Connecting the fixed, thoracic and sacral parts of the spine, the lumbar spine plays the most important role. It provides mobility to the spine.
As disc degeneration progresses, signs of lumbar osteochondrosis appear. Severe illness can significantly complicate existence, leading to reduced work capacity and even disability.
reason
The disease is becoming more common around the world. Common factors such as physical inactivity, poor environmental conditions, malnutrition and obesity contribute to this. At the same time, the heaviest loads tend to fall on the back, so it is important to understand the causes of lumbar osteochondrosis.
- More than half of the disease cases are associated with genetic susceptibility, which determines the structure of the discs that are prone to deformity.
- Work associated with constant physical overload is a negative factor that can lead to spinal problems.
- Incorrect posture, aggravated by lack of power, puts more pressure on the lower back.
- Future spinal injuries often lead to manifestations of the disease. Therefore, representation of professional sports is at risk.
- Many years ago, osteochondrosis was a disease of the elderly - and it has its own logic. Discs are more likely to deform with age. Today, however, the disease can be observed in people in their 30s. The driving force behind the development of osteochondrosis is an error in the independent manifestation of complex physical exercise.
- Severe hypothermia and intense tension when lifting heavy objects can cause pain if there is any pathology in the joints.
- Being overweight puts extra stress on all the joints in the spine.
- The onset of the disease is usually associated with lesions in certain internal organs: liver, kidneys and others.
symptom
Therefore, consider the signs of lumbar osteochondrosis.
- The first and main symptom of the disease is pain, which is initially periodic and occurs in the lumbar region during vigorous exercise. At first, it passes after a break, then becomes permanent, covering not only the lower back but also the lower body. In the process of further destroying the vertebrae, the pain becomes more intense, and there is a feeling of heat or cold in the back.
- The sensitivity of the lower body skin decreases or even disappears completely, and arterial spasms may occur. The fact that the vertebrae are no longer held in place by the discs is fraught with severe damage to internal organs.
- Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis in women are complemented by inflammation of the ovaries, appendages, and uterus. This condition can mask major signs and lead to diagnostic errors.
- Due to the severe pain, a person must be in an unnatural position most of the time, and as a result the spine is displaced to one side. The posture appears bent and the gait tense.
- The spine loses flexibility and flexibility. The effect of low back pain was observed, and it was difficult for the patient to stand upright after working in a bent state for a long time.
- Compression of nerve roots in the vertebrae is accompanied by acute pain and may have consequences in the form of mobility impairment.
- Lumbar osteochondrosis is also characterized by symptoms of ischemic syndrome, a group of signs associated with reduced blood flow in compressed vessels. At first, arterial spasms were sporadic, accompanied by pain when walking. After the break they pass. Over time, however, the spasms become prolonged and the pelvic organs stop receiving nourishment, disrupting their work. Stopping blood flow can cause paralysis.
- This disease causes tailbone pain. The symptoms of sacral osteochondrosis vary in some ways, making it more difficult to diagnose. Despite the intense, even bursting pains, they are given in the surrounding tissue, so the patient cannot pinpoint the exact location of their localization. In addition, they are accompanied by inflammatory processes of the urogenital system. Frequent urination or incontinence, constipation, difficulty in sitting and walking.
complication
Progressive disease can lead to serious complications if the problem is not treated.
- The result of a ruptured annulus fibrosus will be the herniated nucleus pulposus squeezing the nerve endings - an intervertebral herniation will occur.
- Prolonged inflammatory processes in the spine can lead to sciatica, a disease of the roots of the spinal nerves.
- A very serious complication is inflammation of the sciatic nerve, which is characterized not only by severe pain but also by numbness in the extremities.
- Impaired blood flow to the spinal cord can lead to spinal cord compression.
- Cauda equina syndrome is one of the most serious consequences of osteochondrosis. A bundle of nerve endings extending from the vertebrae at the end of the spinal cord is responsible for transmitting impulses from the body, allowing the brain to control the work of the body. Their acute inflammation can lead to urogenital dysfunction and partial or complete paralysis of the extremities.
treat
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, its symptoms and treatment depend on where the nerve endings are pinched, where the pain and sensitivity decrease. Treatment can be very successful if started on time, but in any case, it requires an integrated approach.
Medications are only used to relieve acute pain. The main goal of treatment is to stop the progression of the disease and restore the spine to its correct position, restoring normal blood flow. This is a complex and lengthy process that requires the use of various rehabilitation methods.
physiotherapy
Therapeutic gymnastics plays an important role in rehabilitation. It is prescribed a few days after the resolution of severe pain, is chosen individually for each patient and depends on:
- disease stage,
- Causes of lumbar osteochondrosis,
- patient age,
- location of pain,
- and other factors.
The main goal of the therapeutic exercise is to create a reliable muscular corset that will help reduce the load on the discs. In the initial phase, several small loads of exercises are provided. It gradually increases. Special exercises are added to the general exercises over time.
Gymnastics are first performed on the back. In this case, the load on the spine is minimal and the pain does not increase. The next stage is to practice, lying on your side, then prone. You can put a pillow under it and a roller under the lower body joints.
In the initial stage, all exercises are done very slowly and carefully. Gradually, as the magnitude of the motion increases, new motions are added to it. After the pain has stopped and the patient's condition has improved, the complex is supplemented with exercises performed while standing on all fours, then sitting in a chair, and then standing.
If the disease is in a chronic form, the patient is allowed to participate in certain sports - swimming, skiing, etc. , depending on his state of health. Compared to regular classes, the effectiveness of therapeutic exercises will be many times greater.
Manual Therapy and Massage
Manual therapy is one of the oldest and most effective methods as part of a complex approach to the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis and its symptoms. The class includes several procedures that remove the causes of pain and numbness in the extremities, relieve tension in muscle fibers, and restore blood circulation and joint mobility. When using this technique, you can achieve quick and positive results comparable to those of therapeutic exercises. However, it has some contraindications that should be considered when including it in complex treatments.
A great tool for battling serious illness is massage. After a few sessions, the patient felt better, muscle stiffness disappeared, and range of motion returned. But each disease has its own characteristics, and only qualified specialists can prescribe this procedure.
There are many contraindications, and massage is prohibited in certain types of patients:
- Tumors of different nature;
- third-degree hypertension;
- moles in the massage area;
- Arrhythmias and other heart diseases;
- blood disease;
- Women's disease and some other diseases.
Traditional types of massage are usually prescribed. The first procedure may be accompanied by mild pain that will soon stop.
Severe pain during the session is not acceptable. To improve blood flow to the affected area, a vacuum massage can be done using a can.
Your doctor will help you overcome lumbar osteochondrosis and symptoms and choose the most effective treatment. Most likely, massage will be included in the recommended list.
physiotherapy
Comprehensive treatment measures include physical therapy methods. They allow you to perform local operations on the affected area and eliminate unpleasant symptoms. The following types of physical therapy are widely used:
- Exposure to electric or electromagnetic fields can increase blood flow and metabolic processes in tissues;
- UV light can relieve inflammation, stimulate the production of vitamin D, and strengthen the body's defenses;
- Ultrasound has a high anti-inflammatory effect;
- Due to the mild and effective healing properties of mineral springs and healing muds, balneotherapy is widely used to treat and prevent spinal disorders.
This approach also has certain contraindications that should be taken into account when prescribing such procedures.
There are many folk recipes that are widely used for lumbar osteochondrosis and are proven to be effective treatments. They can be a great addition to primary treatment after consulting with a specialist. Ointments and compresses, herbal decoctions can be rubbed or taken internally. Self-prepared products can cause allergic reactions. Poisonous plants can also be prescribed in recipes, so you need to follow the exact dosage of such substances, check how your body responds to their use, and consult your doctor.
prevention
Measures that can prevent this serious disease should be comprehensive, starting with physical activity. Take long walks at a calm pace, go to the pool regularly, exercise. Walking and running help build major muscle groups, while water helps them relax better and increase range of motion.
Very important for health is a balanced portion diet, in which special attention should be paid to foods high in fiber content. Vegetables and fruits will establish the normal function of the digestive system, and the metabolites will not linger in the intestines and poison the body. Food will be fully processed due to small portions.
Get well-organized rest and proper sleep on a flat, firm foundation. Useful orthopedic mattress that maintains the natural position of the spine.
The first signs of lumbar osteochondrosis require immediate medical attention before successful treatment and restoration of spinal function is possible.