The health of the spine is the basis for the normal functioning of the musculoskeletal system.There are many diseases that destroy the structure of the vertebrae and surrounding tissues.This article describes the symptoms and treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine.
Structure of the spine
Before talking about osteochondrosis, you need to understand how the spine works.I will say a few words about it.
The spine consists of vertebrae, between which are cartilaginous intervertebral discs.Thanks to them, a person can bend and turn.The entire spine is S-shaped, which provides flexibility.
The intervertebral discs consist of a pulpous nucleus surrounded by a fibrous annulus.It is the destruction of the intervertebral disc that causes osteochondrosis.
Clinical picture of lumbar osteochondrosis
Lumbar osteochondrosis is damage to the vertebrae, intervertebral discs and surrounding tissues, which has a long course, often becoming chronic.The disease is often complicated by intervertebral hernias, nerve inflammation and other unpleasant pathologies.
The clinical manifestations of the disease vary in different stages.There are 4 main periods of development of lumbar osteochondrosis:
- Stage I. Symptoms are erased.In most cases, minor pain in the lumbar region or buttocks is alarming, intensifying with physical activity.Patients tend to attribute symptoms to fatigue.
- Stage II.The destruction of the fibrous ring begins, the distances between the vertebrae decrease.During this period, pinching of nerve endings is possible, characterized by a sharp, "shooting pain".At this stage, the symptoms are expressed, so patients go to a medical facility.
- III.At this stage, the fibrous rings have significant destruction and intervertebral hernias are possible.The pain is constant.
- IV.The spine is severely deformed.Patients have difficulty moving.Irreversible disorders lead to disability.Lumbar osteochondrosis develops under unfavorable conditions: physical activity, hypothermia, forced professional posture.
Symptoms and signs
The description of the clinical picture tells a little about the symptoms, but not about all.The signs of lumbar osteochondrosis are very diverse:
- pain.The most common symptom of the disease.In the initial stages, the pain is insignificant, it increases with physical exertion.In the later stages, the pain becomes stronger and does not disappear without taking painkillers.It is characterized by sharp painful "shots" - short bouts of unbearable pain.
- temperature.When lumbar osteochondrosis is accompanied by inflammation of the nerves or surrounding tissues, an elevated temperature occurs.Usually it does not exceed 38°C.
- Trophic ulcers.They occur when there is a disturbance in the nutrition of the tissues around the spine due to pinching of the blood vessels.
- Characteristic pose.The person takes a position in which he feels the least pain and remains in this position almost all the time.
- Changes in the position of the spine: scoliosis, kyphosis, etc.
- Limited movement.It occurs in the last two stages of lumbar osteochondrosis.Numbness of the limbs.As osteochondrosis progresses, numbness of the limbs may appear.This is due to pinching of some nerves in the lumbar region.The symptom appears from the 2nd stage of the disease.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar region is characterized by an increase in symptoms depending on the progression of the disease.
Reasons
Many patients believe that the only cause of lumbar osteochondrosis is improper physical activity.This opinion is fundamentally wrong.In fact, there are more than a dozen factors that can cause the development of the disease:
- Genetic predisposition.This factor is in the first place, because if it is there, nothing can be done.All that remains is supportive therapy and treatment.
- Poor posture during periods of active growth.This could be due to incorrect desk posture or carrying a briefcase on one shoulder.
- Excess weight is a constant companion of osteochondrosis.Under the weight of extra pounds, the intervertebral discs are destroyed, which leads to the appearance of the disease.
- Injuries.They can be household, professional, sports.
- Endocrine diseases.Metabolic failure is a common cause of intervertebral disc herniation.
- A sedentary lifestyle.The insufficient amount of movement and physical activity leads to muscular dystrophy, which leads to an increased load on the spine.
- Hard work that puts strain on your back.
- Congenital anomalies of the spine.
- When several provoking factors are combined, the disease will develop faster.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing lumbar osteochondrosis is quite simple, especially in clinics equipped with modern equipment.Diagnostics is carried out in the following order: survey, examination, appointment of tests and hardware tests.
The diagnosis begins with the collection of anamnestic data.The doctor clarifies the patient's age (this is important), the time of the first symptoms and working conditions.Based on the collected information, the specialist can draw a conclusion about what caused the disease.
The doctor then conducts an examination.The doctor feels the spine, asks the patient to make some movements: bending, flexion-extension, turns.Based on this, it is possible to determine how limited the patient's motor activity is.
Tests are done to rule out bone tuberculosis and some other diseases.From the blood, a specialist can assess the presence of inflammation.
X-ray examination is an affordable and informative way to determine the presence of osteochondrosis.Most often, the photos are taken in two projections.But in some cases, it is possible to obtain an X-ray image in an additional projection or examination of a certain area of the spine.
Nuclear magnetic resonance.Examination of the spine using this device is the gold standard for diagnosing osteochondrosis.This procedure allows you to identify the destruction of fibrous rings, spina bifida, displacement of individual vertebrae and many others.
Treatment
Osteochondrosis can be treated by an orthopedist, neurologist or vertebrologist.It depends on the cause of this disease.
Treatment varies dramatically depending on the stage of the disease.
Chiropractors are called upon to improve the condition of the spine and correct misalignment (if possible).Proper massage will increase the blood supply to the spine area.Physiotherapy and wearing a brace will correct the signs of scoliosis (this is especially important for children).Medicines are needed to replenish the stores of substances needed to build the tissue of the intervertebral discs.
In the second stage of the disease, intensive drug therapy is indicated.Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should be taken in a course to relieve inflammation.In case of severe pain, strong analgesics are prescribed.Muscle relaxants will help relieve muscle tension.
In rare cases, anticonvulsants and antidepressants may be prescribed.
Additional treatment consists of the use of physiotherapy, therapeutic gymnastics, massages (if this does not worsen the patient's condition).
The third stage of the disease is characterized by destructive processes in the intervertebral disc.Surgical treatment is indicated for hernias.Drug therapy is the same as in the second stage of the disease.
In case of significant destruction of the disc in the fourth stage of the disease, prosthetics with an artificial implant is possible.In the postoperative period, drug therapy and additional methods of treatment are carried out.
Treatment of the symptoms and signs of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine should be carried out only with the participation of a specialist.Self-medication is unacceptable.
Complications of lumbar osteochondrosis
Complications of lumbar osteochondrosis are mainly associated with the formation of intervertebral hernias, which have a negative effect on the spinal cord and nearby tissues.
Below is a list of the most common complications:
- Numbness in the limbs or individual muscles of the back.It occurs due to compression of the spine.
- Disturbances of urination and defecation (until complete disappearance of the desire).
- Trophic ulcers.
- depression It seems that this cannot be a complication.But in fact, constant pain leads to mood swings.There are even cases of suicide on this basis.Complications of lumbar osteochondrosis occur due to inadequate treatment or non-compliance with the treatment regimen.As a rule, with timely treatment, complications do not occur.
Risk group
There are people who have an increased likelihood of developing lumbar osteochondrosis.These individuals are at risk.
People whose relatives suffer from similar diseases should take care of the spine.
The risk group includes obese patients.Being overweight puts enormous stress on the intervertebral discs.People who lead a sedentary lifestyle are also at high risk.
Undoubtedly, athletes need to take care of their spine.At the same time, it doesn't matter what sport they practice.
The spine must be protected if the work involves lifting heavy objects or staying in an uncomfortable position for a long time.
Prevention of lumbar osteochondrosis
The treatment of osteochondrosis is long-term, often the disease goes into a chronic form.That is why the prevention of spinal pathologies is of great importance.
To avoid problems with the lumbar vertebrae, it is necessary to observe a regime of physical activity and rest.The load on the spine should be even and not excessive.Rest should be regular and preferably lying down.
If you are overweight, you need to lose it.
Preventive measures include timely treatment of endocrine diseases and posture disorders (especially in children).
Problems with the spine significantly reduce the quality of life, so you should pay attention to even slight pain or discomfort in this area.