The lumbar spine is more susceptible to stress, because it is affected by all body weight. In addition, it is very mobile.
If the vertebral corset is not sufficiently developed, the pressure on the intervertebral discs increases several times. That is, they are responsible for the mobility and flexibility of the back.
Lumbar osteochondrosis, which occurs for various reasons, is a fairly common disease of the musculoskeletal system.
It develops gradually and a person may simply not pay attention to its first signs. However, it requires serious treatment.
How the disease develops and its causes.
In the lower back, the sacrum and the thoracic vertebra are connected. There are many factors that cause lumbar osteochondrosis. The main thing is considered incorrect and excessive load on the back.
In the disease process, glycoproteins break down, affecting the connective tissue in the joints and making it elastic. It affects the bone and cartilaginous structures of the spine.
The intervertebral discs contain a jelly-like substance that dries up with low back disease. They run out, then they go flat. Due to this, the spine loses its amortization function, its segments move closer to each other, and the nerve roots and blood vessels are clamped.
At the same time, the annulus fibrosus is cracking and, in some cases, it can rupture, leading to the formation of a hernia. All this causes swelling, lower back pain.
The muscular framework protects the spine from negative influences and is responsible for correct posture. Problems with it can also lead to the development of osteochondrosis in the lumbar spine.
There are other reasons for the appearance of the disease:
- Congenital changes, loose disc structure.
- Stressful state.
- Infectious diseases in bone and cartilaginous tissues.
- Uncomfortable shoes.
- Back injury.
- Inflammation of the joints.
Lifestyle, profession, age are also important here. The maximum load on the spine occurs in the sitting position. Therefore, people who spend most of their time sitting are at risk.
These can be office workers, drivers. Low physical activity is also not the best way to affect the lumbar spine. As a result, the musculoskeletal system weakens.
The influence on the spine, and especially the lower back, plays an important role in lifting weights. This is due to professions such as loader, bricklayer, waiter or professional athlete, that is, people who constantly experience stress on their back.
Osteochondrosis can also occur during pregnancy in women. If there is a curvature of the spine, the increased pressure on the lumbar spine and uneven weight distribution also lead to the disease.
In the same way, it affects the appearance of osteochondrosis and flat feet. The arch of the foot loses its function and all the load when walking goes to the spine. Excess weight also plays a negative role. The disease can be a complication after osteomyelitis, tuberculosis.
Unfavorable factors in lumbar osteochondrosis are also improper sleep patterns, nutrition, disturbed metabolic processes in the body or diseases of internal organs:
- gastrointestinal tract and liver;
- small pelvis;
- Central Nervous System.
People of different ages are susceptible to the disease.
Lumbar osteochondrosis symptoms
One of the first manifestations is usually pain and discomfort in the lumbar spine. At the same time, it can be difficult to bend, twist, or bend the big toe. Sometimes there is a feeling of coldness or, conversely, a burning sensation in the back.
As a general rule, symptoms appear after physical exertion, hypothermia, or being in an uncomfortable position for a long time. They often disappear after a short break. In the acute phase, they can have the character of a lumbago and are aggravated by movement, coughing, sneezing.
Muscle spasm in the back does not allow a person to adopt a position, which will cause an increase in pain, this happens in a reflex way. In addition to these symptoms, there are the following signs:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Increased sweating
- Sleep disorders.
- Varicose veins
- Tingling sensation and pain in the extremities.
- Violation of tendon reflexes.
Due to spasms, the legs can freeze, as well as spike-shaped growth and a decrease in the height of the discs.
The sciatic nerve, which is made up of the sacral roots of the spinal cord, can also suffer from osteochondrosis of the lower back. This is manifested by pain radiating to the leg or swelling.
If the arteries or vessels are compressed, this is characterized by loss of sensation, but the pain is mild. They are located in the lumbar area, respond to the hips, buttocks. The pain syndrome also differs in the time of onset. Pain sensations usually appear in the morning, over time they can become permanent and not depend on movement.
Complications of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine.
The instability of the discs and the fact that they do not fix the spine causes a displacement of the lumbar spine. This also affects the work of the internal organs. Osteochondrosis is complicated by problems in the genitourinary system, a feeling of discomfort in the area of the kidneys.
In women, menstrual irregularities are possible with it, in men - problems in the genital area. Another symptom of the disease is dry, flaky skin in the affected areas.
If you do not deal with the treatment of osteochondrosis, it can lead to a spinal stroke and other unpleasant consequences. The bulging of the discs is possible when they are stretched and go beyond the limits of the vertebrae. Cartilage atrophy also manifests itself. During this period, the pain may go away due to the growth of bone tissue.
Spondyloarthrosis is sometimes isolated as a form of osteochondrosis, but more often it is considered a complication of it. With it, spike-shaped bony growths are formed on the spine. They are localized, the pain is present in the lumbar region and does not spread to other parts of the body.
Another consequence is the paresis of the foot. In the lower back, unpleasant sensations arise that spread to the area below the knee and beyond, causing ankle joint dysfunction. All of these can contribute to disability.
Diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine.
There are several types of studies that a doctor can prescribe for symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis:
- Plain X-ray (spondylography), showing the status of each separate vertebra, intervertebral discs, and bone canals.
- Myelography is a more complex type of diagnosis. To do this, a coloring liquid is injected into the spinal canal. Helps find spinal hernias.
- A similar procedure is discography, but with it, fluid is injected into the spinal disc.
- Pneumomyelography. Here, air is used instead of liquid.
Computed tomography can detect compression of the nerve roots, rupture of the contour of the disc. For more severe cases, an MRI may be prescribed.
Disease treatment methods
The main thing is to consult a doctor in time and take treatment seriously. To recover, you must make an effort and prevent relapse to participate in prevention. Lumbar therapy is a comprehensive approach. Here, the goal is not only to stop the development of the disease and relieve symptoms, but also to return the spine to the correct position.
The specialist usually prescribes drugs through analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs: NSAIDs, analgesics. Muscle relaxants are also used. They aim to eliminate spasms and discomfort derived from increased muscle tone.
Vasodilator drugs prevent congestion and improve blood circulation. Vitamins and minerals strengthen bones, ligaments, and tendons and help remove fluid from the body. They are often prescribed for older people.
Chondroprotectors are also used for treatment, which stop destructive processes in cartilage tissues and help regeneration. Medications are administered orally, by injection, or rectally.
Paravertebral blocks are used to quickly relieve pain when the drug is injected into the affected area. But doctors try not to use them often. The body gradually gets used to them and the effectiveness of the impact decreases. Also, with the blockage, the muscles can atrophy where the drug is injected.
The treatment complex also includes exercise therapy. Improves mobility of the spine and strengthens your muscles. Therapeutic exercises must be selected by a specialist, they are often prescribed after the relief of an acute condition. The load is gradually increased so as not to provoke an exacerbation. Also, gymnastics is used if the patient wore a corset for a long time.
An important part of the treatment is massage. It is aimed at relaxing, relieving pain and spasms. The procedure reduces muscle stiffness and has a good effect on lymphatic circulation in the tissues around the lumbar region.
Physiotherapeutic methods of treatment are also used. To get the desired effect, they must be done regularly. Exposure to ultraviolet rays, eliminates spasms, pain affects blood circulation. Laser therapy improves the condition of the spinal roots due to the influence of helium-neon emitters. Spinal stretching is also used, as well as the following methods:
- amplipulse;
- phonophoresis;
- diadynamic currents.
However, physiotherapy also has contraindications - these are oncological diseases, diseases of the central nervous system. The main task of all these measurements is to return the lumbar spine to the correct anatomical position. As a general rule, the course lasts an average of 2 to 3 months, but it all depends on the specific case.
Operations for osteochondrosis of the lower back
Surgery is usually used for complications, such as a hernia. A discectomy is performed, that is, the damaged disc is removed. Microsurgery and endoscopy are less traumatic for the patient and the risks of complications are minimal.
During such an intervention, special small diameter tube expanders are used. Because of this, the muscles and ligaments are not damaged. On average, the procedure takes about an hour.
The rehabilitation period takes less time than after a disctomy. But here the assistance of the patient is important, who must strictly follow all the prescriptions of the neurosurgeon.
Additional treatment and prevention measures
Correction of lifestyle and habits is the first step in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine. Rest and a gentle regimen are important in therapy. It is better to equip the bed with an orthopedic mattress and a pillow, it is good to put a special roller under the neck. Avoid being in one position for a long time, hypothermia. It is undesirable to get up abruptly.
Sometimes a special fixation corset is recommended. It keeps your back in the correct position, but not all experts approve of its long-term use. This can lead to muscle atrophy in the spine. Most often it is used during an exacerbation of the disease. Corset models are not universal, and in all cases only a doctor should select an accessory.
Along with treatment, it is important to follow a number of steps that a doctor may recommend. This is the normalization of weight, proper nutrition is useful here. It is better to eliminate heavy and fatty foods from the diet or reduce their consumption.
It is advisable for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine to refuse such products:
- Carbonated drinks.
- Salt and sugar.
- Coffee and spices.
- Alcohol.
It is good to introduce into the diet: sea fish, vegetable oils, dairy, vegetables, fruits and herbs. Jellied meat, gelatin, which includes gelatin, will be useful. It is best to steam your food.
Walking, swimming are also good for the spine, it will be helpful to monitor your posture. These are necessary measures after the end of the course of treatment to prevent the recurrence of osteochondrosis.
Folk remedies and alternative methods.
Ointments, compresses are made from plant materials to relieve pain and inflammation. It is often used to grind red pepper tincture. The liquid ointment can be prepared with mustard powder, camphor alcohol, and egg whites. It is applied at night.
They make compresses with honey and aloe or cabbage leaves, use them for this and a decoction of burdock leaves. Needle baths are helpful.
There are also alternative treatment options:
- hirudotherapy (use of leeches);
- manual and vacuum therapy;
- acupuncture.
All these funds are best used after consultation with the attending physician.
Self-medication or ignoring the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine can lead to more serious diseases of the spine. Therefore, you should not start an ailment, because the earlier you start treatment, the faster and easier it will be to solve the problem.