds are used in the complex.
The preparations from the category of muscle relaxants are designed to relax the muscular corset and relieve the formed spasm. In addition, they normalize local blood circulation, partially relieving pain.
Existing contraindications should be taken into account when choosing a drug. They are quite numerous.
The next group of products are drugs that improve blood circulation. Lack of oxygen from the internal organs as a result of narrowing of the lumen of the vessels can cause their hypoxia. To exclude the development of such pathology, the patient is prescribed special drugs.
Painkillers become mandatory drugs. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used to relieve swelling and eliminate pain. They have no therapeutic effect, but act precisely symptomatically, relieving existing pain.
The treating physician should prescribe the drug and select the dosage. It is strongly not recommended to increase the dose of the drug alone, as this can have a very negative effect on overall well-being.
The next category of prescription drugs are sedatives. The main symptom of osteochondrosis is severe pain, which negatively affects the mental state of the patient.
Exceeding the permissible doses prescribed by a specialist is unacceptable.
Osteochondrosis of the lower back: treatment at home
Home treatment of lumbar spine osteochondrosis is mainly aimed at relieving pain. Doctors allow the use of painkillers.
It should be noted that you can start treatment only after consulting your doctor. The choice of drugs and dosage should be made by a specialist.
Osteochondrosis - treatment with folk remedies
Treatment with folk remedies consists in the preparation of various rubs.
- Ointment based on hops and oil gives a good result. Dry hop cones should be ground to a powder and mixed with softened butter. Thoroughly rubbed mass should be applied to the area of inflammation until it is completely absorbed.
- A popular remedy is rubbing elderberry. For a glass of fruit with medical alcohol take four cups of fresh fruit. Before pouring alcohol over them, the elderberry should be rubbed. Insist the drug for two weeks, then drain it and use the tincture for rubbing.
Now you know what is osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, symptoms and treatment of the condition. If you experience pain typical of the disease, you should seek qualified medical attention.