Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is noted among the pathological processes in the tissues of the axial skeleton, the symptoms and treatment of which have their own characteristics. The frequency of diagnosing the disease does not decrease over time. What is lumbar spine osteochondrosis? This is a special type of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the tissues of the intervertebral discs of the axial skeleton with subsequent damage to the joints and ligaments. The photo shows the appearance of the affected vertebrae.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, what is it?
The lumbar region of the axial skeleton is subjected to maximum stress. As a result, the high frequency of diagnosing osteochondrosis in this area of the spine is not accidental.
The causes of lumbar osteochondrosis have long been identified and well studied. The disease can occur in patients over 30 years of age. But the older generation and members of the stronger half of the world community are much more likely to face pathology.
Timely treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine makes it possible to avoid a decline in performance, quality of life and disability.
Sick patients are strictly forbidden hypothermia and strenuous physical activity. Weightlifting, speed skating, jogging, jumping, horseback riding, aerobics, motor sports are contraindications for osteochondrosis.
Causes of the disease
A number of external and internal factors cause the manifestation of symptoms of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the tissues of the intervertebral discs of the axial skeleton. Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, including dorsalgia of the back, cause discomfort, discomfort and stiffness of movement.
Among the reasons for the development of pathology should be noted:
- increased loads on the spine in the lumbar spine due to certain conditions for performance of work duties, repairs, lifting weights during training by professional athletes and amateurs;
- performing sharp, complex movements;
- overweight, which determines the symptoms of lumbar pathology in women and men;
- hypothermia of the body;
- incorrect posture, causing uneven load distribution on the axial skeleton;
- sedentary lifestyle that has a negative effect on the elasticity, blood supply to each vertebra;
- lack of ability to sit and move properly; congenital pathologies of the back or back injury as a result of sports, falls from heights, traffic accidents;
- lack of a balanced diet enriched with vitamins, minerals, trace elements, as well as the organization of the correct regime of food intake, work, rest;
- regular stressful situations;
- hormonal disorders in the female body during pregnancy and menopause;
- violation of metabolic processes in the patient's body;
- genetic predisposition, which determines the porous-loose structure of the tissues of the spine and accelerates their degenerative-dystrophic changes;
- addiction to alcoholic beverages, smoking tobacco products that accelerate the aging process in the human body.
Flat feet, constant wearing of uncomfortable shoes, lack of vitamins, poor environmental conditions of the environment are also causes of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine. The exclusion of a number of factors will help to avoid the development of pathology. When the diagnosis of lumbar osteochondrosis is confirmed, it is recommended to treat it immediately without waiting for complications. Ignoring the advice of qualified specialists leads to the manifestation of dorsalgia and other complications. Vertebrologists know how to cure osteochondrosis of the lumbar axial skeleton and quickly provide first aid for severe pain.
Symptoms of the disease
The lower part of the spine is an important part of the spine. And the timely diagnosis of lumbar osteochondrosis, the treatment of which is recommended to begin as early as possible, eliminates the risk of unpleasant consequences. Degenerative-dystrophic disease of the axial skeleton has certain symptoms.
The signs of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine are included in a special list. The most common are:
- inability to make back turns, torso rotations;
- reduced flexibility, mobility of the lumbar spine, which can be treated at home, following the doctor's recommendations;
- depression;
- increased fatigue, irritability, nervousness, which manifests itself in osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, the symptoms and treatment of which have their own characteristics;
- dorsalgia in the lumbar region, which causes problems with urination, defecation, performing daily hygiene procedures;
- the appearance of problems during the night's rest;
- increased sweating;
- the appearance of a tingling sensation and cold in the lower extremities.
Such signs of lumbar osteochondrosis indicate the need to seek the help of a qualified specialist. Vertebrologists will always help cure this disease to make patients' lives better, freeing them from dorsalgia, discomfort, stiffness and discomfort.
Complications of the disease
The long period of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the tissues of the intervertebral discs of the axial skeleton without proper treatment causes the development of complications and concomitant pathologies of the internal organs of patients. Timely diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, whose symptoms indicate the need to seek the help of a vertebrologist, eliminates the risk of their occurrence. Ignoring the advice of the attending physician leads to new problems with health, well-being and quality of life.
Complications of lumbar spine osteochondrosis that should be treated after confirmation of the diagnosis without waiting for dorsalgia include:
- violation of the menstrual cycle in women and sexual activity in men;
- varicose veins and spasm of the arteries of the legs;
- dysfunction of the genitourinary system;
- sciatic nerve irritation and neuralgia;
- pain that occurs in the kidneys and resembles dorsalgia in the lumbar spine;
- protrusions and hernial protrusions of the intervertebral discs and the spine itself;
- radiculitis, acute and chronic lumbodinia, disability.
The unpleasant consequences of osteochondrosis of the lower back in the absence of proper treatment lead to mental disorders, depression and deterioration of the quality of life not only of the patient but also of others, relatives and friends. It is also desirable that they have information on how to diagnose osteochondrosis.
Stages of the disease
Vertebrologists, when asked if it is possible to cure osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, gave a positive answer, provided they seek timely medical help. They distinguish four stages in the development of the disease, each of which manifests itself at a certain time and has its own distinctive characteristics. These include:
- 1st stagepathology, characterized by mild pain, aggravated by exercise, discomfort in the lumbar region, the beginning of the destruction of the intervertebral discs;
- 2nd stageof the disease, characterized by a decrease in the distance between the vertebrae due to pathological changes in the fibrous rings, pinched nerve processes, the appearance of severe pain in lumbar osteochondrosis;
- Stage 3of the disease, the hallmarks of which include severe destruction of the fibrous rings, formation of hernial protrusions, noticeable deformation of the axial skeleton;
- Stage 4of the disease, characterized by serious mobility problems in a patient who is forced to treat osteochondrosis of the lower back at home or in a hospital, and at riskdisabled.
Diagnosis of pathology
Patients are advised to know which doctor treats osteochondrosis of the spine and how to treat lumbar osteochondrosis at home. After collecting the anamnesis, external examination of sick people, the vertebrologist prescribes diagnostic measures. Their list includes:
- clinical, biochemical blood test;
- X-ray, which provides an opportunity to obtain information about the condition of the axial skeleton and to prescribe the correct treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis at home or in a hospital setting;
- computed tomography, which is characterized by a lower radiation load on the body, allows a more in-depth study of the pathological area of the axial skeleton and answers the question of whether osteochondrosis can be treated at this stage of development;
- magnetic resonance imaging, based on the use of electromagnetic radiation, as well as providing absolutely painless, harmless examination of the back in osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine.
Modern diagnostic methods are among the most informative research methods. Their results form the basis for confirming the diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, the symptoms of which indicate the presence of a back problem, and also make it possible to prescribe the correct treatment of the pathology of the axial skeleton.
How to deal with osteochondrosis and how to get rid of its symptoms
Vertebrologists who know how to treat osteochondrosis of the lumbar axial skeleton at home will always come to the aid of sick patients. After receiving the results of the examination of the pathological area of the spine, a number of measures are prescribed to alleviate the symptoms of the disease and prevent the development of complications. Schemes for the treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine are developed taking into account the age category of the patient, the structural features of the axial skeleton. Allergies are also identified, which can occur against the background of medication.
The main measures aimed at the effective treatment of osteochondrosis include:
- drug therapy based on the intake of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, hydroprotectors, muscle relaxants, vitamin complexes, phytopreparations;
- performing blockades that eliminate severe pain in lumbar osteochondrosis, the symptoms of which have their own characteristics;
- water procedures and stretching of the axial skeleton, which are recommended to be done regularly;
- medical massage;
- exercise therapy, which is prescribed to strengthen the muscular framework, makes the vertebrae more mobile and does not ask the question how to cure lumbar osteochondrosis;
- using recipes of traditional medicine.
The treatment of osteochondrosis of the lower back is carried out against the background of a balanced diet and diet. Giving up bad habits is also a necessary measure to prevent the progression of the disease. Orthopedic prophylaxis of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine makes it possible to avoid surgery.