Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is diagnosed not only in elderly patients. Recently, the pathology appears even in young people under the age of 30. Ignoring symptoms can lead to complications. Therefore, it is necessary to know the signs of the disease in order to start the treatment in time.
What is lumbar osteochondrosis
This pathology involves an unhealthy transformation of the vertebrae located in the lumbar region. With the disease, the elasticity of the intervertebral discs decreases due to a deficiency in the delivery of nutrients at the cellular level. The localization of the disease is due to the fact that this area of the spine bears the greatest load.
Causes
Among the main factors that lead to pathology are the following:
- Genetics.Doctors warn that if one of the parents suffers from this disease, then the risk of developing lumbar osteochondrosis in the younger generation is much higher. Therefore, in such a situation, the child should deal with prevention from childhood.
- Regular weight lifting.This applies not only to people who earn money through manual labor, but also to athletes who neglect precautions.
- Injuries.Any damage to the back can lead to pathology. If they are present, it is necessary to consult an osteopath or a neurologist. It should be noted that many people are not even aware of their injuries. For example, when braking suddenly while driving a car, a person can experience displacement of the vertebrae.
- obesity.The spine is able to withstand loads at normal weight. If a person is overweight, the lumbar part of this organ can be deformed.
- Bad posture.The curvature of the spine leads to a violation of the proportional distribution of the load and subsequently to osteochondrosis.
- Chronic physical inactivity,lack of movement in lifestyle. Minimal physical activity means that the spine is not loaded. At that moment, muscles and ligaments begin to weaken, and blood circulation is disturbed, which causes a lack of nutrition in the intervertebral discs, which lose elasticity over time. In this case, the entire load and weight is transferred to the discs, squeezing and later forming hernias.
- Flat feet.This pathology indicates a lack of normal shock absorption in the legs. This causes the spine to have to work harder than during normal walking. Consequently, the vertebrae wear out faster.
- Stress.The human body is designed in such a way that with any psycho-emotional stress, first of all, the neck becomes tense. This is a biological atavism. After all, when a predator attacks a mammal, it immediately grabs the neck. Chronic stress causes a reflex transfer of spasm to the entire spine. Eventually, this can lead to nerve entrapment, including in the lumbar spine. Therefore, after stress, it is important to relieve tension with the help of special gymnastics.
- Aggressive obstetric practice. When the labor process is stimulated, the baby passes through the passage faster and can be injured as a result. This situation can occur during a caesarean section when the baby's head is strongly tilted to the right or left side. After that, the baby is diagnosed with vegetative-vascular dystonia. The true cause of the pathology is usually identified in adolescence.
Degrees
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, the symptoms and treatment of which are described in detail in this article, has 4 stages of development. Their detailed description is shown in the table.
| Degree | physiology | Painful sensations |
|---|---|---|
| First | The process of destroying the intervertebral discs located in this area begins. | It is expressed by burning, dull pain or tingling in the lumbar region. Sometimes the localization of unpleasant symptoms moves to the buttocks. The pain syndrome becomes more pronounced after physical work. |
| A second | The discs are more and more susceptible to destruction, under the influence of which the distance between them is significantly reduced. Bumps may appear at this stage. | The pain becomes a constant painful character. They can radiate to the buttocks, thighs and knees. |
| Third | The tissues in this location of the spine are completely susceptible to destruction. Intervertebral hernias occur. | The pain is severe and constant. However, they do not depend on the level of physical activity. |
| Fourth | The cartilage completely atrophies, and the vertebrae begin to grow. The spine loses mobility, which leads to disability. | Unpleasant sensations may disappear completely or partially. |
Diagnostics
In order to make a correct diagnosis, doctors carry out the following activities:
- Inspection.During the first examination, the specialist visually assesses the patient's body structure, the ratio of his weight and height. In addition, the characteristics of walking, posture and performance of simple exercises are studied. The skin of the back is examined for the presence of inflamed areas.
- Palpation.The doctor carefully palpates the patient's back to identify the place of tension and pain. In some cases, a special hammer is used.
- Radiography.This diagnostic method is performed in two positions, back and side. If a functional study is required, then radiation is performed in the bent and unfolded state. This method of diagnosis has become widespread in the CIS countries and requires the least amount of money. However, it does not allow identification of pathology at an early stage of development. In addition, X-rays are harmful types of radiation.
- CT scanner.Unlike radiography, it allows obtaining the best quality images. The procedure is performed using a tomograph and lasts about 10 minutes. As a result, it is possible to study in detail not only the state of the bone tissue, but also changes in blood vessels and nerves. The method is not suitable for pregnant and lactating women. It should be noted that, despite the possibility of obtaining more detailed information, the patient experiences radiation 5 times higher than radiography. Such an examination is recommended no more than once a year.
- M. R. I.It is the most informative way to make a diagnosis. During the procedure, the patient is placed on a plane, which rolls into a special chamber, where a detailed image of the spine is obtained using magnetic waves that pass through the patient's body. The main disadvantage of this diagnosis is the need for the patient to stay in the chamber for about 30 minutes. For people with a certain mental state, the procedure can be a difficult ordeal. In addition, magnetic resonance is contraindicated in patients with pacemakers or metal parts in the body, as well as in women in early pregnancy. However, this diagnostic method has many advantages, the main one being the absence of harmful effects on the human body. The resulting images will clearly show not only changes in the vertebrae themselves, but also the direction of blood flow, the state of nerve endings and blood vessels. In contrast to previous methods of diagnosis, MR can detect all unfavorable changes in the spine in the earliest stage of lumbar osteochondrosis.
- Blood and urine tests.These procedures should not be called fully diagnostic. They are necessary as an additional examination, which is carried out in order to exclude or confirm rheumatological pathologies.
Treatment
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, the symptoms of which vary in degreedevelopment of the disease described above, suggests the following treatment tactics:
- taking medicines prescribed by a doctor;
- physiotherapy course;
- regular performance of a special set of exercises;
- massage.
In some cases, experts recommend surgery.
Drug treatment
All drugs prescribed for lumbar osteochondrosis can be divided into the following groups:
- pain relievers;
- muscle relaxants;
- chondroprotectors;
- vitamins.
Medicines that have an analgesic function can be divided into two components: hormonal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They are equally capable of removing not only pain, but also reduce inflammation.
However, the first group of drugs is used in exceptional cases. After all, they can lead to an imbalance of the endocrine system and reduce immunity. Therefore, hormonal drugs can only be purchased with a prescription at a pharmacy.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, the symptoms and treatment of which are described in detail in this article, involves oral or intramuscular administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
However, their use for more than 3 days is not recommended. Otherwise, an unwanted effect may occur. Then you can use various ointments and creams for local application.
Oral medications are available as tablets, injections, and suppositories.
Injections are used to relieve acute inflammation and pain. It is forbidden to do them for more than 2 days.
Muscle relaxants help relax the muscles. However, the danger of their use lies in the fact that this category of drugs blocks the impulse that goes from the nerve to the muscle.
It should be clarified that the motor nerve exits from the spinal cord to absolutely all muscle fibers through the spine.
When taking muscle relaxants, the impulse transmission mechanism is blocked. Due to pinching and overloading in lumbar osteochondrosis, the connection of nerves and muscles has already been damaged. The use of these drugs further depresses this system.
Taking chondroprotectors causes the renewal of cartilage tissue.
However, there is a theory that chondroprotectors cannot restore intervertebral discs, because they consist of fibrous tissue. In this case, the drug acts exclusively on cartilage tissue.
B vitamins are necessary for the maintenance of nerve fibers.
Physiotherapy
All procedures related to physiotherapy affect the local area of the pathology, while nearby tissues and organs remain unchanged.
These include the following methods of treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis:
- Electrophoresis with anesthetic.Special drugs are injected into the patient's lower back. The whole process is stimulated by electric current.
- Ultrasound.The purpose of this treatment method is tissue micromassage. The procedure helps to relieve inflammation and pain. Blood circulation improves, thereby activating metabolism.
- Magnetotherapy.This method involves the use of a magnetic field. There is a wide variety of devices with similar effects, which makes them possible to use at home.
- Vibration effect.The devices create certain vibrations in the desired part of the body.
- Detensor therapy.The procedure is performed on a special mattress. The goal is to straighten the spine.
Physiotherapy
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, the symptoms and treatment of which should be checked by a doctor, requires compliance with certain rules when performing exercises. The main principle is immediate cessation of action when pain occurs. Move carefully and smoothly to avoid damage.
The complex assumes the following algorithm:
- Lie on your back and lift your legs one at a time.
- Turn onto your side with your arms extended forward. Pull the top leg back. Then turn to the other side and repeat the steps in the mirror.
- Lying on your stomach, pull your legs and arms back at the same time.
- Get on all fours. You take turns pulling one arm at a time.
- In the same position, pull your right arm and leg up. Then repeat the same on the left side.
Massage
When performing a massage, you must adhere to the following rules:
- actions should be directed from the upper part of the back to the lower;
- massage movements can affect only soft tissues, not the spine;
- Before the procedure, patients are advised to visit the toilet.
Massage algorithm:
- Make moves in the right direction;
- Perform rubbing movements first with one, then with two palms. In this case, it is necessary to monitor the pressure exerted by the massager on the patient's back.
- Gently pull and then squeeze the muscle tissue.
- Create vibrations with your hands or a special preparation.
- Finish the procedure with a light caress.
Folk remedies
Traditional medicine includes the use of medicinal plants. The main action is aimed at relieving pain.
Homemade ointment for pain relief
For this recipe you will need cones of hops and animal fat. The first component is crushed and mixed with the second.
Then, the ointment should stand for a while and can be rubbed into the lower back. The composition can be supplemented with chamomile if desired. It has soothing properties and can reduce inflammation.
Honey and potato compress
Raw potatoes must be chopped using a grater. Then mix the components in equal proportions. The resulting mass should be distributed over the painful area of the back. It is recommended that the patient stays in this position for a few hours and then washes everything off well. This dressing temporarily relieves the patient's condition.
Pain Relief Ointment with Ginger
Grind equal amounts of ginger and garlic on a fine grater. Then add a small amount of butter. Mix everything well and rub it on the lower back. The ointment must be prepared immediately before use.
Lilac alcohol tincture
Pour a handful of lilac flowers into a quart glass jar. Then fill the container up to the neck with vodka, alcohol or moonshine. The jar must be tightly closed with a lid and left in a cool and dark place. After a week and a half, the product is ready for use.
In this case, there is no need to pass the tincture through a filter. You can rub your back with the resulting product. However, the dose should be minimal. If after use the product is stored in the same way as during the infusion, then it can be used for a whole year.
Herbal baths
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, the symptoms and treatment of which can be studied in this article, is often accompanied by severe pain. You can remove it by bathing. Warm water helps the soft tissues to relax, the spasm is alleviated, and the pain disappears for a while.
In some cases, experts recommend using contrasting temperatures to relieve inflammation. It should be noted that taking warm baths accelerates metabolic processes in the body. Another advantage of this method of treating pathology is the possibility of using it at home. In addition, the procedure helps relieve nervous psycho-emotional tension.
You can increase efficiency with the help of herbal baths, among which the following should be highlighted:
- Coniferous.It is better to use needles from 3 trees - pine, fir and cedar. You can also add cones. About 5 handfuls of the collected material should be boiled for about 15 minutes. Then, without opening the lid, leave it for 2 hours, then strain the soup through a filter and pour it into the bathtub.
- Chamomile. For this recipe, it is not necessary to use fresh flowers, you can use a ready-made pharmacy mixture. A glass of chamomile should be filled with water and heated over low heat.
You cannot cook the decoction. When the peak temperature is reached, the heating must be switched off. Without opening the lid, let it cook for another 3 hours, after which the composition can be used. Such a bath will be useful not only in osteochondrosis, but also in the presence of redness and inflammatory processes on the skin. - Juniper.Boil several handfuls of the mixture for about 20 minutes. Then the soup must be strained through a filter. In this case, it is not necessary to wait for the composition to cool completely, you can immediately pour it into the bath. This procedure brings with it an additional effect of aromatherapy, which helps relieve stress and insomnia.
After taking any of the above mentioned baths, you should lie down for about an hour. It is better to carry out the procedure before going to bed at night.
Surgical intervention
Despite the fact that the disease can be effectively treated with conservative treatment, in some cases surgery is recommended to the patient. It is important to note that it must be done on time. After all, sometimes it happens that a person becomes disabled just because he did not consult a doctor in time due to complications.
The following indications are necessary for surgical intervention:
- long-lasting two-month pain, which is eliminated with the help of non-steroidal drugs;
- progressive problems with motor function.
There are the following types of operations performed for lumbar osteochondrosis:
- Discectomy.Represents a replacement disk. It can be partial or complete.
- Foraminotomy.During the operation, part of the damaged tissue is removed. The operation is performed under local anesthesia.
- Laminotomy.Surgeons partially remove osteophytes.
- Facetectomy.The operation is aimed at removing the joint. It is performed under general anesthesia.
- Laminectomy.This surgery is performed to remove part of the spine. At the same time, the remaining parts are fixed.
What to do during an exacerbation
During the aggravation of the disease, it is better to follow the following recommendations:
- they prefer hard stools to soft ones;
- sleep on an orthopedic mattress;
- avoid heavy lifting;
- change your body position every quarter of an hour;
- get a massage.
Complications
Lack of treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis can lead to changes in the normal location of the disc. A hernia occurs between the 5th vertebra and the sacrum. In addition, this pathology disrupts blood circulation in the pelvis. In men, it leads to erectile dysfunction and possible impotence.
For women, the disease threatens problems in the reproductive system. However, the most serious complication is disability, which begins with a gradual impairment of motor activity.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine has characteristic symptoms. The above complications indicate that it is dangerous to ignore them. After all, modern medicine offers a wide variety of treatment options that provide effective results.