The health of the spine 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.
The structure of the spine
Before talking about osteochondrosis, you need to understand how the spine works.I will say a few words about it.
The spine consists of vertebrae, between which intervertebral cartilage discs are located.Thanks to them, a person can bend and turn.The entire spine is S-shaped, which provides elasticity.
The intervertebral discs consist of a nucleus pulposus surrounded by an annulus fibrosus.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 has a long course, often becoming chronic.The disease is often complicated by intervertebral hernias, nerve inflammation and other unpleasant pathologies.
The clinical manifestations of the disease vary in different stages.There are 4 main periods of development of lumbar osteochondrosis:
- Stage I. Symptoms disappear.In most cases, small pain in the lumbar or buttock region is bothersome, increasing with physical activity.Patients tend to attribute symptoms to fatigue.
- Phase II.The destruction of the fibrous ring begins, the distances between the vertebrae decrease.During this period, pinched nerve endings are possible, characterized by a "sharp pain".At this stage, the symptoms are pronounced, so patients go to a medical institution.
- III.At this stage, the fibrous rings have a 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 under unfavorable conditions: physical activity, hypothermia, forced occupational posture.
Symptoms and signs
The description of the clinical picture tells a little about the symptoms, but not about all.The signs of lumbar osteochondrosis are very different:
- Pain.The most common symptom of the disease.In the initial stages, the pain is small, increasing with exercise.In the later stages, the pain becomes stronger and does not go away without taking painkillers.It is characterized by sharp painful "shots" - short attacks of unbearable pain.
- The temperature.When lumbar osteochondrosis is accompanied by inflammation of nerves or surrounding tissues, an elevated temperature appears.It usually does not exceed 38°C.
- Trophic ulcer.They occur when there is an interruption in the nutrition of the tissues around the spine, due to constriction of the blood vessels.
- Characteristic pose.The person takes a position in which he experiences the least pain and stays in this position almost all the time.
- Changes in the position of the spine: scoliosis, kyphosis, etc.
- Limited movement.It occurs in the last two stages of lumbar osteochondrosis.Numbness of the limbs.As osteochondrosis progresses, numbness of the limbs may appear.This is due to compression of some nerves in the lumbar region.The symptom appears in stage 2 of the disease.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar region is characterized by an increase in symptoms, depending on the progress 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 the disease:
- Genetic predisposition.This factor comes first, because if it is present nothing can be done.Only supportive therapy and treatment remains.
- Poor posture during periods of active growth.This can be caused by the wrong posture at a desk or carrying a bag 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.An insufficient amount of movement and physical activity leads to muscular dystrophy, which puts increased stress on the spine.
- Hard work that stresses your back.
- Congenital anomalies of the spine.
- When several provoking factors are combined, the disease will develop faster.
Diagnosing
Diagnosing lumbar osteochondrosis is quite simple, especially in clinics equipped with modern equipment.The diagnosis is carried out in the following order: survey, examination, ordering tests and hardware tests.
The diagnosis begins with the collection of anamnestic data.The doctor clarifies the patient's age (this is important), the time of the first symptoms and working conditions.Based on the information collected, the specialist can draw a conclusion about what caused the disease.
Then, the doctor performs an examination.The doctor feels the spine, asks the patient to make several 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 take an X-ray image in an additional projection or a mirror 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 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 dramatically depending on the stage of the disease.
Chiropractors are called upon to improve the condition of the spine and correct malalignments (if possible).Proper massage will increase the blood supply to the spine area.Physical therapy and wearing a brace will correct the signs of scoliosis (this is especially important for children).Medicines are needed to replenish the supply of substances 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 in the use of physiotherapy, exercise therapy, massages (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, prosthesis with an artificial implant is 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 be done 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 nearby tissues.
Below is a list of the most common complications:
- Numbness of the limbs or individual muscles of the back.It occurs due to compression of the spine.
- Disorders of urination and defecation (up to the complete disappearance of the desire).
- Trophic ulcer.
- Depression.It seems that this cannot be a complication.But in fact, constant pain leads to mood swings.There have even been cases of suicide on this basis.Complications of lumbar osteochondrosis arise due to inadequate 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 an increased likelihood of developing lumbar osteochondrosis.These people are at risk.
Those people whose relatives suffer from similar diseases should take care of the spine.
The risk group includes obese patients.Excess weight puts great stress on the intervertebral discs.People who lead a sedentary lifestyle are also at high risk.
Undoubtedly, athletes need to take care of their spine.At the same time, it doesn't matter what sport they play.
The back must be protected if the work involves lifting heavy objects or standing 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.This is why prevention of spine pathologies is of great importance.
To avoid problems with the lumbar spine, it is necessary to follow a regimen of physical activity and rest.The load on the spine should be uniform and not excessive.Rest should be regular and better in a lying position.
If you are overweight, you need to lose it.
Preventive measures include timely treatment of endocrine diseases and postural disorders (especially for children).
Problems with the spine significantly reduce the quality of life, so you should be attentive even to small pains or discomforts in this area.