The health of the spinal column is fundamental to the normal functioning of the musculoskeletal system.There are many diseases that destroy the structure of the vertebrae and the surrounding tissue.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 lie cartilaginous intervertebral discs.Thanks to them, a person can bend and turn.The entire spinal column is S-shaped, which provides flexibility.
The intervertebral disc consists of the nucleus pulposus surrounded by the annulus fibrosus.It is the destruction of the intervertebral disc that causes osteochondrosis.
Clinical picture of lumbar osteochondrosis
Lumbar osteochondrosis is a wound of the vertebra, intervertebral disc and surrounding tissue, which has a long course, often becoming chronic.The disease is often complicated by intervertebral hernia, nerve inflammation 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 eliminated.In most cases, minor pain in the lumbar or back region is a concern, increasing with physical activity.Patients tend to attribute symptoms to fatigue.
- Stage II.The destruction of the fibrous ring begins, the distance between the vertebrae decreases.During this period, nerve endings may pinch, characterized by sharp, "shooting pain."At this stage, the symptoms are pronounced, so the patient goes to a medical facility.
- Iii.At this stage, the fibrous ring has significant destruction, and intervertebral hernia is possible.The pain is constant.
- IV.Spine is bad.The patient has difficulty moving.Irreversible disruption leads 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.Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis are very diverse:
- Sick.The most common symptoms of the disease.In the early stages, the pain is minor, increasing with exercise.In the next stage, the pain becomes stronger and does not go away without taking painkillers.Characterized by painful "shots" - short attacks of unbearable pain.
- Temperature.When lumbar osteochondrosis is accompanied by inflammation of the nerves or surrounding tissues, a high temperature appears.Usually it does not exceed 38 ° C.
- Trophic ulcer.They occur when there is a disturbance in the nutrition of the tissues around the spine, due to pinching of blood vessels.
- Pose feature.The person takes the position where he experiences the least pain and remains in this position most of the time.
- Changes in the position of the spine: scoliosis, kyphosis, etc.
- Limited movement.Occurs in the last two stages of lumbar osteochondrosis.Limb numbness.When osteochondrosis progresses, limb numbness may occur.This is caused by pinching several nerves in the lumbar region.Symptoms appear from stage 2 of the disease.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar region is characterized by increasing symptoms, depending on the progression of the disease.
Reason
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 can cause the development of this disease:
- Genetic predisposition.This factor comes first, because if there is, nothing can be done.All that is left is supportive therapy and treatment.
- Poor posture during periods 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 friend of osteochondrosis.Under the weight of extra pounds, the intervertebral disc is destroyed, which leads to the appearance of the disease.
- Injury.They can be household, professional, sports.
- Endocrine diseases.Metabolic failure is a common cause of intervertebral disc destruction.
- Sedentary lifestyle.An insufficient amount of movement and physical activity leads to muscular dystrophy, which involves increased pressure on the spine.
- Hard work that puts pressure on your back.
- Congenital anomalies of the spinal column.
- When several factors combine, the disease will develop faster.
Diagnostics
Diagnosis of lumbar osteochondrosis is relatively easy, especially in clinics equipped with modern equipment.Diagnosis is carried out in the following order: survey, examination, order test and hardware test.
Diagnosis begins with the collection of anamnestic data.The doctor explains the patient's age (this is important), the time of the first symptoms, and the working conditions.Based on the information gathered, experts can draw conclusions about what causes the disease.
Next, the doctor conducts an examination.The doctor feels the spine, asks the patient to make several movements: bending, extension, flexion, turns.Based on this, it is possible to determine how limited the patient is in motor activity.
Tests are done to rule out bone tuberculosis and some other diseases.From the blood, experts can assess the presence of inflammation.
X-ray examination is an accessible and informative way to determine the presence of osteochondrosis.Often, pictures are taken in two projections.But in some cases, it is possible to get an X-ray image in an additional projection or 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 the destruction of the fibrous ring, spina bifida, displacement of individual vertebrae, and more.
Treatment
Osteochondrosis can be treated by orthopedists, neurologists or vertebrologists.It depends on the cause of the disease.
Treatment varies dramatically depending on the stage of the disease.
Chiropractors are called to correct the condition of the spine and correct misalignments (if possible).A proper massage will increase the blood supply to the spinal area.Physical therapy and wearing a corset will correct the signs of scoliosis (this is especially important for children).Medicines are needed to increase the supply of materials necessary for the construction of intervertebral disc tissue.
In 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, massage (if this does not worsen 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 disc destruction in the fourth stage of the disease, prosthetics with artificial implants are 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 only take place with the participation of a specialist.Self-medication is not acceptable.
Complications of lumbar osteochondrosis
Complications of lumbar osteochondrosis are mainly associated with the formation of intervertebral hernia, which has a negative effect on the spinal cord and nearby tissues.
Here is a list of the most common complications:
- Numbness of the individual's limbs or back muscles.Occurs due to compression of the spinal column.
- Disruption of urination and defecation (up to loss of desire).
- Trophic ulcer.
- Depression.It seems that this cannot be a complication.But in fact, constant pain leads to mood swings.There are also cases of suicide on this basis.Complications of lumbar osteochondrosis arise due to insufficient 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 the possibility of increasing lumbar osteochondrosis.This individual is at risk.
People whose relatives suffer from similar diseases should take care of their spine.
Risk groups include obese patients.Excess weight puts great pressure 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 the 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 prevention of spinal pathology is so important.
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 preferably in a lying position.
If you are overweight, you need to lose it.
Preventive measures include timely endocrine treatment and postural disorders (especially for children).
Problems with the spine significantly reduce the quality of life, so you need to pay attention to minor pain or discomfort in this area.