Lower back pain is most common after 35 years.In most cases, the disease is associated with deformation of the vertebrae and its consequences.Timely attracting doctors will speed up recovery, because the symptoms and treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis are interconnected concepts.
The greater the progression of the disease, the more serious the consequences, and the more difficult it is to recover the health process.
Signs and symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
The lumbar area is located between the bone and the chest section and consists of five vertebrae connected by the intervertebral disc.
The development of osteocartilage degeneration refers to the wear of intervertebral discs that play a shock role in spinal load.The base of the disc is gel-like mass, protected by dense fiber annulus and cartilage, and the interior space is filled with a liquid slurry.
With the load on the vertebrae, the elasticity and flexibility of the intervertebral discs are lost, like their height, and microcracks form in the annulus, which over time lead to their rupture and damage to the pulp pulposus.
Destruction of tissue is accompanied by clamping of nerve roots located on both sides of the vertebrae and causes severe pain.
Main signs of lumbar osteochondrosis:
- Back pain;
- Fatigue and depression;
- weakness or excessive muscle tone;
- Loss of sensitivity in the limbs, buttocks or buttocks;
- Acute or pain and cramps in the lower back, often given to the legs;
- Violation of motion function.
In the context of severe vertebral lesions, other symptoms are also observed in the lumbar region, most commonly dysfunction of other organs - the urinary and sexual system, i.e. the gastrointestinal tract.
reason
Like most musculoskeletal diseases, osteochondrosis can develop for a number of reasons.Some of them belong to lifestyle and diet, and the other part develops in the context of human physiological characteristics.
Often, athletes need treatment for osteochondrosis in the lumbar spine, and their backs are not only affected by constant power loads, but also regularly injured.
The second category of people in danger, who spend a lot of time on a position with their professional careers - teachers, hairdressers, chefs, loaders, waiters, programmers, programmers, office workers and drivers.
Other causes of pathological development:
- Too much weight;
- Invasion of metabolism;
- Improper posture, bend over;
- Genetic tendency;
- Injuried;
- bad habits;
- Deficiency of beneficial trace elements and vitamins in the diet;
- abnormal development of the muscular bone system, flat feet;
- Low temperature;
- Deposition, static;
- Frequent stress.
All the listed factors affect the elasticity of the discs as they help invade blood circulation or develop nutritional deficiencies that enter vertebrates.
Level of osteochondrosis in the lumbar spine
According to the level of injury to the spine, the four levels of development of the osteocartilage process are distinguished and manifested at stages as the disease progresses.
First degree.
The pathological process in the spine began long before its first clinical manifestation.As a result, moisture loss and the disc becomes less elastic.The height storage of the CD is normal.The patient felt uncomfortable in the lower back.
Second degree.
In the context of lack of moisture, microcracks appear in the fibrous annulus and tissue inflammation will also develop.The hooks of the vertebrae gradually increase.There is a seal in the cartilage.The patient complains of back pain, foot or groin.Possibly limiting athletic ability.In the work of internal organs, failure occurs.
The third degree.
The integrity of the annulus is disturbed and the disc appears, forming a hernia.Blood vessels and nerve ends are compressed.Muscle spasms, pelvic organ dysfunction, lower limb sensitivity, and long-term onset musculosis were observed.
Fourth degree.
The most complex and unsuitable stage during the disease.Scars were formed due to complete destruction of the intervertebral disc.The vertebrae is tight and gradually deformed to the greatest extent.With the development of spinal cord compression, paralysis of the lower limbs is possible.
diagnosis
To identify the disease and determine the exact diagnosis, neurologists use a range of measures - advocacy, physiological examinations and a history of hardware research.
Hang - up collection.
Regulations on the study of patients’ complaints:
- Causes of anxiety;
- Discomfort localization location;
- duration and intensity of unpleasant sensations;
- duration of the disease;
- Possible causes of the disease;
- frequency of deterioration;
- factors that cause aggravation;
- Factors that improve health.
In addition, doctors studied information about patients’ lifestyles, diet, labor and rest, bad habits, genetic factors and harm.
Physiological examination.
It is intended to determine pathological changes and make a preliminary diagnosis.
During the examination, the doctor evaluated the patient's motility - gait, posture, amplitude, and amount of exercise.The palpation method examines the condition of the muscles - tone, size, volume of the spasm.Using a smaller sting, it sets the level of sensitivity.Use hammer tape to find areas that are exposed to pain.
Hardware research
To obtain complete information on the pathology and extent of tissue lesions, doctors conduct research through various types of medical devices.
Radiography.Studying the lumbar area through X-rays allows us to establish anatomical parameters of the vertebrae and intervertebral disc, i.e. the tendency to narrow the foramen between the base, i.e. the presence of bone growth.
Tomography.The use of electromagnetic waves provides an output of the study area images to further study and analyze the vascular state of feeding spinal tissue, neural processes and intervertebral discs.
CT.X-ray radiation is used to perform pictures of several spinal segments.The image is displayed on the monitor to determine the nature of vascular changes, membranes of the vertebrae and spinal cord, and regional growth.
For differential diagnosis, various types of studies are used to eliminate pathology in other body systems.
Treatment of osteochondral disease in the lumbar spine
The duration and characteristics of lumbar osteochondrosis depend on the outcome of the diagnostic measures.In the early stages of disease development, conservative treatment is shown.Using more complex lesions of the spine, surgical intervention was used.
Optimal therapeutic effects can be achieved through complex therapies that provide the use of topical medications, physical therapy, massage and rehabilitation gymnastics.
Drug treatment
To relieve symptoms, nonsteroidal drugs for internal and external uses are specified - tablets, injections, ointments.In addition, cartilage protectors, neuroprotectants, diuretics, vitamins, muscle relaxants are used.
Drug treatment allows:
- Eliminate pain;
- Eliminate inflammation;
- Relax muscles;
- Recover damaged cartilage fabric;
- Improve blood circulation;
- Reduce swelling;
- Increase physical exercise;
- Normalize the nutrition of the brain.
In acute pain, use Novocaine blockade that provides instant effects.
Folk therapy
The treatment of folk methods is effective drug treatment.The main technology of traditional medicine is based on the use of plant materials, animal products and chemicals.
Depending on various components, ointments and compressions, prepare soups and infusions for internal and external uses, as well as for therapeutic baths.
Physical therapy for lumbar bone osteochondrosis
Physical therapy procedures are a great way to restore spinal motor function after osteochondrosis.
The main physical therapy methods include:
- Electrotherapy - exposure to weak currents to enhance blood circulation in tissues;
- Magnetic Therapy - Recovering tissue at the cellular level using magnetic fields;
- Laser Therapy - Full activation of biological processes at vertebrates and nerve ends;
- Shockwave therapy - Improvement of microcirculation and metabolic processes in affected tissues through the effects of sound waves;
- Balneotherapy - Healing properties using mineral water.
Physical therapy procedures not only increase the effectiveness of medication, but also contribute to the recovery and enhancement of the entire body.
Lumbar vertebrae massage
Accessing massage procedures is one of the most enjoyable and effective ways to treat osteochondrosis.
Use therapeutic massage:
- Eliminate muscle cramps;
- Improve blood supply to affected areas;
- Improve lymphatic outflow;
- Recovering exposure to atrophic muscles;
- Remove mobility restrictions.
Massage is prescribed when eliminating pain syndrome.
Treatment gymnastics
The main task of osteochondrosis exercise treatment is to restore the function of the spine and its correction.However, you can only attend class after eliminating the aggravated symptoms.
The most effective treatment of exercise was considered:
- charger;
- Visit the gym;
- Water treatment, swimming.
At home, you can use the hoop for exercise.Some doctors want to restore flexibility in their spine and recommend yoga classes to patients.
Too much osteochondrosis
Any movement of osteochondrosis must be performed slowly without sudden movement.
To strengthen the muscles that support the vertebrae, the exercises are performed lie on the stomach.In this case, the hands are slightly sipped, but there is no tension.Repeat 4 times.
Surgical intervention
In particularly difficult circumstances, they resort to treatment of the spine - suffering from obvious neurological disorders, and loss of control over intestinal movement.
During surgical intervention, ensure that the source of the disease is removed and measures are taken to stabilize the spine.It lasts for several months after surgery.
Why is lumbar bone and cartilage disease dangerous?
The degenerative changes in osteochondrosis in the lumbar area lead to the development of many diseases that are harmful to human life.Appears in the background of disc hernia, herniation, lumbar a and Ishias.
Further progress of the disease can lead to the dissection of the intervertebral disc and the formation of Spinos.In addition to severe pain accompanied by pathology, a person's motor ability is violated until it is completely lost.Paralysis of lower limbs.
Due to the significant damage to the membrane of the spinal cord, death is inevitable.
prevention
To avoid destructive changes in the spine, you need to take care of a healthy lifestyle:
- Exercise - swimming, hardening;
- Follow proper balance and good nutrition;
- Eliminate bad habits;
- Keep your posture;
- Use an orthopedic mattress to support the spine during sleep.
In addition, it is recommended to avoid hypothermia and weightlifting.Women are not advised to wear high-cake shoes frequently.
If you adjust your lifestyle, don’t forget the importance of physical exercise and keep your waist healthy.