The waist is the most sensitive to stress because it affects the whole body weight. Moreover, it is very mobile.
If the vertebral corset is not sufficiently developed, the pressure on the intervertebral discs increases several times. They are responsible for the mobility and elasticity of the waist.
Thus, lumbar osteochondrosis, which occurs for various reasons, is a fairly common disease of the musculoskeletal system.
It develops gradually, and a person simply does not pay attention to the first signs. However, this requires serious treatment.
How the disease develops and its causes
The sacrum and thoracic vertebrae are connected at the back. There are many factors that trigger osteochondrosis of the spine. The main thing is that the error and the rear is considered an overload.
During the course of the disease, glycoproteins are broken down, affecting the connective tissue of the joints and making them elastic. Affects the bone and cartilage structures of the spine.
Intervertebral discs contain a gel-like substance that dries with back pain. They run out, then flatten out. As a result, the spine loses its cushioning function, the segments converge, and the nerve roots and blood vessels constrict.
At the same time, the fibrous ring cracks, and in some cases there may be a fracture that causes a hernia. All this causes swelling, back pain.
The muscle frame protects the spine from adverse effects and is responsible for proper posture. Related problems can also lead to the development of osteochondrosis of the spine.
There are other reasons for the onset of the disease:
- Congenital changes, blank disk structure.
- Stressful situation.
- Infectious diseases of bone and cartilage tissues.
- Uncomfortable shoes.
- Back injury.
- Inflammation of the joints.
Lifestyle, profession and age are also important here. The maximum load on the spine is in the sitting position. Because of this, people who spend most of their time sitting are at risk.
These can be office workers, drivers. Low physical activity is also not the best way to affect your lower back. As a result, the musculoskeletal system weakens.
An important role is to affect the spine and lift weights, especially in the lower back. This is because of occupations such as loader, construction worker, waiter or professional athlete, ie people who are constantly experiencing stress on their backs.
Osteochondrosis can also occur in women during pregnancy. If the spine is curved, increased pressure on the lumbar spine and uneven weight distribution also cause disease.
Similarly, it affects the formation of osteochondrosis and flat feet. The arch of the foot loses its function and during walking all the load goes to the spine. Excess weight also plays a negative role. The disease can be a complication of osteomyelitis, tuberculosis.
Unpleasant factors in lumbar osteochondrosis are also improper sleep, diet, impaired metabolic processes in the body or diseases of the internal organs:
- gastrointestinal tract and liver;
- small pelvis;
- The central nervous system.
People of different ages are susceptible to the disease.
Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
One of the first manifestations is usually back pain and discomfort. At the same time, the thumb can be difficult to bend, twist, bend. Sometimes there is a feeling of coldness or burning in the back.
As a rule, symptoms appear after physical exertion, hypothermia or prolonged restlessness. They often walk away after a short rest. In the acute stage, they may have a lumbago feature and are aggravated by movement, coughing, sneezing.
Back muscle spasm does not allow a person to hold a position, which will cause increased pain, which occurs reflexively. In addition to these symptoms, there are the following symptoms:
- Fatigue and weakness.
- Increased sweating.
- Sleep disorders.
- Varicose veins.
- Tingling sensation and pain in the limbs.
- Disorders of tendon reflexes.
Spasms can cause the legs to freeze, as well as beak-like growth and a decrease in disc height.
The sciatic nerve, which is formed by the sacral roots of the spinal cord, can also suffer from lumbar osteochondrosis. This is manifested by pain that spreads to the foot or swelling.
If the veins or arteries are constricted, it is characterized by a loss of sensitivity, but the pain is mild. They are localized in the lower back, respond to the hips, hips. The time of onset of pain syndrome also varies. Painful sensations usually appear in the morning, are permanent over time and may not depend on movement.
Complications of lumbar osteochondrosis
The instability of the discs and the inability to straighten the spine cause the lumbar spine to shift. This also affects the work of internal organs. Osteochondrosis is complicated by problems with the genitourinary system and discomfort in the kidneys.
Menstrual disorders in women are possible with this, and problems in the genital area in men. Another symptom of the disease is stained and dry skin in the affected areas.
If you do not treat osteochondrosis, it can lead to spinal cord injury and other unpleasant consequences. It is possible for the discs to stretch and protrude beyond the vertebrae. Cartilage atrophy also manifests itself. During this period, the pain may decrease due to the growth of bone tissue.
Spondyloarthritis is sometimes isolated as a form of osteochondrosis, but is more often considered a complication. However, bone spike-like growths form in the spine. It is localized, there is pain in the lower back and does not spread to other parts of the body.
Another result is foot paresis. Unpleasant sensations occur in the back, below the knee and further, which leads to dysfunction of the ankle joint. All this can help the disabled.
Diagnosis of lumbar osteochondrosis
There are several types of research that a doctor can prescribe for the symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis:
- A simple x-ray (spondylography) showing the intervertebral discs and bone canals showing the condition of each vertebrae separately.
- Myelography is a more complex type of diagnosis. To do this, a coloring fluid is injected into the spinal canal. Helps locate spinal hernias.
- A similar procedure is discography, but fluid is injected into the spinal disc.
- Pneumomyelography. Air is used instead of liquid.
Computed tomography can detect compression of nerve roots, rupture of the contour of the disc. An MRI may be ordered for more serious cases.
Methods of treatment of the disease
The main thing is to see a doctor in time and take treatment seriously. You need to make an effort to recover and prevent relapse in order to participate in prevention. Lumbar therapy is a comprehensive approach. The goal here is not only to stop the development of the disease and alleviate the symptoms, but also to restore the spine to the correct position.
The specialist usually prescribes medication using painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs: NSAIDs, analgesics. Muscle relaxants are also used. It is aimed at relieving spasms and anxiety caused by increased muscle tone.
Vasodilator drugs prevent blockage and improve blood circulation. Vitamins and minerals strengthen bones, ligaments and tendons and help remove fluid from the body. They are often assigned to older people.
Chondroprotectors are also used to treat cartilage tissue by stopping destructive processes and helping to regenerate. The drugs are administered orally, by injection or rectally.
Paravertebral blocks are used to quickly relieve pain when the drug is injected into the affected area. But doctors try not to use them often. The body gradually becomes accustomed to them and the effectiveness of the effect decreases. In addition, blockade can cause atrophy of the muscles where the drug is injected.
The treatment complex also includes exercise therapy. Improves spinal mobility and strengthens muscles. Therapeutic exercises should be selected by a specialist, often prescribed after an acute condition has resolved. The load is gradually increased so as not to cause violence. In addition, gymnastics is used if the patient wears a corset for a long time.
An important part of the treatment is massage. Aims to relax, relieve pain & spasmsThe procedure reduces muscle stiffness and has a good effect on lymphatic circulation in the tissues around the spine.
Physiotherapeutic treatments are also used. It should be done regularly to achieve the desired effect. Exposure to ultraviolet rays eliminates spasms, pain affects blood circulation. Laser therapy improves the condition of the spinal cord due to the action of helium-neon emitters. In addition to spinal stretching, the following methods are also used:
- amplips;
- phonophoresis;
- diadynamic currents.
However, there are contraindications to physiotherapy - these are oncological diseases, diseases of the central nervous system. The main task of all these measures is to return the spine to the correct anatomical position. As a rule, the course takes an average of 2-3 months, but everything depends on the specific case.
Lumbar osteochondrosis surgery
Generally, surgery is used in complications such as complications. A discectomy is performed, ie the damaged disc is removed. Microsurgery and endoscopy are less traumatic for the patient and the risk of complications is minimal.
Special small-diameter pipe expanders are used during such an intervention. For this reason, muscles and ligaments are not damaged. On average, the procedure takes about an hour.
Rehabilitation takes less time after a discomia. But here it is important to help the patient, who must strictly follow all the prescriptions of the neurosurgeon.
Additional treatment and prevention measures
Lifestyle and habit correction is the first step in the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis. Rest and gentle regimen are important in therapy. It is better to equip the bed with an orthopedic mattress and pillow, it is better to put a special roll under the neck. Avoid prolonged exposure to hypothermia. It is undesirable to stand up suddenly.
Sometimes a special fixation corset is recommended. Keeps your back in good condition, but not all experts approve of long-term wear. This can cause muscle atrophy in the spine. It is often used during an outbreak of the disease. Corset models are not universal and only a doctor should choose an accessory in each situation.
In addition to treatment, it is important to follow a number of measures that your doctor may recommend. This is the normalization of weight, proper nutrition is useful here. It is better to eliminate heavy and fatty foods from the diet or reduce their consumption.
It is recommended to avoid such products for lumbar osteochondrosis:
- Carbonated drinks.
- Salt and sugar.
- Coffee and spices.
- Alcohol.
It is good to include in the diet: sea fish, vegetable oil, dairy products, vegetables, fruits and herbs. Jelly meat, which contains gelatin, jelly will be useful. It is best to steam the food.
Walking and swimming are also good for the spine, it is useful to watch your posture. These are necessary measures to prevent recurrence of osteochondrosis after the end of the course of treatment.
Folk remedies and alternative methods
Ointments and compresses are made of plant materials to relieve pain and inflammation. Often used to grind red pepper tincture. Liquid ointment can be made from mustard powder, camphor alcohol and egg white. Applied at night.
Prepare compresses with honey and aloe or cabbage leaves, use it, and a decoction of burdock leaves is useful in needle baths.
There are also alternative treatment options:
- hirudotherapy (leech use);
- hand and vacuum therapy;
- acupuncture.
All of these funds are best used after consultation with the attending physician.
Self-medication or ignoring the symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis can lead to more serious diseases of the spine. Therefore, you should not start a disease, because the sooner you start treatment, the faster and easier it will be to solve the problem.