Lumbar osteochondrosis develops during degenerative-dystrophic processes in the intervertebral discs and vertebrae.Negative symptoms are a consequence of a complex of negative factors.
The pathology is diagnosed in men and women.The risk group is patients with overweight, metabolic disorders, people who are forced to frequently lift and move heavy objects due to the nature of their work.It is important to know the dangers of osteochondrosis in the lumbar region and how to prevent damage to the spine.
Causes of development of lumbar osteochondrosis
In most cases, spinal osteochondrosis develops under the influence of numerous negative factors.The more causes, the more difficult it is to cope with a rapidly progressing disease.In women, spinal problems often develop due to excess weight, in men - during high physical activity.
Degenerative and dystrophic changes in the vertebrae and intervertebral discs cause:
- old back injuries;
- excess weight;
- lack of sufficient physical activity, sedentary work;
- disruptions in metabolic processes;
- lifting weights in violation of the rules;
- hereditary predisposition.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, ICD code – M42.
Degrees and stages of the disease
The disease of the musculoskeletal system has two forms:
- acute;
- remission period.
Based on the degree of damage to the vertebrae and discs, 4 stages of the pathology are distinguished:
- Before.Symptoms are mild, periodic pain (during weight lifting or sharp bends, bends), the initial stage of deformation of the intervertebral discs;
- second.The fibrous ring is destroyed, the vertebrae move closer to each other, and the pain syndrome increases when the nerve roots are pinched.The patient assumes an unnatural position in an attempt to relieve pain.The shoots radiate to the groin, legs, upper thigh.Low back pain comes on suddenly, the pain is excruciating;
- third.The fibrous rings are completely destroyed, the vertebrae are constantly in contact and an intervertebral hernia is formed.The pain is almost constant, intensifies with movement.Chondroprotectors are ineffective (cartilage tissue is almost destroyed): the use of NSAIDs and painkillers is necessary;
- fourth.The spine is damaged, the patient has difficulty moving.The growth of bone structures increases, the pain weakens slightly, but mobility is limited when performing any action.The result is the patient's disability.
Possible complications
Lack of therapy for osteochondrosis in the lumbar spine causes progression of the pathology.As negative changes increase, compression of the intervertebral discs increases, cartilaginous tissue is destroyed, and pain increases.Damage to the spinal nerves as they exit the spine leads to the development of radicular syndrome and gradual muscle atrophy.Signs of radiculopathy intensify when bending, lifting, or hypothermia.
Other complications:
- compression of the Adamkiewicz artery.Causes: Back injuries, falls, heavy lifting, sudden movements.A dangerous condition leads to paralysis of the legs, incontinence of feces and urine.Damage to a large vessel that supplies the spinal cord and roots quickly turns a healthy person into a patient with limited capabilities.A clear sign of pathology are bedsores;
- compression myelopathy.The formation of a herniated disc leads to compression and narrowing of the spinal canal.The consequence is excruciating pain, which is practically unaffected by powerful analgesics.Other negative signs: problems with the functioning of organs located in the pelvis, decreased innervation and muscle strength of the lower extremities.
Clinical picture
The main sign of damage to the spine is aching pain in the lower back, radiating to the leg.Unpleasant sensations appear after carrying loads, during sharp turns or bends.Sometimes the pain occurs even without physical activity.Important point– changing the position of the body increases discomfort.
Damage to various parts of the spine forces you to look for a position where discomfort will be minimal.This sign helps diagnose pathology.
Degenerative-dystrophic changes in the vertebrae lead to a deterioration in the patient's quality of life.Frequent pain attacks cause depression, irritability and interfere with daily and professional activities.
Signs of acute form:
- acute pain appears not only during intense physical exertion, but also during normal changes in body position;
- Only the search for the most acceptable body position temporarily relieves the painful symptom.
Symptoms during remission:
- tingling sensation, numbness in the legs;
- dull pain in the lumbar region, buttocks, legs;
- disruption of the functioning of the genital organs in the pelvis.
Diagnostics
If the development of lumbar osteochondrosis is suspected, the patient visits an orthopedic traumatologist.The doctor gives a referral for an X-ray of the spine, MRI and CT.After analyzing the images, the doctor determines the extent of damage to the discs and vertebrae and prescribes treatment.
Effective treatments
How to treat lumbar osteochondrosis?The patient must tune in to actively participate in the therapeutic process: it is important to get rid of extra pounds, stop lifting weights and stop smoking.A moderate amount of movement, the use of medications, participation in physical procedures and performing therapeutic massage are mandatory elements to relieve pain and reduce the risk of progression of degenerative changes in the spine.
Important details:
- Spinal traction and manual therapy are specific methods for treating lumbar osteochondrosis.The procedures are performed by a qualified doctor: incorrect application of techniques in the absence of knowledge and experience often causes harm and often leads to patient disability;
- Another important element of treatment is diet.Jellied meat, gelatin dishes, fish, meat broths, fruits, turkey, vegetables, low-fat dairy products and herbs are healthy.Do not eat acidic and spicy foods, do not drink alcohol or carbonated drinks.Make sure you drink up to two liters of fluids a day.
Drug therapy
Complex treatment required:
- chondroprotectors.The compositions restore the quality of cartilaginous tissue, stop the destruction of discs, replenish the deficiency of microelements and increase tissue elasticity.An important point is that all chondroprotectors are taken for a long time, at least six months.Glucosamine, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate accumulate in the cartilage tissue and restore the structure of crumbling discs.The earlier the patient starts taking chondroprotectors, the greater the chance of success.In severe stages of osteochondrosis (3 and 4), it is almost impossible to normalize the condition of the discs;
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory compounds.NSAID drugs are an essential element in the treatment of spinal osteochondrosis.The compositions stop inflammation and reduce pain.The greatest effect is provided by drugs in the form of tablets and injections;products for external use are more delicate.Many types of NSAIDs irritate the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract: you can treat painful areas, take pills or give injections only after eating.To protect the stomach tissue, a special drug with an enveloping effect is prescribed;
- vitamin and mineral complexes, healthy food supplementswith calcium, drugs that activate blood circulation in the affected tissues.The dosage and duration of the course are determined by the orthopedic traumatologist treating the patient.Saturation of bone and cartilage tissue with useful minerals and vitamins improves the condition of problem areas.
Folk remedies and recipes
Homemade ointments, rubbing, compresses, herbal decoctions are an additional element of treatment.The compositions reduce pain, reduce inflammation and saturate the body with useful substances.All herbal remedies can be taken after consultation with an orthopedic traumatologist.
Proven folk remedies:
- cranberry leaf tea;
- ointment made from melted pork fat, ground marshmallow root and beeswax;
- collection with anti-inflammatory effect.Ingredients: knotweed, strawberry leaves, horsetail, barberry, agrimony;
- a compress for the sore area of grated raw potatoes and thin honey;
- ointment made from hop cones and melted lard.
Warning!During the acute phase it is forbidden to apply heat of any kind to the affected area.High temperature increases blood flow and accelerates the development of inflammation.Cooling ointments containing menthol are useful for reducing pain.It is important to coordinate all home actions and procedures with an orthopedic traumatologist.
Therapeutic gymnastics
The main task is to strengthen the muscular corset that supports the spine.Weak muscles combined with a thick layer of fat negatively affect the condition of the intervertebral discs and affected vertebrae.
The patient performs gymnastics for lumbar osteochondrosis in a rehabilitation center, in a hospital setting or in a hydropathic clinic.High loads, jumps, runs, sharp and deep turns are prohibited.After the patient has mastered the technique of exercises, the doctor allows him to carry out a complex of physical therapy at home.
Physiotherapy procedures
After stopping the acute process, the orthopedic traumatologist prescribes physical therapy to reduce swelling, pain and normalize blood circulation in the affected tissues.Each patient requires an individual treatment regimen.
Effective physiotherapy for lumbar osteochondrosis:
- electrophoresis with anti-inflammatory and analgesic compounds;
- thermal procedures during remission;
- darsonval (use of alternating current);
- magnetotherapy;
- beneficial effects of ultrasonic waves;
- therapeutic massage;
- acupuncture to reduce pain.
Osteochondrosis in the lumbar region in advanced cases leads to disability of the patient.The disease occurs not only in elderly people: sedentary work + poor nutrition significantly rejuvenates the pathologies of the musculoskeletal system.Only a timely diagnosis and an integrated approach to therapy under the guidance of an experienced orthopedic traumatologist can avoid serious consequences.