During the course of the disease in question, the shape and flexibility of the intervertebral discs are lost: their progressive deformation occurs. The distance between the vertebrae decreases, leading to pinched nerves and pain. Of all parts of the spine, the lumbosacral part is most often susceptible to these pathological changes.
Causes and signs of lumbar osteochondrosis - how does the disease manifest?
The disease in question occurs due to inadequate distribution of the load on the spine. This is the main reason for the diagnosis of lumbar osteochondrosis. Many factors can provoke the appearance and development of this disease.
- Passive lifestyle. This includes people who lead a predominantly sedentary lifestyle. When sitting, the corset muscles relax, which increases the load on the lumbar spine.
- Inflammatory phenomena localized in the joints of the spine.
- Errors in the functioning of the endocrine system, hormonal imbalance.
- Serious infectious diseases affecting bones and joints (tuberculosis, osteomyelitis).
- Dysfunctions of the gastrointestinal tract and heart.
- A lifestyle associated with heavy physical work (loaders, weightlifters, construction workers).
- Uneven posture, inappropriate walking.
- Poor density of cartilage tissue (hereditary factor).
- Congenital pathologies associated with the structure of the spine/skeleton. Deviations in the functioning of the musculoskeletal system.
- Obesity.
- Unbalanced work and rest regime.
- Age. In men, after reaching the age of 50, the intervertebral discs become less elastic and inactive.
- Chemical poisoning.
- Flat foot. With correct foot structure, the load is absorbed during walking. In case of flat foot, the intervertebral discs receive the maximum load, which leads to their deformation and destruction.
- Back injury.
The signs of the disease in question are divided into three groups. Reflex signs (pain). They have several manifestations:
- Lumbago. Occurs as a result of a sudden movement (high jump, running, coughing). This pain is paroxysmal in nature (lumbago). During this attack, the patient leans his torso forward and remains in this position for a certain time: attempts to straighten cause a new wave of pain. Lumbago occurs as a result of pinched nerve roots.
- Lumbodynia. The pain that occurs in the lumbar region is increasingly intense. Initially, the patient feels some discomfort, which can progress to intense and regular pain. The cause of lumbodynia can be a sedentary lifestyle and excessive physical activity. Lumbodynia can develop against the background of lumbago.
- Sciatica. Painful sensations travel along the sciatic nerve. The main location is in the lower limbs. This phenomenon occurs when the nerve roots in the spinal cord are pinched. If motor fibers are involved in the destructive process, the patient experiences muscle spasms and muscle weakness. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to muscle atrophy in the future.
Radicular syndrome. Characterized by the following manifestations:
- the skin of the legs periodically loses its sensitivity;
- the patient complains of shooting pain in the lumbar region;
- disturbances occur in the sweat system.
Radicular-vascular signs. They occur against the background of compression of blood vessels. The following complaints are noted in the patient:
- heat/cold in the lower limbs;
- mild tingling/increasing pain in feet;
- swelling (when the veins are compressed).
Lack of adequate treatment can cause a stroke, which can lead to partial/complete paralysis of the lower extremities, as well as serious dysfunction of the pelvic organs. Lumbar osteochondrosis negatively affects the structure of the vertebrae: over time, they can shift. This violation can cause a number of negative phenomena.
- Malfunctions in the functioning of internal organs and the genitourinary system.
- Frequent fatigue.
- Weakness.
- Irritability.
Symptoms of lumbosacral osteochondrosis depending on the degree - how is the disease diagnosed?
Based on the set and strength of manifestation of clinical signs, the disease in question is divided into several degrees. The first is initial, the second degree is mild, the third is severe.
1st degree lumbar osteochondrosis.
Characterized by the main symptoms:
- Lumbago (lumbago), which occurs due to a tear in the disc (intervertebral) capsule.
- Swelling of tissues.
- Muscle spasm.
- Regular pain.
With lumbar osteochondrosis grade 1, the patient may experience additional symptoms caused by compression of blood vessels and nerve roots.
- Imitation of disorders associated with the functioning of the kidneys and gastrointestinal tract.
- Periodic abdominal pain that occurs against the background of spasms of the abdominal muscles.
2nd degree lumbar osteochondrosis.
This degree of lumbar osteochondrosis is also characterized by the following manifestations:
- Regular pain (lumbodynia). The location of the pain, which can vary in intensity, is the lower back.
- Non-standard mobility in the joints of the spine. A tight bandage of the lower back can briefly improve the patient's general condition and reduce pain.
- Malfunctions (not always) of internal organs. In some cases, a patient suffering from lumbar osteochondrosis may suffer from bronchial asthma and errors in the functioning of the biliary / urinary tract.
- Pain in the lower limbs that goes towards the sciatic nerve.
Third degree lumbar osteochondrosis.
At this degree of the disease, surgical treatment is necessary, otherwise paralysis and death may occur. The 3rd degree of lumbar osteochondrosis has its peculiarities.
- Spinal deformities: curvature to the right/left (scoliosis); arching forward (lordosis), arching the lumbar spine (kyphosis).
- Constant, intense, acute pain, which is felt with the slightest physical activity (change of position, coughing, sneezing).
- Swelling of muscle tissues, ligaments.
- Periodic/regular absence of sensation in the lower part of the body (lower back, legs, feet).
- Dysfunctions of the genitourinary system.
Methods for treating lumbar osteochondrosis
The choice of tactics for treating the disease in question will depend on the degree of osteochondrosis, the presence of additional diseases, the general condition of the patient and other factors that will necessarily be taken into account by the attending physician.
There are 2 important points that guide any doctor when prescribing treatment.
- To eliminate osteochondrosis of the lumbar region, an integrated approach is necessary.
- Treatment measures (intensity, duration) will be determined by the level of neglect of the pathology in question.
Drug treatment of lumbosacral osteochondrosis - effective drugs
Every year, scientists develop new drugs that help relieve the symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis. The list of medications given below is not a standard, it may change. However, to combat the manifestations of this disease, doctors often use certain medications.
- Chondroprotectors. They stop the destructive processes of the cartilaginous tissues of the spine that occur at the initial stage of the disease.
- Anti-inflammatory drugs (non-steroidal). Used for the treatment of lumbosacral osteochondrosis of the 2nd degree. This group of drugs can be used in the form of injections (intramuscular), tablets, ointments, rectal suppositories, capsules and solutions. In case of exacerbation of the disease, the patient may be prescribed injections (16 mg / day)
- Muscle relaxers. Helps eliminate discomfort caused by increased muscle tone.
- Vasodilators. Helps improve blood circulation, prevent stagnation and minimize the risk of infection in the body.
- Local anesthetics. In case of intense and constant pain, the anesthesiologist performs a blockade. A solution is injected into the painful area using a special needle. The pain disappears immediately and does not bother you for several weeks. Such a blockade should be used only in extreme cases: it leads to many negative consequences.
- Vitamin and mineral complexes. Often prescribed to elderly patients, to increase the strength of tendons and ligaments.
Massage for lumbar osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral region
This method of treatment will be useful in the subacute stage of the disease in question. Thanks to massage, it is possible to eliminate pain, get rid of tension and muscle hardness.
The massage should be performed on a healthy (unaffected! ) area. During the procedure, the patient is placed on a flat, hard couch on their stomach. Place a pillow/cushion under your stomach. It is also necessary to ensure that the patient's legs are raised (45 degrees). The forehead should rest against a hard surface.
To perform a massage, it is preferable to use special products (oils, creams, lotions) with warming properties, or to carry out the session immediately after thermal procedures (bath, sauna). There are many massage techniques available today, let's highlight the main ones:
- Caress. There are several types of strokes: hook-shaped, transverse flat, fan-shaped, ending in symmetrical strokes at the level of the sternum muscles.
- Pressing. Performed in combination with stroking. This massage technique ensures muscle stretching.
- Kneading.
- Tremor.
- Trituration. Often used to improve the function of tendons, ligaments and joints.
- One-time impact. Not all massage therapists are able to perform the procedure using acupressure technique.
Therapeutic gymnastics or exercise therapy for lumbar osteochondrosis - a set of exercises for the lumbosacral spine on video.
The set of physical exercises used to diagnose lumbar osteochondrosis should help increase mobility in the lumbar region.
Therapeutic gymnastics will not be effective if the exercises are performed occasionally. The main principle of exercise therapy is regularity. Constantly performing a certain set of exercises will help eliminate destructive processes in the intervertebral joints. It is prohibited to carry out exercise therapy in the presence of acute pain. In case of severe pain, doctors recommend bed rest and wearing special corsets. When the pain subsides, you can try therapeutic exercises.
Physiotherapy for lumbar osteochondrosis
This method of conservative treatment is one of the most effective. However, to achieve the desired result, you need to spend a lot of time. Using several types of physiotherapy at the same time can speed up recovery. This method of treatment has many contraindications that cannot be ignored. Physiotherapy is often prescribed to children, pregnant women, nursing mothers and elderly patients.
It is prohibited to resort to physiotherapy in the following cases:
- cancer;
- acute stages of osteochondrosis;
- severe disturbances in the functioning of the central nervous system;
- injury to the area where physiotherapy is to be carried out.
Today, a number of physiotherapeutic procedures have become popular in the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis.
- Ultraviolet radiation. The pathological area is exposed to heat, which helps to improve blood supply, eliminate spasms and eliminate pain.
- Magnetotherapy, electrophoresis. The application of the method involves exposing the painful area of the spine to a magnetic/electric field. Thanks to this effect, it is possible to establish the body's metabolic processes, eliminate (totally/partially) inflammatory phenomena and accelerate recovery.
- Laser therapy. The condition of the affected spinal roots is significantly improved due to the influence of helium-neon emitters on them.
- Balneotherapy. The main component used to carry out the physical procedure in question is therapeutic mud and mineral waters.
- Tension therapy (mechanical stretching of the spine). Useful for severe back pain.
Folk remedies for lumbar osteochondrosis
This method of treatment involves the use of ointments, rubs and compresses containing medicinal plants. Such remedies help reduce inflammation and eliminate pain. It is advisable to use folk remedies in the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis with caution: an allergic reaction may occur/develop.
Often, in the fight against the disease, frictions and compresses are used:
- Red pepper tincture: for rubbing painful areas of the lower back. To prepare the medicine, you need to mix 1 tbsp. vodka (diluted medical alcohol), 20-25 gr. dry ground red pepper. It is necessary to infuse (stirring occasionally) these ingredients for 5-7 days.
- Camphor and mustard: rub daily before going to bed. To prepare the product, mix mustard powder (50 g), camphor alcohol (50 ml), medical alcohol (90-100 ml), beaten egg whites (3 pcs. ). After mixing well, you should get a liquid ointment.
- Honey and aloe: for compresses on the lower back (twice a day). To prepare this product, you need to use honey (100 ml), diluted medical alcohol (150 ml), aloe juice (50 ml). Before use, this mixture must sit for 10 to 12 hours.
- Horseradish root and alcohol: to rub the affected area of the back. To prepare this product, mix horseradish root juice and medical alcohol in equal proportions. After scrubbing, wrap the treated area.
- Garlic juice and pork fat (1: 2): to rub painful areas of the lower back.
- Cabbage leaf peeled from the thick veins: for compresses. Before application, the cabbage leaf must be immersed in hot water (no more than 60 °C). You can attach the sheet to your lower back using a bandage/gauze. After changing the color of the leaves, the procedure can be repeated.
Prevention of lumbar osteochondrosis
Prevention of the disease in question involves a whole range of measures.
Adequate nutrition. The diet should be balanced and low in calories. It is not recommended to have meals more than 6 times a day. Certain foods should predominate in your daily diet.
- Fish (sea).
- Vegetable fats (olive, linseed oil).
- Dairy products with minimal coloring and sugar content.
- Dishes containing gelatin (jellied meat, jelly).
- Animal cartilage (can be used to prepare starters).
- Fresh fruits, vegetables.
- Greenery.
- Mineral water.
Taking vitamin and mineral complexes (1-2 times a year) will be useful.
Active lifestyle
- Swimming.
- Daily walks.
- Gymnastic exercises (also suitable for pregnant women).
Perform simple physical exercises (15 to 20 minutes per day) aimed at strengthening the back muscles.
Lumbar osteochondrosis can progress from acute to chronic stage, which involves annual expenses for massages, analgesic injections and warming ointments. If you don't deal with all of this, the consequences can be very sad, even paralysis or death!