Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine - symptoms and treatment

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, the symptoms and treatment of which vary, 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, which spread over time to the ligaments and bone tissue of the vertebrae of the lumbosacral spine.An acute process, in the absence of treatment, inevitably becomes chronic.

A degenerative disease can turn a healthy person into a disabled person.

Grades of lumbar osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral region is classified into 4 degrees.The progression of the disease is as follows:

First grade.In the inner part of the fibrous ring, damage is formed in the form of cracks, into which the contents of the pulp core penetrate, causing irritation.This is the initial stage of osteochondrosis.Deformation of the intervertebral discs is minimally pronounced and causes reflex pain during sudden movements and lifting heavy objects.Unpleasant sensations in the lower part of the spine can be moderate and manifest:

• lumbodynia – localized, persistent pain in the lumbar spine.
• lumbar – sudden painful "shooting" in the lower back.

Second degree.Destructive processes in the annulus fibrosus continue.The distance from one vertebra to another decreases, causing compression of the nerve fibers.There is discomfort in the lower third of the back, which sometimes develops into attacks of pain.

Third degree.During this period, the final destruction of the annulus fibrosus occurs by extrusion of the nucleus pulposus.Vessels and nerve endings are compressed by intervertebral discs.An intervertebral hernia is formed.The spine curves, forming:

• lordosis - an arched deformity in the lumbar region, with curvature of the spine forward.
• 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 to the left.

Latest degreeOsteochondrosis is considered the most serious and dangerous.At this time, the spine is already deformed, normal motor activity is lost.X-rays show bony growths in the lumbar spine - a response from the body.There may be no pain for some time, but that does not mean improvement.People with 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:

1. Disproportionate load on the spine.A person is a standing creature, therefore, in a standing position, the load on the spine is considered normal.When performing various actions, you need to move, bend and relax.In order to maintain the body in the desired state, the musculoskeletal system is in a state of prolonged tension.In a sitting position, the load on the spine increases, and while lying on your back, it becomes minimal.When a person remains in one 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 deforming factor creates the conditions for the development of lumbar osteochondrosis.
2. 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.
3. Excessive physical activity.Both the lack of active physical activity and its excess do not bring anything good to the musculoskeletal system.Long-term, hard work, especially related to lifting and carrying heavy objects, leads to excessive strain on the back muscles and causes the formation of vertebral hernia.
4. Postural disorders.Deformation of the discs between the vertebrae can also be caused by improper walking.The reason is again the uneven load on the spine.Intervertebral discs lose elasticity and mobility, and are therefore more likely to be damaged.The elderly and the elderly suffer more from similar problems than others.
5. Bone defects, hereditary pathologies, injuries and infectious lesions.Often, osteochondrosis is a consequence of disorders of the musculoskeletal system that were present at birth.For example, when the cartilaginous tissue of the body is by nature fragile.In addition, pathologies of the spine develop after traumatic injuries and infectious processes, such as in osteomyelitis and tuberculosis.
6. flatfeet.Signs of a "special" foot are the absence of a notch and fallen arches.Those with this trait often experience problems with the spine.This is due to the increased load on the intervertebral discs during walking.Throughout their life, they are exposed to increased physical impact when moving, so they wear out quickly
7. Obesity.Excess weight is a problem and an additional burden on the body.All organs and systems suffer, including the spine.
8. Pathological processes.Dysfunctions of various structures can negatively affect the state of the musculoskeletal system.Thus, factors that cause osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine are endocrine disorders, cardiovascular problems and digestive system dysfunction.
9. Wrong way of life.Many people do not pay enough attention to such simple and important things as physical activity, a balanced diet and regular sleep.An organism that is under stress for a long time becomes weakened and vulnerable.Among other pathologies that can arise in such "fertile" soil is lumbar osteochondrosis.

Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis

Pathological changes in the lumbar spine are manifested by severe symptoms.

• Pain in the lower backit is the most impressive "sign" of the development of lumbar osteochondrosis.He talks about the presence of "radial syndrome", when the compression of the nerve endings of 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 leg.Over time, it becomes more and more difficult to sit and walk.The unpleasant sensations do not go away even in a lying position.Temporary relief may alternate with periods of flare-ups.
• dysfunction of the genitourinary system.They manifest as pain in the area of the kidneys and a frequent urge to urinate.Deformation of the intervertebral discs causes displacement of the lumbar region in relation to the sacrum.This affects the functioning of the internal reproductive organs in women and causes problems with potency in men.
• reduced sensitivity of the legs in the area of the feet.It can be either partial or absolute.At the same time, the reflexes of this part of the body weaken.Progressive pathology leads to a complete loss of sensation in the lower extremities.
• gait disorders.Pain in the lumbar region with osteochondrosis causes a person to deviate when walking in the opposite direction from where the nerve fibers are pressed.The situation does not allow walking long distances.A person with a limp is forced to stop from time to time, waiting for the pain to subside.Timely medical help can save a person from disability.

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine

Many people wonder if lumbar osteochondrosis is treated and how it happens.When the diagnosis is made and the diagnosis is made, the treatment tactics are determined.

There are several methods by which lumbar osteochondrosis is treated.Which of them is necessary and appropriate to use to cure a disease or relieve a person's condition as much as possible is determined by the doctor.

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 treatment.

Pharmacological treatment of osteochondrosis

Drug therapy includes the use of:

• tablet forms;
• injectable solutions?
• 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:

• pain relievers?
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
• medicines for muscle spasms (muscle relaxants).
• means for the restoration of cartilage tissue (chondroprotectors).
• corticosteroids (medicines containing hormones whose action is aimed at relieving pain and inflammation)
• vitamins.

The course of treatment is prescribed by a doctor, who, as an additional treatment, sometimes prescribes pills or drugs that calm the nervous system.

Physiotherapy for lumbar osteochondrosis

Another common method that relieves the symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis is physical therapy.Affecting the spine and lower back, it enhances metabolic and restorative processes.

Most often they are prescribed:

• magnetic, laser and electrotherapy.
• phonophoresis?
• shock wave method.
• relaxation therapy;
• vibration massage;
• bath therapy.

The doctor decides how many and which procedures will be needed.

Physiotherapy is effective when it comes to the initial 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 can be indicated for lumbar osteochondrosis aims to restore 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 result.

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 area and above.

Surgery 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 performed, as provided in the surgical protocol.

Indications for surgery are:

• severe and persistent pain that cannot be relieved by medication for a month.
• large hernia size and its effect on the spinal cord.

Osteochondrosis is easier to prevent than to cure.Like any pathology, it is potentially dangerous with serious complications.It is important to understand that more or less complete relief from this pathology is possible in the earliest 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 one to live and work normally.