Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine. Symptoms and treatment. Gymnastics, drugs

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is diagnosed not only in elderly patients. Recently, the pathology occurs even in young people under 30 years old. Ignoring symptoms can lead to complications. Therefore, it is necessary to know the signs of the disease in order to start treatment on time.

What is lumbar osteochondrosis

This pathology involves an unhealthy transformation of the vertebrae located in the lumbar region. With the disease, the elasticity of the intervertebral discs decreases due to a deficit in the supply of nutrients at the cellular level. The localization of the disease is due to the fact that it is this area of the spine that bears the greatest load.

Causes

Among the main factors leading to pathology are the following:

• Genetic.Doctors warn that if one of the parents suffers from this disease, the risk of developing lumbar osteochondrosis in the younger generation is much higher. Therefore, in such a situation, the child must engage in prevention from childhood.
• Lift weights regularly.This point applies not only to people who earn money through physical labor, but also to athletes who neglect safety measures.

• Injuries.Any back injury can lead to pathology. If they are present, you should consult an osteopath or neurologist. It should be noted that many people are not even aware of their injuries. For example, when braking suddenly while driving a car, a person may experience spinal displacement.
• Obesity.The spine is capable of supporting loads with normal weight. If a person is overweight, the lumbar region of this organ may become deformed.
• Bad position.Curvature of the spine leads to a violation of proportional load distribution and, subsequently, osteochondrosis.
• Chronic physical inactivity,lack of movement in lifestyle. Minimal physical activity leads to the fact that the spine is not loaded. At this time, muscles and ligaments begin to weaken and blood circulation is disrupted, which causes a lack of nutrition of the intervertebral discs, which lose their elasticity over time. In this case, all the load and weight are transferred to the discs, compressing them and later forming herniations.
• Flat foot.This pathology suggests a lack of normal shock absorption in the legs. This forces the spine to do more work than during normal gait. As a result, the vertebrae wear out more quickly.
• Stress.The human body is designed in such a way that in case of psycho-emotional stress, the neck first of all becomes tense. It is a biological atavism. After all, when a predator attacks a mammal, it immediately grabs its neck. Chronic stress causes a spasm reflex transition throughout the spine. Ultimately, this can lead to pinched nerves, including in the lumbar spine. Therefore, after stress, it is important to relieve tension with the help of special gymnastics.

• Aggressive obstetric practice. When the birth process is stimulated, the baby travels the way faster and therefore may be injured. This situation can occur during a cesarean section when the baby's head is tilted sharply to the right or left. Subsequently, the baby is diagnosed with vegetative-vascular dystonia. The true cause of the pathology is usually identified during adolescence.

Degrees

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, the symptoms and treatment of which are described in detail in this article, has 4 stages of development. Their detailed description is presented in the table.

Degree	Physiology	Painful sensations
First of all	The process of destruction of the intervertebral discs located in this area begins.	Expressed by a burning sensation, dull pain or tingling in the lumbar region. Sometimes the localization of unpleasant symptoms shifts to the buttocks. Pain syndrome becomes more pronounced after physical work.
Second	Discs are more and more susceptible to destruction, under the influence of which the distance between them is significantly reduced. At this stage, protrusions may appear.	The pain becomes a constant painful character. They can radiate to the buttocks, thighs and knees.
Third	The tissues located in this area of the spine are completely susceptible to destruction. Intervertebral hernias form.	The pain is strong and constant. However, they do not depend on the degree of physical activity.
Fourth	The cartilage completely atrophies and the vertebrae begin to grow. The spine loses mobility, leading to disability.	Unpleasant sensations may disappear completely or partially.

Diagnostic

To make a correct diagnosis, doctors perform the following activities:

• Inspection.During the first appointment, the specialist visually assesses the patient's physique, the relationship between his weight and his height. Additionally, the characteristics of gait, posture and performance of simple exercises are studied. The skin on the back is examined for the presence of inflamed areas.
• Palpation.The doctor carefully palpates the patient's back to identify the location of tension and pain. In some cases a special hammer is used.

• X-ray.This diagnostic method is carried out in two positions, rear and lateral. If a functional study is necessary, then radiation is carried out in the folded and unfolded state. This diagnostic method has become widespread in the CIS countries and requires the least amount of money. However, this does not allow identifying pathology at an early stage of development. Additionally, X-rays are harmful types of radiation.
• To scan.Unlike x-rays, it provides the best quality images. The process is carried out using a tomograph and takes approximately 10 minutes. As a result, it is possible to study in detail not only the state of bone tissue, but also changes in blood vessels and nerves. The method is not suitable for pregnant and lactating women. It should be noted that, despite the possibility of obtaining more detailed information, the patient undergoes radiation 5 times higher than that of x-ray. It is recommended to carry out such an examination no more than once a year.
• Magnetic resonance imaging.This is the most informative way to make a diagnosis. During the procedure, the patient is placed on a plane which is rolled into a special chamber where, using magnetic waves passing through the patient's body, a detailed image of the spine is obtained. The main disadvantage of this diagnosis is the need for the patient to stay in the room for about 30 minutes. For people with a certain mental constitution, the procedure can be a difficult ordeal. Additionally, MRI is contraindicated in patients with a pacemaker or metal parts in the body, as well as in women in early pregnancy. However, this diagnostic method has many advantages, the main one being the absence of harmful effects on the human body. The resulting images will clearly show not only changes in the vertebrae themselves, but also the direction of blood flow, the state of nerve endings and blood vessels. Unlike previous diagnostic methods, MRI can detect any adverse changes in the spine at the earliest stage of lumbar osteochondrosis.
• Blood and urine tests.These procedures should not be qualified entirely as diagnostic. They are necessary as a complementary examination, carried out to exclude or confirm rheumatological pathologies.

Treatment

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, the symptoms of which vary in degreethe development of the disease described above suggests the following treatment tactics:

• take medications prescribed by a doctor;
• a physiotherapy course;
• regular performance of a special set of exercises;
• massage.

In some cases, experts recommend surgery.

Medical treatment

All medications prescribed for lumbar osteochondrosis can be divided into the following groups:

• pain relievers;
• muscle relaxers;
• chondroprotectors;
• vitamins.

Medicines that perform an analgesic function can be divided into two components: hormonal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They are also able to relieve not only pain but also reduce inflammation.

However, the first group of drugs is used in exceptional cases. After all, they can lead to an imbalance in the endocrine system and reduce immunity. Hormonal medications can therefore only be purchased upon presentation of a prescription at a pharmacy.

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, the symptoms and treatment of which are described in detail in this article, involves oral or intramuscular administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

However, their use for more than 3 days is not recommended. Otherwise, a side effect may occur. Then you can use various topical ointments and creams.

Oral medications are available in the form of tablets, injections and suppositories.

Injections are used to relieve acute inflammation and pain. It is forbidden to do them for more than 2 days.

Muscle relaxers help relax muscles. However, the danger of their use lies in the fact that this category of drugs blocks the impulse that goes from the nerve to the muscle.

It should be clarified that the motor nerve exits the spinal cord to absolutely all muscle fibers throughout the spine.

When taking muscle relaxants, the impulse transmission mechanism is blocked. Due to pinching and overwork in lumbar osteochondrosis, the connection between nerves and muscles is already disrupted. The use of these medications further depresses this system.

Taking chondroprotectors causes the restoration of cartilage tissue.

However, there is a theory that chondroprotectors are not able to restore the intervertebral discs, since they consist of fibrous tissue. In this case, the drug acts exclusively on cartilage tissue.

B vitamins are necessary for the maintenance of nerve fibers.

Physiotherapy

All procedures related to physiotherapy affect the local area of pathology, while neighboring tissues and organs remain unchanged.

This includes the following methods of treating lumbar osteochondrosis:

• Electrophoresis under anesthesia.Special medications are injected into the patient's lower back. The whole process is stimulated by electric current.
• Ultrasound.The purpose of this treatment method is tissue micromassage. The procedure helps relieve inflammation and also relieves pain. Blood circulation improves and metabolism is activated accordingly.
• Magnetotherapy. This method involves the use of a magnetic field. There is a wide variety of devices with a similar effect, which makes it possible to use them at home.
• Vibration effect.The devices create certain vibrations in the desired area of the body.
• Detenting therapy.The procedure is carried out on a special mattress. The goal is to straighten the spine.

Physiotherapy

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, the symptoms and treatment of which should be checked with a doctor, requires compliance with certain rules when performing exercises. The main principle is the immediate cessation of actions in case of pain. Move carefully and smoothly to avoid damage.

The complex assumes the following algorithm:

1. Lie on your back and lift your legs one at a time.

2. Turn onto your side with your arms extended forward. Pull your upper leg back. Then flip to the other side and repeat the steps mirrored.
3. Lying on your stomach, simultaneously pull your legs and arms back.
4. Get up on all fours. Take turns removing one hand at a time.
5. In the same position, pull your right arm and leg up. Then repeat the same thing on the left.

Massage

When performing a massage, you must adhere to the following rules:

• actions should be directed from the upper back to the bottom;
• massage movements can only affect soft tissues and not the spine;
• Before the procedure, patients are advised to go to the toilet.

Massage algorithm:

1. Make strokes in the right direction;
2. Perform rubbing movements first with one, then with two palms. In this case, it is necessary to monitor the pressure that the massage therapist exerts on the patient's back.
3. Gently pull and then squeeze the muscle tissue.
4. Create vibrations using your hands or a special preparation.
5. Finish the procedure with light strokes.

Folk remedies

Traditional medicine involves the use of medicinal herbs. The main action is aimed at relieving pain.

Homemade analgesic ointment

For this recipe you will need hop cones and animal fat. The first component is crushed and mixed with the second.

Then the ointment should sit a little and can be rubbed into the lower back. The composition can be supplemented with chamomile if desired. It has calming properties and can relieve inflammation.

Honey and potato compress

Raw potatoes should be chopped using a grater. Then mix the components in equal proportions. The resulting mass should be distributed over the painful area of the back. The patient is advised to stay in this position for several hours, then rinse everything thoroughly. This compress temporarily relieves the patient's condition.

Ginger analgesic ointment

Grind equal amounts of ginger and garlic on a fine grater. Next you need to add a small amount of butter. Mix everything thoroughly and rub your lower back. The ointment must be prepared immediately before use.

Alcoholic lilac tincture

Pour a small handful of lilac flowers into a liter glass jar. Then fill the container to the neck with vodka, alcohol or moonshine. The jar should be tightly closed with a lid and left in a cool, dark place. After a week and a half, the product is ready for use.

In this case, it is not necessary to pass the dye through a filter. You can rub your back with the resulting product. However, the dosage should be minimal. If after use the product is stored in the same way as during infusion, then it can be used for a whole year.

Herbal baths

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, the symptoms and treatment of which can be studied in this article, is often accompanied by severe pain. You can eliminate it with a bath. Warm water helps relax soft tissues, spasms are relieved and pain disappears for a while.

In some cases, experts recommend using contrasting temperatures to relieve inflammation. It should be noted that taking hot baths accelerates the body's metabolic processes. Another advantage of this method of treating pathology is the possibility of using it at home. In addition, the procedure helps relieve psycho-emotional nervous tension.

You can increase efficiency with the help of herbal baths, among which the following are worth highlighting:

• Coniferous.It is best to use needles from 3 trees: pine, fir and cedar. You can also add cones. About 5 handfuls of collected material should be boiled for about 15 minutes. Then, without opening the lid, leave to rest for 2 hours, then pass the broth through a filter and pour into the bath.
• Chamomile.For this recipe it is not necessary to use fresh flowers, you can use a ready-made pharmaceutical mixture. A glass of chamomile should be filled with water and heated over low heat. You cannot boil the decoction. When the maximum temperature is reached, the heating must be turned off. Without opening the lid, leave to infuse for another 3 hours, after which the composition can be used. Such a bath will be useful not only for osteochondrosis, but also in the presence of redness and inflammatory processes on the skin.
• Juniper.Boil several handfuls of the mixture for about 20 minutes. Next, the broth must be passed through a filter. In this case, there is no need to wait until the composition has completely cooled, you can immediately pour it into the bath. This procedure brings an additional aromatherapeutic effect, which helps relieve stress and relieve insomnia.

After taking any of the above baths, you should lie down for about an hour. It is best to perform the procedure before going to bed in the evening.

Surgical intervention

Despite the fact that the disease can be effectively treated with conservative therapy, sometimes the patient is recommended to undergo surgical intervention. It is important to note that it must be carried out as soon as possible. After all, sometimes it happens that a person becomes disabled only because he did not consult a doctor in time about complications.

The following indications are required for surgical intervention:

• prolonged pain for two months, eliminated with the help of non-steroidal drugs;
• progressive problems with motor function.

There are the following types of operations performed for lumbar osteochondrosis:

• Discectomy.Represents a replacement disk. It can be partial or complete.

• Foraminotomy.During surgery, some of the damaged tissue is removed. The operation is performed under local anesthesia.
• Laminotomy.Surgeons partially remove the osteophytes.
• Facetectomy.The operation aims to remove the joint. It is carried out under general anesthesia.
• Laminectomy.This surgery involves removing part of the spine. At the same time, the remaining parts are corrected.

What to do during an exacerbation

During an exacerbation of the disease, it is better to adhere to the following recommendations:

• prefer hard chairs to soft chairs;
• sleep on an orthopedic mattress;
• avoid lifting heavy objects;

• change your body position every quarter of an hour;
• perform a massage.

Complications

Failure to treat lumbar osteochondrosis can lead to changes in the normal location of the disc. A hernia forms between the 5th vertebra and the sacrum. In addition, this pathology disrupts blood circulation in the pelvis. In men, this leads to erectile dysfunction and eventually impotence.

For women, the disease threatens with problems in the reproductive system. However, the most serious complication is disability, which begins with a progressive impairment of motor activity.

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine has characteristic symptoms. The above complications indicate that it is dangerous to ignore them. After all, modern medicine offers a wide variety of treatment options that provide effective results.