Lumbar osteochondosis is a degenerative and dystrophic disease of the lumbar column.With the development of the disease, intervertebral discs suffer the most, damage also extends to joint surfaces, ligaments, vertebrae.
The share of osteochondrosis of the spine is 80% of all diseases of the peripheral nervous system.In 60 to 80% of cases, it is lumbar osteochondosis.At least 7 out of 10 people experience regular back pain throughout their lives.For periods of exacerbations, on average, 3 to 16 days a year represent.But the disease can and must be treated to maintain a high quality lifespan and the health of the musculoskeletal system.We will tell you why this disease is developing, how it manifests itself and what should be the treatment of osteochondrosis in the lumbar column.
What is osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis is a chronic vertebral column, which is accompanied by a change in structure (destruction) and a decrease in volume (dystrophy) of intervertebral discs.They start to go out in the spinal cord and press the blood vessels.In addition, the disease is characterized by the destruction of the arched joints between the thorny processes of the vertebrae.
With osteochondrosis, osteophytes are also formed.This is the name of pathological growths, which are a consequence of marginal growth of the bone.It is facilitated by a violation of the metabolism of calcium in the vertebrae and high loads which cause their deformation.
Attention!Lumbar osteochondosis is characterized by all the pathological processes inherent in osteochondrosis in general.But they only affect the lumbar spine, which includes 5 vertebrae.
The reasons for development and risk factors
To understand the causes of osteochondrosis in the lumbar region, you must know the structure of the spine.It is a column composed of the vertebrae, which are connected to each other discs and intervertebral ligaments.The holes inside form a hollow channel.Inside, there is the spinal cord, whose roots come out between each pair of vertebrae.
When a person leans, the spine folds.Instead of the fold, the intervertebral discs are compacted and their nuclei are moved.This reduces pressure on the spine during loads.Thus, the intervertebral disc is a biological shock absorber.When he stops performing an absorbing shock function, osteochondosis develops.
The following factors predisposed the development of pathology:
- Sedentary or too hard work.In a sitting position, the corset muscles are relaxed, which increases the load on the spine.The heavy elevator leads.
- Hypodynamia.In people conducting a sedentary lifestyle, the muscle corset is not sufficiently developed to maintain the spine in the right position.
- Excess body weight.Excess weight presses the spine and overload.
- Endocrine diseases.Hormones affect metabolism, including intra-national.Hormonal imbalance can lead to a violation of calcium metabolism.
- Incorrect nutrition.The insufficient intake of vitamins, minerals and proteins disrupts the nutrition of the spine and causes changes to its tissues.
- Pathology of the musculoskeletal system.Osteochondrosis can occur on the bottom of the flat feet, wounds and a curvature of the spine.
- Genetic predisposition.The risk of developing osteochondrosis increases if he has close relatives.
- Age -related changes.With age, elasticity and mobility of the spine decrease.
In men, osteochondrosis of the lumbar column is more common.This is due to the fact that their work is often associated with heavy physical work.Men also suffer great loads during strength training at the gymnasium.
Lumbar osteochondrosis symptoms
Pain is the main sign of the disease.Its character, its location and its distribution management are determined by the receiver which was tight in the spine.As a rule, patients complain of painful pain, which intensifies with a change in body position, a long absence of change in the installation and sudden movements.With lumbar osteochondosis, it often gives it to the leg, sacrum or groin.In a horizontal position, the pain disappears.
Other possible symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis:
- A feeling of tension in the lower back resulting from flexion and extension.It is caused by a displacement of the roots of the spinal cord.
- A feeling of weakness in the legs.Perhaps the extinction of tendon reflexes in them.This is due to the compression of nerve fibers leading to brain signals to the lower limbs.
- The curvature of the lumbar spine on the side (scoliosis) or the front (lordosis), smoothing its natural turns (cyphosis).
- Involuntary urination and defecation (if the spinal cord is tight).For the same reason, an erection can be altered in men.
- Cooling of the lower back.The buttocks can also become cold.This occurs with lombo-sacular osteochondosis, whose symptoms and treatment are similar to pathology, located only in the lower back.
- Violations of sensitivity in the field of damage.They can last from a few minutes to several hours.Sensitivity can increase, decrease or disappear.Perhaps the development of paresthesia - feelings of tingling and hair cart.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar column, the symptoms and the treatment we will analyze in this article, is an insidious disease.It starts with discomfort and light pain.But they are ignored because they pass quickly after rest.Over the years, pathology has grown, its signs are improved.And it is only when the pain becomes unbearable, patients require medical aid.
Lumbar osteochondrosis degree
The development of lumbar osteochondrosis includes 4 steps:
- The first step is characterized by moving the core of the intervertebral disc.It is accompanied by low dull pain in the lower back, intensifying during movement.A short tingling at the back and the buttocks is possible.
- In the second step, the fibrous ring of the intervertebral disc is destroyed, which leads to the rapprochement of the vertebrae.They press the nerve endings, which causes intense pain by walking.It can spread to the buttocks, thigh and lower leg.If you fold, the pain is lower than combustion, sometimes a feeling of cold.
- In the third step, the complete destruction of the fibrous rings occurs.Relatives (hernies) appear - protruding intervertebral discs in the spinal cord.The vertebrae of the lumbar department are distorted.The pain is constantly felt, but at rest, it is weaker.
- At the last stage, osteophytes are formed, the cartilage tissue of the spine is destroyed.The pain then lights up, then aggravates with a renewed vigor.The movements of the body become limited.
The early diagnosis of osteochondrosis in the lumbar region, whose symptoms and treatment are closely interconnected, is very important.The less the pathology is manifested, the more effective it is.Therefore, a doctor must visit when incomprehensible back pain and a lower back appear.
Possible complications
If there is no treatment for 1 and 2 degrees of development of lumbar osteochondrosis, intervertebral hernies are formed.This indicates the transition of the disease to late stages and threatens the development of complications such as:
- inflammation of the sciatic nerve;
- osteoarthritis (destruction) of the intervertebral joints;
- destruction of the fibrous ring of the intervertebral discs;
- narrowing of the intervertebral channel;
- Dysfunction of the spinal cord following the compression;
- ponytail syndrome;
- Schmorl Hernia;
- Bristese and stiffness of the movements.
A properly selected treatment will help prevent the formation of hernias with lumbar osteochondosis and other complications.It is prescribed after a diagnostic study of the patient.Otherwise, the disease will continue to progress, which can lead to the development of disability.
Diagnostic methods
With lower back pain, you must contact a neurologist.He will listen to complaints, examine and feel his back, will ask questions about existing diseases.In addition, the doctor may prescribe:
- X -Ray.An image of X -rays of the spine will help to assess the condition of the intervertebral discs and the spinal cord.In the absence of visible changes, 1st degree lumbar osteochondosis is diagnosed.
- Computer tomography (CT).Attribute an X distribution area has shown changes in the lumbar column.With its help, you can assess the degree of damage to discs, nerve endings and the spinal cord shell.
- Magnetic resonance tomography (MRI).It is an alternative to CT, which can be prescribed in the presence of contraindications to an X-Ray study.Suitable for pregnant and lactating women.
Sometimes, magnetic resonance tomography is carried out with an intravenous administration of contrast.It is the name of a substance that highlights tissues from the inside.With him, you can get photos of the spine of maximum quality.CT and contrast MRI are carried out to exclude tumors with unusual symptoms to lumbar osteochondosis, and treatment in this case is reported to the final diagnosis.
Treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis and its types
The doctor prescribes treatment taking into account the stage of development of pathology.It is designed to eliminate pain, stop inflammatory processes, restore metabolism and blood circulation in the field of lesion.With osteochondrosis of the lumbar department, treatment also involves the adoption of a measurement complex aimed at strengthening the lower back, legs and buttocks.
Most treatment methods are conservative.They include medication, physiotherapeutic procedures and physiotherapy exercises, folk remedies.During the transition to 3 degrees, the treatment of osteochondrosis of the lombo-sacred column with conservative methods does not always lead to the desired result.In this case, the patient's condition can facilitate surgery.
Treatment with drugs
Pharmacotherapy is effective at 1 and 2 stages of pathology.But it is important to remember that the selection of drugs is determined by the symptoms caused by lumbar osteochondosis, and treatment is a treatment strictly prescribed by drugs.You can't just come to the pharmacy and ask for a remedy for osteochondrosis.Even if you are sold, the treatment will not be effective.
The patient can be shown the following groups of drugs:
- Analgesics.They help get rid of intense intense pain in the lumbar osteochondrosis.They can be used locally (ointments, gels), taken inside (tablets) or administered intramuscularly using a syringe (solution).
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.They have a triple action: reduce temperature, relieve pain, reduce inflammation.They are prescribed if, with lumbar osteochondosis, the lower back hurts or if the sciatic nerve is ignited.To relieve pain, gels are used locally, to fight inflammation, take pills or injections.
- Musorelaxants.It is the name of the remedies that relieve painful muscle cramps.They are taken orally in the form of intramuscular tablets or administered in the form of a solution.
- Chondroprotectors.Provide effective treatment for lumbar osteochondrosis with drugs in the early stages, provided that its full course has passed.This group of drugs stops the destruction of intervertebral discs and regenerates them.
To restore intraosseous metabolism, the patient is also prescribed vitamins and vitamin-mineral complexes.The doctor may also recommend compliance with the diet.Its objective is not only a decrease in body weight, but also the enrichment of the body with proteins, natural vitamins and minerals.
Physiotherapy
With osteochondrosis of the lumbar column, treatment with drugs is not enough.It should also include physiotherapeutic methods.They relieve pain, relax the muscles and restore local metabolism.Often the patients are prescribed the following procedures:
- Laser therapy (exposure to the spine with a laser);
- Magnetic resonance therapy (exposure to magnetic field);
- Darsonvalization (exposure to the damage area to high frequency pulsed currents);
- Phonophoresis (administration of medicinal solutions in deep layers of the skin using ultrasound).
Manual therapy also has great efficiency.The rear massage with lumbar osteochondosis is prescribed after discoloration of pain.He relaxes the muscles, accelerates blood circulation and therefore the nutrition of the tissues.It is useful to combine massage with a bath or sauna.But warming procedures are only authorized during periods of remission of the disease.
Medical physical education
Gymnastics for lumbar osteochondosis includes exercises to strengthen the muscle corset.They also increase the mobility of the spine and improve blood circulation in its tissues.This stops degenerative processes and improves the patient's condition.
The basic exercise therapy complex includes 5 exercises:
- Twist.Strengthen the muscles of the abdomen.Lie on your back, fold your knees and cross your arms behind your head.Then breathe and exhale, lift the chest as if you wanted to touch the pubis.The lower back must remain in a hurry to the ground.
- "Cat" exercise.Relax the back muscles, unload the spine.Get on karachka (on your knees, resting with your palms on the ground).Lift your head and fold your back as the cat does when he sees the danger.Then lower your head and fold your back, as the cat does when it wakes up.
- The turns lie.Reinforces the oblique muscles of the abdomen and the hips.Lie on your back, cross your arms behind your head, fold your knees and press them against each other.Without disconnecting your legs, turn them first to the right, touch the ground with them, return to their original position and do the same with the left side.The chest must remain motionless.
- Bridge Brely.Strengthens the buttock muscles, prevents the curvature of the spine and smooth its turns.Lie on the floor, place your arms along the body, fold your legs in your knees.Lift the basin and wait in this position for 5 seconds.
- Exercise to stretch the lower back and legs.Sit on the ground, stretch your legs in front of you, spread your shoulders on the width.First, lean towards a leg, pull it with your hands by the toe, feel how the muscles stretch.Stay on 20-30 seconds.Now do the same with the second step.
You should start with a minimum number of exercise repetitions, gradually bringing them to a maximum (3 approaches 10 to 20 times).They should be done every day.This does not withdraw more than 10 to 15 minutes, but helps to prevent a relapse of osteochondrosis.
Attention!Gymnastics is contraindicated in acute pain in the lower back.
Traditional medicine
At home, the treatment of lumbar osteochondosis can be carried out by popular remedies.They will not replace drug therapy, but will become a good addition to it.In the table below, we give several most effective recipes for traditional medicine against lumbar pain.
Boil water in a saucepan so that the strong steam comes.Hold a few burden leaves for 10 minutes.| Means | Action | Cooking | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adam root dye | Warming, analgesic. | Grate 200 g of root on a thin grater, put a jar and pour 0.5 liters of vodka.Put in a dark place and insist 5 days. | Rub the dye in the lower back, put a wool belt on top or tie a hot scarf. |
| Compress bard leaves. | Anesthetic. | Boil water in a saucepan so that the strong steam comes.Hold a few burden leaves for 10 minutes. | Apply sheets instead of location of pain.Cover with plastic film and wrap itself.Keep 1 to 2 hours. |
| Pine bath | Warming, relaxing, analgesic. | Pour a hot bath, put several branches of spruce or pine in the water.Add 10 drops of essential oil from any coniferous tree (cedar, pine, larch, juniper). | Take a bath for 10 to 15 minutes.Then wipe the dry and wrap yourself. |
| Plant decoction | Vitamin, anti-inflammatory, normalization of metabolism. | Put 10 g of Lingonberry leaves, Hops of Houblon, Thymeal and Sabrefish in a saucepan.Pour 500 ml of water, put the stove and bring to a boil.Turn off the fire.Cover with a lid and let prepare for 1 hour.Strain. | Take 1/4 of art.After eating three times a day.The course of treatment is 1 month.The maximum duration is 6 months. |
| Lidocaine ointment | Anesthetic. | Melt and cool 200 g of Smalz, add 75 g of beeswax, 30 g of the root of the alteum cut in the powder state.Pour 1 lidocaine bulb into the mixture, mix everything until smooth. | Rub in painful spots if necessary.Storage no more than 6 to 7 weeks. |
Attention!The possibility of using non -traditional medicine recipes depends on the type of lumbar osteochondrosis that symptoms are, and treatment at home should be strictly controlled by a doctor.
Surgical treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis
Surgical intervention is a radical method.Therefore, they only use it with the development of complications or in the event that conservative methods have not given the necessary result.Usually, at that time, the disease reaches 3 or 4 stages of development.
With lombo-sacular osteochondrosis, treatment with an operational method generally implies an discopomy of discourse of a destroyed intervertebral disc.Eliminates a whole vertebra less commonly, tightening the nerve fibers.Instead of discs and vertebrae, artificial prostheses or fragments obtained from the patient's rowing are inserted in the spine.To prevent vertebral displacement and the progression of the disease, they are immobilized.For this, the spine is reinforced with metal plates and bolts.
The operation is carried out under local anesthesia by an incision 3 to 5 cm long.To access the spine, the tissues are pushed by a special tool.From the introduction of anesthesia to the suturing of the wound passes from 1.5 to 2 hours.
Attention!Modern technologies allow you to carry out operations using an endoscope - a long and flexible tool, inward thanks to an incision of about 1 cm long.
Prevention of lumbar osteochondrosis
To maintain the health of the musculoskeletal system, it is necessary to take preventive measures.They will reduce the risk of osteochondrosis.And if pathological changes in the spine have already started, they will help prevent their subsequent development.
Preventive advice:
- If you have a sedentary job, put a special roller or orthopedic pillow under the lower back.
- Dress time and do not allow hypothermia of the back and lower back.
- Make gymnastics, race or other easy sport.
- Feeling discomfort or lower back pain, consult a doctor immediately.
- Refuse bad habits and eat properly.
- Sit on hard chairs with a back.UP Furniture does not support the body of the body, so the spine must take the full load.
- The perfect height of the stool is equal to the length of the lower leg.Then, in a sitting position, the legs will rest on the ground.If the growth is small, you can put a stand under your feet.
- The ideal place depth is 2/3 in the length of the hip.You can less, but no more.
- Under the office, the legs should be spacious.
- Sit so that the back rests on the back of the chair.
- When you sit, don't tilt your head or body - keep them straight.
- In order not to tilt the head when reading, use a puiter.
- After many hours of driving, perform a number of gymnastics exercises.
- Change the installation every 10 to 15 minutes, based first on one, then on the other leg.
- If you can move in place, do it.
- Each hour, make some inclinations back with your hands raised.During the inclination, breathe deeply.This exercise relaxes the back and belt, as well as the back of the head and neck.
- If you work standing (ironing, cooking), put a bench under one leg.Its height must be equal to the height of a step.
- In order not to lean during the cleaning of the house, lengthen the vacuum cleaner hose, putting an additional pipe.And to wash the floors, use a mop.You can wash the floors, crawl on your knees, but without leaning out of the standing position.
- Sleep on a hard orthopedic mattress.
- Instead of the mattress, a thick solid shield (plywood plate) is suitable, covered with foam rubber with a thickness up to 8 cm.Place a woolen blanket and a sheet on top.
- If your legs hurt, put a towel folded in a roll under your knees.
- If you like to sleep on your stomach, put a thin pillow below.
- If you like to sleep on your side, put one leg on the other and your hands under your head.
- Distribute the load evenly on both hands.The frequent port in the same hand leads to the curvature of the spine.
- If you have already diagnosed osteochondrosis, do not wear items that weigh more than 15 kg.To move them, it is best to use a bag with wheels or a cart.
- If you need to raise and transfer a heavy item, first crouching, holding your back straight.Then take the heaviness, get up on your feet and wear it, pressing it to your stomach.To lower the heavy object, you must also squat.
- Eat 3-4 times a day.
- Enrich the diet with proteins: fish, low meat in fat, legumes, cottage cheese.
- Limit the consumption of candies, pastry, fatty food.
- Include more vegetables and fruits in the diet.
- Consume products rich in calcium and phosphorus (cheese, dairy products, fish).
- Do not eat too much - an excess of calories is deposited in the form of fats, which leads to the formation of an excess weight.