Osteochondrosis of the lumbar region is a common disease.This is a consequence of the degenerative process in which the intervertebral disk suffers: tissue nutrition worsens, the disk is thinner, hardens and does not perform the shock -absorbing function.As a result, the distance between the vertebrae decreases, and the spinal cord and nerve endings are pinched, pain and organs dysfunction occurs.
The intervertebral disk is a disk -shaped anatomical formation that provides mobility and elasticity of the spine.The disk consists of a pulpoose nucleus surrounded by a fibrous ring.The pulpoose core quickly absorbs and gives water, which is important to maintain intra -disconed pressure.All degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the spine, which include osteochondrosis, begin with the gradual dehydration of the pulpoose nucleus.
Causes of lumbar osteochondrosis
Lumbar osteochondrosis develops as a result of a number of reasons:
- Regular high load on the lower back.At risk, athletes and people who are forced to lift weights at work.
- A sedentary lifestyle.Without moderate physical activity, the muscle corset weakens, blood circulation worsens and metabolic processes in the spine slows down.
- Excess weight.The consequences of overweight - an increase in pressure on the spinal column, premature wear of the intervertebral discs.
- Moster disorders.With a hunched back or excessive deflection in the lower back, the back muscles are weak, or vice versa, tense.The load on the spine is distributed unevenly.
- Trauma and microtrauma spine.They can provoke sports, especially without proper preparation, incorrect weight lifting, bruises, falls, etc.
When lifting weights, the following procedure must be observed:
- squat, right;
- take the load as close to the body as possible;
- When raising first of all, you need to strain the muscles of the legs (feet, hips);
- then strain the press;
- Lastly, the muscles of the hands begin to work.
- Age.Distrophic changes in the spine are part of the aging process, but now such a diagnosis is increasingly made to faces of 25-30 years and even adolescents.
- Heredity.Violations in the development of the musculoskeletal frame and the weak structure of the intervertebral discs can be predetermined genetically.
- Inflammatory diseases of the spine.Infections and diseases that cause inflammation of the joints of the spine, changes in its structure and shape can provoke the development of osteochondrosis.
Other causes provoking lumbar osteochondrosis:
- congenital or acquired violations in the structure of the skeleton;
- frequent hypothermia;
- high level of stress;
- improper nutrition;
- violation of the regime of the day;
- uncomfortable pose for a long time;
- failure in the endocrine system;
- diseases of other organs;
- Bad ecology.
Stages of osteochondrosis of the lumbar
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine develops gradually, passing through four stages.
The 1st stage is the beginning of the degenerative process in the spine.Rare dumb pain in the lower back, which are especially manifested when lifting weights or awkward movements are characteristic.
At the 2nd stage, the fibrous ring of the disk is destroyed and the vertebrae are brought together, the nerve endings of the spinal cord are compressed.The pain becomes harsh, occurs even with ordinary walking.
At the 3rd stage, fibrous rings are finally destroyed, intervertebral hernias appear.Intensive pain is constantly felt, regardless of the load and the nature of the movements.
At the 4th stage, the cartilage is atrophied, and the bone tissue of the vertebrae in the lumbar region grows, thus adapting to pain.The lumbar region loses flexibility, it is difficult for the patient to move, disability may occur.
Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
Lumbar osteochondrosis develops slowly, in the early stages its symptoms are weakly expressed, rarely manifest and only after excessive or atypical load.Therefore, many do not attach any importance to them.As a rule, the disease is diagnosed only at the second stage.
Symptoms are divided into the following types:
- Lumbalgia - aching pain in the lumbar region, which lasts constantly.It is enhanced by inclinations, turns, physical activity and hypothermia.Relief brings rest on his back, so the patient is forced to be more at home.
- Lumbago - acute, intense pain, like a “shift”.To protect yourself from it, the back muscles are reflexively compressed in a spasm, a person involuntarily takes a safe pose.With any movement, the pain intensifies, radiates to the organs of the pelvis, the area of the sacrum and abdomen.If such symptoms are observed, bed rest is recommended.
- Lumbosiciashialgia - pain with the spread to the buttocks, one or both legs.The sensitivity of the lower extremities is changing, both in the larger and the smaller direction, depending on which spine of which nerve was pinched.The lower the location of degenerative changes, the lower the symptoms will appear on the legs: the mobility of the muscles and reflexes of the tendons will decrease, the sensations of cold or heat, burning, tingling, numbness appear.
Osteochondrosis is a chronic disease, periodically passing into an acute and subacute stage.Pain in the acute stage can last several weeks.
During the disease, symptoms can occur in the complex, the following syndromes occur:
- Rook syndrome.Nerve endings (roots) are squeezed by vertebrae, in an area associated with the affected nerve, pain appears.The body tries to protect the nerve, tenses muscles, changes posture (skew in the opposite, healthy side).
If the treatment does not begin to start treatment in time, after irritation of the roots, their inflammation will follow, accompanied by edema, stagnation of blood and even intoxication.The tone of the muscles is reduced, the patient can hardly move.If the spinal cord is compressed, then paralysis occurs.
- Ischemic syndrome.These are symptoms associated with circulatory disorders.Squeezed arteries lead to pain, especially during walking.The whole leg hurts from the buttock to the foot, the pelvic organs do not receive proper nutrition, as a result - their function is disrupted.
- Vertebrate syndrome.Previous syndromes lead to the fact that the shape of the spinal column changes.Due to constant pain and weakened muscles, distortions of the spine appear.
Methods of treatment
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar region should be carried out comprehensively.The main tasks of treatment:
- removal of pain syndrome in the lumbosacral department;
- removal of muscle tension;
- elimination of the causes of radicular and ischemic syndromes;
- stimulation of the restorative forces of the body;
- Strengthening the motor apparatus at the bottom of the body.
Drug treatment
Medicines for the acute phase are designed to relieve the main symptoms: pain, inflammation, clamping of roots.For these purposes, non -steroidal anti -inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, glucocorticoids, blockade are used.Drug treatment is usually used in combination with other procedures.
Massage
Professional massage is one of the best methods for treating spine diseases.It can be carried out both in the clinic and at home.During massage, tissue nutrition is restored, muscle cramps and pain are held.The masseur should have high qualifications, since improper actions can aggravate the patient's condition, especially during the exacerbation.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapeutic procedures contribute to the elimination of pain, relaxation of muscles, expanding blood vessels.The most effective procedures: electrophoresis, amplipulse, UV exposure, phonophoresis, darsonvalization, magnetotherapy, acupuncture, etc. Some devices can be purchased for use at home.
Medical physical education
Exercise therapy is prescribed mainly during the period of remission, less often in the acute stage.Exercises are selected individually, taking into account the characteristics of the course of the disease.They are best performed in a medical institution under the supervision of a specialist, but it is possible at home.
Traditional medicine
Folk remedies help to relieve pain and improve blood circulation.Apply various decoctions, infusions, ointments, compresses.Of medicinal plants, lingonberries, birch, burdock, sage, plantain and many others are used.There are hundreds of recipes, but you need to remember that only a doctor can give recommendations on how to treat osteochondrosis of the lumbar at home.
Surgical treatment
If other treatment methods have not brought the result, and the patient's condition is exacerbated, then the surgery of the surgeon is necessary.During surgery on the spine, disk hernias are removed and vertebral plastic is made.
Do not try to choose medicines or exercises on your own at home, this can lead to unpredictable consequences.
Prevention of lumbar osteochondrosis
So that unpleasant symptoms of spinal problems do not appear during life, certain rules must be observed:
- prevent a strong load on the back, if there is such a need, then use a corset;
- Daily do gymnastics at home or in the gym, lead an active lifestyle;
- maintain proper posture;
- walk on foot every day;
- not to be in a sitting position for a long time;
- During the day, periodically relax lying on your back;
- observe the daily routine;
- abandon smoking and alcohol;
- eat properly, monitor weight;
- Treat other back diseases in time.
Products that allow us to strengthen the bones and prevent the development of pathologies of the spine:
- Sea fish.
- Olive, linseed oil.
- Natural dairy products.
- Gelatin (as part of dishes, for example, in a cold or jelly).
- Cartilage cartilage.
- Fresh fruits, vegetables.
- Green.
- Mineral water.
- Special vitamin-mineral complexes.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar region can seriously complicate life.Unreversible changes in the spinal column will sooner or later lead to a feeling of pain and limiting mobility.In order not to lose the ability to move freely and work fully, it is important from an early age to engage in rehabilitation and strengthening of the back.If the first symptoms of osteochondrosis appear, in no case should a visit to a doctor.Only qualified and in time provided with assistance will allow maintaining the health of the spine.