Lumbar spine osteochondrosis is a common pathological disease of the spine. There is a degeneration of the cartilage tissue in the bone, degradation of the intervertebral discs. Small in size, ossified annulus fibrosus cannot cope with the depreciation 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 protrusion of the discs: the destruction of the fibrous ring, the intervertebral spaces decrease, pain occurs when the nerve endings are pinched.
- At the third stage, the spinal column is deformed, the fibrous ring is destroyed by the action of the displaced disc, and the contents come out. An intervertebral hernia is formed.
- The fourth stage is acute osteochondrosis of the lumbar area. It is considered severe, back pain interferes with movement.
Symptoms of the disease
The first call that signals the development of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine are periodic ailments, back pain. Depending on the slope of the infringement, the pain is excruciating, aching, pain that radiates to the leg, buttock, thigh.
Characterized by disturbances after a long stay in a horizontal position. A person cannot lie down for some time after sleep. In the lumbar region, pain of a different nature occurs: dull, aching, numbness of soft tissues due to the violation of nerve endings. Running with lumbar osteochondrosis causes pain with possible dragging of the leg.
Often, with prolonged pinching of the nerve roots, the development of lumbosacral osteochondrosis, the work of the internal organs is disrupted, numbness of the genital organs occurs, dysfunction of the genitourinary system. A change in the position of the vertebral discs leads to a partial violation of the blood vessels, causes vascular dystonia, in which blood does not flow in sufficient quantities to the lower body, does not circulate normally. Internal organs suffer, partial numbness of the limbs is observed, convulsions are observed.
With sudden movements, cough, back pain are observed - a sharp pain that quickly disappears, 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 appearance of repeated pain, it is recommended to consult a doctor for advice, diagnosis. It is dangerous to let it go, the disease progresses. Time wasted due to a negligent 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 adverse factors that affect changes in bone and cartilage tissues. Internal factors influencing premature aging of bone tissue:
- Disturbed function of the endocrine system;
- autoimmune diseases;
- Improper metabolism;
- Spinal microtrauma;
- Hormonal disturbances;
- Dehydration of the body;
- Inheritance.
External factors influencing the formation of the disease should be called the influence of the environment, physical activity, habits. Factors:
- Periodic overload of the back muscles;
- Weightlifting;
- Muscle hypotension;
- spinal overload;
- Incorrect posture;
- Poor nutrition;
- Bad habits;
- Fatigue.
Lumbar osteochondrosis often occurs in people engaged in a standing type of work: salespeople, teachers, security guards.
At risk are professions that involve loads of power: athletes, builders, loaders. A common form is sciatica, prolapse, displacement of the intervertebral discs. Sedentary work of office workers, civil servants, programmers, drivers leads to hypodynamy of the back muscles. The work of maintaining the standing position falls on the spine, changes in posture, pinching of nerve tissues, blood vessels and numbness of the extremities occur.
Treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis
In case of acute pain in the lumbar region, it is recommended to contact a medical institution for a full 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 consisting of drug treatment, physical strengthening exercises, wellness procedures and diet. Surgical intervention is warranted in the last stages of modification of the spine. Drug treatment involves the use of ointments, injections, patches, tablets. The dosage, the course of treatment individually depends on the patient's condition, the neglect of the disease.
- The initial task in the treatment of osteochondrosis is to relieve acute pain, reduce tension, muscle spasm. To apply:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the form of injections, tablets. After taking the pain subsides, the inflammation of the tissues decreases.
- Medicines that relieve symptoms are pain relievers.
- Antispasmodic drugs act for a short time, relax the muscle fibers localized around the focus of pain.
- Drugs that improve microcirculation, increase blood flow to organs, providing them with oxygen and essential substances.
- Diuretics to relieve swelling, pressure on the spine area.
- To restore cartilage tissue, its nutrition uses two branches of drugs:
- Chondroprotectors - ointments, tablets, injections containing enzymes that promote 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, do not affect the course of the disease, relieve the patient's condition. To get rid of the disease, painkillers, the only symptomatic drugs, are indispensable. We need a smart and 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 field, ultrasonic waves, laser treatment.
Among the physiotherapy exercises, yoga is in demand for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine. Simple postures, stretching relieve tension from the muscles, strengthen them. Independent sports without proper training, instructor insurance can seriously harm.
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 correct and balanced diet. The load on the lower back must be uniform. Using a firm mattress while sleeping reduces the chances of getting sick. Regular and annual visits to the doctor after age 40 will provide an early diagnosis and reveal a predisposition.