In the case of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, the symptoms and treatment of the disease will be discussed later, a person's mobility is limited, the ability to lead a habitual lifestyle. Almost half of all patients complain of pain in that part of the back. According to the Poll Options Are results, lumbar osteochondrosis is in second place, after respiratory diseases.
If, until recently, age-related degenerative processes were considered the main cause of the pathology, now many more factors that cause the disease have been clarified. Before starting therapy, you need to understand what lumbar spine osteochondrosis is.
The disease is a pathological change in the intervertebral discs, accompanied by dystrophy of the ligaments, destruction of the vertebral bodies themselves. It is the lower back that suffers the most, as it suffers a tremendous load when lifting weights in a sitting position.
The signs of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine are increasingly manifested in young people as young as 30 years old. It is impossible to start the disease, since complications include disability, paralysis of the lower extremities.
Main symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
Lumbar osteochondrosis is a deforming pathology that, in most cases, is a natural aging process. But high physical activity in the spine, metabolic disorders, abuse of harmful products and alcohol accelerate this process.
The first signs of pathology do not appear immediately, so therapy does not always start on time. In osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, the symptoms are as follows:
- the pain is more frequent in the early stages and acute in 2-3 stages of the development of the disease (with any sudden movement, the discomfort becomes stronger and during bed rest it goes away);
- with osteochondrosis, there are sensations of weakness in the legs (tendon reflexes are lost in the lower extremities, which is clearly seen during neurological tests);
- curvature of the lumbar part;
- violation of urination and defecation (depending on where the spinal cord was pinched).
Additional symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis can also be identified: sensation of numbness in the lumbar region, dryness and flaking of the skin, change in tone (becomes blue). Sweating increases in the buttock area. Erectile dysfunction is considered one of the signs of osteochondrosis in men in the lower back.
In osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, symptoms vary in severity. Some manifestations can be combined into syndromes.
| Syndromes | Characteristic |
| Ischemic | Here, signs of lumbar osteochondrosis appear due to damage to blood vessels. The arteries start to spasm (the process becomes permanent over time). This condition is characterized by pain in the leg and thigh muscles when walking. If blood vessels are compressed and spasm for a long time, the nutrition of Organs pelvic organs is affected, as well as their functionality. In women, the pathology causes problems with the menstrual cycle, the ability to conceive a child, urination |
| Vertebral | It is characterized by pain of varying intensity and location. It arises after the load on the lumbar spine: tilt, lifting heavy objects. If a herniated disc occurs, the person may lose sensation in the legs. In this case, changes in the spine occur: changes in posture, the person is relaxed, gait becomes problematic |
| Root | The vertebrae become unstable, compressing not only the nerve roots, but also the blood vessels. A symptom of the syndrome is pain at the site of compression of the terminations. Unpleasant sensations spread to the 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 of the body tissues that surround the spine. The blood begins to stagnate, the intoxication process begins. In root syndrome, pain is seen in other joints. In addition to these symptoms, a "crawling" sensation appears in the lower back (lower back). In especially difficult cases, patients can no longer move independently |
People who suffer from lumbar osteochondrosis of the back need to undergo a thorough examination to find out the severity of the disease and determine the therapy regimen.
Degrees of lumbar osteochondrosis
Lumbar osteochondrosis develops gradually. There are stages of progression of the pathology:
- First. In this case, the pulposus nucleus, which is located inside the disc, begins to move and change. Cracks appear in the fibrous ring. The nerve roots are irritated, which is signaled by back pain. At this stage of osteochondrosis, the discomfort is still local, that is, the 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 constant and dull pain. The discomfort in osteochondrosis increases after loading on the lumbar spine.
- Second. Here the destruction of the fibrous ring occurs. The mobility of injured vertebrae increases, while muscle tissue becomes tense. The distance between them decreases, they can move in relation to each other. It is more difficult for a person to move, as they get tired quickly, feel a strong discomfort in the lower back. The pain spreads to the thighs, legs, buttocks. The person increased sweating.
- Third. At this stage of the disease, the pain often intensifies, as the fibrous ring breaks. In this case, the pulposus nucleus moves out of place and a hernia forms. The patient feels acute pain and lumbago when the nerve tissues and roots are compressed. The discomfort becomes constant and unbearable. The work of Organs internal organs is interrupted.
- Fourth. Deformation of the spine occurs. It is very difficult for a person to move, but the pain symptom becomes less pronounced. This by no means means that the pathology is no longer developing. This state is a sign that a person will soon be seated in a wheelchair. In addition, in the area of the damaged disc, osteophytes grow, further aggravating the condition, muscle atrophy.
If the development of the disease is not controlled and the therapy is not started in time, the vertebrae will simply 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 taken to the last stage. It quickly becomes chronic, since even the most effective treatment can only stop the development of the pathology or slow it down.
If there is severe back pain and the person is unable to move normally, this indicates an exacerbation of the pathological process. Most often it occurs in patients who do not follow doctors' recommendations. If an exacerbation has occurred, the person must follow these rules:
- It is best to completely abandon physical activity for the time it takes to restore normal body functionality. It is best to lie down in a comfortable position that does not cause discomfort. It is good for the patient to use a hard mattress, as the body in this case (the lumbar region in particular) does not yield.
- To minimize the load on your back, a person can wear a semi-rigid corset. This will restrict sudden movements.
- To reduce the intensity of pain in osteochondrosis, you need to slowly bend your leg at the knee on the affected side. This will help to relieve muscle tension and relieve compressed nerve tissue.
- In difficult cases, the applicator can be used, but it should be used with care. The procedure is performed twice a day for 30 minutes.
- After the massage, which will gradually restore normal blood circulation and muscle tone, you should use an anti-inflammatory ointment.
It is impossible to heat the affected area on the first day after an exacerbation has started. Dry heat is applied only on the second day, when the peak of pain has passed. Otherwise, tissue edema will increase and the condition of the patient with osteochondrosis will worsen.
Diagnosis of diseases
Lumbar osteochondrosis requires a serious approach and complex therapy. It is easier for the patient to take the right medicines, perform the exercises prescribed by the doctor. To choose a therapy regimen, the patient needs to be examined. The following diagnostic methods stand out:
X-ray- . If lumbar joints are affected, the x-ray evaluation is considered the main one. The photo is taken in various projections. In it you can see the damage to the discs, the state of the spinal canal. Each projection must be perpendicular to the previous one.
- MRI or CT. The procedures presented help to identify more precisely what are the factors that trigger the development of osteochondrosis, in which condition are not only the vertebrae, but also the soft tissues, the blood vessels, the nerve endings. At the same time, the person does not feel any discomfort.
- External examination with palpation of the injured area and neurological tests.
Only a complete diagnosis will determine whether a person actually develops osteochondrosis.
Treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis
If lumbar osteochondrosis therapy is not performed, the patient will develop complications such as protrusion, spondyloarthrosis, hernia, inflammation of the sciatic nerve, narrowing of the spinal canal, disturbance in the functionality of Organs pelvic organs. The person also starts to limp, has paresis and paralysis of the legs.
The treatment of lumbar spine osteochondrosis has several tasks. First, it is necessary to eliminate the inflammation that causes pain in this disease. Of course, you need to stop your own unpleasant symptoms, as well as strengthen the muscle corset in the lower back, lower extremities.
Therapy should relieve swelling and soft tissue spasm. The patient receives means and procedures designed to improve the functionality of the organs, regulate blood circulation, restore metabolic processes in the body and also expand the range of motion. Since patients' lumbar spine osteochondrosis will be treated for a long time, you need to choose those methods that will have a good effect and cause the least amount of damage. Medication, alternative treatment, physiotherapy, LF and other methods are used.
Surgery
In advanced cases, when the development of the disease reaches the last stage, lumbar osteochondrosis requires surgical intervention. The help of a surgeon is necessary in the presence of complications that impair the functionality of the organs, a vertebral hernia. An emergency operation is performed if there is a threat of developing paralysis of the lower extremities.
The most effective intervention is to remove the damaged disk. The microsurgical method of treating osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine using an endoscope is also common. This procedure is less traumatic for the patient and allows him to recover in the shortest possible time.
Physiotherapy
In lumbar osteochondrosis, symptoms (are treated in different ways) can be eliminated with the help of physiotherapeutic procedures. Useful:
- diadynamic currents;
- electrophoresis and phonophoresis;
- magnetic therapy; laser treatment
- .
Physiotherapy procedures will provide maximum benefit in combination therapy, in combination with medications.
Physiotherapy exercises
The treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis will not be effective without performing a complex of therapeutic exercises prescribed by a doctor. All exercises aim to improve the mobility of the lower back, strengthen the muscle corset and increase the stability of the spine. The complex must be run regularly.
The doctor usually prescribes the following exercises: leaning in different directions, standing, walking forward and back on all fours, tension of the abdominal muscles in the supine position.
Massage
It can be performed only after the exacerbation has been eliminated or during remission. Thanks to the procedure, you can achieve not only the relaxation of the spasmodic muscles, but also their strengthening. Massage is most effective after a bath. It must be performed by a specialist, applying the correct techniques: stroking, rubbing. The procedure should not be performed if there are open wounds on the back, if the person is diagnosed with dermatological diseases or blood circulation problems.
Manual therapy
Manual therapy solves the same tasks as massage, but uses slightly different techniques. You cannot trust your spine to an amateur. An experienced specialist is required for the procedure, which will not cause harm.
Medication
In the treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, medications cannot be dispensed. When choosing them, it matters the general state of the body, the stage of development of the disease. To combat osteochondrosis, the following groups of drugs are most effective:
Painkillers.
- NSAIDs - these drugs eliminate 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 used only when NSAIDs fail. Muscle relaxants help to relieve muscle spasms.
- Chondroprotectors - They keep cartilage in good condition without allowing it to break. But they are effective only if that layer is not completely erased.
- Steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They are named last in the most advanced cases.
- Multivitamins and B vitamins - The preparations presented help to improve the functionality of SN.
- Antidepressants (to restore the patient's emotional history).
- Novocaine block with Hydrocortisone. They are placed directly inside the part of the back where the pain comes from. Blockages are rarely made because they are capable of causing muscle atrophy.
- Preparations to improve blood circulation and microcirculation.
Topical medications - ointments - have good efficacy and minimal side effects. If the patient uses folk remedies for therapy, the drugs must continue to be taken.
Prevention of lumbar spine osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine can be prevented if you follow simple rules of prevention:
- avoid hypothermia and infection;
- do not lift heavy objects;
- bags to be used alternately on both shoulders;
- follow the drink regime and eat well;
- keep body weight within normal limits;
- timely treat congenital or acquired skeletal pathologies;
- practice swimming, move around more, make a gym complex for the lower back every day;
- undergo regular medical examinations.
Basic care for your own health will help prevent complications of lumbar osteochondrosis, and they are many and difficult to deal with.