Lumbar osteochondrosis develops during degenerative-dystrophic processes in the intervertebral discs and vertebrae.Negative symptoms are the consequence of a complex of negative factors.
The pathology is diagnosed in men and women.The risk group is overweight patients, metabolic disorders, people who are forced to frequently lift and move heavy objects due to the nature of their work.It is important to know the dangers of osteochondrosis in the lower back and how to prevent damage to the spine.
Causes of the development of lumbar osteochondrosis
In most cases, spinal osteochondrosis develops under the influence of various negative factors.The more causes, the more difficult it will be to deal with a rapidly progressing disease.In women, back problems often develop due to being overweight, in men - during heavy physical activity.
Degenerative and dystrophic changes in the vertebrae and intervertebral discs provoke:
- old back injuries;
- overweight;
- lack of sufficient physical activity, sedentary work;
- disturbances in metabolic processes;
- lifting weights in violation of the rules;
- hereditary predisposition.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, ICD code – M42.
Degrees and stages of the disease
The disease of the musculoskeletal system has two forms:
- acute;
- remission period.
According to the degree of damage to the vertebrae and discs, there are 4 stages of pathology:
- first.Symptoms are mild and periodic pain (when lifting weights or sharp bends, turning), initial stage of deformation of the intervertebral discs;
- second.The fibrous ring is destroyed, the vertebrae are pressed closer to each other, and the pain syndrome increases when the nerve roots are pinched.The patient assumes an unnatural position in an attempt to alleviate the pain.The shoots radiate to the groin, legs and upper thigh.Low back pain occurs suddenly, the pain is unbearable;
- third.The fibrous rings are completely destroyed, the vertebrae are constantly in contact and an intervertebral hernia is formed.The pain is almost constant, intensifies with movement.Chondroprotectors are ineffective (cartilage tissue is almost destroyed): it is necessary to use NSAIDs and analgesics;
- room.The spine is damaged, the patient has difficulty moving.The growth of bone structures increases, the pain weakens slightly, but mobility is limited when performing any actions.The result is the patient's disability.
Possible complications
Lack of therapy for osteochondrosis in the lumbar spine provokes the progression of the pathology.As negative changes increase, compression of the intervertebral discs increases, cartilaginous tissue is destroyed and pain increases.Damage to the spinal nerves at the exit from the spine leads to the development of radicular syndrome and gradual muscle atrophy.Signs of radiculopathy intensify when bending, lifting loads or hypothermia.
Other complications:
- compression of the Adamkiewicz artery.Causes: back injuries, falls, heavy lifting, sudden movements.A dangerous condition leads to paralysis of the legs, fecal and urinary incontinence.Damage to a large vessel that supplies the spinal cord and roots quickly turns a healthy person into a patient with limited capabilities.A clear sign of pathology is bedsores;
- compression myelopathy.The formation of a herniated disc leads to compression and narrowing of the spinal canal.The consequence is unbearable pain, which is practically unaffected by potent painkillers.Other negative signs: problems with the functioning of organs located in the pelvis, decreased innervation and muscle strength of the lower extremities.
Clinical picture
The main sign of spinal injury is intense pain in the lower back, radiating down the leg.Unpleasant sensations appear after carrying loads, during sharp turns or turns.Sometimes pain occurs even without physical activity.Important point– changing body position increases discomfort.
Damage to various parts of the spine forces you to look for a position in which discomfort is minimal.This sign helps to diagnose pathology.
Degenerative-dystrophic changes in the vertebrae lead to a deterioration in the patient's quality of life.Frequent attacks of pain cause depression, irritability and interfere with daily and professional activities.
Signs of acute form:
- sharp pain appears not only during heavy physical exertion, but also during normal changes in body position;
- Only the search for the most acceptable body position temporarily relieves the painful symptom.
Symptoms during remission:
- tingling sensation, numbness in the legs;
- dull pain in the lower back, buttocks, legs;
- disturbance of the functioning of the genital organs in the pelvis.
Diagnosis
If the development of lumbar osteochondrosis is suspected, the patient consults an orthopedist-traumatologist.The doctor gives a referral for spinal x-ray, magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography.After analyzing the images, the doctor determines the degree of damage to the discs and vertebrae and prescribes treatment.
Effective treatments
How to treat lumbar osteochondrosis?The patient must be careful to actively participate in the therapeutic process: it is important to get rid of extra pounds, stop lifting weights and stop smoking.Moderate movement, the use of medication, physical procedures and therapeutic massages are mandatory elements for pain relief and reducing the risk of progression of degenerative changes in the spine.
Important details:
- Spinal traction and manual therapy are specific methods for treating lumbar osteochondrosis.The procedures are carried out by a qualified doctor: incorrect application of techniques in the absence of knowledge and experience often causes harm and often leads to the patient's disability;
- Another important element of treatment is diet.Jellied meats, gelatin dishes, fish, meat broths, fruits, turkey, vegetables, low-fat dairy products and herbs are healthy.Do not eat sour and spicy foods, do not drink alcohol or carbonated drinks.Make sure you drink up to two liters of fluid per day.
Drug therapy
Complex treatment required:
- chondroprotectors.The compositions restore the quality of cartilaginous tissue, prevent the destruction of discs, replenish the deficiency of microelements and increase tissue elasticity.An important point is that all chondroprotectors are taken for a long time - at least six months.Glucosamine, hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate accumulate in cartilaginous tissue and restore the structure of dilapidated discs.The sooner the patient starts taking chondroprotectors, the greater the chances of success.In severe stages of osteochondrosis (3 and 4), it is almost impossible to normalize the condition of the discs;
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory compounds.NSAID medications are an essential element in the treatment of spinal osteochondrosis.The compositions stop inflammation and reduce pain.The greatest effect is provided by medicines in the form of tablets and injections;products for external use are more delicate.Many types of NSAIDs irritate the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract: you can treat painful areas, take pills or give injections only after eating.To protect the stomach tissue, a special medicine with an enveloping effect is prescribed;
- vitamin and mineral complexes, healthy dietary supplementswith calcium, medicines that activate blood circulation in the affected tissues.The dosage and duration of the course are determined by the orthopedic traumatologist treating the patient.Saturation of bone and cartilage tissue with useful minerals and vitamins improves the condition of problem areas.
Folk remedies and recipes
Homemade ointments, rubs, compresses and herbal decoctions are an additional element of treatment.The compositions reduce pain, reduce inflammation and saturate the body with useful substances.All herbal remedies can be taken in consultation with an orthopedist-traumatologist.
Proven folk remedies:
- blueberry leaf tea;
- ointment made from rendered pork fat, ground marshmallow root, and beeswax;
- collection with anti-inflammatory effect.Ingredients: knotweed, strawberry leaves, horsetail, barberry, agrimony;
- a compress for the painful area made from grated raw potatoes and thin honey;
- ointment made from hop cones and melted lard.
Notice!During the acute phase, it is prohibited to apply any type of heat to the affected area.High temperature increases blood flow and accelerates the development of inflammation.Menthol-based cooling ointments are helpful in reducing pain.It is important to coordinate all home actions and procedures with an orthopedic traumatologist.
Therapeutic gymnastics
The main task is to strengthen the muscular corset that supports the spine.Weak muscles combined with a thick layer of fat negatively affect the condition of the intervertebral discs and affected vertebrae.
The patient performs gymnastics for lumbar osteochondrosis in a rehabilitation center, hospital setting or hydropathic clinic.High power charging, jumping, racing, sharp turns and deep turns are prohibited.After the patient has mastered the exercise technique, the doctor allows him to do an exercise therapy complex at home.
Physiotherapeutic procedures
After stopping the acute process, the orthopedic traumatologist prescribes physiotherapy to reduce swelling, pain and normalize blood circulation in the affected tissues.Each patient needs an individual treatment regimen.
Effective physiotherapy for lumbar osteochondrosis:
- electrophoresis with anti-inflammatory and analgesic compounds;
- thermal procedures during remission;
- darsonval (use of alternating current);
- magnetic therapy;
- beneficial effects of ultrasonic waves;
- therapeutic massage;
- acupuncture to reduce pain.
Osteochondrosis in the lumbar region in advanced cases leads to the patient's disability.The disease does not only manifest itself in the elderly: sedentary work + poor diet significantly rejuvenate pathologies of the musculoskeletal system.Only timely diagnosis and an integrated approach to therapy under the guidance of an experienced orthopedic traumatologist can prevent serious consequences.