Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is diagnosed not only in older patients. Recently, the pathology has also appeared in young people under 30 years old. Ignoring the symptoms can lead to complications. Therefore, it is necessary to know the signs of the disease in order to start treatment in a timely manner.
What is lumbar osteochondrosis?
This pathology involves unhealthy transformation of the vertebrae in the lumbar region. In the disease, the elasticity of the intervertebral discs decreases due to a lack of nutrient supply 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
The main factors leading to pathology include:
- Genetics.Doctors warn that the risk of developing lumbar osteochondrosis in the younger generation is much higher if one of the parents suffers from this disease. Therefore, in such a situation, the child must deal with prevention from childhood.
- Lift weights regularly.This point applies not only to people who earn money through physical labor, but also to athletes who neglect safety precautions.
- Injuries.Any damage to the back can lead to pathology. If they are present, you should consult an osteopath or neurologist. It is important to note that many people are not even aware of their injuries. For example, braking hard while driving a car can cause vertebral displacement.
- Obesity.The spine is resilient at normal weight. If you are overweight, deformation of the lumbar region of this organ may occur.
- Bad posture.Curvature of the spine leads to a violation of the proportional distribution of the load and, as a result, osteochondrosis.
- Chronic physical inactivity,Lack of exercise in lifestyle. Minimal physical activity results in no strain on the spine. At such a moment, muscles and ligaments begin to weaken and blood circulation is disrupted, which leads to a lack of nutrients in the intervertebral discs, which over time lose their elasticity. In this case, all the stress and weight is transferred to the intervertebral discs, causing bruising and later the formation of hernias.
- Flat feet.This pathology indicates a lack of normal shock absorption in the legs. This means that the spine has to do more work than when walking normally. Accordingly, the vertebrae wear out more quickly.
- Stress.The human body is designed in such a way that whenever there is any psycho-emotional stress, the neck is initially tensed. This is a biological atavism. Because when a predator attacks a mammal, it immediately grabs it by the neck. Chronic stress leads to a reflex spasm transfer to the entire spine. Ultimately, pinched nerves can occur, including in the lumbar spine. Therefore, after stress, it is important to relieve tension with the help of special gymnastics.
- Aggressive obstetric practice. If the birth process is stimulated, the baby goes through the process more quickly and can be injured as a result. This situation can occur during a cesarean section if the baby's head is tilted sharply to the right or left. The baby is subsequently 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 presented in the table.
| Degree | physiology | Painful sensations |
|---|---|---|
| First | The process of destruction of the intervertebral discs located in this area begins. | Externally by burning, dull pain or tingling in the lumbar area. Sometimes the localization of unpleasant symptoms shifts to the buttocks. After physical work, the pain syndrome intensifies. |
| Second | The discs are increasingly vulnerable to destruction, which significantly reduces the distance between them. At this stage, protrusions may appear. | The pain becomes permanent. They can radiate to the buttocks, thighs and knees. |
| Third | Tissues at this point of the spine are completely vulnerable to destruction. Intervertebral hernias form. | The pain is severe and constant. However, they are not dependent on the level of physical activity. |
| Fourth | The cartilage atrophies completely and the vertebrae begin to grow. The spine loses its mobility, resulting in disability. | Unpleasant sensations may disappear completely or partially. |
diagnosis
To make a correct diagnosis, doctors carry out the following activities:
- Inspection.At the first appointment, the specialist visually assesses the patient's physique, the ratio of weight and height. In addition, the peculiarities of gait, posture and performing simple exercises are examined. The skin of the back is examined for inflamed areas.
- Palpation.The doctor carefully feels the patient's back to identify the location of tension and pain. In some cases a special hammer is used.
- Radiography.This diagnostic method is carried out in two positions, supine and side lying. If a functional examination is required, the irradiation is carried out in the bent and unbent state. This diagnostic method is widespread in the CIS countries and requires the least financial costs. However, it does not allow detecting pathologies at an early stage of development. In addition, X-rays are harmful types of radiation.
- CT scan.Unlike radiography, it is possible to obtain images of the best quality. The procedure is carried out using a tomograph and takes about 10 minutes. This makes it possible to examine in detail not only the condition of the bone tissue, but also changes in the blood vessels and nerves. The method is not suitable for pregnant and breastfeeding women. It should be noted that, despite the possibility of obtaining more detailed information, the patient experiences radiation five times higher than with radiography. It is recommended that such an examination be carried out no more than once a year.
- Magnetic resonance imaging.It is the most meaningful way to make a diagnosis. During the procedure, the patient is placed on a plane, which is rolled into a special chamber, where a detailed image of the spine is created using magnetic waves that pass through the patient's body. The main disadvantage of this diagnosis is that the patient must remain in the chamber for about 30 minutes. For people with a certain level of mental health, the procedure can be a difficult ordeal. In addition, MRI is contraindicated in patients with a pacemaker or metal parts in the body, as well as in women in early pregnancy. However, this diagnostic method has many advantages, primarily the absence of harmful effects on the human body. The resulting images clearly show not only changes in the vertebrae themselves, but also the direction of blood flow and the condition of nerve endings and blood vessels. In contrast to previous diagnostic procedures, MRI can detect unfavorable changes in the spine even in the early stages of lumbar osteochondrosis.
- Blood and urine tests.These procedures should not be described as entirely diagnostic. They are necessary as an additional examination carried out to exclude or confirm rheumatological pathologies.
Treatment
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, the symptoms of which vary in severityThe development of the disease described above suggests the following treatment tactics:
- taking medications prescribed by a doctor;
- physiotherapy;
- regular performance of a special set of exercises;
- Massage.
In some cases, experts recommend surgery.
Medication
All drugs prescribed for lumbar osteochondrosis can be divided into the following groups:
- Painkiller;
- muscle relaxants;
- chondroprotectors;
- Vitamins.
Drugs with analgesic effects can be divided into two components: hormonal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They are equally capable of not only relieving pain but also reducing inflammation.
In exceptional cases, however, the first group of medications is used. Finally, they can lead to an imbalance in the endocrine system and weaken immunity. Therefore, hormonal medications can only be purchased at the pharmacy upon presentation of a prescription.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, the symptoms and treatment of which are described in detail in this article, involves the oral use or intramuscular administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
However, use for more than 3 days is not recommended. Otherwise, side effects may occur. Next, you can use various ointments and topical creams.
Oral medications are available in the form of tablets, injections, and suppositories.
Injections are used to relieve acute inflammation and pain. It is forbidden to carry them out 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 travels from the nerve to the muscle.
It should be clarified that the motor nerve goes 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 between nerves and muscles is already disrupted. The use of these drugs further weakens this system.
Taking chondroprotectors leads to the restoration of cartilage tissue.
However, there is a theory that chondroprotectors are not able to restore intervertebral discs because they are made of fibrous tissue. In this case, the drug acts exclusively on cartilage tissue.
B vitamins are necessary for the maintenance of nerve fibers.
physical therapy
All interventions associated with physiotherapy affect the local area of pathology, while surrounding tissues and organs remain unchanged.
These include the following methods of treating lumbar osteochondrosis:
- Electrophoresis with anesthetic.Special medication is injected into the patient's lower back. The entire process is stimulated by electrical current.
- Ultrasonic.The purpose of this treatment method is to micro-massage the tissue. The procedure relieves inflammation and also relieves pain. Blood circulation improves and metabolism is activated accordingly.
- Magnetic field therapy.This method uses a magnetic field. There are a variety of devices with a similar effect that allow use at home.
- Vibration effect.The devices generate specific vibrations in the desired area of the body.
- Detensor therapy.The procedure is carried out on a special mattress. The aim is to straighten the spine.
physical therapy
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, the symptoms and treatment of which should be clarified with a doctor, requires compliance with certain rules when performing exercises. The main principle is to immediately stop actions when pain occurs. Move carefully and gently to avoid damage.
The complex assumes the following algorithm:
- Lie on your back and lift your legs one at a time.
- Turn to the side with your arms stretched forward. Pull your top leg back. Then turn to the other side and repeat the steps in mirror image.
- Lie on your stomach and simultaneously pull your legs and arms back.
- Get up on all fours. Alternately withdraw one hand at a time.
- In the same position, pull your right arm and leg up. Then repeat the same on the left side.
massage
When conducting a massage, you must adhere to the following rules:
- Actions should be directed from the upper back to the lower;
- Massage movements can only affect soft tissues and not the spine;
- Before the procedure, patients are recommended to use the toilet.
Massage algorithm:
- Make strokes in the right direction;
- Perform rubbing movements first with one, then with two palms. In this case, it is necessary to monitor the pressure that the masseur applies to the patient's back.
- Gently pull on the muscle tissue and then squeeze it.
- Create vibrations with your hands or a special preparation.
- Finish the process with light stroking movements.
home remedies
Medicinal herbs are used in traditional medicine. The main effect is aimed at pain relief.
Homemade pain relieving ointment
For this recipe you will need hop cones and animal fat. The first component is crushed and mixed with the second.
The ointment then has to work for a while and can then be rubbed into the lower back area. If desired, the composition can be supplemented with chamomile. It has calming properties and can reduce inflammation.
Honey and potato compress
Raw potatoes must be chopped with a grater. Next, 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 remains in this position for several hours and then rinses everything thoroughly. This compress temporarily relieves the patient's condition.
Pain-relieving ointment with ginger
Grind equal amounts of ginger and garlic on a fine grater. Then you should add a small amount of butter. Mix everything thoroughly and rub on the lower back. The ointment must be prepared immediately before use.
Alcohol tincture of lilac
Pour a small handful of lilac flowers into a 1 liter jar. Then fill the container to the neck with vodka, alcohol or moonshine. The jar must be tightly closed with a lid and stored in a cool, dark place. After a week and a half the product is ready for use.
In this case, it is not necessary to pass the tincture through a filter. You can rub your back with the resulting product. However, the dosage should be minimal. If the product is stored after use in the same way as during infusion, it can be used for a full year.
Herbal baths
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, the symptoms and treatment of which will be examined in this article, is often accompanied by severe pain. You can get rid of it with a bath. Warm water helps to relax the soft tissue, the spasms are relieved and the pain goes away 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 pathologies is the ability to use it at home. In addition, the procedure helps to relieve nervous psycho-emotional tension.
You can increase performance with the help of herbal baths, among which the following should be highlighted:
- Softwood.It is better to use needles from three trees - pine, fir and cedar. You can also add cones. About 5 handfuls of collected material should be boiled for about 15 minutes. Then, without opening the lid, leave for 2 hours, then strain the broth through a filter 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.
You cannot boil the broth. When the peak temperature is reached, the heating must be switched off. Without opening the lid, let it brew for another 3 hours, after which the composition can be used. Such a bath is useful not only for osteochondrosis, but also for redness and inflammatory processes on the skin. - Juniper.Cook several handfuls of the mixture for about 20 minutes. The broth must then be passed through a filter. In this case, you do not need to wait for the composition to cool completely, you can immediately pour it into the bath. This procedure brings an additional aromatherapy effect that helps relieve stress and relieve insomnia.
After taking one of the above baths, you should lie down for about an hour. It is better to carry out the procedure in the evening, before going to bed.
Surgical intervention
Despite the fact that the disease can be effectively treated with conservative treatment, in some cases the patient is recommended surgery. It is important to note that implementation must be done in a timely manner. After all, sometimes it happens that a person becomes disabled only because he did not see a doctor in a timely manner due to complications.
The following indications are required for surgical intervention:
- persistent pain for two months, 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 hard drive. It can be partial or complete.
- Foraminotomy.The operation involves removing some of the damaged tissue. The operation is performed under local anesthesia.
- Laminotomy.Surgeons partially remove osteophytes.
- Facetectomy.The aim of the operation is to remove the joint. It is performed under general anesthesia.
- Laminectomy.This operation involves removing part of the spine. At the same time, the remaining parts are fixed.
What to do in case of an exacerbation?
During an exacerbation of the disease, it is better to adhere to the following recommendations:
- prefer hard stools to soft ones;
- sleep on an orthopedic mattress;
- avoid heavy lifting;
- Change your posture every quarter of an hour;
- perform a massage.
Complications
Failure to treat lumbar osteochondrosis can lead to changes in the normal position of the intervertebral disc. A hernia forms between the 5th vertebra and the sacrum. In addition, this pathology disrupts blood circulation in the pelvis. In men, this leads to erectile dysfunction and possibly impotence.
For women, the disease threatens with 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 variety of treatment options that deliver effective results.