Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine - symptoms and treatment

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, whose symptoms and treatment are different, 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.The acute process, in the absence of therapy, 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.In the inner part of the fibrous ring, damage occurs 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 weak and causes reflex pain during sudden movements and lifting heavy objects.Unpleasant sensations in the lower part of the spine can be moderate and manifest as:

• lumbodia – local, permanent pain in the lumbar spine;
• lumbago – sudden painful "shooting" in the lower back.

Second degree.Destructive processes in the fibrous ring continue.The distance from one vertebra to another decreases, which causes compression of the nerve fibers.Discomfort occurs in the lower third of the back, which occasionally develops into attacks of pain.

Third degree.In that period, the fibrous ring is finally destroyed by the extrusion of the nucleus pulposus.Vessels and nerve endings are compressed by intervertebral discs.An intervertebral hernia is formed.The curves of the spine, which form:

• lordosis - arcuate 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 outward direction;
• Scoliosis is a pathological curvature of the spine to the right or left.

The last degreeOsteochondrosis is considered the most severe and dangerous.At this point, the spine is already deformed, normal motor activity is lost.X-rays show bony growths in the lumbar spine - the body's response.There may be no pain for a while, but that doesn't mean it's getting better.People suffering from osteochondrosis of the 4th stage of the sacrolumbar region often become disabled.The reason is that at this stage the process is complicated.

Causes of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine

Among the causes of lumbar osteochondrosis are the following:

1. Disproportionate load on the spine.A person is an upright creature, therefore, in a standing position, the load on the spinal column is considered normal.When performing various actions, you have to move, bend and unroll.In order to maintain the body in the desired state, the musculoskeletal system is in a mode of prolonged tension.In a sitting position, the load on the spine increases, while lying on your back it becomes minimal.When 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 creates a feeling of discomfort, and then pain.This deforming factor creates prerequisites for the development of lumbar osteochondrosis.
2. Sedentary lifestyle.It contributes to the development of various pathologies, including those affecting the structures of the vertebrae.Long-term sitting causes deformation of the cartilage tissue and a decrease in muscle tone, causing the development of lumbar osteochondrosis.
3. Excessive physical activity.Both the lack of active physical activity and its excess do not bring anything good for the musculoskeletal system.Long, hard work, especially associated with lifting and carrying heavy objects, leads to overstrain of the back muscles and causes the formation of a herniated disc.
4. 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 spinal column.Intervertebral discs lose elasticity and mobility, so they are more likely to be damaged.Older people suffer from similar problems more than others.
5. Bone defects, hereditary pathologies, injuries and infectious lesions.Osteochondrosis is often the result of disorders of the musculoskeletal system that were present at birth.For example, when the cartilaginous tissue of the body is fragile by nature.In addition, spinal pathologies develop after traumatic injuries and infectious processes, such as osteomyelitis and tuberculosis.
6. Flat feet.Signs of a "special" foot are the absence of notches and lowered arches.Those who have this trait often face problems with their spine.This is due to the increased load on the intervertebral discs when walking.During their lifetime, they are exposed to increased physical impact during movement, so they wear out quickly
7. Obesity.Excess weight is a problem and an additional burden on the body.All organs and systems suffer, including the spine.
8. Pathological processes.Dysfunctions of various structures can negatively affect the state of the musculoskeletal system.So, the factors that cause osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine are endocrine disorders, cardiovascular problems, and malfunction of the digestive system.
9. Wrong lifestyle.Many people do not pay enough attention to such simple and important things as physical activity, a balanced diet and normal sleep.An organism that has been under stress for a long time becomes weakened and vulnerable.Among other pathologies that can appear on such "fertile" soil is lumbar osteochondrosis.

Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis

Pathological changes in the lumbar spine are manifested by pronounced symptoms;

• Pain in the lower backis the most striking "signal" of the development of lumbar osteochondrosis.She talks about the presence of "radicular syndrome", when compression of the nerve endings of the spine causes pain in the lumbar region.The person becomes tired and irritable.Over time, performing simple and familiar actions becomes a big problem due to lumbar spine pain.If the intervertebral hernia occurred in the lumbar region, the pain spreads to the lower leg, the back of the thigh, and the foot.Over time, it becomes increasingly difficult to sit and walk.Unpleasant sensations do not disappear even in a lying position.Temporary relief may alternate with periods of exacerbation.;
• dysfunction of the genitourinary system.They are manifested by pain in the kidney area and frequent urges to urinate.Deformation of the intervertebral discs causes the lumbar region to move in relation to the sacrum.It affects the functioning of the internal reproductive organs in women, and causes problems with potency in men;
• reduced sensitivity of the legs in the area of the feet.It can be partial or absolute.At the same time, the reflexes of this part of the body are weakened.Progressive pathology leads to a complete loss of sensation in the lower extremities;
• gait disturbances.Pain in the lumbar region in osteochondrosis causes a person to deviate when walking in the direction opposite to the place where the nerve fibers are pinched.The condition does not allow walking long distances.A person who limps is forced to stop from time to time, waiting for the pain to disappear.Timely medical help can save a person from disability.

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine

Many people wonder if lumbar osteochondrosis is treated and how it occurs.When the diagnosis is made and the diagnosis is made, therapeutic tactics are determined.

There are different methods used to treat lumbar osteochondrosis.Which of them is necessary and advisable to use in order to cure the disease or ease the person's condition as much as possible is determined by the doctor.

Someone is treated exclusively with folk remedies, at home, forgetting that they can be used only with the approval of a specialist and only as part of a complex therapy.

Treatment of osteochondrosis with drugs

Drug therapy includes the use of:

• Tablet forms;
• solutions for injections;
• preparations for external use - ointments and gels.

Medicines are prescribed to eliminate inflammation and relieve pain in the lumbar region.They can be used at home.

These can be:

• analgesics;
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
• medicines for muscle spasms (muscle relaxants);
• means for restoring cartilage tissue (chondroprotectors);
• corticosteroids (medicines containing hormones whose action is aimed at relieving pain and inflammation)
• vitamins.

The course of treatment is prescribed by the doctor, who as an additional treatment sometimes prescribes tablets or drugs that calm the nervous system.

Physiotherapy for lumbar osteochondrosis

Another common method that alleviates the symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis is physiotherapy.Affecting the spine and lower back, it promotes metabolic and restorative processes.

They are 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 needed.

Physiotherapy is effective when it comes to the initial stages of the pathology.But, like other types of treatment, it has contraindications.Therefore, when prescribing this method, the doctor takes into account many factors.

Therapeutic exercises for lumbar osteochondrosis

A set of physical exercises that can be indicated for lumbar osteochondrosis is aimed at restoring the mobility of this part of the spine.

Regularity is considered the main condition for its effectiveness.Occasionally performed exercises will not bring the desired effect.

If the body already has complications caused by osteochondrosis, this method is not used.In addition, contraindications for its use are severe 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 severe 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:

• 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 relief from this 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 state of the body that enables normal life and work.