Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is a common pathological disease of the spine. There is degeneration of cartilage tissue in bone, degradation of intervertebral discs. Reduced in size, the ossified annulus fibrosus cannot cope with the cushioning function of the spinal sections, it creates pressure on the nerve endings of the spinal cord, which causes pain in the lower back.
Stages of development of lumbar osteochondrosis
- The main sign of the development of osteochondrosis is the feeling of discomfort in the lower back.
- The second stage is characterized by bulging of the discs: the destruction of the fibrous ring, the intervertebral spaces decrease, pain occurs when the nerve endings are pressed.
- In the third stage, the spine is deformed, the annulus fibrosus is destroyed under the action of the displaced disc, and the contents leak out. An intervertebral hernia is formed.
- The fourth stage is acute lumbar osteochondrosis. It is considered severe, back pain interferes with movement.
Symptoms of the disease
The first call signaling the development of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is periodic malaise, back pain. Depending on the slope of the violation, the pain is shooting, pain, pain that radiates to the leg, buttock, thigh.
It is characterized by diseases after a long stay in a horizontal position. One cannot relax for some time after sleep. Pain of a different nature appears in the lumbar region: dull, painful, insensitivity of soft tissues due to damage to nerve endings. Running with lumbar osteochondrosis causes pain with possible dragging of the legs.
Often, with long-term pinching of the nerve roots, lumbosacral osteochondrosis develops, the work of the internal organs is disturbed, there is insensitivity of the genital organs, and dysfunction of the genitourinary system. The change in the position of the spinal discs leads to a partial violation of the blood vessels, causes vascular dystonia, in which the blood does not flow in sufficient quantity to the lower part of the body, does not circulate normally. Internal organs suffer, partial numbness of the limbs, convulsions are observed.
With sudden movements, there is a cough, back pain - a sharp, quickly disappearing pain, comparable to an electric shock. With the development of diseases of the lumbar region, the reflex functions of the tendons of the lower limbs weaken.
If you suspect a disease, the occurrence of repeated pain, it is recommended to consult a doctor for advice, diagnosis. It is dangerous to let it go, the disease progresses. Time lost due to a careless attitude to health plays against the patient.
Causes of the disease
A certain cause of lumbar osteochondrosis is not known. The disease is formed with a combination of adverse factors affecting changes in bone and cartilage tissue. Internal factors affecting premature aging of bone tissue:
- Disrupted function of the endocrine system;
- autoimmune disorders;
- Improper metabolism;
- Microtrauma of the spine;
- Hormonal disorders;
- Dehydration of the body;
- Heredity.
External factors affecting the formation of the disease should be called the influence of the environment, physical activity, habits. Factors:
- Periodic overstrain of the back muscles;
- Weight lifting;
- Muscular hypotension;
- Spinal overload;
- Improper posture;
- Poor nutrition;
- Bad habits;
- stress.
Lumbar osteochondrosis often occurs in people engaged in an upright type of work: salespeople, teachers, security guards.
At risk are professions that involve force loads: athletes, builders, loaders. A common form is sciatica, prolapse, displacement of the intervertebral discs. The sedentary work of office workers, civil servants, programmers, drivers leads to hypodynamia of the back muscles. The work of maintaining an upright position falls on the spine, there are changes in posture, pinching of nerve tissues, blood vessels and numbness of the limbs.
Treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis
In case of acute pain in the lumbar region, it is recommended to contact a medical institution for a complete examination to identify the cause of the sensations that have occurred. It can be appendicitis, biliary colic, another disease with primary symptoms similar to lumbar osteochondrosis.
Depending on the degree of progression of the disease, the syndrome, the doctor prescribes treatment consisting of drug treatment, physical strengthening exercises, wellness procedures and diet. Surgical intervention is justified in the last stages of spinal modification. Drug treatment includes the use of ointments, injections, patches, tablets. The dosage, the course of treatment depends individually on the condition of the patient, the neglect of the disease.
- The initial task in the treatment of osteochondrosis is to relieve acute pain, reduce tension, muscle spasms. Apply:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the form of injections, tablets. After taking, the pain subsides, tissue inflammation decreases.
- Medicines that relieve symptoms are analgesics.
- Antispasmodics act for a short time, relax the muscle fibers localized around the focus of pain.
- Medicines that improve microcirculation increase blood flow to the organs, providing them with oxygen and essential substances.
- Diuretics to relieve swelling, pressure on the spinal area.
- To restore the cartilage tissue, its nutrition uses two branches of drugs:
- Chondroprotectors - ointments, tablets, injections containing enzymes that promote the regeneration of cartilage tissue. Apply a long course of up to six months with breaks of 2-3 months.
- The vitamin complex accelerates the recovery of cartilage tissue, nourishes the discs with essential substances.
- The main drug treatment is prescribed after the patient undergoes an MRI, identifying the cause of the disease.
The listed appointments are short-term measures, they do not affect the course of the disease, relieve the patient's condition. To get rid of the disease, pain-relieving, only symptomatic drugs are indispensable. We need an intelligent, holistic approach.
For recovery, it is recommended to use physiotherapy procedures that improve blood circulation and stimulate the muscles of the lumbar region. Effective methods are electrophoresis, magnetic field, ultrasound waves, laser treatment.
Among physiotherapeutic exercises, yoga is in demand for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine. Simple poses, stretching relieve tension from muscles, strengthen them. Independent sports without proper training, instructor insurance can seriously hurt.
How to protect yourself from osteochondrosis?
The prevention of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine consists of regular training of the back muscles, an active lifestyle and a properly balanced diet. The load on the lumbar region should be even. Using a firm mattress while sleeping reduces the chances of getting sick. Regular annual visits to the doctor after the age of 40 will provide early diagnosis and reveal a predisposition.