The development of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is manifested by pain in the back and legs, fatigue and poor posture. The causes of this pathology can be very diverse, so the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis should be carried out under the strict supervision of a doctor. In advanced cases, the disease leads to serious damage, due to which a person can become disabled. Degenerative disorder in this type of osteochondrosis is fixed at the level of vertebrae L1 S1, L2-L3, L3 S1 and in the area of the disc L5 S1.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is a dangerous disease of the musculoskeletal system that can lead to disability.
The main causes of damage to the lumbar vertebrae
Lumbar osteochondrosis is caused by the influence of such pathological factors on the body:
- uneven load on the spine;
- low physical activity, sedentary work;
- hard work associated with heavy loads;
- genetic predisposition, in which the pathology is diagnosed even in a child;
- flat feet;
- excess weight;
- infectious and inflammatory diseases.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
The degenerative process in the lumbar region causes sharp pain in the lower back in men and women, radiating into the leg along the location of the sciatic nerve.Signs of lumbar osteochondrosis do not manifest themselves for a long time, but in the 2-3 stage.In the later stages of the disease, the symptoms are disturbing when coughing, sneezing and little physical activity. Pathology also causes radicular syndrome:
- shooting, sharp pain occurs in the lumbar region;
- skin sensitivity is disturbed in the lower extremities;
- concern about muscle weakness;
- tingling in the legs and knee joint;
- sweating is impaired.
The main symptom of lumbar osteochondrosis is pain in the lower part of the spine.
Degenerative disease involves limited mobility, difficulty when trying to bend, and pain with minimal effort. If the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis is not started on time, serious consequences develop, including deformation of the intervertebral disc, protrusions and the appearance of a hernia. These disorders can only be treated surgically, because conservative therapy does not help.
Degrees of pathology
1st degree
The inner layer of the annulus fibrosus becomes covered with fissures through which the nucleus pulposus begins to emerge. As it passes outward, the nerve fibers are irritated. A person feels that his back hurts at the lumbar level with minimal loads. In stage 1, pain due to osteochondrosis is often stable, but lumbago can be distressing. Symptoms disappear after rest and then do not bother you for a long time.
2nd degree
When the 2nd period of pathology begins, the intervertebral space decreases, the nerve fibers are tightened more, the pain becomes severe, pseudospondylolisthesis and left-sided scoliosis develop. The fibrous ring is more actively destroyed. Osteochondrosis of the populus of the 2nd degree is characterized by pathological mobility of the spine. Due to the increased load, a person throws to the cold, and then to the heat. The symptoms become pronounced and cannot be ignored. The attacks are getting longer each time, and the pain cannot be relieved by the usual painkillers.
3rd degree
The course of osteochondrosis of the third degree of the lumbar region is characterized by increased pain, deformation of the spine and reactive growth of bone tissue. The annulus fibrosus ruptures and the nucleus pulposus leaves its confines, causing a hernia. If treatment is not started at stage 3 of development, there is a risk that the patient will become disabled.
4th degree
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine of the 4th degree will not allow a person to walk due to severe pain.
The spinal column is completely deformed, the pain in the legs and back becomes unbearable, and the person cannot move independently. If chondrosis is not treated in the 4th stage of development, disc protrusion occurs, which can only be treated surgically. After surgery, the patient's health is not always completely restored.
Diagnostics
When you are concerned about the signs of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, you must see a doctor. During the initial examination, the doctor will palpate the coccyx, the iliac crest area, and also determine the manifestation of the following syndromes:
- development of scoliosis, kyphosis and osteoarthritis;
- pain in certain points;
- inability to perform certain movements;
- the level of the location of the gluteal folds, which can be right or left.
An X-ray is taken that records the affected area. In the picture, the lumbar region looks deformed in advanced stages, protrusions are visible on the right or left side. For a more detailed diagnosis, CT or MRI is prescribed, thanks to which the doctor will get the results in the shortest possible time and choose the optimal treatment methods.
How is the treatment carried out?
Medicines and surgery
The choice of treatment method for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine depends on the degree of the disease.
Chronic lumbar osteochondrosis must be treated comprehensively. This means that self-medication is unacceptable. The treatment protocol must be determined by a doctor who will select the necessary drugs that have minimal side effects. The treatment regimen includes the use of:
- analgesics;
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- muscle relaxants.
First aid includes the application of injection blocks, which relieve pain, remove swelling and temperature of the affected area. The acute phase, in which the pain syndrome is pronounced, is treated with strong painkillers. Treatment with local agents - ointments, gels and creams - is recommended as an auxiliary therapy. If conservative treatment does not help or the disease is diagnosed in late stages, surgical therapy is prescribed. When hernias are formed, they are completely removed. Then the compression of nerve fibers and blood vessels is eliminated. If necessary, the affected vertebra is removed and an implant is placed in its place.
Massage and manual therapy
The course of therapeutic massage will help reduce pain and alleviate the symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis in women and men. Even children who suffer from this disorder undergo this therapy, but the basic condition is that the procedure must be performed by a trained chiropractor who is familiar with the diagnosis, otherwise complications may occur.
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Therapeutic exercises
Restorative gymnastics will help normalize blood circulation in the affected lumbar region and strengthen the muscles surrounding the spine. It is important to carefully perform movements with osteochondrosis, try not to overexert yourself. It is recommended that the first exercises are performed under the supervision of a trainer, who will help correct the movement at the right time if necessary.
Physiotherapy and acupuncture
One of the effective types of physiotherapeutic procedures is amplipulse, when modulated current pulses are sent to the affected areas. Thanks to this effect, it is possible to reduce inflammation, relieve swelling and reduce pain. Acupuncture has an equally pronounced effect: it relieves muscle tension, relieves symptoms and accelerates tissue regeneration.
If lumbar osteochondrosis is diagnosed, you cannot do without a gentle diet. It is recommended to enrich the menu with products containing calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc and folic acid. It is important to maintain a drinking regime and drink at least 6 spoons a day. water. You should give up bad habits and a sedentary lifestyle.
Dangerous consequences and their prevention
Prevention of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine includes exercise therapy, a healthy diet and giving up bad habits.
If the initial lumbar osteochondrosis is diagnosed in time, the disorder can be cured using drug therapy and performing special exercises. Otherwise, there is a risk of developing intervertebral hernias, sciatica, osteoarthritis, paresis and other spinal disorders that can lead to the patient's disability. In order for the treatment to be effective, it is important to consult a doctor in a timely manner. Stretching the spine, controlling posture, strengthening muscles and evenly distributing the load are recommended as preventive measures. In addition, you should exercise, watch your diet and drink at least 6-8 tbsp. of water per day. At the first symptoms, do not self-medicate, but go to the doctor and strictly adhere to the prescribed treatment regimen.