The health of the spine is the basis for the normal functioning of the musculoskeletal system.There are many diseases that destroy the structure of vertebrae and surrounding tissues.This article describes the symptoms and treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine.
Waist structure
Before talking about osteochondrosis, you need to understand how the spine works.I will say a few words about it.
The spinal column consists of vertebrae located on cartilage intervertebral discs.Thanks to them, a person can bend and turn.The entire spine is S-shaped, which provides flexibility.
Intervertebral discs consist of a nucleus pulposus surrounded by an annulus fibrosus.This is the destruction of the intervertebral disc, which causes osteochondrosis.
Clinical picture of lumbar osteochondrosis
Lumbar osteochondrosis is a lesion of the spine, intervertebral discs and surrounding tissues with a long course, often becoming chronic.The disease is often complicated by intervertebral hernia, inflammation of nerves and other unpleasant pathologies.
Clinical manifestations of the disease vary in different stages.Lumbar osteochondrosis has 4 main development periods:
- Stage I. Symptoms disappear.In most cases, a small pain in the lower back or a small pain in the hips is a discomfort that increases with physical activity.Patients attribute symptoms to fatigue.
- Stage II.The destruction of the fibrous ring begins, the distances between the vertebrae decrease.During this period, compressed nerve endings are characterized by sharp, "burning pain".At this stage, symptoms are pronounced, so patients go to a medical institution.
- III.At this stage, a significant destruction of fibrous rings and intervertebral hernia is possible.The pain is constant.
- Iv.The spine is very deformed.Patients have difficulty moving.Irreversible disorders cause disability.Lumbar osteochondrosis develops in unfavorable conditions: physical activity, hypothermia, forced professional posture.
Symptoms and signs
The description of the clinical picture tells a little about the symptoms, but not about all.Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis are very diverse:
- Pain.The most common symptom of the disease.In the initial stages, pain increases with exercise.In the later stages, the pain becomes stronger and does not go away without taking painkillers.Sharp painful "throws" - characterized by short attacks of unbearable pain.
- Temperature.When lumbar osteochondrosis is accompanied by inflammation of nerves or surrounding tissues, a high temperature appears.Usually not more than 38 ° C.
- Trophic ulcers.They occur when there is a cut in the nutrition of the tissues around the spine, due to pinching of blood vessels.
- Characteristic pose.A person takes a position where he experiences the least pain and stays in this position almost all the time.
- Changes in the position of the spine: scoliosis, kyphosis, etc.
- Limited movement.Occurs in the last two stages of lumbar osteochondrosis.Numbness of limbs.As osteochondrosis progresses, limb numbness may occur.This is due to pinching of some nerves in the lumbar region.The symptom appears from the 2nd stage of the disease.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar region is characterized by an increase in symptoms depending on the progression of the disease.
Reasons
Many patients believe that the only cause of lumbar osteochondrosis is improper physical activity.This idea is fundamentally wrong.In fact, there are dozens of factors that can lead to the development of the disease:
- Genetic predisposition.This factor comes first, because if it is there, nothing can be done.All the rest is supportive therapy and treatment.
- Poor posture during periods of active growth.This can be caused by incorrect posture at a desk or carrying a briefcase on one shoulder.
- Excess weight is a constant companion of osteochondrosis.Under the weight of extra pounds, the intervertebral discs are destroyed, which leads to the appearance of the disease.
- Injuries.They can be home, professional, sports.
- Endocrine diseases.Metabolic failure is a common cause of destruction of intervertebral discs.
- Sedentary lifestyle.Insufficient amount of movement and physical activity leads to muscular dystrophy, which puts stress on the back.
- Hard work that puts stress on your back.
- Congenital anomalies of the spine.
- When several provoking factors are combined, the disease will develop faster.
Diagnostics
Diagnosis of lumbar osteochondrosis is quite simple, especially in clinics equipped with modern equipment.Diagnosis is carried out in the following order: inquiry, examination, orders of tests and hardware tests.
Diagnosis begins with the collection of anamnestic data.The doctor clarifies the patient's age (this is important), first symptoms and working conditions.Based on the collected information, the specialist can draw a conclusion about what caused the disease.
Next, the doctor conducts an examination.The doctor feels the spine, asks the patient to perform some movements: bending, flexion-extension, turns.Based on this, it is possible to determine how limited the patient's motor activity is.
Tests are done to rule out bone tuberculosis and other diseases.From the blood, a specialist can judge the presence of inflammation.
X-ray examination is an accessible and informative way to determine the presence of osteochondrosis.Often photos are taken in two projections.But in some cases, it is possible to obtain an additional projection or a general X-ray image of a specific area of the spine.
Magnetic resonance imaging.Examination of the spine using this device is the gold standard for the diagnosis of osteochondrosis.This procedure allows for the elimination of fibrous rings, spina bifida, displacement of individual vertebrae, and more.
Treatment
Osteochondrosis can be treated by an orthopedist, neurologist or vertologist.It depends on the cause of the disease.
Treatment varies dramatically depending on the stage of the disease.
Chiropractic is called upon to improve the condition of the spine and correct (if possible) the correct errors.Proper massage will increase the blood supply to the spinal region.Physical therapy and wearing a brace will correct the symptoms of scoliosis (this is especially important for children).The studied drugs are necessary to increase the supply of substances necessary for the construction of intervertebral disc tissue.
In the second stage of the disease, intensive drug therapy is indicated.Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should be taken in a course to eliminate inflammation.Strong analgesics are prescribed for severe pain.Muscle relaxants will help relieve muscle tension.
In rare cases, anticonvulsants and antidepressants may be prescribed.
Additional treatment consists of the use of physiotherapy, exercise therapy, massages (if the patient's condition is not aggravated).
The third stage of the disease is characterized by destructive processes in the intervertebral disc.Surgical treatment is indicated for hernia.Drug therapy is the same as in the second stage of the disease.
In the fourth stage of the disease, with significant destruction of the disc, prostheses with an artificial implant are possible.In the postoperative period, drug treatment and additional treatment methods are carried out.
Treatment of lumbar spine symptoms and signs of osteochondrosis should occur only with the participation of a specialist.Self-medication is unacceptable.
Complications of lumbar osteochondrosis
The complication of lumbar osteochondrosis is mainly associated with the formation of Intervertebral Hernias, which negatively affect the spinal cord and nearby tissues.
Below is a list of the most common complications:
- Numbness of limbs or individual muscles.It occurs due to compression of the spine.
- Urinary and defecation disorders (to eliminate urge).
- Trophic ulcers.
- Depression.It seems that this cannot be a complication.But in fact, constant pain causes mood swings.There are even cases of suicide on this basis.Complications of lumbar osteochondrosis, inadequate treatment or non-compliance with the treatment regimen.As a rule, with timely treatment, complications do not arise.
Risk group
There are people who are likely to develop lumbar osteochondrosis.These people are at risk.
People whose relatives suffer from similar diseases should take care of their backs.
The risk group includes obese patients.Excess weight puts great stress on the intervertebral discs.People who lead a sedentary lifestyle are also at high risk.
Undoubtedly, athletes should take care of their backs.At the same time, it does not matter what sports they play.
Bulls should be protected if they are not lifting heavy objects or being in uncomfortable positions for long periods of time.
Prevention of lumbar osteochondrosis
Treatment of osteochondrosis is long-term, often the disease takes a chronic form.Therefore, prevention of spinal pathologies is of great importance.
In order to prevent problems in the lumbar spine, it is necessary to follow the regime of physical activity and rest.The load on the spine should be uniform and not excessive.Rest, lie and should be in a better position.
If you are overweight, you need to lose it.
Preventive measures include timely treatment of endocrine diseases and postural disorders (especially for children).
Problems with the spine significantly reduce the quality of life, so you should be careful for minor pain or discomfort in this area.