Destructive disorders can develop in any area of the spine, but the high load in the lower back as a result of a person's straightforward determines the appearance of changes in this segment.Osteochondrosis is accompanied by lower back pain.Only a doctor can properly determine the symptoms and treatment of pathology.Drugs and exercise are used in therapy, and surgery may be required in advanced stages.In addition to basic treatment, the use of folk remedies is permitted.
What is osteochondrosis
With osteochondrosis, a pathological change begins - with a pulp nucleus of intervertebral discs with a gradual transition to the tissue of a fibrous ring.It weakens, cannot withstand a growing load, resulting in partially beginning and then ends the movement of the disc from its physiological position.This happens when the fibrous fibers do not withstand increase in pressure and break.
As the disc structure destroys, the destruction of nearby tissues progresses.The participation of the closest vertebrae, their joints and connections begins in the pathological process.Each vertebra has a flexible substance inside and an external compact bone contour consisting of records.The outer layer provides firmness and allows you to withstand heavy loads.The vertebra also has a red bone marrow responsible for hematopoiesis.
For a long time with osteochondrosis, complex vascular and biochemical changes have occurred.Bone tissue is constantly changing: some cells are destroyed, new ones come to their place.Usually, at constant loading, the formation of more durable and solid cells is stimulated.Therefore, with excessive overloads, a predominance of dense tissue is formed.
The reasons for the pathology
The characteristics of modern life and a sharp decrease in human motor activity lead to a weakening of muscle fibers and a decrease in their tone.In the middle person, the back during the day is a predominantly bent position, which leads to overvoltage of the flexion muscles.This factor is considered to be a major one of the provocation of degenerative changes.
There are several theories about the origin of osteochondrosis:
- Involutionary.The etiology of the disease is the wear of the discs.This is especially facilitated by a sedentary lifestyle and the presence of bad habits.
- Muscles.Disorders in the structure of the spine are due to underdevelopment or weakening of the muscle corset on the back or permanent muscle cramps, as well as inflammatory processes in them and the ligamental apparatus.Improperly created stereotype of muscle movement is thought to lead to degeneration.It contributes to the constant excessive overload of cartilage involution and other structures of the spine.
- Autoimmune.The process of destroying vertebrae and intervertebral discs develops according to the same scheme as rheumatoid arthritis.A similar assumption is considered close to the truth, since biochemical collagenosis disorders are very similar to changes in discs of discs, leading to worsening of tissues and dystrophy.
The influence of pathology of the internal organs, as well as the presence of permanent microtraumas in the development of osteochondrosis, has also been proven.
There is a theory of a person's hereditary predisposition to this disease;Some doctors say that sometimes disorders are caused by a change in metabolic processes and a deviation in the work of internal secretion.
Many patients with pronounced disorders determine chronic foci of infection.
In connection with the slow progression, it is read that osteochondrosis develops under the influence of several etiological moments at once.
Development mechanism
All symptoms characteristic of dystrophic disorder in the lumbar region can be divided into two large groups: internal (vertebrates) and extrateria.
The latter are divided into reflex and compression.Depending on the severity of the lesion and the presence of complications, four stages of the disease differ:
- The fibrous ring under the influence of excess loads and other factors begins to change the structure: cracks form on it.The substance of the jacket nucleus penetrates them.Reflex reactions occur as a result of irritation of nerve fibers, innervating periosteum, ligament apparatus, fibrous ring.Its irritation occurs as a result of pressure when hernia, local edema or inflammation is formed.Such a disorder leads to the appearance of vasomotor or dystrophic changes.As a result, a person experiences intense pain, constant or shooting.The reflex disorders of chronic osteochondrosis in the lumbar segment lead to the development of Lumbago and Lumbalgia.And myofascial pain leads to restriction of movements.Radiculopathy acts as a compression syndrome, which most often accompanies damage to the lumbosacral segment.
- The progression of the pathology leads to an increase in the prolapse of the intervertebral disc with its penetration into the epidural area.The vertebrae are collected and exert different pressure on the nerve roots.It can be expressed with constant irritation or severe compression.These manifestations mark the second stage with the development of discogenic radiculitis.Most often, such a phenomenon is observed from the fourth lumbar to the first sacral vertebra.
- This stage is characterized by the continuation of the pressure of hernia on the nerve and vascular beam.This ends with the appearance of paresis or paralysis in the muscle of the extension of the foot.At the same time, pain syndrome decreases or disappears.
- With the last degree, blood supply and innervation of the spinal cord is impaired by the appearance of discardial myelopathy.The changes become stable and are poorly busy with drug correction.
Clinical symptoms and syndromes
The manifestations of degenerative deviations in the lower back area are manifested by pain of varying intensity and duration.In addition, a person experiences fatigue that increases until the end of the day, he sleeps poorly and becomes irritable.Initially, the symptoms pass or decrease after a night break or remain horizontal, but then painful sensations are observed in the morning.Therefore, the patient is forced to reduce his or her physical activity.
The problems of the lumbar region lead to irritation and inflammation of the nerve endings, including the innervating organs of the pelvis.Therefore, with advanced pathology, urination is impaired, there are problems in the work of internal genital organs.In men, impotence develops against this origin.
The irradiation of pain and impaired sensitivity refers to the lower limbs.The patient notes a burning sensation and "creeping of geese", the skin of the feet becomes pale, dry and peels off.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is manifested by several syndromes, the degree of manifestation of which varies in different patients.
Korean
The pain in this case occurs as a result of the root lesion, it is acute, localized in the area of damage and enters the area of the lower legs, buttocks, hips and legs.To reduce the unpleasant sensations, one changes the usual gait and leans to the back of the disorder.The pain is accompanied by sweating, which is replaced by chills, increases when trying to move sharply after a state of rest.
Due to the decrease in muscle tone and their gradual atrophy, it becomes impossible to do ordinary work.At an advanced stage, paralysis of the limb develops, a violation of the work of the internal organs in the pelvis.
Ischemic
Osteochondrosis is accompanied by damage not only to the nerve endings in the lumbar region, but also of the blood vessels.Their compression leads to spasm, which becomes constant as it worsens.This phenomenon is clinically manifested in the form of periodic chromium.
The lack of nutrients and oxygen is found in the pelvic organs.This exacerbates the problems of urination, bowel movements and potency even more.
Pain
The onset of pain is the worst sign of osteochondrosis.Its intensity depends on the degree of damage.In the beginning, the pain is short nature, disappears after rest, but from the very beginning of the disease to be long and sick.The worsening of the pathology leads to the appearance of acute fires with radiation in the legs, groin, butt.
At a late stage, suffering is caused not only by physical effort, but even by coughing or sneezing.In the lumbar region, muscle hardening is palpated, which are in a constant spastic state.
Spine
With constant pain, innervation and blood supply, significant deformation occurs.It is not only noticed in the field of the pathological process, the architect of the spine is disturbed.Muscle tone occurs decreases, pelvic and pelvis distortion occurs.The gait changes, it becomes uncertain.Gradually, restructuring of the entire musculoskeletal system occurs.
Osteochondrosis complications
If you do not treat the disease in the early stages, then complications gradually develop, many of which significantly reduce the quality of life and even reduce its term.The neglected dystrophic process leads to the following violations:
- muscle weakness, atrophy and asthenia;
- violation of urination and bowel movements (incontinence);
- the development of severe deformity of the spine in men in firm physical work and in women during pregnancy;
- impaired potency in men;
- decreased blood flow and the development of ischemia;
- convexity and hernia on the intervertebral disc;
- spondylartrosis (growth of spike processes);
- Foot paresis;
- spondylosis.
An important point in the examination of the lumbar osteochondrosis clinic is the presence of reflected pain.Injection of nerve rays leads to irritation of internal (visceral) organs, causing pain and functional function in them.This explains the development of such manifestations as difficulty breathing, arrhythmias, intestines, which accompany the pathology of the spine.
Methods of treatment
Different methods are used to treat osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine.
Medication
Medicines for the treatment of the disease are NSAIDs.They allow you to simultaneously eliminate the process of inflammation and reduce pain syndrome.At the same time as internal medicines, topical therapy with locals and gels with anti -inflammatory effects is recommended.The most commonly used sodium diclofenac, ibuprofen in tablets or capsules.Occasionally, analgesics are used with intolerance to anti -inflammatory drugs.
In severe pain, local blockades with novocaine or lidocaine are kept.In some cases, with pronounced inflammation at the same time during the blockade of paravertebral, glucocorticoids are used with novocaine.This allows you to influence the afferent conductivity and normalize the reflex activity of the proper parts of the nervous system.
A good result in muscle spasm is shown by central muscle relaxants, a typical representative of this class is midokalm.These drugs are combined with non -steroidal anti -inflammatory, enhancing the effect of anesthesia and restoration of movement completely.
Additional drug treatment involves sedatives and medicines to normalize the nervous system.For this, it is sometimes recommended to take antidepressants, antipsychotics or tranquilizers.
Vitamin complexes, which include Group B, Vitamin D and Calcium, help to improve nerve conductivity and metabolic processes.Prolonged use of chondroprotectors is used to restore the structure of cartilage.
Physiotherapy
Modern physiotherapy techniques are an integral part of the successful treatment of lumbar spine osteochondrosis.These include:
- The use of currents of different frequency and intensity.Typically, a current effect of up to 100 mA is used, amphulus (modulated currents), darsonvalization, analgesic electrophoresis and proteolytic enzymes.Methods can improve blood circulation in the area of damage, restore metabolic processes, increase blood flow and deliver the medicine directly at the point of administration.
- Using the laser.Its exposure reduces the activity of inflammation and pain, and when directed to the points of parapurization, allows you to restore the structure of the intervertebral discs.
- UFO.Using ultraviolet irradiation, the production of vitamin D and the optimization of calcium metabolism are carried out.
- Magnetotherapy.It consists in the use of an induction magnet to restore the regenerative processes at the level of cellular structures.
- Balneotherapy.It ensures the use of healing water and mud.For this purpose, the patient is advised to accept common and local baths, to carry out applications and compress.
Physiotherapy and massage
An important connection in treatment is physical education.Its implementation is mandatory, but the selection of movements must be made by a specialist.Classes allow you to restore muscle tone, strengthen their fibers, expand the volume of movements in the spine.In order to achieve a positive result, certain rules must be observed:
- You cannot perform exercises if they cause pain or excessive stress;You should start training under the control of an exercise therapy instructor;
- Physical upbringing should be done regularly, only in this condition will the formation of a muscle corset occur;
- Do not make movements sharply and too fast, usually recommended medium or slow pace;
- Gymnastics does not exacerbate any disease;
- In case of deterioration, you should immediately stop the exercise and consult a specialist.
It is best to choose exercises that are performed in the position of lies and fours.It is useful to stretch your spine, pull the press and back.For such a patient, a good method of rehabilitation after exacerbation of osteochondrosis will be a visit to the pool.
Massage is also an effective method of osteochondrosis therapy in the lumbar segment.
An experienced specialist will help to improve metabolic processes and microcirculation in the area of disorder, relieve muscle tension.The use of massage in the acute period is extended in the presence of severe irreversible deformities, open wounds, rashes or skin burns.
Surgery
In the absence of the results of complex conservative therapy, it remains only to use the radical treatment method.It consists in conducting spinal surgery to eliminate the compression of the nerve roots and the maximum possible restoration of the mobility of the spine or the stabilization of its affected segment.
The operations for the operation are:
- Development of sequent inter -ranked hernia;
- severe pain that does not stop the use of medicines and blockade;
- A complete decline in the disc with the development of caudal syndrome and ischemia;
- The appearance of signs of radiculomiloichmm.
Most often, the patient is performed by microdiscectomy when bone tissue retains its integrity and the process of rehabilitation takes a short period of time.
There are other methods of intervention:
- endoscopic nucleotomy;
- laser evaporation of the disc;
- Nucleoplasty on the plasma disk.
Scientists around the world are developing for the application of dentures that replace intervertebral discs.This will allow the patient to be rehabilitated after surgery and reduce the likelihood of damage.
The use of traditional medicine
Along with the use of medicines, folk methods are used to treat lower back pain.They cannot replace complete therapy of osteochondrosis, but allow remission to reach remission in complex therapy:
- At home, it is convenient to use radish or horseradish as compresses.They should be cut to a grater, add some homemade sour cream and apply to the lesion.
- You can pour boiling water over a sheet of birco and attach to the lumbar region.Top it with a scarf down and hold for an hour.
- Powders diluted 1:30 with vegetable oil helps well.The mixture produces a great warming compress, which should be stored for one hour.
- It is useful to rub the lower back with liquid honey.But this must be done properly to achieve a powerful blood flow to the inflamed area.
- Ointment is used to eliminate the lumbar pain.For production, you should take equal partitions of powder from ghee, camphor and horse chestnut.After a thorough mixing, the product is smeared on pieces of rye bread and applied to the inflamed area.
You should consult a doctor before using any folk remedies.
Prevention
In order to prevent the development of lumbar osteochondrosis and the renewal of remission, prevention rules must be observed:
- Avoid hypothermia;
- Do not lift heavy objects (the maximum allowable load for a woman is 5 kg, for a man - 10 kg);
- We do exercises daily that allow us to strengthen the muscle corset and press;
- With prolonged sitting work, take regular breaks and heat;
- While walking always watched his posture;
- regularly sanitize possible sources of chronic infection;
- Eat properly and prevent overweight;
- Walking at a moderate pace as long as possible;
- Visit a dance group, participate in swimming, sports walking, avoiding sudden movements and strong jumps.
It is completely impossible to cure osteochondrosis, as changes occurring in the spine are irreversible, but modern methods of help help restore the quality of life of the patient for a long period.