Symptoms and methods of treatment of lumbar spine osteochondrosis

The most common cause of back pain is the development of such a disease of the musculoskeletal system as osteochondrosis. If earlier this pathology was found mainly in elderly people and less often in middle age, now osteochondrosis has become much younger, often diagnosed in people whose age is 20-30 years.

According to medical statistics, the disease most often affects the lumbar and lumbosacral spine.

Characteristics of the disease

Osteochondrosis is a pathology of the musculoskeletal system that affects its most important component - the spine. It arises due to the fact that dystrophic changes in the intervertebral discs begin to develop.

The disease affects not only the tissue of the intervertebral discs, negative changes begin to occur in the surrounding tissues, affecting the ligaments and muscles.

The reason for the spread of the lumbar form of osteochondrosis is that this particular part of the spine is subjected to the greatest physical stress.

With this disease, characteristic changes occur in the pulposus nucleus, which is part of the intervertebral disc. This disk performs damping functions.

If water exchange in the intervertebral discs is disturbed, they become thinner and their fragility increases.

People in older age groups are more susceptible to the pathological process, as metabolic processes in intervertebral disc tissues begin to deteriorate when they reach a certain age.

Under the influence of negative changes, the boundaries of the nucleus pulposus gradually expand, it tends to enter the intervertebral space. This usually ends with the displacement of the nucleus into the spinal canal, as a result of which it is compressed and gripped by nerve fibers and blood vessels.

Embedded nerves are the cause of pain in osteochondrosis. There may also be a deterioration in the functioning of internal organs.

As the pathology progresses, the pressure force on the vertebrae increases. The body seeks to compensate for the defect and the growth of spinal bone tissue is significantly accelerated. As a result, pathological growths - osteophytes - form in the vertebrae. Ultimately, this further impairs the functionality of the affected spine.

With advanced forms of osteochondrosis, the patient may experience paralysis of the lower extremities. Due to late access to medical care, a person may become incapacitated.

Causes of lumbar and lumbosacral spine osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar and lumbosacral spine develops due to improper distribution of load on the spine. If this is combined with other negative factors, the progression of osteochondrosis accelerates, it can take more severe forms.

The disease can be provoked by:

• Regular heavy physical work, lifting heavy objects (people of certain professions, as well as athletes involved in weightlifting, are at risk);
• insufficient physical activity, which negatively affects the condition of the muscles and leads to deterioration of blood circulation, metabolic processes and reduction of the amount of nutrients entering the tissues;
• the patient is overweight, which leads to the fact that the spine is constantly exposed to heavy loads;
• problems with inappropriate behavior and gait;
• presence of congenital deformities or other defects of the spine or the entire skeleton;
• flat feet can also cause the development of osteochondrosis, as in patients with deformity of the foot, its arch can not fully absorb the load during movement, which leads to increased loads on the intervertebral discs;
• traumatic spinal cord injury;
• genetically determined disorders of bone tissue formation;
• age-related changes;
• infections affecting bone tissue (tuberculosis, osteomyelitis);
• inflammatory processes affecting bones and joints (including rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis);
• lack of vitamins and minerals;
• exposure to harmful and toxic substances.

The most common cause of pathology is heavy load on the spine in patients with inappropriate behavior.

Symptoms of the disease

The onset and severity of osteochondrosis symptoms depend on the stage of the disease.

There are 4 stages of the disease:

1. The first stage is characterized by the appearance of pain in the lumbar region (lumbago), spasms of the surrounding muscle tissue and swelling in the affected area. During this period, a change and displacement of the pulposus nucleus of the intervertebral discs begins, which causes irritation of the nerve endings.
2. In the second stage, the process of destroying the fibrous rings of the intervertebral discs begins. The vertebrae become unstable, their mobility increases, as a result of which there is a constant tension of the neighboring muscles. Pain is noted along the sciatic nerve. At this stage of the disease, interruptions in the work of internal organs can sometimes begin.
3. During the third stage, rupture of the fibrous rings and release of the contents of the pulposus nucleus is observed. As a result, herniated discs form. All this contributes to the further deformation of the spine (the development of scoliosis, kyphosis or lordosis can be observed). Acute pain becomes permanent, this is due to radicular syndrome, in which nerve roots are compressed by fragments that have fallen from fibrous rings.
4. The fourth stage is characterized by severe deformities of the spine, pathological growths appear in the vertebrae. There may be significant pain relief, but this does not mean improvement of the patient's condition. On the contrary, a person's movements are very limited. Usually, patients with stage 4 osteochondrosis require disability registration.

One of the main symptoms of the disease is pain in the lumbar region, which can also spread to the tail bone and lower extremities. It is divided into 3 types:

1. Lumbago- acute pain attacks that start when you make sudden movements or lift heavy objects.
2. Lumbodynia- severe regular pain accompanied by damage to the intervertebral cartilage and muscle fibers.
3. Lumboishalgia- is characterized by a feeling of pain, a feeling of cold or heat in the lumbar region, as well as in the legs.

A person's psychological state can also provoke pain.

In addition to pain, osteochondrosis is characterized by:

• feeling of weakness in the lower half of the body and in the legs;
• deterioration of the tendons of the lower extremities;
• tingling sensation, which can be felt from the lower back of the foot;
• curvature of the spine;
• with lumbosacral osteochondrosis, there is often a dysfunction in the pelvic organs (urinary disorder, faecal incontinence, erectile dysfunction);
• skin problems (dryness, flaking, bluish tinge) and changes in sweating can also occur in the lower back and buttocks.

If you find the symptoms listed, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible in order to start treatment immediately and prevent serious consequences.

Treatment of lumbar and lumbosacral spine osteochondrosis

Medical

For a patient diagnosed with osteochondrosis, your doctor may prescribe the following types of therapy (including several at the same time):

• drug treatment;
• physiotherapy procedures;
• medical massage and manual therapy;
• performing a surgical operation.

Let's take a closer look at each of these methods.

Medications are prescribed to relieve pain, fight inflammation, and improve the regeneration of diseased tissue. The patient can be assigned:

• analgesics (help relieve pain);
• muscle relaxants (used to relax muscle fibers and relieve spasms);
• chondroprotectors (promote the regeneration of cartilage and bone tissue and protect them from adverse effects);
• anti-inflammatory drugs;
• in case of edema, diuretics (diuretics) are prescribed;
• medicines to improve blood circulation;
• vitamin and mineral complexes.

In common forms of osteochondrosis, when conventional analgesics are ineffective, blockages may be prescribed. Which specific drugs should be used, as well as the scheme and duration of treatment, is determined by the doctor, taking into account the stage of the disease and the severity of symptoms.

It is advisable to prescribe physiotherapy along with medication to increase the effectiveness of the treatment. With osteochondrosis, the following procedures are indicated:

• laser therapy;
• magnetic resonance therapy;
phonophoresis
• ;
• shock wave therapy.

These treatments help relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and help repair damaged tissue. Using a laser beam is very effective, it allows you to get a lasting forgiveness.

When prescribing phonophoresis, additional topical medications are used (this method allows the medicine to penetrate deep under the skin directly into the lesion). To maximize tissue enrichment with oxygen, your doctor may also prescribe ozone therapy.

It should be borne in mind that physiotherapy is contraindicated in some pathologies. It can not be prescribed to patients with oncological diseases, thyrotoxicosis, diabetes, tuberculosis, infectious diseases.

Massage and manual therapy can be prescribed simultaneously with medication and physiotherapy procedures, which enhances the therapeutic effect.

These methods affect the transmission of nerve impulses and help to normalize muscle tone.

Surgical intervention is indicated only in the later stages of the disease, when other methods of treatment are useless. Surgery is required if:

• the patient suffers from severe pain that cannot be controlled by medication;
• disc herniation;
• the patient is diagnosed with spinal cord compression (this leads to impaired sensitivity and motor functions - from a feeling of weakness to paralysis);
• marks the development of equine caudal syndrome.

Nowadays, modern high-tech and low-trauma surgeries are being performed more and more often, allowing the rehabilitation period to be significantly shortened. In the absence of complications, the patient will be able to move normally within a few months after surgery.

Folk remedies

Traditional medicine treatments help relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and improve mobility. Here are some ways to treat osteochondrosis with folk remedies.

1. You should take raw potatoes, grate them and mix them with natural honey. The resulting mixture should be placed on the back and secured with a bandage for at least 2 hours. Placing warm boiled potatoes also helps.
2. Grind the garlic and mix in equal parts with the ginger. Then add a little olive oil. The resulting drug should be rubbed into the back at night to improve blood circulation and reduce muscle tension.
3. Mix a tablespoon of menthol oil with a tablespoon of fir oil. The mixture should be rubbed on the back.
4. Take chopped pine or fir needles in the amount of. tablespoon per 200 ml (1 glass) of boiling water and let it cook for 30 minutes. Drink ½ glass 2 times a day.
5. Mix a tablespoon of lingonberry berries and peppermint, boil in boiling water (1 cup), let it cook and drain. Drink the soup gradually throughout the day.

It is important to understand that treatment with folk remedies can not replace a visit to a doctor. Folk methods temporarily relieve symptoms, but they do not completely eliminate the disease.

Furthermore, they may not be suitable for every patient, so it is strongly recommended that you consult a specialist before using them.

Physiotherapy exercises

Physiotherapy exercises aim to strengthen the muscles of the lower back, buttocks and thighs, which helps relieve pain, reduce the degree of tightening of nerves and blood vessels and restore flexibility.

In order for the exercises to be as effective as possible and not cause harm, some guidelines should be followed:

• Exercises should be performed in natural fabric clothing that does not restrict movement;
• waist region during physical education should not be hypothermic;
• if you need to take a supine position to perform the exercise, it is best to place a round roller under your lower leg
• you should start training no earlier than one hour after eating;
• to get a lasting positive effect, it is necessary to regularly engage in physiotherapy exercises;
• exercises should be performed normally, slowly, focusing on muscle work;
• you need to monitor your breathing, it should be even and deep;
• it is helpful to keep a diary that includes changes from the day you start doing the exercises.

Which exercises should be performed depends on the severity of the osteochondrosis symptoms.

In acute lumbar osteochondrosis, the spine should not be loaded, you should rest on the rest of the bed (preferably using an orthopedic mattress), and you can do physical education while lying on your back, repeating every movement8-10 times. Here are some suggestions:

1. Lying on your back, place a roll under your thighs and bend your knees. The patient should bend the arms into a fist and not settle, and should also bend the legs at the ankle. These movements are done alternately with each arm and leg.
2. You should bend and unlock your legs, moving only your knees. At the same time, the back should not move.
3. Rotate each leg in turn.
4. Extend your arms and legs, then begin to bend and extend the elbows of both arms at the same time. During bending, you should inhale, and during extension, exhale. Keep your hands palms up.

Recommended exercises for subacute lumbar osteochondrosis:

1. With your knees bent in a supine position, rest your feet on the mattress. As you inhale, gently raise the sacrum, while the lower back of your chest should rest on the mattress. After 1-2 seconds, gently lower the lower half of the back.
2. Lying on a mattress while sucking, you should raise your head and tighten your abdominal muscles. As you exhale, return to the starting position.
3. In the supine position, pull the heel to the buttocks with a sliding motion, without lifting it off the mattress. After a few seconds, straighten your leg. The movements should be repeated for each leg separately and for both legs at the same time.
4. From a position on all fours, sit with your buttocks on your heels, making sliding movements with your hands on the mattress. Then take the starting position.
5. Take all fours, relax your neck. Squeeze the chin to the chest, bend the back to the lower back like a cat, adjust this position for a few seconds. It is necessary to ensure that the head does not rise, and the back maintains its accepted position.

Patients who have achieved forgiveness can do any of the above exercises.

Physiotherapy exercises, if possible, should be done 3-4 times a day for any form of lumbar osteochondrosis, but before you start performing them, you should definitely consult a doctor.

Preventive measures

Osteochondrosis, like most other diseases, is much easier to prevent than to try to get rid of its consequences later. To minimize the likelihood of developing the disease it is recommended:

• to ensure the diet is healthy and balanced;
• lead an active life, move as much as possible;
• do not subject your spine to excessive loads;
• do exercises to strengthen your back muscles.

It is also necessary to immediately treat diseases and injuries that can lead to the development of osteochondrosis. If even minor symptoms appear that may signal back problems, you should not delay seeing your doctor.

Conclusion

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is a disease that should be taken as seriously as possible in order to avoid serious consequences. If you adhere to a healthy lifestyle and follow the recommended preventive measures, the likelihood of developing pathology will be minimal.

If symptoms of the disease appear, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Timely medical care is the key to lasting forgiveness, which allows you to stop the pathological process, preserve the patient’s ability to work, and, to some extent, restore the previous state of the musculoskeletal system.