Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, with different symptoms and treatments, is one of the most common pathologies of the musculoskeletal system.
This condition is characterized by the development of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the intervertebral discs, spreading over time to the ligaments and bone tissue of the vertebrae of the lumbosacral spine. An acute process, in the context of lack of therapy, inevitably becomes chronic.
Degenerative disease can turn a healthy person into a disabled person.
Degrees of lumbar spine osteochondrosis
Classify 4 degrees of lumbosacral osteochondrosis. The scheme of the disease's development is as follows:
First degree.In the inner part of the fibrous annulus, the lesions are formed in the form of fissures, where the content of the pulpal nucleus penetrates, causing irritation. This is the initial stage of osteochondrosis. The deformation of the intervertebral discs is not very pronounced and gives reflex pain with sudden movements and weight lifting. Unpleasant sensations in the lower part of the spine can be mild and manifest:
- lumbody - local and lasting pain in the lumbar spine;
- lumbago - sudden painful "lumbago" in the lower back.
Second degree.The destructive processes in the fibrous ring continue. The distance from one vertebra to the other decreases, causing compression of the nerve fibers. There is discomfort in the lower third of the back, which sometimes turns into bouts of pain.
Third degree.During this period, the final destruction of the fibrous ring occurs with the extrusion of the pulpous nucleus. The vessels and nerve endings are compressed by intervertebral discs. An intervertebral hernia is formed. The spine is curved, forming:
- lordosis - arched deformity in the lumbar spine, with protuberance to the front of the spine;
- kyphosis - position opposite to lordosis, when the arc is formed in the external direction; Scoliosis
- - pathological curvature of the spine to the right or left.
The last degreeis considered the most serious and dangerous. At this point, the spine is already deformed, normal motor activity has been lost. X-rays show bone growth in the lumbar spine - the body's response. The pain may go away for a while, but that does not mean improvement. People who suffer from stage 4 osteochondrosis of the sacro-lumbar spine are often disabled. The reason is that at this stage the process is complicated.
Causes of lumbar spine osteochondrosis
Among the causes of lumbar osteochondrosis are the following:
- Disproportionate load on the spine.Man is an upright creature, so in the standing position, the load on the spine is considered normal. When performing several actions, you must move, bending and without bending. To keep the body in the desired condition, the musculoskeletal system is in a prolonged tension mode. In the sitting position, the load on the spine increases and, when lying on its back, becomes minimal. When a person is in a position for a long time, the lumbar and sacral parts of the spine become overloaded and the muscles do not rest, hence first a feeling of discomfort and then pain. This deforming factor creates the preconditions for the development of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine.
- Sedentary lifestyle.Contributes to the development of several pathologies, including those that affect vertebral structures. The prolonged session causes deformation of the cartilaginous tissue and decreased muscle tone, causing the development of lumbar osteochondrosis.
- Excessive physical effort.Both the lack of vigorous physical activity and its excess do nothing for the musculoskeletal system. Long and hard work, especially associated with lifting and carrying weights, causes excessive tension in the back muscles and causes the formation of vertebral hernias.
- Postural disorders.Deformation of the discs between the vertebrae can also be caused by incorrect walking. The reason is again in the uneven load on the spine. Intervertebral discs lose elasticity, mobility and are therefore more likely to be damaged. More and more, older people suffer from similar problems.
- Bone defects, hereditary pathologies, trauma and infectious injuries.Often, osteochondrosis is a consequence of disorders of the musculoskeletal system that were present at birth. For example, when the body's cartilage tissues are naturally fragile. In addition, spinal pathologies develop after traumatic injuries and infectious processes, as in osteomyelitis and tuberculosis.
- Flat feet.Signs of a "special" foot - the absence of notch and inclination of its arches. Those who have this characteristic often face spinal problems. This is due to the increased load on the intervertebral discs when walking. Throughout life, they are subject to greater physical stress during movement, so they wear out quickly
- Obesity.Overweight 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 condition of the musculoskeletal system. Thus, the factors that cause osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine are endocrine disorders, cardiovascular problems and malfunction of the digestive system.
- Wrong way of life.Many people don't pay enough attention to things as simple and important as physical activity, balanced nutrition and normal sleep. An organism that has existed for a long time under stressful conditions becomes weakened and vulnerable. Among other pathologies that can arise in so "fertile" soil, includes lumbar osteochondrosis.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
Pathological changes in the lumbar spine are manifested by severe symptoms;
- Low back painis the clearest "sign" of the development of lumbar osteochondrosis. She speaks of the presence of "root syndrome", when the compression of the nerve endings of the spine causes pain in the lower back. The person is tired and irritated. Over time, performing simple and routine activities becomes a big problem due to pain in the lumbar spine. If an intervertebral hernia has formed in the lower back, the pain radiates to the lower leg, posterior thigh and foot. Over time, it becomes more and more difficult to sit and walk. Unpleasant sensations do not give up, even when lying down. Temporary relief can be alternated with periods of exacerbation.
- dysfunction of the genitourinary system.They are manifested by pain in the kidney region, frequent need to urinate. Deformation of the intervertebral discs causes displacement of the lumbar spine in relation to the sacrum. This affects the work of the internal reproductive organs in women and, in men, causes problems of potency;
- decreased the sensitivity of the legs in the foot area.It can be partial or absolute. At the same time, the reflexes of that part of the body are weakened. The progressive pathology leads to a complete loss of sensation in the lower extremities;
- gait disorders. Pain in the lumbar spine with osteochondrosis causes a person, when walking, to deviate in the opposite direction to that where the nerve fibers are compressed. The condition does not allow walking long distances. A lame person is forced to stop from time to time, hoping for pain relief. Timely medical assistance can save a person from disability.
Treatment of lumbar spine osteochondrosis
Many people wonder if osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is treated and how it happens. When the diagnosis is made and the diagnosis is made, therapeutic tactics are determined.
There are several methods used to treat lumbar osteochondrosis. Which one is necessary and appropriate to apply to cure a disease or alleviate a person's condition as much as possible, the doctor determines.
Someone deals exclusively with folk remedies at home, forgetting that they can only be used with the approval of a specialist doctor and only as part of a complex therapy.
Medication for osteochondrosis
Drug therapy involves the use of:
- tablet forms;
- injection solutions;
- preparations for external use - ointments and gels.
Drugs are prescribed to eliminate inflammation and relieve pain in the lumbar spine. They can be used at home.
They can be:
- pain relievers;
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- medicines for muscle spasms (muscle relaxants);
- means for restoration of cartilage tissue (chondroprotectors);
- corticosteroids (drugs containing hormones that act to relieve pain and inflammation)
- vitamins.
The course of treatment is prescribed by a doctor, who sometimes prescribes pills or potions to calm the nervous system as an additional treatment.
Physiotherapy for lumbar osteochondrosis
Physiotherapy is another common method for relieving the symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis. Acting on the spine and lower back, improves metabolic and restorative processes.
Most often prescribed:
- magnetic, laser and electrotherapy; phonophoresis
- ;
- shockwave method; detector therapy; vibrating massage
- ;
- balneotherapy.
How many and what procedures will be needed - the doctor decides.
Physiotherapy is effective when it comes to the early stages of pathology. But it, like other types of treatment, has contraindications. Therefore, when prescribing this method, the doctor takes into account many factors.
Therapeutic gymnastics for lumbar osteochondrosis
A series of physical exercises that can be presented for lumbar osteochondrosis aims to restore mobility of this spine.
Regularity is considered the main condition for its effectiveness. Exercises performed occasionally will not have the desired effect.
If the body already has complications caused by osteochondrosis, this method is not applied. In addition, contraindications to its use are serious pathologies of other organs and systems, as well as the presence of pain in the pelvic region and above.
Surgical intervention for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
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, as provided for in the operation protocol.
The indications for surgery are:
- severe and persistent pain syndrome, which cannot be removed with medication for a month;
- the large size of the hernia and its effect on the spinal cord.
Osteochondrosis is easier to prevent than to cure. Like any pathology, it is potentially dangerous with serious complications. It is important to understand that the more or less complete elimination of this pathology is possible in the initial stages, when the deforming effect of the intervertebral discs is minimal. In other cases, we can only talk about symptom relief and maintaining the body's condition, which allows you to live and work normally.