Low back pain most often affects people over the age of 35. In the vast majority of cases, the disease is associated with deformity of the vertebrae 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 related concepts.
The greater the progress of the disease, the more severe 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 the wear of the intervertebral discs, which play a shock-absorbing role during loads on the spine. The base of the discs is a gelatinous mass, protected by a dense fibrous ring and cartilage tissue, and the internal space is filled with a liquid nucleus pulposus.
As the loads on the vertebrae increase, the elasticity and flexibility of the intervertebral discs are lost, as well as their height, and microcracks form in the annulus fibrosus, which ultimately lead to its rupture and damageof the nucleus pulposus.
The destruction of tissues 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;
- sharp or aching pains and spasms in the lumbar region, often radiating to the legs;
- violation of motor function.
Against the background of severe injuries of the vertebrae in the lumbar region, other symptoms are observed, very often, dysfunctions of other organs: the urinary and reproductive system, the 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 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 power 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, employees and drivers.
Among other reasons for the development of the pathology:
- overweight;
- metabolic disorder;
- incorrect posture, bending over;
- genetic predisposition;
- lesions;
- bad habits;
- lack of useful trace elements and vitamins in the diet;
- abnormal development of the musculoskeletal system, flat feet;
- hypothermia;
- inactivity, static;
- frequent stress.
All these factors can affect the elasticity of the intervertebral discs, as they contribute to impaired blood circulation or the appearance of a deficiency of nutrients that enter the vertebral tissues.
The vertebrae are able to perform their functions, subject to regular tissue renewal. In the event of any malnutrition of the vertebral tissues, whether it is a lack of blood circulation or problems with metabolism, the regeneration processes slow down or stop completely. Then there is a drying and dystrophic changes in the cartilage and fibrous ring of the vertebrae.
Degrees of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
Depending on the level of the spinal injury, there are four degrees of development of the osteochondric processes, which manifest themselves in stages, as the disease progresses.
First degree
Pathological processes in the spine begin long before their first clinical manifestation. As a result of the loss of moisture, the intervertebral discs become less elastic. The height of the discs remains normal. The patient feels discomfort in the lumbar region.
Second degree
Against the background of moisture deficiency, microcracks appear in the annulus fibrosus, and tissue inflammation develops.
The hook-shaped processes of the vertebrae gradually increase. Seals develop in cartilage.
A patient complains of back pain that radiates to the legs or groin. Limitation of motor skills is possible. Malfunctions occur in the work of internal organs.
Third degree
The integrity of the fibrous ring is broken, the intervertebral disc protrudes forming a hernia. The vessels and nerve endings are compressed. There are muscle spasms, dysfunction of the pelvic organs, sensory disturbances of the lower extremities, prolonged attacks of sciatica.
Fourth degree
The most difficult, untreatable phase in the course of the disease. As a result of the complete destruction of the intervertebral discs, scars are formed in their place. The vertebrae come as close as possible and gradually deform. With the development of compression of the spinal cord, 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 can lead to disability.
Diagnostics
To recognize a disease and determine an accurate diagnosis, neurologists use a variety of measures - taking medical history, physiological examination, and organ studies.
Taking the anamnesis
Provides the study of patient complaints:
- cause for concern;
- place of discomfort;
- duration and intensity of unpleasant sensations;
- the duration of the disease;
- possible causes of the disease;
- frequency of exacerbations;
- factors causing exacerbations;
- factors that improve well-being.
In addition, the doctor studies information about the patient's lifestyle, nutrition, 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 exam, the doctor evaluates the patient's motor skills: gait, posture, amplitude and range of motion. The palpation method examines the state of the muscles: tone, size, volume, the presence of spasms.
Sets the sensitivity level with a slight tingling sensation. By tapping with a hammer it is possible to recognize the areas where pain is irradiated.
Hardware Studies
To obtain complete and accurate information on the location of the pathology and the degree of tissue damage, doctors use research using various types of medical equipment.
Radiography.The examination of the lumbar spine by radiography 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 a visualization of the image of the investigated area on the screen for further study and analysis of the state of the vessels that supply the tissues of the spinal column, nervous processes and intervertebral discs.
CT.X-rays of different 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, various types of research are used to exclude pathologies of other body systems.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral spine
The duration and features of treatment of lumbosacral osteochondrosis depend on the results of diagnostic measures. In the early stages of the development of the disease, conservative treatment is indicated. For more complex injuries of the spine, surgical intervention is used.
The optimal therapeutic effect is achieved through complex therapy, which includes the use of topical medications, physiotherapy, massage and fitness exercises.
Medication
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:
- eliminates pain;
- relieve inflammation;
- relaxes the muscles;
- restores destroyed cartilage tissue;
- improves blood circulation;
- reduces swelling;
- increase physical activity;
- normalizes the nutrition of the brain.
For acute pain, novocaine blockade is used, which provides immediate action.
Folk remedies
Traditional treatment is effective in addition to drug therapy. The main methods of traditional medicine are based on the use of plant materials, animal products and chemicals.
On the basis of various components, ointments 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 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 vertebral tissues and nerve endings;
- shock wave therapy- improvement of microcirculation and metabolic processes in the affected tissues by exposure to an acoustic wave;
- balneotherapy- using 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 massages is one of the most pleasant and effective methods of treating osteochondrosis.
With massage therapy:
- eliminates muscle spasms;
- improves blood supply to affected areas;
- improves lymphatic flow;
- restore muscles that have undergone atrophy;
- removes the mobility limitation.
Massage is prescribed when pain syndromes are eliminated.
Corrective gymnastics
The main task of physical therapy in osteochondrosis is to restore the functionality of the spine and correct it. However, you can attend classes only after eliminating the symptoms of exacerbation.
The most effective methods of medical gymnastics are:
- in charge;
- visit to the gym;
- water therapy, swimming.
A hoop can be used for sports at home. Some doctors recommend yoga classes to restore the flexibility of the spine to their patients.
Exercises for the exacerbation of lumbar osteochondrosis
Any exercise for osteochondrosis should be performed slowly and without sudden movements.
To strengthen the muscles that support the vertebrae, suitable exercises performed while lying on the stomach. In this case, the arms are raised with a slight stretch, but without tension. Repeat 4 times.
Surgery
Surgery is used to treat the spine in particularly difficult cases - with significant neurological disorders, as well as with loss of control over stool.
During surgery, 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, protrusions, low back pain and sciatica occur.
Further progression of the disease can cause prolapse of the intervertebral disc and the formation of spinous. In addition to the severe pain that accompanies the pathology, a person's motor skills are disrupted, up to their complete loss. Paralysis of the lower limbs develops.
Death is inevitable if there is significant damage to the lining of the spinal cord.
Prevention
To avoid harmful changes in the spine, it is necessary to take care of a healthy lifestyle:
- playing sports: swimming, temperament;
- to adhere to the correct balanced and nutritious diet;
- eliminates bad habits;
- maintain posture;
- supports the spine during sleep with an orthopedic mattress.
In addition, it is recommended to avoid hypothermia, heavy lifting. Women are advised not to wear high-heeled shoes often.
You can keep your lower back healthy if you change your lifestyle and don't forget the importance of physical activity.