Spinal health is the basis for the normal functioning of the musculoskeletal system.There are many diseases that destroy the structure of the vertebrae and surrounding tissues.This article describes the symptoms and treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine.
Spine structure
Before talking about osteochondrosis, it is necessary to understand how the spine works.I will say a few words about this.
The spine consists of vertebrae, between which cartilaginous intervertebral discs are located.Thanks to them, a person can bend and turn.The entire spine is S-shaped, which provides elasticity.
Intervertebral discs consist of a nucleus pulposus surrounded by a fibrous ring.It is the destruction of the intervertebral disc that causes osteochondrosis.
Clinical picture of lumbar osteochondrosis
Lumbar osteochondrosis is a long-term injury to the vertebrae, intervertebral discs and adjacent tissues, often becoming chronic.The disease is often complicated by intervertebral hernias, inflammation of the nerves and other unpleasant pathologies.
The clinical manifestations of the disease vary at different stages.There are 4 main periods of development of lumbar osteochondrosis:
- Stage I. Symptoms are erased.In most cases, minor pain in the lower back or buttocks is a concern, increasing with physical activity.Patients tend to attribute the symptoms to fatigue.
- Stage II.The destruction of the fibrous ring begins, the distances between the vertebrae decrease.During this time, it is possible for nerve endings to be pinched, characterized by a “sharp, stabbing pain.”At this stage, the symptoms are pronounced, so patients seek a medical center.
- III.At this stage, the fibrous rings show significant destruction and intervertebral hernias are possible.The pain is constant.
- 4. The spine is severely deformed.Patients have difficulty moving.Irreversible disorders lead to disability.Lumbar osteochondrosis develops under unfavorable conditions: physical activity, hypothermia, forced professional posture.
Symptoms and signs
The description of the clinical picture talks a little about the symptoms, but not all of them.Signs of lumbar osteochondrosis are very diverse:
- Pain.The most common symptom of the disease.In the early stages, the pain is mild, increasing with exercise.In subsequent stages, the pain becomes stronger and does not go away without taking painkillers.Characterized by sharp, painful “shots” – short attacks of excruciating pain.
- Temperature.When lumbar osteochondrosis is accompanied by inflammation of the surrounding nerves or tissues, a high temperature appears.Generally does not exceed 38°C.
- Trophic ulcers.They occur when there is an interruption in the nutrition of the tissues around the spine, due to compression of the blood vessels.
- Characteristic pose.The person assumes a position in which they feel less pain and remains in this position almost all the time.
- Changes in the position of the spine: scoliosis, kyphosis, etc.
- Limited movement.It occurs in the last two stages of lumbar osteochondrosis.Numbness of the limbs.As osteochondrosis progresses, numbness of the limbs may occur.This is due to compression of some nerves in the lower back.The symptom appears from stage 2 of the disease.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar region is characterized by an increase in symptoms depending on the progression of the disease.
Reasons
Many patients believe that the only cause of lumbar osteochondrosis is inadequate physical activity.This opinion is fundamentally wrong.In fact, there are more than a dozen factors that can cause the disease to develop:
- Genetic predisposition.This factor comes first, because if it is present, nothing can be done.All that's left is therapy and supportive treatment.
- Poor posture during periods of active growth.This can be caused by poor posture at a desk or carrying a briefcase on your shoulder.
- Excess weight is a constant companion of osteochondrosis.Under the weight of extra pounds, the intervertebral discs are destroyed, which leads to the onset of the disease.
- Injuries.They can be domestic, professional, sports.
- Endocrine diseases.Metabolic failure is a common cause of destruction of intervertebral discs.
- Sedentary lifestyle.An insufficient amount of movement and physical activity leads to muscular dystrophy, which leads to increased stress on the spine.
- Hard work that puts stress on your back.
- Congenital anomalies of the spine.
- When several provoking factors are combined, the disease develops faster.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing lumbar osteochondrosis is quite simple, especially in clinics equipped with modern equipment.Diagnosis is carried out in the following order: survey, examination, ordering tests and hardware tests.
Diagnosis begins with collecting anamnestic data.The doctor clarifies the patient's age (this is important), the moment of the first symptoms and working conditions.Based on the information collected, the specialist can draw a conclusion about what caused the disease.
Then the doctor performs an examination.The doctor palpates the spine and asks the patient to make some movements: flexion, flexion-extension, turns.Based on this, it is possible to determine how limited the patient is in motor activity.
Tests are performed to rule out bone tuberculosis and some other diseases.From the blood, a specialist can assess the presence of inflammation.
Radiographic examination is an affordable and informative way to determine the presence of osteochondrosis.Most often, photographs are taken in two projections.But in some cases it is possible to obtain an X-ray image in an additional projection or an overview of a specific area of the spine.
Magnetic resonance imaging.Examination of the spine with this device is the gold standard for diagnosing osteochondrosis.This procedure allows you to identify destruction of fibrous rings, spina bifida, displacement of individual vertebrae and much more.
Treatment
Osteochondrosis can be treated by an orthopedist, neurologist or vertebrologist.It depends on the cause of this disease.
Treatment varies dramatically depending on the stage of the disease.
Chiropractors are called in to improve the condition of the spine and correct misalignments (if possible).Proper massage will increase the blood supply to the spinal region.Physical therapy and wearing a corset will correct the signs of scoliosis (this is especially important for children).Medications are necessary to replenish the supply of substances necessary for the construction of intervertebral disc tissue.
In the second stage of the disease, intensive drug therapy is indicated.Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should be taken in a course to relieve inflammation.For severe pain, strong painkillers are prescribed.Muscle relaxants help relieve muscle tension.
In rare cases, anticonvulsants and antidepressants may be prescribed.
Complementary treatment consists of the use of physiotherapy, exercise therapy, massages (if it does not worsen the patient's condition).
The third stage of the disease is characterized by destructive processes in the intervertebral disc.For hernias, surgical treatment is indicated.Drug therapy is the same as for the second stage of the disease.
With significant destruction of the disc in the fourth stage of the disease, prosthetics with an artificial implant are possible.In the postoperative period, drug therapy and additional treatment methods are carried out.
Treatment of the symptoms and signs of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine should only occur with the participation of a specialist.Self-medication is unacceptable.
Complications of lumbar osteochondrosis
Complications of lumbar osteochondrosis are mainly associated with the formation of intervertebral hernias, which negatively affect the spinal cord and nearby tissues.
Below is a list of the most common complications:
- Numbness of limbs or individual back muscles.It occurs due to compression of the spine.
- Urination and defecation disorders (up to the complete disappearance of the urge).
- Trophic ulcers.
- Depression.It seems like this can't be a complication.But in fact, constant pain leads to mood swings.There have even been cases of suicide based on this.Complications of lumbar osteochondrosis arise due to inadequate treatment or non-compliance with the treatment regimen.As a rule, with timely treatment, complications do not arise.
Group of risk
There are people who are more likely to develop lumbar osteochondrosis.These individuals are at risk.
Those people whose relatives suffer from similar diseases should take care of their spine.
The risk group includes obese patients.Excess weight puts enormous stress on the intervertebral discs.People who lead a sedentary lifestyle are also at high risk.
Without a doubt, athletes must take care of their spine.At the same time, it doesn't matter what sport they play.
The spine must be protected if the work involves lifting heavy objects or remaining in an uncomfortable position for a long time.
Prevention of lumbar osteochondrosis
Treatment of osteochondrosis is long-term, often the disease takes a chronic form.That is why the prevention of spinal pathologies is of great importance.
To avoid problems with the lumbar spine, it is necessary to follow a regime of physical activity and rest.The load on the column must be uniform and not excessive.Rest should be regular and better in the lying position.
If you are overweight, you need to lose it.
Preventive measures include timely treatment of endocrine diseases and postural disorders (especially in children).
Spine problems significantly reduce quality of life, so you need to be aware of even minor pain or discomfort in this area.