Developing osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is manifested by back and leg pain, fatigue and poor posture. The causes of this pathology can be very diverse, so treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis should be carried out under strict medical supervision. In advanced cases, the disease causes serious impairments that can lead to disability. The degenerative disorder in this type of osteochondrosis is fixed at the level of the L1 S1, L2-L3, L3 S1 vertebrae and in the area of the L5 S1 intervertebral disc.
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 occurs due to the influence on the body of such pathological factors:
- uneven load on the spine;
- low physical activity, sedentary work;
- hard work combined with heavy loads;
- genetic predisposition, in which a pathology is already diagnosed in a child;
- flat feet;
- obesity;
- infectious and inflammatory diseases.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
The degenerative process in the lumbar region causes severe pain in the lower back in men and women, which radiates into the leg along the site of the sciatic nerve. Signs of lumbar osteochondrosis do not appear for a long time; a feeling of discomfort and swelling appears already in stages 2-3.In later stages of the disease, disturbing symptoms such as coughing, sneezing and little physical activity occur. Pathology also provokes radicular syndrome:
- sharp, stabbing pains appear in the lumbar region;
- skin sensitivity is impaired in the lower extremities;
- worried about muscle weakness;
- Tingling occurs in the legs and knee joint;
- sweating is impaired.
The main symptom of lumbar osteochondrosis is pain in the lower part of the spine.
A degenerative disease results in limited mobility, difficulty bending, and pain with minimal exertion. If treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis is not started on time, serious consequences may occur, including deformation of the intervertebral disc, bulging and the appearance of a hernia. These disorders can only be treated surgically, as conservative therapy does not help.
Degrees of pathology
1st degree
The inner layer of the annulus fibrosus becomes covered with cracks through which the nucleus pulposus emerges. When it exits, the nerve fibers are irritated. A person feels how his back hurts with minimal load in the lumbar region. In stage 1, pain from osteochondrosis is often stable, but lumbago can be bothersome. The symptoms disappear after a break and then no longer bother you for a long time.
2nd degree
When the 2nd period of pathology begins, the intervertebral space decreases, the nerve fibers become more pinched, the pain increases, pseudospondylolisthesis and left-sided scoliosis occur. The fibrous ring is destroyed more actively. Populus osteochondrosis of the 2nd degree is characterized by pathological mobility of the spine. Due to the increased load, a person throws himself into the cold, and then into the heat. The symptoms become more pronounced and cannot be ignored. The attacks become longer each time and the pain cannot be relieved with the usual painkillers.
3rd degree
The course of third degree osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is characterized by increased pain, spinal deformation and reactive growth of bone tissue. The annulus fibrosus ruptures and the nucleus pulposus leaves its confines, resulting in an inguinal hernia. If treatment is not started at the third stage of development, there is a risk of the patient becoming disabled.
4th degree
With osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine of the 4th degree, a person cannot walk due to severe pain.
A complete deformation of the spine occurs, the pain in the legs and back becomes unbearable, and the person cannot move independently. If you do not start treating chondrosis in the 4th stage of development, a bulging disc occurs, which can only be treated surgically. After the operation, the patient's health is not always completely restored.
diagnosis
If you are worried about signs of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, you need to see a doctor. At the first appointment, the doctor will palpate the coccyx, the area of the iliac crest, and also identify the manifestation of the following syndromes:
- development of scoliosis, kyphosis and osteoarthritis;
- pain in certain places;
- inability to perform certain movements;
- the location of the buttock folds, which can be right or left sided.
An x-ray will be taken to take pictures of the affected area. In the picture the lumbar spine appears deformed; In advanced stages, bulges are visible on the right or left. For a more detailed diagnosis, a CT or MRI is prescribed, thanks to which the doctor receives the results as quickly as possible and selects the optimal treatment methods.
How is the treatment carried out?
medication and surgery
The choice of treatment method for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine depends on the degree of the disease.
Chronic lumbar osteochondrosis requires comprehensive treatment. This means that self-medication is unacceptable. The treatment protocol must be determined by the doctor, who will select the necessary drugs with minimal side effects. The treatment regimen includes the use of:
- analgesics;
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- Muscle relaxants.
First aid involves the use of injection blocks that relieve pain, relieve swelling, and relieve the temperature of the affected area. The acute stage, in which the pain syndrome is pronounced, is treated with strong painkillers. Treatment with local remedies – ointments, gels and creams – is recommended as auxiliary therapy. If conservative treatment does not help or the disease is diagnosed only in the late stages, surgical therapy is prescribed. If hernias form, 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 inserted in its place.
Massage and manual therapy
Therapeutic massage helps relieve pain and relieve symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis in women and men. Children who suffer from the disorder also undergo this therapy, but the prerequisite is that the procedure is carried out by a trained chiropractor who is familiar with the diagnosis, otherwise complications can arise.
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Therapeutic exercises
Restorative gymnastics helps to normalize blood circulation in the affected lumbar area and strengthen the muscles surrounding the spine. With osteochondrosis, it is important to perform movements carefully and not to strain too much. It is advisable to carry out the first exercises under the supervision of a trainer who, if necessary, will help correct the movement in a timely manner.
Physiotherapy and acupuncture
One of the most effective types of physiotherapeutic procedures is the amplipulse, in which modulated current pulses are sent to the affected areas. Thanks to this effect, it is possible to reduce inflammation, relieve swelling and relieve pain. Acupuncture has an equally pronounced effect: it relieves muscle tension, relieves discomfort 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 follow a drinking regime and drink at least 6 tbsp per 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, healthy nutrition and giving up bad habits.
If incipient lumbar osteochondrosis is diagnosed in a timely manner, the disease can be cured by drug therapy and performing special exercises. Otherwise, there is a risk of developing intervertebral hernias, sciatica, arthrosis, paresis and other vertebral diseases, which can lead to disability of the patient. For effective treatment, it is important to see a doctor in a timely manner. As a preventive measure, it is recommended to stretch the spine, control posture, strengthen muscles and evenly distribute the load. In addition, you should exercise, watch your diet and drink at least 6-8 tbsp. water per day. At the first symptoms, do not treat yourself, but go to the doctor and strictly follow the prescribed treatment regimen.