The lumbar spine is more susceptible to stress, because it is affected by the weight of the whole body. In addition, it is very mobile.
If the vertebral corset is not sufficiently developed, the pressure on the intervertebral discs increases several times. Namely, they are responsible for the mobility and flexibility of the back.
So lumbar osteochondrosis, which occurs for various reasons, is a fairly common disease of the musculoskeletal system.
It develops gradually, and a person may simply not pay attention to its first signs. However, it requires serious treatment.
How the disease develops and its causes
In the lower back, the sacrum and the thoracic vertebrae are connected. There are many factors that cause 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 it elastic. It affects the bone and cartilage structures of the spine.
The intervertebral discs contain a gelatinous substance that dries up with lumbar disease. They are out of stock, so they go flat. Due to this, the spine loses its amortization function, its segments come together, and the nerve roots and blood vessels are blocked.
At the same time, the fibrous ring breaks off, and in some cases it can rupture, which leads to the formation of a hernia. All this causes swelling, lower back pain.
The muscular structure protects the spine from negative influences and is responsible for correct posture. Problems with him 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 state.
- Infectious diseases in bone and cartilage tissues.
- Uncomfortable shoes.
- Back injury.
- Inflammation of the joints.
Lifestyle, profession, age are also important here. The maximum load on the spine occurs in a sitting position. Therefore, people who spend most of their time in a sitting position are at risk.
These can be employed, drivers. Even low physical activity is not the best way to affect the lumbar spine. As a result, the musculoskeletal system becomes weaker.
A significant role is played by the influence on the spine, and especially the lower back, in weight lifting. This is due to professions such as loader, construction worker, waiter or professional athlete, that is, people who are constantly under stress on their back.
Osteochondrosis can also occur during pregnancy in women. If there is a curvature of the spine, increased pressure on the lumbar spine and uneven weight distribution also lead to the disease.
Similarly, it affects the onset of osteochondrosis and flat feet. The arch of the foot loses its function, and all the load when walking goes to the spine. Excess weight also plays a negative role. The disease can be a complication after osteomyelitis, tuberculosis.
Unfavorable 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 basin;
- 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 big toe. Sometimes there is a cold sensation or, conversely, a burning sensation in the back.
As a rule, symptoms appear after physical exertion, hypothermia or being in an uncomfortable position for a long time. They often go away after a short rest. In the acute phase, they can have the character of a low back pain and are aggravated by movement, coughing, sneezing.
Muscle spasm 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.
- Sensation of tingling and pain in the limbs.
- Violation of tendon reflexes.
Due to the spasms, the legs can freeze, as well as beak-like growth and a decrease in the height of the discs.
The sciatic nerve, which is formed from the sacral roots of the spinal cord, can also suffer from osteochondrosis of the lower back. This is manifested by pain radiating to the leg or swelling.
If the arteries or vessels are compressed, this is characterized by a loss of sensation, but the pains are mild. They are localized in the lower back, respond in the hips, buttocks. Pain syndrome also differs when it occurs. Painful sensations usually appear in the morning, over time they can become permanent and not dependent on movement.
Complications of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
The instability of the discs and the fact that they do not fix the spine leads to a displacement of the lumbar spine. This also affects the work of internal organs. Osteochondrosis is complicated by problems in the genitourinary system, a feeling of discomfort in the area of the kidneys.
In women, menstrual irregularities are possible with it, in men, problems in the genital area. Another symptom of the disease is dry, flaky skin in the affected areas.
If you do not deal with the treatment of osteochondrosis, it can lead to spinal stroke and other unpleasant consequences. Protrusion of the discs is possible when they stretch and go beyond the boundaries of the vertebrae. Cartilage atrophy also manifests itself. During this time, pain may subside due to bone growth.
Spondyloarthrosis is sometimes isolated as a form of osteochondrosis, but more often it is considered a complication of it. With it, spike-like growths are formed on 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. Unpleasant sensations arise in the lower back, spreading to the area below the knee and beyond, causing dysfunction of the ankle joint. All of these can contribute to disability.
Diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
There are several types of studies that a doctor can prescribe for symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis:
- Normal radiography (spondylography), which shows the state of each vertebra separately, intervertebral discs and bone canals.
- Myelography is a more complex type of diagnosis. To perform it, a coloring liquid is injected into the spinal canal. 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 compression of the nerve roots, rupture of the disc contour. For more severe cases, an MRI may be prescribed.
Methods of treatment of the disease
The main thing is to consult a doctor in time and take treatment seriously. For recovery, it is necessary to make an effort, and to prevent relapses it is necessary to engage in prevention. Lumbar therapy is a comprehensive approach. Here, the goal is not only to stop the development of the disease and relieve symptoms, but also to return the spine to the correct position.
The specialist usually prescribes drugs using pain relieving and anti-inflammatory drugs: NSAIDs, analgesics. Muscle relaxants are also used. They are intended to eliminate spasms and discomfort resulting 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 older people.
Chondroprotectors are also used for treatment, which block destructive processes in cartilage tissues and help regeneration. Medicines 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. Also, with the blockage, the muscles can atrophy in the place where the drug is injected.
The treatment complex also includes physical therapy. It improves the mobility of the spine and strengthens the muscles. Therapeutic exercises should be selected by a specialist, they are often prescribed after the relief of an acute condition. The load is gradually increased so as not to provoke an exacerbation. Also, gymnastics is used if the patient has been wearing a corset for a long time.
An important part of the treatment is the 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 achieve the desired effect, they need to be done 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 stretching 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 correct anatomical position. As a rule, the course lasts an average of 2-3 months, but it all depends on the specific case.
Operations for osteochondrosis of the lower back
Usually, surgery is used for complications, such as a hernia. Discectomy is performed, that is, the damaged disc is removed. Microsurgery and endoscopy are less traumatic for the patient and the risks of complications are minimal.
During this intervention, special expanders for small diameter pipes are used. Due to this, muscles and ligaments are not damaged. On average, the procedure takes about an hour.
The rehabilitation period takes less time than after a disctomy. But here the assistance of the patient is important, who must strictly follow all the prescriptions of the neurosurgeon.
Additional treatment and prevention measures
Correction of lifestyle and habits is the first step in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine. A restful and gentle regimen is important in therapy. It is better to equip the bed with an orthopedic mattress and pillow, it is good to put a special roller under the neck. Avoid staying in the same position for a long time, hypothermia. It is undesirable to get up sharply.
Sometimes a special fixing corset is recommended. It keeps the back in the correct position, but not all experts approve of its long-term use. This can lead to muscle atrophy in the spine. Most often it is used during an exacerbation of the disease. Corset models are not universal and in any case only a doctor should select an accessory.
Along with treatment, it is important to follow a number of measures that a doctor may recommend. 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 to refuse such products for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine:
- Carbonated drinks.
- Salt and sugar.
- Coffee and spices.
- Alcohol.
It is good to introduce in the diet: sea fish, vegetable oils, dairy products, vegetables, fruits and herbs. Jellied meat, jelly, which includes jelly, will be useful. It is best to steam food.
Walking, swimming are also good for the spine, it will be useful to monitor posture. These are necessary measures after the end of the course of treatment in order to prevent relapse of osteochondrosis.
Folk remedies and alternative methods
Ointments, compresses are made from plant materials to relieve pain and inflammation. Often used to grind red pepper tincture. Liquid ointment can be made from mustard powder, camphor alcohol, and egg white. It is applied 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 leeches);
- manual and vacuum therapy;
- acupuncture.
All these funds are best used after consultation with the attending physician.
Self-medication or ignorance of the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine can lead to more serious diseases of the spine. Therefore, you should not start an ailment, because the sooner you start treatment, the faster and easier it will be to fix the problem.