Lumbar osteochondrosis occurs as a result of 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 includes patients who are overweight, have metabolic disorders and people who are often forced to lift and move heavy objects due to their work.It is important to know what dangers osteochondrosis in the lumbar region poses and how to prevent damage to the spine.
Causes of development of lumbar osteochondrosis
In most cases, osteochondrosis of the spine develops under the influence of several negative factors.The more causes, the more difficult it is to deal with a rapidly progressing disease.In women, problems with the spine often occur due to excess weight, while in men they occur due to high physical activity.
Degenerative and dystrophic changes in the vertebrae and intervertebral discs provoke:
- old back injuries;
- obesity;
- Lack of sufficient physical activity, sedentary work;
- Disturbances of 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 musculoskeletal system disease has two forms:
- acute;
- Period of remission.
Depending on the degree of damage to the vertebrae and intervertebral discs, there are 4 stages of pathology:
- first.Symptoms are mild, periodic pain (when lifting weights or sharp bends, turns), the initial stage of deformation of the intervertebral discs;
- second.The fibrous ring is destroyed, the vertebrae are pressed closer to each other, and the pain syndrome increases when the nerve roots are pinched.The patient assumes an unnatural position to relieve the pain.The shoots radiate into the groin, legs and thigh.Lumbago occurs suddenly, the pain is unbearable;
- third.The fibrous rings are completely destroyed, the vertebrae are in constant contact and an intervertebral fracture occurs.The pain is almost constant and increases with movement.Chondroprotectors are ineffective (cartilage tissue is almost destroyed): the use of NSAIDs and painkillers is required;
- fourth.The spine is damaged, the patient has difficulty moving.The growth of bone structures increases, the pain subsides slightly, but mobility in any actions is limited.The result is the patient's disability.
Possible complications
Lack of therapy for osteochondrosis in the lumbar spine leads to the progression of the pathology.As negative changes increase, compression of the intervertebral discs increases, cartilage tissue is destroyed, and pain increases.Damage to the spinal nerves at the exit from the spine leads to the development of radicular syndrome and gradual muscle atrophy.The signs of radiculopathy increase when bending over, lifting loads or when you are hypothermic.
Further complications:
- Compression of the artery of Adamkiewicz.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 abilities.A clear sign of pathology is bedsores;
- Compression myelopathy.The development of a herniated disc leads to compression and narrowing of the spinal canal.The result is unbearable pain that is practically unaffected by strong painkillers.Other negative signs: dysfunction of the pelvic organs, reduced innervation and muscle strength of the lower extremities.
Clinical picture
The main sign of damage to the spine is aching pain in the lumbar region that radiates to the leg.Unpleasant sensations appear after carrying loads, during sharp turns or turns.Sometimes pain occurs even without physical activity.Important point– Changing posture increases discomfort.
Damage to various parts of the spine forces you to look for a position in which discomfort is minimal.This sign helps to diagnose a pathology.
Degenerative-dystrophic changes in the vertebrae lead to a deterioration in the patient's quality of life.Frequent attacks of pain lead to depression and irritability and interfere with daily and professional activities.
Signs of an acute form:
- stabbing pains occur not only during strong physical exertion, but also during normal changes in posture;
- Only finding the acceptable posture can temporarily alleviate the painful symptom.
Symptoms during remission:
- Tingling, numbness in the legs;
- dull pain in the lumbar region, buttocks, legs;
- Dysfunction of the sexual organs in the pelvis.
diagnosis
If the development of lumbar osteochondrosis is suspected, the patient visits an orthopedist-traumatologist.The doctor will order a spinal x-ray, an MRI and a CT scan.After analyzing the images, the doctor determines the degree of damage to the intervertebral 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 quit smoking.Moderate exercise, taking medications, participating 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 of treating lumbar osteochondrosis.The procedures are carried out by a qualified doctor: incorrect application of techniques without knowledge and experience often causes damage and often leads to disability of the patient;
- Another important element of treatment is diet.Sautéed meat, dishes with gelatin, fish, meat broths, fruit, turkey, vegetables, low-fat dairy products and herbs are healthy.Do not eat acidic, spicy foods or drink alcohol or carbonated drinks.Make sure to drink up to two liters of fluid per day.
Drug therapy
Complex treatment required:
- Chondroprotectors.The compositions restore the quality of cartilage tissue, stop the destruction of intervertebral discs, compensate for the lack of microelements and increase tissue elasticity.An important point is that all chondroprotectors are taken for a long period of time - at least six months.Glucosamine, hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate accumulate in cartilage tissue and restore the structure of damaged intervertebral discs.The earlier 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 intervertebral discs;
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory compounds.NSAID drugs are an essential component in the treatment of spinal osteochondrosis.The compositions stop inflammation and relieve pain.Medications in the form of tablets and injections have the greatest effect;Products for external use are more sensitive.Many types of NSAIDs irritate the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract: they can treat painful areas, take tablets 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 dietary supplementswith calcium, drugs that activate blood circulation in the affected tissues.Dosage and duration of the course are determined by the attending orthopedic traumatologist.Saturation of bone and cartilage tissue with useful minerals and vitamins improves the condition of problem areas.
Folk remedies and recipes
Homemade ointments, rubs, compresses and herbal decoctions are an additional element of the treatment.The compositions relieve pain, relieve inflammation and saturate the body with useful substances.All herbal remedies can be taken in consultation with an orthopedist-traumatologist.
Proven folk remedies:
- tea made from lingonberry leaves;
- Ointment made from rendered pork fat, ground marshmallow root and beeswax;
- Collection with anti-inflammatory effects.Ingredients: knotweed, strawberry leaves, horsetail, barberry, agrimony;
- a compress for the painful area made from grated raw potatoes and thin honey;
- Ointment made from hop cones and rendered lard.
Warning!In the acute stage, it is forbidden to apply any kind of heat to the affected area.High temperatures increase blood circulation and accelerate the development of inflammation.Cooling ointments based on menthol are helpful for pain relief.It is important to coordinate all measures and home interventions 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 have a negative effect on the condition of the intervertebral discs and the affected vertebrae.
The patient performs gymnastics for lumbar osteochondrosis in a rehabilitation center, in a hospital or in a hydropathic clinic.High force loads, jumping, running, sharp turns, deep curves are prohibited.After the patient has mastered the exercise technique, the doctor allows him to carry out complex exercise therapy at home.
Physiotherapeutic procedures
After the acute process ends, the orthopedic traumatologist prescribes physiotherapy to reduce swelling and 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 (use of alternating current);
- magnetic field therapy;
- beneficial effect of ultrasound waves;
- therapeutic massage;
- Acupuncture for pain relief.
Osteochondrosis in the lumbar region leads to disability of the patient in advanced cases.The disease manifests itself not only in the elderly: sedentary work + poor nutrition significantly rejuvenate the pathologies of the musculoskeletal system.Only timely diagnosis and an integrated therapeutic approach under the guidance of an experienced orthopedic traumatologist can avoid serious consequences.