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.
Spinal structure
Before talking about osteochondrosis, you need to understand how the spine works.I will say a few words about this.
The spine consists of vertebrae with cartilaginous discs between them.Thanks to them, a person can bend and twist.The entire spine is S-shaped, which provides elasticity.
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 damage to the vertebrae, intervertebral discs and surrounding tissue, which has a long course and often becomes chronic.The disease is often complicated by intervertebral hernias, inflammation of the nerves and other unpleasant pathologies.
The clinical manifestations of the disease vary in different stages.There are 4 main phases of development of lumbar osteochondrosis:
- Stage I. Symptoms are cleared.In most cases, a cause for concern is mild pain in the lumbar region or buttocks, which increases with physical activity.Patients tend to attribute symptoms to fatigue.
- Stage II. The destruction of the fibrous ring begins, the distances between the vertebrae decrease.During this time, pinched nerve endings may occur, characterized by a sharp, “stabbing pain.”At this stage, symptoms are pronounced, so patients seek medical care.
- III.At this stage, the fibrous rings are significantly destroyed 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 professional posture.
Symptoms and signs
The description of the clinical picture says a little about the symptoms, but not about all of them.The signs of lumbar osteochondrosis are very diverse:
- Pain.The most common symptom of the disease.In the early stages the pain is mild and increases with physical activity.As the disease progresses, the pain becomes worse and does not go away even without taking painkillers.Characterized by sharp painful “shots” – short bouts of unbearable pain.
- Temperature.If lumbar osteochondrosis is accompanied by inflammation of the nerves or surrounding tissues, an increased temperature occurs.Normally it does not exceed 38°C.
- Trophic ulcers.They occur when the nutrition of the tissues around the spine is disrupted due to pinching of blood vessels.
- Characteristic pose.A person assumes a position in which he feels the least pain and remains in this position almost all the time.
- Changes in spinal position: scoliosis, kyphosis, etc.
- Limited movement.Occurs in the last two stages of lumbar osteochondrosis.Numbness of the limbs.As osteochondrosis progresses, numbness in the limbs may occur.This is due to the pinching of some nerves in the lumbar region.The symptom occurs from stage 2 of the disease.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine 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 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.All that remains is supportive therapy and treatment.
- Poor posture during periods of active growth.This can be caused by poor posture at a desk 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 household, professional or sports.
- Endocrine diseases.Metabolic failure is a common cause of intervertebral disc destruction.
- Sedentary lifestyle.Too little exercise and physical activity leads to muscular dystrophy, which places increased stress on the spine.
- Hard work that puts strain on your back.
- Congenital anomalies of the spine.
- When several provoking factors are combined, the disease develops faster.
diagnosis
Diagnosis of lumbar osteochondrosis is quite simple, especially in clinics equipped with modern equipment.Diagnostics is carried out in the following order: interview, examination, ordering tests and hardware tests.
Diagnosis begins with collecting anamnestic data.The doctor clarifies the patient's age (this is important), the time of the first symptoms and the working conditions.Based on the information collected, the specialist can draw conclusions about the cause of the disease.
Next, the doctor will conduct an examination.The doctor palpates the spine and asks the patient to perform some movements: bending, flexion-extension, twists.On this basis, it can be determined how limited the patient's motor activity is.
Tests are performed to rule out bone tuberculosis and some other diseases.A specialist can use the blood to assess the presence of inflammation.
X-ray examination is an accessible and informative method for determining the presence of osteochondrosis.Most often, photos are taken in two projections.However, in some cases it is possible to obtain an X-ray image in an additional projection or an overview of a specific area of the spine.
Magnetic resonance imaging.Examination of the spine with this device is the gold standard for diagnosing osteochondrosis.This procedure can be used to detect destruction of fibrous rings, spina bifida, displacement of individual vertebrae and much more.
Treatment
Osteochondrosis can be treated by an orthopedist, neurologist or vertebral doctor.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 increases blood flow to the spinal area.Physiotherapy and wearing a corset correct the signs of scoliosis (this is especially important for children).Medication is needed to replenish the supply of substances necessary for the structure of the intervertebral disc tissue.
In the second stage of the disease, intensive drug therapy is indicated.To relieve inflammation, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should be taken in a course.If the pain is severe, strong painkillers are prescribed.Muscle relaxants help relieve muscle tension.
In rare cases, anticonvulsants and antidepressants may be prescribed.
Additional treatment consists of the use of physiotherapy, exercise therapy and massage (provided this does not aggravate the patient's condition).
The third stage of the disease is characterized by destructive processes in the intervertebral disc.Surgical treatment is indicated for hernias.Drug therapy is carried out as in the second stage of the disease.
If the intervertebral disc is significantly destroyed in the fourth stage of the disease, prosthetics 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 only be carried out 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 negatively affect the spinal cord and surrounding tissues.
Below is a list of the most common complications:
- Numbness of the limbs or individual back muscles.Occurs due to compression of the spine.
- Disturbances in urination and bowel movements (up to the complete disappearance of the urge).
- Trophic ulcers.
- Depression.It seems that this cannot be a complication.However, constant pain actually 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 plan.If treated in a timely manner, there are usually no complications.
risk group
There are people who are more likely to develop lumbar osteochondrosis.These people are at risk.
People whose relatives suffer from similar diseases should take care of their spine.
The risk group includes obese patients.Excess weight puts enormous strain on the intervertebral discs.People who lead a sedentary lifestyle are also at high risk.
Undoubtedly, athletes should take care of their spine.It doesn't matter what sport you practice.
The spine must be protected if work involves lifting heavy objects or remaining in an uncomfortable position for a long period of time.
Prevention of lumbar osteochondrosis
The treatment of osteochondrosis is long-term; the disease often takes a chronic course.That is why the prevention of spinal diseases is of great importance.
To avoid problems with the lumbar spine, it is necessary to engage in physical activity and rest.The load on the spine should be even and not excessive.Rest should be regular and better while lying down.
If you are overweight, you need to lose it.
Preventive measures include timely treatment of endocrine diseases and posture disorders (especially in children).
Problems with the spine significantly affect the quality of life, so you need to be careful about even minor pain or discomfort in this area.