With osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, the symptoms and treatment of the disease will be discussed further, the mobility of the person is limited, the ability to lead a normal life. Almost half of all patients have complaints of pain in this part of the back. According to the results of Poll Options Are, lumbar osteochondrosis ranks second after respiratory diseases.
If until recently age-related degenerative processes were considered the main cause of pathology, now many more factors causing the disease have been clarified. Before starting therapy, you need to understand what osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is.
The disease is a pathological change in the intervertebral discs, accompanied by dystrophy of the ligaments, destruction of the bodies of the vertebrae. It is the lumbar spine that suffers the most, since it experiences a tremendous load when lifting weights, in a sitting position.
Signs of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine are increasingly becoming apparent in young people in their early 30s. It is impossible to start the disease, since complications are fraught with disability, paralysis of the lower extremities.
Main symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
Lumbar osteochondrosis is a deforming pathology, which in most cases is a natural aging process. But high physical activity in the spine, metabolic disorders, abuse of harmful products and alcohol accelerate this process.
The first signs of pathology do not appear immediately, so therapy does not always start on time. With osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, the symptoms are as follows:
- pain is most often painful in the early stages and acute in 2-3 stages of the development of the disease (with any sudden movement, the discomfort becomes stronger and during bed rest it disappears);
- with osteochondrosis, there are sensations of weakness in the legs (tendon reflexes are lost in the lower extremities, which is clearly seen during neurological tests);
- curvature of the lumbar part;
- violation of urination and defecation (depending on where the spinal cord was pinched).
Additional symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis can also be identified: feeling of numbness in the lower back, dryness and peeling of the skin, change in hue (turns blue). Sweating increases in the gluteal area. Erectile dysfunction is considered one of the signs of osteochondrosis in men in the lumbar region.
With osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, symptoms vary in severity. Some manifestations can be combined in syndromes.
| Syndromes | Feature |
| Ischemic | Here are signs of lumbar osteochondrosis due to damage to the blood vessels. The arteries begin to spasm (the process becomes permanent over time). This condition is characterized by pain in the leg and thigh muscles when walking. If the blood vessels are pinched and spasmed for a long time, the nutrition of the pelvic organs is disturbed, as is their functionality. In women, the pathology causes problems with the menstrual cycle, the ability to conceive a child, urination |
| Vertebral | It is characterized by pain of varying intensity and location. It arises after the load on the lumbar spine: inclination, lifting of heavy objects. If a herniated disc occurs, the person may lose feeling in the legs. In this case, changes occur in the spine: changes in posture, the person bends over, gait becomes problematic |
| Radicular | The vertebrae become unstable, compressing not only the nerve roots, but also the blood vessels. A symptom of the syndrome is pain at the site of the pinching of the endings. The unpleasant sensations extend to the buttocks and legs. A person has an increase in muscle tone, she is forced to change her gait. In the absence of treatment for osteochondrosis, the nerve roots become inflamed. This condition is accompanied by edema of the body tissues that surround the spine. The blood begins to stagnate, the process of intoxication begins. With radicular syndrome, pain in other joints is observed. In addition to these symptoms, a sensation of "goose bumps" appears in the lower back (lumbar area). In especially difficult cases, patients can no longer move independently |
People with osteochondrosis of the lumbar back should undergo a comprehensive examination to determine the severity of the disease and determine the treatment regimen.
Degree of lumbar osteochondrosis
Lumbar osteochondrosis develops gradually. There are such stages of progression of the pathology:
- First. In this case, the nucleus pulposus, which is located inside the disc, begins to move and change. Cracks appear in the fibrous ring. The nerve roots become irritated, which is indicated by back pain. At this stage of osteochondrosis, the discomfort remains local in nature, that is, the symptoms are felt only in the area of the damaged disc. Sometimes it is a lumbago, but in the early stage of development, there is often a constant dull ache. Discomfort in osteochondrosis increases after loading on the lumbar spine.
- Second. Here the destruction of the fibrous ring occurs. The mobility of the injured vertebrae increases, while the muscle tissue tightens. The distance between them decreases, they can move with each other. It becomes more difficult for a person to move, as they quickly tire and feel severe discomfort in the lower back. The pain spreads to the thighs, legs, and buttocks. The person has increased sweating.
- Third. In this stage of the disease, the pain increases many times because the fibrous ring breaks. In this case, the nucleus pulposus leaves its place and a hernia forms. The patient feels sharp pain and low back pain when the tissues and nerve roots are compressed. The discomfort becomes permanent and unbearable. The work of the internal organs is interrupted.
- Fourth. A deformation of the spine occurs. It is very difficult for a person to move, but the pain symptom becomes less pronounced. This does not mean at all that the pathology is no longer developing. This state is a sign that a person will soon sit in a wheelchair. In addition, in the area of the damaged disc, osteophytes grow, further aggravating the condition, the musculature atrophies.
If the development of the disease is not controlled and the therapy is not started in time, the vertebrae will simply collapse and restore them without a risky and difficult operation that will not work.
What to do in case of an exacerbation of the disease
Lumbar osteochondrosis is a difficult disease that should not be carried to the last stage. It quickly becomes chronic, since even the most effective treatment can only stop the development of pathology or slow it down.
If severe pain appears in the back area and a person cannot move normally, this indicates an exacerbation of the pathological process. Most of the time it occurs in those patients who do not follow the recommendations of the doctors. If an exacerbation has occurred, a person should follow these rules:
- It is best to completely abandon physical activity for the time necessary to restore normal body functionality. It is better to lie down in a comfortable position that does not cause discomfort. It is good if the patient uses a hard mattress, since the body in this case (the lumbar region in particular) does not sag.
- To minimize the load on the back, a person can wear a semi-rigid corset. It will restrict jerky movements.
- To reduce the severity of pain in osteochondrosis, you need to slowly bend your leg at the knee on the affected side. This will help to relieve muscle tension and relieve pinched nerve tissue.
- In difficult cases, the applicator can be used, but must be used with care. The procedure is done twice a day for 30 minutes.
- After a massage that gradually restores normal blood circulation and muscle tone, you should use an anti-inflammatory ointment.
It is impossible to warm the affected area the first day after the onset of an exacerbation. Dry heat is applied only on the second day, when the pain peak has passed. Otherwise, tissue edema will increase and the condition of the patient with osteochondrosis will worsen.
Disease diagnosis
Lumbar osteochondrosis requires a serious approach and complex therapy. It becomes easier for the patient if she takes the correct medications, performs the exercises prescribed by the doctor. To choose a therapy regimen, the patient must be examined. The following diagnostic methods are highlighted:
- X-ray. If the lumbar joints are affected, evaluation by radiography is considered primary. The image is taken in various projections. On it you can see the damage to the discs, the state of the spinal canal. Each projection must be perpendicular to the previous one.
- MRI or CT. The presented procedures help to more accurately identify what factors triggered the development of osteochondrosis, in what condition are not only the vertebrae, but also the soft tissues, blood vessels and nerve endings. At the same time, the person does not feel any discomfort.
- External examination with palpation of the damaged area and neurological tests.
Only a complete diagnosis will determine if a person actually develops osteochondrosis.
Treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis
If lumbar osteochondrosis therapy is not carried out, the patient develops complications such as protrusion, spondyloarthrosis, hernia, inflammation of the sciatic nerve, narrowing of the spinal canal, and dysfunction of the pelvic organs. The person also begins to limp, has paresis and paralysis of the legs.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine has several tasks. First, it is necessary to eliminate the inflammation that causes pain in this disease. Naturally, you need to stop the unpleasant symptoms themselves, as well as strengthen the muscular corset in the lumbar region and lower extremities.
Therapy should relieve soft tissue swelling and spasm. The patient is prescribed means and procedures designed to improve the functionality of organs, regulate blood circulation, restore metabolic processes in the body, and also expand the range of motion. Since the osteochondrosis of the lumbar regions of patients will be treated for a long time, you need to choose those methods that give a good effect and cause minimal damage. Medications, alternative treatments, physical therapy, LF and other methods are used.
Surgery
In advanced cases, when the development of the disease has reached the last stage, lumbar osteochondrosis requires surgical intervention. The help of a surgeon is necessary in the presence of complications that impair the functionality of the organs, a vertebral hernia. An emergency operation is performed if there is a threat of developing paralysis of the lower extremities.
The most efficient intervention is to remove the damaged disk. The microsurgical method of treating osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine using an endoscope is also widespread. This procedure is less traumatic for the patient and allows him to recover in the shortest possible time.
Physiotherapy
With lumbar osteochondrosis, symptoms (they are treated in different ways) can be eliminated with the help of physiotherapy procedures. Useful:
- diadynamic currents;
- electrophoresis and phonophoresis;
- magnetic therapy;
- laser treatment.
Physical therapy procedures will provide maximum benefits in combination therapy, in combination with medications.
Physiotherapy exercises
Treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis will not be effective without performing a complex of exercise therapy prescribed by a doctor. All exercises are intended to improve lower back mobility, strengthen the muscular corset, and increase spinal stability. The complex must be done regularly.
The doctor usually prescribes the following exercises: inclinations in different directions, in a standing position, walking on all fours back and forth, tension of the abdominal muscles in a supine position.
Massage
Can only be done after the exacerbation has cleared or during remission. Thanks to the procedure, you can achieve not only the relaxation of the spasmodic muscles, but also their strengthening. Massage is most effective after bathing. It must be done by a specialist, applying the correct techniques: stroking, rubbing. The procedure should not be performed if there are open wounds on the back, if the person has been diagnosed with dermatological diseases or problems with blood circulation.
Manual therapy
Manual therapy solves the same tasks as massage, but uses slightly different techniques. You cannot trust your spine to an amateur. An experienced specialist is required for the procedure, which will not harm.
Medications
In the treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, drugs cannot be dispensed with. When choosing them, the general condition of the body, the stage of development of the disease, is important. To combat osteochondrosis, there are the following more effective groups of drugs:
Painkillers.
- NSAIDs: These drugs eliminate the inflammation itself and the pain that comes with it. They relieve swelling, normalize body temperature.
- Muscle relaxants - These medications are prescribed by a doctor and only used when NSAIDs have failed. Muscle relaxants help relieve muscle spasms.
- Chondroprotectors: keep the cartilage in good condition without allowing it to break down. But they are effective only if this layer is not completely erased.
- Steroid anti-inflammatory drugs. They are named last in the most advanced cases.
- Multivitamins and B vitamins: the presented preparations help to improve the functionality of the NS.
- Antidepressants (to restore the patient's emotional background).
- Novocaine blockade with hydrocortisone. They are placed directly inside the part of the back where the pain is coming from. Blockages are rarely performed, as they are capable of causing muscle atrophy.
- Preparations to improve blood circulation and microcirculation.
Topical medications (ointments) have good efficacy and minimal side effects. If the patient uses folk remedies for therapy, the drugs should continue to be taken.
Prevention of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine can be prevented by following simple prevention rules:
- avoid hypothermia and infection;
- don't lift heavy objects;
- bags to be worn alternately on both shoulders;
- follow the drinking regimen and eat well;
- keep body weight within normal limits;
- timely treat congenital or acquired skeletal pathologies;
- go swimming, move more, do a gymnastics complex for the lower back every day;
- undergo periodic medical examinations.
Taking basic care of your own health will help prevent the complications of lumbar osteochondrosis, and there are many and it is difficult to deal with them.