The lumbar spine is more susceptible to stress as it is affected by the weight of the entire body. In addition, it is very mobile.
If the vertebral corset is not sufficiently developed, the pressure in the intervertebral discs increases several times. That is, they are responsible for the mobility and flexibility of the back.
Therefore, lumbar osteochondrosis, which occurs for several reasons, is a very common disease of the musculoskeletal system.
It develops gradually and the 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 part of the back, the sacrum and the thoracic vertebra are connected. There are many factors that cause lumbar osteochondrosis. The principal is considered to be incorrect and excessive load on the back.
In the process of the disease, the 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.
Intervertebral discs contain a gel-like substance that dries with lumbar disease. They are exhausted, so they become flat. As a result, the spine loses its function of amortization, its segments approach and the nerve roots and blood vessels are clamped.
At the same time, the fibrous ring is cracking and, in some cases, it can break, which leads to the formation of a hernia. All of this causes swelling, pain in the lower back.
The muscular structure protects the spine from negative influences and is responsible for the correct posture. Problems with it 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 the bone and cartilaginous tissues.
- Inconvenient 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 sitting are at risk.
They can be office workers, drivers. Low physical activity is also 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 on the lower back, in weight lifting. This is due to professions such as porter, bricklayer, waiter or professional athlete, that is, people who experience constant stress on the back.
Osteochondrosis can also occur during pregnancy in women. If there is a curvature of the spine, increased pressure in the lumbar spine and uneven weight distribution also lead to the disease.
Likewise, it affects the occurrence of osteochondrosis and flat feet. The arch of the foot loses its function, and the entire burden of 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 inadequate sleep patterns, nutrition, disturbed metabolic processes in the body or diseases of Organs internal organs:
- gastrointestinal tract and liver;
- small pelvis;
- 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 feeling of cold 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. Often, they disappear after a short rest. In the acute phase, they can have the character of a lumbago and are aggravated by movements, coughing, sneezing.
Muscle spasm in the back does not allow the person to position himself, 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.
- Tingling sensation and pain in the limbs.
- Violation of the tendon reflexes.
Due to the spasms, the legs can freeze, as well as the growth in the form of a beak and the decrease in the height of the discs.
The sciatic nerve, which is formed by the sacral roots of the spinal cord, can also suffer from osteochondrosis in 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 loss of sensation, but the pain is mild. They are located in the lower back, respond on the hips, buttocks. The pain syndrome also differs in the time of occurrence. Pain 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 lead to a displacement of the lumbar spine. This also affects the work of Organs internal organs. Osteochondrosis is complicated by problems in the genitourinary system, a feeling of discomfort in the kidney region.
In women, menstrual irregularities are possible with him, in men, problems in the genital region. Another symptom of the disease is dry, scaly skin on the affected areas.
If you don't deal with osteochondrosis treatment, it can lead to a spinal stroke and other unpleasant consequences. The protrusion of the discs is possible when they extend and extend beyond the limits of the vertebrae. Cartilage atrophy also manifests itself. During this period, the pain may subside due to the growth of bone tissue.
Spondyloarthrosis is sometimes isolated as a form of osteochondrosis, but more often it is considered a complication of it. With it, spine-like bone growths are formed in the spine. They are localized, pain is present in the lower back and does not spread to other parts of the body.
Another consequence is paralysis of the foot. In the lumbar region, unpleasant sensations appear, spreading to the area under the knee and beyond, causing dysfunction of the ankle joint. All of this 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:
- Simple X-ray (spondylography), which shows the status of each vertebra separately, intervertebral discs and bone channels.
- Myelography is a more complex type of diagnosis. To do this, a dye liquid is injected into the spinal canal. Helps locate spinal hernias.
- A similar procedure is discography, but with it, the 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.
Disease treatment methods
The main thing is to see the doctor at the right time and take treatment seriously. For recovery, you need to make an effort and prevent relapse 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 medications with pain killers and anti-inflammatories: NSAIDs, pain killers. Muscle relaxants are also used. They are designed to eliminate spasms and discomfort resulting from increased muscle tone.
Vasodilator drugs prevent congestion and improve blood circulation. Vitamins and minerals strengthen bones, ligaments and tendons and help to remove fluids from the body. They are often prescribed for elderly people.
Chondroprotectors are also used for treatment, which interrupt destructive processes in cartilage tissues and assist in 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. In addition, with blockage, muscles can atrophy where the drug is injected.
The treatment complex also includes exercise therapy. In addition, it improves the mobility of the spine and strengthens the muscles. Therapeutic exercises must 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 cause an exacerbation. In addition, gymnastics is used if the patient has worn a corset for a long time.
An important part of the treatment is massage. It aims to relax, relieve pain and spasms. The procedure reduces muscle stiffness and has a good effect on the circulation of lymph in the tissues around the lower back.
Physiotherapeutic methods of treatment are also used. To achieve the desired effect, they must be performed 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, physical therapy also has contraindications - they 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 to 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. The discectomy is performed, that is, the damaged disc is removed. Microsurgery and endoscopy are less traumatic for the patient and the risk of complications is minimal.
During this intervention, special small diameter tube expanders are used. Because of this, the 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 preventive measures
Correcting lifestyle and habits is the first step in treating osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine. Rest and a smooth regimen are important in therapy. It is better to equip the bed with a mattress and orthopedic pillow, it is good to place a special roll under the neck. Avoid staying in the same position for a long time, hypothermia. It is undesirable to get up abruptly.
Sometimes, a special corset is recommended. He keeps his back in the correct position, but not all experts approve of its long-term use. This can lead to muscle atrophy of the spine. Most of the time, it is used during an exacerbation of the disease. Corset models are not universal and in all cases, only a doctor should select an accessory.
Along with treatment, it is important to follow a number of measures that the doctor may recommend. This is normalization of weight, proper nutrition is useful here. It is better to eliminate heavy and fatty foods from the diet or to reduce their consumption.
It is advisable for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine to refuse such products:
- 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. Cold meat, gelatin, which includes gelatin, will be useful. Steam cooking is best.
Walking, swimming are also good for the spine, it will be useful to monitor your posture. These are necessary measures after the end of treatment to prevent the recurrence of osteochondrosis.
Folk remedies and alternative methods
Ointments and compresses are made of plant materials to relieve pain and inflammation. Often used to grind red pepper tincture. The liquid ointment can be made from powdered mustard, camphor alcohol and egg white. It is applied at night.
They make compresses with honey and aloe or cabbage leaves, use it for that 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 of these funds are best used after consultation with the doctor in charge.
Self-medication or ignoring the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine can lead to more serious diseases of the spine. Therefore, you should not start a disease, because the sooner you start treatment, the faster and easier it will be to solve the problem.