During the course of the disease in question, the proper shape and flexibility of the intervertebral discs is lost: their gradual deformation occurs. The distance between the vertebrae decreases, which leads to nerve compression and pain. Of all the parts of the spine, the lumbosacral is most often susceptible to these pathological changes.
Causes and signs of lumbar osteochondrosis - how does the disease manifest itself?
The disease in question appears due to inadequate distribution of the load on the spine. This is the main reason for diagnosing lumbar osteochondrosis. There are many factors that can cause the appearance and development of this disease.
- Passive lifestyle. This includes people who lead a mostly sedentary lifestyle. In a sitting position, the muscles of the corset relax, which increases the load on the lumbar spine.
- Inflammatory phenomena that are located in the joints of the spine.
- Errors in the functioning of the endocrine system, hormonal imbalance.
- Severe infectious diseases affecting bones and joints (tuberculosis, osteomyelitis).
- Dysfunctions of the gastrointestinal tract and heart.
- A lifestyle associated with heavy physical work (loaders, weightlifters, construction workers).
- Uneven posture, improper gait.
- Poor density of cartilage tissue (hereditary factor).
- Congenital pathologies related to the structure of the spine/skeleton. Deviations in the functioning of the musculoskeletal system.
- Obesity.
- Unbalanced regime of work and rest.
- Age. In humans, after crossing the 50-year mark, the intervertebral discs become less elastic and inactive.
- Chemical poisoning.
- Flat feet. With the proper structure of the foot, the load is absorbed during walking. If there are flat feet, the intervertebral discs receive the maximum load, which leads to their deformation and destruction.
- Back injury.
The signs of the disease in question are divided into three groups. Reflex signs (pain). They have several manifestations:
- Lumbago. It occurs as a result of sudden movement (jumping up, running, coughing). This pain is paroxysmal in nature (lumbago). During this attack, the patient tilts his torso forward and stays in this position for a certain time: attempts to straighten up cause a new wave of pain. Lumbago occurs as a result of pinched nerve roots.
- Lumbodynia. The pain that appears in the lumbar region is increasing in nature. Initially, the patient feels a certain discomfort, which can develop into strong and regular pain. The cause of lumbodynia can be a sedentary lifestyle and excessive physical activity. Lumbodynia can develop against the background of lumbago.
- Sciatica. Pain sensations spread along the sciatic nerve. The main location is the lower extremities. This phenomenon occurs when the nerve roots of the spinal cord are compressed. If the motor fibers are involved in the destructive process, the patient experiences muscle spasms and muscle weakness. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to muscle atrophy in the future.
Radicular syndrome. It is characterized by the following manifestations:
- the skin of the feet periodically loses sensitivity;
- the patient complains of shooting pain in the lumbar region;
- disruptions occur in the sweating system.
Radicular-vascular signs. They occur against the background of compression of blood vessels. The following complaints were noted by the patient:
- heat/cold in lower extremities;
- tingling/growing pains in legs;
- swelling (when the veins are compressed).
Lack of adequate treatment can provoke a spinal cord injury, which can lead to partial/complete paralysis of the lower extremities, as well as serious malfunctions of the pelvic organs. Lumbar osteochondrosis negatively affects the structure of the vertebrae: over time, they can shift. This violation can provoke a number of negative phenomena.
- Dysfunctions in the functioning of internal organs and the genitourinary system.
- Frequent fatigue.
- Weakness.
- Nervousness.
Symptoms of lumbosacral osteochondrosis depending on the degree - how is the disease diagnosed?
Based on the group and strength of the manifestation of clinical signs, the disease in question is divided into several degrees. The first is beginner, the second degree is light, the third is severe.
Lumbar osteochondrosis of the first degree.
It is characterized by the main symptoms:
- Lumbago (lumbago), which occurs due to a crack in the disc capsule (intervertebral).
- Tissue swelling.
- Muscle spasm.
- Regular pain.
With grade 1 lumbar osteochondrosis, the patient may experience additional symptoms caused by compression of blood vessels and nerve roots.
- Imitation of disorders related to the functioning of the kidneys and gastrointestinal tract.
- Periodic abdominal pain that occurs against the background of spasm of the abdominal muscles.
Lumbar osteochondrosis of the second degree.
This degree of lumbar osteochondrosis is also characterized by the following manifestations:
- Regular pain (lumbodynia). The location of the pain, which can have different intensity, is the lower back.
- Abnormal mobility in the joints of the spine. A tight bandage on the lower back can briefly improve the patient's general condition and reduce pain.
- Malfunctions (not always) of internal organs. In some cases, a patient with lumbar osteochondrosis may experience bronchial asthma and errors in the functioning of the biliary/urinary tract.
- Pain in the lower extremities that goes in the direction of the sciatic nerve.
Lumbar osteochondrosis of the 3rd degree.
At this stage of the disease, surgical treatment is required, otherwise paralysis and death may occur. The 3rd degree of lumbar osteochondrosis has its own characteristics.
- Deformations of the spine: right/left curvature (scoliosis); forward arching (lordosis), arching of the lumbar spine (kyphosis).
- Constant, strong, acute pains that make themselves felt at the slightest physical activity (change of position, coughing, sneezing).
- Swelling of muscle tissue, ligaments.
- Periodic/regular lack of sensation in the lower part of the body (lower back, legs, feet).
- Dysfunctions of the genitourinary system.
Treatment methods of lumbar osteochondrosis
The choice of treatment tactics for the disease in question will depend on the degree of osteochondrosis, the presence of additional diseases, the general condition of the patient and other factors that will necessarily be taken into account by the attending physician.
There are 2 important points that guide every doctor when prescribing treatment.
- To eliminate osteochondrosis of the lumbar region, an integrated approach is needed.
- Treatment measures (intensity, duration) will be determined by the level of neglect of the pathology in question.
Drug treatment of lumbosacral osteochondrosis - effective drugs
Every year, scientists develop new drugs that help relieve the symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis. The list of drugs given below is not standard; it can change. However, today doctors often use certain medications to combat the manifestations of this disease.
- Chondroprotectors. They stop the destructive processes in the cartilage tissue of the spine that occur in the initial stage of the disease.
- Anti-inflammatory medications (non-steroidal). It is used for the treatment of lumbosacral osteochondrosis of the second degree. This group of medications can be used in the form of injections (intramuscular), tablets, ointments, rectal suppositories, capsules and solutions. In case of worsening of the disease, the patient may be prescribed injections (16 mg/day)
- Muscle relaxants. Help eliminate discomfort caused by increased muscle tone.
- Vasodilators. It helps improve blood circulation, preventing stagnation, minimizing the risk of infection in the body.
- Local anesthetics. In case of severe and continuous pain, the anesthesiologist performs a blockade. A solution is injected into the painful area using a special needle. The pain goes away immediately and does not bother you for several weeks. Such a blockade should be used only in extreme cases: it has many negative consequences.
- Complexes of vitamins and minerals. It is often prescribed for elderly patients, to increase the strength of tendons and ligaments.
Massage for lumbar osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral region
This method of treatment will be useful in the subacute phase of the disease in question. Through massage it is possible to eliminate pain, remove muscle tension and stiffness.
The massage should be performed in a healthy area (untouched! ). During the procedure, the patient is placed on a flat and firm bed on the stomach. Place a pillow/pillow under your stomach. It is also necessary to ensure that the patient's legs are elevated (45 degrees). The forehead should rest on a firm surface.
To perform a massage, it is better to use special products (oils, creams, lotions) that have heating properties, or to perform the session immediately after thermal procedures (bath, sauna). Today there are many massage techniques, let's highlight the main ones:
- The caress. There are several types of blows: blow-shaped, flat transverse, fan-shaped, ending with symmetrical blows in the area of the sternum muscles.
- The squeeze. Performed in combination with blows. This massage technique provides stretching of the muscles.
- Boiling.
- The tremor.
- Trituration. It is often used to improve the functioning of tendons, ligaments and joints.
- Impact on points. Not every massage therapist is able to perform the procedure using the acupressure technique.
Therapeutic gymnastics or exercise therapy for lumbar osteochondrosis - a set of exercises for the lumbosacral spine on video.
The whole complex of physical exercises used in the diagnosis of lumbar osteochondrosis should help increase the mobility of the lumbar region.
Therapeutic gymnastics will not be effective if the exercises are performed from time to time. The main principle of exercise therapy is regularity. Continuous performance of a certain set of exercises will help eliminate destructive processes in the intervertebral joints. It is forbidden to carry out exercise therapy in the presence of acute pain. For severe pain, doctors recommend bed rest and wearing special corsets. When the pain subsides, you can try therapeutic exercises.
Physiotherapy for lumbar osteochondrosis
This method of conservative treatment is one of the most effective. However, to achieve the desired result, you need to spend a lot of time. Using several types of physiotherapy at the same time helps speed up recovery. This method of treatment has many contraindications that cannot be ignored. Often, physiotherapy is prescribed for children, pregnant women, nursing mothers and elderly patients.
The use of physiotherapy is prohibited in the following cases:
- cancer;
- acute stages of osteochondrosis;
- serious interruptions in the functioning of the central nervous system;
- injury to the area where physiotherapy is to be performed.
Today, a number of physiotherapy procedures have become popular in the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis.
- Ultraviolet radiation. The pathological area is exposed to heat, which helps improve blood supply, eliminate spasms, and eliminate pain.
- Magnetotherapy, electrophoresis. The application of the method involves exposing the painful area of the spine to a magnetic/electric field. Through this effect, it is possible to establish the body's metabolic processes, eliminate (completely/partially) inflammatory phenomena and accelerate recovery.
- Laser therapy. The condition of the affected spinal roots is significantly improved due to the influence of helium-neon emitters on them.
- Balneotherapy. The main component used to perform the said physical procedure is therapeutic mud and mineral waters.
- Detensor therapy (mechanical stretching of the spine). Important for severe back pain.
Folk remedies for lumbar osteochondrosis
This method of treatment includes the use of ointments, rubs and compresses containing medicinal plants. Such tools help reduce inflammation and eliminate pain. It is advised to use folk remedies in the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis with caution: an allergic reaction may occur/develop.
Often, in the fight against the disease, frictions and compresses are used:
- Tincture of red pepper: for rubbing painful areas of the lower back. To prepare the medicine, you need to mix 1 tbsp. vodka (diluted medical alcohol), 20-25 gr. ground dried red pepper. It is necessary to inject (mixing occasionally) these ingredients for 5-7 days.
- Camphor and mustard: for daily rubbing before bed. To prepare the product, mix mustard powder (50 g), camphor alcohol (50 ml), medical alcohol (90-100 ml), beaten egg whites (3 pieces). After complete mixing, you should get a liquid ointment.
- Honey and aloe: for compresses on the lower back (2 times a day). To prepare this product you should use honey (100 ml), diluted medical alcohol (150 ml), aloe juice (50 ml). Before use, this mixture should stand for 10-12 hours.
- Horseradish root and alcohol: for rubbing the affected area of the back. To prepare this product, mix horseradish root juice and medical alcohol in equal proportions. After rubbing, wrap the treated area.
- Garlic juice and pork fat (1: 2): for rubbing on the painful areas of the lower back.
- Cabbage leaf peeled from thick veins: for bandages. Before application, the cabbage leaf must be soaked in hot water (no more than 60 C). You can secure the leaf to your lower back using a bandage/gauze. After the color of the leaf changes, the procedure can be repeated.
Prevention of lumbar osteochondrosis
Prevention of the said disease includes a number of measures.
The right food. The diet should be balanced and low in calories. It is not recommended to eat more than 6 times a day. Certain foods should dominate your daily diet.
- Fish (sea).
- Vegetable fats (olive, linseed oil).
- Dairy products with a minimum content of colors and sugar.
- Dishes containing gelatin (jelly meat, jelly).
- Animal cartilage (can be used to prepare first courses).
- Fresh fruits, vegetables.
- Greenery.
- Mineral water.
Taking vitamin and mineral complexes (1-2 times a year) will be useful.
An active lifestyle
- Swimming.
- Daily walks.
- Gymnastics exercises (also suitable for pregnant women).
Performing simple physical exercises (15-20 minutes a day) aimed at strengthening the back muscles.
Lumbar osteochondrosis can go from an acute to a chronic stage, and this means annual expenses for massages, soothing injections and warming ointments. If you do not treat all these, the consequences can be very sad, even paralysis or death!