The lumbar spine is more sensitive to stress because it is affected by the entire weight of the body. Moreover, it is very portable.
If the vertebral corset is not sufficiently developed, then the pressure on the intervertebral discs increases several times. Namely, they are responsible for the mobility and flexibility of the spine.
So osteochondrosis of the lower back, which occurs for various reasons, is a fairly common disease of the musculoskeletal system.
It develops gradually and a person simply can not pay attention to his first signs. However, it requires serious treatment.
How the disease develops and its causes
In the lower back, the sacrum and thoracic vertebrae are connected. There are many factors that provoke lumbar osteochondrosis. The main thing is considered to be incorrect and excessive load on the back.
In the disease process, glycoproteins are broken down, affecting the connective tissue of the joints and making it elastic. Affects the bones and cartilaginous structures of the spine.
The intervertebral discs contain a gel-like substance that dries out with lumbar disease. They run out, then become flat. Because of this, the spine loses its cushioning function, its segments approach each other, and the nerve roots and blood vessels are constricted.
At the same time, the fibrous ring is bursting, and in some cases can rupture, leading to the formation of a hernia. All this provokes swelling, back pain.
The muscular frame protects the spine from negative influences and is responsible for correct behavior. Problems with it can also lead to the development of osteochondrosis in the lumbar spine.
There are other reasons for the onset of the disease:
- Congenital changes, loose disc structure.
- Stressful condition.
- Infectious diseases of bone and cartilage tissues.
- Inappropriate shoes.
- Back injury.
- Inflammation of the joints.
Lifestyle, profession, age are also important here. Maximum load on the spine occurs in the sitting position. Therefore, people who spend most of their time in a sitting position are at risk.
These can be office workers, drivers. Low physical activity is also not the best way to affect the lumbar spine. As a result, the musculoskeletal system becomes weaker.
An important role is played by the impact on the spine, and especially the weight lifting in the lower back. This is due to professions such as a loader, construction worker, waiter or professional athlete, i. e. , people who constantly experience stress in the back.
Osteochondrosis can also occur during pregnancy in women. If there is a curvature of the spine, then increased pressure in the lumbar spine and uneven distribution of weight also leads to disease.
In the same way, it affects the appearance of osteochondrosis and flat feet. The arch of the foot loses its function, and all the load when you walk goes to the spine. Excess weight also plays a negative role. The disease can be a complication after osteomyelitis, tuberculosis.
Adverse factors in lumbar osteochondrosis are also improper sleep patterns, diet, disturbed metabolic processes in the body or diseases of internal organs:
- gastrointestinal tract and liver;
- small pelvis;
- central nervous system.
People of different ages are susceptible to the disease.
Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
One of the first manifestations is usually pain and discomfort in the lumbar spine. At the same time, it can be difficult to bend, turn, bend the thumb. Sometimes there is a feeling of coldness, or, conversely, a burning sensation in the back.
As a rule, the symptoms appear after physical exertion, hypothermia or staying in an uncomfortable position for a long time. They often leave after a short break. In the acute phase, they may have the character of a lumbago and are aggravated by movement, coughing, sneezing.
Spasm of the muscles in the back does not allow a person to take a position, which will lead to increased pain, this happens reflexively. In addition to these symptoms, there are the following signs:
- Fatigue and weakness.
- Increased sweating.
- Sleep disorders.
- Varicose veins.
- Needle stinging sensation and limb pain.
- Violation of tendon reflexes.
Due to the spasms, the legs may freeze, as well as increase as the beak and a decrease in the height of the discs.
The sciatic nerve, which is formed by the sacral roots of the spinal cord, can also suffer from lumbar osteochondrosis. This is manifested by radiating pain in the legs or swelling.
If the arteries or vessels are compressed, this is characterized by loss of sensation, but the pain is mild. They are located in the lower back, responding to the hips, buttocks. Pain syndrome also varies in time of onset. Pain sensations usually appear in the morning, over time they can become permanent and not dependent on movement.
Complications of lumbar spine osteochondrosis
The instability of the discs and the fact that they do not adjust the spine leads to a displacement of the lumbar spine. It also affects the work of internal organs. Osteochondrosis is complicated by problems in the genitourinary system, a feeling of discomfort in the kidney area.
In women, menstrual irregularities are possible with it, in men, problems in the genital area. Another symptom of the disease is sagging and dry skin in the affected areas.
If you do not treat osteochondrosis, it can lead to spinal cord injury and other unpleasant consequences. Disc protrusion is possible when they extend and exceed the boundaries of the beads. Cartilage atrophy also manifests itself. During this period, the pain may subside due to the increase in bone tissue.
Spondyloarthritis is sometimes isolated as a form of osteochondrosis, but is more often considered a complication of it. With it, bone-like growths are formed in the spine. They are localized, the pain is present in the lumbar region and does not spread to other parts of the body.
Another consequence is foot paresis. In the lower back, uncomfortable sensations arise, which spread to the area below the knee and beyond, which causes dysfunction of the ankle joints. All of these can contribute to disability.
Diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
There are several types of studies a doctor can prescribe for the symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis:
- Common X-ray (spondylography), which shows the condition of each vertebra separately, the intervertebral discs and bone canals.
- Myelography is a more complex type of diagnosis. To perform this, a coloring fluid is injected into the spinal canal. Helps to find spinal hernias.
- A similar procedure is discography, but with it, fluid is injected into the spinal disc.
- Pneumomyelography. Here, air is used instead of liquid.
Computed tomography can detect compression of nerve roots, rupture of the disc contour. For more serious cases, an MRI may be prescribed.
Disease treatment methods
The main thing is to consult a doctor in time and take treatment seriously. For recovery, you need to make an effort and prevent recurrence of the disease to get involved in prevention. Lumbar therapy is a comprehensive approach. Here, the goal is not only to stop the development of the disease and alleviate the symptoms, but also to return the spine to the proper position.
The specialist usually prescribes medication using pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications: NSAIDs, analgesics. Muscle relaxants are also used. They aim to eliminate spasms and discomforts that come from increasing muscle tone.
Vasodilators prevent blockage and improve blood circulation. Vitamins and minerals strengthen bones, ligaments and tendons and help remove fluids from the body. They are often described to older people.
Chondroprotectors are also used for treatment, which stop the destructive processes in cartilage tissue and help regeneration. Medications are administered orally, by injection or rectally.
Paravertebral blocks are used to quickly relieve pain when the drug is injected into the affected area. But doctors try not to use them often. The body gradually gets used to them and the effectiveness of the impact decreases. In addition, with blockage, the muscles can atrophy at the site where the drug is injected.
The treatment complex also includes exercise therapy. Improves the mobility of the spine and strengthens its muscles. Therapeutic exercises should be chosen by a specialist, they are often prescribed after the relief of an acute condition. The load is gradually increased so as not to provoke a deterioration. Also, gymnastics is used if the patient had been wearing a corset for a long time.
An important part of the treatment is massage. It aims to relax, relieve pain and spasms. The procedure reduces muscle stiffness and has a good effect on lymphatic circulation in the tissues around the lumbar region.
Physiotherapeutic methods of treatment are also used. To get the desired effect, they must be performed regularly. Exposure to ultraviolet rays, eliminates spasms, pain affects blood circulation. Laser therapy improves the condition of the spinal roots due to the influence of helium-neon emitters. Spine alignment is also used, as well as the following methods:
- amplipulse;
- phonophoresis;
- diadynamic currents.
However, physiotherapy also has contraindications - these are oncological diseases, diseases of the central nervous system. The main task of all these measures is to return the lumbar spine to the proper anatomical position. As a rule, the course lasts on average 2-3 months, but it all depends on the specific case.
Surgery for osteochondrosis of the lower back
Usually, surgery is used for complications, such as hernia. A discectomy is performed, ie the damaged disc is removed. Microsurgery and endoscopy are less traumatic for the patient and the risks of complications are minimal.
During such an intervention, special small-diameter tube expanders are used. Because of this, muscles and ligaments are not damaged. On average, the procedure takes about an hour.
The rehabilitation period requires less time than after a surgery. But here the help of the patient is important, who must strictly follow all the prescriptions of the neurosurgeon.
Additional treatment and prevention measures
Correcting lifestyle and habits is the first step in treating osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine. Mild regimen and rest is important in therapy. Better it is better to equip the bed with an orthopedic mattress and pillow, it is better to put a special roller under the neck. Avoid being in a position for a long time, hypothermia. It is undesirable to get up suddenly.
Sometimes a special fixation corset is recommended. She keeps her back in the right position, but not all experts approve of her outfit for a long time. This can lead to atrophy of the muscles in the spine. Most often used during an exacerbation of the disease. Corset models are not universal and in any case, only a doctor should choose an additional device.
Along with treatment, it is important to follow a number of measures that a doctor may recommend. This is weight normalization, proper nutrition is helpful here. It is better to eliminate heavy and fatty foods from the diet or reduce its consumption.
It is advisable to reject such products for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine:
- Fizzy drinks.
- Salt and sugar.
- Coffee and spices.
- alcohol
It is good to include in the diet: sea fish, vegetable oils, dairy products, vegetables, fruits and herbs. Jelly meat, jelly, which includes gelatin, will be useful. It is best for the food to evaporate.
Walking, swimming are also good for the back, it will be helpful to monitor your behavior. These are necessary measures after completion of the course of treatment in order to prevent recurrence of osteochondrosis.
Folk remedies and alternative methods
Ointments, compresses are made from herbal materials to relieve pain and inflammation. Often used for grinding red pepper tincture. Liquid ointment can be made from mustard powder, camphor alcohol and egg whites. Applies at night.
They make compresses with honey and aloe or cabbage leaves, use for this and a decoction of burdock leaves Baths with needles are useful.
There are also alternative treatment options:
- hirudotherapy (use of caterpillars);
- manual and vacuum therapy;
- acupuncture.
All of these funds are best used after consulting the attending physician.
Self-medication or ignoring the symptoms of lumbar spine osteochondrosis can lead to more serious back disease. Therefore, you should not start an illness, because the earlier you start treatment, the faster and easier the solution to the problem will be.