Developing osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is manifested by pain in the back and legs, fatigue and poor posture. The causes of this pathology can be very diverse, so treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis should be carried out under the strict supervision of a doctor. In advanced cases, the disease leads to serious impairments, as a result of which a person may become disabled. The degenerative disorder with this type of osteochondrosis is fixed at the level of the vertebrae L1 S1, L2-L3, L3 S1 and in the area of the L5 S1 disc.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is a dangerous disease of the musculoskeletal system that can lead to disability.
The main causes of damage to the lumbar vertebrae
Lumbar osteochondrosis appears due to the influence of such pathological factors on the body:
- uneven load on the spinal column;
- low physical activity, sedentary work;
- hard work associated with heavy loads;
- genetic predisposition, in which pathology is diagnosed even in a child;
- flat feet;
- excess weight;
- infectious and inflammatory diseases.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
The degenerative process in the lumbar region causes sharp pain in the lower back in men and women, radiating to the leg along the location of the sciatic nerve.Signs of lumbar osteochondrosis do not manifest themselves for a long time; a feeling of discomfort and swelling occurs already at stages 2-3.In later stages of the disease, symptoms are disturbing when coughing, sneezing and little physical activity. Pathology also provokes radicular syndrome:
- shooting, sharp pain occurs in the lumbar region;
- skin sensitivity is impaired in the lower extremities;
- concerned about muscle weakness;
- tingling appears in the legs and knee joint;
- sweating is impaired.
The main symptom of lumbar osteochondrosis is pain in the lower part of the spine.
A degenerative disease entails limited mobility, difficulty trying to bend, and pain with minimal exertion. If treatment for lumbar osteochondrosis is not started in a timely manner, serious consequences develop, including deformation of the intervertebral disc, protrusion and the appearance of a hernia. These disorders can only be treated surgically, because conservative therapy does not help.
Degrees of pathology
1st degree
The inner layer of the annulus fibrosus becomes covered with cracks, through which the nucleus pulposus begins to emerge. As it passes outward, the nerve fibers are irritated. A person feels how his back hurts at the lumbar level with minimal loads. At stage 1, pain due to osteochondrosis is often stable, but lumbago may be bothersome. The symptoms go away after rest and then do not bother you for a long time.
2nd degree
When the 2nd period of the pathology begins, the intervertebral space decreases, the nerve fibers are pinched more strongly, the pain becomes severe, pseudospondylolisthesis and left-sided scoliosis develop. The fibrous ring is destroyed more actively. Osteochondrosis of the populus of the 2nd degree is characterized by pathological mobility of the spine. Due to the increased load, a person throws into the cold, then into the heat. Symptoms become pronounced and cannot be ignored. The attacks become longer each time, and the pain cannot be relieved with the usual painkillers.
3rd degree
The course of third-degree osteochondrosis of the lumbar region is characterized by increased pain, spinal deformation and reactive growth of bone tissue. The annulus fibrosus ruptures and the nucleus pulposus leaves its confines, causing a hernia. If treatment is not started at stage 3 of development, the patient risks becoming disabled.
4th degree
Grade 4 osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine will not allow a person to walk due to severe pain.
There is complete deformation of the spinal column, pain in the legs and back becomes unbearable, and the person cannot move independently. If you do not begin to treat chondrosis at the 4th stage of development, disc protrusion occurs, which can only be treated surgically. After surgery, the patient's health is not always completely restored.
Diagnostics
When you are concerned about signs of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, you need to visit a doctor. At the initial appointment, the doctor will palpate the coccyx, the area of the iliac crest, and will also determine the manifestation of the following syndromes:
- development of scoliosis, kyphosis and osteoarthritis;
- pain in specific points;
- inability to perform certain movements;
- the level of location of the gluteal folds, which can be right- or left-sided.
An x-ray is performed, which takes pictures of the affected area. In the image, the lumbar region appears deformed; in advanced stages, protrusions are visible on the right or left. For a more detailed diagnosis, a CT or MRI is prescribed, thanks to which the doctor will receive the results as soon as possible and select the optimal treatment methods.
How is the treatment carried out?
Medicines and surgery
The choice of treatment method for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine depends on the degree of the disease.
Chronic lumbar osteochondrosis must be treated comprehensively. This means that self-medication is unacceptable. The treatment protocol must be determined by the doctor, who will select the necessary medications that have minimal side effects. The treatment regimen involves the use of:
- analgesics;
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- muscle relaxants.
First aid involves the use of injection blockades, which relieve pain, relieve swelling and temperature of the affected area. The acute stage, in which the pain syndrome is pronounced, is treated with potent painkillers. As an auxiliary therapy, it is recommended to be treated with local agents - ointments, gels and creams. If conservative treatment does not help or the disease is diagnosed in late stages, surgical therapy is prescribed. When hernias form, they are completely removed. Then the compression of nerve fibers and blood vessels is eliminated. If necessary, the affected vertebra is removed and an implant is placed in its place.
Massage and manual therapy
A course of therapeutic massage will help reduce pain and alleviate the symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis in women and men. Even children suffering from the disorder undergo such therapy, but the main condition is that the procedure must be carried out by a trained chiropractor who is aware of the diagnosis, otherwise complications may arise.
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Therapeutic exercises
Restorative gymnastics will help normalize blood circulation in the affected lumbar region and strengthen the muscles surrounding the spine. It is important to make movements with osteochondrosis carefully, try not to strain too much. It is advisable that the first exercises be performed under the supervision of a trainer, who, if necessary, will help correct the movement at the right time.
Physiotherapy and acupuncture
One of the effective types of physiotherapeutic procedures is considered to be amplipulse, when modulated current pulses are sent to the affected areas. Thanks to this effect, it is possible to reduce inflammation, relieve swelling and reduce pain. Acupuncture has an equally pronounced effect: it relieves muscle tension, alleviates symptoms and accelerates tissue regeneration.
If lumbar osteochondrosis is diagnosed, you cannot do without gentle nutrition. It is recommended to enrich the menu with products containing calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc and folic acid. It is important to maintain a drinking regime and drink at least 6 tbsp per day. water. You should give up bad habits and a sedentary lifestyle.
Dangerous consequences and their prevention
Prevention of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine includes exercise therapy, a healthy diet and giving up bad habits.
If incipient lumbar osteochondrosis is diagnosed in a timely manner, the disorder can be cured by using a course of drug therapy and performing special exercises. Otherwise, there is a risk of developing intervertebral hernias, sciatica, osteoarthritis, paresis and other vertebral disorders that can make the patient disabled. For treatment to be effective, it is important to consult a doctor in a timely manner. As preventive measures, it is recommended to do spinal traction, control posture, strengthen muscles, and evenly distribute the load. In addition, you should exercise, watch your diet and drink at least 6-8 tbsp. water per day. At the first symptoms, do not self-medicate, but go to the doctor and strictly follow the prescribed treatment regimen.