Spinal health 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.
Spinal structure
Before talking about osteochondrosis, we must understand how the spine functions.I will say a few words about this.
The spine is made up of vertebrae between which there are cartilaginous intervertebral discs.Thanks to them, a person can bend and turn around.The entire spine is S-shaped, which ensures elasticity.
The intervertebral discs consist of a pulpy nucleus surrounded by a fibrous ring.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 develops over the long term and often becomes chronic.The disease is often complicated by intervertebral hernias, nerve inflammation and other unpleasant pathologies.
The clinical manifestations of the disease vary depending on the stages.There are 4 main periods of development of lumbar osteochondrosis:
- Stage I. Symptoms are cleared.In most cases, minor pain in the lower back or buttocks is a cause for concern and increases with physical activity.Patients tend to attribute their symptoms to fatigue.
- Stage II.The destruction of the annulus fibrosus begins, the distances between the vertebrae decrease.During this period, pinched nerve endings are possible, characterized by sharp “throbbing pain”.At this stage, symptoms are pronounced, so patients go to a medical facility.
- III.At this stage, the fibrous rings undergo 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 in unfavorable conditions: physical activity, hypothermia, forced professional posture.
Symptoms and signs
The description of the clinical picture provides some information about the symptoms, but not all of them.The signs of lumbar osteochondrosis are very diverse:
- Pain.The most common symptom of the disease.At first, the pain is minor and increases with exercise.In the following stages, the pain becomes stronger and does not disappear without taking painkillers.Characterized by painful, sharp “shots” – short attacks of unbearable pain.
- Temperature.When lumbar osteochondrosis is accompanied by inflammation of the surrounding nerves or tissues, high 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 the position in which they feel the least pain and stays in that position most of the time.
- Changes in the position of the spine: scoliosis, kyphosis, etc.
- Limited movement.Occurs during 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 certain 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 course of the disease.
Reasons
Many patients believe that the only cause of lumbar osteochondrosis is improper physical activity.This view is fundamentally wrong.In fact, there are more than a dozen factors that can provoke the development of the disease:
- Genetic predisposition.This factor comes first, because if it is present, nothing can be done.All that remains is therapy and supportive treatment.
- Poor posture during periods of active growth.This could be due to poor posture at the office 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 domestic, professional, sports.
- Endocrine diseases.Metabolic failure is a common cause of intervertebral disc destruction.
- Sedentary lifestyle.Insufficient amount of movement and physical activity leads to muscular dystrophy, which results in increased load on the spine.
- Hard work that puts stress on your back.
- Congenital anomalies of the spine.
- When several provoking factors are combined, the disease will develop faster.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of lumbar osteochondrosis is quite simple, especially in clinics equipped with modern equipment.The diagnosis is carried out in the following order: expertise, examination, ordering of tests and hardware tests.
The diagnosis begins with the collection of anamnestic data.The doctor specifies the age of the patient (this is important), the time of the first symptoms and the working conditions.Based on the collected information, the specialist can draw a conclusion about the cause of the disease.
Then the doctor carries out an examination.The doctor palpates the spine, asks the patient to perform some movements: flexion, flexion-extension, 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, 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 additional projection x-ray image or overview of a specific area of the spine.
Magnetic resonance imaging.Examination of the spine using this device is the gold standard in the diagnosis of osteochondrosis.This procedure helps 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 greatly 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 spinal area.Physiotherapy and wearing a brace will correct the signs of scoliosis (this is especially important for children).Medications are needed to replenish the supply of substances necessary for building the tissue of the intervertebral disc.
At the second stage of the disease, intensive drug treatment is indicated.Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should be taken as a course of treatment to relieve inflammation.In case of severe pain, strong painkillers are prescribed.Muscle relaxers 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 treatment is the same as in the second stage of the disease.
In case of significant destruction of the disc in the fourth stage of the disease, prostheses with artificial implant are possible.In the postoperative period, drug treatment and additional treatment methods are carried out.
Treatment of symptoms and signs of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine should take place 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 neighboring tissues.
Below is a list of the most common complications:
- Numbness of limbs or individual back muscles.Occurs due to compression of the spine.
- Disturbances in urination and defecation (until the urge completely disappears).
- Trophic ulcers.
- Depression.It seems that this cannot be a complication.But in reality, constant pain leads to mood changes.There have even been cases of suicide on this basis.Complications of lumbar osteochondrosis occur due to inadequate treatment or non-compliance with the treatment regimen.As a rule, with timely treatment, no complications arise.
Risk group
Some people have an increased risk of developing lumbar osteochondrosis.These people are at risk.
People whose loved ones suffer from similar illnesses should take care of their spine.
The risk group includes obese patients.Excess weight puts enormous pressure on the intervertebral discs.People who lead a sedentary lifestyle are also at high risk.
There is no doubt that athletes need to take care of their spine.At the same time, it doesn’t matter what sport they play.
The spine should be protected if the job involves lifting heavy objects or staying in an uncomfortable position for a long time.
Prevention of lumbar osteochondrosis
Treatment of osteochondrosis is long-term, and the disease often 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 best when lying down.
If you are overweight, you need to lose it.
Preventive measures include timely treatment of endocrine diseases and postural disorders (especially in children).
Spinal problems significantly reduce quality of life.You should therefore be alert to any pain or discomfort, even minor, in this area.