Lumbar osteochondosis is chronic damage to the lumbar column that develops in intervertebral discs following many years of physical influences and metabolic disorders.Lumbar osteochondosis is proven is the cause of back pain in 75% of cases.
The defeat of the lumbar column occurs in 60% of the inhabitants of the planet - it is the most frequent manifestation of osteochondrosis.The first signs of the disease appear at 20-30 years old.
The danger of the disease is that in the last stages of the disease (when the protrusion (projection) and the hernias of the intervertebral discs occur), complications develop which require surgical intervention, in particular the plantar fascia and a TAS spur.
Lumbar osteochondosis often complicates pregnancy.
Causes of lumbar osteochondosis
The main cause of the disease is the systematic load on the lumbar column and the metabolic disorders of the fibrous layer of the intervertebral discs.Lifting weight, excess weight, constant physical work improves the pressure on the vertebrate column.
Other causes of lumbar osteochondrosis: sedentary and sedentary lifestyle, constant port of high heels, malnutrition, consumption of small amounts of liquid, smoking, alcohol abuse.
When the protective muscular framework and the lack of treatment, the blood supply of the aggrave tissues and the degenerative processes in the intervertebral discs are aggravated.Consequently, the intervertebral discs do not receive enough blood supply - they lose elasticity, "dry", flaming, flattened and salient.
By sailing (protruding), the spine of the vertebral nerve is raped, which manifests itself by the pain at rest and during the movements.An incorrect posture and injuries cause an additional uneven charge on the spine, which accelerates the development of lumbar osteochondosis.
Lumbar osteochondrosis steps
The particularity of the disease is the progressive development of degenerative processes.
Neurologists distinguish 4 stages of lumbar osteochondrosis:
- 1st step& MBSP;Partial inflammation and flattening of intervertebral discs.It manifests itself by burning in the lower back and stupid and not intense pain in the lower back.Unpleasant sensations occur after physical effort, weight lifting.
- 2nd step- The distance between the vertebrae is reduced, the changes in the fibrous ring surrounding the tissues are determined on the radiography and the projection of the discs occurs.The patient feels strong pain in the lower back, which gives (radiates) with buttocks and legs.
- 3rd step- The emergence of intervertebral hernies due to the destruction of the fibrous ring of the vertebrae.In the 3rd stage, the cartilage and the vertebrae are intensively destroyed.The pain acquires a constant character, they are felt even at rest.
- 4th step- Atrophy of cartilage and intervertebral discs, accompanied by the pathological growth of the bone tissue of the vertebrae and the formation of osteophytes.The pain occurs with any uncomfortable movement and body position.The pain is not going on its own.These violations require intensive treatment and leads to a serious human handicap.
Lumbar osteochondrosis symptoms
In seventy percent of cases, doctors diagnose the disease in the second step.During this period, the patient notes frequent periods of exacerbation with brilliant symptoms:
- Low pain, which is improved by physical effort.As degenerative processes develop, pain becomes severe and constant;
- Restriction of movements.The movements are accompanied by increased pain with irradiation in the buttocks and legs;
- change of sensitivity in the lower limbs (tingling, burns, numbness);
- tension of spinal muscles;
- Numbness and freshness of the feet.
Lumbar osteochondrosis diagnosis
In 85% of cases, doctors make a diagnosis using radiography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
The most required method is MRI.With his help, the doctors determine the place and the degree of damage to the lumbar column.
The specialist's main task is to distinguish osteochondrosis from Bekhterev's disease.
Complications of lumbar osteochondrosis
Lumbar radiculitis, or relay syndrome: The pathological process in the violated vertebral nerve (spine) is the most frequent complication of lumbar osteochondosis.It occurs in 55% of cases.It is accompanied by pain and altered sensitivity in the lower back and / or along the raped root.
In the last stages of the disease, an flattened intervertebral disc is on the edge of the vertebra - the protrusion occurs.When the fibrous ring is destroyed, an intervertebral hernia forms.The intervertebral hernia is an opportunity to contact a neurosurgeon.
In 40% of patients, the sciatic nerve is ignited.This causes pain, numbness of the member.Consequently, the patient tolerates body weight with a healthy leg;The spine is even more curved, which exacerbates the severity of the disease.
10% of patients develop a narrowing of the vertebral canal or compression myelopathy - pressing the spinal cord.Requires surgical treatment.
The rarest but dangerous complication is "ponytail" syndrome - the defeat of several nearby nerve roots.
Each third patient with this complication suffers from paresis or legs of the legs.This also requires surgical treatment.
Lumbar osteochondrosis treatment
It is impossible to cure lumbar osteochondosis.You can eliminate pain and slow down degenerative processes in vertebrae and discs.80% of the success of the treatment falls on 1 and 2 stages of the disease.
If there are no complications, neurologists treat osteochondrosis from the lumbar department with medicines, physiotherapy exercises, massage and physiotherapy.
Medicines are prescribed for exacerbations of osteochondosis to eliminate inflammation, pain and stimulation of metabolism in vertebrae, cartilage, discs.
In acute pain, the therapeutic effect is obtained by intramuscular administration of drugs.For local anesthesia, paravertebral blockage is prescribed.For 3 to 6 months, patients are prescribed chondroprotectors.
The purpose of physiotherapy exercises is to strengthen the muscular back of the back.The pool exercises are very useful.With lumbar osteochondosis, the exercises are carried out after eliminating the pain.Some doctors prescribe physiotherapy exercises even with pain, however, it must be approached with caution.
Once the pain is directed, massage and reflexology lessons are recommended.
Uncomplicated lumbar osteochondrosis does not require frequent and multi-day hospitalized treatment.The disease is treated at home.They use folk remedies whose action comes down to reheating the lower back.
Prevention of lumbar osteochondrosis
For the prevention of lumbar osteochondrosis, adhere to the simple rules:
- Follow the posture for many hours of stay in a sedentary installation, modify the position of the body;
- swim 3 times a week;
- Lift the gravity with two hands from a sitting position or, fixing (straightening) your back;
- Avoid drafts;
- For one night, choose an orthopedic mattress.