Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is a common pathological disease of the spine. There is degeneration of cartilaginous tissue into bone, degradation of the intervertebral disc. Reduced in size, the ossified annulus fibrosus cannot support the function of the depreciation of the vertebral section, producing 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 discomfort in the lower back.
- The second stage is characterized by the protrusion of the disc: the destruction of the fibrous ring, the intervertebral gap decreases, 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 its contents leak out. An intervertebral hernia is formed.
- The fourth stage is acute lumbar osteochondrosis. It is considered severe, back pain that interferes with movement.
Disease symptoms
The first call that signals the development of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is a periodic disease, back pain. Depending on the slope of the violation, the pain is shooting, aching pain, pain that radiates to the legs, buttocks, thighs.
Characterized by illness after a long stay in a horizontal position. One should not bend for some time after sleeping. In the lumbar region, different pains occur: dullness, pain, insensitivity of soft tissues due to violation of nerve endings. Running with lumbar osteochondrosis gives pain with the possibility of dragging the legs.
Often, with prolonged pinching of nerve roots, the development of lumbosacral osteochondrosis, the work of internal organs is disturbed, insensitivity of genital organs, dysfunction of the genitourinary system occurs. A change in the position of the vertebral disc leads to a partial violation of blood vessels, causing vascular dystonia, where blood does not flow in sufficient quantity to the lower part of the body, does not circulate normally. Internal organs suffer, partial numbness of limbs, convulsions are observed.
With sudden movements, coughing, back pain is observed - a sharp, quickly disappearing pain, comparable to an electric shock. With the development of the disease in the lumbar region, the reflex function of the tendons of the lower leg weakens.
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 develops. Time lost due to careless attitude towards health plays against the patient.
Cause of disease
The reliable cause of lumbar osteochondrosis is unknown. This disease is formed by a combination of adverse factors that affect changes in bone tissue and cartilage. Internal factors that affect the premature aging of bone tissue:
- Disturbed function of the endocrine system;
- autoimmune disorders;
- Improper metabolism;
- Spinal microtrauma;
- Hormonal disorders;
- Dehydration of the body;
- Ancestry.
External factors that influence the formation of the disease should be called the influence of the environment, physical activity, habits. Factor:
- Periodic overstrain of the back muscles;
- Weight lifting;
- Hypotension of muscles;
- Spinal load;
- Incorrect posture;
- Poor nutrition;
- Bad habits;
- Pressure.
Most often, lumbar osteochondrosis occurs in people engaged in standing work: salesmen, teachers, security guards.
Risky are professions that involve power loads: athletes, builders, loaders. Common forms are sciatica, prolapse, intervertebral disc displacement. 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 nerve tissue, blood vessels, and numbness in the legs.
Treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis
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 sensation that has arisen. It can be appendicitis, biliary colic, other diseases with the main symptoms similar to lumbar osteochondrosis.
Depending on the level of development of the disease, the syndrome, the doctor prescribes treatment consisting of drug treatment, physical strengthening exercises, health procedures, and diet. Surgical intervention is allowed at the last stage of modification in the spine. Drug treatment involves the use of ointments, injections, patches, tablets. Dosage, course of treatment depends individually on the condition of the patient, neglect of the disease.
- The initial task in the treatment of osteochondrosis is to relieve acute pain, reduce tension, muscle spasms. apply for:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the form of injections, tablets. After taking the pain decreases, tissue inflammation decreases.
- Medicines that relieve symptoms are analgesics.
- Antispasmodic drugs act for a short time, relaxing local muscle fibers around the focus of pain.
- Medicines that improve microcirculation, increase blood flow to the organs, supply them with oxygen and vital substances.
- Diuretic to relieve swelling, pressure on the spinal area.
- To restore cartilage tissue, his diet uses two branches of medicine:
- Chondroprotectors - ointments, tablets, injections containing enzymes that promote the regeneration of cartilage tissue. Apply a long course of up to six months with a break of 2-3 months.
- The vitamin complex accelerates the recovery of cartilage tissue, nourishing the disc 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 this disease, painkillers, only symptomatic drugs are very necessary. We need a smart 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 fields, ultrasonic waves, laser treatment.
Among physiotherapy exercises, yoga is in demand for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine. Simple postures, stretches relieve tension from muscles, strengthen them. Free sports without proper training, instructor insurance can seriously harm.
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 must be uniform. Using a hard mattress while sleeping reduces the chance of getting sick. Regular annual visits to the doctor after the age of 40 will provide an early diagnosis and reveal tendencies.