Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is a common pathological disease of the spine. Degeneration of cartilage tissue into bone, degradation of intervertebral discs occurs. Reduced in size, the ossified annulus fibrosus cannot cope with the function of depreciation of the vertebral parts, it creates pressure on the nerve endings of the spinal cord, which causes pain in the lower back.
Stages of development of lumbar osteochondrosis
- The primary 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 is formed.
- The fourth stage is acute lumbar osteochondrosis. Considered severe, back pain hinders movement.
Symptoms of the disease
The first call that signals the development of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is periodic complaints, back pain. Depending on the slope of the injury, the pain is with shooting, pain, pain that spreads to the leg, buttock, thigh.
It is characterized by discomfort after a long stay in a horizontal position. A person cannot relax for some time after sleeping. Pain of a different nature occurs in the lumbar region: dull, aching, insensitivity of soft tissues due to injury to nerve endings. Running with lumbar osteochondrosis brings pain with possible pulling 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 genital organs, dysfunction of the genitourinary system occurs. A change in the position of the vertebral discs leads to partial damage to blood vessels, causing vascular dystonia, in which blood does not flow in sufficient quantity to the lower part of the body, it does not circulate normally. Internal organs suffer, partial numbness of limbs, convulsions are observed.
With sudden movements, coughing, back pain is observed - a sharp pain that quickly disappears, 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 occurrence of repeated pain, it is recommended to consult a doctor for advice and diagnosis. It is dangerous to let it go, the disease progresses. Time lost due to a careless attitude towards health plays against the patient.
Causes of disease
The reliable cause of lumbar osteochondrosis is not known. The disease is caused by a combination of harmful factors that affect changes in bone and cartilage tissue. Internal factors that affect premature aging of bone tissue:
- Disrupted function of the endocrine system;
- autoimmune disorders;
- Irregular metabolism;
- Microtrauma of the spine;
- Hormonal disorders;
- Dehydration of the body;
- Heredity.
External factors that influence the onset of the disease should be called the influence of the environment, physical activity, habits. Factors:
- Periodic overstrain of the back muscles;
- Weight lifting;
- Muscular hypotension;
- Spinal overload;
- Improper posture;
- Poor nutrition;
- Bad habits;
- Stress.
Lumbar osteochondrosis often occurs in people who do standing work: salespeople, teachers, security guards.
Professions that involve heavy loads are at risk: athletes, builders, loaders. A common form is sciatica, prolapse, displacement of intervertebral discs. The 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, there are changes in posture, pinching of nerve tissues, blood vessels, 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 complete examination, in order to determine the cause of the sensations. It can be appendicitis, 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 therapy, physical strengthening exercises, wellness procedures and a diet. Surgical intervention is justified in the last stages of modification on the spine. Drug treatment includes the use of ointments, injections, plasters, 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 the relief of acute pain, reduction of tension, muscle spasm. Apply:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the form of injections, tablets. After taking it, pain subsides, tissue inflammation decreases.
- Medicines that relieve symptoms are analgesics.
- Antispasmodic drugs act for a short time, relaxing muscle fibers localized around the focus of pain.
- Medicines that promote microcirculation, increase the flow of blood to the organs, giving them oxygen and essential substances.
- Diuretics to relieve swelling, pressure on the spine.
- To restore cartilage tissue, his diet uses two branches of medicine:
- Chondroprotectors - ointments, tablets, injections containing enzymes that stimulate cartilage tissue regeneration. Apply a long course of up to six months with breaks of 2-3 months.
- The vitamin complex accelerates the regeneration of cartilage tissue, nourishes the discs with essential substances.
- The main drug treatment is prescribed after the patient undergoes MRI, identifying the cause of the disease.
The mentioned terms are short-term measures, they do not affect the course of the disease, they make the patient's condition easier. To get rid of the disease, only painkillers, symptomatic drugs are necessary. 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, ultrasound waves, laser treatment.
Among the physiotherapy exercises, yoga is sought after in osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine. Simple positions, stretching relieve tension from muscles, strengthen them. Independent sports without proper training, instructor insurance can seriously damage.
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 part must be uniform. Using a firm mattress while sleeping reduces the chances of getting sick. Regular annual visits to the doctor after the age of 40 will enable early diagnosis and reveal a predisposition.