If until recently age-related degenerative processes were considered to be the main cause of pathology, now many more factors causing the disease have been identified. Before starting therapy you need to understand what is lumbar spine osteochondrosis.
The disease is a pathological change of the intervertebral discs, accompanied by ligament dystrophy, the destruction of the vertebral bodies themselves. This is the lumbar region that suffers the most from it as it experiences a huge load while lifting weights while sitting.
Signs of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine are increasingly evident in young people who are barely 30 years old. The onset of the disease is impossible because the complications are fraught with disability, with paralysis of the lower extremities.The main symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
Lumbar osteochondrosis is a deforming pathology that in most cases is a natural aging process. But high physical activity of the spine, metabolic disorders, abuse of harmful products and alcohol accelerate this process.
The first signs of pathology do not appear immediately, so therapy is not always started on time. Symptoms of lumbar spine osteochondrosis are as follows:
- Pain is more often painful in the first stages and is acute in 2-3 stages of the disease (with any sudden movement, the discomfort intensifies, and during bed rest it disappears);
- During osteochondrosis, feelings of weakness appear in the legs (tendon reflexes in the lower extremities decrease, which is well seen during neurological tests);
- curvature of the lumbar region;
- Disorders of urination and defecation (depending on where the spinal cord is pressed).
Additional symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis may also occur: a feeling of numbness in the spine, dryness and peeling of the skin, a change in its shade (it turns blue). Sweating increases in the buttocks. One of the signs of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine in men is considered to be erectile dysfunction.
Symptoms of lumbar spine osteochondrosis vary in severity. Some manifestations can turn into syndromes.
| syndromes | Characteristic |
| ischemic | Signs of lumbar osteochondrosis appear here due to vascular damage. The arteries begin to spasm (the process becomes constant over time). This condition is characterized by pain in the muscles of the lower leg and thighs while walking. If the blood vessels are stretched and spasmed for a long time, then the nutrition of the pelvic organs as well as their functioning is disrupted. Pathology in women causes menstrual problems, the possibility of pregnancy, urination |
| spine | It is characterized by pain and localization of varying intensity. This arises after loading the lumbar spine: tilting, lifting heavy objects. If a herniated disc has occurred, then the person may lose sensitivity in the legs. In this case, changes in the spine occur: posture changes, the person becomes dizzy, gait becomes problematic |
| Radical | The vertebrae of the spine become unstable and weaken not only the nerve roots but also the blood vessels. The symptom of the syndrome is pain at the pinch site of the extremities. Unpleasant sensations extend to the buttocks and legs. A person has an increase in muscle tone, he is forced to change gait. In the absence of treatment for osteochondrosis, the nerve roots become inflamed. This condition is accompanied by swelling of the tissues surrounding the body in the spine. The blood begins to stagnate, the process of intoxication begins. With radicular syndrome, pain is noted in other joints. In addition to these symptoms, there is a feeling of "crawling" in the lower back. In particularly difficult cases, patients can no longer move independently |
People with osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine should have a thorough examination to find out how advanced the disease is, as well as to determine the therapy regimen.
Degrees of lumbar osteochondrosis
Lumbar osteochondrosis develops gradually. The stages of pathology progression are as follows:
- First. In this case, the nucleus pulpos, located inside the disc, begins to move and change. Cracks appear on the fibrous ring. The nerve roots are irritated, and this is a signal of back pain. The discomfort at this stage of osteochondrosis is still local in nature, i. e. the symptoms are felt only in the area of the damaged disc. Sometimes it is lumbago, but in the first stage of development we often encounter constant dull pain. Discomfort during osteochondrosis increases after lumbar strain.
- Second. This is where the fiber ring is destroyed. The mobility of the damaged spine increases, the muscle tissue tightens. The distance between them decreases, they can move relative to each other. The person has difficulty moving because he gets tired quickly, feels severe discomfort in the lumbar region. The pain extends to the thighs, legs, buttocks. People sweat more.
- Third. At this stage of the disease the pain intensifies many times as the fibrous ring breaks. In this case, the nucleus pulposus leaves its place and a hernia is formed. The patient feels severe pain and lumbar pain when the tissues and nerve roots are compressed. The discomfort becomes constant and unbearable. The work of internal organs is violated.
- Fourth. Deformation of the spinal column occurs. It is very difficult for a person to move, but the pain symptom is less pronounced. This does not necessarily mean that the pathology is no longer developing. This condition is a signal that a person will soon be sitting in a wheelchair. In addition, osteophytes grow in the area of the damaged disc, which further aggravates the condition, causing muscle atrophy.
If disease progression is not controlled and therapy is not started in time, the spines simply collapse and recover without risky and complicated surgery.
What to do in case of disease exacerbation
Lumbar osteochondrosis is a complex disease that should not be taken to the last stage. It quickly becomes chronic, since even the most effective treatment can only stop or slow down the development of the pathology.If severe pain appears in the spinal area and the person is unable to move normally, this indicates an aggravation of the pathological process. Most often it occurs in patients who do not follow the recommendations of doctors. If an aggravation occurs, the person must follow these rules:
- It is best to give up physical activity altogether to restore normal body function. It is better to lie in a comfortable position that does not cause discomfort. It is good if the patient uses a firm mattress, as in this case the body (especially around the waist) does not collapse.
- To reduce the load on the spine, a person can use a semi-rigid corset. This will limit sudden movements.
- To reduce the severity of pain during osteochondrosis, it is necessary to slowly move the foot away from the affected side of the knee. This will help relieve muscle tension and release nerve tissue.
- The applicator can be used in difficult cases, but it must be used with caution. The procedure is performed twice a day for 30 minutes.
- After the massage, which gradually restores normal blood circulation and muscle tone, you should use anti-inflammatory ointment.
It is not possible to warm the affected area on the first day after the exacerbation. Dry heat is applied only the next day when the pain peak has passed. Otherwise, the tissue swelling will increase and the condition of the patient with osteochondrosis will worsen.
Diagnosis of the disease
Lumbar osteochondrosis requires a serious approach and complex therapy. It becomes easier for the patient if he takes the right medication, performs the exercises prescribed by the doctor. Patient examination is required to select a therapy regimen. The following diagnostic methods are distinguished:
- X-ray. If the lumbar joints are affected, an x-ray assessment is considered the main one. The picture is taken with several predictions. On it you can see the disc damage, the condition of the spinal canal. Each projection must be perpendicular to the anterior.
- MRI or CT. The presented procedures more accurately determine what factors led to the development of osteochondrosis, the condition of not only the spine, but also the soft tissues, blood vessels, nerve endings. At the same time, the person does not feel any discomfort.
- External examination by palpation of the injured area and neurological tests.
Only a thorough diagnosis will determine whether a person has osteochondrosis really.
Treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis
If lumbar osteochondrosis is not treated, the patient develops complications such as discharge, spondyloarthritis, hernia, sciatica, narrowing of the spinal canal, and pelvic organ dysfunction. The person also begins to limp, he has paresis and paralysis of the legs.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine imposes several tasks. First, it is necessary to eliminate the inflammation that causes pain during this disease. Naturally, you need to stop the unpleasant symptoms as well as strengthen the muscle corset in the lumbar region, in the lower extremities.
Therapy should relieve swelling and soft tissue spasm. The patient is prescribed remedies and procedures aimed at improving the functioning of organs, regulating blood circulation, restoring metabolic processes in the body, as well as expanding the range of motion. Since osteochondrosis of patients ’lumbar regions has been considered for a long time, you should choose methods that give a good effect and cause minimal damage. Medications, alternative therapies, physiotherapy, LF and other methods are used.
Surgery
In advanced cases, when the development of the disease has reached the last stage, lumbar osteochondrosis requires surgical intervention. The help of a surgeon is necessary in the presence of complications that worsen the functioning of the organs, the spinal hernia. Emergency surgery is performed if there is a risk of developing paralysis of the lower extremities.
The most effective intervention is to remove the damaged disk. Also widely used is the microsurgical method of treating lumbar spine osteochondrosis using an endoscope. This procedure is less traumatic for the patient and allows him to recover in the shortest time.
Physiotherapy
Eliminate the symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis (they occur in different ways) with the help of physiotherapy procedures. Useful:
- diadynamic currents;
- electrophoresis and phonophoresis;
- magnetic therapy;
- Laser treatment.
Physiotherapy procedures will get the maximum benefit in combination therapy with medications.
Physiotherapy exercises
Treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis will not be effective without a set of exercise therapy prescribed by a doctor. All exercises are aimed at improving lumbar movement, strengthening the muscular corset and increasing the stability of the spine. The complex should be performed regularly.
The doctor usually prescribes the following exercises: bending in different directions, standing position, walking back and forth on all fours, stretching the abdominal muscles while lying down.
massage
It can only be done after the aggravation has been eliminated or during remission. Thanks to the procedure, you can not only relax the spasmodic muscles, but also strengthen them. Massage is more effective after the bath. This should be done by a specialist, using the correct technique: stroke, rub. The procedure should not be performed if there are open wounds on the back, if the person has been diagnosed with dermatological diseases or circulatory problems.
Manual therapy
Manual therapy solves the same tasks as massage, but uses slightly different techniques. You can not trust a spine lover. The procedure requires an experienced specialist who does not cause harm.
Medications
Drugs should not be used to treat osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine. When choosing them, the general condition of the body, the stage of development of the disease is important. There are several effective groups of medications to fight osteochondrosis:
Analgesics.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - These drugs eliminate the inflammation and pain that accompanies it. They relieve swelling, normalize body temperature.
- Muscle sedatives - These medications are prescribed by a doctor and are used only when nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are deficient. Muscle relaxants help relieve muscle spasms.
- Chondroprotectors - They hold the cartilage in good condition without allowing it to disintegrate. But they are effective only if this layer is not completely erased.
- Steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They are prescribed at the end in the most advanced cases.
- Multivitamins and B group vitamins - the presented drugs help to improve the functioning of the NS.
- Antidepressants (to restore the patient's emotional background).
- Novocaine blockade with hydrocortisone. They are placed inside the back where the pain comes from. Blockades are rarely done because they can provoke muscle atrophy.
- Drugs to improve blood circulation and microcirculation.
Topical medications - ointments - have good efficacy and minimal side effects. If the patient uses folk remedies for therapy, the drug should be continued.
Prevention of lumbar spine osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine can be prevented if you follow the simple rules of prevention:
- Avoid hypothermia and infection;
- Do not lift heavy objects;
- bags should be worn alternately on both shoulders;
- Follow a drinking regimen and eat right;
- Keep your body weight within normal limits;
- timely treatment of congenital or acquired skeletal pathologies;
- Going for a swim, more movement, performing a gym in the lumbar region every day;
- will undergo regular medical examinations.
Taking basic care of your own health will help prevent complications of lumbar osteochondrosis, there are many of them and they are difficult to deal with.