Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, the symptoms and treatment of which are varied, 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, spreading over time to the ligaments and bone tissue of the vertebrae of the lumbosacral spine.An acute process, in the absence of therapy, inevitably becomes chronic.
A degenerative disease can turn a healthy person into a disabled person.
Degrees 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 annulus fibrosus, damage is formed 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 barely pronounced and causes reflex pain during sudden movements and lifting heavy objects.Unpleasant sensations in the lower spine can be moderate and manifest themselves:
- lumbodynia – local and lasting pain in the lumbar spine;
- lumbago – sudden, painful “shooting” in the lower back.
Second degree.Destructive processes in the annulus fibrosus 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 attacks of pain.
Third degree.During this period, the definitive destruction of the annulus fibrosus occurs with the extrusion of the nucleus pulposus.The vessels and nerve endings are compressed by the intervertebral discs.An intervertebral hernia forms.The spine curves, forming:
- lordosis - an arched deformity in the lumbar region, with forward convexity of the spine;
- kyphosis - a position opposite to lordosis, when the arch is formed in the outward direction;
- Scoliosis is a pathological curvature of the spine to the right or left.
Last diplomaosteochondrosis is considered the most serious and dangerous.By this time, the spine is already deformed, normal motor activity is lost.X-rays show bony growths in the lumbar spine – a response of the body.There may be no pain for a while, but this does not mean improvement.People suffering from stage 4 osteochondrosis 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:
- Disproportionate load on the spine.A person is a standing creature, so when standing, the load on the spine is considered normal.When performing various actions, you need to move, bend and unfold.In order to maintain the body in the desired state, the musculoskeletal system is in a prolonged tension mode.When sitting, the load on the spine increases, and when lying on your back, it becomes minimal.When a person stays in the same 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 distorting factor creates the prerequisites for the development of lumbar osteochondrosis.
- Sedentary lifestyle.It contributes to the development of various pathologies, including those affecting the spinal structures.Prolonged sitting causes deformation of cartilage tissue and a decrease in muscle tone, causing the development of lumbar osteochondrosis.
- Excessive physical activity.Both the lack of active physical activity and its excess do not bring anything good to the musculoskeletal system.Long and arduous work, especially associated with lifting and carrying heavy objects, leads to overload of the back muscles and causes the formation of spinal hernias.
- Posture disorders.Deformity of the discs between the vertebrae can also be caused by poor walking.The reason for this is again the uneven load on the spine.The intervertebral discs lose their elasticity and mobility and are therefore more susceptible to damage.Increasingly older people suffer more than others from similar problems.
- Bone defects, hereditary pathologies, injuries and infectious lesions.Osteochondrosis is often a consequence of disorders of the musculoskeletal system present at birth.For example, when the cartilaginous tissue of the body is inherently fragile.In addition, spinal pathologies develop after traumatic injuries and infectious processes, such as in osteomyelitis and tuberculosis.
- Flat feet.Signs of a “special” foot are the absence of a notch and drooping arches.Those who possess this feature often face spinal problems.This is due to the increased load placed on the intervertebral discs when walking.Throughout their life, they are exposed to increased physical impacts when traveling, so they wear out quickly.
- Obesity.Excess weight is a problem and an additional burden on the body.All organs and systems suffer, including the spine.
- Pathological processes.Malfunctions of various structures can adversely affect the condition of the musculoskeletal system.So, the provoking factors of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine are endocrine disorders, cardiovascular problems and malfunctions of the digestive system.
- Bad 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 lives under stress for a long time becomes weakened and vulnerable.Among other pathologies that can occur on such “fertile” soil, we find lumbar osteochondrosis.
Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
Pathological changes in the lumbar spine are manifested by severe symptoms;
- Lower back painis the most striking “signal” of the development of lumbar osteochondrosis.She speaks of the presence of “radicular syndrome”, when compression of the nerve endings in 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 pain in the lumbar spine.If an intervertebral hernia has formed in the lumbar region, the pain radiates 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 when lying down.Temporary relief may alternate with periods of exacerbation.
- dysfunction of the genitourinary system.They are manifested by pain in the kidney area and frequent urge to urinate.The deformation of the intervertebral discs causes a displacement of the lumbar region in relation to the sacrum.This affects the functioning of the internal reproductive organs in women and causes potency problems in men;
- decreased sensitivity of the legs at the feet.It can be partial or absolute.At the same time, the reflexes of this part of the body are weakened.A progressive pathology leads to a total loss of sensation in the lower limbs;
- walking problems.Pain in the lumbar region accompanied by osteochondrosis causes a person to deviate when walking in the opposite direction to where the nerve fibers are pinched.The condition does not allow traveling long distances.A person who limps is forced to stop from time to time, waiting 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 it occurs.After the diagnosis is made and the diagnosis is made, therapeutic tactics are determined.
There are different methods of treating lumbar osteochondrosis.The doctor determines which of them is necessary and advisable to use to cure a disease or alleviate a person's condition as much as possible.
Someone treats himself exclusively with folk remedies, at home, forgetting that they can be used only with the approval of a specialist doctor and only as part of complex therapy.
Drug treatment of osteochondrosis
Drug therapy involves the use of:
- tablet forms;
- solutions for injection;
- 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 could be:
- painkillers;
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- medicines for muscle spasms (muscle relaxers);
- means for restoring cartilaginous tissue (chondroprotectors);
- corticosteroids (drugs containing hormones that work to relieve pain and inflammation)
- vitamins.
The course of treatment is prescribed by a doctor who, in addition, sometimes prescribes pills or medications that calm the nervous system.
Physiotherapy for lumbar osteochondrosis
Physiotherapy is another common method that relieves the symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis.By influencing the spine and lower back, it improves metabolic and restorative processes.
Most often prescribed:
- magnetic, laser and electrotherapy;
- phonophoresis;
- shock wave method;
- detensive therapy;
- vibrating massages;
- balneotherapy.
The doctor decides how many and what procedures will be needed.
Physiotherapy is effective from the early 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 may 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.Exercises performed occasionally will not bring the desired effect.
If the body already has complications caused by 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 region and above.
Surgical intervention for lumbar osteochondrosis
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 carried out, as planned in the surgical protocol.
The surgical indications are:
- severe, persistent pain that cannot be relieved by medication for a month;
- 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 and causes serious complications.It is important to understand that more or less complete relief from this pathology is possible in the early stages, when the deforming effect on the intervertebral discs is minimal.In other cases, we can only talk about relieving symptoms and maintaining a state of the body that allows you to live and work normally.