Connecting the fixed, thoracic and sacral sections of the spine, the lumbar plays the most important role. Provides mobility to the spine.
With the development of degenerative processes in the intervertebral discs, signs of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine appear. A serious illness can significantly complicate life, leading to decreased ability to work and even disability.
Causes
All over the world, this disease is becoming more widespread. This is facilitated by common factors such as physical inactivity, poor environmental conditions, malnutrition and obesity. At the same time, it is on the back that the heaviest loads usually fall, so it is important to know the causes of lumbar osteochondrosis.
- More than half of the cases of the disease are associated with a hereditary predisposition, which determines the structure of the intervertebral discs, which are easily deformable.
- Work associated with regular physical overload is a negative factor that can cause back problems.
- With incorrect posture, aggravated by hypodynamia, the lower back is subjected to greater stress.
- Injuries to the spine in the future often lead to the manifestation of the disease. Therefore, representatives of professional sport are at risk.
- Many years ago, osteochondrosis was a disease of the elderly - this has its own logic. Discs are more prone to warping with age. However, today this disease can be observed in people in their thirties. The impetus for the development of osteochondrosis is the errors in the independent performance of complex physical exercises.
- If there is any pathology in the joints, severe hypothermia and acute strain when lifting a heavy load can cause pain.
- Excess weight puts extra stress on every joint in the spine.
- Often, the onset of the disease is associated with pathologies of some internal organs: liver, kidneys and others.
Symptoms
Therefore, consider the signs of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine.
- The first and main symptom of the disease is pain, at first periodic, that occurs in the lumbar region during intense effort. At first it passes after rest, but then it becomes permanent, covering not only the lower back but also the lower body. In the course of further destruction of the vertebra, the pain becomes stronger, there is a feeling of heat or cold in the back.
- The sensitivity of the skin of the lower part of the body decreases or even disappears completely, a spasm of the arteries can occur. The fact that the vertebra is no longer fixed by the disc causes serious damage to Organs internal organs.
- Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis in women are complemented by inflammation in the ovaries, appendages and uterus. This circumstance can mask the main signs and lead to a misdiagnosis.
- Due to the intense pain, a person has to be in an unnatural position most of the time, as a result of the spine being dislocated to one side. Tilt appears in posture and tension in gait.
- The spine loses its mobility and flexibility. The effect of lumbodynia is observed when, after prolonged work in a bent state, it is difficult for the patient to straighten up.
- Nerve root compression on the vertebra is accompanied by acute pain and can have consequences in the form of impaired mobility.
- Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is also characterized by symptoms of ischemic syndrome, that is, a group of signs associated with decreased blood flow in compressed vessels. At first, spasm of the arteries occurs episodically, accompanied by pain when walking. After the rest they pass. However, over time, the spasm prolongs, the pelvic organs cease to receive nutrition, which interferes with their work. Interruption of blood flow can lead to paralysis.
- The disease can cause pain in the coccyx. Signs of sacral osteochondrosis differ in some originality, so it is more difficult to diagnose. Despite the strong and even explosive pains, they are administered to the surrounding tissues, so the patient cannot indicate the exact location of their location. In addition, they are accompanied by inflammatory processes of the genitourinary system. There is frequent urination or urinary incontinence, constipation, it is difficult for the patient to sit and move.
complications
If the problem is not treated, a progressive disease can lead to serious complications.
- The result of the rupture of the annulus fibrosus will be the pinching of the nerve endings by the protruding nucleus pulposus - an intervertebral hernia will occur.
- Prolonged inflammatory processes in the spine can result in sciatica - a disease of the spinal nerve roots.
- A very serious complication is inflammation of the sciatic nerve, characterized not only by severe pain but also by numbness in the limbs.
- Impaired blood flow in the spinal cord can cause compressive myelopathy.
- Horse tail syndrome is one of the most serious consequences of osteochondrosis. A bundle of nerve endings extending from a vertebra at the end of the spinal cord is responsible for transmitting impulses from the body, allowing the brain to control the body's work. Its acute inflammation can cause dysfunction of the genitourinary system and partial or complete paralysis of the limbs.
Treatment
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, its symptoms and treatment depend on where the nerve ending was pinched, where pain and loss of sensation are felt. If therapy is started on time, it will be quite successful, but in any case it will require an integrated approach.
Medications are only used to relieve acute pain. The main goal of therapy is to stop the development of the disease and return the spine to the correct position, restoring normal blood flow to it. This is a complex and time-consuming process that requires the use of various rehabilitation methods.
Physiotherapy
Therapeutic gymnastics occupies an important place in rehabilitation. It is prescribed a few days after the elimination of severe pain, is selected separately for each patient and depends on:
- disease stage,
- causes of osteochondrosis of the lumbar,
- patient age,
- pain locations,
- and other factors.
The main objective of therapeutic exercises is to create a reliable muscular corset that helps to reduce the load on the intervertebral discs. In the initial period, several exercises are offered with little load. It gradually increases. Over time, special exercises are added to the general ones.
Gymnastics is performed for the first time lying on the back. In this case, the load on the spine is minimal, there is no increase in pain. The next stage is the exercises, lying on your side and then on your stomach. You can put a pillow under it and a roller under the joints of the lower extremities.
In the initial phase, all exercises are performed very slowly and carefully. Gradually, as the range of motion increases, new ones are added to them. After the pain subsides and the patient's condition improves, the complex is supplemented with exercises that are performed on all fours, then sitting on a chair, and then standing.
If the disease is in a chronic form, depending on the well-being of the patient, he can practice certain sports - swimming, skiing and others. The effectiveness of therapeutic exercises will increase many times over with regular classes.
Manual therapy and massage
Manual therapy is one of the oldest and most effective methods as part of complex measures used to treat lumbar osteochondrosis and its symptoms. The course includes several procedures that can eliminate the cause of pain and numbness in the limbs, relieve tension in muscle fibers, restore blood circulation and joint mobility. By using this technique, you can get a quick and positive effect, comparable to the results of therapeutic exercises. However, it has some contraindications that should be considered when including it in complex treatments.
An excellent tool in the fight against a serious illness is massage. After several sessions, the patient feels better, muscle stiffness disappears and joint mobility is restored. But each case of the disease has its own characteristics, and only a qualified specialist should prescribe such a procedure.
There are several contraindications, in the presence of which massage is prohibited for a certain category of patients:
- neoplasms of a different nature;
- third degree hypertension;
- moles in the massage area;
- arrhythmia and other heart pathologies;
- blood diseases;
- women's diseases and some others.
A traditional type of massage is usually prescribed. The first procedures may be accompanied by mild pain, which will soon subside.
Severe pain during the session is unacceptable. To improve blood flow to the affected area, vacuum massage using cans can be used.
A doctor will help you defeat lumbar osteochondrosis and symptoms and choose the most effective treatment. Most likely, massage will be included in the list of recommendations.
Physiotherapy
The complex of therapeutic measures includes physiotherapeutic methods. They allow you to act locally on the affected area and eliminate unpleasant symptoms. The following types of physical therapy have been widely used:
- exposure to an electric or electromagnetic field allows to increase blood flow and metabolic processes in tissues;
- ultraviolet light relieves inflammation, stimulates the production of vitamin D, strengthens the body's defenses;
- ultrasonic waves have a high anti-inflammatory effect;
- Balneotherapy is widely used both in the treatment and prevention of spinal diseases, due to the gentle and effective healing effect of mineral springs and therapeutic mud.
This method also has certain contraindications, which must be taken into account when prescribing such procedures.
There are many popular recipes that are widely used for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, which are proven to be effective remedies. They can be a good addition to the main treatment after consultation with a specialist. Ointments and compresses, herbal decoctions can be used for rubbing or ingested. Self-prepared products can cause allergic reactions. Poisonous plants can also be prescribed in recipes, so you need to follow the exact dosage of such substances, check the body's reaction to their use, and consult a doctor.
Prevention
The measures that can prevent this serious disease must be comprehensive and include, above all, physical activity. It can be long walks at a leisurely pace, regular trips to the pool, sports. Walking and running help engage major muscle groups, and water helps them relax better and increase their range of motion.
Of great importance for health is a balanced fractional diet, in which considerable attention should be paid to foods with a high fiber content. Vegetables and fruits will establish the normal functioning of the digestive system, metabolic products will not remain in the intestines, poisoning the body. Thanks to small portions, the food will be completely processed.
It is necessary to organize good rest and adequate sleep on a flat and hard basis. Useful orthopedic mattresses that maintain the natural position of the spine.
The first signs of lumbar osteochondrosis require immediate medical attention, and then there is a possibility of successful treatment and restoration of spinal function.