Lumbar osteochondrosis is a degenerative pathology of the 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 osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine are divided into those that affect the spine itself - they are called vertebral / vertebral syndrome - and those that appear outside the spine, with the participationof nervous and vascular structures - they are called non-vertebral/extravertebral syndrome. Extravertebral, in turn, is divided into reflex and radicular syndromes. Since the word "syndrome" implies a group of symptoms, it can be simplified and say that the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine consist of three groups - vertebral, reflex and radicular.
Spinal symptoms of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
- Violation of the configuration of the spine (curvature);
- Tightness of lower back muscles;
- Violation of lower back mobility;
- Localized back pain.
Reflex symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
The main reflex symptom is back pain. It can be sudden or permanent. The pain occurs after physical activity or following an awkward movement. For example, when twisting, tilting, or lifting weights. There is muscle tension and stiffness of movement - more often in the morning. There are shots in the lower back or in the leg. The sensitivity of the lower extremities is impaired - numbness, goosebumps, 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 suffers. Sleep is disturbed by pain. Mood swings, irritability and fatigue appear. Sometimes there is depression.
Factors provoking an exacerbation are physical exertion, prolonged uncomfortable position, hypothermia, stress.
Painful reflex symptoms of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, depending on the severity and localization of the process, are usually divided into lumbago, lumbago and lumboischialgia.
- Lumbago (low back pain)is the sharpest pain. A provocation is an awkward movement, sneeze, cough. To relieve his condition, the patient involuntarily leans forward or leans to the side. Attempts to sit up cause further back pain.
- low back pain- "tolerable" aching pain, with episodes of exacerbation. Over time, it develops into constant severe pain.
- Sciatica- Pain extending from the lower back to the leg.
Root symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
They occur due to the effect on the nerves exiting the spine.
Many nerves come out of the spine. They are called spinal nerves. Each of these nerves gradually branches out and follows a certain area of the body with clearly defined boundaries. This area is called the zone of segmental innervation. Each vertebra, disc, nerve and area are numbered in strict correspondence with each other. If the nerve is affected, the symptoms will appear in the zone of segmental innervation corresponding to this nerve, and not just anywhere - in an arbitrary place.
spinal nerves
Root symptoms of lumbar spine osteochondrosis include:- decrease or loss of reflexes;
- muscular weakness;
- violation of sensitivity;
- root pain.
Not all parts of the lumbar spine are equally susceptible to pathology. The most mobile segments are more often affected: L3-L4, L4-L5 and L5-S1. According to the principle - "More movements - more wear".
Zones of innervation of the lumbar segments
Osteochondrosis L3–L4- acts on the L4 spinal nerve. Main signs: weakness of the patellar reflex. Pain, numbness and decreased sensitivity disturb the front of the thigh.
Osteochondrosis L4–L5- acts on the spinal nerve L5. Main signs: weakness of the muscles that lift the big toe and the foot. It is difficult for the patient to stand on the heel. Pain, numbness and decreased sensitivity disturb from the lower back to the buttock and thigh "along the stripe", then through the lower leg, gradually moving to its front part and spreadingending with the first three toes of the foot.
Osteochondrosis L5–S1- acts on the spinal nerve S1. Main signs: weakness of the calf muscles. It is difficult for the patient to stand on their toes. Pain, numbness, and decreased sensation are sensed starting in the buttock, then along the back of the thigh and lower leg, moving to the side of the foot and little finger.
Sometimes, with lumbar osteochondrosis, not only nerves, but also root arteries can be affected. This threatens the development of the most dangerous pathology - stroke, with serious consequences for a person - paresis and paralysis, as well as serious dysfunctions of the pelvic organs.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine:
- depend on the stage of osteochondrosis;
- worse from tilting and turning;
- appear more often after 30-35 years;
- women are about 3 times more likely than men.
You have of course noticed that the root symptoms are clearly defined and the reflex symptoms are very vague and vague. And as you know, anything without clear definitions serves as a convenient cover for professional impotence. This applies, among other things, to reflex symptoms and to a concept so popular with doctors as "age-related changes". Surely many of you are familiar with the situation when the doctor explained the problem by "reflex" or "age-related" processes. Most people at such times rightly believe that the doctor simply cannot understand what is happening and tries to veil his incompetence in the fog of such "magic words".
At one time there was a popular phrase: "Every accident has a name, surname and function. " Every disease has its own unique symptoms. And the doctor's duty is to know them well. And then it will not be necessary to let in the fog and blame the osteochondrosis of the cervical spine for everything. Now you understand how important it is to find an experienced and knowledgeable doctor. The correct diagnosis and treatment results will depend on this.
When choosing a clinic, the main thing is to consult an experienced and competent doctor.
Diagnosis of lumbar osteochondrosis
To date, there are a number of modern methods of hardware diagnostics of osteochondrosis. The most accurate of them are MRI and CT scans. But the main method is still clinical diagnosis - it's when an experienced doctor compares data from at least three sources - from patient complaints, MRI results and the symptoms he revealed duringthe exam. This allows you to make the most accurate diagnosis and create an effective individual treatment program.
Treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis
As you understood, osteochondrosis is a real "tangle" of symptoms, untangling which, the doctor will save you from pain and anguish. But it is not possible to eliminate changes in the vertebrae and discs. Therefore, the words "treatment of osteochondrosis" should be understood correctly. If you want to eliminate pain and other suffering, then yes - it is quite possible. And if you lead an academic discussion on the subject of returning vertebrae and discs to their original appearance, "like a newborn", then no, the past cannot be returned. You need to be realistic and you won't fall for the scammers.
Don't fall into the trap of scammers!
It is impossible to restore vertebrae and discs to their original appearance!
What is the main method of treatment?
Gentle manual therapy is the main type of treatment for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine. It's like an antibiotic for pneumonia - you can't live without it. Other types - massage, medication, physiotherapy and exercise therapy - are auxiliary.
How does gentle manual therapy work?
The nutrition of the discs is directly linked to the muscles surrounding the lumbar vertebrae. In addition, the lumbar muscles themselves are one of the constituent causes of pain in lumbar osteochondrosis. Gentle manual therapy is a special method that can return muscles to their natural physiology, eliminate spasms, muscle clamps and improve disc nutrition.
The intervertebral discs are the only part of the body devoid of blood vessels and supplied by the proper functioning of the muscles.
In addition, when treating with the hands, the chiropractor:
- remove the load from the affected vertebrae and discs and distribute it properly
- relax the muscles and help them return to normal
Thereby:
The manual impact mobilizes the body's internal forces and initiates self-healing mechanisms. The treatment is absolutely safe.
The clinic uses all methods of gentle manual therapy:
- relieve the patient of the clamps
- improve drive power
- restore the motor functions of the body
normalizes blood circulation
The qualification of doctors from any professional clinic allows you to freely use all these methods for the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. In addition, in each case, we combine them taking into account the synergy effect.
Synergy isn't just a bunch of different influences, it's the correct sequence in combining methods. The synergy leads to an additional processing quality. A simple example of synergy is our hands. How long does it take to tie a button? Seconds? !And if you do it with one hand, you can't handle it in a minute. That is to say, to act with two hands not twice as fast as with one, but several times faster. And listen to the same music performed by individual instruments or by the whole orchestra - is there a difference? This is the effect of synergy - it makes it possible to do everything much more powerfully, more efficiently and faster, but at the same time - more carefully.
Complementary therapies - medication, massage, physiotherapy and exercise therapy
Treatment with drugs.In the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis, drugs of various action spectra are used. These are drugs that relieve deep tissue swelling, inflammation and pain. Drugs that improve blood circulation. Also, drugs are used to help restore damaged cartilage tissue of the disc and pinched nerves - chondroprotectors and B vitamins. Taking drugs, in combination with other methods of treatment, if necessary, is prescribed by a chiropractor.
Massage.As you know, there is massage for pleasure and massage for well-being. Massage for pleasure is done in spas and massage for care is done in medical clinics. In the clinic, medical massage is performed during a gentle manual therapy session. Increase the effectiveness of manual therapy and normalize metabolic processes - all this can be therapeutic massage!
Physiotherapy.There are many methods of physiotherapy that help manual therapy in the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis, for example, treatment with ultrasound, electrophoresis, laser, etc. A specific recommendation will be given by the treating chiropractor.
Physiotherapy- involves regular gymnastics to strengthen the muscles. The main thing is to perform the right exercises without sudden movements. During treatment in a specialized clinic, the doctor will recommend the necessary exercises. Pilates is the best option.
Prevention of lumbar osteochondrosis
To avoid relapses, create comfortable conditions for sleeping and working. Watch your weight and good nutrition. Maintain your physical activity. But the main thing is not to neglect your health and not to save on it. Don't let things go by themselves. After recovery, try to do at least one gentle manual therapy maintenance session once every three to six months - this will reduce risk factors. Do not forget that neglected osteochondrosis leads to complications - protrusion and herniated disc. Don't forget: your health, above all, you need it!
Running osteochondrosis leads to complications - protrusion and herniated disc.
Advantages of treatment of osteochondrosis in a specialized clinic:
- Full and qualified treatment guarantee. The word "complete" is the key to our work.
- We consider each case individually and globally - without formalism.
- Synergy effect.
- Guaranteed honesty and fair prices.