Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is diagnosed not only in elderly patients. Lately, pathology is occurring even in young people under 30 years old. Ignoring symptoms can lead to complications. Therefore, it is necessary to know the signs of the disease in order to start treatment in time.
What is lumbar osteochondrosis?
This pathology implies an unhealthy transformation of the vertebrae in the lumbar region. With the disease, the elasticity of the intervertebral discs decreases due to the lack of nutrient supply 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 causing the 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 needs prevention from childhood.
- Lifting weights regularly.This point applies not only to people who earn money through physical labor, but also to athletes who ignore safety measures.
- injuries.Any injury to the back can cause pathology. If they exist, you should consult an osteopath or a neurologist. It should be noted that many people are not even aware of their injuries. For example, a person may experience a dislocation of the spine when braking sharply while driving.
- Obesity.The spine can withstand the load of normal weight. If a person is overweight, this organ may be deformed in the waist area.
- bad postureThe curvature of the spine causes a violation of the proportional distribution of the load and subsequently osteochondrosis.
- chronic physical inactivity,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 leads to a lack of nutrition of the intervertebral discs, which lose elasticity over time. In this case, the entire load and weight is transferred to the discs, they are compressed and subsequently a hernia is formed.
- flat feet.This pathology suggests a lack of normal shock absorption in the legs. As a result, the spine has to do more work than during normal walking. Therefore, the vertebrae wear out faster.
- Stress.The human body is designed in such a way that during any psycho-emotional stress, the neck is first of all strained. This is biological atavism. After all, when a predator attacks a mammal, it immediately grabs its neck. Chronic stress causes a reflex spasm to pass through the entire spine. Ultimately, this can lead to pinched nerves, including those 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 travels 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 side. Later, the child 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 given in the table.
| quality | Physiology | painful sensations |
|---|---|---|
| Პirveli | The process of destruction of the intervertebral discs in this area begins. | It is expressed by burning, dull pain or tingling in the lower back. Sometimes the localization of unpleasant symptoms is transferred to the buttocks. Pain syndrome becomes more pronounced after physical work. |
| second | Discs are increasingly susceptible to destruction, as a result of which the distance between them is significantly reduced. A rash may appear at this stage. | The pain becomes a constant aching character. They can radiate to the buttocks, hips and knees. |
| the third | The tissues of this location of the spine are completely susceptible to destruction. An intervertebral hernia is formed. | The pain is strong and constant. However, they do not depend on the level of physical activity. |
| fourth | The cartilage is completely atrophied and the vertebrae begin to grow. The spine loses motion, causing disability. | Unpleasant sensations may disappear completely or partially. |
diagnosis
To establish the correct diagnosis, doctors perform the following actions:
- It is checked.During the initial appointment, the specialist visually assesses the patient's physical condition, his weight and height ratio. In addition, features of walking, posture and 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 back to locate the area 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, radiation is performed in a bent and unbent position. This method of diagnosis has spread widely in the CIS countries and requires the least amount of money. However, this does not allow to identify the pathology at an early stage of development. In addition, X-rays are a harmful type of radiation.
- CT scan.Unlike X-ray, it makes it possible to get the best quality image. The procedure is performed using a tomograph and takes about 10 minutes. As a result, it is possible to study in detail not only the condition 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 is 5 times more exposed to radiation on radiography. It is recommended to carry out such an examination no more than once a year.
- Magnetic resonance imaging.This is the most informative way to make a diagnosis. During the procedure, the patient is placed on a plane, which is rolled into a special camera, where a detailed image of the spine is obtained using magnetic waves passing through the patient's body. The main disadvantage of this diagnosis is the need to stay in the patient's ward for about 30 minutes. For people with a certain mental makeup, the procedure can be a difficult ordeal. In addition, MRI is contraindicated in patients who have 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 one being the absence of harmful effects on the human body. The resulting images 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 methods of diagnosis, MRI can detect any unfavorable changes in the spine in the early stages of lumbar osteochondrosis.
- Blood and urine tests.These procedures should not be called fully 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 suggests the following treatment tactics:
- taking medications prescribed by a doctor;
- Physiotherapy course;
- regular performance of a special set of exercises;
- Massage.
In some cases, experts recommend surgery.
drug treatment
All drugs prescribed for lumbar osteochondrosis can be divided into the following groups:
- pain relievers;
- muscle relaxants;
- chondroprotectors;
- vitamins.
Medicines that perform a pain-relieving function can be divided into two components: hormonal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They can equally not only relieve pain, but also reduce inflammation.
However, drugs of the first group are used in exceptional cases. After all, they can cause an imbalance of the endocrine system and reduce immunity. Therefore, hormonal drugs can be purchased only after submitting a prescription to a pharmacy.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, the symptoms and treatment of which are described in detail in this article, involves the oral use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or intramuscular administration.
However, their use for more than 3 days is not recommended. Otherwise, a side effect may occur. Next, you can use various ointments and local creams.
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 drugs of this category block the impulse that is transmitted from the nerve to the muscle.
It should be clarified that the motor nerve exits from the spinal cord to absolutely all muscle fibers through the spine.
When taking muscle relaxants, the impulse transmission mechanism is blocked. In lumbar osteochondrosis, due to stretching and overwork, the connection between nerves and muscles is already broken. The use of these medications further suppresses this system.
Taking chondroprotectors leads to restoration of cartilage tissue.
However, there is a theory that chondroprotectors cannot restore the intervertebral discs because they are made of fibrous tissue. In this case, the drug acts exclusively on the cartilage tissue.
B vitamins are essential for the maintenance of nerve fibers.
Physiotherapy
All procedures related to physiotherapy affect the local area of the pathology, while the surrounding tissues and organs remain unchanged.
This includes the following methods of treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis:
- Electrophoresis with anesthetic.Special medicines are injected into the patient's lower back. The whole process is stimulated by electric current.
- Ultrasound.The purpose of this treatment method is tissue micromassage. The procedure helps to remove 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 selection 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 checked by a doctor, requires compliance with certain rules when performing exercises. The main principle is the immediate cessation of activities when pain occurs. Drive carefully and smoothly to avoid injury.
The complex includes the following algorithm:
- Lie on your back and lift your legs one at a time.
- Turn to your side with arms outstretched in front of you. Pull your top leg back. Then turn to the other side and repeat the steps in a mirror image.
- Lie on your stomach, pull your legs and arms back at the same time.
- Get on all fours. Take turns raising each hand back.
- In the same position, raise your right hand and leg up. Then repeat the same on the left.
Massage
The following rules should be observed when performing a massage:
- Actions should be directed from top to bottom;
- Massage movements can affect only soft tissues, not the spine;
- Before the procedure, patients are advised to visit the toilet.
Massage algorithm:
- make strokes in the right direction;
- Perform sticking movements first with one, then with two hands. In this case, it is necessary to monitor the pressure that the massage therapist puts on the patient's back.
- Gently stretch and then relax the muscle tissue.
- Create vibration using your hands or a special preparation.
- Complete the procedure with a light hand.
Folk remedies
Traditional medicine includes the use of medicinal plants. The main action is aimed at relieving pain.
Homemade pain reliever ointment
For this recipe you will need hop cones and animal fat. The first component is destroyed and mixed with the second.
Next, the ointment should sit a little and can be rubbed into the lower back. Chamomile can be added to the composition if desired. It has soothing properties and can relieve inflammation.
Honey and potato compress
Raw potatoes should be grated. Next, mix the components in equal proportions. The obtained mass should be distributed to the painful area of the back. It is desirable for the patient to remain in this position for several hours, and then wash everything thoroughly. This compress temporarily alleviates the patient's condition.
Pain-relieving ointment with ginger
Grate equal amounts of ginger and garlic on a fine grater. Then add a small amount of butter. Mix everything well and rub it on the lower back. 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 to the brim with vodka, alcohol or moonshine. The jar should 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, it is not necessary to pass the tincture through a filter. You can rub your back with the resulting product. However, the dose should be minimal. If after use the product is stored as during the infusion, then it can be used throughout the 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 bath. Warm water helps to relax soft tissues, spasms are released and pain goes away for a while.
In some cases, experts recommend the use of contrast temperature to relieve inflammation. It should be noted that taking warm baths 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 noted:
- coniferous.It is better 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 leave it for 2 hours without opening the lid. Then pass the broth through a filter and pour it into the bath.
- Chamomile.There is no need to use fresh flowers for this recipe, you can use a ready-made pharmacy mixture. A glass of chamomile should be filled with water and heated over low heat.
The decoction cannot be boiled. When the maximum temperature is reached, the heating should be turned off. Leave to brew for another 3 hours without opening the lid, then you can use the composition. Such a bath will be useful not only in osteochondrosis, but also in the presence of redness and inflammatory processes on the skin. - juniperBoil a few handfuls of the mixture for about 20 minutes. Then the broth should pass through a filter. In this case, there is no need to wait until the composition has completely cooled, you can immediately pour it into the bath. This procedure brings with it an additional aromatherapy effect, which helps relieve stress and relieve insomnia.
After taking any of the above baths, you should lie down for about an hour. It is best to perform the procedure at night before going to bed.
surgery
Although the disease can be effectively treated with conservative treatment, in some cases the patient is advised to undergo surgical intervention. It is important to note that this should be done in a timely manner. Sometimes it happens that a person becomes disabled just because he did not consult a doctor in time about complications.
The following indications are required for surgical intervention:
- prolonged two-month pain, which is resolved with the help of non-steroidal drugs;
- Progressive motor function problems.
The following types of operations are performed during lumbar osteochondrosis:
- Discectomy.represents a replacement 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 osteophytes.
- Facetectomy.The operation aims to remove the joint. It is performed under general anesthesia.
- Laminectomy.This surgery is done 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 better to follow the following recommendations:
- Prefer hard chairs to soft ones;
- sleeping on an orthopedic mattress;
- Avoid heavy lifting;
- Change your body position every quarter of an hour;
- Perform a massage.
Complications
Lack of treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis can lead to changes in the normal location of the disc. A hernia is formed between the 5th vertebra and the sacrum. In addition, this pathology disrupts blood circulation in the pelvis. In men, it causes erectile dysfunction and possibly impotence.
For women, this disease poses a threat to problems in the reproductive system. However, the most severe complication is disability, which begins with a gradual decline in motor activity.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine has characteristic symptoms. The complications listed above indicate that it is dangerous to ignore them. After all, modern medicine offers a variety of treatment options that provide effective results.