Lumbar osteochondrosis is a degenerative pathology of vertebrae and discs. It is generally accepted that lumbar osteochondrosis affects both the spine itself 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 participation of nerve and vascular structures - they are called non- vertebral / extravertebral syndrome. Extravertebral, on the other hand, is divided into reflex and radicular syndromes. Since the word "syndrome" means a group of symptoms, it can be simplified and said 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);
- Muscle tension of the lower back;
- Violation of mobility of the lower back;
- Localized back pain.
Reflex symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
The main symptom of the reflex is back pain. It can be sudden or permanent. The pain appears after physical activity or from difficult movements. For example, when you turn, lean or lift weights. There is muscle tension and stiffness of movements - more often in the morning. There are shots in the lower back or legs. The sensitivity of the lower extremities is impaired - numbness, lumps, piercing or burning. Changes in gait and coordination. Sweating increases. Bowel and bladder work is often disturbed. There are malfunctions in the work of internal organs. Sexual function suffers. Sleep is disturbed due to pain. Mood swings, irritability and fatigue appear. Sometimes there is depression.
Factors that provoke an aggravation are physical exertion, prolonged uncomfortable position, hypothermia, stress.
Pain reflex symptoms of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, depending on the severity and localization of the process, are usually divided into lumbago, lumbago and lumboischialgia.
- Lumbagoit is the most acute pain. A provocation is a difficult movement, sneezing, coughing. To relieve his condition, the patient involuntarily bends forward or bends to the side. Attempts to stand cause a new backache.
- Lumbargia- painful "tolerable" pain, with episodes of irritation. Over time, it develops into severe constant pain.
- Sciatica- Pain extending from lower back to legs.
Radicular symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
They occur due to the effect on the nerves coming out of the spine.
There are many nerves that come out of the spine. They are called spinal nerves. Each such nerve gradually branches out and follows a certain area of the body with clearly defined boundaries. This area is called the area of segmental innervation. Each vertebra, disc, nerve and area is numbered strictly corresponding to each other. If the nerve is affected, the symptoms will appear in the area of segmental innervation corresponding to this nerve, and not everywhere - in an arbitrary place.
spinal nerves
Radical symptoms of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine include:- decreased or loss of reflexes;
- muscle weakness;
- violation of sensitivity;
- radicular pain.
Not all parts of the lumbar spine are equally susceptible to pathology. The most mobile segments are most often affected: L3-L4, L4-L5 and L5-S1. According to the principle - "More movement - more wear".
Areas of innervation of lumbar segments
Osteochondrosis L3-L4- acts on the L4 spinal nerve. Key signs: knee jerk weakness. Pain, numbness and decreased sensation disturb the front of the thigh.
Osteochondrosis L4-L5- acts on the L5 spinal nerve. Main signs: weakness in the muscles that raise the big toe and foot. It is difficult for the patient to continue standing on the heel. Pain, numbness and reduced sensitivity disturb from the lower back to the buttocks and thigh "along the tape", then through the lower part of the leg, gradually moving to its front and ending in the first three toes offoot.
Osteochondrosis L5-S1- acts on spinal nerve S1. Main symptoms: weakness in calf muscles. It is difficult for the patient to continue standing on the toes. Pain, numbness and decreased sensitivity are detected from the buttocks, 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 radicular arteries can be affected. This threatens the development of the most dangerous pathology - a blow to the spine, with serious consequences for a person - paresis and paralysis, as well as serious malfunctions of the pelvic organs.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine:
- depends on the stage of osteochondrosis;
- aggravated by tilting and turning;
- more often appear after 30-35 years;
- women are about 3 times more likely than men.
You, of course, have noticed that the radicular symptoms are clearly defined, and the reflex symptoms are very vague and vague. And as you know, everything that does not have clear definitions serves as a convenient cover for professional helplessness. This applies, among other things, to reflex symptoms and such a favorite concept of doctors as "age-related changes". Surely many of you are familiar with the situation when the doctor explained the problem with "reflex" or "age-related" processes. Most people at such moments rightly believe that the doctor simply cannot understand what is happening and is trying to cover his incompetence in the fog of these "magic words".
There was once a popular phrase: "Every accident has a name, a surname and a position. "Each disease has its own unique symptoms. And the doctor's task is to recognize them clearly. And then there will be no need to leave fog and blame osteochondrosis of the cervical spine for everything. Now you understand how important it is to find an experienced and knowledgeable doctor. The correct diagnosis and treatment results will depend on this.
When choosing a clinic, the main thing is to go to an experienced and knowledgeable doctor.
Diagnosis of lumbar osteochondrosis
To date, there are a number of modern methods of hardware diagnostics of osteochondrosis. The most accurate of them are MRI and CT. But the main method is still clinical diagnosis - this is when an experienced doctor compares data from at least three sources - from the patient's complaints, MRI results and symptoms that were discovered by him during the examination. This allows you to make the most accurate diagnosis and create an effective individual treatment program.
Treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis
As you understand, osteochondrosis is a real "mess" of symptoms, which is unraveled, the doctor will save you from pain and anxiety. But it is not possible to eliminate changes in 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 quite possible. And if you conduct an academic discussion on the topic of returning the vertebrae and discs to their original appearance, "like a newborn baby", then no, the past cannot be returned. You have to be realistic and then you won't fall for the 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 and exercise therapy—are helpful.
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 component 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 contractions 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 hands, the chiropractor:
- remove load from affected vertebrae and discs and distribute appropriately
- relax the muscles and help them return to normal
In this way:
Manual impact mobilizes the body's internal forces and initiates self-healing mechanisms. The treatment is absolutely safe.
The clinic uses all methods of gentle manual therapy:
- release the patient from the clamps
- improve the power of the car
- restoration of motor functions of the body
normalizes blood circulation
The qualification of the doctors of each professional clinic allows you to freely use all these methods for the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. In addition, in any case, we combine them, taking into account the synergy effect.
Synergy is not just a collection of different influences, it is the correct sequence in the combination of methods. Synergy leads to additional treatment quality. A simple example of synergy is our hands. How long does it take to pin a button? seconds? !And if you do it with one hand, you can't manage it in a minute. That is, to act with two hands not twice as fast as with one, but many times faster. And listen to the same music performed by individual instruments or by the whole orchestra together - does it make 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 - medications, massage, physiotherapy and exercise therapy
Drug treatment.In the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis, drugs of different spectrum of action are used. These are drugs that relieve deep tissue swelling, inflammation and pain. Medicines that improve blood circulation. In addition, drugs are used that help restore damaged disc cartilage tissue and compressed nerves - chondroprotectors and B vitamins. Taking medications, in combination with other treatment methods, if necessary, is prescribed by the chiropractor.
Massage.As you know, there is massage for pleasure and massage for healing. Massage for pleasure is done in spas, while massage for treatment is done in medical clinics. In 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 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. A specific recommendation will be given by the attending chiropractor.
Physiotherapy- includes regular gymnastics to strengthen muscles. The main thing is to perform the right exercises without sudden movements. During treatment in a specialized clinic, the doctor will recommend the necessary exercises. Pilates is the best option.
Prevention of lumbar osteochondrosis
To avoid relapses, create comfortable conditions for yourself to 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. Remember, neglected osteochondrosis leads to complications - disc protrusion and herniation. Remember: your health, first of all, you need it!
Running osteochondrosis leads to complications - disc protrusion and herniation.
Benefits of treating osteochondrosis in a specialized clinic:
- Guarantee of full and qualified treatment. The word "whole" is key in our work.
- We consider each case individually and comprehensively - without formality.
- Synergy effect.
- Honesty guaranteed and fair prices.