The lumbar spine is most susceptible to stress, as it is affected by overall weight. Moreover, it is very portable.
If the vertebral corset is not developed enough, then the pressure on the intervertebral disc increases several times. That is, they are responsible for the mobility and flexibility of the back.
Low back osteochondrosis, which occurs for a variety of reasons, is a relatively common disease of the musculoskeletal system.
It develops gradually and one may not notice its first signs. Still, it needs 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 incorrect and excessive load on the back.
In the process of the disease, glycoproteins are broken down, affecting the connective tissue of the joints and making them elastic. It affects the bone structure and cartilage of the spine.
The intervertebral disc contains a gel -like substance that dries with lumbar disease. They run out, then become flat. Because of this, the spine loses its amortization function, its segments are close to each other, and nerve roots and blood vessels are pinched.
At the same time, the fibrous ring cracks, and in some cases may rupture, leading to the formation of a hernia. All this causes swelling, lower back pain.
The muscular skeleton protects the spine from negative influences and is responsible for proper posture. Problems with it can also lead to the development of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine.
There are other reasons for the onset of this disease:
- Congenital changes, loose disc structure.
- Depressed situation.
- Infectious diseases of bone and cartilage tissue.
- Uncomfortable shoes.
- Back injury.
- Inflammation of the joints.
Lifestyle, profession, age are also important here. The maximum load on the spine applies in the sitting position. Therefore, people who spend most of their time in a sitting position are at risk.
This can be an office worker, a driver. Low physical activity is also not the best method to affect the lumbar spine. As a result, the musculoskeletal system becomes weak.
An important role is played by the influence on the spine, and especially the lower back, weight lifting. This is due to professions such as loaders, construction workers, waiters or professional athletes, i. e. people who constantly experience pressure on their backs.
Osteochondrosis can also occur during pregnancy in women. If there is curvature of the spine, then increased pressure on the lumbar spine and uneven weight distribution also cause the disease.
In the same way, it affects the occurrence of osteochondrosis and flat feet. The arch of the foot loses its function, and all load when walking leads to the spinal space. Being overweight also plays a negative role. The disease can be a complication after osteomyelitis, tuberculosis.
Unpleasant factors in lumbar osteochondrosis are also improper sleep patterns, nutrition, disturbed metabolic processes in the body, or diseases of internal organs:
- gastrointestinal tract and liver;
- small pelvis;
- central nervous system.
People of all ages are prone to this disease.
Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
One of the first manifestations is usually pain and discomfort in the lumbar spine. At the same time, it is difficult to bend, twist, bend the toes. Sometimes there is a feeling of cold, or, conversely, a burning sensation in the back.
As a rule, symptoms appear after physical exercise, hypothermia, or being in an uncomfortable position for a long time. They often leave after a short break. In the acute phase, they can have a lumbago character and be exacerbated by movement, coughing, sneezing.
Muscle spasms in the back do not allow a person to take a position, which will cause increased pain, this happens reflexively. In addition to these symptoms, there are the following symptoms:
- Fatigue and weakness.
- Increased sweating.
- Sleep disturbances.
- Varicose veins.
- Sensation of tingling and pain in the limbs.
- Violation of tendon reflexes.
Because of the cramps, the foot can freeze, as well as beak -like growth and a decrease in disc height.
The sciatic nerve, which is formed by the sacral root on the spinal cord, can also suffer from lower back osteochondrosis. This is indicated by pain radiating to the feet or swelling.
If an artery or duct is pressed, this is characterized by a loss of sensitivity, but the pain is mild. They are localized in the lower back, reacting in the hips, buttocks. Pain syndromes also vary in their onset. The sensation of pain usually appears in the morning, over time it can become permanent and does not depend on movement.
Complications of lumbar spine osteochondrosis
Disc instability and the fact that they do not correct the spine cause displacement of the lumbar spine. This also affects the work of internal organs. Osteochondrosis is complicated by problems in the genitourinary system, discomfort in the kidney area.
In women, menstrual irregularities are possible, in men, problems in the genital area. Another symptom of this disease is flabby and dry skin in the affected area.
If you do not address the treatment of osteochondrosis, it can lead to spinal stroke and other unpleasant consequences. Disc protrusion may occur when they stretch and extend beyond the vertebral boundaries. Cartilage atrophy also manifests itself. During this period, the pain can subside due to the growth of bone tissue.
Spondyloarthrosis is sometimes isolated as a form of osteochondrosis, but is more often considered a complication of it. Thus, a spike -like growth forms 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 leg paresis. In the lower back, an unpleasant sensation arises, spreading to the area below the knee and beyond, which causes dysfunction of the ankle joint. All of these can contribute to disability.
Diagnostics of lumbar spine osteochondrosis
There are several types of studies that a doctor can prescribe for symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis:
- Plain X -rays (spondylography), which show the condition of each vertebra separately, the intervertebral disc and the bone canal.
- Myelography is a more complex type of diagnosis. To perform this, a dye liquid is injected into the spinal canal. It helps 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 nerve root compression, rupture of disc contours. For more serious cases, an MRI may be prescribed.
Methods of disease treatment
The main thing is to see a doctor on time and take treatment seriously. For recovery, you need to strive, and to prevent relapse to engage in prevention. Lumbar therapy is a comprehensive approach. Here, the goal is not only to stop the progression of the disease and reduce symptoms, but also to return the spine to the correct position.
Specialists usually prescribe medications using painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs: NSAIDs, analgesics. Muscle relaxation is also used. They aim to relieve cramps and discomfort that arise from increased muscle tone.
Vasodilator drugs prevent congestion and improve blood circulation. Vitamins and minerals give strength to bones, ligaments and tendons and help remove fluids from the body. They are often prescribed to the elderly.
Chondroprotectors are also used for treatment, which stops the damaging process on cartilage tissue and helps regrowth. Medication is given orally, by injection, or rectally.
Paravertebral blocks are used to relieve pain quickly when medication is injected into the affected area. But doctors try not to use it often. The body gradually gets used to them and the effectiveness of their effects decreases. In addition, with restriction, muscles can atrophy at the site of the drug being injected.
The treatment complex also includes exercise therapy. It improves the movement of the spine and strengthens its muscles. Therapeutic exercises should be chosen by a specialist, they are often prescribed after relieving an acute condition. The load is raised gradually so as not to provoke anger. Also, gymnastics is used if the patient wears a corset for a long period of time.
An important part of the treatment is massage. It is intended to relieve, relieve pain and cramps. This procedure reduces muscle spasm and has a beneficial effect on lymph circulation to the tissues around the lumbar region.
Physiotherapeutic treatment methods are also used. To get the desired effect, they must be done periodically. Exposure to ultraviolet rays, relieves cramps, pain affects blood circulation. Laser therapy improves the condition of the spinal roots due to the influence of helium emitters - neon. Spinal stretching is also used, as well as the following methods:
- amplipulse;
- phonophoresis;
- diadynamic current.
However, physiotherapy also has contraindications - this is an oncological disease, a disease of the central nervous system. The main task of all these steps is to return the lumbar spine to the correct anatomical position. As a rule, this course takes an average of 2 - 3 months, but it all depends on the particular case.
Surgery for lower back osteochondrosis
Usually, surgery is used for complications, such as hernias. A discectomy is performed, i. e. the damaged disc is removed. Microsurgery and endoscopy are less traumatic for the patient and the risk of complications is minimal.
During such interventions, a special small -diameter tube expander is used. Because of this, muscles and ligaments are not damaged. On average, this procedure takes about an hour.
The recovery period takes less time than after dysctomy. But here the help of the patient is essential, who must strictly adhere to all the prescriptions of the neurosurgeon.
Additional treatment and prevention measures
Lifestyle and habit correction is the first step in the treatment of lumbar spine osteochondrosis. Rest and gentle regimens are important in therapy. It is better to equip the bed with an orthopedic mattress and pillows, it is better to put a special roller under the neck. Avoid being in one position for long periods of time, hypothermia. It is not desirable to wake up suddenly.
Sometimes a special fixation corset is recommended. Your waist remains in the correct position, but not all experts approve of its long wear. This can cause muscle atrophy in the spine. Often it is used during the exacerbation of the disease. Corset models are not universal and in each case, only a doctor should choose an accessory.
Along with treatment, it is important to follow some steps that may be recommended by the doctor. This is the normalization of weight, proper nutrition is useful here. It is better to eliminate heavy and fatty foods from the diet or reduce their consumption.
It is recommended for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine to reject such products:
- Carbonated drinks.
- Salt and sugar.
- Coffee and spices.
- Alcohol.
It is good to introduce into the diet: sea fish, vegetable oils, dairy products, vegetables, fruits and herbs. Meat jelly, jelly, which includes gelatin, will be useful. It is best to steam the food.
Walking, swimming are also good for the spine, useful for monitoring your body posture. These are the steps needed after the end of treatment to prevent recurrence of osteochondrosis.
Folk remedies and alternative methods
Ointments, compresses are made from plant materials to relieve pain and inflammation. Often used to grind the color of red pepper. Liquid ointments can be made from mustard powder, camphor alcohol, and egg whites. It is used at night.
They make compresses with honey and aloe vera or cabbage leaves, used for this and a decoction of burdock leaves Bath with a useful needle.
There are also alternative treatment options:
- hirudotherapy (use of leeches);
- manual and vacuum therapy;
- acupuncture.
All these funds are best used after consultation with the attending physician.
Self -treating or ignoring the symptoms of lumbar spine osteochondrosis can lead to more serious spinal disease. Therefore, you should not start the disease, because the earlier you start treatment, the faster and easier the problem is solved.