Lower back pain most often affects people after 35 years. In the vast majority of cases, the disease is associated with deformity of the vertebrae and its consequences. A timely visit to a doctor will speed up recovery, because the symptoms and treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine are interrelated concepts.
The greater the progress of the disease, the more serious its consequences, the more difficult the process of restoring health.
Signs and symptoms of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
The lumbar spine is located between the sacrum and the thoracic region and consists of five vertebrae connected by intervertebral discs.
The development of osteochondrosis means the wear of the intervertebral discs, which perform a shock-absorbing role during loads on the spine. The basis of the discs is a gel-like mass, protected by a dense fibrous ring and cartilaginous tissue, and the inner space is filled with a liquid nucleus pulposus.
As the loads on the vertebrae increase, the elasticity and flexibility of the intervertebral discs are lost, as well as their height, and microcracks form in the annulus fibrosus, which eventually lead to its rupture and damage to the nucleus pulposus.
Tissue destruction is accompanied by pinching of the nerve roots located on both sides of the vertebrae and causes severe pain.
The main signs of lumbar osteochondrosis:
- back pain;
- fatigue and depression;
- weakness or excessive muscle tension;
- loss of sensation in the limbs, buttocks, or thighs;
- sharp or aching pains and spasms in the lumbar region, often radiating to the legs;
- violation of motor function.
Against the background of serious lesions of the vertebrae in the lumbar region, other symptoms are observed, most often, dysfunctions of other organs - the urinary and reproductive system, gastrointestinal tract.
Causes of occurrence
Like most diseases of the musculoskeletal system, osteochondrosis can develop for many reasons. Some of them are rooted in the lifestyle and diet, while the other part develops against the background of the physiological characteristics of the body.
Quite often, the treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral spine is required by athletes, whose back is exposed not only to constant power loads, but also to periodic injuries.
The second category of people at risk, people who, by virtue of their profession, spend a lot of time in one position - teachers, hairdressers, cooks, loaders, waiters, programmers, office workers and drivers.
Among other reasons for the development of pathology:
- overweight;
- metabolic disorder;
- improper posture, stoop;
- genetic predisposition;
- injuries;
- bad habits;
- lack of useful microelements and vitamins in the diet;
- abnormal development of the musculoskeletal system, flat feet;
- hypothermia;
- lack of mobility, static;
- frequent stress.
All of these factors can affect the elasticity of the intervertebral discs, since they contribute to impaired blood circulation or the appearance of a deficiency of nutrients entering the vertebral tissues.
The vertebrae are capable of performing their functions, subject to regular tissue renewal. In case of any malnutrition of the vertebral tissues, be it a lack of blood circulation or problems with metabolism, the regeneration processes slow down or stop completely. So there is a drying out and dystrophic change in the cartilage and fibrous ring of the vertebrae.
Degrees of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
Depending on the level of the spinal lesion, there are four degrees of development of osteochondric processes, manifested in stages, as the disease progresses.
First degree
Pathological processes in the spine begin long before their first clinical manifestation. As a result of moisture loss, the intervertebral discs become less elastic. The height of the discs remains normal. The patient feels discomfort in the lumbar region.
Second degree
Against the background of moisture deficiency, microcracks appear in the annulus fibrosus, and tissue inflammation develops.
The hook-shaped processes of the vertebrae gradually increase. Seals develop in the cartilage.
A patient complains of back pain radiating to the legs or groin. Limitation of motor abilities is possible. Malfunctions occur in the work of internal organs.
Third degree
The integrity of the annulus fibrosus is compromised, the intervertebral disc protrudes, forming a hernia. Vessels and nerve endings are compressed. There are muscle spasms, dysfunction of the pelvic organs, sensory disorder of the lower extremities, prolonged attacks of sciatica.
Fourth degree
The most difficult, not treatable, stage in the course of the disease. As a result of the complete destruction of the intervertebral discs, scars form in their place. The vertebrae approach as closely as possible and gradually deform. With the development of spinal cord compression, paralysis of the lower extremities is possible.
If the timely treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is not provided, the destruction of the vertebrae will progress and can lead to disability.
Diagnostics
To recognize a disease and determine an accurate diagnosis, neurologists use a set of measures - taking anamnesis, physiological examination and instrumental studies.
Taking anamnesis
Provides for the study of patient complaints:
- reason for concern;
- location of discomfort;
- duration and intensity of unpleasant sensations;
- the duration of the illness;
- possible causes of the disease;
- frequency of exacerbations;
- factors provoking exacerbations;
- factors that improve well-being.
In addition, the doctor studies information about the patient's lifestyle, diet, work and rest, the presence of bad habits, hereditary factors and trauma.
Physiological examination
Performed to identify pathological changes and make a preliminary diagnosis.
During the examination, the doctor evaluates the patient's motor abilities - gait, posture, amplitude and range of motion. The palpation method examines the state of the muscles - tone, size, volume, presence of spasms.
Sets the sensitivity level with a slight tingling sensation. Tapping with a hammer makes it possible to recognize the zones of pain irradiation.
Hardware studies
To obtain complete and accurate information about the location of the pathology and the degree of tissue damage, doctors use research using various types of medical equipment.
Radiography.Examination of the lumbar spine by means of X-ray allows to establish the anatomical parameters of the vertebrae and intervertebral discs, the tendency to narrowing of the holes between the bases, the presence of bone growths.
Tomography.The use of electromagnetic waves provides an image of the area under study on the screen for further study and analysis of the state of the vessels supplying the tissues of the spine, nerve processes and intervertebral discs.
CT.X-ray images of several segments of the spine are taken. The image is displayed on the monitor to determine the nature of changes in the vessels, the membrane of the vertebrae and spinal cord, marginal growths.
For differential diagnosis, various types of research are used to exclude pathologies of other body systems.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral spine
The duration and characteristics of the treatment of lumbosacral osteochondrosis depends on the results of diagnostic measures. In the early stages of the development of the disease, conservative treatment is indicated. For more complex lesions of the spine, surgical intervention is used.
The optimal therapeutic effect is achieved through complex therapy, involving the use of topical drugs, physiotherapy, massage, and health-improving gymnastics.
Medication
To relieve symptoms, nonsteroidal drugs for internal and external use are prescribed - tablets, injections, ointments. In addition, chondroprotectors, neuroprotectors, diuretics, vitamins, muscle relaxants are used.
Medication allows:
- eliminate soreness;
- relieve inflammation;
- relax muscles;
- restore the destroyed cartilage tissue;
- improve blood circulation;
- reduce swelling;
- increase physical activity;
- normalize the nutrition of the brain.
For acute pain, novocaine blockade is used, which provides instant action.
Folk remedies
Treatment with folk methods is effective as an adjunct to drug therapy. The main methods of traditional medicine are based on the use of plant materials, animal products and chemicals.
On the basis of various components, ointments and compresses, decoctions and infusions are prepared, used for internal and external use, as well as for therapeutic baths.
Physiotherapy for lumbar osteochondrosis
Physiotherapy procedures are an excellent way to restore the motor functions of the spine after suffering from osteochondrosis.
The main physiotherapy methods are:
- electrotherapy- exposure to weak electric currents to enhance blood circulation in tissues;
- magnetotherapy- the use of the properties of the magnetic field to restore tissue at the cellular level;
- laser therapy- complex activation of biological processes in vertebral tissues and nerve endings;
- shock wave therapy- improvement of microcirculation and metabolic processes in the affected tissues by exposure to an acoustic wave;
- balneotherapy- using the healing properties of mineral water.
Physiotherapy procedures not only increase the effectiveness of drug treatment several times, but also contribute to the healing and strengthening of the body as a whole.
Massage for osteochondrosis of the lumbar region
Visiting massage treatments is one of the most pleasant and effective methods of treating osteochondrosis.
With massage therapy:
- eliminate muscle spasms;
- improve blood supply to the affected areas;
- improve lymph flow;
- restore atrophied muscles;
- remove limitation of mobility.
Massage is prescribed when pain syndromes are eliminated.
Remedial gymnastics
The main task of exercise therapy for osteochondrosis is the restoration of the functionality of the spine and its correction. However, you can attend classes only after eliminating the symptoms of exacerbation.
The most effective methods of medical gymnastics are:
- charging;
- visit to the gym;
- water therapy, swimming.
A hoop can be used for sports at home. Some doctors recommend yoga to their patients to restore the flexibility of the spine.
Exercises for exacerbation of lumbar osteochondrosis
Any exercises for osteochondrosis should be performed slowly and without sudden movements.
For strengthening the muscles that support the vertebrae, suitable exercises performed while lying on the stomach. In this case, the arms are pulled up with a slight stretch, but without tension. Repeat 4 times.
Surgery
Surgery is used to treat the spine in especially difficult cases - with significant neurological disorders, as well as with loss of control over stool.
During surgery, the source of the disease is removed and measures are taken to stabilize the spine. The postoperative period lasts several months.
Why is lumbar osteochondrosis dangerous?
Degenerative changes that occur in lumbar osteochondrosis contribute to the development of many life-threatening diseases. Against the background of an intervertebral hernia, protrusions, lumbago and sciatica occur.
Further progress of the disease can cause the prolapse of the intervertebral disc and the formation of spinosis. In addition to severe pain accompanying pathology, the motor capabilities of a person are disrupted, up to their complete loss. Paralysis of the lower extremities develops.
Death is inevitable in case of significant damage to the lining of the spinal cord.
Prevention
To avoid damaging changes in the spine, you need to take care of a healthy lifestyle:
- go in for sports - swimming, tempering;
- to adhere to the correct balanced, nutritious diet;
- eliminate bad habits;
- maintain posture;
- support the spine during sleep with an orthopedic mattress.
In addition, it is advisable to avoid hypothermia, heavy lifting. Women are advised not to wear high-heeled shoes frequently.
You can keep your lower back healthy if you adjust your lifestyle and don't forget about the importance of physical activity.