Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is a common pathological disease of the spine. There is a degeneration of cartilaginous tissue into bone, degradation of the intervertebral discs. Reduced in size, the ossified annulus fibrosus cannot cope with the function of depreciation 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 osteochondrosis of the lumbar
- The primary sign of the development of osteochondrosis is a feeling of discomfort in the lower back.
- The second stage is characterized by protrusion of the discs: the destruction of the fibrous ring, the intervertebral gaps decrease, pain occurs when the nerve endings are pinched.
- At 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 is formed.
- The fourth stage is acute osteochondrosis of the lumbar. It is considered severe, back pain interferes with movement.
Symptoms of the disease
The first call signaling the development of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is periodic ailments, back pain. Depending on the slope of the infringement, the pain is with shooting, aching pain, pain that radiates to the leg, buttock, thigh.
Characterized by ailments after a long stay in a horizontal position. A person cannot unbend for some time after sleep. In the lumbar region, pain of a different nature occurs: dull, aching, insensitivity of soft tissues due to infringement of nerve endings. Running with osteochondrosis of the lumbar delivers pain with possible leg dragging.
Often, with prolonged pinching of the nerve roots, the development of lumbosacral osteochondrosis, the work of internal organs is disrupted, insensitivity of the genital organs, dysfunction of the genitourinary system occurs. A change in the position of the vertebral discs leads to a partial infringement of the blood vessels, causes vascular dystonia, in which blood does not flow in sufficient quantities to the lower body, does not circulate normally. Internal organs suffer, partial numbness of the limbs, convulsions are observed.
With sudden movements, coughing, backaches are 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, the appearance of repeated pain, it is recommended to consult a doctor for advice, diagnosis. It is dangerous to let it go, the disease progresses. Time lost due to negligent attitude to health plays against the patient.
Causes of the disease
A reliable cause of osteochondrosis of the lumbar is not known. The disease is formed with a combination of adverse factors affecting changes in bone and cartilage tissues. 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 overexertion of the back muscles;
- Weight lifting;
- Muscle hypotension;
- Spinal overload;
- Incorrect posture;
- Poor nutrition;
- Bad habits;
- Stress.
Often osteochondrosis of the lumbar occurs in people engaged in a standing type of work: sellers, teachers, security guards.
At risk are professions that involve power loads: 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 work of maintaining an upright position falls on the spine, changes in posture occur, pinching of nerve tissues, blood vessels, and numbness of the extremities.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar
In case of acute pain in the lumbar region, it is recommended to contact a medical institution for a complete 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 progression of the disease, the syndrome, the doctor prescribes a treatment consisting of drug treatment, physical strengthening exercises, wellness procedures, and diet. Surgical intervention is justified in the last stages of modification in the spine. 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 spasm. Apply:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the form of injections, tablets. After taking the pain subsides, inflammation of the tissues decreases.
- Drugs that relieve symptoms are analgesics.
- Antispasmodic drugs act for a short time, relax the muscle fibers localized around the focus of pain.
- Medicines that enhance microcirculation, increase blood flow to organs, providing them with oxygen and essential substances.
- Diuretics to relieve swelling, pressure on the spine area.
- 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, nourishes the discs with essential substances.
- The main drug treatment is prescribed after the patient undergoes 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 alleviate the patient's condition. To get rid of the disease, painkillers alone, symptomatic drugs are indispensable. 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, ultrasonic waves, laser treatment.
Among physiotherapy exercises, yoga is in demand for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine. Simple postures, stretching relieve tension from the muscles, strengthen them. Independent sports without proper training, instructor insurance can seriously harm.
How to protect yourself from osteochondrosis?
Prevention of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine consists in regular training of the back muscles, an active lifestyle, and a proper balanced diet. The load on the lumbar must be uniform. Using a hard mattress while sleeping reduces the chances of getting sick. Regular, annual visits to the doctor after the age of 40 will provide early diagnosis and reveal a predisposition.