Pain in the lower back most often affects people after 35 years.In the vast majority of cases, the disease is associated with deformation of the vertebrae and its consequences.Timely appeal to the doctor will accelerate recovery, because the symptoms and treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine are interconnected concepts.
The greater the progress of the disease, the more serious its consequences, the more difficult the process of restoration of health.
Signs and symptoms of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
The lumbar region is located between the sacrum and the chest department and consists of five vertebrae connected by intervertebral discs.
The development of osteochondrosis means the wear of the intervertebral discs that perform a shock -absorbing role in loads on the spine.The basis of the discs is a gel -like mass, protected by a dense fibrous ring and cartilage, and the interior space is filled with a liquid pulpoose core.
As the loads on the vertebrae, the elasticity and flexibility of the intervertebral discs is lost, is lost, like their height, and microcracks are formed in the fibrous ring, which over time lead to its rupture and damage to the pulpic nucleus.
The destruction of tissues is accompanied by a pinches of nerve roots located on both sides of the vertebrae and causes severe pain.
The main signs of lumbar osteochondrosis:
- back pain;
- fatigue and depression;
- weakness or excessive muscle tension;
- loss of sensitivity in the limbs, buttocks or hips;
- acute or aching pains and spasms in the lower back, often giving to the legs;
- Violation of the motor function.
Against the background of serious vertebral lesions, other symptoms are also observed in the lumbar region, most often, dysfunction of other organs - the urinary and sexual system, the gastrointestinal tract.
Causes
Like most diseases of the musculoskeletal system, osteochondrosis can develop for many reasons.Some of them lie in the lifestyle and diet, the other part develops against the background of the physiological characteristics of the body.
Quite often, the treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral spine is required by athletes whose back is subjected not only by constant power loads, but also to periodic injuries.
The second category of people who are at risk, people who, by virtue of their profession, spend a lot of time in one position - teachers, hairdressers, cooks, loaders, waiters, programmers, office workers and drivers.
Among other causes of the development of pathology:
- Excess weight;
- violation of metabolism;
- improper posture, stoop;
- genetic predisposition;
- injuries;
- bad habits;
- a lack of beneficial trace elements and vitamins in the diet;
- abnormal development of the muscle-bone system, flat feet;
- hypothermia;
- sedimentary, static;
- Frequent stresses.
All of the listed factors can affect the elasticity of the intervertebral discs, since they contribute to a violation of blood circulation or the appearance of a deficiency of nutrients entering the vertebrates.
Degree of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
Depending on the level of damage to the spine, the four degrees of development of osteochondrial processes are distinguished, manifested in stages as the disease develops.
The first degree.
Pathological processes in the spine begin long before their first clinical manifestation.As a result, moisture losses, intervertebral discs become less elastic elastic.The height of the discs is stored normal.The patient feels discomfort in the lower back.
The second degree.
Against the background of moisture deficiency, microcracks appear in the fibrous ring, and tissue inflammation develops.The hooks of the vertebrae of the vertebrae gradually increase.In the cartilage there are seals.The patient complains of back pain, giving to his feet or groin.It is possible to limit motor capabilities.In the work of internal organs, failures occur.
The third degree.
The integrity of the fibrous ring is disturbed, the intervertebral disc ishing out, forming a hernia.Vessels and nerve endings are compressed.Muscle spasms, dysfunctions of the pelvic organs, a disorder of sensitivity of the lower extremities, prolonged attacks of radiculitis are observed.
The fourth degree.
The most complex, not amenable to treatment, stage during the disease.As a result of the complete destruction of the intervertebral discs, scars are formed in their place.The vertebrae are maximally close and gradually deform.With the development of compression of the spinal cord, paralysis of the lower extremities is possible.
Diagnostics
To recognize the disease and determine the exact diagnosis, neurologists use a complex of measures - a history of anamnesis, physiological examination and hardware studies.
Hang -up collection.
Provides for the study of the patient's complaints:
- the cause of anxiety;
- place of localization of discomfort;
- duration and intensity of unpleasant sensations;
- the duration of the disease;
- possible causes of the disease;
- frequency of exacerbations;
- factors provoking exacerbations;
- Factors that improve well -being.
In addition, the doctor studies information about the lifestyle of the patient, the diet, labor and rest, the presence of bad habits, hereditary factors and injuries.
Physiological examination.
It is performed to determine pathological changes and make a preliminary diagnosis.
During the examination, the doctor evaluates the patient’s motor capabilities - gait, posture, amplitude and volume of movements.The palpation method examines the condition of the muscles - tone, size, volume of spasms.Using minor tingling, it sets the level of sensitivity.Taping with a hammer makes it possible to find out the area of irradiation of pain.
Hardware research
To obtain complete and accurate information about the location of the pathology and degree of tissue lesions, doctors use research through various types of medical equipment.
Radiography.The study of the lumbar region through an X -ray allows us to establish anatomical parameters of the vertebrae and intervertebral discs, the tendency to narrow the holes between the bases, the presence of bone growths.
Tomography.The use of electromagnetic waves provides the output of the image of the studied area to the screen for further study and analysis of the state of blood vessels that feed the tissue of the spine, nerve processes and intervertebral discs.
Ct.Pictures of several spinal segments are performed using an X -ray radiation.The image is displayed on the monitor to determine the nature of changes in the vessels, the membrane of the vertebrae and spinal cord, and the regional growths.
For differential diagnostics, various types of studies are used to eliminate pathologies of other body systems.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral spine
The duration and features of the treatment of lumbosacral osteochondrosis depends on the results of diagnostic measures.In the early stages of the development of the disease, conservative treatment is indicated.With more complex lesions of the spine, surgical intervention is used.
The optimal therapeutic effect is achieved through complex therapy, which provides for the use of local drugs, physiotherapy, massage, and healing gymnastics.
Drug treatment
To relieve symptoms, non -steroidal drugs for internal and external use are prescribed - tablets, injections, ointments.In addition, chondroprotectors, neuroprotectors, diuretics, vitamins, muscle relaxants are used.
Drug treatment allows:
- eliminate pain;
- remove inflammation;
- relax muscles;
- restore the destroyed cartilaginous fabric;
- improve blood circulation;
- reduce swelling;
- increase physical activity;
- Normalize the nutrition of the brain.
In acute pains, novocaine blockades that provide an instant effect are used.
Folk remedies
Treatment with folk methods is effective as an additional drug for drug therapy.The main techniques of traditional medicine are based on the use of plant materials, animal products and chemicals.
Based on various components, ointments and compresses, decoctions and infusions are prepared for internal and external use, as well as for therapeutic baths are prepared.
Physiotherapy for lumbar osteochondrosis
Physiotherapeutic procedures are a great way to restore the motor functions of the spine after damage to osteochondrosis.
The main physiotherapeutic methods include:
- Electrotherapy - exposure to weak electric currents to enhance blood circulation in the tissues;
- magnetotherapy - the use of magnetic fields to restore tissues at the cellular level;
- laser therapy - comprehensive activation of biological processes in vertebrates and nerve endings;
- shock wave therapy-an improvement in microcirculation and metabolic processes in affected tissues by the effect of an acoustic wave;
- Balneotherapy - the use of the healing properties of mineral water.
Physiotherapeutic procedures not only several times increase the effectiveness of drug treatment, but also contribute to the healing and strengthening of the body as a whole.
Massage for osteochondrosis of the lumbar
Visiting massage procedures is one of the most pleasant and effective methods of treating osteochondrosis.
Using therapeutic massage:
- eliminate muscle cramps;
- improve blood supply to the affected areas;
- improve the outflow of lymph;
- restore muscles that have exposed atrophy;
- Remove mobility restriction.
Massage is prescribed when pain syndromes are eliminated.
Therapeutic gymnastics
The main task of exercise therapy for osteochondrosis is to restore the functionality of the spine and its correction.However, you can attend classes only after eliminating the symptoms of exacerbation.
The most effective methods of therapeutic exercises are considered:
- charger;
- visiting the gym;
- Water therapy, swimming.
At home, you can use a hoop for sports.Some doctors to restore the flexibility of the spine recommend yoga lessons to their patients.
Excessive osteochondrosis exercises
Any exercises for osteochondrosis must be performed slowly and without sudden movements.
To strengthen the muscles supporting the vertebrae, approaching exercises performed lying on the stomach.In this case, the hands are stretched up with a slight sip, but without tension.Repeat 4 times.
Surgical intervention
They resort to the treatment of the spine in particularly difficult cases - with significant neurological disorders, as well as in case of loss of control over bowel movements.
In the course of surgical intervention, the removal of the source of the disease is ensured, and measures are performed to stabilize the spine.The postoperative period lasts several months.
Why is lumbar osteochondrosis dangerous?
Degenerative changes that occur with lumbar osteochondrosis contribute to the development of many diseases dangerous to human life.Against the background of intervertebral hernia, protrusion, lumbago and Ishias arise.
Further progress of the disease can cause the falling out of the intervertebral disc and the formation of Spinoz.In addition to severe pain accompanying pathologies, the motor capabilities of a person are violated, up to the complete loss of them.The paralysis of the lower extremities develops.
With significant damage to the membrane of the spinal cord, death is inevitable.
Prevention
To avoid destructive changes in the spine, you need to take care of a healthy lifestyle:
- do sports - swimming, hardening;
- adhere to proper balanced, good nutrition;
- exclude bad habits;
- keep posture;
- Support the spine during sleep using an orthopedic mattress.
In addition, it is advisable to avoid hypothermia, weight lifting.Women are not recommended to wear high -heeled shoes often.
You can maintain the lumbar health if you adjust your lifestyle and do not forget about the importance of physical activity.