Connecting the fixed, thoracic and sacral sections of the spine, the lumbar spine 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 existence, causing a decrease in work capacity and even disability.
Causes
Throughout the world, this disease is spreading more and more. 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 deformed.
- The work associated with regular physical overload is a negative factor that can cause spinal problems.
- With an incorrect posture, aggravated by hypodynamia, the lumbar region is subjected to greater stress.
- Injuries to the spine in the future often lead to the manifestation of the disease. Therefore, representatives of professional sports are at risk.
- Many years ago, osteochondrosis was a disease of the elderly; this has its own logic. Discs are more likely to warp with age. However, today this disease can be observed in people in their thirties. The impetus for the development of osteochondrosis are errors in the independent performance of complex physical exercises.
- If there is any pathology of the joints, then severe hypothermia and acute strain when lifting a heavy load can lead to pain.
- Excess weight puts extra stress on all the joints in the spine.
- Often the onset of the disease is associated with pathologies of some internal organs - the liver, kidneys and others.
Symptoms
So, consider the signs of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine.
- The first and main symptom of the disease is pain, at first periodic, which occurs in the lumbar region during intense exertion. At first, it passes after the break, but then it becomes permanent and covers 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 body decreases or even disappears completely, a spasm of the arteries may occur. The fact that the vertebra is no longer fixed by the disc is fraught with serious damage to the internal organs.
- Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis in women are supplemented by inflammation in the ovaries, appendages and uterus. This circumstance can mask the main signs and lead to a misdiagnosis.
- Due to severe pain, a person has to be in an unnatural position most of the time, as a result of which the spine shifts to the side. A stoop in posture and tension in gait appear.
- The spine loses its mobility and flexibility. The effect of lumbodynia is observed when, after prolonged work in a bent state, the patient finds it difficult to straighten.
- Nerve root compression in the vertebra is accompanied by acute pain and can have consequences in the form of mobility problems.
- Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is also characterized by symptoms of ischemic syndrome, that is, a group of signs that are associated with decreased blood flow in compressed vessels. At first, spasm of the arteries occurs sporadically, accompanied by pain when walking. After the break they pass. However, over time, the spasm is prolonged, the pelvic organs cease to receive nutrition, which disrupts their work. Stopping the flow of blood can lead to paralysis.
- The disease can lead to pain in the coccyx. Signs of sacral osteochondrosis differ in some originality, due to which it is more difficult to diagnose. Despite the strong, even bursting pains, they are given in the surrounding tissues, due to which the patient cannot indicate the exact location of their localization. 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, progressive disease can lead to serious complications.
- The result of the annulus fibrosus rupture will be pinching of the nerve endings by the protruding nucleus pulposus; an intervertebral hernia will occur.
- Prolonged inflammatory processes in the spine can lead to sciatica - a disease of the spinal nerve roots.
- A very serious complication is inflammation of the sciatic nerve, which is characterized not only by severe pain, but also by numbness in the extremities.
- Impaired blood flow in the spinal cord can cause compressive myelopathy.
- Cauda equina syndrome is one of the most serious consequences of osteochondrosis. A bundle of nerve endings that extends from a vertebra to the end of the spinal cord is responsible for transmitting the body's impulses, allowing the brain to control the work of the body. Its acute inflammation can cause dysfunction of the genitourinary system and partial or total paralysis of the extremities.
Treatment
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, its symptoms and treatment depend on where the nerve ending was attached, where pain and loss of sensitivity 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 used only 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 in it. This is a complex and lengthy process that requires the use of various rehabilitation methods.
Physiotherapy
Therapeutic gymnastics occupies an important place in rehabilitation. It is prescribed a couple of days after the removal of severe pain, it is selected separately for each patient and depends on:
- disease stage,
- causes of osteochondrosis of the lumbar area,
- the patient's age,
- pain localization sites,
- and other factors.
The main goal of therapeutic exercises is to create a reliable muscle corset that will help reduce the load on the intervertebral discs. In the initial period, various exercises with a small load are offered. Gradually increase. Over time, special exercises are added to the general ones.
Gymnastics is first performed lying on your back. In this case, the load on the spine is minimal, pain does not increase. 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.
At the initial stage, all exercises are performed very slowly and carefully. Gradually, as the amplitude of movements 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 standing on all fours, then sitting on a chair, and then standing.
If the disease has a chronic form, then depending on the well-being of the patient, he is allowed to engage in certain sports: swimming, skiing and others. The effectiveness of therapeutic exercises will increase many times 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 various procedures that can eliminate the cause of pain and numbness in the extremities, relieve tension in muscle fibers, restore blood circulation and joint mobility. Using this technique, you can get a quick and positive effect, comparable to the results of therapeutic exercises. However, it has some contraindications that must be considered when including it in complex treatments.
An excellent tool in the fight against serious illness is massage. After several sessions, the patient feels better, muscle stiffness disappears and joint mobility is recovered. But each case of the disease has its own characteristics, and only a qualified specialist should prescribe this procedure.
There are a number of 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 pathologies of the heart;
- blood diseases;
- women's diseases and some others.
A traditional type of massage is usually prescribed. The first procedures may be accompanied by slight pain, which will soon stop.
Severe pain during the session is unacceptable. To improve blood flow to the affected area, vacuum massage cans can be used.
A doctor will help you to overcome 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 you to increase blood flow and metabolic processes in the 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 diseases of the spine, due to the gentle and effective healing effect of mineral springs and therapeutic muds.
This method also has certain contraindications, which must be taken into account when prescribing such procedures.
There are many folk recipes that are widely used for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, as proven and effective remedies. They can be a good complement to the main treatment after consultation with a specialist. Ointments and compresses, herbal decoctions can be used for rubbing or ingestion. Self-prepared products can cause allergic reactions. Poisonous plants can also be prescribed in prescriptions, 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 range of motion.
Of great importance for health is a balanced fractional diet, in which much 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 the small portions, the food will be fully processed.
It is necessary to organize a good rest and proper sleep on a flat and hard base. 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 chance of successful treatment and restoration of spinal function.