The health of the spinal column is the basis for the normal functioning of the musculoskeletal system.There are many diseases that destroy the structure of the vertebrae and 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 are located cartilaginous intervertebral discs.Thanks to them, a person can bend and turn.The entire spinal column is S-shaped, which provides elasticity.
Intervertebral discs consist of a nucleus pulposus surrounded by an annulus fibrosus.It is the destruction of the intervertebral disc that causes osteochondrosis.
Clinical picture of lumbar osteochondrosis
Lumbar osteochondrosis is a lesion of the vertebrae, intervertebral discs and surrounding tissues, which has a long course, often becoming chronic.The disease is often complicated by intervertebral hernias, inflammation of the nerves and other unpleasant pathologies.
Clinical manifestations of the disease vary at different stages.There are 4 main periods of development of lumbar osteochondrosis:
- Stage I.The symptoms are erased.In most cases, minor pain in the lumbar region or buttocks is a concern, increasing with physical activity.Patients tend to attribute symptoms to fatigue.
- Stage II.The destruction of the fibrous ring begins, the distances between the vertebrae decrease.During this period, pinched nerve endings are possible, characterized by a sharp, “shooting pain.”At this stage, the symptoms are pronounced, so patients go to a medical facility.
- III.At this stage, the fibrous rings have significant destruction, and intervertebral hernias are possible.The pain is constant.
- IV.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 about all of them.The signs of lumbar osteochondrosis are very diverse:
- Pain.The most common symptom of the disease.In the initial stages, the pain is minor, increasing with exercise.In subsequent stages, the pain becomes stronger and does not go away without taking painkillers.Characterized by sharp painful “shots” - short attacks of unbearable pain.
- Temperature.When lumbar osteochondrosis is accompanied by inflammation of the nerves or surrounding tissues, an elevated temperature appears.Usually it does not exceed 38°C.
- Trophic ulcers.They occur when there is a disruption in the nutrition of the tissues around the spine, due to pinching of blood vessels.
- Characteristic pose.The person takes a position in which he experiences the least pain and remains in this position almost all the time.
- 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.This is due to pinching of some nerves in the lumbar region.The symptom appears from stage 2 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 improper physical activity.This opinion is fundamentally wrong.In fact, there are more than a dozen factors that may cause the development of the disease:
- Genetic predisposition.This factor comes first, because if it is present, nothing can be done.All that remains is supportive therapy and treatment.
- Poor posture during periods of active growth.This can be caused by incorrect posture at a 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 household, professional, sports.
- Endocrine diseases.Metabolic failure is a common cause of destruction of intervertebral discs.
- Sedentary lifestyle.An insufficient amount of movement and physical activity leads to muscular dystrophy, which entails increased stress on the spine.
- Hard work that puts stress on your back.
- Congenital anomalies of the spinal column.
- When several provoking factors are combined, the disease will develop faster.
Diagnostics
Diagnosing lumbar osteochondrosis is quite simple, especially in clinics equipped with modern equipment.Diagnosis is carried out in the following order: survey, examination, ordering tests and hardware tests.
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 working conditions.Based on the information collected, the specialist can draw a conclusion about what caused the disease.
Next, the doctor conducts an examination.The doctor feels the spine, asks the patient to make some movements: bending, flexion-extension, turns.Based on this, it is possible to determine how limited the patient is in motor activity.
Tests are performed to rule out bone tuberculosis and some other diseases.From the blood, a specialist can judge the presence of inflammation.
X-ray examination is an accessible and informative way to determine the presence of osteochondrosis.Most often, photographs are taken in two projections.But in some cases, it is possible to obtain an X-ray image in an additional projection or an overview of a specific area of the spine.
Magnetic resonance imaging.Examination of the spine using this device is the gold standard for diagnosing osteochondrosis.This procedure makes it possible to identify destruction of fibrous rings, spina bifida, displacement of individual vertebrae, and much more.
Treatment
Osteochondrosis can be treated by an orthopedist, neurologist or vertebrologist.It depends on the cause of this disease.
Treatment varies dramatically depending on the stage of the disease.
Chiropractors are called upon to improve the condition of the spine and correct misalignments (if possible).Proper massage will increase blood supply to the spine area.Physical therapy and wearing a corset will correct the signs of scoliosis (this is especially important for children).Medicines are needed to replenish the supply of substances necessary for the construction of intervertebral disc tissue.
At the second stage of the disease, intensive drug therapy is indicated.Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should be taken in a course to relieve inflammation.For severe pain, strong analgesics are prescribed.Muscle relaxants will help relieve muscle tension.
In rare cases, anticonvulsants and antidepressants may be prescribed.
Additional treatment consists of the use of physiotherapy, exercise therapy, massages (if this does not aggravate the patient’s condition).
The third stage of the disease is characterized by destructive processes in the intervertebral disc.For hernias, surgical treatment is indicated.Drug therapy is the same as in the second stage of the disease.
With significant destruction of the disc at the fourth stage of the disease, prosthetics with an artificial implant is possible.In the postoperative period, drug therapy and additional treatment methods are carried out.
Treatment of symptoms and signs of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine should occur only with the participation of a specialist.Self-medication is unacceptable.
Complications of lumbar osteochondrosis
Complications of lumbar osteochondrosis are mainly associated with the formation of intervertebral hernias, which have a negative effect on the spinal cord and nearby tissues.
Below is a list of the most common complications:
- Numbness of the limbs or individual back muscles.Occurs due to compression of the spinal column.
- Disorders of urination and defecation (up to complete disappearance of the urge).
- Trophic ulcers.
- Depression.It would seem that this cannot be a complication.But in fact, constant pain leads to mood changes.There have even been cases of suicide on this basis.Complications of lumbar osteochondrosis arise due to inadequate treatment or non-compliance with the treatment regimen.As a rule, with timely treatment, complications do not arise.
Risk group
There are people who have an increased likelihood of developing lumbar osteochondrosis.These individuals are at risk.
Those people whose relatives suffer from similar diseases should take care of their spine.
The risk group includes obese patients.Excess weight puts enormous stress on the intervertebral discs.People who lead a sedentary lifestyle are also at high risk.
Undoubtedly, athletes should take care of their spine.At the same time, it doesn’t matter what sport they play.
The spine must be protected if work involves lifting heavy objects or staying in an uncomfortable position for a long time.
Prevention of lumbar osteochondrosis
Treatment of osteochondrosis is long-term, often the disease takes a chronic form.That is why the prevention of spinal pathologies is of great importance.
To avoid problems with the lumbar spine, it is necessary to follow a regime of physical activity and rest.The load on the spine should be uniform and not excessive.Rest should be regular and better in a lying position.
If you are overweight, you need to lose it.
Preventive measures include timely treatment of endocrine diseases and postural disorders (especially for children).
Problems with the spine significantly reduce the quality of life, so you need to be attentive to even minor pain or discomfort in this area.