Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, the symptoms and treatment of which are varied, 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, which spread 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.
Grades of lumbar osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral region is classified into 4 degrees.The development 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 and cause irritation.This is the initial stage of osteochondrosis.Deformation of the intervertebral discs is barely pronounced and causes reflex pain with sudden movements and lifting of heavy objects.Unpleasant sensations in the lower spine can be moderate and manifest:
- lumbodyni – localized, persistent pain in the lumbar spine;
- lumbago – sudden painful "shooting" in the lower back.
Second degree.Destructive processes in the fibrous ring 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 attacks of pain.
Third degree.During this period, the final destruction of the fibrous ring occurs with extrusion of the nucleus pulposus.Vessels and nerve endings are compressed by intervertebral discs.An intervertebral hernia is formed.The spine curves and forms:
- lordosis - a curved deformity in the lumbar region, with a convexity of the spine forward;
- kyphosis - a position opposite to lordosis, when the arch is formed in the outer direction;
- Scoliosis is a pathological curvature of the spine to the right or left.
Last degreeosteochondrosis 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 reaction from the body.There may be no pain for some time, but this does not mean recovery.People suffering from stage 4 osteochondrosis of the sacrolumbar region often become disabled.The reason is that the process at this stage is complicated.
Causes of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
Among the causes of lumbar osteochondrosis are the following:
- Disproportionate strain on the spine.A person is an upright being, therefore the load on the spine is considered normal in a standing position.When performing various actions, you need to move, bend and unbend.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 while lying on the back, it becomes minimal.When a person remains in a position for a long time, the lumbar and lumbar 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 vertebral structures.Prolonged sitting causes deformation of cartilage tissue and a decrease in muscle tone, which provokes 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, hard work, especially associated with lifting and carrying heavy objects, leads to overloading of the back muscles and causes the formation of spina bifida.
- Attitudinal disorders.Deformation of the discs between the vertebrae can also be caused by incorrect walking.The reason is again the uneven load on the spine.Intervertebral discs lose elasticity and mobility and are therefore more prone to damage.Elderly and elderly people suffer more from similar problems 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 in the body is fragile by nature.In addition, spinal pathologies develop after traumatic injuries and infectious processes, as in osteomyelitis and tuberculosis.
- Flat feet.Signs of a "special" foot are the absence of a notch and hanging arches.Those who have this feature often face back problems.This is due to the increased load on the intervertebral discs when walking.Throughout their lives, they are exposed to increased physical impact when they move, so they wear out quickly
- Obesity.Being overweight 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 condition of the musculoskeletal system.Thus, factors that provoke osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine are endocrine disorders, cardiovascular problems and malfunctions of the digestive system.
- Wrong lifestyle.Many people do not pay enough attention to such simple and important things as 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 on 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 compression of the nerve endings in the spine causes pain in the lower back.The person becomes tired and irritable.Over time, it becomes a big problem to perform simple and familiar actions due to pain in the lumbar spine.If an intervertebral hernia has formed in the lower back, the pain radiates to the lower leg, the back of the thigh and the foot.Over time, it becomes increasingly difficult to sit and walk.The unpleasant sensations do not disappear even in a lying position.Temporary relief may alternate with periods of exacerbation.;
- dysfunction of the genitourinary system.They show up as pain in the kidney area and frequent urination.Deformation of the intervertebral discs causes displacement of the lumbar region relative to the sacrum.This affects the function of the internal reproductive organs in women and causes problems with potency in men;
- reduced sensitivity of the legs in the foot area.It can be either partial or absolute.At the same time, the reflexes in this part of the body weaken.Progressive pathology leads to complete loss of feeling in the lower extremities;
- gait disorders.Pain in the lower back with osteochondrosis causes a person to deviate when walking in the opposite direction to where the nerve fibers are pinched.The condition does not allow walking long distances.A person who limps is forced to stop from time to time and wait 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 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 relieve 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.
Medicinal treatment of osteochondrosis
Drug treatment involves the use of:
- tablet forms;
- injection solutions;
- preparations for external use - ointments and gels.
Medicines are prescribed to eliminate inflammation and relieve pain in the lower back.They can be used at home.
These could be:
- analgesics;
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- medicines for muscle spasms (muscle relaxants);
- means to restore cartilage tissue (chondroprotectors);
- corticosteroids (hormone-containing drugs whose action 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 medicines 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 restoration processes.
Most often prescribed:
- magnetic, laser and electrotherapy;
- phonophoresis;
- shock wave method;
- detensor therapy;
- vibration massage;
- balneotherapy.
The doctor decides how many and which procedures are needed.
Physiotherapy is effective when it comes to the initial stages of pathology.But, like other types of treatment, it 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 is aimed at restoring the mobility of this part of the spine.
Regularity is considered the main condition for its effectiveness.Exercises performed occasionally will not give the desired effect.
If the body already has complications caused by osteochondrosis, this method is not used.In addition, contraindications to its use are serious pathologies in 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 serious complications such as intervertebral hernia.Partial or complete removal of the damaged intervertebral disc (discectomy) is performed as indicated in the surgical protocol.
Indications for surgery are:
- severe and persistent pain that cannot be relieved by medication for a month;
- 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 of this pathology is possible at 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 you to live and work normally.