Degenerative process - osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine: symptoms and treatment

Lumbar osteochondrosis develops with degenerative-dystrophic processes in the intervertebral discs and vertebrae.Negative symptoms are the result of a complex of negative factors.

The pathology is diagnosed in men and women.A risk group are overweight patients, metabolic disorders, people who, due to the nature of their work, are forced to frequently lift and move heavy objects.It is important to know the dangers of osteochondrosis in the lumbar region and how to prevent damage to the spine.

Causes of development of lumbar osteochondrosis

In most cases, spinal osteochondrosis develops under the influence of several negative factors.The more causes, the more difficult it is to deal with a rapidly progressing disease.In women, problems with the spine often develop due to excess weight, in men - during high physical activity.

Degenerative and dystrophic changes in the vertebrae and intervertebral discs provoke:

• old back injuries;
• overweight;
• lack of sufficient physical activity, sedentary work;
• disturbances in metabolic processes;
• lifting weights in violation of the rules;
• hereditary predisposition.

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, ICD code - M42.

Degrees and stages of the disease

The disease of the musculoskeletal system has two forms:

• sharp
• period of remission.

According to the degree of damage to the vertebrae and discs, there are 4 stages of pathology:

• first.Symptoms are mild, periodic pain (when lifting weights or sharp turns, bends), initial stage of deformation of the intervertebral discs;
• secondly.The fibrous ring is destroyed, the vertebrae are pressed closer to each other, and the pain syndrome increases when the nerve roots are pressed.The patient assumes an unnatural position in an attempt to relieve the pain.Shoots radiate to the groin, legs, upper thigh.Lumbago occurs suddenly, the pain is unbearable;
• third.The fibrous rings are completely destroyed, the vertebrae are constantly in contact and an intervertebral hernia is formed.The pain is almost constant, intensifies with movement.Chondroprotectors are ineffective (cartilage tissue is almost destroyed): the use of NSAIDs and painkillers is necessary;
• fourth.The spine is damaged, the patient moves with difficulty.The growth of bone structures increases, the pain slightly decreases, but mobility is limited when performing any actions.The result is harm to the patient.

Possible complications

The lack of therapy for osteochondrosis in the lumbar spine provokes the progression of the pathology.As the negative changes increase, the compression of the intervertebral discs increases, the cartilage tissue is destroyed and the pain increases.Damage to the spinal nerves at the exit from the spine leads to the development of radicular syndrome and gradual muscle atrophy.Signs of radiculopathy are exacerbated by bending over, lifting loads, or hypothermia.

Other complications:

• compression of the artery of Adamkiewicz.Causes: back injuries, falls, heavy lifting, sudden movements.A dangerous condition leads to paralysis of the legs, incontinence of stool and urine.Damage to a large vessel supplying the spinal cord and roots quickly turns a healthy person into a patient with limited options.A clear sign of pathology are bedsores;
• compression myelopathy.The formation of a herniated disc leads to compression and narrowing of the spinal canal.The consequence is unbearable pain, which is practically not affected by powerful analgesics.Other negative signs: problems with the functioning of organs located in the pelvis, reduced innervation and muscle strength of the lower limbs.

Clinical picture

The main sign of damage to the spine is pain in the lumbar region, radiating to the leg.Unpleasant sensations appear after carrying loads, during sharp turns or turns.Sometimes the pain occurs even without physical activity.An important point– changing body position increases discomfort.

Damage to different parts of the spine forces you to look for a position in which the discomfort will be minimal.This sign helps to diagnose the pathology.

Degenerative-dystrophic changes in the vertebrae lead to deterioration of the patient's quality of life.Frequent attacks of pain provoke depression, irritability and interfere with daily activities and professional activity.

Signs of an acute form:

• acute pain occurs not only with heavy physical exertion, but also with normal changes in body position;
• Only the search for the most acceptable position of the body temporarily relieves the painful symptom.

Symptoms during remission:

• tingling sensation, tingling in the legs;
• dull pain in the lumbar region, buttocks, legs;
• disruption of the functioning of the genital organs in the small pelvis.

Diagnosis

If the development of lumbar osteochondrosis is suspected, the patient visits an orthopedic traumatologist.The doctor gives a referral for an X-ray of the spine, MRI and CT.After analyzing the images, the doctor determines the degree of damage to the discs and vertebrae and prescribes treatment.

Effective treatments

How to treat lumbar osteochondrosis?The patient should set himself up to actively participate in the treatment process: it is important to get rid of extra pounds, stop lifting weights and stop smoking.Moderate movement, the use of medication, attending physical therapy procedures and performing therapeutic massage are mandatory elements to relieve pain and reduce the risk of progression of degenerative changes in the spine.

Important details:

• Spinal traction, manual therapy are specific methods for treating lumbar osteochondrosis.Procedures are performed by a qualified physician: improper application of techniques in the absence of knowledge and experience often causes harm and often results in harm to the patient;
• Another important element of treatment is diet.Jellied meat, dishes with gelatin, fish, meat broths, fruits, turkey, vegetables, low-fat dairy products and herbs are healthy.Do not eat sour, spicy foods, do not drink alcohol and carbonated drinks.Don't forget to drink up to two liters of fluid a day.

Drug therapy

Complex treatment is required:

• chondroprotectors.The compositions restore the quality of the cartilage tissue, stop the destruction of the discs, fill the deficiency of microelements and increase the elasticity of the tissues.An important point is that all chondroprotectors are taken for a long time - at least six months.Glucosamine, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate accumulate in the cartilage tissue and restore the structure of the destroyed discs.The sooner the patient starts taking chondroprotectors, the greater the chances of success.In severe stages of osteochondrosis (3 and 4) it is almost impossible to normalize the condition of the discs;
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory compounds.Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are a main element in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine.The ingredients stop inflammation and reduce pain.The greatest effect is provided by drugs in the form of tablets and injections;products for external use are more delicate.Many types of NSAIDs irritate the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract: you can treat painful areas, take pills or inject only after meals.To protect the stomach tissue, a special drug with an enveloping effect is prescribed;
• vitamin and mineral complexes, healthy food supplementswith calcium, drugs that activate blood circulation in the affected tissues.The dosage and duration of the course are determined by the orthopedic traumatologist treating the patient.Saturation of bone and cartilage tissue with useful minerals and vitamins improves the condition of problem areas.

Folk remedies and recipes

Homemade ointments, rubs, compresses, herbal decoctions are an additional element of the treatment.The ingredients reduce pain, reduce inflammation and saturate the body with useful substances.All herbal medicines can be taken after consultation with an orthopedic traumatologist.

Proven folk remedies:

• blueberry leaf tea;
• ointment of melted lard, ground marshmallow root and beeswax;
• collection with anti-inflammatory effect.Ingredients: nettle, strawberry leaves, horsetail, barberry, agrimonia;
• a compress for the painful area of grated raw potatoes and rare honey;
• hop cone salve and melted bacon.

Attention!During the acute stage, it is forbidden to apply any kind of heat to the affected area.High temperature increases blood flow and accelerates the development of inflammation.Menthol-based cooling ointments are helpful in reducing pain.It is important to coordinate all actions and home procedures with an orthopedic traumatologist.

Therapeutic gymnastics

The main task is to strengthen the muscle corset that supports the spine.Weak muscles, combined with a thick layer of fat, negatively affect the condition of the intervertebral discs and the affected vertebrae.

The patient performs gymnastics for lumbar osteochondrosis in a rehabilitation center, in a hospital setting or in hydropathy.Heavy loading, jumping, running, sharp turns, deep turns are prohibited.After the patient has mastered the exercise technique, the doctor allows him to do a set of exercises at home.

Physiotherapy procedures

After stopping the acute process, the orthopedic traumatologist prescribes physiotherapy to reduce swelling, pain and normalize blood circulation in the affected tissues.Each patient needs an individual treatment plan.

Effective physiotherapy for lumbar osteochondrosis:

• electrophoresis with anti-inflammatory, analgesic compounds;
• thermal procedures during remission;
• darsonval (use AC);
• magnetic therapy;
• beneficial effect of ultrasound waves;
• therapeutic massage;
• acupuncture to reduce pain.

Osteochondrosis in the lumbar region in advanced cases leads to damage to the patient.The disease manifests itself not only in the elderly: sedentary work + poor nutrition significantly rejuvenate the pathologies of the musculoskeletal system.Only timely diagnosis and an integrated approach to therapy under the guidance of an experienced orthopedic traumatologist can avoid serious consequences.