With osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, the symptoms and treatment of the disease will be further discussed, a person's mobility is limited, the ability to lead a normal life. Almost half of all patients have complaints of pain in this part of the back. According to the results of surveys, lumbar osteochondrosis is in second place after respiratory diseases.
If not so long ago age-related degenerative processes were considered the main cause of the pathology, many more factors that cause the disease have now been clarified. Before starting the therapy, you must understand what osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is.
The disease is a pathological change in the intervertebral discs, accompanied by ligament dystrophy, destruction of the vertebral bodies themselves. The lumbar region suffers the most from everything, because it experiences a huge load when lifting weights in a sitting position.
Signs of lumbar spine osteochondrosis are increasingly manifested in young people who are barely 30 years old. It is impossible to start the disease, because the complications are burdened with disability, paralysis of the lower extremities.
Main symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
Lumbar osteochondrosis is a deforming pathology, which in most cases is a natural aging process. But great physical activity on the spine, metabolic disorders, abuse of harmful products and alcohol accelerate this process.
The first signs of pathology do not appear immediately, so therapy does not always start on time. In lumbar osteochondrosis, the symptoms are as follows:
- pain is more frequent pain in the first stages and acute in 2-3 stages of disease development (with sudden movements the discomfort becomes stronger, and during bed rest passes);
- in osteochondrosis there are feelings of weakness in the legs (tendon reflexes are lost in the lower extremities, which is clearly visible during neurological tests);
- curvature of the lumbar region;
- violation of urination and defecation (depending on the site of spinal cord contraction).
Additional symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis can be identified: a feeling of numbness in the lower back, dryness and peeling of the skin, changes in its shade (turns blue). Sweating increases in the buttocks area. One of the signs of osteochondrosis in men in the lumbar spine is considered to be erectile dysfunction.
In osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, the symptoms vary in severity. Some manifestations can be combined into syndromes.
| Syndromes | Features |
| Ischemic | Signs of lumbar osteochondrosis due to damage to blood vessels appear here. The arteries begin to constrict (the process becomes permanent over time). This condition is characterized by pain in the muscles of the lower leg and thigh during walking. If the blood vessels constrict and spasm for a long time, then the nutrition of the pelvic organs is disturbed, as well as their functionality. In women, the pathology causes problems with the menstrual cycle, the ability to conceive a child, urination |
| Kicmena | It is characterized by pain of varying intensity and localization. It occurs after a load on the lumbar spine: bending, lifting heavy objects. If a herniated disc occurs, then the person may lose sensitivity in the legs. In this case, changes occur in the spine: posture changes, the person bends over, gait becomes problematic |
| Radicular | The vertebrae become unstable, compressing not only the nerve roots but also the blood vessels. The symptom of the syndrome is pain at the compressed end. Unpleasant sensations spread to the buttocks and legs. The person has an increase in muscle tone, is forced to change gait. In the absence of treatment for osteochondrosis, the nerve roots become inflamed. This condition is accompanied by edema of the body tissues surrounding the spine. The blood begins to stagnate, the process of intoxication begins. In radicular syndrome, pain is seen in other joints. In addition to these symptoms, a feeling of "goose bumps" also appears in the lower back (lower back). In particularly severe cases, patients can no longer move independently |
People suffering from lumbar osteochondrosis must undergo a comprehensive examination to determine how serious the disease is and to determine the treatment regimen.
Degree of lumbar osteochondrosis
Lumbar osteochondrosis develops gradually. There are such stages of pathology progression:
- First. In this case, the nucleus pulposus, located inside the disc, begins to move and change. Cracks appear on the fibrous ring. The nerve roots become irritated, which is signaled by back pain. In this stage of osteochondrosis, the discomfort is still local in nature, ie the symptoms are felt only in the area of the damaged disc. Sometimes it is lumbago, but in the first phase of development there is often constant dull pain. Discomfort in osteochondrosis increases after loading the lumbar spine.
- Other. This is where the destruction of the fibrous ring occurs. The mobility of the injured vertebrae increases as the muscle tissue becomes tense. The distance between them decreases, they can move with each other. It is harder for a man to move because he gets tired quickly, he feels strong discomfort in the lumbar part. The pain spreads to the thighs, legs, buttocks. The person sweats more.
- Third. At this stage of the disease the pain intensifies many times as the fibrous ring ruptures. In this case, the nucleus pulposus leaves its place and a hernia forms. The patient feels acute pain and lumbago when the tissues and nerve roots are compressed. The discomfort becomes constant and unbearable. The work of internal organs is disturbed.
- Fourth. Spinal deformity occurs. It is very difficult for a person to move, but the symptom of pain becomes less pronounced. This does not mean that the pathology no longer develops. This condition is a signal that the person will soon be in a wheelchair. In addition, in the area of the damaged disc, osteophytes grow, which worsens the condition even more, and the muscles atrophy.
If the development of the disease is not controlled and therapy is not started in time, the vertebrae will simply collapse and regenerate without risky and difficult surgery will fail.
What to do in case of worsening of the disease
Lumbar osteochondrosis is a severe disease that should not be brought to the last stage. It quickly becomes chronic, because even the most effective treatment can stop the development of the pathology or slow it down.
If severe back pain occurs and the person is unable to move normally, this indicates a worsening of the pathological process. It most often occurs in those patients who do not follow the doctor's recommendations. If deterioration has occurred, the person should adhere to these rules:
- It is better to completely abandon physical activity for the time necessary to restore normal physical functionality. It is better to lie in a comfortable position that does not cause discomfort. It is good if the patient uses a hard mattress, because the body in this case (especially the lumbar part) does not relax.
- To minimize the load on the back, a person can use a semi-rigid corset. It will restrict sudden movements.
- To reduce the severity of osteochondrosis pain, you should slowly bend your leg at the knee on the affected side. This will help relieve muscle tension and release compressed nerve tissue.
- In severe cases, the applicator can be used, but must be used carefully. The procedure is performed twice a day for 30 minutes.
- After a massage that gradually restores normal blood circulation and muscle tone, you should use anti-inflammatory ointment.
It is impossible to heat the affected area on the first day after the onset of deterioration. Dry heat is applied only on the second day, when the peak of pain passes. Otherwise, tissue edema will increase and the condition of the patient with osteochondrosis will worsen.
Diagnosis of the disease
Lumbar osteochondrosis requires a serious approach and complex therapy. It becomes easier for the patient if he takes the right medication and performs the exercises prescribed by the doctor. In order to choose the therapy regimen, the patient should be examined. The following diagnostic methods stand out:
- X-ray. If the lumbar joints are affected, X-ray evaluation is considered primary. The image is taken in several projections. Disc damage and the condition of the spinal canal can be seen on it. Each projection must be perpendicular to the previous one.
- MRI or CT. The presented procedures help to more precisely determine which factors triggered the development of osteochondrosis, in what condition are not only the vertebrae, but also the soft tissues, blood vessels, nerve endings. At the same time, the person does not feel any discomfort.
- External examination with palpation of the damaged area and neurological examinations.
Only a thorough diagnosis will determine if a person is really developing osteochondrosis.
Treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis
If the therapy of lumbar osteochondrosis is not carried out, the patient develops complications such as protrusion, spondyloarthritis, hernia, inflammation of the sciatic nerve, narrowing of the spinal canal and dysfunction of the pelvic organs. The person also begins to limp, has paresis and paralysis of the legs.
The treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine has several tasks. It is first necessary to remove the inflammation that causes pain in this disease. Of course, it is necessary to stop the unpleasant symptoms themselves, as well as to strengthen the muscular corset in the lumbar region, lower extremities.
Therapy should relieve swelling and soft tissue cramping. The patient is prescribed means and procedures designed to improve the functionality of the organs, regulate blood circulation, restore metabolic processes in the body and also expand the range of motion. Since osteochondrosis of the lumbar areas of patients will be treated for a long time, you need to choose those methods that will give a good effect and cause minimal damage. Medications, alternative treatment, physiotherapy, LF and other methods are used.
Surgery
In advanced cases, when the development of the disease has reached the last stage, lumbar osteochondrosis requires surgical intervention. The help of a surgeon is necessary in case of complications that disrupt the functionality of the organ, the spinal hernia. Emergency surgery is performed if there is a risk of developing lower extremity paralysis.
The most effective intervention is to remove the damaged disk. It is also a widespread microsurgical method of treating osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine using an endoscope. This procedure is less traumatic for the patient and allows him to recover in the shortest possible time.
Physiotherapy
In lumbar osteochondrosis, the symptoms (treated in different ways) can be removed with the help of physiotherapy procedures. Useful:
- diadynamic currents;
- electrophoresis and phonophoresis;
- magnetic therapy;
- laser treatment.
Physiotherapy procedures will provide maximum benefits in combination therapy, in combination with medications.
Physiotherapy exercises
Treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis will not be effective without performing the exercise complex prescribed by the doctor. All exercises are aimed at improving the mobility of the lower back, strengthening the muscular corset and increasing the stability of the spine. The complex must be performed regularly.
The doctor usually prescribes the following exercises: bending in different directions, in a standing position, walking on all fours and back, tension of the abdominal muscles in a lying position.
Massage
Can only be reported after exacerbation or during remission. Thanks to the procedure, you can achieve not only relaxation of spasmodic muscles, but also their strengthening. Massage is more effective after bathing. This should be carried out by a specialist, applying the correct techniques: smoothing, rubbing. The procedure should not be performed if there are open wounds on the back, if the person has been diagnosed with dermatological diseases or problems with blood circulation.
Manual therapy
Manual therapy solves the same tasks as massage, but uses slightly different techniques. You can’t entrust your spine to an amateur. The procedure requires an experienced professional who will not do any harm.
Medications
In the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis, drugs cannot be released. When choosing them, the general condition of the body, the stage of development of the disease, is important. There are the following most effective groups of drugs in the fight against osteochondrosis:
Analgesics.
- NSAID drugs remove the inflammation and pain that accompanies it. They alleviate swelling, normalize body temperature.
- Muscle Relaxants - These medications are prescribed by a doctor and are only used when NSAIDs fail. Muscle relaxants help relieve muscle cramps.
- Chondroprotectors - They keep cartilage in good condition, not allowing it to break. But they are effective only if this layer is not completely erased.
- Steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In the most advanced cases, the latter are appointed.
- Multivitamins and B vitamins - The preparations shown help to improve the functionality of NS.
- Antidepressants (to restore the patient's emotional background).
- Novocaine blockade with hydrocortisone. They are placed directly in the part of the back where the pain comes from. Blockages are rarely done because they are capable of causing muscle atrophy.
- Preparations to improve blood circulation and microcirculation.
Topical medications - ointments - have good efficacy and the least side effects. If the patient uses folk remedies for therapy, the drugs must continue to be taken.
Prevention of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine can be prevented if you follow simple prevention rules:
- avoid hypothermia and infections;
- do not lift heavy objects;
- bags to be carried alternately on both shoulders;
- respect the drinking regime and eat properly;
- maintain body weight within normal limits;
- timely treatment of congenital or acquired bone pathologies;
- swim, move more, perform a daily gymnastics complex for the lumbar region;
- undergo regular medical examinations.
Basic care for your health will help avoid the complications of lumbar osteochondrosis, and there are many, and they are difficult to deal with.