The lumbar spine is most susceptible to stress, as it is affected by the total body weight. It is also very mobile.
If the spinal corset is not sufficiently developed, then the pressure on the intervertebral discs increases several times. Namely, they are responsible for mobility and flexibility of the back.
So osteochondrosis of the lower back, which occurs for various reasons, is a fairly common disease of the musculoskeletal system.
It develops gradually and one may simply ignore its first signs. However, this requires serious treatment.
How the disease develops and its causes
In the lower back, the sacrum and thoracic vertebra are connected. There are many factors that provoke lumbar osteochondrosis. The main thing is considered to be improper and excessive load on the back.
In the course of the disease, glycoproteins are broken down, affecting the connective tissue of the joints and making it elastic. It affects the bone and cartilage structures of the spine.
The intervertebral discs contain a gel-like substance that dries out in lumbar disease. They run out, then become flat. As a result, the spine loses its cushioning function, its segments approach each other and the nerve roots and blood vessels are compressed.
At the same time, the fibrous ring ruptures and in some cases may rupture, leading to the formation of a hernia. All this provokes swelling, low back pain.
The muscular frame protects the spine from negative influences and is responsible for proper posture. Problems with it can also lead to the development of osteochondrosis in the lumbar spine.
There are other reasons for the appearance of the disease:
- Congenital changes, loose disc structure.
- Stress.
- Infectious diseases in bone and cartilage tissues.
- Uncomfortable shoes.
- Back injury.
- Inflammation of the joints.
Lifestyle, profession, age are also important here. The maximum load on the spine occurs in a sitting position. Therefore, people who spend most of their time in a sitting position are at risk.
These can be office workers, drivers. Low physical activity is also not the best way to affect the lumbar spine. As a result, the musculoskeletal system becomes weaker.
A significant role is played by the influence on the spine and especially in the lower back, lifting weights. This is due to professions such as loader, builder, waiter or professional athlete, ie people who are constantly stressed on their backs.
Osteochondrosis can also occur in women during pregnancy. If there is a curvature of the spine, then the increased pressure on the lumbar spine and the uneven distribution of weight also leads to disease.
In the same way it affects the appearance of osteochondrosis and flat feet. The arch of the leg loses its function and all the load when walking goes to the spine. Being overweight also plays a negative role. The disease can be a complication after osteomyelitis, tuberculosis.
Adverse factors in lumbar osteochondrosis are also improper sleep, diet, impaired metabolic processes in the body or diseases of internal organs:
- gastrointestinal tract and liver;
- small pelvis;
- Central nervous system.
People of different ages are susceptible to the disease.
Lumbar osteochondrosis symptoms
One of the first manifestations is usually pain and discomfort in the lumbar spine. At the same time it can be difficult to bend, turn, bend the big toe. Sometimes there is a feeling of cold or, conversely, a burning sensation in the back.
As a rule, the symptoms appear after exercise, hypothermia or a long time in an awkward position. They often leave after a short break. In the acute phase, they may have the character of lumbago and worsen with movement, coughing, sneezing.
Muscle spasm in the back does not allow a person to take a position, which will lead to increased pain, this happens reflexively. In addition to these symptoms, there are the following signs:
- Fatigue and weakness.
- Increased sweating.
- Sleep disorders.
- Varicose veins.
- Numbness and pain in the limbs.
- Disorder of tendon reflexes.
Due to the spasms, the legs can freeze, as well as beak-like growth and reduced disc height.
The sciatic nerve, which is formed by the sacral roots of the spinal cord, can also suffer from osteochondrosis of the lower back. This is manifested by pain that radiates to the legs or swelling.
If the arteries or vessels are compressed, this is characterized by loss of sensitivity, but the pain is mild. They are located in the lower back, react in the hips, buttocks. The pain syndrome also varies at the time of onset. Painful sensations usually appear in the morning, over time they may become permanent and independent of movement.
Complications of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
The instability of the discs and the fact that they do not fix the spine leads to displacement of the lumbar spine. This also affects the work of internal organs. Osteochondrosis is complicated by problems in the genitourinary system, a feeling of discomfort in the kidneys.
In women, menstrual disorders are possible with it, in men, problems in the genital area. Another symptom of the disease is flaky and dry skin in the affected areas.
If you do not treat osteochondrosis, it can lead to spinal stroke and other unpleasant consequences. The protrusion of the discs is possible when they stretch and extend beyond the vertebrae. Cartilage atrophy also occurs. During this period, the pain may subside due to the growth of bone tissue.
Spondyloarthritis is sometimes isolated as a form of osteochondrosis, but is more often considered a complication. With it, bone spines grow on the spine. They are localized, the pain is present in the lumbar region and does not spread to other parts of the body.
Another consequence is paresis of the legs. In the lower back, unpleasant sensations occur, which spread to the area below the knee and beyond, causing dysfunction of the ankle joint. All this can contribute to damage.
Diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
There are several types of tests that your doctor may prescribe for symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis:
- A simple X-ray (spondylography) that shows the condition of each vertebra individually, the intervertebral discs and the bone canals.
- Myelography is a more complex type of diagnosis. To do this, a staining fluid is injected into the spinal canal. Helps detect spinal hernias.
- A similar procedure is discography, but with it the fluid is injected into the spinal disc.
- Pneumomyelography. Air is used here instead of liquid.
Computed tomography can detect compression of nerve roots, rupture of the contour of the disc. For more serious cases, MRI may be prescribed.
Methods of treating diseases
The main thing is to consult a doctor in time and take treatment seriously. For recovery, you need to make an effort and prevent relapse in order to commit to prevention. Lumbar therapy is a holistic approach. Here the goal is not only to stop the development of the disease and relieve symptoms, but also to return the spine to the correct position.
Usually the specialist prescribes drugs using painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs: NSAIDs, analgesics. Muscle relaxants are also used. They are aimed at eliminating spasms and discomfort resulting from increased muscle tone.
Vasodilators prevent congestion and improve blood circulation. Vitamins and minerals give strength to bones, tendons and ligaments and help remove fluids from the body. They are often prescribed to the elderly.
Chondroprotectors are also used for treatment, which stop the destructive processes in the cartilage tissues and promote regeneration. The drugs are administered orally, by injection or rectally.
Paravertebral blocks are used to quickly relieve pain when the drug is injected into the affected area. But doctors try not to use them often. The body gradually gets used to them and the effectiveness of the impact decreases. In addition, with blockade, the muscles may atrophy at the site where the drug is injected.
The treatment complex also includes training therapy. Improves the mobility of the spine and strengthens its muscles. Therapeutic exercises should be chosen by a specialist, they are often prescribed after the relief of an acute condition. The load is increased gradually so as not to cause exacerbation. Gymnastics is also used if the patient has been wearing a corset for a long time.
An important part of the treatment is massage. It aims to relax, relieve pain and cramps. The procedure reduces muscle stiffness and has a good effect on lymphatic circulation in the tissues around the lumbar region.
Physiotherapeutic methods of treatment are also used. To obtain the desired effect, they must be performed regularly. Exposure to ultraviolet rays, eliminates spasms, pain affects blood circulation. Laser therapy improves the condition of the spinal roots due to the influence of helium - neon emitters. Spinal stretching is also used, as well as the following methods:
- amplipulse;
- phonophoresis;
- diadynamic currents.
However, physiotherapy also has contraindications - these are oncological diseases, diseases of the central nervous system. The main task of all these measures is to return the lumbar spine to the correct anatomical position. As a rule, the course takes an average of 2-3 months, but it all depends on the case.
Surgery for low back osteochondrosis
Surgery is usually used for complications such as hernias. A discectomy is performed, ie the damaged disc is removed. Microsurgery and endoscopy are less traumatic for the patient and the risks of complications are minimal.
During such an intervention, special expanders of small diameter pipes are used. Therefore, the muscles and ligaments are not damaged. On average, the procedure takes about an hour.
The rehabilitation period takes less time than after a dictomy. But here the help of the patient is important, who must strictly follow all the prescriptions of the neurosurgeon.
Additional measures for treatment and prevention
Correction of lifestyle and habits is the first step in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine. Rest and a sparing regimen are important in therapy. It is better to equip the bed with an orthopedic mattress and pillow, it is good to put a special roller under the neck. Avoid being in one position for a long time, hypothermia. It is undesirable to get up abruptly.
Sometimes a special fixing corset is recommended. It keeps your back in the right position, but not all experts approve of long-term wear. This can lead to muscle atrophy of the spine. It is most often used during exacerbations of the disease. Corset models are not universal and in any case only a doctor should choose an accessory.
Along with treatment, it is important to follow a number of measures that your doctor may recommend. This is normalizing weight, proper nutrition is helpful here. It is better to exclude heavy and fatty foods from the diet or reduce their consumption.
It is recommended in case of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine to refuse such products:
- Carbonated drinks.
- Salt and sugar.
- Coffee and spices.
- Alcohol.
It is good to introduce in the diet: sea fish, vegetable oils, dairy products, vegetables, fruits and herbs. Jelly meat, a jelly that includes gelatin, will be helpful. It is best to steam food.
Walking, swimming are also useful for the spine, it will be useful to monitor your posture. These are necessary measures after the end of the course of treatment to prevent recurrence of osteochondrosis.
Folk remedies and alternative methods
Ointments, compresses are made from herbal materials to relieve pain and inflammation. Often used to grind red pepper tincture. The liquid ointment can be made from mustard powder, camphor alcohol and egg white. It is applied at night.
Make compresses with honey and aloe or cabbage leaves, use for this and a decoction of burdock leaves Baths with needles are useful.
There are also alternative treatment options:
- hirudotherapy (use of leeches);
- manual and vacuum therapy;
- acupuncture.
All these tools are best used after consultation with your doctor.
Self-medication or ignoring the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine can lead to more serious diseases of the spine. Therefore, you should not start an illness, because the earlier you start treatment, the faster and easier it will be to solve the problem.