Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is a common pathological disease of the spine. There is a degeneration of cartilage tissue into bone, degradation of the intervertebral discs. Reduced in size, the ossified fibrous ring cannot cope with the depreciation function of the vertebral sections, it produces pressure on the nerve endings of the spinal cord, which leads to pain in the lower back.
Stages of development of osteochondrosis of the lumbar area.
- The main sign of the development of osteochondrosis is a feeling of discomfort in the lower back.
- The second stage is characterized by protrusion of the discs - the destruction of the fibrous ring, the intervertebral spaces decrease, pain occurs when the nerve endings are pinched.
- In the third stage, the spinal column is deformed, the annulus fibrosus is destroyed by the action of the displaced disc, and the contents leak out. An intervertebral hernia forms.
- The fourth stage is acute osteochondrosis of the lumbar area. Considered severe, back pain interferes with movement.
disease symptoms
The first call signaling the development of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is periodic ailments, back pain. Depending on the slope of the infringement, the pain is stabbing, aching, pain radiating to the leg, buttock, thigh.
Characterized by ailments after a long stay in a horizontal position. A person cannot unfold for some time after sleeping. In the lumbar region, pain of a different nature occurs: dull, aching, numbness of soft tissues due to infringement of nerve endings. Running with lumbar osteochondrosis causes pain with possible dragging of the legs.
Often, with prolonged pinching of the nerve roots, the development of lumbosacral osteochondrosis occurs, the work of the internal organs is disrupted, numbness of the genital organs and dysfunction of the genitourinary system occur. A change in the position of the vertebral discs leads to a partial infringement of the blood vessels, provokes vascular dystonia, in which the blood does not flow in sufficient quantities to the lower part of the body, does not circulate normally. Internal organs suffer, partial numbness of the limbs, convulsions are observed.
With sudden movements, coughing, backaches are observed, a sharp pain that quickly disappears, comparable to an electric shock. With the development of diseases of the lumbar region, the reflex functions of the tendons of the lower extremities weaken.
If you suspect a disease, the appearance of repeated pain, it is recommended to consult a doctor for advice, diagnosis. It is dangerous to let go, the disease progresses. The time lost due to negligent attitude towards health plays against the patient.
Causes of the disease
There is no known reliable cause of lumbar osteochondrosis. The disease is formed with a combination of adverse factors that affect changes in bone and cartilage tissues. Internal factors that influence the premature aging of bone tissue:
- impaired function of the endocrine system;
- autoimmune disorders;
- Improper metabolism;
- Microtrauma of the spine;
- hormonal disorders;
- Dehydration of the body;
- Inheritance.
External factors influencing the formation of the disease should be called the influence of the environment, physical activity, habits. Factors:
- Periodic overexertion of the back muscles;
- Weightlifting;
- muscle hypotension;
- spinal overload;
- wrong posture;
- Poor nutrition;
- Bad habits;
- Stress.
Often, osteochondrosis of the lower back occurs in people who perform a standing type of work: sellers, teachers, security guards.
Professions involving power loads are at risk: athletes, bricklayers, loaders. A common form is sciatica, prolapse, displacement of the intervertebral discs. Sedentary work of clerks, officials, programmers, drivers causes hypodynamia of the back muscles. The work of maintaining an upright position falls on the spine, there are changes in posture, pinching of nerve tissues, blood vessels, and numbness of the extremities.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar area
In case of acute pain in the lumbar region, it is recommended to contact a medical institution for a full examination, to identify the cause of the sensations that have arisen. It can be appendix, 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 consisting of drug treatment, physical strengthening exercises, wellness procedures and diet. Surgical intervention is warranted in the later stages of spinal modification. Drug treatment involves the use of ointments, injections, patches, tablets. The dosage, the course of treatment depends individually on the patient's condition, neglect of the disease.
- The initial task in the treatment of osteochondrosis is to relieve acute pain, reduce tension, muscle spasm. Apply:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the form of injections, tablets. After taking the pain, the inflammation of the tissues decreases.
- Medications that relieve symptoms are pain relievers.
- Antispasmodic drugs act for a short time, relax the muscle fibers located around the focus of pain.
- Drugs that improve microcirculation, increase blood flow to the organs, providing them with oxygen and essential substances.
- Diuretics to relieve swelling, pressure in the spinal area.
- To restore cartilage tissue, its nutrition uses two branches of drugs:
- Chondroprotectors - ointments, tablets, injections containing enzymes that promote the regeneration of cartilage tissue. Apply a long course of up to six months with breaks of 2-3 months.
- The vitamin complex accelerates the restoration of cartilage tissue, nourishes the discs with essential substances.
- The main drug treatment is prescribed after the patient undergoes an MRI, identifying the cause of the disease.
The listed appointments are short-term measures, they do not affect the course of the disease, they alleviate the patient's condition. To get rid of the disease, painkillers, symptomatic drugs alone are indispensable. We need a smart and holistic approach.
For recovery, it is recommended to use physiotherapy procedures that improve blood circulation and stimulate the muscles of the lumbar region. Effective methods are electrophoresis, magnetic field, ultrasonic waves, laser treatment.
Among physiotherapy exercises, yoga is in demand for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine. Simple postures, stretching relieve tension from the muscles, strengthen them. Independent sports without proper training, instructor insurance can seriously harm you.
How to protect yourself from osteochondrosis?
Prevention of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine consists in regular training of the back muscles, an active lifestyle and a proper balanced diet. The load on the lower back should be uniform. Using a hard mattress while sleeping reduces the chances of getting sick. Regular annual visits to the doctor after the age of 40 will provide an early diagnosis and reveal a predisposition.