Low back pain most often affects people over 35 years old. In the vast majority of cases, the disease is associated with vertebral deformity and its consequences. A timely visit to a doctor will speed up recovery, because the symptoms and treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine are interrelated concepts.
The greater the progression of the disease, the more severe its consequences, the more difficult the process of health recovery.
Signs and symptoms of lumbar spine osteochondrosis
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 the wear of the intervertebral discs, which perform a shock-absorbing role during loads on the spine. The base of the discs is a gel-like mass, protected by a dense fibrous ring and cartilaginous tissue, and the inner space is filled with a pulpy liquid nucleus.
As the loads on the vertebrae increase, the elasticity and flexibility of the intervertebral discs, as well as their height, are lost, and microcracks form in the anal fibrosus, which eventually leads to its rupture and damage to the nucleus pulposus.
Tissue destruction is associated with tightening of nerve roots located on either side of the vertebrae and causes severe pain.
Key signs of lumbar osteochondrosis:
- back pain;
- fatigue and depression;
- weakness or excessive muscle tension;
- loss of sensation in limbs, buttocks or thighs;
- sharp or aching pain and spasms in the lumbar region, often radiating to the legs;
- violation of motor function.
Against the background of serious lesions of the vertebrae in the lumbar region, other symptoms are observed, more often, dysfunctions of other organs - urinary and reproductive systems, gastrointestinal tract.
Causes of occurrence
Like most diseases of the musculoskeletal system, osteochondrosis can develop for many reasons. Some of them are rooted in lifestyle and diet, while the rest take place against the background of the physiological characteristics of the body.
Very often, the treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral spine is required by athletes, whose back is exposed not only to constant energy loads, but also to periodic injuries.
The second category of people at risk, people who, because 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 behavior, 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;
- lack of mobility, 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 a lack of nutrients entering the vertebral tissues.
The vertebrae are capable of performing their functions, undergoing regular tissue renewal. In case of any malnutrition of the vertebral tissues, be it a lack of blood circulation or problems with metabolism, the regeneration processes slow down or stop completely. So there is a drying and dystrophic changes in the cartilage and fibrous ring of the vertebrae.
Degrees of lumbar spine osteochondrosis
Depending on the level of the spinal cord lesion, there are four stages of development of osteochondral processes, manifested in stages, as the disease progresses.
First degree
Pathological processes in the spine begin long before their first clinical appearance. As a result of moisture loss, the intervertebral discs become less elastic. Disk height remains normal. The patient feels discomfort in the lumbar region.
Second degree
Against the background of lack of moisture, microcracks appear in the ring fibrosis and tissue inflammation develops.
Crochet bead processes increase gradually. Seals develop in cartilage.
A patient complains of radiating back pain in the leg or groin. Limitation of motor skills is possible. Malfunctions occur in the work of internal organs.
Third degree
The integrity of the annulus fibrosus is broken, the intervertebral disc protruding, forming a hernia. The vessels and nerve endings are congested. There are muscle spasms, dysfunction of the pelvic organs, sensory disorder of the lower extremities, prolonged attacks of radiculitis.
Fourth degree
The most difficult, incurable, stage in the course of the disease. As a result of the complete destruction of the intervertebral discs, marks are formed in their place. The beads get 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 lumbar spine osteochondrosis is not provided, vertebral destruction will progress and may lead to disability.
Diagnosis
To diagnose a disease and make an accurate diagnosis, neurologists use a range of measures - taking a history, physiological examination and apparatus studies.
Taking anamnesis
Provides for the study of patient complaints:
- cause for concern;
- location of concern;
- duration and intensity of unpleasant sensations;
- duration of illness;
- possible causes of the disease;
- frequency of deteriorations;
- factors that provoke exacerbations;
- 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 skills - walking, posture, amplitude and range of motion. The touch method examines the condition of the muscles - tone, size, volume, the presence of spasms.
Sets the sensitivity level with a pinprick. Knocking with the hammer makes it possible to recognize the radiation areas of pain.
Hardware tests
To get complete and accurate information about the location of the pathology and the degree of tissue damage, doctors use research using different types of medical devices.
Radiography.Examination of the lumbar spine by X-rays allows to establish 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 an image of the area under study on the screen for further study and analysis of the condition of the vessels supplying the spinal tissues, nerve processes and intervertebral discs.
CT. X-ray images of some segments of the spine are taken. The image is displayed on the monitor to determine the nature of changes in the vessels, the membrane of the vertebrae and spinal cord, marginal growths.
For differential diagnosis, different types of research are used to rule out pathologies of other body systems.
Treatment of lumbosacral spine osteochondrosis
The duration and characteristics of treatment of lumbosacral osteochondrosis depend on the results of diagnostic measures. In the early stages of disease development, conservative treatment is indicated. For more complex spinal lesions, surgery is used.
The optimal therapeutic effect is achieved through complex therapy, which includes the use of day medication, physiotherapy, massage, gymnastics to improve health.
Medications
To relieve symptoms, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed for internal and external use - tablets, injections, oils. In addition, chondroprotectors, neuroprotectants, diuretics, vitamins, muscle relaxants are used.
Medications allow:
- eliminate bitterness;
- relieves inflammation;
- relax your muscles;
- restore damaged cartilage tissue;
- improve blood circulation;
- reduces swelling;
- increase physical activity;
- normalize brain nutrition.
For acute pain, novocaine blockade is used, which provides immediate action.
Folk remedies
Treatment with folk remedies 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.
Based on various ingredients, oils and compresses, decoctions and infusions are prepared, used for internal and external use, as well as for therapeutic baths.
Physiotherapy for lumbar osteochondrosis
Physiotherapy procedures are a great way to restore the motor functions of the spine after suffering from osteochondrosis.
The main methods of physiotherapy are:
- electrotherapy- exposure to weak electric currents to increase blood flow to tissues;
- magnetotherapy- use of magnetic field properties to restore tissue at the cellular level;
- laser therapy- complex activation of biological processes in vertebral tissues and nerve endings;
- shock wave therapy- improving microcirculation and metabolic processes in tissues affected by exposure to an acoustic wave;
- balneotherapy- using the healing properties of mineral water.
Physiotherapy procedures not only increase the effectiveness of medication treatment several times, but also contribute to healing and strengthening the body as a whole.
Massage for osteochondrosis of the lumbar region
Visiting massage treatments is one of the most enjoyable and effective methods of treating osteochondrosis.
With massage therapy:
- eliminate muscle spasms;
- improve blood supply to affected areas;
- improve lymph flow;
- restores atrophied muscles;
- removes mobility restriction.
Massage is prescribed when pain syndromes are eliminated.
Healing 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 you have eliminated the worsening symptoms.
The most effective methods of medical gymnastics are:
- karikimi;
- visit to the gym;
- water therapy, not.
A circle can be used for home sports. Some doctors recommend yoga courses for their patients to restore spinal flexibility.
Exercises for worsening lumbar osteochondrosis
Any exercise for osteochondrosis should be performed slowly and without sudden movements.
To strengthen the muscles that support the vertebrae, appropriate exercises are performed while lying on the stomach. In this case, the arms are pulled up with a slight but no tension stretch. Repeat 4 times.
Surgery
The spine is treated with surgery in particularly difficult cases - with significant neurological disorders, as well as with loss of control over bowel movements.
During the operation, the source of the disease is removed and measures are taken to stabilize the spine. The postoperative period lasts several months.
Why is lumbar osteochondrosis dangerous?
The degenerative changes that occur in lumbar osteochondrosis contribute to the development of many life-threatening diseases. Against the background of an intervertebral hernia, extensions, lumbago and sciatica occur.
Further progression of the disease can cause intervertebral disc prolapse and spinosis to form. In addition to the severe pain that accompanies the pathology, a person’s motor skills are impaired, until their complete loss. Paralysis of the lower extremities develops.
Death is inevitable in case of significant damage to the spinal cord lining.
Prevention
To avoid harmful changes in the spine, you need to take care of a healthy lifestyle:
- do sports - swimming, tempering;
- adhere to the correct balanced, nutritious diet;
- eliminate bad habits;
- maintain attitude;
- support your spine during sleep with an orthopedic mattress.
In addition, it is advisable to avoid hypothermia, heavy lifting. Women are advised not to wear high-heeled shoes often.
You can keep your lower back healthy by adjusting your lifestyle and remembering the importance of physical activity.