In osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, the symptoms and treatment of the disease will be further discussed, human mobility is limited, the ability to lead a normal life. Almost half of all patients have complaints of pain in this part of the back. According to the results of a survey, lumbar osteochondrosis is second only to respiratory diseases.
If until recently age-related degenerative processes were considered to be the main cause of the pathology, many more factors causing the disease are now clarified. Before starting therapy, you need to understand what is osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine.
The disease is a pathological change in the intervertebral discs, accompanied by dystrophy of the ligaments, destruction of the bodies of the vertebrae themselves. The lumbar region suffers the most, as it experiences a huge load when lifting weights in a sitting position.
Signs of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine are increasingly common in young people who are only 30 years old. It is impossible to start the disease because the complications are fraught with damage, 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. But high physical activity of 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 often painful in the first stages and acute in 2-3 stages of the disease (with any sudden movements the discomfort becomes stronger and during bed rest subsides);
- in osteochondrosis, there is a feeling of weakness in the legs (tendon reflexes are lost in the lower extremities, which is clearly seen during neurological tests);
- lumbar curvature;
- impaired urination and defecation (depending on where the spinal cord has been compressed).
Additional symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis can also be identified: tingling sensation in the lower back, dryness and flaking of the skin, change in its shade (it becomes blue). Sweating increases in the buttocks. Erectile dysfunction is considered to be one of the signs of osteochondrosis in men in the lumbar region.
In osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, the symptoms vary in severity. Some manifestations can be combined into syndromes.
| Syndromes | Feature |
| Ischemic | Signs of lumbar osteochondrosis due to damage to blood vessels appear here. The arteries begin to spasm (the process becomes constant over time). This condition is characterized by pain in the muscles of the lower leg and thighs when walking. If the blood vessels are compressed and spasmed for a long time, then the nutrition of the pelvic organs is disrupted, as well as their functionality. In women, the pathology causes problems with the menstrual cycle, the ability to conceive a child, urination |
| Spinal | It is characterized by pain of varying intensity and location. Occurs after the load on the lumbar spine: tilting, lifting heavy objects. If a disc herniation occurs, then the person may lose sensitivity in the legs. In this case, changes occur in the spine: change of posture, a person bows, gait becomes problematic |
| Radicular | The vertebrae become unstable, squeezing not only the nerve roots but also the blood vessels. A symptom of the syndrome is pain at the site of pinching of the extremities. Unpleasant sensations spread to the buttocks and legs. A person has increased 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 swelling of the body tissues surrounding the spine. The blood begins to stagnate, the process of intoxication begins. In radicular syndrome, pain is observed in other joints. In addition to these symptoms, a feeling of "goosebumps" appears in the lower back (lower back). In particularly difficult cases, patients can no longer move on their own |
People with osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine should undergo a complete examination to determine how severe the disease is and to determine the treatment regimen.
Degrees of lumbar osteochondrosis
Lumbar osteochondrosis develops gradually. There are such stages of pathology progression:
- First. In this case, the nucleus pulposus, which is located inside the disc, begins to move and change. Cracks appear on the fibrous ring. Nerve roots are irritated, which is signaled by back pain. At this stage of osteochondrosis, the discomfort is still local, ie the symptoms are felt only in the area of the damaged disc. Sometimes it is lumbago, but in the first stage of development there is often constant dull pain. Discomfort in osteochondrosis increases after loading the lumbar spine.
- Second. This is where the destruction of the fibrous ring occurs. The mobility of the damaged vertebrae increases as the muscle tissue tenses. The distance between them decreases, they can move relative to each other. It becomes more difficult for a person to move, because he gets tired quickly, feels strong discomfort in the lumbar region. The pain spreads to the thighs, legs, buttocks. The man sweats more.
- Third. At this stage of the disease, the pain intensifies repeatedly as the fibrous ring ruptures. In this case, the nucleus pulposus leaves its place and a hernia is formed. The patient feels sharp pain and lumbago when the tissues and nerve roots are compressed. The discomfort becomes permanent and unbearable. The work of the internal organs is disturbed.
- Fourth. Deformation of the spine occurs. It is very difficult to move, but the symptom of pain becomes less pronounced. This does not mean that the pathology no longer develops. This condition is a signal that a person will soon be in a wheelchair. In addition, in the area of the damaged disc, osteophytes grow, further worsening the condition, the muscles atrophy.
If the development of the disease is not controlled and the therapy is not started in time, the vertebrae will simply collapse and will recover without risky and difficult surgery.
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 the pathology or slow it down.
If there is severe back pain and the person cannot move normally, this indicates an exacerbation of the pathological process. This most often happens in those patients who do not follow the doctors' recommendations. If an exacerbation has occurred, one should follow these rules:
- It is better to completely give up physical activity for the time needed to restore normal body function. It is better to lie in a comfortable position that does not cause discomfort. It is good for the patient to use a firm mattress, as the body in this case (especially the lumbar region) does not sag.
- A semi-rigid corset can be used to minimize back strain. This will limit sudden movements.
- To reduce the severity of osteochondrosis pain, you should slowly bend your leg at the knee on the affected side. This will help relieve muscle tension and relieve compressed nerve tissue.
- In difficult cases, the applicator can be used, but must be used with caution. The procedure is performed twice a day for 30 minutes. After a massage that gradually restores normal blood circulation and muscle tone, you should use an anti-inflammatory ointment.
It is not possible to warm the affected area on the first day after the onset of exacerbation. Dry heat is applied only on the second day, when the peak of pain has passed. Otherwise, the swelling of the tissues 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 becomes easier for the patient if he takes the right medication, performs the exercises prescribed by the doctor. To select a treatment regimen, the patient must be examined. The following diagnostic methods stand out:
- x-ray. If the lumbar joints are affected, X-ray evaluation is considered basic. The picture is made in several projections. On it you can see the damage to the discs, the condition of the spinal canal. Each projection must be perpendicular to the previous one.
- MRI or CT. The presented procedures help to identify more precisely which factors have triggered the development of osteochondrosis, in what condition are not only the vertebrae, but also the soft tissues, 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 examinations.
Only a thorough diagnosis will determine if a person is really developing osteochondrosis.
Treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis
If lumbar osteochondrosis is not treated, the patient develops complications such as bulging, spondyloarthritis, hernia, sciatica, narrowing of the spinal canal, and pelvic dysfunction. The person also begins 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. Naturally, it is necessary to stop the unpleasant symptoms themselves, as well as to strengthen the muscular corset in the lumbar region, lower extremities.
Therapy should relieve swelling and spasm of the soft tissues. The patient is prescribed means and procedures designed to improve the functionality of the organs, to regulate blood circulation, to restore metabolic processes in the body and also to expand the range of motion. Since osteochondrosis of the lumbar region of patients will be treated for a long time, you should choose those methods that will give a good effect and cause minimal harm. Medications, alternative therapies, physiotherapy, LF and other methods are used.
Surgery
In advanced cases, when the development of the disease has reached the last stage, lumbar osteochondrosis requires surgery. The help of a surgeon is needed in the presence of complications that impair the functionality of organs, spinal hernia. Emergency surgery is performed if there is a risk of developing paralysis of the lower extremities.
The most effective intervention is to remove the damaged disk. Also widely used is the microsurgical method for the treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine using an endoscope. This procedure is less traumatic for the patient and allows him to recover as soon as possible.
Physiotherapy
In lumbar osteochondrosis, the symptoms (they are treated in different ways) can be eliminated with the help of physiotherapy procedures. Useful:
- diadynamic currents;
- electrophoresis and phonophoresis;
- magnetic therapy;
- laser treatment.
Physiotherapy procedures will give maximum benefit in combination therapy, in combination with drugs.
Physiotherapy exercises
Treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis will not be effective without performing a set of exercises prescribed by a doctor. All exercises are aimed at improving the mobility of the lower back, strengthening the muscular corset and increasing the stability of the spine. The complex should be performed regularly.
The doctor usually prescribes the following exercises: bending in different directions, in an upright position, walking on all fours back and forth, tension of the abdominal muscles in a supine position.
Massage
Can only be performed after exacerbation has been eliminated or during remission. Thanks to the procedure you can achieve not only relaxation of spasmodic muscles, but also their strengthening. The massage is more effective after the bath. It should 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 circulatory problems.
Manual therapy
Manual therapy solves the same tasks as massage, but uses slightly different techniques. You can't trust your spine to an amateur. The procedure requires an experienced specialist who will not harm.
Medicine
In the treatment of lumbar spine osteochondrosis, drugs cannot be released. When choosing them, the general condition of the organism, the stage of development of the disease is important. The following most effective groups of drugs exist to combat osteochondrosis:
Analgesics.
- 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 are used only when NSAIDs have failed. Muscle relaxants help relieve muscle spasms.
- Chondroprotectors - They keep cartilage in good condition without allowing it to break down. But they are effective only if this layer is not completely erased.
- Steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They are appointed last in the most advanced cases.
- Multivitamins and B vitamins - The presented preparations help to improve the functionality of the HC.
- Antidepressants (to restore the patient's emotional background).
- Novocaine blockade with hydrocortisone. They are placed directly in the part of the back where the pain comes from. Blockades are rarely performed because they are able to provoke muscle atrophy.
- Preparations for improving blood circulation and microcirculation.
Local medicines - ointments - have good efficacy and minimal side effects. If the patient uses folk remedies for therapy, the drugs should 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 infections;
- do not lift heavy objects;
- bags to be worn consecutively on both shoulders;
- follow the drinking regime and eat properly;
- keep your body weight within normal limits;
- timely treatment of congenital or acquired skeletal pathologies;
- swim, move more, perform complex exercises for the lumbar region every day;
- undergo regular medical examinations.
Basic care for your own health will help avoid complications of lumbar osteochondrosis and there are many of them and it is difficult to deal with them.