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Lumbar osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine

According to medical statistics, the pain in the back of 80% of cases is caused by lumbar osteochondrosis.This occurs as a result of degenerative-dystrophic changes in this segment, when intervertebral discs and the adjacent vertebrae are affected.Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine (SPEP) is manifested by various symptoms: pain of different nature, limitation of mobility, impaired sensitivity of the lower body, etc. With a long absence of treatment, degenerative processes apply to vertebrae, reducing working capacity, then the patient can become a disabled person.

To avoid dangerous complications of lumbar osteochondrosis (PO), you need to begin comprehensive treatment at 1-2 stages of pathology.In advanced cases, when irreversible changes in the disk or vertebrae are already present, surgery is performed.To avoid osteochondrosis of the lower back, and related complications, it is necessary to carry out its prevention.

The development of lumbar osteochondrosis

To understand what osteochondrosis of pop (lumbar spine) is, you need to study the structure of the spinal column.It consists of the vertebrae, between which cartilage gaskets (intervertebral disk) are placed.The disk is covered with a hard fibrous membrane (fibrous ring), inside of which there is a pulpoose nucleus.This structure performs a shock -absorbing function, makes the spine more flexible.

Reference.The lumbar segment of the spine is daily subjected to a huge load, as it withstands the weight of the upper body.Therefore, osteochondrosis of the lower spine is diagnosed more often than cervical, chest.

With regular loads on the spine, the discs are compressed, a lot of fluids are lost, their height is reduced, and the distance between the vertebrae decreases.The cartilaginous gasket becomes fragile, microcracks appear on its surface, through which the pulpoose core protrudes over time.With the further compression of the intervertebral discs, the outer membrane and the loss of the gelatinous body occur, the hernia forms.Then the pathological mobility of the vertebrae occurs, the load on the neighboring segments of the spine increases.

A little later, bone growths (osteophytes) begin to form on the edges of the vertebral bodies.Thus, the body is trying to stabilize the spine.

Doctors distinguish 4 stages of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine:

  • 1 degree - problems with disks begin, the central part is dehydrated, it is flattened, cracks appear on the outer shell.It has a stuck.
  • 2 degree - cartilage gasket sags, the vertebrae are approaching each other, become more mobile, muscles and ligaments around the spine sag.Pain appears.
  • 3 degree - protrusion, hernias, subluxation of the vertebrae are formed.The pain is enhanced, mobility is limited, the sensitivity of the lower body is impaired.
  • Osteochondrosis of the 4th degree is characterized by the appearance of osteophytes that can damage the spinal nerves, neighboring vertebrae.There is constant pain, pronounced neurological disorders and other complications, the risk of disability increases.

It is easiest to cure lumbar chondrosis (stage 1), however, it is very difficult to detect the disease at this stage.Intervertebral osteochondrosis of the 2nd degree is treated using conservative methods.At 3-4 stages, an operation may be needed.

Reference.According to statistics, the SPP is more often detected in patients after 30 years.There are frequent cases of pathology in people after 20 years.Approximately 80% of patients of 60 years suffer from the manifestations of this disease.

Reasons

To understand how to deal with osteochondrosis of PKOP (lumbosacral spine), you need to know its reasons:

  • Regular static or dynamic load on the lumbar segment.The risk group for the development of osteochondrosis includes office workers, professional athletes (heavy athletics), movers, builders, etc.
  • Violation of posture, prolonged stay in the wrong pose.
  • Genetic predisposition, anomalies of the formation of vertebral bodies.This category includes youthful software - curvature of the spinal column caused by pathologies of the vertebral bodies.
  • Injuries of the spinal column.
  • Hormonal imbalance, metabolic disorders, endocrine diseases that disrupt metabolism in the lumbar segment.
  • Age -related changes in the body provoke the wear of the discs.
  • Bone tuberculosis, osteomyelitis (purulent inflammation of bone tissue), ankylosing spondylitis (inflammation of the vertebrae and joints), rheumatoid arthritis, etc.

Often, the disease cause several reasons at once.

In addition, there are factors that provoke the development of lumbar osteochondrosis:

  • Excess body weight.
  • Passive lifestyle, prolonged seat.
  • Regular use of harmful foods (fatty, fried food, confectionery, semi -finished products, etc.).
  • Lack of fluid, dehydration.
  • Congenital disorders of the structure of the spine, for example, an additional vertebra.
  • Regular wearing uncomfortable heels.
  • The period of bearing the fetus, then the load on the spinal column increases.
  • A sharp abandonment of training professional athletes or excessive sports in people who have previously been passive.
  • Smoking, frequent and immoderate alcohol use.

There are many more factors that can launch degenerative-dystrophic processes in the lumbar spine.For example, flat feet, frequent hypothermia, frequent stress, sleep disorders, etc.

Wiring

Symptoms

Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine are diverse, they depend on the stage of pathology and localization of the affected area.

Doctors distinguish reflex and compression syndromes (a complex of symptoms) for SPP.The former occur with irritation of the receptors of the outer membrane of the disks, ligaments, articular capsules, and the latter - when compressing nerve bundles, blood vessels, spinal cord.

There are such reflex syndromes of lumbar osteochondrosis:

  • Lumbago.Firing the pain at the bottom of the back with a sharp movement or tension.With the slightest attempt to move, the pain syndrome is enhanced, so the patient freezes in one position.The muscles in the damaged area are strongly strained, on palpation, painful sensations become more pronounced.These manifestations are associated with the movement of the pulpoose nucleus inside the outer shell.
  • Lumbalgia.A real pain develops for several hours or days.Discomfort intensifies with movements, a change in body position.It is weakened when a person takes a horizontal pose with a roller under his lower back.When raising a straight leg in this position, the pain intensifies (Lassa symptom).The degree of muscle tension is less than with lumbar.The mobility of the lower back is limited.
  • Sciatica.Painful sensations (acute or aching) spread from the lower back to the lower body.There is an increase in this feature during movements.The pain is weakened when resting on the back.The muscles on the affected area are strained, the pain syndrome becomes expressed on palpation.

Symptoms in compression syndromes depend on which sections of the lumbar segment are damaged.Characteristic signs are associated with the compression of the cerebrospinal nerves with hernias, osteophytes, displaced vertebrae.This condition is called radiculopathy, in which the pain intensifies with the slightest move, the lower back muscles are strained, and mobility is limited.

Clinical manifestations of compression syndromes depending on the damaged vertebrae of the lumbar segment:

  • L1 - L3 - pain and numbness on the area of the lower back, the front and inner surface of the thigh, it is difficult for the patient to bend/unbend the leg in the knee.
  • L4 - the pain syndrome spreads to the front of the thigh, drops to the knee (behind).In the same area, sensitivity is violated.
  • L5 - painful sensations are radiated into the buttocks, the outer part of the thigh, fall along the front of the lower leg to the inside of the foot and the thumb.In the same area, numbness is felt, it is difficult for the patient to bend the thumb.
  • S1 - the pain spilles from the lower back to the buttock, the outer and posterior surface of the thigh, drops to the outer part of the lower leg, foot.In these areas, numbness is felt, the muscles of the lower leg are weakened, so the patient is difficult to stand on socks.

There is a risk of damage to several nerve beams at once, for example, L5, S1.If the hernia shifts back, then it can squeeze the spinal cord.

With the compression of the blood vessels of the lower back, the likelihood of weakening the muscles of the legs, numbness of the lower extremities, a violation of control over the process of urination and defecation increases.In men, an erection is disturbed in men, and in women the main symptoms can be supplemented by inflammation of the ovaries or uterus.

Diagnostic measures

To diagnose the SPP, the doctor examines the patient, carries out palpation to determine the condition of the muscles and identify the curvature of the spine.It is important to tell a specialist in detail about his symptoms so that it is easier for him to make a diagnosis.

Instrumental research will help to detect intervertebral osteochondrosis:

  • Rail of the lower back (direct back and lateral projection).
  • Computed and magnetic refusal tomography.

X -ray allows you to evaluate the structure of pop.To identify the pathological mobility of the vertebrae, the X -ray is carried out in the flexion and extension position.This study allows us to notice that the intervertebral gap has narrowed, the bodies of the vertebrae have shifted, osteophytes appeared on their edges.However, this diagnostic method is considered outdated.

Today, CT and MRI are increasingly used to detect degenerative-dystrophic changes in the spine.These highly informative studies allow you to assess the condition of the vertebrae, discs, intervertebral holes, spinal cord.With their help, protrusion, the direction of the hernia, the degree of compression of nerve beams, spinal cord, blood vessels are revealed.

Treatment

Medicines for lumbar osteochondrosis

Medicines for osteochondrosis of the lower back

Treatment of osteochondrosis POP lasts from 1-3 months to 1 year.The success of therapy depends on the patient himself, who should strictly observe the recommendations of the doctor.With self -medication, the patient's condition usually worsens.

Therapies of therapy:

  • Stop or weaken the symptoms of software.
  • To identify the cause of the disease, try to exclude it from life.
  • Eliminate the inflammatory process.
  • Restore blood circulation, metabolic processes in the lumbar region.
  • Try to improve the condition of damaged cartilage gaskets, stop further degenerative changes.

To achieve such goals, it is recommended to carry out complex therapy.It usually begins with taking drugs:

  • Musorelaxants.They relax muscles, weaken pain and inflammation.
  • NSAID.They have anti -inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic effects.
  • Antispasmodics.They help to stop the spasm of smooth muscles, weaken the pain.
  • Anesthetic agents.They are used for severe pain in the form of therapeutic blockade.
  • Glucocorticosteroids.They also help to cope with pain.However, these funds are able to destroy the bones, so they take them for a short time and only after the approval of the doctor.
  • Sedatives.Remove the neuromuscular tension, improve sleep.
  • Vitamins (group B, E, C, A).Restore the condition of the affected nerves, weaken the pain.

Carefully.NSAIDs are forbidden to take with gastritis or ulcer of the stomach, as they even more damage the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract.

With exacerbation, the patient is injected with injections, and after stopping the main symptoms, he takes oral agents.

In addition, external products are used (gels, ointments, cream, rubbish).

The question of what to do with chronic osteochondrosis of the lower back is quite relevant.If the SPP has become chronic, then after the main symptoms are the patient, the patient is prescribed chondroprotectors, drugs that restore blood circulation, drugs based on vitamins B. They help restore innervation, normalize blood supply in the affected area, and prevent the further development of pathology.

Treatment of chondrosis of the lumbar spine (stage 1) is carried out using chondroprotectors that slow down the development of degenerative processes, accelerate the regeneration of cartilage.In addition, the patient is prescribed vitamin-mineral complexes.This form of osteochondrosis is easiest to cure.

Other conservative methods

With OKZ (osteochondrosis) 1 - 2 degrees, the following treatment procedures will help to stop its development:

  • Ultrasound therapy weakens pain and inflammation, normalizes blood flow in the damaged area.
  • Dutenzor therapy is a safe traction of the spine due to the weight of your own body, after which muscle tone is normalized, mobility improves.
  • Magnetotherapy reduces pain and inflammation of the muscles around the spine.
  • Reflexotherapy (the introduction of needles into bioactive points on the body) accelerates blood circulation, relieves inflammation and swelling.
  • Manual therapy (exposure to the affected area with the hands of a doctor) and massage normalize muscle tone, reduce the compression of the nerve beams, improve the power of the intervertebral discs, and restore the structure of the spine.
  • Electrophoresis allows you to deliver medicinal solutions through the skin to bone and cartilage.
  • Dragonvalization improves blood circulation, metabolic processes, reduces pain, restores skin sensitivity.

There are still many effective procedures that will help improve the patient's condition in 5-15 sessions.The main thing is to receive the approval of a doctor before their conduct.

Home treatment at home

If you are interested in whether it is possible to treat an OPP at home, then consult a doctor.If the specialist has given permission, then start therapy, which usually consists of the following points:

  • Diet.If the lumbar osteochondrosis is caused by a violation of blood flow or metabolism, then exclude fatty, fried, spicy foods, eggs, etc. From the menu, replenish the menu with fresh vegetables, fruits, low -fat meat, fish, sour -milk products.Refuse alcohol, tonic drinks (tea, coffee).Drink filtered water, compotes, herbal teas.
    • Applicator for the treatment of osteochondrosis
  • To restore blood circulation, exercise charging or use rubbing and compresses.
  • Sleep on an orthopedic mattress, a low pillow.If you have a sedentary work, then buy a chair with a back that will support the spine.From time to time, wear special corsets or belts.
  • Exercise therapy will help strengthen the muscle corset, remove part of the load from the diseased spine.The complex for each patient individually makes up a doctor or instructor.
  • Perform self -massage of the lumbar region.However, find out how to do it correctly with a professional.
  • Use folk remedies in the form of rubbing, compresses, baths, etc.
  • The acupuncture is a plastic plate with many spikes that improves blood circulation, metabolic processes in the damaged area, reduces muscle pain, relaxes.

And also at home you can use lotions with herbal decoctions, plasters.

Reference.The novelty in the treatment of osteochondrosis is a massager bed that is suitable even for the most inorganized patients.

However, remember that you can only be treated at home after the permission of the attending physician.

Surgical treatment

Operation with lumbar osteochondrosis is prescribed if conservative methods have been ineffective for a long time.And also surgical intervention is indicated with involuntary urination, defecation and horse tail syndrome (pinching of the nerves of the lower spinal cord).

In the treatment of SPP, such surgical methods are used:

  • Spondylodeza - fusing adjacent vertebrae.
  • Fassetextomy - removal of intervertebral joints that infringe on the cerebrospinal nerve.
  • Laminectomy - removal of a plate covering the spinal canal that squeezes the spinal cord.
  • Discoctomy is a complete or partial removal of the intervertebral disc, which causes a compression of the nerve or spinal cord.
  • Corpectomy - removal of the body of the vertebra and adjacent cartilage gaskets.Then the empty place is filled with a bone transplant and 3 vertebrates segment are spent.

Reference.After surgical intervention, there is a risk of complications: trauma of the spinal cord, nerve beams, breakdown of transplants, infection, etc.

After treatment, it is necessary to undergo rehabilitation to accelerate recovery.

Complications

In the absence of competent therapy, the risk of such complications of lumbar osteochondrosis increases:

  • Disc hernia, pinching of the nerve root or spinal cord.
  • Long -term inflammatory processes increase the likelihood of radiculitis (inflammation of the nerve roots).
  • Ishias (inflammatory damage to the sciatic nerve), in which severe pain and numbness of the lower limb occur.
  • In case of impaired blood circulation of the spinal cord, the likelihood of compression myelopathy increases (compression of the spinal cord with various formations: bone fragments, hernia, tumors, hematoma).
  • The horse tail syndrome is the compression of the roots of the lower spinal cord, which leads to a violation of the functionality of the intestines, the pelvic organs, and the lower extremities.

To avoid such complications, you need to start treatment as early as possible.

Prevention

To avoid lumbar osteochondrosis, follow the following rules:

  • Lead a moderately active lifestyle (walk more often on foot, regularly exercise, sign up for the pool).
  • When sitting, warm up every 1.5 hours.
  • Sleep on the orthopedic mattress.
  • Avoid excessive physical exertion, lift the severity only from the position of the semi -precision, before that, put on a special belt on the lower back.
  • Buy orthopedic shoes.
  • Eat correctly, take vitamin-mineral complexes as prescribed by a doctor.
  • Learn to relax.
  • Try not to hypothermia.
  • In time, treat diseases that can cause an SPP.
  • Refuse bad habits.

Subject to these recommendations, you can avoid degenerative changes in the spine and improve your health.

The most important thing

If you notice the symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis, then see a doctor urgently.Independent treatment can aggravate your condition and cause complications.Lumbar chondrosis (1st stage) is treated with exercise therapy, physiotherapy and chondroprotectors.In the later stages, drugs, massage, manual therapy, etc. are used. In the absence of positive dynamics for a long time or the appearance of neurological symptoms, the doctor may prescribe an operation.The patient must strictly follow the doctor’s recommendations in order to accelerate recovery.