Lumbar osteochondrosis develops during degenerative-dystrophic processes in the intervertebral discs and vertebrae.Negative symptoms are the result of a complex of negative factors.
The pathology is diagnosed in men and women.The risk group is overweight patients, metabolic disorders, people who are forced to lift and move heavy objects frequently 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 the development of lumbar osteochondrosis
In most cases, spinal osteochondrosis develops under the influence of some negative factors.The more causes, the more difficult it is to cope with a rapidly progressing disease.In women, problems with the spine often develop due to excess weight, in men - during high physical activity.
Degenerative and dystrophic changes in vertebrae and intervertebral discs provoke:
- 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;
- grace period.
According to the degree of damage to the vertebrae and discs, 4 stages of the pathology are distinguished:
- first.Symptoms are light, periodic pain (during lifting weights or sharp turns, bends), the initial stage of deformation of the intervertebral discs;
- the second.The fibrous ring is destroyed, the vertebrae are pressed closer together, and the pain syndrome increases when the nerve roots are pressed.The patient assumes an unnatural position in an attempt to relieve the pain.Shoots radiate to the groin, leg, upper thigh.Lumbago occurs suddenly, the pain is excruciating;
- the 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 sedatives is required;
- the fourth.The back is damaged, the patient has difficulty moving.The growth of bone structures increases, the pain weakens a little, but the mobility is limited when performing any action.The result is the patient's disability.
Possible complications
The lack of therapy for osteochondrosis in the lumbar spine provokes the progression of the pathology.As negative changes increase, intervertebral disc compression increases, cartilage tissue is destroyed, and pain increases.Damage to the spinal nerves exiting the spine leads to the development of radicular syndrome and gradual muscle atrophy.Symptoms of radiculopathy intensify during bending, lifting loads 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 disabled patient.A clear sign of pathology are bed sores;
- compression myelopathy.The formation of a herniated disc leads to compression and narrowing of the spinal canal.The result is excruciating pain, which is practically unaffected by powerful analgesics.Other negative signs: problems with the functioning of the organs located in the pelvis, decreased innervation and muscle strength of the lower extremities.
Clinical picture
The main symptom of spinal cord injury is aching pain in the lower back that radiates to the legs.Unpleasant sensations appear after carrying loads, during turns or sharp turns.Sometimes the pain appears even without physical activity.Important point– changing body position increases discomfort.
Damage to different parts of the spine forces you to look for a position in which the discomfort will be minimal.This sign helps to diagnose the pathology.
Degenerative-dystrophic changes in the vertebrae lead to a deterioration of the patient's quality of life.Frequent pain attacks provoke depression, irritability and interfere with daily activities and professional activities.
Signs of the acute form:
- sharp pain appears not only during heavy physical exercises, but also during normal changes in body position;
- Only the search for the most acceptable position of the body temporarily relieves the painful symptoms.
Symptoms during remission:
- tingling, numbness in legs;
- dull pain in the lumbar region, buttocks, legs;
- dysfunction of the genital organs in the pelvis.
Diagnosing
If the development of lumbar osteochondrosis is suspected, the patient visits an orthopedic traumatologist.The doctor gives a recommendation for an x-ray of the spine, MRI and CT.After analyzing the images, the doctor determines the degree of damage to the discs and vertebrae and prescribes treatment.
Effective treatments
How to treat lumbar osteochondrosis?The patient must adapt to take an active part in the therapy process: it is important to get rid of extra pounds, stop lifting weights and quit smoking.Moderate movement, the use of medications, following physical procedures and performing therapeutic massage are mandatory elements for relieving pain and reducing the risk of progression of degenerative changes in the spine.
Important details:
- traction of the spine, manual therapy are specific methods for the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis.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.Meat with jelly, dishes with gelatin, fish, meat juices, fruits, turkey, vegetables, low-fat dairy products and herbs are healthy.Do not eat sour, 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 is required:
- chondroprotectors.The compounds restore the quality of the cartilage tissue, stop the destruction of the discs, fill the lack of microelements and increase the elasticity of the tissues.An important point is that all chondroprotectors are taken for a long time - at least six months.Glucosamine, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate accumulate in cartilage tissue and restore the structure of damaged discs.The sooner the patient starts taking chondroprotectors, the higher the chances 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.NSAIDs are an essential element in the treatment of spinal osteochondrosis.The compounds stop inflammation and reduce pain.The greatest effect is provided by medicines in the form of tablets and injections;products for external use are more delicate.Many types of NSAIDs irritate the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract: you can treat painful areas, take pills or make injections only after eating.To protect the stomach tissue, a special medicine with an enveloping effect is prescribed;
- vitamin and mineral complexes, healthy dietary supplementswith calcium, drugs that activate blood circulation in the affected tissues.The dose and duration of the course is determined by the orthopedic traumatologist treating the patient.Saturation of bones and cartilage tissue with useful minerals and vitamins improves the condition of problem areas.
Folk remedies and recipes
Household ointments, rubs, compresses, herbal decoctions are an additional element of treatment.The ingredients reduce pain, reduce inflammation and saturate the body with useful substances.All herbal medicines can be taken in consultation with an orthopedic traumatologist.
Proven folk remedies:
- tea from lingonberry leaves;
- ointment made from rendered lard, ground alte root, and beeswax;
- collection with anti-inflammatory effect.Ingredients: knot, strawberry leaves, horsetail, barberry, agrimony;
- a compress for the painful area from grated raw potatoes and thin honey;
- ointment made from hop cones and rendered 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.Menthol-based cooling ointments are helpful in reducing pain.It is important to coordinate all actions and procedures at home with an orthopedic traumatologist.
Therapeutic gymnastics
The main task is to strengthen the muscle 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 power load, jumping, running, sharp turns, deep turns are prohibited.After the patient has mastered the exercise technique, the doctor allows him to do a complex of exercise 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 needs an individual treatment regimen.
Effective physiotherapy for lumbar osteochondrosis:
- electrophoresis with anti-inflammatory, analgesic compounds;
- thermal procedures during remission;
- darsonval (using alternating current);
- magnetic therapy;
- 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 manifests itself not only in the elderly: sedentary work + poor nutrition significantly renews the pathologies of the musculoskeletal system.Only timely diagnosis and an integrated approach to therapy under the guidance of an experienced orthopedic traumatologist can avoid serious consequences.