Lumbar osteochondrosis develops during degenerative-dystrophic processes in intervertebral discs and vertebrae.Negative symptoms are the result of a complex of negative factors.
Pathology is diagnosed in men and women.The risk group is overweight, patients with metabolic disorders, people who often have to lift and move heavy objects due to the nature of their work.It is important to know the dangers of osteochondrosis in the lumbar region and how to prevent damage to the spine.
Reasons for the development of lumbar osteochondrosis
In most cases, osteochondrosis of the spine develops under the influence of several negative factors.The more causes, the more difficult it is to cope with a rapidly developing disease.In women, problems with the spine often develop due to excess weight, in men - during high physical activity.
Degenerative and dystrophic changes in the vertebrae and intervertebral discs provoke:
- old back injuries;
- overweight;
- lack of sufficient physical activity, sedentary work;
- disturbance of metabolic processes;
- lifting weights in violation of the rules;
- hereditary predisposition.
Osteochondrosis of the spine, ICD code - M42.
Degrees and stages of the disease
Musculoskeletal system disease comes in two forms:
- sharp;
- remission period.
According to the degree of damage to the vertebrae and discs, there are 4 stages of pathology:
- first.Symptoms are light, periodic pain (when lifting weights or sharp bends, turns), the initial stage of deformation of the intervertebral discs;
- the second.The fibrous ring is destroyed, the vertebrae are pressed together, and the pain syndrome intensifies when the nerve roots are compressed.The patient takes an unnatural position to relieve pain.Shoots spread to the groin, legs, upper thighs.Lumbago occurs suddenly, the pain is unbearable;
- the third.Fibrous rings are completely destroyed, the vertebrae are constantly in contact, an intervertebral hernia is formed.The pain is almost constant and gets worse with movement.Chondroprotectors are ineffective (cartilage tissue is almost destroyed): the use of NSAIDs and painkillers is required;
- the fourth.The spine is damaged, the patient has difficulty moving.The growth of bone structures increases, the pain weakens a little, but mobility is limited when performing any movement.The result is disability of the patient.
Possible complications
The lack of therapy for osteochondrosis in the lumbar spine leads to the progression of the pathology.As negative changes increase, compression of intervertebral discs increases, cartilage tissue is destroyed, and pain increases.Damage to the spinal nerves at the exit from the spinal column leads to the development of radicular syndrome and gradual muscle atrophy.Symptoms of radiculopathy are aggravated during bending, lifting or hypothermia.
Other complications:
- Adamkiewicz artery compression.Causes: back injuries, falls, lifting heavy loads, sudden movements.The dangerous condition leads to paralysis of the legs, retention of feces and urine.Damage to a large vessel that supplies the spinal cord and roots quickly turns a healthy person into a patient with limited capabilities.An obvious sign of pathology is bed sores;
- compression myelopathy.The formation of a herniated disc leads to compression and narrowing of the spinal canal.The result is excruciating pain that is practically unaffected by strong analgesics.Other negative symptoms: problems in the work of organs located in the pelvis, innervation of the lower limbs and decreased muscle strength.
Clinical picture
The main symptom of spinal cord injury is aching pain in the lower back, radiating to the leg.Unpleasant sensations appear after carrying a load, during sharp turns or bends.Sometimes the pain occurs even without physical activity.An important point- changing body position increases anxiety.
Damage to different parts of the spine forces you to seek a position where discomfort will be minimal.This sign helps to diagnose the pathology.
Degenerative-dystrophic changes in the spine lead to deterioration of the patient's quality of life.Frequent pain attacks cause depression, nervousness, interfere with daily activities and professional activities.
Symptoms of the acute form:
- sharp pain appears not only during heavy physical exertion, but also during normal changes in the state of the body;
- 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, hips, legs;
- dysfunction of the genital organs in the pelvis.
Diagnostics
If you suspect the development of lumbar osteochondrosis, the patient visits an orthopedic traumatologist.The doctor sends a referral for X-ray, MRI and CT of the spine.After analyzing the images, the doctor determines the degree of damage to the discs and vertebrae and prescribes treatment.
Effective treatment methods
How to treat lumbar osteochondrosis?The patient must be trained to actively participate in the therapy process: it is important to get rid of extra pounds, stop lifting weights and quit smoking.A moderate amount of movement, the use of drugs, participation in physical procedures and therapeutic massage are mandatory elements to relieve pain and reduce the risk of developing degenerative changes in the spine.
Important details:
- traction of the spine, manual therapy are special methods for the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis.Procedures are performed by a qualified doctor: incorrect application of the technique in the absence of knowledge and experience often causes harm and often causes disability of the patient;
- Another important element of treatment is diet.Jellied meat, gelatinous foods, fish, meat broths, fruits, turkey, vegetables, low-fat dairy products and greens are healthy.Do not eat sour, spicy food, drink alcohol or carbonated drinks.Make sure you drink up to two liters of fluids a day.
Drug therapy
Complex treatment is required:
- chondroprotectors.The compositions restore the quality of cartilage tissue, stop the destruction of discs, fill the lack of trace elements and increase tissue elasticity.An important point is that all chondroprotectors are taken for a long time - at least six months.Glucosamine, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate accumulate in cartilage tissue and restore the structure of damaged discs.The sooner the patient starts taking chondroprotectors, the higher the chance 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.NSAIDs are an important element in the treatment of spinal osteochondrosis.The compositions stop inflammation and reduce pain.The greatest effect is provided by drugs in the form of tablets and injections;products for external use are more delicate.Many types of NSAIDs irritate the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract: you can treat painful areas, take pills or give injections only after meals.A special drug with a enveloping effect is prescribed to protect the stomach tissue;
- vitamin and mineral complexes, healthy dietary supplementswith calcium, drugs that activate blood circulation in the affected tissues.The dose and duration of the course is 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
Home-made ointments, rubs, compresses, herbal decoctions are an additional element of treatment.The compositions relieve pain, reduce inflammation and saturate the body with useful substances.All herbal remedies can be taken in consultation with an orthopedic traumatologist.
Proven folk remedies:
- tea from lingonberry leaves;
- an ointment made of rendered lard, ground marshmallow root, and beeswax;
- collection with anti-inflammatory effect.Ingredients: knotweed, strawberry leaves, horsetail, barberry, agrimony;
- a compress for the painful area from fried raw potatoes and thin honey;
- an ointment made from yeast cones and lard.
Warning!In the acute stage, it is forbidden to apply any kind of heat to the affected area.High temperature increases blood flow and accelerates the development of inflammation.Menthol-based cooling ointments are useful for pain relief.It is important to coordinate all movements and home procedures with an orthopedic traumatologist.
Therapeutic gymnastics
The main task is to strengthen the muscle corset that supports the spine.The combination of weak muscles with a thick layer of fat adversely affects the condition of the intervertebral discs and the affected vertebrae.
The patient performs gymnastics for lumbar osteochondrosis in a rehabilitation center, in a hospital setting or in a hydropathic clinic.High power load, jumping, running, sharp turns, deep bends are prohibited.After the patient has mastered the exercise technique, the doctor allows him to do an exercise therapy complex at home.
Physiotherapy procedures
After stopping the acute process, the orthopedic traumatologist prescribes physical therapy 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, analgesic compounds;
- thermal procedures during remission;
- darsonval (use of alternating current);
- magnetic therapy;
- beneficial effect of ultrasound waves;
- therapeutic massage;
- acupuncture for pain relief.
In advanced cases, osteochondrosis in the lumbar region causes disability of the patient.The disease manifests itself not only in the elderly: sedentary work + poor nutrition significantly rejuvenates the pathologies of the musculoskeletal system.Only timely diagnosis and a complex approach to therapy under the guidance of an experienced orthopedic traumatologist can avoid serious consequences.