Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is a common pathological disease of the spine. There is a degeneration of the cartilage tissue in the bone, degradation of the intervertebral discs. With reduced size, the ossified annulus fibrosus cannot cope with the cushioning function of the vertebral sections, it produces pressure on the nerve endings of the spinal cord, which causes pain in the lower back.
Stages of development of lumbar osteochondrosis
- The main sign of the development of osteochondrosis is a feeling of discomfort in the lower back.
- The second stage is characterized by the elongation of the discs: the destruction of the fibrous ring, the intervertebral spaces decrease, pain appears when the nerve endings are pinched.
- In the third stage, the spine is deformed, the annulus fibrosus is destroyed by the action of the displaced disc, and the contents flow out. An intervertebral hernia is formed.
- The fourth stage is acute lumbar osteochondrosis. Considered severe, back pain interferes with movement.
Symptoms of the disease
The first call that signals the development of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is periodic illness, back pain. Depending on the severity of the violation, the pain is shooting, aching pain, pain that radiates to the legs, buttocks, thighs.
It is characterized by illness after a long stay in a horizontal position. A person cannot bend down for some time after sleeping. In the lumbar region, pain of a different nature appears: dull, aching, insensitivity of soft tissues due to damage to nerve endings. Running with lumbar osteochondrosis brings pain with possible foot dragging.
Often, with prolonged compression of the nerve roots, the development of lumbosacral osteochondrosis, the work of the internal organs is disturbed, the insensitivity of the genitals, the dysfunction of the genitourinary system appear. A change in the position of the vertebral discs leads to a partial damage to the blood vessels, causes vascular dystonia, in which blood does not flow in sufficient quantities to the lower part of the body, does not circulate normally. The internal organs suffer, partial numbness of the limbs, convulsions are observed.
With sudden movements, coughing, back pain are observed - a sharp, quickly disappearing pain, 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 occurrence of repeated pains, it is recommended to consult a doctor for advice, diagnosis. It is dangerous to leave it, the disease progresses. Time lost due to a careless attitude towards health plays against the patient.
Causes of the disease
A reliable cause of lumbar osteochondrosis is not known. The disease is formed with a combination of negative factors that affect changes in bone and cartilage tissue. Internal factors affecting 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 that influence the formation of the disease should be called the influence of the environment, physical activity, habits. Factors:
- Periodic over straining of the back muscles;
- Weight lifting;
- Hypotension of the muscles;
- Spinal overload;
- Wrong posture;
- Poor nutrition;
- Bad habits;
- Stress.
Often lumbar osteochondrosis occurs in people engaged in some kind of work on their feet: salesmen, teachers, security guards.
At risk are professions that involve energy loads: athletes, builders, loaders. A common form is sciatica, prolapse, displacement of intervertebral discs. The sedentary work of office workers, civil servants, programmers, drivers leads to hypodynamia of the back muscles. The work of maintaining an upright position falls on the spine, there are changes in posture, constriction of nerve tissue, blood vessels and numbness of the extremities.
Treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis
In case of acute pain in the lumbar region, it is recommended to contact a medical institution for a complete examination, to identify the cause of the sensations that have arisen. It can be an 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 a treatment that consists of drug treatment, physical strengthening exercises, wellness procedures and diet. Surgical intervention is justified in the last stages of modification in the spine. Drug treatment includes the use of ointments, injections, patches, tablets. Dosage, course of treatment depends individually on the condition of the patient, 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 pain relief, tissue inflammation decreases.
- Medicines that relieve symptoms are analgesics.
- Antispasmodic drugs act for a short time, relax muscle fibers located around the focus of pain.
- Medicines that improve microcirculation increase blood circulation in the organs, providing them with oxygen and essential substances.
- Diuretics to relieve swelling, pressure in the spine area.
- To restore cartilage tissue, his diet uses two branches of medicine:
- Chondroprotectors - ointments, tablets, injections containing enzymes that stimulate 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, only symptomatic drugs are necessary. We need a smart, 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 fields, ultrasonic waves, laser treatment.
Among physiotherapy exercises, yoga is in demand for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine. Simple postures, stretching relieve tension from muscles, strengthen them. Independent sports without proper training, instructor insurance can seriously damage.
How to protect yourself from osteochondrosis?
Prevention of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine consists of regular training of the back muscles, an active lifestyle and a properly balanced diet. The load on the middle should be uniform. Using a firm mattress while sleeping reduces the chances of getting sick. Regular annual visits to the doctor after the age of 40 will ensure early diagnosis and reveal a predisposition.