Developing osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is indicated 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 should be carried out under the strict supervision of a doctor. In advanced cases, the disease leads to serious deterioration, as a result of which a person may become disabled. Degenerative disorders with this type of osteochondrosis are set at the level of vertebrae L1 S1, L2-L3, L3 S1 and in the disc area L5 S1.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is a dangerous disease of the musculoskeletal system that can cause disability.
The main cause of damage to the lumbar vertebrae
Lumbar osteochondrosis appears due to the influence of pathological factors such as on the body:
- uneven load on the spinal column;
- low physical activity, sedentary work;
- hard work related to heavy loads;
- genetic predisposition, where the pathology is diagnosed even in children;
- flat feet;
- overweight;
- infectious and inflammatory diseases.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
Degenerative processes in the lumbar region cause sharp pain in the lower back in men and women, radiating to the legs along the location of the sciatic nerve.Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis do not appear for a long time; discomfort and swelling already occur at stage 2-3.In the final stage of the disease, the symptoms bother when coughing, sneezing and little physical activity. Pathology also causes radicular syndrome:
- shooting, sharp pain occurs in the lumbar region;
- skin sensitivity is affected on the lower part;
- worry about muscle weakness;
- tingling appears in the legs and knee joints;
- disturbed sweating.
The main symptom of lumbar osteochondrosis is pain in the lower part of the spine.
Degenerative diseases require limited mobility, difficulty trying to bend, and pain with minimal effort. If treatment for lumbar osteochondrosis is not started on time, serious consequences develop, including deformation of the intervertebral disc, protrusion and appearance of hernia. This disorder can only be treated surgically, as conservative therapy does not help.
Pathological level
first degree
The inner layer of the annulus fibrosus becomes covered with cracks, where the nucleus pulposus begins to appear. When it passes outside, nerve fibers become irritated. A person feels how his back hurts at the lumbar level with a minimal load. At stage 1, pain from osteochondrosis is usually stable, but lumbago may be bothersome. Symptoms disappear after rest and then do not bother you for a long time.
2nd degree
When the 2nd period of pathology begins, the intervertebral space decreases, the nerve fibers are pinched harder, the pain becomes severe, pseudospondylolisthesis and left-sided scoliosis develop. Fibrous rings are destroyed more actively. Osteochondrosis populus 2nd degree is characterized by pathological mobility of the spine. Due to the increased load, a person throws into the cold, then into the heat. Symptoms become noticeable and cannot be ignored. The attacks become longer each time, and the pain cannot be relieved with the usual painkillers.
grade 3
The course of osteochondrosis of the third degree in 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 leaves its boundary, causing a hernia. If treatment is not started at stage 3 of development, the patient risks becoming disabled.
grade 4
Grade 4 osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine will not allow a person to walk due to severe pain.
There is a complete deformation of the spine, the pain in the legs and back becomes unbearable, and the person cannot move freely. If you do not start treating chondrosis at the 4th stage of development, disc protrusion occurs, which can only be treated surgically. After surgery, the patient's health is not always fully restored.
Diagnostics
When you are concerned about the symptoms 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 will also determine the manifestations of the following syndromes:
- development of scoliosis, kyphosis and osteoarthritis;
- pain at a certain point;
- inability to perform certain movements;
- the level of the location of the gluteal fold, which can be on the right or left side.
An X-ray is performed, which takes pictures of the affected area. In the image, the lumbar region looks deformed at an advanced stage, the protrusion is visible on the right or left side. For a more detailed diagnosis, CT or MRI is prescribed, thanks to the doctor who will receive the results as soon as possible and choose the optimal treatment method.
How is the treatment carried out?
Medication and surgery
The choice of treatment methods 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 must be determined by the doctor, who will select the necessary drugs that have minimal side effects. The treatment regimen involves the use of:
- analgesics;
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- muscle relaxant.
First aid involves the use of injection blocks, which relieve pain, relieve swelling and temperature of the affected area. The acute stage, in which the pain syndrome is pronounced, is treated with strong painkillers. As an additional therapy, it is recommended to be treated with local agents - ointments, gels and creams. If conservative treatment does not help or the disease is diagnosed at an advanced stage, surgical therapy is prescribed. When a hernia is formed, it is removed completely. Then the compression of nerve fibers and blood vessels is eliminated. 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 reduce the symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis in women and men. Even children with this disorder undergo this therapy, but the main condition is that the procedure must be carried out by a trained chiropractor who knows the diagnosis, otherwise complications may arise.
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Therapeutic exercises
Rehabilitation gymnastics will help normalize blood circulation in the affected lumbar region and strengthen the muscles around the spine. It is important to make movements with osteochondrosis carefully, try not to be too tense. It is advised that the first exercise is done under the supervision of a trainer, who, if necessary, will help correct the movement at the right time.
Physiotherapy and acupuncture
One of the effective types of physiotherapeutic procedures is considered amplipulse, when pulses of modulated current are sent to the affected area. Thanks to this effect, it is possible to reduce inflammation, relieve swelling and reduce pain. Acupuncture has an equally significant effect: it relieves muscle tension, reduces symptoms and accelerates tissue regeneration.
If lumbar osteochondrosis is diagnosed, you cannot do without soft nutrition. It is recommended to enrich the menu with products containing calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc and folic acid. It is important to maintain a drinking regimen and drink at least 6 tablespoons per day. water. You should give up bad habits and an inactive lifestyle.
Harmful consequences and their prevention
Prevention of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine includes exercise therapy, a healthy diet and abandoning bad habits.
If new lumbar osteochondrosis is diagnosed in time, the disorder can be cured by using a course of drug therapy and doing special exercises. Otherwise, there is a risk of intervertebral hernia, sciatica, osteoarthritis, paresis and other vertebral disorders that can cause the patient to become disabled. For the treatment to be effective, it is important to consult a doctor on time. As a preventive measure, it is recommended to perform spine traction, control posture, strengthen muscles, and distribute the load evenly. In addition, you need to exercise, monitor your diet and drink at least 6-8 tablespoons. water every day. At the first symptoms, do not self-medicate, but go to the doctor and follow the prescribed treatment regimen.