Lumbar osteochondrosis is a degenerative pathology of the vertebrae and discs. It is generally accepted that lumbar osteochondrosis affects both the spine and the nerves and blood vessels. Therefore, the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine are divided into those that affect the spine itself -they are called vertebral/vertebral syndrome- and those that appear outside the spine, with the involvement of nerve and vascular structures -they are called non-vertebral syndrome. - Vertebral/extravertebral syndrome. Extravertebral, in turn, is divided into reflex and radicular syndromes. Since the word "syndrome" implies a group of symptoms, it can be simplified and say that the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine consist of three groups: vertebral, reflex and radicular.
Vertebral symptoms of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine.
- Violation of the configuration of the spine (curvature);
- Tension of the muscles of the lower back;
- Violation of the mobility of the lower back;
- Localized back pain.
Reflex symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
The main reflex symptom is back pain. It can be abrupt or permanent. The pain occurs after physical activity or from an unusual movement. For example, when turning, leaning or lifting weights. Muscle tension and stiffness of movements come, more often in the morning. There are shots in the lower back or in the leg. The sensitivity of the lower extremities is affected: numbness, goosebumps, perforation or burning. Changes in gait and coordination. Increases sweating. The work of the intestines and bladder is often disturbed. There are dysfunctions in the work of internal organs. Sexual function suffers. Sleep is disturbed due to pain. Mood swings, irritability and tiredness appear. Sometimes there is depression.
Factors provoking an exacerbation are physical exertion, prolonged uncomfortable position, hypothermia and stress.
Reflex pain symptoms of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, depending on the severity and localization of the process, are usually divided into lumbago, lumbago and lumboischialgia.
- lumbago (lumbago)it is the sharpest pain. A provocation is a clumsy movement, sneezing, coughing. To alleviate his condition, the patient involuntarily leans forward or leans to the side. Attempts to straighten up cause new back pain.
- low back pain- "tolerable" aching pain, with episodes of exacerbation. Over time, it becomes an intense and constant pain.
- Sciatica- Pain that spreads from the lower back to the leg.
Radicular symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
They occur due to the effect on the nerves coming out of the spinal column.
There are many nerves coming out of the spinal column. They are called spinal nerves. Each of these nerves gradually branches out and follows a certain area of the body with clearly defined boundaries. This area is called the zone of segmental innervation. Each vertebra, disc, nerve and zone are numbered in strict correspondence with each other. If the nerve is affected, the symptoms will appear in the area of segmental innervation corresponding to this nerve, and not just anywhere, in an arbitrary location.
spinal nerves
Radicular symptoms of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine include:- decreased or loss of reflexes;
- muscular weakness;
- violation of sensitivity;
- root pain.
Not all parts of the lumbar spine are equally susceptible to pathology. The most mobile segments are the most affected: L3-L4, L4-L5 and L5-S1. According to the principle: "More movements, more wear".
Innervation zones of the lumbar segments.
L3-L4 osteochondrosis- Acts on the spinal nerve L4. Main signs: weakness of the patellar reflex. Pain, numbness, and decreased sensation disturb the front of the thigh.
L4-L5 osteochondrosis- Acts on the spinal nerve L5. Main signs: weakness in the muscles that lift the big toe and foot. It is difficult for the patient to stand on the heel. Pain, numbness and decreased sensitivity disturb from the lower back to the buttock and thigh "along the stripe", then through the lower leg, gradually moving to its part. front and ending at the first three toes.
Osteochondrosis L5–S1- Acts on the spinal nerve S1. Main signs: weakness in the calf muscles. It is difficult for the patient to stay on tiptoe. Pain, numbness, and decreased sensation are detected from the buttock, then along the back of the thigh and lower leg, moving to the side of the foot and little toe.
Sometimes with lumbar osteochondrosis, not only the nerves, but also the root arteries can be affected. This threatens the development of the most dangerous pathology - spinal stroke, with serious consequences for a person - paresis and paralysis, as well as serious dysfunctions of the pelvic organs.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine:
- depend on the stage of osteochondrosis;
- aggravated by bending and twisting;
- they appear more often after 30-35 years;
- women are about 3 times more likely than men.
Of course, he noted that root symptoms are clearly defined and reflex symptoms are very vague and vague. And as you know, everything that does not have clear definitions serves as a comfortable cover for professional helplessness. This applies, among other things, to reflex symptoms and such a favorite concept among doctors as "age-related changes". Surely many of you are familiar with the situation in which the doctor explained the problem by "reflex" or "age-related" processes. Most people at such times rightly believe that the doctor simply cannot understand what is happening and is trying to hide his incompetence in the fog of these "magic words".
At one time there was a popular phrase: "Every accident has a name, surname and position. "Each disease has its own unique symptoms. And the doctor's duty is to know them clearly. And then there will be no need to let in the fog and blame osteochondrosis of the cervical spine for everything. Now you understand how important it is to find an experienced and knowledgeable doctor. Both the correct diagnosis and the results of treatment will depend on it.
When choosing a clinic, the main thing is to go to an experienced and knowledgeable doctor.
Diagnosis of lumbar osteochondrosis
To date, there are several modern hardware diagnostic methods of osteochondrosis. The most accurate of these are MRI and CT scan. But the main method remains clinical diagnosis: this is when an experienced doctor compares data from at least three sources: patient complaints, MRI results, and the symptoms that he revealed during the examination. This allows you to make the most accurate diagnosis and create an effective individual treatment program.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar area
As you understand, osteochondrosis is a real "tangle" of symptoms, unraveling it, the doctor will save you from pain and distress. But it is not possible to eliminate the changes in the vertebrae and discs. Therefore, the words "treatment of osteochondrosis" must be understood correctly. If you are interested in eliminating pain and other suffering, then yes, it is very possible. And if you conduct an academic discussion on the topic of returning the vertebrae and discs to their original appearance, "like a newborn child", then no, the past cannot be returned. You need to be realistic, and then you will not fall for the bait of scammers.
Don't fall for the scammers!
It is impossible to return the vertebrae and discs to their original appearance!
What is the main method of treatment?
Gentle manual therapy is the main type of treatment for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine. It's like an antibiotic for pneumonia: you can't do without it. Other types (massage, medication, physical therapy, and exercise therapy) are ancillary.
How does gentle manual therapy work?
The nutrition of the discs is directly related to the muscles that surround the lumbar vertebrae. In addition, the lumbar muscles themselves are one of the constituent causes of pain in lumbar osteochondrosis. Gentle manual therapy is a special method that allows you to return the muscles to their natural physiology, eliminate spasms, muscle impingement and improve disc nutrition.
The intervertebral discs are the only part of the body that does not have blood vessels and is nourished by the proper functioning of the muscles.
In addition, when treating with the help of the hands, the chiropractor:
- take the load off the affected vertebrae and discs and distribute it correctly
- relax the muscles and help them return to normal
Thus:
The manual impact mobilizes the internal forces of the body and sets in motion self-healing mechanisms. The treatment is absolutely safe.
The clinic uses all methods of gentle manual therapy:
- release the patient from the clamps
- improve driving power
- restore the motor functions of the body
normalizes blood circulation
The qualification of doctors from any professional clinic allows you to freely use all these methods for the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. In addition, in each case, we combine them taking into account the synergy effect.
Synergy isn't just a bunch of different influences, it's the right sequence in combining methods. The synergy leads to an additional quality of treatment. A simple example of synergy is our hands. How long does it take to fasten a button? Seconds? And if you do it with one hand, you can't handle it in a minute. That is, to act with two hands not twice as fast as with one, but many times faster. And listening to the same music played by individual instruments or by the whole orchestra together, is there a difference? This is the effect of synergy: it makes it possible to do everything much more powerfully, more efficiently and faster, but at the same time, more carefully.
Complementary therapies - medication, massage, physical therapy, and exercise therapy
Drug treatment.In the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis, drugs of various spectra of action are used. These are medications that relieve deep tissue swelling, inflammation, and pain. Drugs that improve blood circulation. In addition, drugs are used that help restore the damaged cartilaginous tissue of the pinched disc and nerves - chondroprotectors and B vitamins. A chiropractor prescribes taking drugs, in combination with other methods of treatment, if necessary.
Massage.As you know, there is massage for pleasure and massage for healing. Pleasure massage is done in spas, and treatment massage is done in medical clinics. At the clinic, medical massage is performed during a gentle manual therapy session. To increase the effectiveness of manual treatment and normalize metabolic processes, all this can be a therapeutic massage!
Physiotherapy.There are many physiotherapy methods that help manual therapy in the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis, for example, ultrasound treatment, electrophoresis, laser, etc. Your treating chiropractor will give you a specific recommendation.
Physiotherapy- Involves regular gymnastics to strengthen muscles. The main thing is to perform the correct exercises without sudden movements. During treatment in a specialized clinic, the doctor will recommend the necessary exercises. Pilates is the best option.
Prevention of osteochondrosis of the lower back.
To avoid relapse, create comfortable conditions for sleep and work. Watch your weight and proper nutrition. Keep up your physical activity. But the main thing is not to neglect your health and not to save on it. Don't let things go by themselves. After recovery, try to do at least one maintenance session of gentle manual therapy once every three to six months; this will reduce risk factors. Do not forget, neglected osteochondrosis leads to complications - protrusion and herniated disc. Remember: your health, first of all, needs it!
Running osteochondrosis leads to complications - protrusion and herniated disc.
Benefits of treating osteochondrosis in a specialized clinic:
- Guarantee of complete and qualified treatment. The word "complete" is key in our work.
- We consider each case individually and exhaustively, without formalities.
- Synergy effect.
- Guaranteed honesty and fair prices.