The development of 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 different, so the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis must be carried out under the strict supervision of a doctor. In advanced cases, the disease leads to serious damage, as a result of which a person can become 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 disc area 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;
- hard work associated with heavy loads;
- genetic predisposition, in which the pathology is also diagnosed in a child;
- flat feet;
- excess weight;
- 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. Signs of lumbar osteochondrosis do not manifest themselves for a long time, a feeling of discomfort and swelling occurs already in stages 2-3.In the later stages of the disease, symptoms are disturbing during coughing, sneezing and little physical activity. Pathology also provokes radicular syndrome:
- shooting, sharp pain occurs in the lumbar region;
- skin sensitivity is impaired in the lower extremities;
- worried about muscle weakness;
- tingling sensation in leg and knee joint;
- sweating is impaired.
The main symptom of lumbar osteochondrosis is pain in the lower part of the spine.
A degenerative disease includes limited mobility, difficulty trying to bend over, and pain with minimal effort. If the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis is not started at the right time, serious consequences develop, including deformation of the intervertebral disc, elongation and the appearance of a hernia. These disorders can only be treated surgically, because conservative therapy does not help.
Degrees of pathology
1st degree
The inner layer of the annulus fibrosus becomes covered with fissures, through which the nucleus pulposus begins to emerge. As it passes outward, the nerve fibers are irritated. A person feels how his back hurts at the level of the waist with minimal loads. In stage 1, pain due to osteochondrosis is often stable, but lumbago can be bothersome. Symptoms go away after rest and then do not bother you for a long time.
2nd degree
When the 2nd period of the pathology begins, the intervertebral space decreases, the nerve fibers tighten more tightly, the pain becomes severe, pseudospondylolisthesis and left-sided scoliosis develop. The annulus fibrosus is destroyed more actively. Osteochondrosis of the population of the 2nd degree is characterized by pathological mobility of the spine. Due to the increased load, a person jumps into the cold, then into the heat. Symptoms become pronounced and cannot be ignored. The attacks become longer each time and the pain cannot be relieved with ordinary pain relievers.
3rd degree
The course of osteochondrosis of the third degree of the lumbar region is characterized by increased pain, deformations of the spine and reactive growth of bone tissue. The annulus fibrosus ruptures and the nucleus pulposus moves away from its confines, causing a hernia. If treatment is not started at stage 3 of development, the patient risks becoming disabled.
4th degree
Osteochondrosis of the 4th degree of the lumbar spine will not allow a person to walk due to severe pain.
There is complete deformation of the spine, 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, disc protrusion occurs, which can only be treated surgically. After surgery, the patient's health is not always fully restored.
Diagnosing
When you are worried about the signs of osteochondrosis of the spine, you should visit a doctor. At the initial appointment, the doctor will palpate the coccyx, the iliac crest area and also determine the manifestation of the following syndromes:
- development of scoliosis, kyphosis and osteoarthritis;
- pain in specific points;
- inability to perform certain movements;
- the level of the location of the gluteal folds, which can be of the right or left side.
An X-ray is taken, which takes pictures of the affected area. In the image, the midsection appears deformed in advanced stages, protrusions are visible on the right or left. For a more detailed diagnosis, a CT or MRI is prescribed, thanks to which the doctor will get the results as soon as possible and choose the optimal treatment methods.
How is the treatment performed?
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 choose the necessary medications that have minimal side effects. The treatment regimen includes the use of:
- analgesics;
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- muscle relaxants.
First aid includes the use of injection blocks, which relieve pain, relieve swelling and temperature of the affected area. The acute phase, in which the pain syndrome is pronounced, is treated with powerful sedatives. As an auxiliary therapy, it is recommended to treat with local agents - ointments, gels and creams. If conservative treatment does not help or the disease is diagnosed in late stages, surgical therapy is prescribed. When hernias are formed, they are removed completely. Compression of nerve fibers and blood vessels is then 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 alleviate the symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis in women and men. Even children suffering from the disorder undergo such 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 region and strengthen the muscles surrounding the spine. It is important to carefully make movements with osteochondrosis, try not to strain 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 physiotherapeutic procedures is considered amplipulsi, when pulses of modulated current 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 soft food. It is recommended to enrich the menu with products containing calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc and folic acid. It is important to maintain the 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 therapy, a healthy diet and giving up bad habits.
If the initial lumbar osteochondrosis is diagnosed at the right time, the disorder can be cured using a course of drug therapy and performing special exercises. Otherwise, there is a risk of developing intervertebral hernias, sciatica, osteoarthritis, paresis and other vertebral disorders that can make the patient disabled. For the treatment to be effective, it is important to consult a doctor at the right time. As a preventive measure, it is recommended to stretch the spine, check the posture, strengthen the muscles and evenly distribute the load. In addition, you should exercise, monitor your diet and drink at least 6-8 tablespoons. water per day. At the first symptoms, do not self-medicate, but go to the doctor and strictly follow the prescribed treatment regimen.