Lumbar osteochondrosis is a chronic damage to the lumbar spine that develops in the intervertebral discs as a result of many years of physical influences and metabolic disorders.It is proved that lumbar osteochondrosis is the cause of back pain in 75% of cases.
The defeat of the lumbar spine occurs in 60% of the inhabitants of the planet - this is the most frequent manifestation of osteochondrosis.The first signs of the disease appear at 20-30 years.
The danger of the disease is that in the later stages of the disease (when protrusion (protrusion) and hernias of intervertebral discs occurs), complications are developing that require surgical intervention, in particular, plantar fascia and a heap spur.
Lumbar osteochondrosis often complicates the pregnancy.
Causes of lumbar osteochondrosis
The main cause of the disease is the systematic load on the lumbar spine and metabolic disorders of the fibrous layer of the intervertebral discs.Lift weights, excess weight, constant physical work enhance pressure on the vertebrate column.
Other causes of lumbar osteochondrosis: sedentary and sedentary lifestyle, constant wearing of high heels, malnutrition, consumption of small amounts of liquid, smoking, alcohol abuse.
When the protective muscle frame and the absence of treatment, the blood supply to tissues worsens and degenerative processes in the intervertebral discs are worsened.As a result, intervertebral discs do not receive sufficient blood supply - they lose elasticity, “dry”, inflamed, flattened and protruding.
When protruding (protrusion), the spine of the spinal nerve is infringed, which is manifested by pain at rest and during movements.Incorrect posture and injuries provoke an additional uneven load on the spinal column, which accelerates the development of lumbar osteochondrosis.
Stages of lumbar osteochondrosis
The peculiarity of the disease is the gradual development of degenerative processes.
Neurologists distinguish 4 stages of lumbar osteochondrosis:
- 1st stage& mbsp;Partial inflammation and flattening of intervertebral discs.It is manifested by burning in the lower back and stupid not intense pain in the lower back.Unpleasant sensations arise after physical exertion, weight lifting.
- 2nd stage- The distance between the vertebrae is reduced, the changes in the fibrous ring surrounding tissues are determined on the radiograph, and protrusion of the disks occurs.The patient feels a sharp pain in the lower back, which gives (radiates) to the buttocks and legs.
- 3rd stage- the emergence of intervertebral hernias due to the destruction of the fibrous ring of the vertebrae.In the 3rd stage, cartilage and vertebrae are intensively destroyed.Pain acquire constant character, they are felt even at rest.
- 4th stage- Atrophy of the cartilage and intervertebral discs, accompanied by the pathological growth of bone tissue of the vertebrae and the formation of osteophytes.Pain occurs with any movement and any uncomfortable body position.The pain does not go on its own.This violations require intensive treatment and leads to severe human disability.
Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
In seventy percent of cases, doctors diagnose the disease in the second stage.During this period, the patient notes frequent periods of exacerbation with bright symptoms:
- Low's pain, which is enhanced by physical exertion.As degenerative processes develop, the pain becomes severe and constant;
- Restriction of movements.Movements are accompanied by increased pain with irradiation in the buttocks and legs;
- change in sensitivity in the lower extremities (tingling, burning, numbness);
- tension of the spinal muscles;
- Numbness and chilliness of the feet.
Diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the lumbar
In 85% of cases, doctors make a diagnosis using radiography, computed tomography and magnet-resonance imaging (MRI).
The most aimed method is MRI.With its help, doctors determine the place and degree of damage to the lumbar spine.
The main task of the specialist is to distinguish osteochondrosis from Bekhterev's disease.
Complications of lumbar osteochondrosis
Lumbar radiculitis, or roying syndrome: the pathological process in the infringed spinal nerve (spine) is the most frequent complication of lumbar osteochondrosis.It occurs in 55% of cases.It is accompanied by pain and impaired sensitivity in the lower back and/or along the infringed root.
In the later stages of the disease, a flattened intervertebral disc ishing out over the edge of the vertebra - protrusion occurs.When the fibrous ring is destroyed, an intervertebral hernia is formed.Intervertebral hernia is an occasion to contact a neurosurgeon.
In 40% of patients, the sciatic nerve is inflamed.This provokes pain, numbness of the limb.As a result, the patient tolerates body weight to a healthy leg;The spine is even more curved, which exacerbates the severity of the disease.
10% of patients develop a narrowing of the spinal canal, or compression myelopathy - squeezing the spinal cord.Requires surgical treatment.
The most rare, but dangerous complication is the “horse tail” syndrome - the defeat of several nearby nerve roots.
Each third patient with this complication has paresis or legs paralysis.It also requires surgical treatment.
Treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis
It is impossible to cure lumbar osteochondrosis.You can remove pain and slow down degenerative processes in the vertebrae and disks.80% of success in treatment falls on 1 and 2 stages of the disease.
If there are no complications, neurologists treat osteochondrosis of the lumbar department with medicines, physiotherapy exercises, massage, and physiotherapy.
Medicines are prescribed for exacerbations of osteochondrosis to eliminate inflammation, pain and stimulation of metabolism in the vertebrae, cartilage, discs.
In acute pain, the therapeutic effect is achieved by intramuscular administration of drugs.For local anesthesia, paravertebral blockade is prescribed.For 3-6 months, patients are prescribed chondroprotectors.
The purpose of physiotherapy exercises is to strengthen the muscle back of the back.The pool exercises are very useful.With lumbar osteochondrosis, the exercises are performed after eliminating pain.Some doctors prescribe physiotherapy exercises even with pain, however, this must be approached with caution.
After the pain subsides, massage and reflexology courses are recommended.
Not complicated lumbar osteochondrosis does not require frequent and multi -day inpatient treatment.The disease is treated at home.They resort to folk remedies whose action comes down to warming the lower back.
Prevention of lumbar osteochondrosis
For the prevention of lumbar osteochondrosis, adhere to simple rules:
- Follow the posture during many hours of stay in a sedentary pose, change the position of the body;
- swim 3 times a week;
- Raise severity with two hands from a sitting position or, fixing (straightening) your back;
- Avoid drafts;
- For a night's rest, choose an orthopedic mattress.