Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is a common pathological disease of the spine. There is degeneration of cartilage tissue into bone, degradation of the intervertebral discs. Reduced in size, the ossified annulus fibrosus cannot cope with the function of depreciating the vertebral segments, it 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 spine
- The main 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 annulus fibrosus, the intervertebral spaces are reduced, pain occurs when the nerve endings are pressed.
- 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 osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine. Considered severe, back pain interferes with movement.
Symptoms of the disease
The first call that signals the development of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is periodic ailments, back pain. Depending on the slope of the violation, the pain is shooting, aching pain, radiating pain in the leg, buttock, thigh.
It is characterized by ailments after a long stay in a horizontal position. A person cannot relax for some time after sleeping. In the lumbar region, pain of a different nature occurs: dull, aching, anesthesia of soft tissues due to violation of nerve endings. Running with osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine causes pain with possible foot dragging.
Often, with prolonged pinching of the nerve roots, the development of lumbosacral osteochondrosis, the work of internal organs is disturbed, anesthesia of the genitals, dysfunction of the genitourinary system occurs. A change in the position of the vertebral discs leads to a partial attack of the blood vessels, causes vascular dystonia, in which the blood does not flow in sufficient quantities to the lower part of the body, it does not circulate normally. The internal organs suffer, partial numbness of the limbs, convulsions are observed.
With sudden movements, there is a cough, pains in the back - 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 limbs weaken.
If you suspect a disease, the occurrence of repeated pain, it is recommended to consult a doctor for advice, diagnosis. It is dangerous to leave it, the disease progresses. Time lost due to a careless attitude to health plays against the patient.
Causes of the disease
A reliable cause of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is not known. The disease is formed with a combination of adverse factors that affect changes in bone and cartilage tissues. Internal factors affecting the premature aging of bone tissue:
- Disturbed function of the endocrine system.
- autoimmune disorders;
- Improper metabolism?
- Spinal microtrauma?
- Hormonal disorders;
- Dehydration of the body;
- Heredity.
External factors that influence the formation of the disease should be called the influence of the environment, physical activity, habits. Factors:
- Periodic overstrain of the back muscles.
- Lifting weights;
- Muscle hypotension?
- Spinal overload?
- Wrong attitude.
- Poor diet?
- Bad Habits;
- Stress.
Often osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine occurs in people engaged in a permanent type of work: salesmen, teachers, security guards.
At risk are professions that involve power loads: athletes, builders, loaders. A common form is sciatica, prolapse, displacement of the intervertebral discs. The sedentary work of office workers, civil servants, programmers, drivers leads to weakness of the back muscles. The task of maintaining an upright position falls on the spine, there are changes in posture, pinching of nerve tissues, blood vessels and numbness of the extremities.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
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 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 medication, physical strengthening exercises, wellness procedures and diet. Surgery is justified in the last stages of modification in the spine. Drug treatment includes the use of ointments, injections, patches, tablets. The dosage, the course of treatment depends individually on the condition of the patient, the 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, tissue inflammation decreases.
- Medicines that relieve symptoms are analgesics.
- Antispasmodic drugs act for a short time, relaxing the muscle fibers located around the focus of pain.
- Medicines that enhance microcirculation, increase blood flow to the organs, providing them with oxygen and essential substances.
- Diuretics to relieve swelling, pressure in the spine area.
- To restore cartilage tissue, his diet uses two branches of drugs:
- Cartilage protectors - 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 tissue, nourishes the discs with essential substances.
- The main drug treatment is prescribed after the patient undergoes an MRI, determining the cause of the disease.
The listed appointments are short-term measures, they do not affect the course of the disease, they relieve the patient's condition. To get rid of the disease, 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, ultrasonic waves, laser therapy.
Among physiotherapy exercises, yoga is in demand for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine. Simple postures and stretches relieve muscle tension and strengthen them. Independent sports without proper training, trainers insurance can be seriously damaged.
How to protect yourself from osteochondrosis?
Prevention of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine consists of regular back muscle training, an active lifestyle and a proper balanced diet. The load on the lumbar spine must be uniform. Using a hard mattress while sleeping reduces the chances of getting sick. Regular, annual visits to the doctor after age 40 will provide early diagnosis and reveal a predisposition.