Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is a common pathological disease of the spine. Degeneration of cartilage tissue into bone, degradation of intervertebral discs occurs. The reduced size, ossified annulus fibrosus cannot cope with the cushioning function of the vertebral sections, creating pressure on the nerve endings of the spinal cord, which causes pain in the lumbar region.
Stages of development of lumbar osteochondrosis
- The primary sign of the development of osteochondrosis is a feeling of discomfort in the lower back.
- The second stage is characterized by the protrusion of the discs: the destruction of the fibrous ring, the intervertebral gap decreases, pain occurs when the nerve endings are stretched.
- In the third stage, the spine is deformed, the displaced disc destroys the spine and the contents come out. An intervertebral hernia is formed.
- The fourth stage is acute lumbar osteochondrosis. Considered severe, back pain prevents movement.
Symptoms of the disease
The first call that indicates the development of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is periodic diseases, back pain. Depending on the slope of the violation, the pain is manifested by shooting, aching pain, pain that spreads to the leg, buttock, thigh.
It is characterized by diseases after a long stay in a horizontal position. A person cannot wake up for some time after sleeping. Pain of different nature appears in the lower back: dull, painful, insensitivity of soft tissues due to nerve endings disorders. Running with lumbar osteochondrosis causes pain with possible leg drag.
Often, with prolonged compression of the nerve roots, the development of lumbosacral osteochondrosis, the work of internal organs is disturbed, the sensitivity of the genital organs, dysfunction of the genitourinary system. A change in the position of the vertebral discs causes a partial disruption of blood vessels, causes vascular dystonia, during which blood does not flow in sufficient quantity to the lower body, does not circulate normally. Internal organs suffer, partial numbness of limbs, convulsions are observed.
With sudden movements, cough, back pain - sharp, quickly disappearing pain, compared to an electric shock. With the development of the disease in the lumbar region, the reflex functions of the tendons of the lower limbs weaken.
If you suspect a disease, the appearance of repeated pain, it is recommended to consult a doctor, diagnose. It is dangerous to run it, the disease progresses. Time lost due to careless attitude to health plays against the patient.
Causes of the disease
The reliable cause of lumbar osteochondrosis is unknown. The disease is caused by a combination of adverse factors affecting bone and cartilage tissue changes. Internal factors that affect the premature aging of bone tissue:
- Disruption of endocrine system function;
- autoimmune disorders;
- incorrect metabolism;
- microtrauma of the spine;
- hormonal disorders;
- body dehydration;
- Heredity.
External factors affecting the formation of the disease should be called the influence of the environment, physical activity, habits. Factors:
- periodic overload of back muscles;
- weight lifting;
- muscle hypotension;
- overloading the spine;
- incorrect posture;
- poor nutrition;
- bad habits;
- Stress.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine often occurs in people who are engaged in permanent jobs: salesmen, teachers, security guards.
At risk are professions that involve power loading: athletes, builders, loaders. A common form is sciatica, prolapse, displacement of intervertebral discs. The sedentary work of office workers, civil servants, programmers, drivers causes hypodynamia of the back muscles. The work of maintaining the vertical position falls on the spine, there are changes in posture, stretching of nerve tissues, blood vessels and numbness of the limbs.
Treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis
In case of acute pain in the lower back, it is recommended to contact a medical institution for a complete examination to determine the cause of the sensations. It can be appendicitis, biliary colic, another disease with primary symptoms similar to lumbar osteochondrosis.
Depending on the degree of progression of the disease, the syndrome, the doctor prescribes treatment, which consists of drug treatment, physical strengthening exercises, wellness procedures and diet. Surgical intervention is justified in the final stages of spine modification. Drug treatment includes the use of ointments, injections, patches, tablets. The dose, the course of treatment depends on the individual condition of the patient, neglect of the disease.
- The initial task of treatment of osteochondrosis is to relieve acute pain, reduce tension, muscle spasm. Address:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the form of injections, tablets. After pain relief, tissue inflammation decreases.
- Medicines that relieve symptoms are analgesics.
- Antispasmodics act in a short time, relaxing the muscle fibers localized around the focus of pain.
- Medicines that enhance microcirculation, increase blood circulation in organs, supply them with oxygen and essential substances.
- Diuretics to relieve swelling, relieve pressure on the spine.
- To restore the cartilage tissue, its nutrition uses two branches of drugs:
- Chondroprotectors - ointments, tablets, injections containing enzymes that promote the regeneration of cartilage tissue. Use a long course of up to six months with breaks of 2-3 months.
- The vitamin complex accelerates the recovery of cartilage tissue, nourishes the discs with essential substances.
- The main drug treatment is prescribed after the patient undergoes an MRI to identify the cause of the disease.
The listed appointments are short-term measures, do not affect the course of the disease, alleviate the patient's condition. To get rid of the disease, only painkillers and symptomatic drugs are indispensable. We need a smart, holistic approach.
For recovery, it is recommended to use physiotherapeutic procedures that improve blood circulation and stimulate the lumbar muscles. Effective methods are electrophoresis, magnetic field, ultrasound waves, laser treatment.
Among the physiotherapeutic exercises, yoga is in demand for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine. Simple poses, stretching relieve muscle tension, strengthen them. Independent sports without proper training, instructor insurance can cause serious damage.
How to protect yourself from osteochondrosis?
Prevention of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine includes regular exercise of the back muscles, an active lifestyle and a properly balanced diet. The load on the waist should be uniform. Using a hard mattress while sleeping reduces the chance of getting sick. Regular, annual visits to the doctor after age 40 provide early diagnosis and reveal the predisposition.