Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is a common pathological disease of the spine. There is a degeneration of cartilaginous tissue into bone, a breakdown of intervertebral discs. Reduced in size, the ossified annulus fibrosus cannot cope with the cushioning function of the vertebral sections, produces pressure on the nerve endings of the spinal cord, which causes pain in the lower back.
Stages of development of lumbar osteochondrosis
- The main sign 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 pinched.
- In the third stage, the spine is deformed, the annulus fibrosus is destroyed by the action of the displaced disc, and the contents leak out. An intervertebral hernia forms.
- The fourth stage is acute lumbar osteochondrosis. It is considered severe, back pain interferes with movement.
Disease symptoms
The first call signaling the development of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is periodic ailments, back pain. Depending on the slope of the attack, the pain is with pulling, throbbing pain, pain which radiates towards the leg, the buttock, the thigh.
Characterized by ailments after a long stay in a horizontal position. A person cannot relax for some time after sleeping. In the lumbar region, pain of a different nature occurs: dull, aching, insensitivity of soft tissues due to violation of nerve endings. Running with lumbar osteochondrosis causes pain with possible slipping of the legs.
Often, with prolonged pinching of the nerve roots, the development of lumbosacral osteochondrosis, the work of internal organs is disturbed, insensitivity of the genitals, dysfunction of the genitourinary system occurs. A change in the position of the vertebral discs leads to partial damage to the blood vessels, causes vascular dystonia, in which the blood does not flow down the body in sufficient quantities, does not flow normally. Internal organs suffer, partial numbness of the limbs, convulsions are observed.
With sudden movements, coughing, back pain is observed - a sharp pain that quickly subsides, 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, the appearance of repeated pain, it is recommended to consult a doctor for advice, diagnosis. It is dangerous to drop, the disease progresses. Time wasted due to a negligent attitude to health works against the patient.
Causes of disease
A reliable cause of lumbar osteochondrosis is not known. The disease is formed with a combination of adverse factors affecting changes in bone and cartilage tissue. Internal factors influencing premature aging of bone tissue:
- Disturbed function of the endocrine system;
- autoimmune disorders;
- Improper metabolism;
- Microtrauma of the spine;
- Hormonal disorders;
- Dehydration of the body;
- Heredity.
External factors influencing the formation of the disease should be called the influence of the environment, physical activity, habits. Factors:
- Periodic overstrain of the back muscles;
- Bodybuilding;
- Muscle hypotension;
- vertebral overload;
- incorrect posture;
- poor nutrition;
- Bad habits;
- Stress.
Lumbar osteochondrosis often occurs in people who perform standing work: sellers, teachers, security guards.
Professions that involve power loads are at risk: athletes, builders, loaders. A common form is sciatica, prolapse, displacement of intervertebral discs. Sedentary work of office workers, civil servants, programmers, drivers leads to hypodynamia of the back muscles. The job of maintaining an upright position falls on the spine, posture changes occur, pinching of nerve tissue, blood vessels and numbness of the extremities.
Treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis
In case of acute pain in the lumbar region, it is recommended to contact a medical institution for a full examination, to identify the cause of the sensations that have arisen. It can be an appendix, biliary colic, another disease with primary symptoms similar to lumbar osteochondrosis.
Depending on the degree of evolution of the disease, the syndrome, the doctor prescribes a treatment consisting of drug treatment, exercises for physical strengthening, gestures of well-being and a diet. Surgical intervention is warranted in the later stages of spinal modification. Drug treatment involves the use of ointments, injections, patches, tablets. Dosage, course of treatment depends individually on the patient's condition, neglect of the disease.
- The initial task in the treatment of osteochondrosis is to relieve acute pain, reduce tension, muscle spasms. Apply:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the form of injections, tablets. After taking the pain disappears, tissue inflammation decreases.
- Medications that relieve symptoms are painkillers.
- Antispasmodic drugs act for a short time, relax muscle fibers localized around the focus of pain.
- Drugs that improve microcirculation, increase blood flow to organs, supplying them with oxygen and essential substances.
- Diuretics to relieve swelling, pressure on the spinal region.
- To restore cartilage tissue, its nutrition uses two branches of drugs:
- Chondroprotectors - ointments, tablets, injections containing enzymes that promote the regeneration of cartilage tissue. Apply a long course of up to six months with breaks of 2-3 months.
- The vitamin complex accelerates the restoration of cartilage tissue, nourishes the discs with essential substances.
- The main drug therapy is prescribed after the patient has undergone an MRI, identifying the cause of the disease.
The listed appointments are short-term measures, they do not affect the course of the disease, they relieve the patient's condition. To get rid of the disease, painkillers, only symptomatic drugs are indispensable. We need an intelligent and 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, ultrasonic waves, laser treatment.
Among physiotherapy exercises, yoga is in demand for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine. Simple postures, stretching relieve muscle tension, strengthen them. Independent sports without proper training, instructor insurance can seriously harm.
How to protect against osteochondrosis?
Prevention of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine consists of regular training of the back muscles, an active lifestyle and a balanced diet. The load on the lumbar should be even. Using a hard mattress while sleeping reduces the chances of getting sick. Regular and annual visits to the doctor after 40 years will allow an early diagnosis and reveal a predisposition.