Lumbar osteochondrosis is a degenerative and dystrophic disease of the lumbar spine.With the development of the disease, the intervertebral discs suffer most, the damage also extends on the surfaces of the joints, connections, the vertebrae.
The proportion of osteochondrosis of the spine is 80% of all diseases of the peripheral nervous system.In 60-80% of cases, this is lumbar osteochondrosis.At least 7 out of 10 people experience regular lower back pain throughout their lives.For periods of exacerbation, an average of 3 to 16 days per year.But the disease can and should be treated to maintain a high quality life and health of the musculoskeletal system.We will tell you why this disease develops, how it manifests itself and what should be the treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine.
What is osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis is a chronic spine that is accompanied by a change in structure (destruction) and a decrease in volume (dystrophy) of the intervertebral discs.They begin to protrude into the spinal cord and squeeze the blood vessels.In addition, the disease is characterized by the destruction of the arcuate joints between the spinous processes of the vertebrae.
Osteochondrosis also forms osteophytes.This is the name of the pathological outgrowths that are the result of the marginal growth of the bone.It is facilitated by impaired calcium metabolism in the vertebrae and high stress that cause their deformation.
Warning!Lumbar osteochondrosis is characterized by all pathological processes inherent in osteochondrosis as a whole.But they only affect the lumbar spine, which includes 5 vertebrae.
The causes of development and risk factors
To understand the causes of lumbar osteochondrosis, you need to know the structure of the spine.It is a column made up of the vertebrae that are connected to each other intervertebral discs and connections.The holes inside them form a hollow channel.Inside the spinal cord is the roots of which come between each pair of vertebrae.
When a person bends, the spine bends.At the folding site, the intervertebral discs are sealed and their nuclei are displaced.This reduces the pressure on the spine during loads.In this way, the intervertebral disc is a biological shock absorber.When it ceases to perform a shock absorption function, osteochondrosis develops.
The following factors predisposed to the development of pathology:
- Stuck or too hard work.In the sitting position, the corset muscles are relaxed, which increases the load on the spine.The heavy elevator leads to this.
- Hypodynamia.In people leading a sedentary lifestyle, the muscle corset is not developed strongly enough to hold the spine in the right position.
- Excess body weight.Excess weight presses on the spine and overloads it.
- Endocrine diseases.Hormones affect metabolism, including international.Hormonal imbalance can lead to impaired calcium metabolism.
- Improper meal.Insufficient intake of vitamins, minerals and proteins disrupts the nutrition of the spine and leads to changes in its tissues.
- Pathology of the musculoskeletal system.Osteochondrosis can occur against the background of flat legs, injuries and curvature of the spine.
- Genetic predisposition.The risk of developing osteochondrosis increases if there are close relatives.
- Age -related changes.With age, the elasticity and mobility of the spine decrease.
In men, osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is more common.This is due to the fact that their work is often associated with heavy physical labor.Men are also subjected to large loads during a strength training in the gym.
Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
Pain is the main sign of the disease.Its character, localization and distribution direction are determined by the receptor that is attached to the spine.Usually, patients complain of sick pain, which is exacerbated by a change in body position, a long absence of change in posture and sudden movements.With lumbar osteochondrosis, it often gives it to the feet, sacrum or groin.In horizontal position, the pain disappears.
Other possible symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis:
- Feeling tension in the lower back, resulting from bending and expansion.It is caused by displacement of the roots of the spinal cord.
- Feeling weak in the legs.Maybe the disappearance of tendon reflexes in them.This is due to the compression of the nerve fibers that conduct signals from the brain to the lower limbs.
- The curvature of the lumbar spine on the side (scoliosis) or forward (lordosis), smoothing its natural turns (kyphosis).
- Inadvertent urination and bowel movements (if the spinal cord is pressed).For the same reason, erection can be disturbed in men.
- The cooling of the lower back.The ass can also get cold.This happens with lumbosacral osteochondrosis, the symptoms and treatment of which are similar to the pathology, localized only in the lower back.
- Damage sensitivity disorders.They can last from a few minutes to several hours.Sensitivity may increase, decrease or disappear.Perhaps the development of paresthesia - feelings of numbness and creeping geese.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, symptoms and treatment we will analyze in this article is a treacherous disease.It starts with discomfort and mild pain.But they are ignored because they quickly pass after rest.Over the years, the pathology has progressed, its signs improved.And only when the pain becomes unbearable will patients seek medical attention.
Lumbar osteochondrosis
The development of lumbar osteochondrosis includes 4 stages:
- The first stage is characterized by a displacement of the core of the intervertebral disc.It is accompanied by poor dull pain in the lower back, increasing during movement.A short numbness in the back and butt is possible.
- In the second stage, the fibrous ring of the intervertebral disc is destroyed, resulting in the closer of the vertebrae.They squeeze the nerve endings, which causes severe pain while walking.It can spread to the ass, thigh and lower legs.If you bend back, the pain is less than burning, sometimes a feeling of cold.
- In the third stage, complete destruction of fibrous rings occurs.Propes appear - protruding intervertebral discs in the spinal cord.The vertebrae of the lumbar department is deformed.The pain is felt constantly, but at rest it is greater.
- In the last stage, osteophytes are formed, the cartilage tissue of the spine is destroyed.Then the pain disappears, after which it worsens with renewed energy.Body movements become limited.
Early diagnosis of lumbar osteochondrosis, the symptoms and treatment of which are closely related to interconnectedness, is very important.The less the pathology manifests, the more effective it is treated.Therefore, a doctor should visit when some incomprehensible back and lower back pain arise.
Possible complications
If there is no treatment for 1 and 2 degrees for the development of lumbar osteochondrosis, intervertebral hernias are formed.This shows the transition of the disease to the late stages and threatens the development of complications such as:
- sciatic nerve inflammation;
- arthrosis (destruction) of the intervertebral joints;
- destruction of the fibrous ring of the intervertebral discs;
- narrowing of the intervertebral channel;
- Spinal cord dysfunction as a result of compression;
- Tail Horses Syndrome;
- Shormol hernia;
- The lame and stiffness of movements.
Properly chosen treatment will help prevent hernia formation with lumbar osteochondrosis and other complications.It is prescribed after a diagnostic examination of the patient.Otherwise, the disease will continue to progress, which can lead to the development of damage.
Diagnostic methods
You should contact a neurologist with lower back pain.He will listen to complaints, look at and feel his back, ask about existing diseases.In addition, the doctor may prescribe:
- X -ray.X -ray spinal picture will help evaluate the condition of the intervertebral discs and spinal cord.In the absence of visible changes, first -degree lumbar osteochondrosis is diagnosed.
- Computed tomography (CT).Set if x -ray has shown changes in the lumbar spine.With its help, you can evaluate the degree of damage to the discs, nerve endings and the spinal cord.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).It is an alternative to CT that can be prescribed in the presence of contraindications to X -ray survey.Suitable for pregnant and lactating women.
Sometimes a calculated and magnetic resonance imaging is performed with intravenous contrast administration.This is the name of a substance that emphasizes the tissues inside.With it you can get the photos of the spine of the maximum quality.CT and MRI with contrast are performed to exclude tumors with symptoms uncharacteristic of lumbar osteochondrosis and treatment in this case is delayed in the final diagnosis.
Treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis and its species
The doctor prescribes treatment, taking into account the stage of development of pathology.It is designed to eliminate pain, stop inflammatory processes, restore metabolism and blood circulation in the lesion.With osteochondrosis of the lumbar department, treatment also includes the adoption of a set of measures aimed at strengthening the lower back, legs and buttocks.
Most treatment methods are conservative.These include drug therapy, physiotherapy procedures and physiotherapy exercises, folk remedies.When passing 3 degrees, the treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral spine with conservative methods does not always lead to the desired result.In this case, the patient's condition may facilitate surgery.
Medication
Drug therapy is effective in 1 and 2 stages of pathology.But it is important to remember that the choice of drugs is determined by the symptoms caused by lumbar osteochondrosis, and treatment is strictly prescribed treatment for drugs.You can't just come to the pharmacy and ask for an osteochondrosis medicine.Even if it is sold to you, treatment will not be effective.
The patient may be shown the following drug groups:
- Analgesics.They help to get rid of intense impenetrable pain in lumbar osteochondrosis.They can be used locally (ointments, gels) taken inside (tablets) or administered intramuscularly using a syringe (solution).
- Non -steroidal anti -inflammatory drugs.They have triple action: temperature reduction, pain relief, reduction of inflammation.They are prescribed if with lumbar osteochondrosis the lower back hurts or the sciatic nerve is inflamed.To relieve pain, gels are used locally, to combat inflammation, take pills or injections.
- Mussorelaxants.This is the name of medicines that relieve painful muscle cramps.They are taken orally in the form of tablets or are administered intramuscularly in the form of a solution.
- Chondroprotectors.Provide effective treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis with medicines in the early stages, provided that its full course is underway.This group of medicines stops the destruction of the intervertebral discs and regenerates them.
In order to restore intra-oous metabolism, the patient is prescribed further vitamins and vitamin-mineral complexes.The doctor may also recommend adherence to the diet.Its purpose is not only to reduce body weight, but also to enrich the body with proteins, natural vitamins and minerals.
Physiotherapy
With osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, treatment with drugs is not enough.It must also include physiotherapy methods.They relieve pain, relax muscles and restore local metabolism.Patients are often prescribed the following procedures:
- Laser therapy (exposure to the spine with laser);
- Magnetic resonance therapy (magnetic field exposure);
- Darsonvalization (exposure to the area of damage to high frequency pulse currents);
- Phonophoresis (administration of medicinal solutions in deep layers of skin using ultrasound).
Manual therapy is also highly effective.The posterior massage with lumbar osteochondrosis is prescribed after the pain faded.It relaxes the muscles, accelerates blood circulation and therefore nutrition of the tissues.It is useful to combine a massage with a bathroom or sauna.But warming procedures are only allowed during the remission of the disease.
Medical physical education
Lumbar osteochondrosis gymnastics includes exercises aimed at strengthening the muscle corset.They also increase the mobility of the spine and increase blood circulation in its tissues.This stops degenerative processes and improves the patient's condition.
The main complex of training therapy includes 5 exercises:
- Twist.Strengthen the muscles of the abdomen.Lie on your back, bend your knees and cross your arms behind your head.Then take a breath and exhale, lift your torso as if you want to touch the pubic.The lower back should remain pressed against the floor.
- Cat Exercise.It relaxes the muscles of the back, unloads the spine.Stand on the kaidk (on your knees, resting with palms on the floor).Raise your head and bend your back the way the cat does when you see a danger.Then lower your head and bend your back as the cat does when it wakes up.
- The turns lie.Strengthens the sloping muscles of the abdomen and hips.Lie on your back, cross your hands behind your head, bend your knees and press them to each other.Without turning off your legs, first turn them to the right, touch the floor with them, return to your original position and do the same with your left side.The torso should remain stationary.
- BROO Bridge.It strengthens the muscles of the ass, prevents the spine from curvature and smoothes its turns.Lie on the floor, place your hands on your body, bend your legs in your knees.Raise your pelvis and leave in this position for 5 seconds.
- Exercise to stretch the lower back and legs.Sit on the floor, stretch your legs in front of you, spread your shoulders around the width.First, lean against one leg, pull it with your hands to your finger, feel the muscles stretch.Glue for 20-30 seconds.Now do the same with the second match.
You should start with a minimum number of exercise repetitions, gradually bringing them to a maximum (3 approach 10-20 times).They must be performed every day.It takes no more than 10-15 minutes, but helps prevent osteochondrosis.
Warning!Gymnastics is contraindicated in acute lower back pain.
Traditional medicine
At home, the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis can be performed through folk remedies.They will not replace drug therapy, but will become a good complement to it.In the table below, we give some most effective recipes for traditional medicine against lumbar pain.
Boil water in a pan so that strong steam comes from it.Keep a few Burdok leaves for 10 minutes.| Means | Action | Cooking | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adam root tincture | Warming, analgesic. | Adjust 200 g of root on a fine grater, put a jar and pour 0.5 liters of vodka.Put in a dark place and insist for 5 days. | Rub the tincture in the lower back, place on a woolen belt on top or tie a warm scarf. |
| Compress from the leaves of Burdoka. | Anesthetic. | Boil water in a pan so that strong steam comes from it.Keep a few Burdok leaves for 10 minutes. | Apply the sheet to the place of pain location.Cover with a plastic wrap and wrap.Keep 1-2 hours. |
| Pine bathroom | Warming, relaxing, analgesic. | Pour a hot bath, put a few spruce or pine branches in the water.Add 10 drops of essential oil from any coniferous tree (cedar, pine, larch, juniper). | Take the bath for 10-15 minutes.Then wipe the dry and wrap. |
| Herbal decoction | Vitamin, anti -inflammatory, normalizing metabolism. | Put 10 g of Lingonberry sheets, hop cones, wizard and sword in a pan.Pour 500 ml of water, put on the stove and bring to a boil.Turn off the fire.Cover with a lid and let it cook for 1 hour.Tension. | Take 1/4 of Art.After eating three times a day.The course of treatment is 1 month.The maximum duration is 6 months. |
| Lidocaine ointment | Anesthetic. | Melt also a cool 200 g smalz, add 75 g of beeswax, 30 g of the altrum root, cut into a powder.Pour 1 lidocaine amplifier into the mixture, mix everything until smooth. | Rub into inflamed spots if necessary.Store no more than 6-7 weeks. |
Warning!The possibility of using recipes from unconventional medicine depends on what type of lumbar osteochondrosis the symptoms are, and home treatment should be strictly controlled by a doctor.
Surgical treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis
Surgical intervention is a radical method.Therefore, they resort to it only with the development of complications or in the case where conservative methods have not given the necessary result.Usually at this time the disease reaches 3 or 4 stages of development.
With lumbosacral osteochondrosis, treatment with surgical method usually implies discoctomic removal of destroyed intervertebral discs.It rarely removes the whole vertebra, squeezing the nerve fibers.Instead of discs and vertebrae, artificial dentures or fragments obtained from the patient's rowing are inserted into the spine.To prevent the vertebrae from moving and the progression of the disease, they are immobilized.For this, the spinal column is strengthened with metal plates and bolts.
The surgery is performed under local anesthesia by a cut of 3-5 cm long. To access the spine, the tissues are pushed out of a special tool.From the introduction of anesthesia into the suture of the wound, it passes from 1.5 to 2 hours.
Warning!Modern technologies allow you to perform operations using an endoscope - a long and flexible tool, inward through a cut of about 1 cm in length.
Prevention of lumbar osteochondrosis
In order to maintain the health of the musculoskeletal system, it is necessary to take preventative measures.They will reduce the risk of osteochondrosis.And if the pathological changes in the spine have already begun, they will help prevent their development.
Preventive Tips:
- If you have a stuck work, place a roller or a special orthopedic pillow under the lower back.
- Dress time and do not allow hypothermia on the back and lower back.
- Do gymnastics, running or other easy sports.
- Feeling discomfort or lower back pain, see a doctor immediately.
- Give up bad habits and eat properly.
- Sit on hard chairs with your back.The furniture up does not support the body of the body, so the spine should absorb the whole load.
- The perfect stool height is equal to the length of the lower legs.Then, when you sit, your feet will rest on the floor.If the growth is small, you can place a stand under your feet.
- The ideal depth of sitting is 2/3 of the length of the hips.You can less, but no more.
- The legs should be spacious under the desktop.
- Sit that the back rests on the back of the chair.
- When sitting, do not tilt your head or body - keep them straight.
- In order not to tilt your head when reading, use a student.
- After many hours of driving, do a number of gymnastic exercises.
- Replace the posture every 10-15 minutes, relying on one leg first, then on the other leg.
- If you can move to place, do it.
- Perform a few slopes back with your arms raised every hour.During the tendency, take a deep breath.This exercise relaxes the back and belt, as well as the back of the head and neck.
- If you work, standing (ironing, cook), put a bench under one leg.Its height should be equal to the height at one stage.
- In order not to bend during cleaning the home, extend the vacuum cleaning hose by placing an extra pipe.And to wash the floors, use a mop.You can wash the floors, crawl on your knees, but without bending over the standing position.
- He sleeps on a solid orthopedic mattress.
- Instead of the mattress, a thick hard shield (plywood plate) is suitable, covered with foam rubber up to 8 cm thick.Put a wool blanket and a sheet on top.
- If your feet hurt, put a towel folded in a roll under your knees.
- If you like to sleep on your stomach, place a thin pillow under it.
- If you like to sleep from the side, put one leg on the other and your hands under your head.
- Distribute the load evenly to both hands.Frequent wearing in the same hand leads to a curvature of the spine.
- If you have already diagnosed osteochondrosis, do not carry objects that weigh more than 15 kg.To move them, it is better to use a bag with wheels or carts.
- If you need to lift and transfer a heavy object, first squat, hold your back straight.Then take the weight, get up to your feet and wear it, pressing it against your stomach.To lower the heavy object, you also need to squat down.
- Eat 3-4 times a day.
- Enrich the diet with protein: fish, low fat meat, legumes, cottage cheese.
- Limit the consumption of sweets, baking, fatty foods.
- Include more vegetables and fruits in the diet.
- Consume products rich in calcium and phosphorus (cheese, dairy products, fish).
- Do not overeat - the excess calories is deposited in the form of fat, leading to the formation of excess weight.