Lumbar osteochondrosis develops during degenerative-dystrophic processes of the intervertebral discs and vertebrae.Negative symptoms are the consequences of a combination of negative factors.
The pathology is diagnosed in men and women.The risk group is overweight patients with metabolic disorders, persons who, due to the nature of their work, are forced to frequently lift and move heavy objects.It is important to know the dangers of osteochondrosis in the lumbar region and how to prevent damage to the spine.
Causes of lumbar osteochondrosis
In most cases, osteochondrosis of the spine develops as a result of several negative factors.The more causes there are, the more difficult it is to cope with a rapidly progressing disease.In women, spine problems often develop due to excess weight, in men - during high physical activity.
It is provoked by degenerative and dystrophic changes of the vertebrae and intervertebral discs:
- old back injuries;
- overweight;
- lack of sufficient physical activity, sedentary work;
- disorders of metabolic processes;
- lifting weights in violation of the rules;
- hereditary tendency.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, ICD code - M42.
Grades and stages of the disease
There are two forms of the disease of the locomotor system:
- acute;
- remission period.
According to the degree of damage to the vertebrae and discs, there are 4 stages of the pathology:
- first.The symptoms are mild, periodic pain (when lifting weights or in sharp bends, turns), the initial stage of deformation of the intervertebral discs;
- second.The fibrous ring is destroyed, the vertebrae are brought closer together, and the pain syndrome increases when the nerve roots are pinched.The patient assumes an unnatural position to try to relieve the pain.The shoots radiate to the groin, legs, and thighs.Lumbago appears suddenly, the pain is unbearable;
- third.The fibrous rings are completely destroyed, the vertebrae are constantly in contact, and an intervertebral hernia develops.The pain is almost constant and increases with movement.Chondroprotectors are ineffective (cartilage tissue is almost destroyed): NSAIDs and painkillers are required;
- fourth.The spine is damaged, the patient has difficulty moving.The growth of bone structures increases, the pain is slightly weakened, but the mobility is limited when performing any operation.The result is disability for the patient.
Possible complications
The lack of therapy for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine provokes the progression of the pathology.As the negative changes increase, the compression of the intervertebral discs increases, the cartilage tissue is destroyed and the pain increases.Damage to the spinal nerves as they exit the spinal column leads to the development of radicular syndrome and progressive muscle atrophy.The signs of radiculopathy intensify when bending, lifting weights or during hypothermia.
Other complications:
- compression of the Adamkiewicz artery.Causes: back injuries, falls, heavy lifting, sudden movements.A dangerous condition leads to paralysis of the legs, faecal and urinary incontinence.Damage to the large vessel supplying the spinal cord and roots quickly turns a healthy person into a patient with limited abilities.Bedsores are a clear sign of pathology;
- compression myelopathy.The formation of a herniated disc leads to compression and narrowing of the spinal canal.The consequence is unbearable pain, which is practically unaffected by strong painkillers.Other negative signs: problems in the functioning of the organs located in the pelvis, reduced innervation and muscle strength of the lower limbs.
Clinical picture
The main sign of damage to the spinal column is aching pain in the lumbar region that radiates to the leg.Unpleasant sensations appear after carrying a load, in sharp turns or bends.Sometimes the pain occurs even without physical activity.Important point– changing the body position increases the discomfort.
Damage to different parts of the spine forces you to find a position in which the discomfort will be minimal.This sign helps to diagnose the pathology.
Degenerative-dystrophic changes in the vertebrae lead to a deterioration in the patient's quality of life.Frequent pain attacks cause depression, irritability and interfere with daily activities and professional activities.
Signs of the acute form:
- sharp pain occurs not only during strong physical exertion, but also during normal changes in the position of the body;
- Only finding the most acceptable body position temporarily alleviates the painful symptom.
Symptoms during remission:
- tingling sensation, numbness in the legs;
- dull pain in the lumbar region, buttocks, legs;
- disruption of the function of the genitals in the pelvis.
Diagnostics
If the development of lumbar osteochondrosis is suspected, the patient visits an orthopedic traumatologist.The doctor gives a referral for a spinal X-ray, MRI and CT.After analyzing the images, the doctor determines the degree of damage to the discs and vertebrae and prescribes treatment.
Effective treatments
How to treat lumbar osteochondrosis?The patient must tune in to actively participate in the therapeutic process: it is important to get rid of extra pounds, stop lifting weights and stop smoking.A moderate amount of movement, drug treatment, visits to physical procedures, and therapeutic massage are mandatory elements for alleviating pain and reducing the progression of degenerative changes in the spine.
Important details:
- Traction of the spine and manual therapy are specific methods for the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis.The procedures are performed by a qualified doctor: incorrect application of techniques due to lack of knowledge and experience often causes damage and often leads to disability of the patient;
- Another important element of treatment is diet.Jellied meats, gelatinous foods, fish, broths, fruits, turkey, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, and herbs are healthy.Do not eat sour, spicy foods, do not drink alcohol or carbonated drinks.Make sure you drink no more than two liters of fluid per day.
Drug therapy
Complex treatment is required:
- chondroprotectors.The preparations restore the quality of the cartilage tissue, stop the destruction of the discs, replace the lack of microelements, and increase the elasticity of the tissues.It is important to take all chondroprotectors for a long time - at least six months.Glucosamine, hyaluronic acid, and chondroitin sulfate accumulate in cartilage tissue and restore the structure of damaged discs.The sooner the patient starts taking chondroprotector, the greater the chance of success.In the severe stages of osteochondrosis (3 and 4), it is almost impossible to normalize the condition of the discs;
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory compounds.NSAID drugs are essential elements in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine.The preparations stop the inflammation and reduce the pain.Medicines in the form of tablets and injections provide the greatest effect;products intended for external use are more delicate.Many types of NSAIDs irritate the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract: you can treat the painful areas, take tablets or give injections only after eating.In order to protect the stomach tissue, a special coating medicine is prescribed;
- vitamin and mineral complexes, healthy food supplementswith calcium, drugs that activate blood circulation in the affected tissues.The dosage and duration of the course are determined by the orthopedic traumatologist treating the patient.The saturation of bone and cartilage tissue with useful minerals and vitamins improves the condition of problem areas.
Folk remedies and recipes
Additional elements of the treatment are homemade ointments, rubs, poultices, herbal decoctions.The preparations reduce pain, reduce inflammation and saturate the body with useful substances.All herbal preparations can be taken in consultation with an orthopedic traumatologist.
Proven folk remedies:
- tea from lingonberry leaves;
- an ointment made from melted lard, ground marshmallow root and beeswax;
- collection with anti-inflammatory effect.Ingredients: knotweed, strawberry leaves, horsetail, barberry, agrimony;
- poultice of grated raw potato and diluted honey on the painful area;
- an ointment made from hop cones and melted lard.
Warning!In the acute stage, it is forbidden to apply any kind of heat to the affected area.High temperature increases blood flow and accelerates the development of inflammation.Menthol-based cooling ointments are useful for reducing pain.It is important to coordinate all measures and home procedures with an orthopedic traumatologist.
Therapeutic gymnastics
The main task is to strengthen the ligaments that support the spine.Weak muscles combined with a thick layer of fat negatively affect the condition of the intervertebral discs and the affected vertebrae.
The patient performs gymnastics for lumbar osteochondrosis in a rehabilitation center, hospital environment or hydropathic clinic.Heavy loads, jumping, running, sharp turns, and deep turns are prohibited.After the patient has mastered the exercise technique, the doctor allows him to perform a complex exercise therapy at home.
Physiotherapy procedures
After stopping the acute process, the orthopedic traumatologist prescribes physical therapy to reduce swelling, pain and normalize blood circulation in the affected tissues.Each patient needs an individual treatment regimen.
Effective physiotherapy in lumbar osteochondrosis:
- electrophoresis with anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving compounds;
- thermal procedures during remission;
- with darson (using alternating current);
- magnet therapy;
- the beneficial effects of ultrasound waves;
- therapeutic massage;
- acupuncture to reduce pain.
In advanced cases, osteochondrosis in the lumbar region leads to disability of the patient.The disease is not only manifested in the elderly: sedentary work + poor nutrition significantly rejuvenates the pathologies of the musculoskeletal system.Only timely diagnosis and an integrated approach to therapy under the guidance of an experienced orthopedic traumatologist can avoid serious consequences.