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, which over time spread to the ligaments and bone tissue of the vertebrae of the lumbosacral spine.In the absence of therapy, the acute process inevitably becomes chronic.
A degenerative disease can make a healthy person disabled.
Degrees of lumbar osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral region is divided into 4 degrees.The progression of the disease is as follows:
First degree.Damage occurs in the inner part of the fibrous ring 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 barely pronounced and causes reflex pain when making sudden movements and lifting heavy objects.Discomfort in the lower part of the spine can be moderate and manifest as:
- lumbodynia – local, persistent pain in the lumbar spine;
- Lumbago - a sudden painful "shooting" in the lower back.
Second degree.The destructive processes continue in the fibrous ring.The distance between one vertebra and another decreases, which causes compression of the nerve fibers.An unpleasant feeling is experienced in the lower third of the back, which sometimes turns into pain attacks.
Third degree.During this period, the annulus fibrosus is finally destroyed by extrusion of the nucleus pulposus.Blood vessels and nerve endings are compressed by intervertebral discs.An intervertebral hernia is formed.The curvature of the spine develops:
- lordosis - curved deformity in the lumbar region, with the convexity of the spinal column forward;
- kyphosis - a position opposite to lordosis, when the arch is formed in an external direction;
- Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine to the right or left.
Last stageOsteochondrosis is the most serious and dangerous.At that point, the spine is already deformed, and normal motor activity is lost.X-rays show bone growth in the lumbar spine - the body's response.There may be no pain for a while, but this does not mean improvement.People with stage 4 osteochondrosis of the sacral region often become disabled.This is because the process at this stage is complicated.
Causes of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
Causes of lumbar osteochondrosis include:
- Disproportionate load on the spine.Humans are vertical creatures, so the load on the spine in a standing position can be considered normal.When performing different actions, it must move, bending and unbending.In order to keep the body in the desired state, the locomotor system is under long-lasting tension.In a sitting position, the load on the spinal column increases, while lying on your back will be minimal.If a person stays in one position for a long time, the lumbar and sacral spine are overloaded, and the muscles do not rest, which first causes 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 affecting the vertebral structures.Prolonged sitting causes cartilage tissue deformation and a decrease in muscle tone, provoking 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, hard work, especially lifting and carrying heavy objects, leads to overstretching of the back muscles and the development of spinal hernias.
- Postural disorders.Deformation of the discs between the vertebrae can also be caused by improper walking.The reason is again the uneven load on the spine.The intervertebral discs lose their flexibility and mobility and are therefore more likely to be damaged.The elderly and the elderly suffer from similar problems more than others.
- Bone defects, hereditary pathologies, injuries and infectious lesions.Osteochondrosis is often the result of musculoskeletal disorders that were present at birth.For example, when the body's cartilage tissue is fragile by nature.In addition, spinal pathologies develop after traumatic injuries and infectious processes, for example, in osteomyelitis and tuberculosis.
- Flat feet.The signs of a "special" foot are the absence of a notch and drooping arches.People who have this feature often face spinal problems.The reason for this is the increased load on the intervertebral discs during walking.Throughout their lives, they are exposed to increased physical impact during their movements, so they wear out quickly
- Obesity.Being overweight is a problem and an additional burden for the body.All organs and systems suffer, including the spine.
- Pathological processes.Dysfunctions of various structures can adversely affect the state of the locomotor system.Thus, factors that trigger osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine are endocrine disorders, cardiovascular problems, and malfunctions of the digestive system.
- Bad lifestyle.Many people do not pay enough attention to such simple and important things as physical activity, balanced nutrition and normal sleep.An organism that lives under stress for a long time becomes weakened and vulnerable.Other pathologies that occur on such "fertile" soil include lumbar osteochondrosis.
Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
Pathological changes in the lumbar spine are manifested by severe symptoms;
- Lower back painthe most obvious "sign" of the development of lumbar osteochondrosis.He 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 will be 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 developed 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.The discomfort does not go away even when lying down.Temporary relief may alternate with periods of aggravation.;
- dysfunction of the urogenital system.They manifest as pain in the kidney area and frequent urge to urinate.Deformation of the intervertebral discs causes displacement of the lumbar region relative to the sacrum.This affects the functioning of the internal reproductive organs of women and causes potency problems in men;
- decreased sensitivity of the legs in the leg area.It can be partial or absolute.At the same time, the reflexes of this part of the body weaken.Progressive pathology leads to a complete loss of sensation in the lower limbs;
- gait disturbances.Due to pain in the lumbar region with osteochondrosis, a person deviates when moving in the opposite direction to the compression of the nerve fibers.The condition does not allow you to travel long distances.A person with a limp is forced to stop from time to time and wait until the pain subsides.Timely medical help can save a person from disability.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
Many people are wondering if lumbar osteochondrosis is treated and how it is done.The diagnosis is established and the therapeutic tactics are determined during the diagnosis.
There are various methods of treating lumbar osteochondrosis.The doctor determines which of these is necessary and advisable in order to cure a disease or alleviate the person's condition as much as possible.
Someone treats himself exclusively with folk remedies at home, forgetting that they can only be used with the approval of a specialist and only as part of complex therapy.
Drug treatment of osteochondrosis
Drug treatment includes the use of:
- tablet forms;
- solutions for injection;
- preparations for external use - ointments and gels.
Medicines are prescribed to eliminate inflammation and relieve pain in the lumbar region.They can also be used at home.
These can be:
- pain relievers;
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- medicines to treat muscle spasms (muscle relaxants);
- devices for restoring cartilage tissue (chondroprotectors);
- corticosteroids (hormone-containing drugs whose effect is aimed at relieving pain and inflammation)
- vitamins.
The course is prescribed by a doctor, who sometimes prescribes tablets or medicines that calm the nervous system as additional treatment.
Physiotherapy of lumbar osteochondrosis
Another common method that relieves the symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis is physiotherapy.By influencing the spine and lower back, it enhances the metabolism and recovery 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 stage of the pathology.But like other types of treatment, it also has contraindications.Therefore, when prescribing this method, the doctor takes into account many factors.
Therapeutic exercises for lumbar osteochondrosis
The set of physical exercises that can be referred to lumbar osteochondrosis is aimed at restoring the mobility of this part of the spine.
The main condition for its effectiveness is regularity.Occasional exercises do not bring the desired effect.
If the body already has complications caused by osteochondrosis, this method is not used.In addition, contraindications for use are serious pathologies of other organs and systems, as well as the presence of pain in the pelvic area and above.
Surgical intervention in lumbar osteochondrosis
The surgical method is used in the presence of serious complications, such as intervertebral hernia.Partial or complete removal of the damaged intervertebral disc (discectomy) is performed according to the surgical protocol.
Indications for surgery are as follows:
- severe and persistent pain that cannot be relieved by medication for a month;
- the 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 liberation from the 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 alleviating symptoms and maintaining a body condition that enables normal life and work.