Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine: symptoms and treatment

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, whose symptoms and treatment are diverse, is one of the most common pathologies of the musculoskeletal system.

This condition is characterized by the fact that changes of a degenerative-dystrophic nature develop in the intervertebral discs, spreading over time to the ligaments and bone tissue of the vertebrae of the lumbosacral spine. An acute process, in the absence of therapy, inevitably becomes chronic.

Degenerative diseases can turn a healthy person into a disabled person.

Degrees of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine

Classify 4 degrees of osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral region. The scheme of the development of the disease is as follows:

First grade.In the internal part of the fibrous ring, cracks form, where the content of the nucleus pulposus penetrates, causing irritation. This is the initial stage of osteochondrosis. The deformation of the intervertebral discs is hardly pronounced and gives reflex pain with sudden movements and lifting of heavy objects. Unpleasant sensations in the lower spine can be mild and overt:

• lumbodynia: local and lasting pain in the lumbar spine;
• lumbago - sudden, painful "lumbago" in the lower back.

Second grade.Destructive processes continue in the annulus fibrosus. The distance from one vertebra to another decreases, causing compression of the nerve fibers. There is discomfort in the lower third of the back, which sometimes develops into episodes of pain.

Third grade.During this period, the final destruction of the annulus fibrosus occurs with the extrusion of the nucleus pulposus. The vessels and nerve endings are compressed by intervertebral discs. An intervertebral hernia forms. The spinal column is curved, forming:

• lordosis - arcuate deformity of the lumbar spine, with a forward bulge of the spine;
• kyphosis - the position opposite to lordosis, when the arch is formed in the outward direction;
• scoliosis: pathological flexion of the spine to the right or to the left.

The last gradeof osteochondrosis is considered the most serious and dangerous. At this time, the spine is already deformed, normal physical activity is lost. X-rays show bony growths in the lumbar spine, the body's response. The pain may be absent for a while, but this does not mean improvement. People with stage 4 osteochondrosis of the sacro-lumbar spine are often left disabled. The reason is that at this stage the process is complicated.

Causes of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine

Among the causes of lumbar osteochondrosis are the following:

1. Disproportionate load on the column.Man is an erect creature, therefore, in a standing position, the load on the spine is considered normal. When performing various actions, you have to move, squat, and flex. To keep the body in the desired condition, the musculoskeletal system is in a prolonged tension mode. In the sitting position, the load on the spine increases, and when lying on your back, it becomes minimal. When a person is in one position for a long time, the lumbar and sacral spine is overloaded, and the muscles do not rest, leading to discomfort first, and then pain. This deformation factor creates the preconditions for the development of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine.
2. Sedentary lifestyle.Contributes to the development of various pathologies, including those that affect vertebral structures. Sitting for a long time causes the deformation of the cartilage tissue and a decrease in muscle tone, which causes the development of lumbar osteochondrosis.
3. Excessive physical effort.Both the lack of vigorous physical activity and its excess do not contribute anything good for the musculoskeletal system. Prolonged and hard work, especially associated with lifting and carrying weights, leads to overexertion of the back muscles and causes the formation of vertebral hernias.
4. Posture disorders.The deformation of the discs between the vertebrae can also be due to improper gait. The reason is again in the uneven load on the spine. Intervertebral discs lose elasticity, mobility and are therefore more likely to be damaged. More than others, the elderly and the elderly suffer from similar problems.
5. Bone defects, hereditary pathologies, trauma and infectious lesions.Osteochondrosis is often a consequence of disorders of the musculoskeletal system that were present at birth. For example, when the cartilage tissues of the body are naturally fragile. In addition, pathologies of the spine develop after traumatic injuries and infectious processes, as in osteomyelitis and tuberculosis.
6. Flat feet.The signs of a "special" foot are the absence of a hole and the fall of its arches. Those who have such a characteristic often face spinal problems. This is due to the increased load on the intervertebral discs when walking. Throughout life, they are subject to increased physical stress when moving, so they wear out quickly
7. Obesity.Excess weight is a problem and an additional burden on the body. All organs and systems suffer, including the spine.
8. Pathological processes.Dysfunctions of various structures can negatively affect the condition of the musculoskeletal system. So, the factors that provoke osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine are endocrine disorders, cardiovascular problems, and poor functioning of the digestive system.
9. Wrong way of life.Many people do not pay enough attention to such simple and important things as physical activity, balanced nutrition, and normal sleep. An organism that exists for a long time under conditions of stress becomes weak and vulnerable. Other pathologies that can arise in such a "fertile" soil include lumbar osteochondrosis.

Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine

Pathological changes in the lumbar spine are manifested by severe symptoms;

• Low back painis ​​the clearest "sign" of the development of lumbar osteochondrosis. He speaks of the presence of "radicular syndrome", when compression of the nerve endings of the spine causes pain in the lumbar region. The person becomes tired and irritable. Over time, doing simple and routine activities becomes a big problem due to pain in the lumbar spine. If an intervertebral hernia has formed in the lumbar region, the pain radiates to the lower leg, the back of the thigh, and the foot. Over time, it becomes increasingly difficult to sit and walk. Unpleasant sensations do not go away even when lying down. Temporary relief may alternate with periods of exacerbation.
• dysfunction of the genitourinary system.They are manifested by pain in the area of ​​the kidneys, frequent need to urinate. The deformation of the intervertebral discs causes displacement of the lumbar spine with respect to the sacrum. This affects the work of the internal reproductive organs in women and in men it causes potency problems;
• decreased sensation of the legs in the foot area.It can be partial or absolute. At the same time, the reflexes in this part of the body weaken. Progressive pathology leads to a complete loss of sensation of the lower extremities;
• gait disturbances.Pain in the lumbar spine with osteochondrosis causes a person when walking to drift in the opposite direction to which the nerve fibers are pinched. The condition does not allow walking long distances. A lame person is forced to stop from time to time, waiting for pain relief. Timely medical assistance can save a person from a disability.

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine

Many people wonder if osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is treated and how it occurs. When the diagnosis is made and the diagnosis is made, the therapeutic tactics are determined.

There are several methods to treat lumbar osteochondrosis. Which of them is necessary and advisable to apply to cure a disease or alleviate a person's condition as much as possible, determines the doctor.

Someone treats himself exclusively with home remedies, at home, forgetting that they can only be used with the approval of a medical specialist and only as part of complex therapy.

Medications for osteochondrosis

Drug therapy involves the use of:

• tablet forms;
• injection solutions;
• preparations for external use: ointments and gels.

Medications are prescribed that eliminate inflammation and relieve pain in the lumbar spine. They can be used at home.

These could be:

• painkillers;
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
• medicines for muscle spasms (muscle relaxants);
• means for the restoration of cartilage tissue (chondroprotectors);
• corticosteroids (medicines that contain hormones that act to relieve pain and inflammation)
• vitamins.

The course of treatment is prescribed by a doctor, who sometimes prescribes pills or potions to calm the nervous system as additional treatment.

Physiotherapy for lumbar osteochondrosis

Physical therapy is another common method of relieving symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis. Acting on the spine and lumbar area, it enhances metabolic and restorative processes.

Most frequently prescribed:

• magnetic, laser and electrotherapy;
• phonophoresis;
• shock wave method;
• detector therapy;
• vibration massage;
• balneotherapy.

How many and what procedures will be required - the doctor decides.

Physiotherapy is effective when it comes to the early stages of pathology. But she, like other types of treatment, has contraindications. Therefore, when prescribing this method, the doctor takes into account many factors.

Therapeutic gymnastics for lumbar osteochondrosis

A set of physical exercises that can be shown in lumbar osteochondrosis is aimed at restoring the mobility of this spine.

Regularity is considered the main condition for its effectiveness. Exercises performed occasionally will not produce the desired effect.

If the body already has complications caused by osteochondrosis, this method does not apply. Also, contraindications to its use are serious pathologies of other organs and systems, as well as the presence of pain in the pelvic and upper region.

Surgical intervention for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine

The surgical method is used in the presence of such serious complications as an intervertebral hernia. Partial or complete removal of the damaged intervertebral disc (discectomy) is performed, according to the provisions of the operation protocol.

The indications for surgery are:

• strong and persistent pain syndrome, which cannot be eliminated with medication for a month;
• the large size of the hernia and its effect on the spinal cord.

Osteochondrosis is easier to prevent than to cure. Like any pathology, it is potentially dangerous with serious complications. It is important to understand that the more or less complete elimination of this pathology is possible in the earliest stages, when the deforming effect of the intervertebral discs is minimal. In other cases, we can only talk about alleviating symptoms and maintaining the state of the body, which allows you to live and work normally.