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, 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 transform a healthy person into a disabled person.
Degrees 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 forms in the form of fissures, through which the contents of the nucleus pulposus penetrate, causing irritation.This is the initial stage of osteochondrosis.The deformation of the intervertebral discs is not very pronounced and causes reflex pain during sudden movements and lifting heavy objects.Unpleasant sensations in the lower spine can be moderate and manifest themselves:
- lumbodynia – local and lasting pain in the lumbar spine;
- lumbago – sudden and painful “shot” 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 evolves 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 the intervertebral discs.An intervertebral hernia is formed.The spine curves, forming:
- lordosis - arch deformity in the lumbar region, with convexity of the spine forward;
- kyphosis - position opposite to lordosis, when the arch forms in an external 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 growths in the lumbar spine – a response from the body.There may be no pain for a while, but that doesn't mean it gets better.People suffering from stage 4 osteochondrosis of the sacrolumbar region are often 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, standing, the load on the spine is considered normal.When performing various actions, you must move, bend and straighten.To maintain the body in the desired state, the musculoskeletal system is in prolonged tension mode.In the sitting position, the load on the spine increases, and in the position lying on the back it becomes minimal.When a person remains in the same position for a long time, the lumbar and sacral spine becomes 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 that affect vertebral structures.Sitting for a long time causes deformation of cartilaginous tissue and a decrease in muscle tone, causing the development of lumbar osteochondrosis.
- Excessive physical activity.Both the lack of active physical activity and its excess do not bring anything good to the musculoskeletal system.Long and hard work, especially associated with lifting and carrying heavy objects, leads to excessive strain on the back muscles and causes the formation of spinal hernias.
- Posture disorders.Deformation of the discs between the vertebrae can also be caused by improper gait.The reason is again the uneven load on the spine.Intervertebral discs lose elasticity and mobility and are therefore more likely to be damaged.Elderly and old people 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 cartilaginous tissue of the body is fragile in nature.Furthermore, spinal pathologies develop after traumatic injuries and infectious processes, such as osteomyelitis and tuberculosis.
- Flat feet.Signs of a “special” foot are the absence of a notch and fallen arches.Those who have this characteristic often face back problems.This is due to the increased load on the intervertebral discs during walking.Throughout life, they are exposed to greater physical impact during movement, which is why 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 adversely affect the condition of the musculoskeletal system.Thus, the factors that provoke osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine are endocrine disorders, cardiovascular problems and poor functioning of the digestive system.
- Wrong lifestyle.Many people do not pay enough attention to such simple and important things as physical activity, a balanced diet 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;
- Low back painis the most striking “sign” 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, performing simple and familiar actions becomes a big problem due to pain in the lumbar spine.If an intervertebral hernia has formed in the lower back, the pain radiates to the lower leg, back of the thigh and foot.Over time, it becomes increasingly difficult to sit and walk.The unpleasant sensations do not disappear even in the lying position.Temporary relief may alternate with periods of exacerbation.;
- dysfunction of the genitourinary system.They manifest as pain in the kidney region 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 the internal reproductive organs in women and causes potency problems in men;
- decreased sensitivity of the legs in the foot area.It can be partial or absolute.At the same time, the reflexes in this part of the body are weakened.Progressive pathology leads to complete loss of sensitivity in the lower extremities;
- gait disturbances.Pain in the lower back with osteochondrosis makes a person deviate when walking in the direction opposite to the place where the nerve fibers are compressed.The condition does not allow walking long distances.A person who limps is forced to stop every now and then, hoping the pain will subside.Timely medical assistance can save a person from disability.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
Many people wonder if lumbar osteochondrosis can be treated and how it happens.When the diagnosis is made and the diagnosis is made, therapeutic tactics are determined.
There are several methods by which lumbar osteochondrosis is treated.Which of them is necessary and advisable to use to cure a disease or alleviate a person's condition as much as possible is determined by the doctor.
Someone treats themselves exclusively with folk remedies, at home, forgetting that they can only be used with the approval of a specialist doctor and only as part of complex therapy.
Drug treatment of osteochondrosis
Drug therapy involves the use of:
- tablet forms;
- injection solutions;
- preparations for external use - ointments and gels.
Medications are prescribed to eliminate inflammation and relieve pain in the lower back.They can be used at home.
These could be:
- analgesics;
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- medicines for muscle spasms (muscle relaxants);
- means for restoring cartilaginous tissue (chondroprotectors);
- corticosteroids (drugs containing hormones 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 medications that calm the nervous system.
Physiotherapy for lumbar osteochondrosis
Another common method that alleviates the symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis is physical therapy.By influencing the spine and lower back, it improves metabolic and restorative processes.
Most often prescribed:
- magnetic, laser and electrotherapy;
- phonophoresis;
- shock wave method;
- detensor therapy;
- vibrating massage;
- balneotherapy.
The doctor decides how many and which procedures will be needed.
Physiotherapy is effective when it comes to the initial stages of the 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 may be indicated for lumbar osteochondrosis aims to restore mobility to this part of the spine.
Regularity is considered the main condition for its effectiveness.Exercises performed occasionally 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 serious pathologies of other organs and systems, as well as the presence of pain in the pelvic and upper regions.
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 injured intervertebral disc (discectomy) is performed, as provided for in the surgical protocol.
Indications for surgery are:
- intense and persistent pain that cannot be relieved with 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 in the initial 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.