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 the surrounding tissues.This article describes the symptoms and treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine.
Spine structure
Before talking about osteochondrosis, you need to understand how the spine works.I will say a few words about this.
The spinal column consists of vertebrae, between which cartilaginous intervertebral discs are located.Thanks to them, a person can bend and turn.The entire spine is S-shaped, which provides flexibility.
Intervertebral discs consist of a nucleus pulposus surrounded by an annulus fibrosus.The destruction of the intervertebral disc causes osteochondrosis.
Clinical picture of lumbar osteochondrosis
Lumbar osteochondrosis is a change in the vertebrae, intervertebral discs and surrounding tissues, which has a long course and often becomes chronic.The disease is often complicated by intervertebral hernia, inflammation of nerves and other unpleasant pathologies.
The clinical manifestations of the disease vary in different stages.There are 4 main periods of development of lumbar osteochondrosis:
- Section I.The symptoms disappear.In most cases, minor pain in the lumbar region or buttocks is a cause for concern, which increases with physical activity.Patients tend to attribute symptoms to fatigue.
- section II.The destruction of the fibrous ring begins, the distances between the vertebrae decrease.During this period, pinching of nerve endings is possible, which is characterized by a sharp, "shooting pain".At this stage, the symptoms are pronounced, so patients go to a medical institution.
- III.At this stage, the fibrous rings suffer significant destruction and intervertebral herniation is possible.The pain is constant.
- ARC.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 all of them.Signs of lumbar osteochondrosis are very diverse:
- Pain.The most common symptom of the disease.In the initial stage, the pain is slight and increases with exercise.In the following stages, the pain becomes stronger and does not go away without painkillers.It is characterized by sharp painful "shots" - short attacks of unbearable pain.
- Temperature.If lumbar osteochondrosis is accompanied by inflammation of the nerves or surrounding tissues, an elevated temperature appears.It usually 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 blood vessels.
- Characteristic pose.The person assumes a body position in which he feels the least pain and almost always remains in this position.
- Changes in the position of the spine: scoliosis, kyphosis, etc.
- Limited movement.Occurs in the last two stages of lumbar osteochondrosis.Numbness of the limbs.As osteochondrosis progresses, numbness of the limbs may occur.The reason for this is the pinching of certain 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 inadequate physical activity.This opinion is fundamentally wrong.In fact, more than a dozen factors can cause the development of the disease:
- Genetic predisposition.This factor is the first, because if it is present, nothing can be done.All that remains is supportive therapy and treatment.
- Bad posture during the period of active growth.This can be caused by incorrect posture at the desk 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 householders, professionals, or athletes.
- Endocrine diseases.Metabolic insufficiency is a common cause of intervertebral disc destruction.
- Sedentary lifestyle.Insufficient movement and physical activity leads to muscular dystrophy, which is associated with increased strain on the spine.
- Hard work that puts strain on your back.
- Congenital disorders of the spine.
- If several provoking factors are combined, the disease develops faster.
Diagnostics
Diagnosing lumbar osteochondrosis is quite simple, especially in clinics equipped with modern equipment.The diagnosis is made in the following order: assessment, examination, ordering 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 the working conditions.Based on the collected information, the specialist can draw a conclusion about what caused the disease.
The doctor then performs an examination.The doctor palpates the spine, asks the patient to make some movements: bending, bending-extending, turns.Based on this, it can be determined how limited the patient's motor activity is.
Tests are performed to rule out bone tuberculosis and some other diseases.The specialist can judge the presence of inflammation from the blood.
X-ray examination is an accessible and informative method for determining the presence of osteochondrosis.Most often, photographs are taken in two projections.But in some cases, it is possible to take an X-ray in an additional projection or to review a specific area of the spine.
Magnetic resonance imaging.Examining the spine with this device is the gold standard for diagnosing osteochondrosis.This procedure allows for the identification of annulus fibrosus, spina bifida, displacement of individual vertebrae, and more.
Treatment
Osteochondrosis can be treated by an orthopedist, neurologist or vertebrologist.It depends on the causes of the disease.
Treatment varies dramatically depending on the stage of the disease.
Chiropractors to improve the condition of the spine and correct deviations (if possible).Proper massage increases blood supply to the spine.Physical therapy and wearing a brace corrects the signs of scoliosis (this is especially important for children).Medicines are needed to replace the materials needed to build the intervertebral disc tissue.
In the second stage of the disease, intensive drug therapy is recommended.Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should be taken as a course to reduce inflammation.In case of severe pain, strong painkillers are prescribed.Muscle relaxants help relieve muscle tension.
In rare cases, anticonvulsants and antidepressants may be prescribed.
Further treatment consists of the use of physiotherapy, exercise therapy, and 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.In case of hernia, surgical treatment is recommended.Drug therapy is the same as in the second stage of the disease.
In the fourth stage of the disease, in case of significant destruction of the disc, prosthetics with an artificial implant is possible.Drug therapy and additional treatment methods are performed in the postoperative period.
Treatment of the symptoms and signs of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine can only be done with the participation of a specialist.Self-medication is unacceptable.
Complications of lumbar osteochondrosis
Complications of lumbar osteochondrosis are primarily associated with the development of intervertebral hernias, which have a negative effect on the spinal cord and nearby tissues.
The most common complications are listed below:
- Numbness of the limbs or certain back muscles.It occurs due to compression of the spinal column.
- Urinary and defecation disorders (until the urge completely ceases).
- Trophic ulcers.
- Depression.It seems that this should not be a complication.But in fact, constant pain leads to mood swings.There have even been cases of suicide on this basis.Complications of lumbar osteochondrosis arise due to improper treatment or non-compliance with the treatment regimen.With timely treatment, complications usually do not occur.
Risk group
There are people who are more likely to develop lumbar osteochondrosis.These people are in danger.
Those whose relatives suffer from similar diseases should take care of their spine.
The risk group includes obese patients.Excess weight puts a huge load on the intervertebral discs.Sedentary people are also at high risk.
There is no doubt that athletes need to take care of their spine.At the same time, it doesn't matter what sport they play.
The spine must be protected when lifting heavy objects or working in uncomfortable positions for long periods of time.
Prevention of lumbar osteochondrosis
Treatment of osteochondrosis is long-term, often the disease takes a chronic form.Therefore, it is very important to prevent spinal pathologies.
In order to avoid problems with the lumbar spine, a system of physical activity and rest must be followed.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 weight.
Preventive measures include timely treatment of endocrine diseases and postural disorders (especially in children).
Spine problems significantly impair the quality of life, so even minor pain or discomfort in this area should be taken care of.