The lumbar spine is most susceptible to stress as it is affected by total body weight. In addition, it is very mobile.
If the vertebral corset is not sufficiently developed, the pressure on the intervertebral discs increases several times. You are responsible for the mobility and flexibility of the back.
Lower back osteochondrosis, which occurs for various reasons, is a fairly common musculoskeletal disorder.
It develops gradually, and a person just may not pay attention to their first signs. However, it does require serious treatment.
How the disease develops and what causes it
In the lower back, the sacrum and thoracic vertebrae are connected to one another. There are many factors that cause lumbar osteochondrosis. The main thing is considered incorrect and excessive load on the back.
During the course of the disease, glycoproteins, which affect the connective tissue of the joints and make it elastic, are broken down. It affects the bone and cartilage structures of the spine.
The intervertebral discs contain a gel-like substance that dries out in lumbar diseases. You are exhausted, then you go flat. As a result, the spine loses its amortization function, its segments approach each other, and the nerve roots and blood vessels are pinched.
At the same time, the fibrous ring tears and in some cases can tear, which leads to the formation of an inguinal hernia. All of this leads to swelling and pain in the lower back.
The muscular frame protects the spine from negative influences and is responsible for correct posture. Problems with it can also lead to the development of osteochondrosis in the lumbar spine.
There are other reasons for the onset of the disease:
- Congenital changes, loose disc structure.
- Stressful state.
- Infectious diseases in bone and cartilage tissue.
- Incomfortable shoes.
- Back injury.
- Inflammation of the joints.
Lifestyle, occupation, age are also important here. The maximum load on the spine is in a sitting position. Therefore, people who spend most of their time in a sitting position are at risk.
These can be office workers and drivers. Little physical activity is also not the best way to affect the lumbar spine. As a result, the musculoskeletal system becomes weaker.
The influence of weightlifting on the spine and especially on the lower back plays an important role. This is due to professions such as loaders, construction workers, waiters or professional athletes, that is, people who are constantly on their backs under stress.
Osteochondrosis can also occur in women during pregnancy. With a curvature of the spine, increased pressure on the lumbar spine and uneven weight distribution also lead to disease.
It also affects the occurrence of osteochondrosis and flat feet. The arch of the foot loses its function and all the load when walking goes to the spine. Obesity also plays a negative role. The disease can be a complication after osteomyelitis, tuberculosis.
Unfavorable factors in lumbar osteochondrosis are also incorrect sleep patterns, diet, disturbed metabolic processes in the body or diseases of the internal organs:
- Gastrointestinal tract and liver;
- small pelvis;
- central nervesystem.
People of different ages are susceptible to the disease.
Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
One of the first manifestations is usually pain and discomfort in the lumbar spine. At the same time, it can be difficult to bend, twist, and bend your big toe. Sometimes there is a feeling of cold or, conversely, a burning sensation in the back.
Symptoms usually appear after physical exertion, hypothermia, or prolonged discomfort. They often go away after a short break. In the acute phase they can be lumbago and are made worse by exercise, coughing, and sneezing.
Muscle spasms in the back do not allow a person to take a position, which leads to increased pain, it happens reflexively. In addition to these symptoms, there are the following signs:
- Fatigue and weakness.
- Increased sweating.
- Sleep disorders.
- Varicose veins.
- Tingling and pain in the limbs.
- Violation of the tendon reflexes.
Legs can freeze due to cramps, as can beak-like growth and a reduction in the height of the intervertebral discs.
The sciatic nerve, which is formed by the sacral roots of the spinal cord, can also suffer from osteochondrosis of the lower back. This manifests itself as pain radiating to the leg or swelling.
When the arteries or vessels are compressed, it is characterized by a loss of sensitivity, but the pain is mild. They are localized in the lower back, react in the hips, in the buttocks. The pain syndrome also differs in time of occurrence. Pain sensations usually appear in the morning, over time they can become permanent and independent of movement.
Complications of lumbar spine osteochondrosis
The instability of the intervertebral discs and the fact that they do not fix the spine leads to a 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 kidney area.
Menstrual disorders are possible for women and problems in the genital area for men. Another symptom of the disease is flaky and dry skin in the affected areas.
If you do not deal with the treatment of osteochondrosis, it can lead to a stroke of the spine and other unpleasant consequences. Intervertebral discs can protrude if they stretch and go beyond the boundaries of the vertebrae. Cartilage atrophy also manifests itself. During this time, the pain may subside due to the growth of bone tissue.
Spondyloarthrosis is sometimes isolated as a form of osteochondrosis, but more often it is viewed as a complication of it. This leads to the formation of spike-like growths on the spine. They are localized, pain is present in the lumbar region and does not spread to other parts of the body.
Another consequence is foot palsy. Uncomfortable sensations occur in the lower back, spreading to the area below the knee and beyond, leading to ankle dysfunction. All of these can add to the disability.
Diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
There are several types of studies a doctor can prescribe for symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis:
- Simple x-ray (spondylography) that shows the condition of each vertebra, intervertebral discs and bone canals separately.
- Myelography is a more complex type of diagnosis. To do this, a dye is injected into the spinal canal. It helps find spinal hernias.
- A similar procedure is discography, but it is used to inject fluid into the disc.
- Pneumomyelography. Here air is used instead of liquid.
Computed tomography can detect compression of the nerve roots and a break in the contour of the intervertebral disc. In more severe cases, an MRI may be prescribed.
Methods of treating diseases
The main thing is to consult a doctor in a timely manner and take treatment seriously. To recover, you need to make an effort and prevent relapse to participate in prevention. Lumbar therapy is a comprehensive approach. The aim is not only to stop the disease from developing and relieve symptoms, but also to get the spine back into position.
The specialist usually prescribes drugs with analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs: NSAIDs, analgesics. Muscle relaxants are also used. They aim to get rid of cramps and discomfort caused by increased muscle tone.
Vasodilators prevent congestion and improve blood flow. Vitamins and minerals strengthen bones, ligaments, and tendons, and help remove fluids from the body. They are often prescribed to the elderly.
Chondroprotectors are also used for treatment that stop destructive processes in cartilage tissue and aid regeneration. Medicines are given orally, by injection, or rectally.
Paravertebral blocks are used to provide rapid pain relief 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, a blockage can atrophy the muscles where the drug is injected.
The treatment complex also includes exercise therapy. It improves the mobility of the spine and strengthens its muscles. Therapeutic exercises should be selected by a specialist, they are often prescribed after the relief of an acute condition. The load is gradually increased so as not to cause deterioration. Gymnastics is also used if the patient wore a corset for a long time.
Massage is an important part of the treatment. It aims to relax, relieve pain and cramps. The procedure reduces muscle stiffness and has a good effect on lymph circulation in the tissues around the lumbar spine.
Physiotherapeutic treatment methods are also used. To achieve the desired effect, they need to be done regularly. Exposure to ultraviolet rays, eliminates spasms, pain affects blood circulation. Laser therapy improves the condition of the roots of the spine due to the influence of helium-neon emitters. Spinal stretching is 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 bring the lumbar spine back into the correct anatomical position. The course usually lasts 2-3 months on average, but it all depends on the case.
Operations for osteochondrosis of the lower back
Surgery is usually used for complications such as an inguinal hernia. A discectomy is performed, which means that the damaged disc is removed. Microsurgery and endoscopy are less traumatic for the patient and the risk of complications is minimal.
During such an intervention, special small-diameter pipe expanders are used. As a result, muscles and ligaments are not damaged. On average, the process takes about an hour.
The rehabilitation phase is shorter than after a disctomy. But here the support of the patient is important, who must strictly follow all the instructions of the neurosurgeon.
Additional treatment and prevention measures
Correcting lifestyle and habits is the first step in treating lumbar spine osteochondrosis. Rest and a gentle regime are important in therapy. It is better to equip the bed with an orthopedic mattress and pillow. It is good to put a special roll under the neck. Avoid being in one position for long periods of time, hypothermia. It is undesirable to stand up suddenly.
Sometimes a special fixation corset is recommended. It keeps your back in the correct position, but not all experts agree with its long-term wear. This can lead to muscle wasting in the spine. Most often it is used during an exacerbation of the disease. Models of corsets are not universal, and in any case, only a doctor should choose an accessory.
In addition to treatment, it is important to follow a number of measures that a doctor may recommend. This is the normalization of weight, proper nutrition will be useful here. It is better to eliminate or reduce consumption of heavy and fatty foods from the diet.
With osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, it is advisable 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. Jellied meat, jelly containing gelatin will be useful. It is best to steam food.
Walking, swimming are also good 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 osteochondrosis from recurring.
Folk remedies and alternative methods
Ointments and compresses are made from herbal materials to relieve pain and inflammation. Often used for grinding red pepper tincture. Liquid ointment can be made from mustard powder, camphor alcohol, and egg white. It is used at night.
They 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 of these funds are best used after consulting the attending physician.
Self-medication or ignoring symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis can lead to more serious spinal disorders. Therefore, you should not start a disease, because the sooner you start treatment, the faster and easier it will be to resolve the problem.