Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is not diagnosed only in elderly patients. Recently, pathology occurs even in young people under 30 years of age. Ignoring symptoms can lead to complications. Therefore, 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. With the disease, the elasticity of the intervertebral discs decreases due to a deficiency in the delivery of nutrients at the cellular level. The location of the disease is due to the fact that it is this region of the spine that supports the greatest load.
Causes
Among the main factors leading to pathology are the following:
- Genetics.Doctors warn that if one of the parents suffers from this disease, the risk of developing lumbar osteochondrosis in the younger generation is much higher. Therefore, in such a situation, the child needs to engage in prevention from childhood.
- Lift weights regularly.This point applies not only to people who earn money through physical labor, but also to athletes who neglect safety precautions.
- Injuries.Any damage to the back can lead to pathology. If they are present, you should consult an osteopath or neurologist. It should be noted that many people are not even aware of their injuries. For example, when braking sharply while driving a car, a person can suffer spinal dislocation.
- Obesity.The spine is capable of supporting normal weight loads. If a person is overweight, the lower back of this organ can become deformed.
- Poor posture.The curvature of the spine leads to a violation of the proportional distribution of the load and subsequently to osteochondrosis.
- chronic physical inactivity,lack of movement in lifestyle. Minimal physical activity prevents the spine from being overloaded. At this time, muscles and ligaments begin to weaken and blood circulation is impaired, which causes malnutrition in the intervertebral discs, which lose elasticity over time. In this case, all the load and weight are transferred to the discs, compressing them and subsequently forming hernias.
- Flat foot.This pathology suggests a lack of normal shock absorption in the legs. This causes the spine to have to work harder than during normal walking. Consequently, the vertebrae wear out more quickly.
- 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 its neck. Chronic stress causes a reflex spasm transition throughout the spine. Ultimately, this can cause 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 the birth process is stimulated, the baby takes the fastest path and, as a result, can get hurt. This situation can occur during a cesarean section when the baby's head is tilted strongly to the right or left side. Subsequently, the baby is 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. | Expressed by burning, dull pain or tingling in the lower back. Sometimes the localization of unpleasant symptoms passes to the buttocks. The pain syndrome becomes more pronounced after physical work. |
| Second | Disks 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 becomes a constant painful character. They can radiate to the buttocks, thighs and knees. |
| Third | Tissues in this location of the spine are completely susceptible to destruction. Intervertebral hernias form. | The pain is strong and constant. However, they do not depend on the degree of physical activity. |
| Room | The cartilage atrophies completely and the vertebrae begin to grow. The spine loses mobility, which leads to disability. | Unpleasant sensations may disappear completely or partially. |
Diagnosis
To make a correct diagnosis, doctors carry out the following activities:
- Inspection.At the initial consultation, the specialist visually assesses the patient's physique, the relationship between weight and height. In addition, the characteristics of gait, posture and performance of simple exercises are studied. The skin on the back is examined for the presence of inflamed areas.
- Palpation.The doctor carefully feels the patient's back to identify the location of tension and pain. In some cases, a special hammer is used.
- Radiography.This diagnostic method is performed in two positions, posterior and lateral. If a functional study is required, radiation is performed in the folded and unfolded state. This diagnostic method has become widespread in the CIS countries and requires minimal money. However, it does not allow the pathology to be identified at an early stage of development. Furthermore, X-rays are harmful types of radiation.
- Computed tomography.Unlike radiography, it allows you to obtain the best quality images. The process is carried out in a tomograph and takes around 10 minutes. As a result, it is possible to study 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 undergoes radiation 5 times greater than the radiography. It is recommended to carry out this exam at most once a year.
- Magnetic resonance imaging.It is the most informative way to make a diagnosis. During the procedure, the patient is placed in a plane, which is wrapped in a special chamber, where, using 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 approximately 30 minutes. For people with a certain mental makeup, the procedure can be a difficult ordeal. Furthermore, 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 changes in the vertebrae themselves, but also the direction of blood flow, the condition of nerve endings and blood vessels. Unlike previous diagnostic methods, MRI can detect any unfavorable changes in the spine at the initial stage of lumbar osteochondrosis.
- Blood and urine tests.These procedures should not be fully called diagnostics. They are necessary as a complementary exam, carried out to exclude or confirm rheumatological pathologies.
Treatment
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, the symptoms of which vary in degreedevelopment of the disease described above, suggests the following treatment tactics:
- take medications prescribed by a doctor;
- a physiotherapy course;
- regular performance of a special set of exercises;
- massage.
In some cases, experts recommend surgery.
Drug treatment
All medications prescribed for lumbar osteochondrosis can be divided into the following groups:
- analgesics;
- muscle relaxants;
- chondroprotectors;
- vitamins.
Medications that perform an analgesic function can be divided into two components: hormonal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They are equally capable of relieving not only pain but also reducing inflammation.
However, the first group of medicines is used in exceptional cases. After all, they can lead to imbalance in the endocrine system and reduce immunity. Therefore, hormonal medications can only be purchased by 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 use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
However, its use for more than 3 days is not recommended. Otherwise, a side effect may occur. Then you can use various topical ointments and creams.
Oral medications are available in the form of 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 your muscles. However, the danger of its use lies in the fact that this category of drugs blocks the impulse that goes from the nerve to the muscle.
It should be clarified that the motor nerve goes from the spinal cord to absolutely all muscle fibers through the spine.
When taking muscle relaxants, the impulse transmission mechanism is blocked. Due to pinching and overwork in lumbar osteochondrosis, the connection between nerves and muscles is already disturbed. The use of these medications further depresses this system.
Reception of chondroprotectors causes the restoration of cartilaginous tissue.
However, there is a theory that chondroprotectors are not able to restore intervertebral discs, because they are made of fibrous tissue. In this case, the medicine acts exclusively on cartilaginous tissue.
B vitamins are necessary for the maintenance of nerve fibers.
Physiotherapy
All physiotherapy-related procedures affect the local area of pathology, while nearby tissues and organs remain unchanged.
These include the following methods of treating lumbar osteochondrosis:
- Electrophoresis with anesthetic.Special medications are injected into the patient's lower back. The entire process is stimulated by electrical current.
- Ultrasound.The objective of this treatment method is tissue micromassage. The procedure helps relieve inflammation and also 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 carried out on a special mattress. The goal is to straighten the spine.
Physiotherapy
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, the symptoms and treatment of which must be checked with a doctor, requires compliance with certain rules when performing exercises. The main principle is the immediate cessation of actions when pain occurs. Move carefully and smoothly to avoid damage.
The complex assumes the following algorithm:
- Lie on your back and lift your legs one at a time.
- Turn onto your side with your arms stretched out in front. Pull your upper leg back. Then turn to the other side and repeat the steps in a mirror.
- Lying on your stomach, simultaneously pull your legs and arms back.
- Get on all fours. Take turns pulling 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 adhere to the following rules:
- actions should be directed from the upper back to the lower back;
- massage movements can only affect soft tissues and not the spine;
- Before the procedure, patients are advised to go to the bathroom.
Massage algorithm:
- Make strokes in the right direction;
- Perform rubbing movements first with one and then with both palms. In this case, it is necessary to monitor the pressure that the massage therapist exerts on the patient's back.
- Gently pull and tighten the muscle tissue.
- Create vibration using your hands or a special preparation.
- Complete the procedure with light movements.
Folk remedies
Traditional medicine involves the use of medicinal herbs. The main action is aimed at relieving pain.
Homemade ointment to relieve pain
For this recipe you will need hop cones and animal fat. The first component is crushed and mixed with the second.
Then the ointment needs to settle a little and can be rubbed into the lower back. The composition can be supplemented with chamomile if desired. It has calming properties and can relieve inflammation.
Honey and potato compress
Raw potatoes must be chopped with a grater. Next, mix the components in equal proportions. The resulting mass must be distributed over the painful area of the back. It is advisable for the patient to remain in this position for several hours and then rinse everything well. This compress temporarily alleviates the patient's condition.
Analgesic ointment with ginger
Grind equal amounts of ginger and garlic on a fine grater. Then you must add a small amount of butter. Mix everything well and rub it into your lower back. The ointment must be prepared immediately before use.
Lilac alcohol tincture
Pour a small handful of lilac flowers into a liter glass jar. Then fill the container to the neck with vodka, alcohol or brandy. The bottle must be tightly closed with a lid and left in a cool, dark place. After a week and a half, the product is ready for use.
In this case, there is no need to filter the dye. You can rub 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, 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 eliminate it with a shower. Warm water helps to relax the soft tissues, the spasm is relieved and the pain disappears for a while.
In some cases, experts recommend using contrasting temperatures to relieve inflammation. It should be noted that taking hot baths accelerates the body's metabolic processes. Another advantage of this method of treating pathology is the possibility of using it at home. Also, the procedure helps to relieve nervous psycho-emotional tension.
You can increase efficiency with the help of herbal baths, among which the following stand out:
- Conifers.It is best to use needles from 3 trees - pine, spruce 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 strain the broth through a strainer and pour into the bathtub.
- Chamomile.For this recipe it is not necessary to use fresh flowers, you can use a ready-made pharmacy mixture. A glass of chamomile must be filled with water and heated over low heat.
You cannot boil the decoction. When the maximum temperature is reached, the heating must be turned off. Without opening the lid, let it brew for another 3 hours, then the composition can be used. Such a bath will be useful not only for osteochondrosis, but also in the presence of redness and inflammatory processes on the skin. - Juniper.Boil several handfuls of the mixture for about 20 minutes. Then the broth must be passed through a filter. In this case, there is no need to wait until the composition cools completely, you can immediately pour it into the bath. This procedure brings with it an additional aromatherapy effect, which helps relieve stress and insomnia.
After taking any of the above baths, you should lie down for about an hour. It is best to carry out the procedure before going to sleep at night.
Surgical intervention
Although the disease can be treated effectively with conservative treatment, in some cases the patient is recommended for surgery. It is important to emphasize that it must be carried out in a timely manner. After all, sometimes it happens that a person becomes disabled only because he did not consult a doctor about complications in time.
The following indications are required for surgical intervention:
- prolonged two-month pain, which is eliminated with the help of non-steroidal medications;
- progressive problems with motor function.
There are the following types of operations performed for lumbar osteochondrosis:
- Discectomy.Represents a replacement disk. It can be partial or complete.
- Foraminotomy.During surgery, some of the damaged tissue is removed. The operation is performed under local anesthesia.
- Laminotomy.Surgeons partially remove the osteophytes.
- Facetectomy.The operation aims to remove 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 an exacerbation
During an exacerbation of the disease, it is best to adhere to the following recommendations:
- prefer hard chairs to soft ones;
- sleep on an orthopedic mattress;
- avoid lifting weights;
- change body position every quarter of an hour;
- get a massage.
Complications
Lack of treatment for 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 pelvis. In men, this leads to erectile dysfunction and possibly impotence.
For women, the disease threatens problems with the reproductive system. However, the most serious complication is disability, which begins with a gradual impairment of motor activity.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine has characteristic symptoms. The above complications indicate that it is dangerous to ignore them. After all, modern medicine offers a wide variety of treatment options that provide effective results.