Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, the symptoms and treatment of which are different, is one of the most common pathologies of the musculoskeletal system.
This condition is characterized by the fact that degenerative-dystrophic changes develop in the intervertebral discs, spreading over time to the ligaments and bone tissue of the vertebrae of the lumbosacral spine.An acute process, in the absence of therapy, inevitably becomes chronic.
A degenerative disease can turn a healthy person into a disabled person.
Levels of lumbar osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral region is classified into 4 degrees.The progression of the disease is as follows:
First degree.In the inner part of the fibrous ring, damage is formed in the form of cracks, into which the contents of the nucleus pulposus penetrate, causing irritation.This is the initial stage of osteochondrosis.The deformation of the intervertebral discs is barely pronounced and causes reflex pain during sudden movements and lifting heavy objects.Unpleasant sensations in the lower part of the spine can be moderate and manifest:
- lumbodynia - local, persistent pain in the lumbar spine;
- lumbago - sudden painful "shooting" in the lower back.
Second degree.Destructive processes in the annulus fibrosus continue.The distance from one vertebra to another decreases, causing compression of the nerve fibers.There is discomfort in the lower third of the back, which sometimes develops into pain attacks.
The third degree.During this period, the final destruction of the annulus fibrosus occurs with the extraction of the nucleus pulposus.Vessels and nerve endings are compressed by the intervertebral discs.An intervertebral hernia is formed.The spine bends, forming:
- lordosis - an arched deformity in the lumbar region, with a convexity of the spine in front;
- kyphosis - a position opposite to lordosis, when the arch is formed in the outward direction;
- Scoliosis is a pathological curvature of the spine to the right or left.
The last steposteochondrosis is considered the most serious and dangerous.At this time, the spine is already deformed, normal motor activity is lost.X-rays show bone growth in the lumbar spine - a response from the body.There may be no pain for a while, but that does not mean improvement.People suffering from stage 4 osteochondrosis of the sacrolumbar region often become disabled.The reason is that at this stage the process is complicated.
Causes of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
Among the causes of lumbar osteochondrosis are the following:
- Disproportionate load on the spine.A person is an upright creature, therefore, in a standing position, the load on the spine is considered normal.While performing various actions, you need to move, bending and not bending.To keep the body in the desired state, the musculoskeletal system is in a state of prolonged tension.In a sitting position, the load on the spine increases, and as you lie on your back, it becomes minimal.When a person stays in one position for a long time, the lumbar and sacral spine are overloaded and the muscles do not rest, which first creates a feeling of discomfort and then pain.This deforming factor creates the prerequisites for the development of lumbar osteochondrosis.
- Sedentary lifestyle.It contributes to the development of various pathologies, including those affecting the vertebral structures.Prolonged sitting causes cartilage tissue deformation and decreased muscle tone, provoking the development of lumbar osteochondrosis.
- Excessive physical activity.Both the lack of active physical activity and its excess do not bring anything good for the musculoskeletal system.Long and hard work, especially associated with lifting and carrying heavy objects, leads to overstrain of the back muscles and causes the formation of spinal hernias.
- Postural disorders.Deformation of the discs between the vertebrae can also be caused by improper walking.The reason is again the uneven load on the spine.Intervertebral discs lose elasticity and mobility, and therefore are more likely to be damaged.The elderly and the elderly suffer from similar problems more than others.
- Bone defects, hereditary pathologies, injuries and infectious lesions.Often, osteochondrosis is a consequence of disorders of the musculoskeletal system that were present at birth.For example, when the cartilage tissue of the body is fragile by nature.In addition, pathologies of the spine develop after traumatic injuries and infectious processes, such as osteomyelitis and tuberculosis.
- Flat feet.Signs of a "special" foot are the lack of a level and hanging arches.Those who have this feature often face spine problems.This is due to the increased load on the intervertebral discs during walking.Throughout life, they are exposed to increased physical impact when moving, so they wear out quickly
- Obesity.Excess weight is a problem and an additional burden on the body.All organs and systems suffer, including the spine.
- Pathological processes.Dysfunctions of various structures can negatively affect the state of the musculoskeletal system.Thus, the factors that provoke osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine are endocrine disorders, cardiovascular problems and dysfunction of the digestive system.
- The wrong way of life.Many people do not pay enough attention to simple and important things like physical activity, balanced nutrition and normal sleep.An organism that exists under stress for a long time becomes weakened and vulnerable.Among other pathologies that can arise in such "fertile" soil is lumbar osteochondrosis.
Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
Pathological changes in the lumbar spine are manifested by severe symptoms;
- Pain in the lower backis the most striking "signal" of the development of lumbar osteochondrosis.She talks about the presence of "radicular syndrome", when the compression of the nerve endings of the spine causes pain in the lumbar region.The person becomes tired and irritable.Over time, performing simple and familiar actions becomes a major problem due to lower back pain.If an intervertebral hernia has formed in the lumbar region, the pain radiates to the lower part of the leg, the back of the thigh and the leg.Over time, it becomes more and more difficult to sit and walk.Unpleasant sensations do not go away even in the lying position.Temporary relief may alternate with periods of irritation.;
- dysfunction of the genitourinary system.They manifest as pain in the kidney area and frequent urge to urinate.Deformation of the intervertebral discs causes displacement of the lumbar region in relation to the sacrum.This affects the functioning of internal reproductive organs in women and causes problems with potency in men;
- decreased leg sensitivity in the leg area.It can be either partial or absolute.At the same time, the reflexes of this part of the body weaken.Progressive pathology leads to complete loss of sensation in the lower extremities;
- gait disorders.Pain in the lumbar region with osteochondrosis causes a person to deviate when walking in the opposite direction to the place where the nerve fibers are pressed.The condition does not allow long distance walking.A person who limps is forced to stop from time to time, waiting for the pain to subside.Timely medical help can save a person from disability.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
Many people wonder if lumbar osteochondrosis is treated and how it happens.When the diagnosis is made and the diagnosis is made, the therapeutic tactics are also determined.
There are different methods by which lumbar osteochondrosis is treated.Which of them is necessary and advisable to use to cure a disease or to alleviate a person's condition as much as possible, is determined by the doctor.
Someone treats himself exclusively with folk remedies, at home, forgetting that they can be used only with the approval of a medical specialist and only as part of complex therapy.
Drug treatment of osteochondrosis
Drug therapy includes the use of:
- tablet form;
- solutions for injection;
- preparations for external use - ointments and gels.
Medicines are prescribed to eliminate inflammation and relieve pain in the lumbar region.They can be used at home.
These can be:
- analgesics;
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- medicines for muscle spasms (muscle relaxants);
- means for the restoration of cartilage tissue (chondroprotectors);
- corticosteroids (drugs containing hormones, the action of which is aimed at relieving pain and inflammation)
- vitamins.
The course of treatment is prescribed by a doctor, who, as additional treatment, sometimes prescribes pills or drugs that calm the nervous system.
Physiotherapy for lumbar osteochondrosis
Another common method that relieves the symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis is physiotherapy.By affecting the spine and lower back, it improves metabolic and restorative processes.
Most often prescribed:
- magnetic, laser and electrotherapy;
- phonophoresis;
- shock wave method;
- detensive therapy;
- vibrating massage;
- balneotherapy.
The doctor decides how many and what procedures will be needed.
Physiotherapy is effective when it comes to the initial stages of the pathology.But it, like other types of treatment, has contraindications.Therefore, when prescribing this method, the doctor takes into account many factors.
Therapeutic exercises for lumbar osteochondrosis
A set of physical exercises that can be indicated for lumbar osteochondrosis aims to restore the mobility of this part of the spine.
Regularity is considered the main condition for its effectiveness.Exercises performed from time to time will not bring the desired effect.
If the body already has complications caused by osteochondrosis, this method is not used.In addition, contraindications to its use are severe pathologies of other organs and systems, as well as the presence of pain in the pelvic area and above.
Surgical intervention for lumbar osteochondrosis
The surgical method is used in the presence of severe complications such as intervertebral hernia.Partial or complete removal of the damaged intervertebral disc (discectomy) is performed, as prescribed in the surgical protocol.
Indications for surgery are:
- severe and persistent pain that cannot be relieved by medication for a month;
- the large size of the hernia and its effect on the spinal cord.
Osteochondrosis is easier to prevent than to treat.Like any pathology, it is potentially dangerous with serious complications.It is important to understand that more or less complete relief from this pathology is possible in the earliest stages, when the deforming effect on the intervertebral discs is minimal.In other cases, we can only talk about relieving symptoms and maintaining a state of the body that allows a person to live and work normally.