Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine symptoms and treatment.

signs and symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis

One of the conditions, accompanied by 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 byeveryone.

Diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine

The diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is carried out in several stages. It begins with the compilation 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 palpating the surface of the spine.

Radiology is mandatory for a person. This technique is the key to diagnosing the disease. In the resulting image, the doctor can trace the typical signs of inflammation - narrowing of the cracks between the vertebrae. Additionally, an x-ray reveals subchronic sclerosis, a condition in which the surface of an individual vertebra is compacted, as well as osteophytes (bone growths).

The MRI exam is also mandatory. It is the magnetic resonance that allows us to diagnose pathological processes that occur in the spine with maximum precision.

Computed tomography can become an alternative to MRI, replacing the procedure in the event that a person cannot physically spend about 40 minutes in the confined space of the CT scanner.

In addition, a blood test is assigned. It is necessary to exclude rheumatological pathology. An analysis is performed in case a patient with a confirmed diagnosis of osteochondrosis has an increased ESR.

Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine

Each vertebra contains an annulus fibrosus that helps the spine resist the stresses placed on it. The pathological changes that have occurred in the intracartilage tissue cause an increase in pressure on the annulus fibrosus. 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.

The signs of inflammation of the lumbar spine are:

  • severe pain is the main symptom of degenerative changes in the spine, since a healthy person does not experience back pain;
  • increased pain: resolves after a long stay of a person in the same position;
  • sharp pain sensation - lumbago - in the lumbar region;
  • periodic tingling sensation in the legs.

In women, the pathology can manifest itself with additional symptoms (they are caused by a violation of local blood circulation as a result of increased 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.

With osteochondrosis, the thigh muscles ache and do not allow walking: what to do

If during osteochondrosis the thigh muscles ache and do not allow walking, how can the pain be relieved and what is the cause of the pain?

For this condition, the development of unpleasant sensations in the lower back is typical. At first, they form only after strong physical exertion, but as the condition worsens, they become incessant and take on a painful character. Sometimes a person has a "lumbago", a feeling of sharp pain.

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 generally recommended to alleviate the condition. They do not cure osteochondrosis, they only reduce the manifestations of pain.

To alleviate the condition, agents from the category of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed.

The block is used for severe pain. But only a specialist can provide this type of pain relief. The doctor gives injections at specific points, which helps to completely relieve the pain. An individual intolerance to the drug used becomes a contraindication.

Preparations for the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis

One of the most unpleasant diseases of the back is osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, the symptoms and treatment of the disease involve the use of various groups of drugs. The funds are used in the complex.

Preparations from the category of muscle relaxants are designed to relax the muscle corset and relieve the spasm formed. In addition, they normalize local blood circulation, partially relieving pain.

When choosing a drug, existing contraindications should be taken into account. They are quite numerous.

The next group of products are drugs that improve blood circulation. The lack of oxygen of the internal organs as a result of the narrowing of the lumen of the vessels can provoke their hypoxia. To exclude the development of such a pathology, the patient is prescribed special drugs.

Painkillers are becoming mandatory drugs. To relieve swelling and eliminate pain, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used. They have no therapeutic effect, but they act precisely symptomatically, relieving existing pain.

The treating physician should prescribe the remedy and select the dosage. Increasing the dose of the drug on your own is strongly discouraged, 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 adversely affects the mental state of the patient.

It is unacceptable to exceed the permitted doses prescribed by a specialist.

Lumbar osteochondrosis: treatment at home

Home treatment for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is primarily aimed at relieving pain. Doctors allow the use of pain relievers.

It should be noted that you can start treatment only after consulting your doctor. The selection of drugs and dosage should be done by a specialist.

Osteochondrosis: treatment with folk remedies

Treatment with folk remedies consists of the preparation of several rubs.

  • An ointment based on hops and butter works well. Dried hop cones should be crushed into powder and mixed with softened butter. A well-rubbed mass should be applied to the area of ​​inflammation until it is completely absorbed.
  • A popular remedy is rubbing elderberries. For a glass of medicinal alcohol berries, take four glasses of fresh berries. Before pouring them with alcohol, the elderberry should be rubbed. Insist on the remedy for two weeks, then drain and use the tincture for rubbing.

Now you know what osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is, the symptoms and the treatment of the condition. If you experience pain typical of the disease, you should seek qualified medical help.