Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, the symptoms and treatment of which are diverse, 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.The acute process, in the absence of therapy, inevitably becomes chronic.
A degenerative disease can turn a healthy person into a cripple.
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 is formed in the form of cracks, into which the contents of the nucleus pulposus penetrate, causing irritation.This is the initial stage of osteochondrosis.The deformation of the intervertebral discs is weakly expressed and causes reflex pain during sudden movements and lifting heavy objects.Unpleasant sensations in the lower part of the spine can be moderate and appear:
- Lumbodynia – local, long-lasting 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, resulting in 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 the extrusion of the nucleus pulposus.Vessels and nerve endings are compressed by the intervertebral discs.An intervertebral hernia is formed.The spine curves to form:
- lordosis - arcuate deformation in the lumbar region, with the spine protruding 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 severe and dangerous.At that time, the spine is already deformed, normal motor activity is lost.X-rays show bony growths in the lumbar spine - the body's response.There may be no pain for a while, but this does not mean improvement.People suffering from the 4th degree of osteochondrosis of the sacrolumbar region often become 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 being, therefore, in a standing position, the load on the spine is considered normal.When performing various actions, you need to move, bend and unfold.In order to maintain the body in the desired state, the musculoskeletal system is in a mode of continuous tension.In a sitting position, the load on the spine increases, and in a lying position on the back, it becomes minimal.When a person remains in one position for a long time, the lumbar and sacral parts of the spine are overloaded and the muscles do not rest, which first creates a feeling of discomfort, and then pain.This deforming factor creates prerequisites for the development of lumbar osteochondrosis.
- A sedentary lifestyle.It contributes to the development of various pathologies, including those affecting spinal 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, heavy work, especially associated with lifting and carrying heavy objects, leads to overstrain of the back muscles and causes the formation of a spinal hernia.
- Postural disorders.Deformation of the discs between the vertebrae can also result from improper walking.The reason is again the uneven load on the spine.Intervertebral discs lose elasticity and mobility and are therefore more prone to damage.Older people suffer from such problems more than others.
- Bone defects, hereditary pathologies, injuries and infectious lesions.Osteochondrosis is often a consequence of disorders of the musculoskeletal system present at birth.For example, when the cartilaginous tissue of the body is fragile in nature.In addition, spinal pathologies develop after traumatic injuries and infectious processes, as in osteomyelitis and tuberculosis.
- Flat feet.The signs of a "special" foot are the absence of a notch and sagging arches.Those who have this characteristic often face problems with the spine.This is due to the increased load on the intervertebral discs when walking.Throughout life, they are exposed to increased physical impact during movement, so 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 state of the musculoskeletal system.Thus, the factors provoking osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine are endocrine disorders, cardiovascular problems and improper functioning of the digestive system.
- Wrong way of life.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 for a long time under stress 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;
- Lower back painis the brightest "signal" of the development of lumbar osteochondrosis.She talks about the presence of "radicular syndrome", when the compression of the nerve endings of the spine causes pain in the lumbar region.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 lumbar region, 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.Unpleasant sensations do not disappear even in a lying position.Temporary relief may alternate with periods of exacerbation.;
- dysfunction of the genitourinary system.They manifest as pain in the kidney area and frequent urges to urinate.Deformation of the intervertebral discs causes displacement of the lumbar region relative to the sacrum.It affects the functioning of internal reproductive organs in women and causes potency problems in men;
- reduced sensitivity of the legs in the area of the foot.It can be partial or absolute.At the same time, the reflexes of this part of the body are weakened.Progressive pathology leads to a complete loss of sensation in the lower limbs;
- gait disturbances.Pain in the lumbar region with osteochondrosis makes a person deviate when walking in the direction opposite to the place where the nerve fibers are pressed.The condition does not allow walking long distances.A person who limps is forced to stop from time to time, waiting 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 of treating lumbar osteochondrosis.Which of them is necessary and advisable to use in order to cure the disease or to alleviate the condition of a person as much as possible, is determined by the doctor.
Someone is treated 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.
Drug treatment of osteochondrosis
Drug therapy includes 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 lumbar region.They can be used at home.
They can be:
- analgesics;
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- medicines for muscle spasms (muscle relaxants);
- means for restoring cartilage tissue (chondroprotectors);
- corticosteroids (medicines containing hormones, the action of which is aimed at relieving pain and inflammation)
- vitamins.
The course of treatment is prescribed by a doctor who, as an additional treatment, sometimes prescribes pills or drugs that calm the nervous system.
Physiotherapy for lumbar osteochondrosis
Another common method that relieves the symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis is physical therapy.Acting on the spine and lower back, it enhances metabolic and restorative processes.
Most often prescribed:
- magnetic, laser and electrotherapy;
- phonophoresis;
- shock wave method;
- detensor therapy;
- vibration massage;
- balneotherapy.
The doctor decides how many and what procedures will be needed.
Physiotherapy is effective when it comes to the initial stages of the pathology.But it, like other types of treatment, 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 are aimed at restoring the mobility of this part of the spine.
Regularity is considered the main condition for its effectiveness.Exercises performed from time to time 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 severe pathologies of other organs and systems, as well as the presence of pain in the pelvis and above.
Surgical intervention in lumbar osteochondrosis
The surgical method is used in the presence of severe complications such as intervertebral hernia.Partial or complete removal of the damaged intervertebral disc (discectomy) is performed, as provided in the operative protocol.
Indications for surgery are:
- severe and persistent pain that cannot be relieved by medication for a month;
- large hernia size 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 from this pathology is possible in 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 a person to live and work normally.