Lower back pain most often affects people over the age of 35. In most cases, the disease is associated with deformity of the vertebrae and its consequences. A timely visit to the doctor will speed up recovery, as the symptoms and treatment of lumbar spine osteochondrosis are interrelated concepts.
The greater the progress of the disease, the more serious its consequences, the more difficult the process of restoring health.
Signs and symptoms of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
The lumbar spine is located between the sacrum and the thoracic region and consists of five vertebrae connected by intervertebral discs.
The development of osteochondrosis means wear and tear of the intervertebral discs, which play a cushioning role during spinal loads. The base of the discs is a gel-like mass, protected by a dense fibrous ring and cartilage tissue, and the inner space is filled with a liquid pulse nucleus.
As the loads on the vertebrae increase, the elasticity and flexibility of the intervertebral discs are lost, as well as their height, and microcracks are formed in the fibrous ring, which ultimately leads to its rupture and damage to the pulpal nucleus.
Tissue destruction is accompanied by pinching of the nerve roots located on both sides of the vertebrae and causes severe pain.
The main signs of lumbar osteochondrosis:
- back pain;
- fatigue and depression;
- weakness or excessive muscle tension;
- loss of sensation in the limbs, buttocks or thighs;
- acute or painful pain and cramps in the lumbar region, often radiating to the legs;
- motor dysfunction.
Against the background of serious lesions of the vertebrae in the lumbar region, other symptoms are observed, most often dysfunctions of other organs - the urinary and reproductive systems, the gastrointestinal tract.
Causes
Like most diseases of the musculoskeletal system, osteochondrosis can develop for many reasons. Some of them are rooted in lifestyle and diet, while the other part develops against the background of the physiological characteristics of the body.
Quite often the treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral spine is required by athletes whose back is exposed not only to constant force loads, but also to periodic injuries.
The second category of people at risk, people who by virtue of their profession spend a lot of time in one position - teachers, hairdressers, cooks, loaders, waiters, programmers, office workers and drivers.
Among other reasons for the development of pathology:
- overweight;
- metabolic disorder;
- incorrect posture, bend;
- genetic predisposition;
- injuries;
- bad habits;
- lack of useful trace elements and vitamins in the diet;
- abnormal development of the musculoskeletal system, flat feet;
- hypothermia;
- inaction, static;
- frequent stress.
All of these factors can affect the elasticity of the intervertebral discs, as they contribute to impaired blood circulation or the appearance of nutrient deficiencies entering the spinal tissues.
The vertebrae are able to perform their functions, subject to regular tissue renewal. In case of any malnutrition of the spinal tissues, be it lack of blood circulation or problems with metabolism, the regeneration processes are slowed down or stopped completely. So there is a drying and dystrophic change in the cartilage and fibrous ring of the vertebrae.
Degrees of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
Depending on the level of spinal cord injury, there are four stages of development of osteochondrial processes, manifested in stages as the disease progresses.
First degree
Pathological processes in the spine begin long before their first clinical manifestation. As a result of moisture loss, the intervertebral discs become less elastic. The height of the discs remains normal. The patient experiences discomfort in the lumbar region.
Second degree
Against the background of moisture deficiency, microcracks appear in the annular fibrosis and inflammation of the tissues develops.
Hook-shaped processes on the vertebrae gradually increase. Seals develop in the cartilage.
The patient complains of back pain radiating to the legs or groin. Impairment of motor abilities is possible. Malfunctions of the internal organs occur.
Third degree
The integrity of the annular fibrosis is compromised, the intervertebral disc protrudes, forming a hernia. The vessels and nerve endings are compressed. There are muscle spasms, pelvic organ dysfunction, sensory disturbance of the lower extremities, prolonged attacks of radiculitis.
Fourth degree
The most difficult, untreatable stage of the disease. As a result of the complete destruction of the intervertebral discs, scars form in their place. The vertebrae come as close as possible and gradually deform. With the development of spinal cord compression, paralysis of the lower extremities is possible.
If timely treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is not provided, the destruction of the vertebrae will progress and may lead to damage.
Diagnostics
To diagnose the disease and make an accurate diagnosis, neurologists use a set of measures - taking a medical history, physiological examination and examination of the apparatus.
Taking the anamnesis
Provides a study of patient complaints:
- cause for concern;
- place of discomfort;
- duration and intensity of unpleasant sensations;
- duration of the disease;
- possible causes of the disease;
- frequency of exacerbations;
- exacerbating factors;
- factors that improve well-being.
In addition, the doctor studies information about the patient's lifestyle, diet, work and rest, the presence of bad habits, hereditary factors and trauma.
Physiological examination
Performed to identify pathological changes and make a preliminary diagnosis.
During the examination, the doctor assesses the patient's motor abilities - gait, posture, amplitude and range of motion. The method of palpation examines the condition of the muscles - tone, size, volume, the presence of spasms.
Sets the sensitivity level with a slight tingling sensation. Knocking with a hammer makes it possible to identify areas of pain.
Hardware tests
To obtain complete and accurate information on the location of the pathology and the degree of tissue damage, doctors use tests using different types of medical equipment.
Radiography.Examination of the lumbar spine with the help of X-ray allows to determine the anatomical parameters of the vertebrae and intervertebral discs, the tendency to narrow the holes between the bases, the presence of bone growths.
Tomography.The use of electromagnetic waves provides the display of the image of the studied area on the screen for further study and analysis of the condition of the vessels that supply the tissues of the spine, nerve processes and intervertebral discs.
CT.X-rays are taken of several segments of the spine. The image is displayed on the monitor to determine the nature of the changes in the vessels, the membrane of the vertebrae and spinal cord, the marginal growths.
Different types of tests are used for differential diagnosis to exclude pathologies of other body systems.Treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral spine
The duration and characteristics of the treatment of lumbosacral osteochondrosis depend on the results of the diagnostic measures. Conservative treatment is indicated in the early stages of the disease. For more complex lesions of the spine, surgery is used.The optimal therapeutic effect is achieved through complex therapy, which includes the use of local drugs, physiotherapy, massage, healing gymnastics.
Medicine
To relieve symptoms, non-steroidal drugs are prescribed for internal and external use - tablets, injections, ointments. In addition, chondroprotectors, neuroprotectors, diuretics, vitamins, muscle relaxants are used.
The drug allows:
- elimination of pain;
- relieving inflammation;
- relax your muscles;
- repair of destroyed cartilage tissue;
- improve blood circulation;
- reduce swelling;
- increase in physical activity;
- normalize brain nutrition.
In acute pain, novocaine blockade is used to provide immediate action.
Folk remedies
Treatment with folk methods is effective as an adjunct to drug therapy. The main methods of traditional medicine are based on the use of plant materials, animal products and chemicals.
Ointments and compresses, decoctions and infusions are used on the basis of various components, used for internal and external use, as well as for healing baths.
Physiotherapy for lumbar osteochondrosis
Physiotherapy procedures are an excellent way to restore motor functions of the spine after suffering from osteochondrosis.
The main physiotherapy methods are:
- electrotherapy- exposure to weak electric currents to improve blood circulation in the tissues;
- magnetotherapy- the use of the properties of the magnetic field to restore tissues at the cellular level;
- laser therapy- complex activation of biological processes in the spinal tissues and nerve endings;
- shock wave therapy- improvement of microcirculation and metabolic processes in the affected tissues through the effect of acoustic wave;
- balneotherapy- use of the healing properties of mineral water.
Physiotherapy procedures not only increase the effectiveness of drug treatment several times, but also contribute to the healing and strengthening of the body as a whole.
Massage for osteochondrosis of the lumbar region
Visiting massage procedures is one of the most pleasant and effective methods for treating osteochondrosis.
With massage therapy:
- elimination of muscle spasms;
- improving the blood supply to the affected areas;
- improving lymph flow;
- restore atrophied muscles;
- remove the mobility restriction.
Massage is prescribed when the pain syndromes are eliminated.
Therapeutic gymnastics
The main task of exercise therapy in osteochondrosis is to restore the functionality of the spine and correct it. However, you can attend classes only after the symptoms of exacerbation have been eliminated.
The most effective methods of medical gymnastics are:
- loading;
- visit to the gym;
- water therapy, swimming.
Hoop can be used for sports at home. Some doctors recommend yoga to their patients to restore the flexibility of the spine.
Exercises for exacerbation of lumbar osteochondrosis
Any exercises for osteochondrosis should be performed slowly and without sudden movements.
To strengthen the muscles that support the vertebrae, appropriate exercises performed while lying on your stomach. In this case, the arms are pulled up with a slight stretch, but without tension. Repeat 4 times.
Surgery
The spine is treated with surgery in particularly difficult cases - with significant neurological disorders, as well as with loss of stool control.
During the operation, the source of the disease is removed and measures are taken to stabilize the spine. The postoperative period lasts several months.
What is the risk of lumbar osteochondrosis?
The degenerative changes that occur in lumbar osteochondrosis contribute to the development of many life-threatening diseases. Against the background of an intervertebral hernia, bumps, lumbago and sciatica appear.
Further development of the disease can cause prolapse of the intervertebral disc and the formation of spinosis. In addition to the severe pain that accompanies the pathology, a person's motor abilities are impaired to the point of complete loss. Paralysis of the lower extremities develops.
Death is inevitable in case of significant damage to the lining of the spinal cord.
Prevention
To avoid damaging changes in the spine, you need to take care of a healthy lifestyle:
- do sports - swimming, tempering;
- stick to a proper balanced, nutritious diet;
- eliminate bad habits;
- maintain a posture;
- support your spine while sleeping with an orthopedic mattress.
In addition, it is advisable to avoid hypothermia, heavy lifting. Women are advised not to wear high heels often.
You can keep your waist healthy if you adjust your lifestyle and remember the importance of physical activity.