The developing osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is manifested by pain in the back and legs, fatigue and poor posture. The causes of this pathology can be very diverse, so the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis should be carried out under the strict supervision of a doctor. In advanced cases, the disease leads to serious disabilities, as a result of which a person may remain disabled. The degenerative disorder with this type of osteochondrosis is fixed at the level of the vertebrae L1 S1, L2-L3, L3 S1 and in the area of the disc L5 S1.
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 appears due to the influence of such pathological factors on the body:
- uneven load on the spine;
- low physical activity, sedentary work;
- heavy work associated with heavy loads;
- genetic predisposition, in which the pathology is diagnosed even in a child;
- flat feet;
- overweight;
- infectious and inflammatory diseases.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
The degenerative process in the lumbar region causes sharp pain in the lower back in men and women, radiating to the leg along the location of the sciatic nerve. The signs of lumbar osteochondrosis do not appear for a long time, the feeling of discomfort and swelling appears already at 2-3 stages.In the later stages of the disease, the symptoms are disturbing with coughing, sneezing and low physical activity. Pathology also provokes radicular syndrome:
- shooting, sharp pain appears in the lumbar region;
- skin sensitivity is impaired in the lower extremities;
- concerned about muscle weakness;
- numbness appears in the legs and knee joint;
- sweating is impaired.
The main symptom of lumbar osteochondrosis is pain in the lower part of the spine.
Degenerative disease includes limited mobility, difficulty when attempting to bend over, and pain with minimal exertion. If the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis is not started in a timely manner, serious consequences develop, including deformation of the intervertebral disc, protrusion 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 is covered with fissures through which the nucleus pulposus begins to emerge. As it passes out, the nerve fibers are irritated. A person feels how his back hurts at the lumbar level with minimal loads. In stage 1, pain due to osteochondrosis is often stable, but lumbago can be a concern. Symptoms disappear after rest and then do not bother you for a long time.
2nd degree
When the 2nd period of pathology begins, the intervertebral space decreases, the nerve fibers are pressed harder, the pain becomes severe, pseudospondylolisthesis and left-sided scoliosis develop. The fibrous ring is destroyed more actively. Osteochondrosis of the populus of the 2nd degree is characterized by pathological mobility of the spine. Due to the increased load, a person throws himself into the cold, then into the heat. The symptoms become 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 osteochondrosis of the third degree of the lumbar region is characterized by increased pain, deformation of the spine and reactive growth of bone tissue. The annulus fibrosus tears and the nucleus pulposus leaves its confines, causing a hernia. If treatment is not started at stage 3 of the development, the patient risks remaining disabled.
4th degree
Osteochondrosis 4 degree of the lumbar spine will not allow a person to walk due to severe pain.
There is a complete deformation of the spine, the pain in the legs and back becomes unbearable and a person cannot move independently. If you do not begin to treat chondrosis at the 4th stage of development, a disc protrusion occurs, which can only be treated surgically. After the operation, the patient's health does not always fully recover.
Diagnosis
When you are concerned about signs of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, you should visit a doctor. At the initial appointment, the doctor will palpate the coccyx, the area of the iliac crest and determine the manifestation of the following syndromes:
- development of scoliosis, kyphosis and osteoarthritis;
- pain in certain points;
- inability to perform certain movements;
- the level of the location of the gluteal folds, which can be on the right or left.
An X-ray is taken, which takes pictures of the affected area. In the image, the lumbar region appears deformed; in advanced stages, protrusions are visible on the right or left. For a more detailed diagnosis, CT or MRI is prescribed, thanks to which the doctor will receive the results as soon as possible and choose the optimal treatment methods.
How is the treatment carried out?
Medicines and surgery
The choice of treatment method for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine depends on the degree of the disease.
Chronic lumbar osteochondrosis should be treated comprehensively. This means that self-medication is unacceptable. The treatment protocol must be determined by the doctor, who will select the necessary drugs that have minimal side effects. The treatment regimen includes the use of:
- analgesics;
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- muscle relaxants.
First aid includes the use of injection blocks that relieve pain, relieve swelling and temperature of the affected area. The acute stage, in which the pain syndrome is expressed, is treated with powerful painkillers. As an auxiliary therapy, treatment with local means - ointments, gels and creams - is recommended. If conservative treatment does not help or the disease is diagnosed in the late stages, surgical treatment is prescribed. When hernias are formed, they are removed completely. Then the compression of nerve fibers and blood vessels is eliminated. If necessary, the affected vertebra is removed and an implant is placed in its place.
Massage and manual therapy
A course of therapeutic massage will help reduce pain and relieve symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis in women and men. Even children suffering from the disease undergo this therapy, but the main condition is that the procedure is performed by a trained chiropractor who is aware of the diagnosis, otherwise complications may occur.
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Therapeutic exercises
Restorative gymnastics will help normalize blood circulation in the affected lumbar area and strengthen the muscles around the spine. It is important to make movements with osteochondrosis carefully, try not to strain yourself too much. It is recommended that the first exercises be performed under the supervision of a trainer who, if necessary, will help correct the movement at the right time.
Physiotherapy and acupuncture
One of the effective types of physiotherapy procedures is considered amplipulse, when modulated current pulses are sent to the affected areas. Thanks to this effect, it is possible to reduce inflammation, relieve swelling and reduce pain. Acupuncture has an equally pronounced effect: it relieves muscle tension, relieves symptoms and accelerates tissue regeneration.
If lumbar osteochondrosis is diagnosed, you cannot do without sparing nutrition. It is recommended to enrich the menu with products containing calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc and folic acid. It is important to maintain a drinking regimen and drink at least 6 tablespoons per day. water. You need to give up bad habits and a sedentary lifestyle.
Dangerous consequences and their prevention
Prevention of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine includes exercise, a healthy diet and giving up bad habits.
If the initial lumbar osteochondrosis is diagnosed in time, the disease can be cured by a course of drug therapy and performing special exercises. Otherwise, there is a risk of developing intervertebral hernias, sciatica, osteoarthritis, paresis and other spinal diseases that can make the patient disabled. For the treatment to be effective, it is important to consult a doctor in time. As preventive measures, it is recommended to do spinal traction, control the posture, strengthen the muscles and evenly distribute the load. In addition, you should exercise, watch your diet and drink at least 6-8 c. l. water per day. At the first symptoms, do not self-medicate, but go to a doctor and strictly follow the prescribed treatment regimen.