Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is diagnosed not only in elderly patients. Recently, the pathology occurs even in young people under the age of 30. Ignoring symptoms can lead to complications. That is why it is necessary to know the signs of the disease in order to start treatment on time.
What is lumbar osteochondrosis
This pathology involves an unhealthy transformation of the vertebrae located in the lumbar region. In the disease, the elasticity of the intervertebral discs decreases due to a lack of supply of nutrients at the cellular level. The localization of the disease is due to the fact that this area of the spine bears the greatest load.
reasons
Among the main factors leading to pathology are the following:
- Genetics.Doctors warn that if one of the parents suffers from this disease, then the risk of developing lumbar osteochondrosis in the younger generation is much higher. Therefore, in such a situation, the child should be engaged in prevention from childhood.
- Regular weight lifting.This point applies not only to people who earn money through physical labor, but also to athletes who neglect safety measures.
- Injuries.Any damage to the back can lead to pathology. If they are present, you should consult an osteopath or a neurologist. It should be noted that many people are not even aware of their injuries. For example, with a sudden stop while driving, a person can experience a displacement of the vertebrae.
- obesity.The spine is able to withstand a load of normal weight. If a person is overweight, the lumbar region of this organ can be deformed.
- Bad posture.The curvature of the spine leads to a violation of the proportional distribution of the load and subsequently to osteochondrosis.
- Chronic physical deficiency,lack of movement in lifestyle. Minimal physical activity leads to the fact that the spine is not loaded. At such a moment, muscles and ligaments begin to weaken, blood circulation is disturbed, which provokes a lack of nutrition in the intervertebral discs, which over time lose their elasticity. In this case, all the load and weight are transferred to the discs, they are pressed and later hernias are formed.
- Flat steps.This pathology suggests a lack of normal shock absorption in the legs. This results in the spine having to do more work than in a normal gait. Accordingly, the vertebrae wear out faster.
- stress.The human body is designed in such a way that with any psycho-emotional stress, first of all, the neck becomes tense. This is a biological atavism. After all, when a predator attacks a mammal, it immediately grabs a neck. Chronic stress provokes a reflex transition of spasm to the entire spine. Eventually, this can lead to pinched nerves, including in the lumbar spine. Therefore, after stress, it is important to relieve tension with the help of special gymnastics.
- Aggressive obstetric practice. When labor is stimulated, the baby passes through the path faster and can be injured as a result. This situation can occur during a cesarean section when the baby's head is strongly tilted to the right or left. The baby was subsequently diagnosed with vegetative-vascular dystonia. The true cause of the pathology is usually identified in adolescence.
Degrees
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, the symptoms and treatment of which are described in detail in this article, has 4 stages of development. Their detailed description is presented in the table.
| Degree | Physiology | Painful sensations |
|---|---|---|
| First | The process of destruction of the intervertebral discs located in this area begins. | It is expressed by burning, dull pain or numbness in the lumbar region. Sometimes the localization of unpleasant symptoms is moved to the buttocks. The pain syndrome becomes more pronounced after physical work. |
| Second | Discs are increasingly susceptible to destruction, under the influence of which the distance between them is significantly reduced. At this stage, bumps may appear. | The pain acquires a constant painful character. They can radiate to the buttocks, thighs and knees. |
| third | The tissues in this location of the spine are completely susceptible to destruction. Intervertebral hernias are formed. | The pain is severe and constant. However, they do not depend on the degree of physical activity. |
| Fourth | The cartilage completely atrophies and the vertebrae begin to grow. The spine loses mobility, leading to disability. | Unpleasant sensations may disappear completely or partially. |
Diagnosis
To make a correct diagnosis, doctors perform the following activities:
- inspection.At the initial appointment, the specialist visually assesses the patient's physique, weight and height ratio. In addition, the characteristics of gait, posture and the performance of simple exercises are studied. The skin of the back is examined for the presence of inflamed areas.
- palpation.The doctor carefully palpates the patient's back to determine the place of tension and pain. In some cases, a special hammer is used.
- Radiography.This diagnostic method is performed in two positions, back and side. If a functional study is required, then irradiation is performed in a bent and unfolded state. This method of diagnosis is widespread in the CIS countries and requires the least funds. However, this does not allow identifying the pathology at an early stage of development. In addition, X-rays are harmful types of radiation.
- CT.Unlike radiography, it gives the opportunity to obtain images of the best quality. The procedure is performed using a tomograph and takes about 10 minutes. As a result, it is possible to examine in detail not only the state of bone tissue, but also changes in blood vessels and nerves. The method is not suitable for pregnant and lactating women. It should be noted that despite the possibility of obtaining more detailed information, the patient experiences radiation 5 times higher than radiography. It is recommended that such an examination be carried out no more than once a year.
- Magnetic resonance.This is the most informative way to make a diagnosis. During the procedure, the patient is placed on a board that rolls into a special chamber, where with the help of magnetic waves passing through the patient's body, a detailed image of the spine is obtained. The main disadvantage of this diagnosis is the need for the patient to remain in the chamber for about 30 minutes. For people with a certain mental makeup, the procedure can be a difficult test. In addition, MRI is contraindicated in patients with a pacemaker or metal parts in the body, as well as in women in early pregnancy. However, this diagnostic method has many advantages, the main of which is the absence of harmful effects on the human body. The resulting images will clearly show not only the changes in the vertebrae themselves, but also the direction of the blood flow, the condition of the nerve endings and blood vessels. Unlike previous diagnostic methods, MRI can detect any adverse changes in the spine at the earliest stage of lumbar osteochondrosis.
- Blood and urine tests.These procedures should not be called purely diagnostic. They are necessary as an additional examination, which is carried out to exclude or confirm rheumatological pathologies.
Treatment
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, the symptoms of which vary in degreethe development of the disease described above implies the following treatment tactics:
- taking medicines prescribed by a doctor;
- a course of physiotherapy;
- regular performance of a special set of exercises;
- massage.
In some cases, specialists recommend surgery.
Medication treatment
All drugs prescribed for lumbar osteochondrosis can be divided into the following groups:
- pain relievers;
- muscle relaxants;
- chondroprotectors;
- vitamins.
Medicines that perform an analgesic function can be divided into two components: hormonal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They are equally capable of eliminating not only pain, but also reduce inflammation.
However, the first group of drugs is used in exceptional cases. Ultimately, they can lead to an imbalance of the endocrine system and reduce immunity. Therefore, hormonal drugs can only be purchased after presenting a prescription at the pharmacy.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, the symptoms and treatment of which are described in detail in this article, involves oral or intramuscular administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
But it is not recommended to use them for more than 3 days. Otherwise, a side effect may occur. After that, you can use various ointments and creams for topical application.
Oral medications are available as tablets, injections, and suppositories.
Injections are used to relieve acute inflammation and pain. It is forbidden to do them for more than 2 days.
Muscle relaxants help relax muscles. However, the danger of their use lies in the fact that this category of drugs blocks the impulse that passes from the nerve to the muscle.
It should be specified that the motor nerve exits from the spinal cord to absolutely all muscle fibers through the spine.
When you take muscle relaxants, the impulse transmission mechanism is blocked. Due to pinching and overloading in lumbar osteochondrosis, the connection between nerves and muscles is already broken. The use of these drugs further depresses this system.
The intake of chondroprotectors provokes the restoration of cartilage tissue.
However, there is a theory that chondroprotectors are not able to restore the intervertebral discs because they consist of fibrous tissue. In this case, the drug acts exclusively on cartilage tissue.
B vitamins are necessary for the maintenance of nerve fibers.
Physiotherapy
All procedures related to physiotherapy affect the local area of the pathology, while nearby tissues and organs remain unchanged.
This includes the following methods of treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis:
- Electrophoresis with anesthetic.Special drugs are injected into the patient's lower back. The whole process is stimulated by an electric current.
- Ultrasound.The purpose of this treatment method is tissue micromassage. The procedure helps relieve inflammation and relieves pain. Blood circulation improves and metabolism is activated accordingly.
- Magnetotherapy.This method involves the use of a magnetic field. There is a wide variety of devices with a similar effect, which makes it possible to use them at home.
- Vibration effect.The devices create certain vibrations in the desired area of the body.
- Detensor therapy.The procedure is performed on a special mattress. The goal is to straighten the spine.
Physiotherapy
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, the symptoms and treatment of which should be consulted with a doctor, requires compliance with certain rules when performing exercises. The main principle is to immediately stop the actions when pain occurs. Move carefully and smoothly to avoid damage.
The complex implies the following algorithm:
- Lie on your back and lift your legs one at a time.
- Turn to the side with arms extended forward. Pull the top of the leg back. Then flip to the other side and repeat the steps in mirror.
- Lying on your stomach, pull your legs and arms back at the same time.
- Get on all fours. Take turns pulling back one hand at a time.
- In the same position, pull your right arm and leg up. Then repeat the same on the left.
Massage
When performing a massage, you must observe the following rules:
- actions should be directed from the upper back to the lower;
- massage movements can affect only the soft tissues, but not the spine;
- Before the procedure, patients are advised to visit the toilet.
Massage algorithm:
- Make shots in the right direction;
- Make rubbing movements first with one, then with two palms. In this case, it is necessary to monitor the pressure that the massage therapist exerts on the patient's back.
- Gently pull and then squeeze the muscle tissue.
- Create a vibration with your hands or with a special preparation.
- Finish the procedure with light stroking.
People's funds
Traditional medicine involves the use of medicinal herbs. The main action is aimed at relieving pain.
Homemade Pain Relief Ointment
For this recipe you will need hop cones and animal fat. The first component is crushed and mixed with the second.
The ointment should then sit for a while and can be rubbed into the lower back. If desired, the composition can be supplemented with chamomile. It has soothing properties and can relieve inflammation.
Compress of honey and potatoes
Raw potatoes should be cut using a grater. Then mix the components in equal proportions. The resulting mass should be distributed over the inflamed area of the back. It is recommended that the patient remain in this position for several hours and then rinse everything thoroughly. This compress temporarily relieves the patient's condition.
Pain-relieving ointment with ginger
Grind equal amounts of ginger and garlic on a fine grater. Then you need to add a small amount of oil. Mix everything thoroughly and rub the lower back. The ointment should be prepared immediately before use.
Lilac alcohol tincture
Pour a small handful of lilac flowers into a glass quart jar. Then fill the container up to the neck with vodka, alcohol or moonshine. The jar should be tightly closed with a lid and left in a dark and cool place. After a week and a half, the product is ready for use.
In this case, it is not necessary to pass the tincture through a filter. You can wipe your back with the resulting product. However, the dosage should be minimal. If after use the product is stored in the same way as during infusion, then it can be used for a whole year.
Herbal baths
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, the symptoms and treatment of which can be studied in this article, is often accompanied by severe pain. You can remove it with a bath. The warm water helps to relax the soft tissues, the spasm is relieved and the pain disappears for a while.
In some cases, experts recommend the use of contrasting temperatures to relieve inflammation. It should be noted that taking a warm bath accelerates metabolic processes in the body. Another advantage of this method of treating pathology is the possibility of using it at home. In addition, the procedure helps to relieve nervous psycho-emotional tension.
You can increase efficiency with the help of herbal baths, among which the following should be highlighted:
- Coniferous.It is better to use needles from 3 trees - pine, fir and cedar. You can also add cones. About 5 handfuls of the collected material should be boiled for about 15 minutes. Then, without opening the lid, leave for 2 hours, then pass the broth through a filter and pour into the bath.
- chamomile.For this recipe, you don't need to use fresh flowers, you can use a ready-made pharmacy mixture. A cup of chamomile should be filled with water and heated over low heat.
You cannot brew a potion. When the peak temperature is reached, the heating must be turned off. Without opening the lid, let it brew for another 3 hours, after which the composition can be used. Such a bath will be useful not only for osteochondrosis, but also for the presence of redness and inflammatory processes on the skin. - Juniper.Boil a few handfuls of the mixture for about 20 minutes. After that, the broth should be passed through a filter. In this case, you do not need to wait until the composition cools down completely, you can immediately pour it into the bath. This procedure brings with it an additional aromatherapeutic effect that helps relieve stress and alleviate insomnia.
After taking any of the above baths, you should lie down for about an hour. It is better to perform the procedure in the evening before going to bed.
Surgical intervention
Despite the fact that the disease can be effectively treated with conservative treatment, in some cases the patient is recommended to undergo surgery. It is important to note that it must be done in a timely manner. After all, sometimes it happens that a person becomes disabled just because he did not consult a doctor in time for complications.
The following indications are necessary for surgical intervention:
- prolonged two-month pain, which is eliminated with the help of non-steroidal drugs;
- progressive problems with motor function.
There are the following types of operations performed for lumbar osteochondrosis:
- Discectomy.Represents a spare disk. It can be partial or complete.
- Foraminotomy.During the operation, part of the damaged tissue is removed. The operation is performed under local anesthesia.
- Laminotomy.Surgeons partially remove the osteophytes.
- Facetectomy.The operation is aimed at removing the joint. It is performed under general anesthesia.
- Laminectomy.This surgery is performed to remove part of the spine. At the same time, the remaining parts are fixed.
What to do during a flare-up
During an exacerbation of the disease, it is better to adhere to the following recommendations:
- prefer hard chairs to soft ones;
- sleep on an orthopedic mattress;
- avoid heavy lifting;
- change the position of your body every quarter of an hour;
- have a massage.
Complications
The lack of treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis can lead to changes in the normal location of the disc. A hernia forms between the 5th vertebra and the sacrum. In addition, this pathology disrupts blood circulation in the small pelvis. In men, this leads to erectile dysfunction and eventually impotence.
For women, the disease threatens problems in the reproductive system. However, the most severe complication is the disability, which begins with a gradual impairment of motor activity.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine has characteristic symptoms. The above complications show that it is dangerous to ignore them. After all, modern medicine offers a wide variety of treatment options that provide effective results.