Lumbar osteochondrosis is a widespread pathological disease of the spine. There is degeneration of cartilage tissue into bone, degradation of intervertebral discs. The reduced size, ossified annulus fibrosus cannot cope with the function of wear and tear of the vertebral parts, creating pressure on the nerve endings of the spinal cord, which causes pain in the lumbar region.
Stages of development of lumbar osteochondrosis
- The main symptom of the development of osteochondrosis is a feeling of discomfort in the lower back.
- The second stage is characterized by the protrusion of the discs: the destruction of the fibrous ring, the intervertebral spaces decrease, pain occurs when the nerve endings are compressed.
- In the third stage, the spinal column is deformed, the annulus fibrosus is destroyed due to the effect of the displaced disc, and the contents leak out. An intervertebral hernia is formed.
- The fourth stage is acute osteochondrosis of the lumbar region. Considered severe, back pain prevents movement.
Symptoms of the disease
The first call indicating the development of lumbar osteochondrosis is periodical diseases, back pain. Depending on the slope of the violation, the pain is shooting, aching pain, pain that spreads to the leg, hip, thigh.
It is characterized by diseases after a long stay in a horizontal position. A person does not bend for a while after sleep. Pain of a different nature occurs in the lumbar region: dull, painful, sensitivity of soft tissues due to disruption of nerve endings. Running with lumbar osteochondrosis causes pain with possible leg dragging.
Often with long-term compression of the nerve roots, the development of lumbosacral osteochondrosis, the work of internal organs is disturbed, the sensitivity of the genitals, and the dysfunction of the genitourinary system occur. A change in the position of the spinal discs leads to a partial disruption of the blood vessels, causing dystonia of the blood vessels, during which insufficient blood flows to the lower body and does not circulate normally. Internal organs suffer, partial numbness of limbs, convulsions are observed.
Coughing with sudden movements, back pain is observed - a sharp, quickly disappearing pain comparable to an electric shock. With the development of diseases of the lumbar region, the reflex functions of the tendons of the lower extremities weaken.
If you suspect a disease, it is recommended to consult a doctor for the appearance of repeated pains, advice, diagnosis. It is dangerous to leave it, the disease progresses. Time lost due to carelessness plays against the patient.
Causes of the disease
A reliable cause of lumbar osteochondrosis is not known. The disease is formed by a combination of negative factors affecting changes in bone and cartilage tissues. Internal factors affecting premature aging of bone tissue:
- Disrupted function of the endocrine system;
- autoimmune disorders;
- Improper metabolism;
- Microtrauma of the spine;
- Hormonal disorders;
- Dehydration of the body;
- Heredity.
External factors affecting the formation of the disease should be called the effects of the environment, physical activity, and habits. Factors:
- Periodic overloading of the back muscles;
- Weight lifting;
- Muscle hypotension;
- Spinal overload;
- Incorrect posture;
- Poor nutrition;
- Bad habits;
- Stress.
Osteochondrosis of the back often occurs in people engaged in permanent work: salesmen, teachers, security guards.
At risk are professions related to power loads: athletes, builders, loaders. A common form is sciatica, prolapse, displacement of intervertebral discs. The sedentary work of office workers, civil servants, programmers, drivers leads to hypodynamia of the back muscles. Keeping the upright position falls on the spine, there are changes in posture, compression of nerve tissues, blood vessels, and numbness of the extremities.
Treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis
In case of acute pain in the lumbar region, it is recommended to visit a medical institution for a complete examination, to determine the cause of the sensations. It can be an addition, biliary colic, another disease with the main symptoms similar to lumbar osteochondrosis.
Depending on the degree of development of the disease, the syndrome, the doctor prescribes a treatment consisting of drug therapy, physical strengthening exercises, health procedures and diet. Surgical intervention is justified in the final stages of spinal modification. Drug treatment involves the use of ointments, injections, patches, tablets. Dosage, course of treatment depends on the individual condition of the patient, the neglect of the disease.
- The primary task in the treatment of osteochondrosis is to relieve acute pain, reduce tension, muscle spasm. Apply to:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the form of injections and tablets. After taking it, pain decreases, tissue inflammation decreases.
- Medicines that relieve symptoms are analgesics.
- Antispasmodic drugs act for a short time, relaxing the muscle fibers localized around the pain center.
- Medicines that improve microcirculation, increase blood flow to organs, provide them with oxygen and necessary substances.
- Diuretics to relieve swelling, pressure in the lumbar region.
- To restore cartilage tissue, its nutrition uses two drug arms:
- Chondroprotectors - ointments, tablets, injections with enzymes that promote the regeneration of cartilage tissue. Apply a long course of up to six months with 2-3 month intervals.
- The vitamin complex accelerates the regeneration of cartilage tissue, nourishes the discs with necessary substances.
- The main drug treatment is prescribed after the patient undergoes an MRI, which determines the cause of the disease.
The listed appointments are short-term measures, they do not affect the course of the disease, they alleviate the patient's condition. Painkillers, only symptomatic drugs are indispensable to get rid of the disease. We need a smart, holistic approach.
For recovery, it is recommended to use physiotherapy procedures that improve blood circulation and stimulate the muscles of the lumbar region. Effective methods are electrophoresis, magnetic field, ultrasound waves, laser treatment.
Between physiotherapy exercises, yoga is required for lumbar osteochondrosis. Simple postures and stretching relieve muscle tension and strengthen them. Independent sports without proper training, instructor insurance can cause serious damage.
How to protect yourself from osteochondrosis?
Prevention of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine consists of regular exercise of the back muscles, an active lifestyle and a properly balanced diet. The load on the lumbar should be uniform. Using a hard mattress while sleeping reduces the chances of getting sick. After age 40, regular, annual visits to the doctor will provide early diagnosis and detect a trend.