Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is a common disease of the musculoskeletal system. It is characterized by the development of degenerative-dystrophic processes in articular and bone tissues. Lumbar osteochondrosis indicates that tissue damage has occurred precisely in the lumbar region and sacrum, so that the patient will experience appropriate symptoms. Osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral spine gives a person significant discomfort. It negatively affects the condition of not only the back, but also the lower limbs. On how to treat osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, you need to consult a specialist - a neurologist or traumatologist. This complex disease cannot be cured on its own or on the advice of relatives and friends. Medication alone can only exacerbate the process and cause more damage to the spine.
High -quality osteochondrosis treatment is carried out in hospitals. There are experts who specialize in solving this problem.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine: causes
Osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral region is considered a disease in the elderly. Recently, however, lumbosacral osteochondrosis is increasingly being diagnosed in young people (at the age of 25-30). This is due to the fact that many young people lead an inactive lifestyle and spend a lot of time at the computer. An additional factor is the constant stress experienced by young people in the modern world. Combined with inappropriate nutrition, fast food preferences, this leads to a deterioration of the condition of not only the spine, but also the whole organism.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is a type of pathology localized in the lumbar region. This is one of the most common types of osteochondrosis. The exact cause of the disease is not fully known, but there are provoking factors, the presence of which significantly increases the likelihood of developing osteochondrosis. This includes:
- inactive work;
- postural curvature;
- inactive lifestyle;
- excessive stress on the spine (professional sports, regular weight lifting, hard physical work);
- overweight;
- back injuries;
- age (over the years, spinal tissue undergoes a natural process of aging and thinning);
- inflammatory diseases of the joints (arthritis, arthrosis, scoliosis, etc. );
- diseases accompanied by metabolic disorders;
- Unhealthy lifestyle;
- hereditary tendencies.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine: symptoms
In the early stages, it is quite difficult to identify lumbosacral osteochondrosis. The symptoms and treatment of the disease will depend on the extent of damage to the spinal tissue. Signs of lumbar spine osteochondrosis appear gradually, beginning with minor discomfort and, in further cases, the appearance of acute pain. It is not possible to delay treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis. With the progression of the disease, the symptoms will only increase, causing the person to become increasingly uncomfortable. In the severe acute period, it hurts a person to get up, so it is necessary to immediately treat lumbar osteochondrosis. The symptoms of the disease are as follows:
- pain in osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is the most striking sign of pathology. They can increase gradually, becoming stronger during movement (bending or lifting weights). As the disease progresses, the intensity of the pain will increase, and during an attack of acute osteochondrosis, it will become unbearable;
- violation of mobility of the lumbar spine. Pathological processes in the spine affect the ability to perform movements by this department: it is difficult for a person to bend, turn to the side, sit with a flat back;
- lower leg disorders. There is a violation of gait, numbness, tingling, a feeling of "goose bumps", muscle weakness occurs in the legs;
- pale skin is observed, which is associated with a violation of blood supply to the affected area;
- sexual dysfunction (may occur in severe cases).
Osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral spine: symptoms and degrees
There are four degrees of progressive lumbar osteochondrosis. Symptoms and treatment directly depend on the degree of osteochondrosis: the intensity of disease manifestations increases with the development of dystrophic processes, which is important to consider when making a course of therapy.
Intervertebral osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is classified as follows:
- stage 1 osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is indicated by slight discomfort in the lumbar region. They can occur after strenuous physical activity or a day of work. A person may feel pain in the back or buttocks, as well as a tingling sensation in the lower back;
- stage 2 osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is more pronounced. At grade 2, destruction of the fibrous rings of the intervertebral disc begins. The distance between the vertebrae narrows or stretches, and the intervertebral disc begins to extend beyond the vertebrae. Spinal nerve root compression occurs, which is expressed in significant back pain, which is reflected in the buttocks, thighs and lower legs. The person may also feel a burning sensation or chills in the lower back;
- degree 3 osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is characterized by final destruction of the fibrous annulus. The contents of the intervertebral disc come out - a hernia is formed. The nerve roots are pressed more strongly, an inflammatory process occurs, which is accompanied by severe persistent pain in the lumbar region;
- degree 4 osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is accompanied by complete cartilage atrophy and proliferation of vertebral pathology. This is the body’s compensatory reaction to intervertebral disc violations. At this stage, the pain usually disappears, however these indications do not indicate an improvement in the condition. Vertebral proliferation significantly interferes with spinal movement and can lead to deformity.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine: symptoms and treatment of exacerbation
Exacerbation of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine can be triggered by sharp movements, weight lifting, hypothermia. Acute pain in lumbar osteochondrosis may increase gradually or appear suddenly. Often, exacerbation of lumbar osteochondrosis is accompanied by severe acute pain. During an attack, muscle spasms occur in the lumbar and thoracic spines, which interfere with the movement of the back to prevent an increase in pain. Pain in the acute period extends to the back and leg areas, which are communicated by nerve fibers with the affected spinal area. One has to take a certain position and not change it (usually this is a horizontal position with a sore leg bent). Even small movements, such as coughing, can cause new pain.
Exacerbation of lumbar spine osteochondrosis, for which treatment must be started immediately, can last for days or weeks (depending on how quickly adequate therapy is started). In specialized hospitals, acute osteochondrosis is treated immediately after treatment of the patient. The hospital admissions section is open around the clock, so patients can get help at any time. To relieve acute pain, restrictions are performed - the introduction of analgesics to the affected area, which contributes to a significant improvement of the condition. After elimination of the acute period, primary treatment is initiated.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine: symptoms and diagnosis
Treatment of lumbosacral osteochondrosis begins with diagnosis. It is necessary to know whether this is true osteochondrosis, and what is the scale of tissue damage. Lower posterior osteochondrosis is diagnosed with X-rays. The picture will show the condition of the intervertebral discs and vertebrae clearly. The doctor determines the localization of the lesion and assesses the stage of development of the disease. If necessary, additional MRI or CT scans may be prescribed to clarify the details.
The diagnosis of osteochondrosis is carried out in a hospital diagnostic center, which has everything you need for an accurate diagnosis. Experienced staff use modern equipment, which allows you to identify the patient's illness quickly and correctly. The outcome of the diagnosis will determine how neurologists and physiotherapists will treat lumbar osteochondrosis.
Lumbar osteochondrosis: symptoms and medication
Upon diagnosis, each patient is intrigued by the question "How to cure lumbar spine osteochondrosis? " The treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral region will be complex and consist of medications and physiotherapy. In the hospital, each component of treatment is determined by the appropriate specialist based on the individual characteristics of the patient. The symptoms and signs of lumbosacral spine osteochondrosis allow you to choose the most optimal and most effective therapy.
Medical treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis includes several types of drugs, each performing its own function:
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: relieve pain and inflammation;
- pain relievers: relieve severe pain that could not be addressed by the previous group of drugs;
- muscle relaxation: relieves muscle spasms;
- chondroprotectors: stop degenerative processes, promote the regrowth of spinal tissue;
- vitamin complex: normalizes nerve conduction, enhances the protective properties of the body.
All medications, dosages and duration of their administration are strictly determined by the attending physician.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine: treatment with physiotherapy
Treatment of lumbar spine osteochondrosis includes a course of physiotherapy. It is also an important part of treatment, such as drug therapy. A number of patients are interested in treating lumbar spine osteochondrosis without physiotherapy. However, with the use of drugs alone, the disease is unlikely to be eradicated. The medication will reduce the pain, which will return, and pretty quickly.
In the hospital, osteochondrosis physiotherapy is performed in the rehabilitation department by a qualified specialist. The patient is given a course of rehabilitation, taking into account his abilities and needs. Physiotherapy includes:
- massage for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine;
- spinal strain;
- physiotherapy training;
- reflexology (acupuncture);
- hardware exposure methods (electrophoresis, amplipulse, phonophoresis, etc. ).
Only by using complex treatments, osteochondrosis can be cured. Low back pain usually disappears within a few days after starting therapy (depending on the stage of the disease). However, this is not a reason to stop the course of treatment. To achieve the best results and exclude a rapid recurrence of pathology, it is necessary to complete a complete course, compiled by a specialist. By using effective treatment methods, professional doctors achieve a significant improvement in the patient’s condition, which allows him to return to a satisfying life.