With osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, the symptoms and treatment of the disease will be discussed further, the person's mobility is limited, the ability to live a normal life. Almost half of all patients have complaints of pain in this part of the back. According to the results of Poll Options Are, lumbar vertebral osteochondrosis is in second place after respiratory diseases.
If the age-related degenerative processes were until recently considered the main cause of pathology, now many more factors that cause the disease have been clarified. Before starting treatment, understand what osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is.
The disease is a pathological change in the intervertebral discs, accompanied by dystrophy of the ligaments, destruction of the vertebrae of the body. It is the lumbar region that suffers most of all as it experiences a huge load when lifting weights in a sitting position.
Signs of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine are increasingly manifested in adolescents who are almost 30 years old. It is impossible to start the disease as complications are fraught with disability, paralysis of the lower extremities.
Main symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
Lumbar osteochondrosis is a deforming pathology, which in most cases is a natural aging process. However, high physical activity on the spine, metabolic disorders, abuse of harmful products and alcohol accelerate this process.
The first signs of pathology do not appear immediately, so treatment does not always start on time. In osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, the symptoms are as follows:
- pain is more often pain in the early stages and is acute in 2-3 stages of the development of the disease (with sudden movements the discomfort becomes stronger, and under the bed it rests away);
- with osteochondrosis, feelings of weakness in the legs (tendon reflexes are lost in the lower extremities, which is clearly visible during neurological tests);
- curvature of the lumbar region;
- violation of urination and defecation (depending on where the spinal cord was squeezed).
Additional symptoms of the lumbar spine can also be identified: numbness in the lower back, dryness and peeling of the skin, a change in its shade (it turns blue). Sweating increases in the buttocks area. One of the signs of osteochondrosis in men in the lumbar spine is considered to be an erectile dysfunction.
In osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, the symptoms vary in severity. Some manifestations can be combined in syndromes.
| Syndromes | Characteristic |
| Ischemic | This shows signs of the lumbar spine due to damage to the blood vessels. The arteries begin to spasm (the process becomes permanent over time). This condition is characterized by pain in the muscles of the lower leg and thighs while walking. If the blood vessels are squeezed and spasmed for a long time, the nutrition of the pelvic organs as well as their functionality is disturbed. In women, the pathology causes problems with the menstrual cycle, the ability to conceive, urination |
| Whirlpool | It is characterized by pain of varying intensity and localization. It occurs after the load on the lumbar spine: tilting, lifting heavy objects. If a herniated disc occurs, the person may lose sensitivity in the legs. In this case, changes occur in the spine: posture changes, the person swallows, gait becomes problematic |
| Radical | The vertebrae become unstable and compress not only the nerve roots but also the blood vessels. A symptom of the syndrome is pain at the site of squeezing the ends. Unpleasant sensations spread to buttocks and legs. A person has an increase in muscle tone, he is forced to change his gait. In the absence of treatment for osteochondrosis, the nerve roots become inflamed. This condition is accompanied by edema in the body tissue that surrounds the spine. The blood begins to stagnate, the poisoning process begins. With radicular syndrome, pain is observed in other joints. In addition to these symptoms, a feeling of "goosebumps" appears in the lower back (the lumbar region). In particularly difficult cases, patients can no longer move independently |
People suffering from osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine should undergo a complete examination to determine the severity of the disease and to determine the treatment regimen.
Degrees of the lumbar spine
Lumbar osteochondrosis develops gradually. There are such stages of pathology progression:
- First. In this case, the nucleus pulposus, located inside the disc, begins to move and change. Cracks appear on the fibrous ring. The nerve roots become irritated, which is signaled by back pain. At this stage of osteochondrosis, discomfort is still of a local nature, that is, symptoms are felt only in the area of the damaged disc. Sometimes it is a lumbago, but in the first stage of development there is often a constant dull pain. The discomfort of osteochondrosis increases after the load on the lumbar spine.
- Other. Here the destruction of the fibrous ring takes place. The mobility of the injured vertebrae increases while the muscle tissue becomes tense. The distance between them decreases, they can move in relation to each other. It becomes more difficult for a person to move as he quickly gets tired, feels severe discomfort in the lumbar region. The pain spreads to thighs, legs, buttocks. The person sweats more.
- Third. At this stage of the disease, the pain intensifies many times because the fibrous ring ruptures. In this case, the nucleus pulposus leaves its place and a hernia forms. The patient feels acute pain and lumbago when tissues and nerve roots are compressed. The discomfort becomes constant and unbearable. Work on internal organs is disrupted.
- Fourth. Deformation of the spine occurs. It is very difficult for a person to move, but the pain symptom becomes less pronounced. This does not mean at all that the pathology is no longer developing. This condition is a signal that a person will soon be sitting in a wheelchair. In addition, osteophytes grow in the area of the damaged disc, which aggravates the condition even more, the muscle atrophy.
If the disease progression is not controlled and treatment is not started on time, the vertebrae collapse and restore them without a risky and difficult operation will not work.
What to do in case of exacerbation of the disease
Lumbar osteochondrosis is a difficult disease that should not be brought to the last stage. It quickly becomes chronic as even the most effective treatment can only stop the development of pathology or slow it down.
If severe back pain occurs and a person is unable to move normally, this indicates a worsening of the pathological process. It most often occurs in those patients who do not follow the doctor's recommendations. If an aggravation has occurred, a person must follow these rules:
- It is better to completely give up physical activity in the time it takes to restore normal body functionality. It is better to lie in a comfortable position that does not cause discomfort. It is good if the patient uses a hard mattress, as the body in this case (especially the lumbar region) does not sink.
- To minimize the load on the back, a person can use a semi-rigid corset. It will restrict sudden movements.
- To reduce the severity of pain in osteochondrosis, slowly bend the leg at the knee on the affected side. This helps relieve muscle tension and relieve pinched nerve tissue.
- In difficult cases, the applicator can be used, but it must be used with caution. The procedure is performed twice a day for 30 minutes.
- After the massage, which will gradually restore normal blood circulation and muscle tone, use an anti-inflammatory ointment.
It is impossible to warm up the affected area on the first day after the onset of aggravation. Dry heat is applied only the second day when the pain peak has passed. Otherwise, tissue edema increases and the patient's condition with osteochondrosis worsens.
Disease Diagnosis
Lumbar osteochondrosis requires a serious approach and complex therapy. It becomes easier for the patient if he takes the right drugs, performs the exercises prescribed by the doctor. To choose a treatment regimen, the patient must be examined. The following diagnostic methods stand out:
- x-ray. If the lumbar joints are affected, X-ray assessment is considered the most important. The picture is taken in several projections. On it you can see the damage to the discs, the condition of the spinal canal. Each protrusion must be perpendicular to the previous one.
- MRI or CT. The presented procedures help to identify more precisely what factors triggered the development of osteochondrosis, in what condition are not only the vertebrae, but also soft tissue, blood vessels, nerve endings. At the same time, the person does not feel any discomfort.
- External examination with palpation of the damaged area and neurological tests.
Only a thorough diagnosis can determine if a person is really developing osteochondrosis.
Treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis
If the treatment of the lumbar spine is not performed, the patient develops complications such as protrusion, spondyloarthrosis, hernia, inflammation of the sciatic nerve, narrowing of the spinal canal and dysfunction of the pelvic organs. The person also begins to limp, he has paresis and paralysis of the legs.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine gives itself several tasks. First, it is necessary to remove the inflammation that causes pain in this disease. Of course, it is necessary to stop the unpleasant symptoms themselves as well as to strengthen the muscular corset in the lumbar region, the lower extremities.
The therapy is intended to relieve swelling and soft tissue spasms. The patient is prescribed means and procedures designed to improve the functionality of organs, regulate blood circulation, restore metabolic processes in the body and also expand the range of motion. Since osteochondrosis in the lumbar regions in patients will be treated for a long time, choose the methods that give a good effect and cause a minimum of damage. Medicine, alternative treatment, physiotherapy, LF and other methods are used.
Surgery
In advanced cases, when the disease progression has reached the final stage, the lumbar spine requires surgery. The surgeon's help is needed in the presence of complications that impair the functionality of organs, a vertebral hernia. An emergency operation is performed if there is a threat of developing paralysis in the lower extremities.
The most effective intervention is to remove the damaged disk. Also widely used is the microsurgical method of treating osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine using an endoscope. This procedure is less traumatic for the patient and allows him to recover in the shortest possible time.
Physiotherapy
At the lumbar spine, symptoms (they are treated in different ways) can be eliminated using physiotherapy procedures. Helpful:
- diadynamic currents;
- electrophoresis and phonophoresis;
- magnetic therapy;
- laser treatment.
Physiotherapy procedures provide the maximum benefit of combination therapy in combination with medication.
Physiotherapy Exercises
Treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis will not be effective without performing a complex of exercise therapy prescribed by a physician. All exercises are aimed at improving the mobility of the lower back, strengthening the muscle corset and increasing the stability of the spine. The complex must be carried out regularly.
The doctor usually prescribes the following exercises: bending in different directions, in a standing position, walking on all fours back and forth, tension in the abdominal muscles in a lying position.
Massage
It can only be performed after the aggravation has been eliminated or during remission. Thanks to the procedure, you can not only achieve relaxation of spasmodic muscles, but also their strengthening. Massage is more effective after the bath. It must be performed by a specialist using the correct techniques: stroking, rubbing. The procedure should not be performed if there are open wounds on the back, a person has been diagnosed with dermatological diseases or problems with blood circulation.
Manual therapy
Manual therapy solves the same tasks as massage, but uses slightly different techniques. You can not rely on your spine for an amateur. An experienced specialist is required for the procedure, which will not hurt.
Medicine
In the treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, medication can not be omitted. When you choose them, the general condition of the body, the stage of disease development, matters. To combat osteochondrosis, there are the following most effective drug groups:
Analgesics.
- NSAIDs - These drugs remove the inflammation itself and the pain that accompanies it. They relieve swelling, normalize body temperature.
- Muscle relaxants - These drugs are prescribed by a doctor and are only used when NSAIDs have failed. Muscle relaxants help relieve muscle spasms.
- Chondro-Protectors - They keep cartilage in good condition without letting it decompose. But they are only effective if this layer is not completely erased.
- Steroid anti-inflammatory drugs. They are appointed last in the most advanced cases.
- Multivitamins and B vitamins - The presented preparations help to improve NS functionality.
- Antidepressants (to restore the patient's emotional background).
- Novocaine blockade with hydrocortisone. They are placed directly inside the part of the back where the pain comes from. Blockades are rarely performed as they are capable of inducing muscle atrophy.
- Preparations for the improvement of blood circulation and microcirculation.
Topical drugs - ointments - have good effect and a minimum of side effects. If the patient uses folk remedies for therapy, the drugs should continue to be taken.
Prevention of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine can be prevented if you follow simple prevention rules:
- avoid hypothermia and infection
- Do not lift heavy objects;
- bags to be worn alternately on both shoulders;
- follow the drinking scheme and eat right;
- keep body weight within normal limits
- timely treatment of congenital or acquired skeletal pathologies
- go in for swimming, exercise more, perform a complex of lumbar gymnastics daily;
- undergoes regular medical examinations.
Basic care of your own health helps to avoid complications of the lumbar spine, and there are many of them and it is difficult to cope with them.