In the course of this disease, the proper shape and flexibility of the intervertebral discs is lost: their gradual deformation occurs. The space between the vertebrae decreases, leading to pinched nerves and pain. Of all the parts of the spine, the lumbosacral is the most susceptible to these pathological changes.
Causes and signs of lumbar osteochondrosis - how does the disease manifest itself?
The disease in question is caused by an inadequate distribution of the load on the spine. This is the main reason for diagnosing lumbar osteochondrosis. There are many factors that can cause the appearance and development of this disease.
- Passive lifestyle. This includes people who lead a predominantly sedentary lifestyle. In the sitting position, the muscles of the corset relax, which increases the load on the lumbar spine.
- Inflammatory phenomena that are localized in the joints of the spine.
- Errors in the work of the endocrine system, hormonal imbalance.
- Serious infectious diseases affecting bones and joints (tuberculosis, osteomyelitis).
- Disorders in the work of the gastrointestinal tract and heart.
- A lifestyle associated with heavy physical work (loaders, weightlifters, construction workers).
- Uneven posture, irregular gait.
- Poor cartilage tissue density (hereditary factor).
- Congenital pathologies related to the structure of the spine/skeleton. Deviations in the functioning of the musculoskeletal system.
- Obesity.
- Unbalanced regime of work and rest.
- Age. In humans, after crossing the age limit of 50 years, the intervertebral discs become less elastic and inactive.
- Chemical poisoning.
- Flat feet. With the correct structure of the foot, the load is absorbed during walking. If there is a flat foot, the intervertebral discs receive the maximum load, which leads to their deformation and destruction.
- Back injury.
The signs of the disease in question are divided into three groups. Reflex signs (pain). They have several manifestations:
- Lumbago. It occurs as a result of a sudden movement (jumping up, running, coughing). This pain is of a paroxysmal nature (lumbago). During this attack, the patient leans the torso forward and stays in that position for a certain time: attempts to stand up cause a new wave of pain. Lumbago occurs as a result of pinching of nerve roots.
- Lumbodynia. The pain that occurs in the lumbar region is increasingly severe. At first, the patient feels some discomfort, which can develop into strong, regular pain. Lumbodynia can be caused by a sedentary lifestyle and excessive physical activity. Lumbodynia can develop against the background of lumbago.
- Sciatica. Painful sensations spread along the sciatic nerve. The main location is the lower extremities. This phenomenon occurs when the nerve roots of the spinal cord are compressed. If the motor fibers are involved in the destructive process, the patient experiences muscle spasms and muscle weakness. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to muscle atrophy in the future.
Radicular syndrome. It is characterized by the following manifestations:
- the skin of the legs occasionally loses sensitivity;
- the patient complains of shooting pain in the lumbar region;
- there is a disturbance in the sweating system.
Radicular-vascular signs. They appear against the background of compression of blood vessels. Patients have the following complaints:
- heat/cold in the lower extremities;
- mild tingling/increasing pain in feet;
- swelling (when the veins are compressed).
Lack of adequate treatment can cause a spinal stroke, which can lead to partial/complete paralysis of the lower extremities, as well as serious disorders in the work of the pelvic organs. Lumbar osteochondrosis negatively affects the structure of the vertebrae: they can shift over time. This violation can cause a number of negative phenomena.
- Disorders in the work of internal organs and the genitourinary system.
- Frequent fatigue.
- Weakness.
- Irritability.
Symptoms of lumbosacral osteochondrosis depending on the degree - how is the disease diagnosed?
Based on the set and severity of the manifestation of clinical signs, the disease in question is divided into several stages. The first is initial, the second is mild, the third is severe.
Lumbar osteochondrosis of the 1st degree.
It is characterized by the main symptoms:
- Lumbago (lumbago), which occurs due to the rupture of the disc capsule (intervertebral).
- Tissue swelling.
- Muscle spasm.
- Regular pain.
With lumbar osteochondrosis of the 1st degree, the patient may experience additional symptoms caused by compression of blood vessels and nerve roots.
- Imitation of disorders related to kidney and gastrointestinal tract functioning.
- Periodic pain in the abdomen that occurs against the background of spasm of the abdominal muscles.
Lumbar osteochondrosis of the 2nd degree.
This degree of lumbar osteochondrosis is characterized by the following manifestations:
- Regular pain (lumbonia). The location of the pain, which can be of varying intensity, is the lower back.
- Non-standard mobility in the joints of the spine. A tight bandage on the lower back can briefly improve the patient's general condition and reduce pain.
- Disorders (not always) of internal organs. In some cases, a patient with lumbar osteochondrosis may have bronchial asthma and biliary/urinary tract disorders.
- Pain in the lower extremities that goes in the direction of the sciatic nerve.
Lumbar osteochondrosis of the 3rd degree.
At this stage of the disease, surgical treatment is required, otherwise paralysis and death can occur. The third degree of lumbar osteochondrosis has its own peculiarities.
- Deformities of the spine: curvature to the right/left (scoliosis); bending forward (lordosis), bending of the lumbar spine (kyphosis).
- Constant, strong, acute pain felt at the slightest physical activity (changing position, coughing, sneezing).
- Swelling of muscle tissue, ligaments.
- Periodic/regular lack of sensation in the lower part of the body (lower back, legs, feet).
- Disorders in the work of the genitourinary system.
Methods of treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis
The choice of treatment tactics for the disease in question will depend on the degree of osteochondrosis, the presence of additional diseases, the general condition of the patient and other factors that the doctor will necessarily take into account.
There are 2 important points that guide every doctor when prescribing treatment.
- An integrated approach is needed to remove osteochondrosis of the lumbar region.
- Treatment measures (intensity, duration) are determined according to the degree of neglect of the pathology.
Treatment of lumbosacral osteochondrosis with drugs - effective drugs
Every year, scientists develop new drugs that help alleviate the symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis. The list of drugs below is not standard; can be changed. However, today doctors often use certain drugs to combat the manifestations of this disease.
- Chondroprotectors. They stop the destructive processes in the cartilage tissue of the spine that take place in the initial stage of the disease.
- Anti-inflammatory (non-steroidal) drugs. It is used for the treatment of lumbosacral osteochondrosis of the 2nd degree. This group of drugs can be used in the form of injections (intramuscular), tablets, ointments, rectal suppositories, capsules and solutions. In case of worsening of the disease, the patient can be prescribed injections (16 mg/day)
- Muscle relaxants. It helps to eliminate discomfort caused by increased muscle tone.
- Vasodilators. It helps improve blood circulation, preventing stagnation, minimizing the risk of infection in the body.
- Local anesthetics. In case of severe, constant pain, the anesthesiologist performs a blockade. The solution is injected into the painful area using a special needle. The pain disappears immediately and does not bother you for several weeks. Such blocking should be used only in extreme cases: it has many negative consequences.
- Vitamin-mineral complexes. It is often prescribed to elderly patients, in order to increase the strength of tendons and ligaments.
Massage for lumbar osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral region
This method of treatment will be useful in the subacute phase of the disease. Massage can relieve pain, relieve muscle tension and stiffness.
The massage should be performed on a healthy (not affected! ) area. During the procedure, the patient is placed on a flat, hard couch on his stomach. Place a pillow/pillow under your stomach. It is also necessary to ensure that the patient's legs are raised (45 degrees). The forehead should rest on a hard surface.
To perform a massage, it is better to use special products (oils, creams, lotions) that have warming properties or to conduct the session immediately after thermal procedures (bath, sauna). Today there are many massage techniques, let's single out the main ones:
- Stroking. There are several types of strokes: hook-shaped, transversely flat, fan-shaped, ending with symmetrical strokes in the pectoral muscle area.
- Squeezing. It is performed in combination with caressing. This massage technique ensures muscle stretching.
- Kneading.
- She's shaking.
- Trituration. It is often used to improve the functioning of tendons, ligaments and joints.
- Point impact. Not every massage therapist is able to perform the procedure using the acupressure technique.
Therapeutic gymnastics or exercise therapy for lumbar osteochondrosis - a set of exercises for the lumbosacral spine on video.
The entire complex of physical exercises used in the diagnosis of lumbar osteochondrosis should help increase the mobility of the lumbar region.
Therapeutic gymnastics will not be effective if the exercises are performed occasionally. The main principle of exercise therapy is regularity. Constant performance of a certain set of exercises will help to eliminate destructive processes in the intervertebral joints. It is forbidden to carry out exercise therapy in the presence of acute pain. For severe pain, doctors recommend resting in bed and wearing special corsets. When the pain is gone, you can try therapeutic exercises.
Physiotherapy for lumbar osteochondrosis
This method of conservative treatment is one of the most effective. However, to achieve the desired result, it is necessary to spend a lot of time. Using several types of physiotherapy at the same time helps speed up recovery. This method of treatment has many contraindications that cannot be ignored. Physiotherapy is often prescribed for children, pregnant women, nursing mothers and elderly patients.
The use of physiotherapy is prohibited in the following cases:
- cancer;
- acute stages of osteochondrosis;
- serious disorders in the work of the central nervous system;
- injury to the area where physiotherapy is performed.
Today, numerous physiotherapy procedures have become popular in the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis.
- Ultraviolet radiation. The pathological area is exposed to heat, which helps to improve blood supply, remove spasms and relieve pain.
- Magnetotherapy, electrophoresis. Application of the method involves exposing the painful area of the spine to a magnetic/electric field. With this action, it is possible to establish metabolic processes in the body, remove (completely/partially) inflammatory phenomena and speed up recovery.
- Laser therapy. The condition of the affected spinal roots improves significantly due to the influence of helium-neon emitters on them.
- Balneotherapy. The main component used to perform the physical procedure in question is therapeutic mud and mineral water.
- Detensor therapy (mechanical stretching of the spinal column). Relevant for severe back pain.
Folk remedies for lumbar osteochondrosis
This method of treatment involves the use of ointments, rubs and poultices containing medicinal herbs. Such drugs help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. It is recommended to use folk remedies in the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis with caution: an allergic reaction may occur/develop.
Rubbings and poultices are often used in the fight against diseases:
- Tincture of red pepper: for rubbing painful areas of the lower back. To prepare the medicine, it is necessary to mix 1 tablespoon. vodka (diluted medical alcohol), 20-25 gr. dry ground red pepper. These ingredients should be given (occasionally mixing) for 5-7 days.
- Camphor and mustard: for daily rubbing before going to bed. To prepare the product, mix mustard powder (50 g), camphor alcohol (50 ml), medical alcohol (90-100 ml), beaten egg white (3 pcs. ). After mixing well, you should have a liquid fat.
- Honey and aloe: for compresses on the lower back (2 times a day). To prepare this product, you need to use honey (100 ml), diluted medical alcohol (150 ml), aloe juice (50 ml). Before use, this mixture should stand for 10-12 hours.
- Horseradish root and alcohol: for rubbing the affected area of the back. To prepare this product, mix horseradish root juice and medical alcohol in equal proportions. After rubbing, wrap the treated area.
- Garlic juice and lard (1: 2): for rubbing into painful areas of the lower back.
- Cabbage leaf peeled from thick veins: for poultices. Before application, the cabbage leaf should be soaked in hot (no more than 60 C) water. You can attach the sheet to the lower back with a bandage/gauze. After the leaf color changes, the procedure can be repeated.
Prevention of lumbar osteochondrosis
Prevention of the disease in question includes a whole series of measures.
Proper nutrition. The diet should be balanced and low in calories. It is not recommended to eat more than 6 times a day. Certain foods should dominate your daily diet.
- Fish (marine).
- Vegetable fats (olive, linseed oil).
- Dairy products with a minimum content of colors and sugar.
- Foods containing gelatin (meat jellies, jellies).
- Animal cartilage (can be used to prepare first courses).
- Fresh fruits, vegetables.
- Greenery.
- Mineral water.
Taking vitamin-mineral complexes (1-2 times a year) will be useful.
Active lifestyle
- Swimming.
- Daily walks.
- Gymnastic exercises (also suitable for pregnant women).
Performing simple physical exercises (15-20 minutes a day) with the aim of strengthening the back muscles.
Lumbar osteochondrosis can go from an acute to a chronic phase, and that means annual spending on massages, painkillers and warming ointments. If you do not treat all of these, the consequences can be very sad, even paralysis or death!