The lumbar spine is most sensitive to stress because it is affected by total body weight. Moreover, it is very mobile.
If the spinal corset is not sufficiently developed, then the pressure on the intervertebral discs increases several times. Namely, they are responsible for the mobility and flexibility of the back.
Thus, low back osteochondrosis, which occurs for various reasons, is a fairly common disease of the musculoskeletal system.
It develops gradually and the person may simply not pay attention to their first signs. However, serious treatment is needed.
As the disease progresses and causes
In the lower back, the sacrum and thoracic spine are connected. There are many factors that cause lumbar osteochondrosis. The main thing is considered to be irregular and excessive load on the back.
In the process of the disease, glycoproteins are broken down, they affect the connective tissue of the joints and make it elastic. It affects the bone and cartilage structure of the spine.
Intervertebral discs contain a gel-like substance that dries out with lumbar disease. They are exhausted and then become flat. Due to that, the spine loses its amortization function, the segments come closer, and the nerve roots and blood vessels are constricted.
At the same time, the fibrous ring breaks, and in some cases can rupture, leading to the formation of a hernia. All this causes swelling, pain in the lower back.
The muscular frame protects the spine from negative influences and is responsible for proper posture. Problems with it can also lead to the development of osteochondrosis in the lumbar spine.
There are other reasons for the disease:
- Congenital changes, loose disc structure.
- Stress.
- Infectious diseases in bone and cartilage tissue.
- Inappropriate shoes.
- Back injury.
- Inflammation of the joints.
Lifestyle, profession, age are also important here. The maximum load on the spine occurs in a sitting position. Therefore, people who spend most of their time in a sitting position are in danger.
These can be office workers, drivers. Low physical activity is also not the best way to affect the lumbar spine. As a result, the musculoskeletal system becomes weaker.
A significant role is played by the impact on the spine, and especially the lower back, lifting weights. This is due to professions such as loaders, construction workers, waiters or professional athletes, or people who are constantly experiencing stress on their backs.
Osteochondrosis can also occur during pregnancy in women. If there is a curvature of the spine, increased pressure on the lumbar spine and uneven weight distribution also leads to disease.
It affects the appearance of osteochondrosis and flat feet in the same way. The arch of the foot loses its function, and all the load goes to the spinal column when walking. Being overweight also plays a negative role. The disease can be a complication after osteomyelitis, tuberculosis.
Adverse factors of lumbar osteochondrosis are also improper sleep, diet, disturbed metabolic processes in the body or diseases of internal organs:
- gastrointestinal tract and liver;
- small pelvis;
- central nervous system.
People of different ages are susceptible to the disease.
Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
One of the first manifestations is usually pain and discomfort in the lumbar spine. At the same time, it can be difficult to bend, turn, bend the big toe. Sometimes you feel cold or, conversely, a burning sensation in the back.
Symptoms usually appear after physical exertion, hypothermia or a long time in an awkward position. They often leave after a short break. In the acute phase, they can have the character of lumbago and worsen with movement, coughing, sneezing.
Muscle spasm in the back does not allow a person to take a position, which will lead to increased pain, it happens reflexively. In addition to these symptoms, there are the following signs:
- Fatigue and weakness.
- Increased sweating.
- Sleep disorders.
- Varicose veins.
- Tingling and pain in the limbs.
- Violation of tendon reflexes.
Due to cramps, the legs can freeze, as well as beak growth and reduced disc height.
The sciatic nerve, which makes up the sacral roots of the spinal cord, can also suffer from osteochondrosis of the lower back. This is manifested by pain radiating to the leg or swelling.
If the arteries or veins are constricted, it is characterized by a loss of sensitivity, but the pain is mild. They are localized in the lower back, reacting in the hips, buttocks. The pain syndrome also differs in the time of onset. Painful feelings usually occur in the morning, over time they can become permanent and not depend on movement.
Complications of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
Disc instability and the fact that they do not fix the spine leads to a displacement of the lumbar spine. It also affects the work of internal organs. Osteochondrosis is complicated by problems in the genitourinary system, a feeling of discomfort in the kidney area.
In women, menstrual irregularities are possible with it, in men, problems in the genital area. Another symptom of the disease is dandruff and dry skin on the affected areas.
If you do not treat osteochondrosis, it can lead to stroke and other unpleasant consequences. Dislocation of the discs is possible when the vertebrae extend and cross the boundaries. Cartilage atrophy is also manifested. During this period, the pain may subside due to the growth of bone tissue.
Spondyloarthritis is sometimes isolated as a form of osteochondrosis, but is more often considered a complication. It creates growths on the spine that look like bone spikes. They are localized, the pain is present in the lumbar region and does not spread to other parts of the body.
Another consequence is paresis of the feet. In the lower back, uncomfortable sensations occur that spread to the area below the knee and beyond, causing joint dysfunction. All of this can contribute to disability.
Diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
There are several types of studies that a doctor may prescribe for the symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis:
- A simple X-ray (spondylography), which shows the condition of each vertebra separately, intervertebral discs and bone canals.
- Myelography is a more complex type of diagnosis. To do this, a coloring liquid is injected into the spinal canal. It helps to find a herniated spine.
- A similar procedure is discography, but with it, fluid is injected into the spinal disc.
- Pneumomyelography. Air is used here instead of liquid.
Computed tomography can detect compression of the nerve roots, rupture of the disc contour. For more serious cases, an MRI may be prescribed.
Methods of treating the disease
The main thing is to consult a doctor in time and take treatment seriously. To recover, you need to make an effort and prevent relapse to get involved in prevention. Lumbar therapy is a comprehensive approach. The goal here is not only to stop the development of the disease and alleviate the symptoms, but also to return the spine to the correct position.
The specialist usually prescribes medications using painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs: NSAIDs, analgesics. Muscle relaxants are also used. They are aimed at eliminating cramps and discomfort resulting from increased muscle tone.
Vasodilator drugs prevent congestion and improve blood circulation. Vitamins and minerals give strength to bones, ligaments and tendons and help remove fluid from the body. They are often prescribed to older people.
Chondroprotectors are also used for treatment, which stop destructive processes in cartilage tissues and help regeneration. The drugs are given orally, by injection or rectally.
Paravertebral blocks are used to quickly relieve pain when the drug is injected into the affected area. But doctors try not to use them often. The body gradually gets used to them and the efficiency of the blow decreases. In addition, by blocking the muscles can atrophy at the injection site of the drug.
The treatment complex also includes exercise therapy. It improves the mobility of the spine and strengthens its muscles. Therapeutic exercises should be chosen by a specialist, they are often prescribed after alleviating the acute condition. The load is gradually increased so as not to cause deterioration. Also, gymnastics is used if the patient has been wearing a corset for a long time.
An important part of the treatment is massage. It is intended for relaxation, relieving pain and cramps. The procedure reduces muscle stiffness and has a good effect on lymph circulation in the tissues around the lumbar region.
Physiotherapeutic treatment methods are also used. In order to achieve the desired effect, they must be performed regularly. Exposure to ultraviolet rays, removes cramps, pain affects blood circulation. Laser therapy improves the condition of the spinal root due to the influence of helium-neon emitters. Spine stretching is also used, as well as the following methods:
- amplipulse;
- phonophoresis;
- diadynamic currents.
However, physiotherapy also has contraindications - these are oncological diseases, diseases of the central nervous system. The main task of all these measures is to return the lumbar spine to the correct anatomical position. The course usually lasts an average of 2-3 months, but it all depends on the case.
Surgery for osteochondrosis of the lower back
Surgery is usually used for complications, such as hernias. A discectomy is performed, ie the damaged disc is removed. Microsurgery and endoscopy are less traumatic for the patient, and the risks of complications are minimal.
During such an intervention, special small-diameter tubular expanders are used. Therefore, the muscles and ligaments are not damaged. On average, the procedure takes about an hour.
The rehabilitation period lasts shorter than after the dysctomy. But here it is important to help the patient who must strictly adhere to all the regulations of the neurosurgeon.
Additional treatment and prevention measures
Correction of lifestyle and habits is the first step in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine. Rest and a gentle regimen are important in therapy. It is better to equip the bed with an orthopedic mattress and pillow, it is good to put a special roller under the door. Avoid being in one position for a long time, hypothermia. It is undesirable to get up abruptly.
Sometimes a special corset is recommended for fixing. He keeps his back in the correct position, but not all experts approve of his long-term wearing. This can lead to atrophy of the spinal muscles. It is most often used during the worsening of the disease. Corset models are not universal and in any case only a doctor should choose the accessories.
In addition to treatment, it is important to follow a number of measures that your doctor may recommend. This is weight normalization, proper nutrition is useful here. It is better to eliminate heavy and fatty foods from the diet or reduce its consumption.
It is recommended to refuse such products for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine:
- Carbonated drinks.
- Salt and sugar.
- Coffee and spices.
- Alcohol.
It is good to introduce into the diet: sea fish, vegetable oils, dairy products, vegetables, fruits and herbs. It will be useful jelly meat, jelly, which includes gelatin. It is best to steam food.
Walking, swimming are also good for the spine, it would be useful to monitor your posture. These are necessary measures after the end of treatment to prevent recurrence of osteochondrosis.
Folk remedies and alternative methods
Ointments, compresses are made of herbal materials to relieve pain and inflammation. It is often used to grind red pepper tincture. Liquid ointment can be made from mustard powder, camphor alcohol and egg whites. It is applied at night.
Real wraps with honey and aloe or cabbage leaves, use for this and a decoction of burdock leaves Needle baths are useful.
There are also alternative treatment options:
- hirudotherapy (use of leeches);
- manual and vacuum therapy;
- acupuncture.
All these means are best used after consultation with the attending physician.
Self-medication or ignoring the symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis can lead to more serious spinal diseases. Therefore, you should not start the disease, because the earlier you start treatment, the faster and easier you will solve the problem.