Lumbar osteochondrosis develops during degenerative-dystrophic processes in the intervertebral discs and vertebrae.Negative symptoms are the consequence of a set of negative factors.
Pathology is diagnosed in both men and women.The risk group is patients with excess weight, metabolic disorders, people who are forced to frequently lift and move heavy objects due to the nature of their work.It is important to know the dangers of osteochondrosis in the lumbar region and how to prevent damage to the spine.
Causes of the development of lumbar osteochondrosis
In most cases, osteochondrosis of the spine develops under the influence of several negative factors.The more causes there are, the more difficult it is to cope with a rapidly progressing illness.In women, spinal problems often develop due to excess weight, in men - during intense physical activity.
Degenerative and dystrophic changes in the vertebrae and intervertebral discs cause:
- old back injuries;
- excess weight;
- lack of sufficient physical activity, sedentary work;
- disruptions in metabolic processes;
- lifting weights in violation of the rules;
- hereditary predisposition.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, ICD code – M42.
Degrees and stages of the disease
The disease of the musculoskeletal system presents itself in two forms:
- acute;
- remission period.
Depending on the degree of damage to the vertebrae and discs, there are 4 stages of pathology:
- First of all.Symptoms are mild, periodic pain (when lifting weights or making sharp turns), initial stage of deformation of the intervertebral discs;
- second.The annulus fibrosus is destroyed, the vertebrae are brought closer to each other, and the pain syndrome worsens when the nerve roots are pinched.The patient adopts an unnatural position to try to relieve the pain.The shoots radiate towards the groin, legs and upper thigh.Lumbago comes on suddenly, the pain is unbearable;
- third.The fibrous rings are completely destroyed, the vertebrae are in constant contact and an intervertebral hernia forms.The pain is almost constant, intensifies with movement.Chondroprotectors are ineffective (the cartilaginous tissue is almost destroyed): the use of NSAIDs and analgesics is necessary;
- fourth.The spine is damaged, the patient has difficulty moving.The growth of bone structures increases, the pain weakens slightly, but mobility is limited when performing actions.The result is patient disability.
Possible complications
Lack of treatment for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine causes the progression of the pathology.As negative changes increase, compression of the intervertebral discs increases, cartilage tissue is destroyed, and pain increases.Damage to the spinal nerves as they exit the spine leads to the development of radicular syndrome and progressive muscle atrophy.Signs of radiculopathy intensify with bending, lifting, or 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, fecal and urinary incontinence.Damage to a large vessel supplying the spinal cord and roots quickly turns a healthy person into a patient with limited capabilities.Pressure sores are a clear sign of pathology;
- compression myelopathy.The formation of a herniated disc causes compression and narrowing of the spinal canal.The consequence is excruciating pain, which is practically unaffected by strong painkillers.Other negative signs: problems with the functioning of the organs located in the pelvis, reduction in innervation and muscular strength of the lower limbs.
Clinical picture
The main sign of spinal injury is aching pain in the lumbar region, radiating to the leg.Unpleasant sensations appear after carrying loads, during turns or sharp turns.Sometimes pain occurs even without physical activity.Important point– changing body position increases discomfort.
Damage to various parts of the spine forces you to look for a position in which discomfort will be minimal.This sign makes it possible to diagnose a 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 and professional activities.
Signs of acute form:
- acute pain appears not only during intense physical exertion, but also during normal changes in body position;
- Only the search for the most acceptable body position temporarily relieves the painful symptom.
Symptoms during remission:
- tingling sensation, numbness in the legs;
- dull pain in the lumbar region, buttocks, legs;
- disruption of the functioning of the genital organs of the pelvis.
Diagnosis
If the development of lumbar osteochondrosis is suspected, the patient consults an orthopedist-traumatologist.The doctor refers you for a spinal X-ray, MRI, and CT scan.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 adapt to actively participate in the therapeutic process: it is important to get rid of extra pounds, stop lifting weights and quit smoking.Moderate movement, the use of medications, participation in physical procedures and performing therapeutic massages are obligatory elements in relieving pain and reducing the risk of progression of degenerative changes in the spine.
Important details:
- spinal traction, manual therapy are specific methods for treating lumbar osteochondrosis.The procedures are carried out by a qualified doctor: incorrect application of techniques in the absence of knowledge and experience often causes damage and often leads to disability of the patient;
- Another important part of treatment is diet.Jellied meat, dishes containing gelatin, fish, meat broths, fruits, turkey, vegetables, low-fat dairy products and herbs are healthy.Do not eat sour and spicy foods, do not drink alcohol or carbonated drinks.Make sure to drink up to two liters of fluid per day.
Drug therapy
Complex processing required:
- chondroprotectors.The compositions restore the quality of cartilage tissue, stop the destruction of discs, fill the deficiency of microelements and increase the elasticity of tissues.An important point is that all chondroprotectors are taken for a long time - at least six months.Glucosamine, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate accumulate in cartilage tissue and restore the structure of damaged discs.The sooner the patient starts taking chondroprotectors, the higher the chances of success.In 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 an essential component in the treatment of spinal osteochondrosis.The compositions stop inflammation and reduce pain.The greatest effect is provided by drugs in the form of tablets and injections;products for external use are more delicate.Many types of NSAIDs irritate the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract: you can treat painful areas, take pills or give injections only after eating.To protect the gastric tissue, a special drug with an enveloping effect is prescribed;
- vitamin and mineral complexes, healthy food supplementswith calcium, drugs that activate blood circulation in the affected tissues.The dosage and duration of treatment are determined by the orthopedic traumatologist treating the patient.Saturation of bone and cartilage tissues with useful minerals and vitamins improves the condition of problem areas.
Folk remedies and recipes
An additional element of treatment is ointments, frictions, compresses, homemade herbal decoctions.The compositions reduce pain, reduce inflammation and saturate the body with useful substances.All herbal remedies can be taken in consultation with an orthopedist-traumatologist.
Proven folk remedies:
- lingonberry leaf tea;
- ointment made from melted pork fat, ground marshmallow root, and beeswax;
- collection with anti-inflammatory effect.Ingredients: knotweed, strawberry leaves, horsetail, barberry, agrimony;
- a compress for the painful area made from grated raw potatoes and fine honey;
- ointment made from hop cones and melted lard.
Warning!During the acute phase, it is forbidden to apply any heat to the affected area.High temperature increases blood flow and accelerates the development of inflammation.Cooling menthol-based ointments are helpful in reducing pain.It is important to coordinate all actions and procedures at home with an orthopedic traumatologist.
Therapeutic gymnastics
The main task is to strengthen the muscular corset that supports the spine.Weak muscles combined with a thick layer of fat negatively affect the condition of the intervertebral discs and affected vertebrae.
The patient practices gymnastics for lumbar osteochondrosis in a rehabilitation center, in a hospital setting or in a spa clinic.High power loads, jumps, runs, sharp turns and deep turns are prohibited.After the patient has mastered the exercise technique, the doctor allows him to carry out a complex of exercise therapy at home.
Physiotherapeutic 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 for lumbar osteochondrosis:
- electrophoresis with anti-inflammatory and analgesic compounds;
- thermal procedures during remission;
- darsonval (use of alternating current);
- magnetic therapy;
- beneficial effects of ultrasound waves;
- therapeutic massages;
- acupuncture to reduce pain.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar region in advanced cases leads to patient disability.The disease does not manifest itself only in older people: sedentary work + poor diet significantly rejuvenates pathologies of the musculoskeletal system.Only timely diagnosis and an integrated therapeutic approach under the guidance of an experienced orthopedic traumatologist can avoid serious consequences.