Lower back pain most commonly affects people after 35 years. In the vast majority of cases, the disease is associated with vertebral deformity and its consequences. A timely visit to the doctor will speed up healing because the symptoms and treatment of lumbar spine osteochondrosis are interrelated concepts.
The greater the progression of the disease, the more severe the consequences, the more difficult the process of restoring health.
Signs and Symptoms of Lumbar Spine Osteochondrosis
The lumbar spine is located between the sacrum and the thoracic region and consists of five vertebrae connected by intervertebral discs.
The development of osteochondrosis refers to the wear of intervertebral discs, which play a shock-absorbing role during spinal exertion. The discs are based on a gel-like mass protected by a dense fibrous ring and cartilage tissue, and the interior is filled with a liquid core pulposus.
As the load on the vertebrae increases, the elasticity and elasticity of the intervertebral discs and their height are lost and microcracks are formed in the annulus fibrosus, which eventually leads to its rupture and damage to the pulposus nucleus.
Tissue destruction involves pinching nerve roots on both sides of the vertebrae and causes severe pain.
Main signs of lumbar osteochondrosis:
- back pain;
- fatigue and depression;
- weakness or excessive muscle tension;
- loss of sensation in limbs, buttocks or thighs;
- sharp or aching pains and cramps in the lumbar region that often radiate to the legs;
- Violation of motor function.
Other symptoms, most commonly dysfunction of other organs - urinary and reproductive system, gastrointestinal tract - can be observed in the background of severe vertebral lesions in the lumbar region.
Causes of Occurrence
Like most diseases of the musculoskeletal system, osteochondrosis can develop for a number of reasons. Some are rooted in lifestyle and diet, while the other is formed against the background of physiological characteristics of the body.
Quite often, treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral spine is required by athletes whose backs are exposed not only to constant exertion but also to intermittent injuries.
The second category of vulnerable people are people who, because of their profession, spend a lot of time in a position - teachers, hairdressers, cooks, porters, waiters, programmers, office workers and drivers.
Among other causes of the pathology:
- overweight;
- metabolic disorder;
- incorrect posture, hunching;
- genetic predisposition;
- injuries;
- bad habits;
- lack of useful trace elements and vitamins in the diet;
- abnormal development of the musculoskeletal system, flat legs;
- hypothermia;
- inactivity, static;
- common stress.
All of these factors can affect the elasticity of intervertebral discs, as they contribute to damage to blood circulation or the appearance of nutrient deficiencies in vertebral tissues.
Vertebrae are able to perform their functions as a result of regular tissue renewal. In the case of any malnutrition of the vertebral tissues, be it a lack of blood circulation or metabolic problems, the regeneration processes are slowed down or stopped altogether. So there are dehydrating and dystrophic changes in the cartilage and fibrous ring of the vertebrae.
Extent of lumbar spine osteochondrosis
Depending on the level of spinal lesion, osteochondricular processes have four stages, manifested intermittently as the disease progresses.
First degree
Spinal pathological processes begin long before their first clinical manifestation. Due to moisture loss, intervertebral discs are less flexible. The height of the plates remains normal. The patient feels discomfort in the lumbar region.
Second Grade
Against the background of moisture deficiency, microcracks appear in the annulus fibrosus and tissue inflammation develops.
The process of hook-shaped vertebrae gradually increases. Seals form in the cartilage.
The patient complains of radiating back pain in the legs or groin. Limitation of motor skills is possible. Malfunctions occur in the work of internal organs.
Third Degree
The integrity of the annulus fibrosus is broken, the intervertebral disc protrudes, and a hernia is formed. The vessels and nerve endings are compressed. There are muscle cramps, disorders of the pelvic organs, sensory disorders of the lower extremities, prolonged seizures of sciatica.
Fourth grade
The most difficult, untreatable stage of the disease. As a result of the complete destruction of the intervertebral discs, scars form in place. The vertebrae approach as closely as possible and gradually deform. With the development of spinal cord compression, paralysis of the lower extremities is possible.
If timely treatment of lumbar spine osteochondrosis is not provided, vertebral destruction progresses and can lead to disability.
Diagnostics
To diagnose the disease and make an accurate diagnosis, neurologists use a number of measures - a medical history, a physiological examination, and device tests.
Record history
Provides for the study of patient complaints:
- cause for concern;
- a place of inconvenience;
- duration and intensity of discomfort;
- duration of the disease;
- possible causes of the disease;
- frequency of exacerbations;
- aggravating factors;
- Factors that improve well-being.
In addition, the doctor studies information about the patient's lifestyle, diet, work and rest, the presence of bad habits, hereditary factors and trauma.
Physiological examination
Used to identify abnormalities and make a preliminary diagnosis.
During the test, the doctor evaluates the patient's motor skills - gait, posture, amplitude and range of motion. The palpation method examines the condition of the muscles - tone, size, volume, the presence of cramps.
Adjusts the sensitivity level with a slight tingling sensation. Tapping with a hammer allows the detection of zones of pain irradiation.
Hardware tests
To obtain complete and accurate information about the location of the pathology and the extent of tissue damage, physicians conduct research using a variety of medical devices.
Radiography.X-ray examination of the lumbar spine makes it possible to determine the anatomical parameters of the vertebrae and intervertebral discs, the tendency of the holes between the bases to narrow, and the presence of bone growth.
Tomography.The use of electromagnetic waves allows an image of the study area to be displayed on the screen for further study and analysis of the condition of the vessels feeding the spinal tissues, nerve processes, and intervertebral discs.
CT.Several segments of the spine are x-rayed. The image is displayed on the monitor to determine the nature of the changes in the blood vessels, vertebrae and spinal cord membrane, the marginal increases.
Different types of tests are used for differential diagnosis to rule out pathologies in other body systems.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral spine
The duration and characteristics of treatment for lumbosacral osteochondrosis depend on the outcome of diagnostic measures. Conservative treatment is indicated in the early stages of the disease. For more complex lesions of the spine, surgery is used.
The optimal therapeutic effect is achieved with a complex therapy that includes the use of topical medications, physiotherapy, massage and fitness practices.
Medication
Non-steroidal medications for tablets and injections, ointments for internal and external use are prescribed to relieve symptoms. In addition, chondroprotectors, neuroprotectors, diuretics, vitamins, muscle relaxants are used.
Medication allows you to:
- eliminates pain;
- relieves inflammation;
- relaxes muscles;
- restores destroyed cartilage tissue;
- improves blood circulation;
- reduces swelling;
- increases physical activity;
- normalizes brain nutrition.
In case of acute pain, novocaine blockade is used, providing an immediate effect.
Folk remedies
Treatment by folk methods is effective as an adjunct to drug therapy. The main methods of traditional medicine are based on the use of herbal substances, animal products and chemicals.
Ointments and compresses, decoctions and infusions are used on the basis of various ingredients and are used for indoor and outdoor and therapeutic baths.
Physiotherapy for lumbar osteochondrosis
Physiotherapy procedures are excellent for restoring motor functions of the spine after suffering from osteochondrosis.
The main physiotherapy methods are:
- electrotherapy- exposure to weak electrical currents to increase tissue blood circulation;
- magnetotherapy- the use of magnetic field properties to restore tissues at the cellular level;
- laser therapy- complex activation of biological processes in vertebral tissues and nerve endings;
- shock wave therapy- improvement of microcirculation and metabolic processes in the affected tissues by an acoustic wave;
- balneotherapy- use of the healing properties of mineral water.
Physiotherapy procedures not only increase the effectiveness of medication several times, but also contribute to the healing and strengthening of the body as a whole.
Lumbar osteochondrosis massage
Visiting massage treatments is one of the most enjoyable and effective ways to treat osteochondrosis.
Massage with therapy:
- eliminates muscle cramps;
- improves blood supply to affected areas;
- improves lymph flow;
- restores atrophic muscles;
- Remove the mobility restriction.
Massage is prescribed to relieve pain syndromes.
Physiotherapy
In osteochondrosis, the main task of exercising is to restore and correct spinal function. However, you can only attend classes after the symptoms of exacerbation have disappeared.
The most effective methods of medical gymnastics are:
- charging;
- a visit to the gym;
- water therapy, swimming.
The hoop can be used for home sports. Some doctors recommend yoga classes to patients to restore spinal flexibility.
Exercises to Worsen Lumbar Osteochondrosis
Any exercises for osteochondrosis should be performed slowly and without sudden movements.
Appropriate exercises to strengthen the muscles that support the vertebrae are performed lying on your stomach. In this case, the arms are pulled up with a slight stretch but no tension. Repeat 4 times.
Surgery
The spine is treated with surgery in particularly severe cases - with significant neurological disorders and loss of stool control.
During surgery, the source of the disease is removed and measures are taken to stabilize the spine. The postoperative period lasts for several months.
Why is lumbar osteochondrosis dangerous?
Degenerative changes in lumbar osteochondrosis contribute to many life-threatening diseases. Bumps, lumbago, and sciatica occur in the background of the intervertebral hernia.
Further progression of the disease may lead to prolapse of the intervertebral disc and the development of spinosis. In addition to the severe pain that accompanies pathology, a person’s motor skills are impaired until they are completely lost. Paralysis of the lower extremities develops.
Death is inevitable with significant damage to the lining of the spinal cord.
Prevention
To avoid spinal damage, you need to lead a healthy lifestyle:
- play sports - swimming, tempering;
- adhering to a properly balanced, nutritious diet;
- eliminates bad habits;
- maintaining posture;
- supports the spine during sleep with an orthopedic mattress.
In addition, it is advisable to avoid hypothermia, heavy lifting. Women are advised not to wear high heels often.
You can keep your lower back healthy by changing your lifestyle and not forgetting the importance of physical activity.