During the course of the disease in question, the intervertebral discs lose their proper shape and flexibility: their gradual deformation occurs. The distance between the vertebrae decreases, causing pinched nerves and pain. Of all the parts of the spine, the lumbosacral is usually the most susceptible to these pathological changes.
Causes and signs of lumbar osteochondrosis: how does the disease manifest?
The disease in question occurs due to improper distribution of the load on the spine. This is the main reason for diagnosing lumbar osteochondrosis. There are many factors that can cause the appearance and development of this disease.
- Passive lifestyle. This includes people who lead a predominantly sedentary lifestyle. In a sitting position, the corset muscles relax, which increases the load on the lumbar spine.
- Inflammatory phenomena that are located in the joints of the spine.
- Errors in the functioning of the endocrine system, hormonal imbalance.
- Serious infectious diseases that affect bones and joints (tuberculosis, osteomyelitis).
- Malfunction of the gastrointestinal tract and heart.
- A lifestyle associated with heavy physical work (loaders, weightlifters, construction workers).
- Uneven posture, inadequate gait.
- Poor density of cartilage tissue (hereditary factor).
- Congenital pathologies associated with the structure of the spine/skeleton. Deviations in the functioning of the musculoskeletal system.
- Obesity.
- Unbalanced regime of work and rest.
- Age. In people, after crossing the 50-year mark, the intervertebral discs become less elastic and inactive.
- Chemical poisoning.
- Flatfoot. With the correct foot structure, the load is absorbed when walking. If there is flatfoot, the intervertebral discs receive the maximum load, which leads to their deformation and destruction.
- Back injury.
The signs of the disease in question are divided into three groups. Reflex signs (pain). They have several manifestations:
- Lumbago. It occurs as a result of sudden movement (jumping high, running, coughing). This pain is paroxysmal in nature (lumbago). During this attack, the patient leans his torso forward and remains in this position for a certain time: attempts to straighten up cause a new wave of pain. Lumbago occurs as a result of pinched nerve roots.
- Lumbodynia. The pain that occurs in the lumbar region is increasing in nature. Initially, the patient feels some discomfort, which can turn into intense and regular pain. The cause of lumbodynia can be a sedentary lifestyle and excessive physical activity. Lumbodynia can develop against the background of low back pain.
- Sciatica. Pain sensations spread along the sciatic nerve. The main location is the lower extremities. This phenomenon occurs when the nerve roots of the spinal cord are pinched. If motor fibers are involved in the destructive process, the patient experiences muscle spasms and muscle weakness. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to muscle atrophy in the future.
Radicular syndrome. Characterized by the following manifestations:
- the skin on the legs periodically loses sensitivity;
- the patient complains of shooting pains in the lumbar region;
- Alterations occur in the sweating system.
Root-vascular signs. They occur against the background of compression of blood vessels. The following patient complaints are noted:
- heat/cold in the lower extremities;
- slight tingling/increasing pain in feet;
- swelling (when veins are compressed).
Lack of adequate treatment can lead to spinal stroke, which can lead to partial/complete paralysis of the lower extremities, as well as serious dysfunctions of the pelvic organs. Lumbar osteochondrosis negatively affects the structure of the vertebrae: over time, they can shift. This violation can cause a number of negative phenomena.
- Malfunctions in the functioning of internal organs and the genitourinary system.
- Frequent fatigue.
- Weakness.
- Irritability.
Symptoms of lumbosacral osteochondrosis depending on the degree: how is the disease diagnosed?
Depending on the set and intensity of the manifestation of clinical signs, the disease in question is divided into several degrees. The first is initial, the second degree is mild and the third is severe.
1st degree lumbar osteochondrosis.
Characterized by main symptoms:
- Lumbago (lumbago), which occurs due to a tear in the disc (intervertebral) capsule.
- Tissue swelling.
- Muscle spasm.
- Regular pain.
With lumbar osteochondrosis of the first degree, the patient may experience additional symptoms caused by compression of blood vessels and nerve roots.
- Imitation of disorders associated with the functioning of the kidneys and the gastrointestinal tract.
- Periodic abdominal pain that occurs against the background of spasms of the abdominal muscles.
Lumbar osteochondrosis 2nd degree.
This degree of lumbar osteochondrosis is also characterized by the following manifestations:
- Regular pain (lumbodynia). The location of the pain, which may have different intensity, is the lumbar area.
- Non-standard mobility in the joints of the spine. A tight bandage on the lower back can briefly improve the patient's general condition and reduce pain.
- Malfunctions (not always) of internal organs. In some cases, a patient with lumbar osteochondrosis may experience bronchial asthma and errors in the functioning of the biliary/urinary tract.
- Pain in the lower extremities that goes in the direction of the sciatic nerve.
3rd degree lumbar osteochondrosis.
At this stage of the disease, surgical treatment is required; Otherwise, paralysis and death may occur. The third degree of lumbar osteochondrosis has its peculiarities.
- Spinal deformities: right/left curvature (scoliosis); arching forward (lordosis), arching the lumbar spine (kyphosis).
- Constant, intense and sharp pain that manifests itself with the slightest physical activity (change in position, coughing, sneezing).
- Swelling of muscle tissue, ligaments.
- Lack of periodic/regular sensation in the lower part of the body (lower back, legs, feet).
- Malfunctioning of the genitourinary system.
Treatment methods for lumbar osteochondrosis.
The choice of treatment tactics for the disease in question will depend on the degree of osteochondrosis, the presence of additional diseases, the general condition of the patient and other factors that will necessarily be taken into account by the treating doctor.
There are 2 important points that guide any doctor when prescribing treatment.
- To eliminate osteochondrosis of the lumbar region, an integrated approach is needed.
- The treatment measures (intensity, duration) will be determined by the level of abandonment of the pathology in question.
Pharmacological treatment of lumbosacral osteochondrosis: effective drugs
Every year, scientists develop new drugs that help relieve the symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis. The list of medications provided below is not a standard; You can change. However, today doctors often use certain medications to combat the manifestations of this disease.
- Chondroprotectors. They stop the destructive processes in the cartilaginous tissues of the spine that take place at the initial stage of the disease.
- Anti-inflammatory medications (non-steroidal). Used for the treatment of second degree lumbosacral osteochondrosis. This group of drugs can be used in the form of injections (intramuscular), tablets, ointments, rectal suppositories, capsules and solutions. In case of exacerbation of the disease, the patient may be prescribed injections (16 mg/day).
- Muscle relaxants. Helps eliminate discomfort caused by increased muscle tone.
- Vasodilators. It helps improve blood circulation, preventing stagnation, minimizing the risk of infection in the body.
- Local anesthetics. In case of severe and constant pain, the anesthesiologist performs a block. A solution is injected into the painful area with a special needle. The pain disappears immediately and does not bother you for several weeks. This blocking should only be used in extreme cases: it has many negative consequences.
- Vitamin and mineral complexes. It is often prescribed to elderly patients to increase the strength of tendons and ligaments.
Massage for lumbar osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral region.
This treatment method will be useful in the subacute stage of the disease in question. Through massage it is possible to eliminate pain, eliminate tension and hardening of the muscles.
The massage should be done in a healthy (not affected! ) area. During the procedure, the patient is placed face down on a hard, flat table. Place a pillow/cushion under your stomach. It is also necessary to ensure that the patient's legs are elevated (45 degrees). The forehead should rest against a hard surface.
To perform a massage, it is better to use special products (oils, creams, lotions) that have warming properties, or carry out the session immediately after thermal procedures (bath, sauna). Nowadays there are many massage techniques, we highlight the main ones:
- Stroking. There are several types of strokes: hook-shaped, flat transverse, fan-shaped, ending with symmetrical strokes in the area of the sternum muscles.
- Squeezing. Performed in combination with caresses. This massage technique ensures stretching of the muscles.
- Kneading.
- Shake.
- Trituration. It is often used to improve the function of tendons, ligaments and joints.
- Specific impact. Not all massage therapists can perform the procedure using the acupressure technique.
Therapeutic gymnastics or exercise therapy for lumbar osteochondrosis - a set of exercises for the lumbosacral spine on video.
The entire complex of physical exercises used to diagnose lumbar osteochondrosis should help increase the mobility of the lumbar region.
Therapeutic gymnastics will not be effective if the exercises are performed occasionally. The fundamental principle of exercise therapy is regularity. Constant performance of a certain series of exercises will help eliminate destructive processes in the intervertebral joints. It is prohibited to perform exercise therapy in the presence of acute pain. For severe pain, doctors recommend bed rest and wearing special corsets. When the pain goes away, you can try therapeutic exercises.
Physiotherapy for lumbar osteochondrosis.
This conservative treatment method is one of the most effective. However, to achieve the desired result, it is necessary to spend a lot of time. Using several types of physical therapy at the same time helps speed recovery. This method of treatment has many contraindications that cannot be ignored. Often, physiotherapy is prescribed for children, pregnant women, nursing mothers and elderly patients.
It is prohibited to use physiotherapy in the following cases:
- cancer;
- acute stages of osteochondrosis;
- serious alterations in the functioning of the central nervous system;
- injury in the area where physiotherapy should be performed.
Today, various physiotherapy procedures have become popular in the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis.
- Ultraviolet radiation. The pathological area is exposed to heat, which helps to improve blood supply, eliminate spasms and eliminate pain.
- Magnetotherapy, electrophoresis. The application of the method involves exposing the painful area of the spine to a magnetic/electric field. Thanks to this effect, it is possible to improve the body's metabolic processes, eliminate (completely or partially) inflammatory phenomena and accelerate recovery.
- Laser therapy. The condition of the affected spinal roots improves significantly due to the influence of helium-neon emitters on them.
- Balneotherapy. The main component used to carry out the physical procedure in question are therapeutic muds and mineral waters.
- Detensor therapy (mechanical stretching of the spine). Relevant for severe back pain.
Folk remedies for lumbar osteochondrosis.
This method of treatment involves the use of ointments, rubs and compresses containing medicinal plants. These remedies help reduce inflammation and eliminate pain. It is advisable to use folk remedies in the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis with caution: an allergic reaction may appear/develop.
Often in the fight against the disease, rubbing and compresses are used:
- Red pepper tincture: to rub painful areas of the lower back. To prepare the medicine you need to mix 1 tbsp. vodka (diluted medicinal alcohol), 20-25 gr. dried ground red pepper. It is necessary to infuse (stirring occasionally) these ingredients for 5 to 7 days.
- Camphor and mustard: to rub daily before going to bed. To prepare the product, mix mustard powder (50 g), camphor alcohol (50 ml), medicinal alcohol (90-100 ml), beaten egg whites (3 units). After mixing well, you should get a liquid ointment.
- Honey and aloe: for compresses in the lumbar area (2 times a day). To prepare this product it is necessary to use honey (100 ml), diluted medicinal alcohol (150 ml), aloe juice (50 ml). Before use, this mixture should sit for 10 to 12 hours.
- Horseradish root and alcohol: to rub the affected area of the back. To prepare this product, mix horseradish root juice and medicinal alcohol in equal proportions. After rubbing, wrap the treated area.
- Garlic juice and pork fat (1: 2): to rub on painful areas of the lower back.
- Peeled thick-veined cabbage leaf: for compresses. Before applying, the cabbage leaf should be soaked in hot water (no more than 60 C). You can secure the blade to your lower back with a bandage or gauze. After changing the color of the leaves, the procedure can be repeated.
Prevention of lumbar osteochondrosis.
Prevention of the disease in question involves a wide range of measures.
Proper nutrition. The diet should be balanced and low in calories. It is not recommended to eat meals more than 6 times a day. Certain foods should predominate in your daily diet.
- Fish (sea).
- Vegetable fats (olive, linseed oil).
- Dairy products with a minimum content of dyes and sugar.
- Dishes containing gelatin (jellied meat, gelatin).
- Animal cartilage (can be used to prepare first courses).
- Fresh fruits, vegetables.
- Greenery.
- Mineral water.
It will be useful to take vitamin and mineral complexes (1-2 times a year).
Active lifestyle
- Swim.
- Daily walks.
- Gymnastic exercises (also suitable for pregnant women).
Perform simple physical exercises (15-20 minutes a day) aimed at strengthening the back muscles.
Lumbar osteochondrosis can go from the acute phase to the chronic phase, which involves annual spending on massages, analgesic injections and hot ointments. If all of this is not treated, the consequences can be very sad, including paralysis or death!