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 diverse, so the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis must be carried out under the strict supervision of a doctor. In advanced cases, the disease causes serious deficiencies, as a result of which the person may become disabled. The degenerative disorder with this type of osteochondrosis is fixed at the level of the L1 S1, L2-L3, L3 S1 vertebrae and in the L5 S1 disc area.
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 pathology is diagnosed even in a child;
- flat feet;
- overweight;
- infectious and inflammatory diseases.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine.
The degenerative process in the lumbar region causes acute pain in the lower back in men and women, which radiates 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 already occurs in stages 2-3.In later stages of the disease, symptoms are bothersome coughing, sneezing, and little physical activity. The pathology also causes radicular syndrome:
- A sharp, stabbing pain occurs in the lumbar region;
- skin sensitivity is affected in the lower extremities;
- worried about muscle weakness;
- tingling appears in the legs and knee joint;
- sweating is affected.
The main symptom of lumbar osteochondrosis is pain in the lower part of the spine.
A degenerative disease involves limited mobility, difficulty attempting to bend over, and pain with minimal effort. If the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis is not started in a timely manner, serious consequences develop, such as deformation of the intervertebral disc, protrusion and the appearance of a hernia. These disorders can only be treated surgically, because conservative therapy does not help.
Degrees of pathology
1st grade
The inner layer of the annulus fibrosus is covered with cracks, through which the nucleus pulposus begins to emerge. As it comes out, the nerve fibers become irritated. A person feels their back hurt at the lumbar level with minimal loads. In stage 1, pain due to osteochondrosis is usually stable, but low back pain can be bothersome. The symptoms disappear after rest and then do not bother for a long time.
2nd grade
When the second period of pathology begins, the intervertebral space decreases, the nerve fibers are pinched more tightly, the pain becomes intense, pseudospondylolisthesis and left-sided scoliosis develop. The annulus fibrosus is more actively destroyed. Osteochondrosis of the populus of the second degree is characterized by pathological mobility of the spine. Due to the increased load, a person is thrown into the cold, and then into the heat. The symptoms become pronounced and cannot be ignored. The attacks are increasingly longer and the pain cannot be relieved with regular painkillers.
3rd grade
The course of osteochondrosis of the third degree of the lumbar region is characterized by increased pain, deformation of the spine and reactive growth of bone tissue. The annulus fibrosus ruptures and the nucleus pulposus emerges from its confines, causing a hernia. If treatment is not started at stage 3 of development, the patient is at risk of becoming disabled.
4th grade
Grade 4 osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine will not allow a person to walk due to severe pain.
A complete deformation of the spine occurs, the pain in the legs and back becomes unbearable, and the person cannot move independently. If you do not start treating chondrosis at the fourth stage of development, a protrusion of the disc occurs, which can only be treated surgically. After surgery, the patient's health is not always completely restored.
Diagnosis
If you are concerned about signs of osteochondrosis of the lumbar 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 location of the gluteal folds, which can be on the right or left side.
An x-ray is performed, which takes photographs of the affected area. In the image the lumbar region appears deformed; In advanced stages, bumps are seen on the right or left. For a more detailed diagnosis, a CT scan or MRI is prescribed, thanks to which the doctor will receive the results as soon as possible and select the optimal treatment methods.
How is the treatment performed?
Medications and surgery
The choice of treatment method for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine depends on the degree of the disease.
Chronic lumbar osteochondrosis must be treated comprehensively. This means that self-medication is unacceptable. The treatment protocol should be determined by the doctor, who will select the necessary medications that have minimal side effects. The treatment regimen involves the use of:
- pain relievers;
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- muscle relaxants.
First aid involves the use of injection blocks, which relieve pain, relieve swelling and temperature of the affected area. The acute stage, in which pain syndrome manifests itself, is treated with powerful analgesics. As auxiliary therapy, treatment with topical agents is recommended: ointments, gels and creams. If conservative treatment does not help or the disease is diagnosed in late stages, surgical therapy is prescribed. When hernias form, they are completely removed. The compression of nerve fibers and blood vessels is then removed. 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 relieve symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis in women and men. Even children suffering from this disorder undergo such therapy, but the main condition is that the procedure must be performed by a trained chiropractor who knows the diagnosis, otherwise complications may arise.
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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 do movements with osteochondrosis carefully, try not to overexert yourself. It is advisable that the first exercises be performed under the supervision of a trainer, who, if necessary, will help to correct the movement at the right time.
Physiotherapy and acupuncture.
One of the effective types of physiotherapy procedures is considered amplipulse, when modulated current pulses 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, one cannot do without gentle nutrition. It is recommended to enrich the menu with products containing calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc and folic acid. It is important to observe a drinking regimen and drink at least 6 tablespoons per day. water. You must abandon 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 early lumbar osteochondrosis is diagnosed in a timely manner, the disorder can be cured through drug treatment and special exercises. Otherwise, there is a risk of developing intervertebral hernias, sciatica, osteoarthritis, paresis and other spinal disorders that can leave the patient disabled. For treatment to be effective, it is important to consult a doctor in a timely manner. As preventive measures, it is recommended to perform spinal traction, control posture, strengthen muscles and evenly distribute the load. In addition, you should exercise, watch your diet and drink at least 6-8 tablespoons. water per day. At the first symptoms, do not self-medicate, consult a doctor and strictly follow the prescribed treatment regimen.