Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is not diagnosed only in elderly patients. Recently, the pathology occurs even in young people younger than 30 years old. Ignoring symptoms can lead to complications. Therefore, it is necessary to know the symptoms of the disease in order to start the treatment on time.
What is lumbar osteochondrosis?
This pathology involves an unhealthy transformation of the vertebrae located in the lumbar region. With 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.
Reasons
Among the main factors that cause 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 be engaged in prevention from childhood.
- Lift weights regularly.This point applies not only to people who earn money by physical labor, but also to athletes who ignore safety measures.
- Injuries.Any injury to the back can cause pathology. If they are, you should consult an osteopath or a neurologist. Note that many people are not even aware of their injuries. For example, when driving a car and braking sharply, a person can feel the displacement of the spine.
- Obesity.The spine can withstand loads of normal weight. If a person is overweight, the lumbar region of this body can be deformed.
- Poor posture.The curvature of the spine causes a violation of the proportional distribution of the load and subsequently osteochondrosis.
- Chronic physical inactivity,inactivity in lifestyle. Minimal physical activity causes no load on the spine. At such a moment, muscles and ligaments begin to weaken and blood circulation is disrupted, which causes a lack of nutrition in the intervertebral discs, which lose elasticity over time. In this case, all the load and weight is transferred to the discs, they are compressed and then tears are formed.
- Straight legs.This pathology indicates a lack of normal shock absorption in the legs. This results in the spine doing more work than normal walking. Accordingly, the vertebrae wear out faster.
- Stress.The human body is designed in such a way that during any psycho-emotional stress, the neck is stressed first. This is a biological atavism. After all, when a predator attacks a mammal, it immediately grabs its neck. Chronic stress causes a reflex transition of the spasm to the entire spine. Eventually, this can lead to nerve compression, including in the lower back. Therefore, after stress, it is important to relieve tension with the help of special gymnastics.
- Aggressive obstetric practice. When labor is stimulated, the baby passes faster and can be injured as a result. This condition can occur during a cesarean section, when the baby's head is strongly tilted to the right or left. Later, the baby is diagnosed with vegetative-vascular dystonia. The true cause of the pathology is usually identified during 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 presented in the table.
| Degree | Physiology | Painful feelings |
|---|---|---|
| First | The process of destruction of 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 hips. Pain syndrome manifests itself more prominently after physical labor. |
| Second | Discs become more and more susceptible to destruction, under the influence of which the distance between them decreases significantly. At this stage, protrusions may appear. | Pain becomes a constant painful character. They can spread to the hips, thighs and knees. |
| the third | The tissues in this part of the spine are completely vulnerable to destruction. Intervertebral tears are formed. | The pain is strong and persistent. However, they do not depend on the degree of physical activity. |
| Fourth | Cartilage completely atrophies, vertebrae begin to grow. The spine loses its ability to move, which causes disability. | Unpleasant feelings can pass completely or partially. |
Diagnostics
To make a correct diagnosis, doctors perform the following measures:
- Examination.At the initial reception, the specialist visually assesses the patient's body structure, weight and height ratio. In addition, gait, posture and performance of simple exercises are studied. The back skin is checked for the presence of inflamed areas.
- Palpation.The doctor carefully palpates the patient's back to determine the location 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, radiation is performed in the bent and unbent position. This diagnostic method is widespread in the CIS countries and requires the least amount of money. However, it does not allow to identify the pathology at an early stage of development. In addition, X-rays are harmful types of radiation.
- CT scan.Unlike radiography, it allows you to get the best quality images. The procedure is performed using a tomograph and takes about 10 minutes. As a result, it is possible to study in detail not only the state of bone tissue, but also the 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 5 times higher radiation than radiography. It is recommended to carry out such an examination no more than once a year.
- Magnetic resonance imaging.It is the most informative method for diagnosis. During the procedure, the patient is placed on a plane that rolls into a special camera, where a detailed image of the spine is taken using magnetic waves passing through the patient's body. The main drawback of this diagnosis is the need for the patient to stay in the chamber for about 30 minutes. For people with a certain mental make-up, the procedure can be a difficult test. In addition, MRI is contraindicated in patients with cardiac pacemakers or metal parts in the body, as well as in women during early pregnancy. However, this diagnostic method has many advantages, the main one being the absence of harmful effects on the human body. The obtained images will clearly show not only changes in the vertebrae themselves, but also the direction of blood flow, the condition of nerve endings and blood vessels. Unlike previous methods of diagnosis, MRI can detect any unfavorable changes in the spine at the earliest stage of lumbar osteochondrosis.
- Blood and urine tests.These procedures cannot be called exactly diagnostic. They are necessary as an additional examination performed to exclude or confirm rheumatological pathologies.
Treatment
Osteochondrosis of the back, the symptoms of which differ in degreeThe development of the disease described above suggests the following treatment tactics:
- taking medicines prescribed by a doctor;
- physiotherapy course;
- regular execution of a set of special 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 relaxant;
- chondroprotectors;
- vitamins.
Drugs that perform an analgesic function can be divided into two components: hormonal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They are equally able not only to relieve pain, but also to reduce inflammation.
However, the first group of drugs is used in exceptional cases. After all, they can cause an imbalance of the endocrine system and reduce immunity. Therefore, hormonal drugs can be purchased only with a prescription in 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 non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
However, their use for more than 3 days is not recommended. Otherwise, side effects may occur. Then, you can use various ointments and local creams.
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. But the danger of their use is that this category of drugs blocks the impulse from the nerve to the muscle.
It should be clarified that the motor nerve exits from the spinal cord through the spine to all muscle fibers.
When taking a muscle relaxant, the impulse transmission mechanism is blocked. In lumbar osteochondrosis, the connection between nerves and muscles is already disturbed due to compression and overwork. The use of these drugs further weakens this system.
Taking chondroprotectors leads to the regeneration of cartilage tissue.
However, there is a theory that chondroprotectors cannot restore intervertebral discs because they are made of fibrous tissue. In this case, the drug affects only the cartilage tissue.
B vitamins are necessary for the maintenance of nerve fibers.
Physiotherapy
All procedures associated with physiotherapy affect the local area of the pathology, while nearby tissue and organs remain unchanged.
It includes the following methods for the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis:
- Electrophoresis with anesthesia.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 eliminate inflammation and also relieves pain. Blood circulation improves and metabolism is activated accordingly.
- Magnetotherapy.This method involves the use of a magnetic field. There are many devices with a similar effect, which allows you to use them at home.
- Vibration effect.The devices create certain vibrations in the desired area of the body.
- Detensor therapy.The procedure is performed on a special mattress. The goal is to straighten the spine.
Physiotherapy
Osteochondrosis of the back, whose symptoms and treatment should be checked by a doctor, requires compliance with certain rules when performing exercises. The main principle is to immediately stop the movements when pain occurs. Move carefully and smoothly to avoid damage.
The complex adopts the following algorithm:
- Lie on your back and lift your legs one at a time.
- Turn to the side with your arms extended forward. Step your top leg back. Then turn to the other side and repeat the steps like a mirror.
- Lying on your stomach, pull your legs and arms back at the same time.
- Get on all fours. Pull back one hand in turn.
- In the same position, pull your right arm and leg up. Then repeat the same on the left.
Massage
When massaging, you should follow the following rules:
- movements should be directed from the upper back down;
- massage movements can affect only soft tissues and not the spine;
- Before the procedure, patients are advised to visit the toilet.
Massage algorithm:
- Make strokes in the right direction;
- Perform friction movements first with one, then with two palms. In this case, it is necessary to monitor the pressure that the massage therapist puts on the patient's back.
- Gently pull the muscle tissue and then squeeze.
- Create vibrations with your hands or using a special preparation.
- Complete the procedure with a light stroke.
Folk treatment
Traditional medicine involves the use of medicinal plants. The main action is aimed at relieving pain.
Homemade pain reliever ointment
This recipe requires hop cones and animal fat. The first component is crushed and mixed with the second.
Then, the ointment should sit a little and can be rubbed on the lower back. If desired, the composition can be added with chamomile. It has soothing properties and can relieve inflammation.
Honey and potato compress
Raw potatoes should be chopped using a grater. Then, mix the components in equal proportions. The resulting mass should be distributed to the painful area of the back. It is recommended that the patient stay in this position for several hours and then wash everything thoroughly. This compress temporarily alleviates the patient's condition.
Pain relief ointment with ginger
Finely grate ginger and garlic in equal amounts. Then you need to add a small amount of butter. Mix everything well and rub the lower back. Ointment should be prepared immediately before use.
Lilac alcohol tincture
Pour a small handful of lilac flowers into a glass liter jar. Then fill the container to the neck with vodka, alcohol or moonshine. The jar should be tightly closed with a lid and left in a cool, dark place. After a week and a half, the product is ready for use.
In this case, the tincture does not need to be filtered. You can rub your back with the resulting product. However, the dose should be minimal. After use, if the product is stored as it was during the infusion, then it can be used throughout the 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 with a bath. Warm water helps to relax the soft tissues, relieves spasm, and the pain goes away for a while.
In some cases, experts recommend using contrast temperature to eliminate inflammation. It should be noted that taking a hot bath accelerates metabolic processes in the body. Another advantage of this method of pathological treatment is the possibility of using it at home. In addition, the procedure helps to 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 a cone. About 5 handfuls of the collected material should be boiled for about 15 minutes. Then keep it for 2 hours without opening the lid. Then strain the broth and pour it into the bath.
- Chamomile.It is not necessary to use fresh flowers for this recipe, you can use a ready-made pharmacy mixture. A glass of chamomile should be filled with water and heated over low heat.
Do not boil the solution. When the peak temperature is reached, the heat should be turned off. Leave to brew for another 3 hours without opening the lid. Then the composition can be used. Such a bath will be useful not only for osteochondrosis, but also in case of redness and inflammatory processes on the skin. - juniperBoil a few handfuls of the mixture for about 20 minutes. Then the broth should be filtered. In this case, there is no need to wait until the composition has completely cooled, you can immediately pour it into the bath. This procedure brings an additional aromatherapy effect that helps relieve stress and relieve insomnia.
After taking any of the above 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
Although the disease can be effectively treated with conservative treatment, in some cases surgical intervention is recommended to the patient. It should be noted that this should be done on time. After all, sometimes it happens that a person becomes disabled only because he did not consult a doctor in time due to complications.
The following indications are required for surgical intervention:
- pain for two months, which is eliminated with the help of non-steroid drugs;
- progressive problems with motor function.
The following types of operations are performed for lumbar osteochondrosis:
- Discectomy.Represents a spare 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 operation is performed to remove part of the spine. At the same time, the remaining parts are fixed.
What to do during an exacerbation
During an exacerbation of the disease, it is better to follow the following recommendations:
- prefer soft to hard seats;
- sleeping on an orthopedic mattress;
- avoid heavy loads;
- change body position every quarter of an hour;
- massage.
Complications
The lack of treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis can lead to changes in the normal location of the disc. A hernia is formed between the 5th vertebra and the sacrum. In addition, this pathology disrupts blood circulation in the pelvis. In men, it causes erectile dysfunction and possibly impotence.
For women, the disease threatens problems in the reproductive system. However, the most severe complication is disability that begins with gradual impairment of motor function.
Osteochondrosis of the back has characteristic symptoms. The above complications show that it is dangerous to ignore them. After all, modern medicine offers a wide range of treatment options that provide effective results.