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 over time spread to the ligaments and bone tissue of the lumbosacral spine.In the absence of therapy an acute process inevitably becomes chronic.
A degenerative disease can turn a healthy person into a disabled person.
Degree of lumbar osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral region is classified into 4 degrees.The progression of the disease is as follows:
first degree.There is damage in the form of cracks in the inner part of the fibrous ring, into which the contents of the nucleus pulposus penetrate, causing irritation.This is the initial stage of osteochondrosis.Deformation of the intervertebral disc is barely noticeable and causes reflex pain during sudden movements and lifting heavy objects.Unpleasant sensations in the lower spine can be moderate and manifest themselves:
- Lambodynia – local, permanent pain in the lumbar spine;
- Lumbago – sudden painful "shooting" pain in the lower back.
Second degree.Destructive processes continue in the fibrous ring.The distance from one vertebra to another decreases, causing compression of the nerve fibers.There is discomfort in the lower third of the back, which sometimes turns into pain attacks.
Third degree.During this period, the final destruction of the fibrous ring occurs with the exit of the nucleus pulposus.The vessels and nerve endings are compressed by the intervertebral disc.An intervertebral hernia is formed.The spine bends, forming:
- Lordosis – an arched deformity in the lumbar region, in which the spinal column bulges forward;
- Kyphosis – the opposite condition of lordosis, when the arch is formed in the outward direction;
- Scoliosis is a pathological curvature of the spine to the right or left.
final degreeOsteochondrosis is considered the most serious and dangerous.At this time, the spine is already deformed, normal motor activity is lost.X-rays show bone growth in the lumbar spine – a reaction of the body.There may be no pain for some time, but that does not mean improvement.People suffering from stage 4 osteochondrosis of the sacrolumbar region often become disabled.The reason is that the process at this stage is complex.
Causes of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
The causes of lumbar osteochondrosis are the following:
- Unbalanced load on the spine.Man is an upright creature, so the load on the spine in the standing position is considered normal.You have to bend and stoop, move while performing various activities.To maintain the body in the desired state, the musculoskeletal system remains in a state of tension for a long time.The load on the spine increases in sitting position and becomes minimum when lying on the back.When a person remains in one position for a long time, the lumbar and sacral spines are overloaded and the muscles do not relax, causing first a feeling of discomfort and then pain.This deforming factor creates the prerequisites for the development of lumbar osteochondrosis.
- sedentary lifestyle.This contributes to the development of various pathologies, including those affecting the vertebral structures.Prolonged sitting causes degeneration of cartilage tissue and decreased muscle tone, leading to the development of lumbar osteochondrosis.
- Excessive physical activity.Both lack of active physical activity and its excess do not bring anything good to the musculoskeletal system.Prolonged hard work, especially involving lifting and carrying heavy objects, puts excessive strain on the back muscles and causes the formation of spinal hernia.
- Postural disorders.Improper walking can also cause degeneration of the discs between the vertebrae.The reason for this is again the uneven load on the spinal cord.Intervertebral discs lose elasticity and mobility, and therefore they are more likely to be damaged.Older and elderly people suffer from similar problems more than others.
- Bone defects, hereditary pathologies, injuries and infectious lesions.Often, osteochondrosis is the result of disorders of the musculoskeletal system that were present at birth.For example, when the cartilage tissue of the body is delicate by nature.In addition, spinal deformities develop after traumatic injuries and infectious processes, such as in osteomyelitis and tuberculosis.
- flat feet.Characteristics of a "special" foot are the absence of a notch and bowed arches.People who have this characteristic often have to face spinal problems.This is due to the increased load on the intervertebral discs while walking.Throughout life, the physical impact on them increases when moving, so they wear out quickly.
- obesity.Being overweight is a problem and an extra burden for the body.All organs and systems are affected, including the spine.
- Pathological processes.Dysfunction of various structures can adversely affect the condition of the musculoskeletal system.Thus, the factors provoking osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine are endocrine disorders, cardiovascular problems, and malfunctions of the digestive system.
- Wrong lifestyle.Many people do not pay enough attention to such simple and important things as physical activity, balanced nutrition and normal sleep.An organism which remains under stress for a long time becomes weak and insecure.Among other pathologies arising on such "fertile" soil is lumbar osteochondrosis.
Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
Pathological changes in the lumbar spine are manifested by severe symptoms;
- lower back painThe most important "sign" of the development of lumbar osteochondrosis.She talks about the presence of "radicular syndrome", when pain in the lumbar region occurs due to compression of the nerve endings of the spine.The person becomes tired and irritable.Over time, performing simple and familiar actions becomes a major problem due to pain in the lumbar spine.If an intervertebral hernia has formed in the lumbar region, the pain spreads to the lower leg, back of the thigh, and foot.Over time, sitting and walking become difficult.Unpleasant sensations do not go away even in the 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 urge to urinate.Deformation of the intervertebral discs causes displacement of the lumbar region relative to the sacrum.It affects the functioning of the internal reproductive organs in women, and causes problems with potency in men;
- Decreased sensitivity of the feet in the foot area.It can be either partial or complete.Also the reactions of this part of the body become weak.Progressive pathology leads to complete loss of sensation in the lower extremities;
- gait disturbance.Pain in the lumbar region with osteochondrosis causes a person to disorient while walking in the direction opposite to the direction of contraction of the nerve fibers.The condition does not allow walking long distances.A limping person has to stop from time to time and wait for the pain to subside.Timely medical assistance can save a person from disability.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
Many people wonder whether lumbar osteochondrosis is treated and how.When the diagnosis is made and the diagnosis is made, therapeutic tactics are determined.
There are several methods by which lumbar osteochondrosis is treated.Which of these is necessary and appropriate to use in order to cure a disease or alleviate a person's condition as much as possible, is determined by the doctor.
Someone treats themselves 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 form;
- injection solution;
- Preparations for external use - ointments and gels.
Medicines are prescribed to eliminate inflammation and relieve pain in the lumbar region.These can be used at home.
These may be:
- pain reliever;
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- Medicines for muscle spasms (muscle relaxers);
- Means to restore cartilage tissue (chondroprotectors);
- Corticosteroids (hormone-containing drugs whose action is aimed at relieving pain and inflammation)
- Vitamin.
The course of treatment is determined by a doctor, who, as additional treatment, sometimes prescribes pills or medications that calm the nervous system.
Physiotherapy for lumbar osteochondrosis
Another common method that relieves the symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis is physiotherapy.By affecting the spine and lower back, it enhances metabolism 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 which procedures will be required.
Physiotherapy is effective when it comes to the initial stages of pathology.But like other types of treatments, there are contraindications.Therefore, when prescribing this method, the doctor takes into account many factors.
Therapeutic exercises for lumbar osteochondrosis
A set of physical exercises that may 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 done occasionally will not bring the desired effect.
If the body already has complications due to osteochondrosis, this method is not used.In addition, contraindications to its use are serious pathologies of other organs and systems, as well as the presence of pain in the pelvic area and above.
Surgical intervention for lumbar osteochondrosis
The surgical method is used in the presence of serious complications such as intervertebral hernia.The damaged intervertebral disc (discectomy) is partially or completely removed, as prescribed in the surgical protocol.
Indications for surgery are:
- Severe and persistent pain that cannot be relieved with medication for up to a month;
- Large size of 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 relief from this pathology is possible only in the early stages, when the deforming effect on the intervertebral disc is minimal.In other cases, we can only talk about relieving symptoms and maintaining a body condition that allows the person to live and work normally.