Lumbar osteochondrosis is a degenerative pathology of vertebrae and discs. It is generally accepted that lumbar osteochondrosis affects both the spine itself and the nerves and blood vessels. Therefore, the symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis are divided into those that affect the spine itself - they are called vertebral / vertebral syndrome - and those that appear outside the spine, with the involvement of nerve and vascular structures - are called inadequate. vertebral / extravertebral syndrome. Extravertebral, in turn, is divided into reflex and radicular syndromes. Since the word "syndrome" implies a group of symptoms, to simplify it and say that the symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis consist of three groups - spinal, reflex and radicular.
Vertebral symptoms of lumbar spine osteochondrosis
- Violation of the configuration of the spine (curvature);
- Lower back muscle tension;
- Disruption of mobility of the lower back;
- Localized back pain.
Reflex symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
The main reflex symptom is back pain. It can be instantaneous or permanent. Pain occurs after physical activity or awkward movement. For example, when turning, bending or lifting weights. Muscle tension and stiffness of movements come - more often in the morning. There are shots in the lower back or legs. The sensitivity of the lower extremities is disturbed - numbness, vomiting, piercing or burning. Changes in gait and coordination. Sweating increases. The work of the intestines and bladder is often disturbed. There are malfunctions in the work of internal organs. Sexual function is impaired. Sleep is disturbed due to pain. Mood swings, irritability and fatigue appear. Sometimes there is depression.
Factors that cause exacerbation are physical exertion, prolonged anxiety, hypothermia, stress.
Depending on the severity and localization of the process, pain reflex symptoms of lumbar spine osteochondrosis are usually divided into lumbago, lumbalgia and lumboischialgia.
- Lumbagois the sharpest pain. Provocation is an awkward movement, sneezing, coughing. In order to relieve his condition, the patient inevitably leans forward or bends to the side. Attempts to correct cause a new back pain.
- Lubalji- "enduring" pain with episodes of exacerbation. Over time, it becomes a constant severe pain.
- Sciatica- Pain extending from waist to feet.
Radicular symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
They occur as a result of the effect on the nerves coming from the spine.
There are many nerves that come out of the spine. They are called spinal nerves. Each such nerve branches gradually and follows a certain area of the body with clearly defined boundaries. This area is called segmental innervation zone. Each vertebra, disc, nerve and zone is numbered strictly according to each other. If a nerve is affected, the symptoms appear in the zone of segmental innervation corresponding to this nerve, and not just anywhere - in an arbitrary place.
spinal nerves
Radicular symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis include:- decreased or loss of reflexes;
- muscle weakness;
- sensitivity disorder;
- radicular pain.
Not all parts of the lumbar spine are equally susceptible to pathology. The most mobile segments are more frequently affected: L3-L4, L4-L5, and L5-S1. According to the principle - "More movement - more wear".
Innervation zones of lumbar segments
Osteochondrosis L3-L4- works on spinal nerve L4. Main symptoms: knee jerk weakness. Pain, numbness, and decreased sensitivity affect the front of the thigh.
Osteochondrosis L4-L5- acts on spinal nerve L5. Main symptoms: weakness in the muscles that raise the big toe and foot. It is difficult for the patient to stand on the heel. Pain, numbness and decreased sensitivity "along the strip" from the waist, hips and thighs, then through the lower leg, gradually moving to its front and ending at the first three toes.
Osteochondrosis L5-S1- acts on spinal nerve S1. Main symptoms: weakness in calf muscles. It is difficult for the patient to stand on his toes. Pain, numbness, and decreased sensitivity are detected moving from the hip, then along the back of the thigh and down the side of the lower leg and into the little toe.
Sometimes, with lumbar osteochondrosis, not only nerves, but also radicular arteries can be affected. This threatens the development of the most dangerous pathology - spinal cord injury, with severe consequences for a person - paresis and paralysis, as well as serious malfunctions of the pelvic organs.
Symptoms of lumbar lumbar osteochondrosis:
- depends on the stage of osteochondrosis;
- aggravated by bending and turning;
- appears more often after 30-35 years;
- women are about 3 times more likely than men.
You have noticed, of course, that the radicular symptoms are clearly defined, and that the reflex signs are very vague and uncertain. And, as you know, anything without clear definitions serves as a convenient cover for professional incompetence. This applies, among other things, to reflex symptoms and a favorite concept among doctors as "age-related changes". Surely many of you are familiar with the situation where the doctor explains the problem with "reflex" or "age-related" processes. At such moments, most people rightly believe that the doctor simply does not understand what is going on and tries to cover his incompetence with this fog of "magic words".
There used to be a famous expression: "Each accident has a name, a surname, and a duty. "Each disease has its own symptoms. The duty of the doctor is to know them clearly. And then there will be no need to release the fog and blame osteochondrosis of the cervical spine for everything. Now you understand how important it is to find an experienced and knowledgeable doctor. Both the correct diagnosis and the results of treatment will depend on it.
When choosing a clinic, the main thing is to contact an experienced and knowledgeable doctor.
Diagnosis of lumbar osteochondrosis
To date, there are a number of modern methods of hardware diagnosis of osteochondrosis. The most accurate of these are MRI and CT. But the main method is still clinical diagnosis - this is an experienced doctor comparing data from at least three sources - patient complaints, MRI results and symptoms detected during examination. This allows you to make the most accurate diagnosis and create an effective individual treatment program.
Treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis
As you understand, osteochondrosis is a real "tangle" of symptoms, the doctor who solves it will save you from pain and suffering. But it is impossible to eliminate the changes in the vertebrae and discs. Therefore, the words "treatment of osteochondrosis" should be understood correctly. If you are interested in eliminating pain and other suffering, then yes - it is quite possible. If you have an academic discussion about returning the vertebrae and discs to their original appearance "like a newborn", no, the past cannot be brought back. You need to be realistic, then you will not fall prey to scammers.
Don't fall for the scammers!
Spines and discs cannot be restored to their original appearance!
What is the main treatment method?
Soft manual therapy is the main type of treatment for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine. It's like an antibiotic for pneumonia - you can't do without it. Other types - massage, drugs, physiotherapy and exercise therapy - are helpful.
How does gentle hand therapy work?
The nutrition of the discs is directly related to the muscles surrounding the lumbar vertebrae. In addition, the back muscles themselves are one of the main causes of pain in lumbar osteochondrosis. Soft manual therapy is a special method that allows you to return the muscles to their natural physiology, eliminate spasms, muscle clamps and improve the nutrition of the discs.
Intervertebral discs are the only part of the body that does not have blood vessels and is nourished by the proper functioning of muscles.
In addition, when treating with the help of hands, chiropractic:
- remove and properly distribute the load from the affected vertebrae and discs
- relax the muscles and help them return to normal
So:
Manual action mobilizes the body's internal forces and activates self-healing mechanisms. The treatment is completely safe.
The clinic uses all methods of soft hand therapy:
- release the patient from the clamps
- improve drive power
- restore motor functions of the body
normalizes blood circulation
The specialty of the doctors of any professional clinic allows you to freely use all these methods for the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. In addition, we combine them taking into account the synergy effect in each case.
Synergy is not just a collection of different effects, but the right sequence in the combination of methods. Synergy leads to additional quality of treatment. A simple example of synergy is our hands. How long does it take to close the button? Seconds? !And if you do it with one hand, you can't manage it in a minute. That is, to move fast with two hands, not twice with one hand, but many times. And listen to the same music played by individual instruments or the whole orchestra - is there a difference? This is the effect of synergy - it allows you to do everything more powerfully, more efficiently and faster, but at the same time - more carefully.
Complementary therapy - drugs, massage, physiotherapy and exercise therapy
Treatment with drugs.In the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis, drugs of different spectrum of action are used. These are drugs that relieve deep tissue swelling, inflammation, and pain. Medicines that improve blood circulation. In addition, drugs that help restore the damaged cartilage tissue of the disc and compressed nerves are used - chondroprotectors and B vitamins. Taking drugs, together with other treatment methods, if necessary, is prescribed by a chiropractor.
Massage.As you know, there is massage for pleasure and massage for treatment. Massage for pleasure is done in spas, and massage for treatment is done in medical clinics. A medical massage is performed during a gentle manual therapy session at the clinic. To increase the effectiveness of manual treatment and normalize metabolic processes - all this can be a therapeutic massage!
Physiotherapy.There are many physiotherapy methods that help manual therapy in the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis, such as ultrasound, electrophoresis, laser, etc. treatment with A specific recommendation will be given by the attending chiropractor.
Physiotherapy- includes regular gymnastics to strengthen muscles. The main thing is to perform the correct exercises without sudden movements. During treatment at a specialized clinic, the doctor will recommend the necessary exercises. Pilates is the best choice.
Prevention of lumbar osteochondrosis
To prevent relapses, create comfortable conditions for yourself to sleep and work. Pay attention to your weight and proper nutrition. Maintain your physical activity. But the main thing is not to neglect your health and save it. Don't let things go by themselves. After recovery, try to do at least one maintenance session of gentle hand therapy every three to six months - this will reduce risk factors. Remember, neglected osteochondrosis leads to complications - protrusion and disc herniation. Remember: you need your health first!
Avoidance of osteochondrosis leads to complications - protrusion and disc herniation.
Advantages of osteochondrosis treatment in a special clinic:
- Guarantee of complete and quality treatment. In our business, the word "done" is key.
- We treat each case individually and thoroughly - no formalities.
- Synergistic effect.
- Honesty and fair pricing guaranteed.