Lower back pain most often affects people after 35 years of age. In most cases, the disease is related to vertebral deformities and their consequences. Consult a doctor in time to speed up recovery, because the symptoms and treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis are related concepts.
The more the disease progresses, the more serious its consequences, and the more difficult the process of health recovery.
Signs and symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
The lumbar spine is located between the the bone and the chest and consists of five vertebrae connected by intervertebral discs.
The development of osteochondrosis means the wear and tear of the intervertebral discs, which play a shock-absorbing effect during the load on the spine. The basis of the intervertebral disc is a gel-like substance, protected by dense annulus and cartilage tissue, and the internal space is filled with liquid nucleus pulposus.
As the load on the vertebrae increases, the elasticity, flexibility, and height of the intervertebral disc disappear, and microcracks are formed in the annulus fibrosus, which eventually causes it to rupture and damage the nucleus pulposus.
Tissue destruction is accompanied by squeezing of nerve roots on both sides of the vertebrae, causing severe pain.
The main signs of lumbar osteochondrosis:
- low back pain;
- Fatigue and depression;
- Weakness or excessive muscle tension;
- Loss of sensation in the limbs, hips or thighs; Severe pain or cramps in the waist, often radiating to the legs;
- Violation of motor function.
In the context of severe lesions of the lumbar vertebrae, other symptoms are observed, the most common are the dysfunction of other organs-urinary and reproductive system, gastrointestinal tract.
Cause of occurrence
Like most musculoskeletal diseases, osteochondrosis can develop for many reasons. Some of them are rooted in lifestyle and diet, while others are developed on the background of physical characteristics of the body.
Athletes often need to treat lumbar ac osteochondrosis, their backs not only bear constant dynamic load, but also suffer periodic injuries.
The second type of risk group is people who spend a lot of time in a position due to their profession-teachers, hairdressers, cooks, porters, waiters, programmers, office workers and drivers.
Other causes of pathological development:
- Overweight;
- Metabolism disorder;
- Improper posture, bending over;
- Genetic susceptibility;
- Injured;
- bad habits;
- Lack of useful trace elements and vitamins in the diet;
- Abnormal development of the musculoskeletal system, flat feet;
- Hypothermia;
- Inactive, static;
- Constant pressure.
The vertebrae can perform their functions and require regular organizational updates. If the vertebral body is malnourished, whether it is a lack of blood circulation or metabolic problems, the regeneration process will slow down or stop completely. As a result, the cartilage and fibrous annulus of the vertebrae become dry and malnourished.
Degree of lumbar osteochondrosis
Depending on the degree of spinal lesions, there are four developmental degrees of osteochondral processes, which are displayed in stages as the disease progresses.
Level 1
The pathological process of the spine begins very early in its initial clinical manifestations. Due to water loss, the elasticity of the intervertebral disc is reduced. The height of the disc remains normal. The patient feels discomfort in the waist area.
Second degree
Under the background of lack of moisture, microcracks appear in the annulus fibrosus and tissue inflammation develops.
The hooked protrusions of the vertebrae gradually increase. The seal is formed in the cartilage.
The patient complained of back pain radiating to the legs or groin. It is possible to limit exercise capacity. Abnormal function of internal organs.
Three Degrees
The integrity of the annulus fibrosus is destroyed, the intervertebral disc is herniated and hernia is formed. Compression of blood vessels and nerve endings. There are muscle spasms, pelvic organ dysfunction, lower limb sensory disorders, and long-term attacks of radiculitis.
Fourth Degree
The most difficult and untreatable stage of the disease process. Due to the complete destruction of the intervertebral disc, a scar will form on its location. The vertebrae are as close as possible and gradually deform. With the development of spinal cord compression, paralysis of the lower limbs becomes possible.
If lumbar osteochondrosis is not treated in time, it will destroy the vertebrae and cause disability.
Diagnosis
In order to identify the disease and determine an accurate diagnosis, neurologists use a series of measures-memory checks, physical examinations and instrumental research.
Make memories
Provide research on patient complaints:
- Cause of concern;
- uncomfortable location;
- Duration and intensity of discomfort;
- Duration of the disease;
- Possible causes of disease; Frequency of deterioration;
- Factors that exacerbate the condition;
- Factors that improve happiness.
In addition, doctors also research information about the patient's lifestyle, diet, work and rest, bad habits, genetic factors and trauma.
Physiological examination
is used to identify pathological changes and make preliminary diagnosis.
During the examination, the doctor will evaluate the patient's athletic ability-gait, posture, amplitude and range of motion. The palpation method checks the state of the muscles-tone, size, volume, presence of spasms.
Set the sensitivity with a slight tingling sensation. Hit with a hammer to identify areas of pain radiation.
Hardware Research
In order to obtain complete and accurate information about the pathological site and the extent of tissue damage, doctors use various types of medical equipment for research.
Radiography.X-ray examination of the lumbar spine can determine the anatomical parameters of the vertebrae and intervertebral discs, the trend of narrowing of the foramen between the bases, and the presence of bone growth.
Tomography.The use of electromagnetic waves displays images of the studied area on the screen for further study and analysis of the state of blood vessels that supply blood to the spine, nerve synapses and intervertebral disc tissue.
CT.I took X-ray images of several segments of the spine. The image is displayed on a monitor to determine the changing nature of the growth of blood vessels, vertebrae and spinal cord membranes.
For differential diagnosis, various types of studies are used to rule out pathologies in other human systems.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of waist s
The best therapeutic effect can be achieved through complex treatments, including topical medication, physical therapy, massage and fitness exercises.
Drugs
In order to relieve symptoms, non-steroidal drugs for internal and external use-tablets, injections, ointments are prescribed. In addition, chondroprotective agents, neuroprotective agents, diuretics, vitamins, and muscle relaxants are used.
Drugs allowed:
- Eliminate soreness;
- Reduce inflammation;
- relax the muscles;
- Restore damaged cartilage tissue;
- Improve blood circulation;
- Reduce swelling;
- Increase physical activity;
- Normalize the nutrition of the brain.
For acute pain, novocaine blocker is used, which works immediately.
Folk remedies
Folk remedies can be effectively used as an adjunct to drug treatment. The main methods of traditional medicine are based on the use of plant materials, animal products and chemicals.
Based on various ingredients, prepare ointments and dressings, decoctions and infusions for internal and external use and medicinal baths.
Physical therapy of lumbar osteochondrosis
Physical therapy procedures are an excellent way to restore the motor function of the spine with osteochondrosis.
The main physical therapy methods are:
- Electrotherapy-Exposure to weak current to enhance blood circulation in the tissue;
- Magnetic therapy-Using the characteristics of magnetic field to restore tissue at the cellular level;
- Laser therapy-Complex activation of biological processes in vertebral body tissue and nerve endings;
- Shockwave Therapy-Improve the microcirculation and metabolic processes of the affected tissues through exposure to sound waves;
- balneotherapy-Utilize the healing properties of mineral water.
Physiotherapy procedures can not only increase the drug treatment several times, but also promote the recovery and enhancement of the entire body.
Massage osteochondrosis in the lumbar spine area
Massage therapy is one of the most pleasant and effective ways to treat osteochondrosis.
Massage therapy:
- Eliminate muscle cramps;
- Improve blood supply to the affected area;
- Improve lymphatic flow;
- Restore atrophic muscles;
- removes mobility restrictions.
After the pain syndrome is eliminated, massage should be performed.
Remedial gymnastics
The main task of exercise therapy for osteochondrosis is to restore and correct the function of the spine. However, classes can only be taken after the aggravating symptoms are eliminated.
The most effective method of medical gymnastics is:
- Charging;
- Visit the gym;
- Hydrotherapy, swimming.
The hoop can be used for sports at home. Some doctors recommend yoga classes for their patients to restore the flexibility of the spine.
Exercise to exacerbate lumbar spine chondropathy
Any exercise for osteochondrosis should be done slowly and not suddenly.
To strengthen the muscles that support the vertebrae, please lie on your abdomen for proper exercise. In this case, the arm will pull up slightly, but it will not tighten. Repeat 4 times.
Surgery
Surgery is used to treat the spine in particularly difficult situations-severe neurological diseases and inability to control stool.
During the operation, the root cause of the disease was removed and measures were taken to stabilize the spine. The postoperative period lasts for several months.
Why is lumbar osteochondrosis dangerous?
The degenerative changes that occur in lumbar osteochondrosis contribute to the development of many life-threatening diseases. In the context of intervertebral hernia, herniation, low back pain and sciatica will appear.
The further development of the disease may lead to the formation of intervertebral disc prolapse and scoliosis. In addition to the severe pain that accompanies the pathology, a person's athletic ability will also be damaged or even completely lost. Paralysis of the lower limbs develops.
If the lining of the spinal cord is severely damaged, death is inevitable.
Prevention
To avoid destructive spinal changes, you need to maintain a healthy lifestyle:
- Participate in sports-swimming, exercise;
- Adhere to a correct balanced and nutritious diet;
- Eliminate bad habits;
- Keep your posture;
- Use an orthopedic mattress to support the spine during sleep.
In addition, it is recommended to avoid hypothermia and overweight. Women are advised not to wear high heels often.
If you adjust your lifestyle and don't forget the importance of physical exercise, you can keep your lower back healthy.