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 also occurs in young people under 30 years of age. Ignoring the 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 the pathology are the following:

• Genetics.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 precautions.

• Injuries.Any damage to the back can lead to pathologies. 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 sharply while driving a car, a person may experience vertebral displacement.
• Obesity.The spine is able to withstand normal weight loads. If a person is overweight, the lumbar region of this organ can become deformed.
• Bad posture.The curvature of the spine leads to a violation of the proportional distribution of the load and subsequently to osteochondrosis.
• Chronic physical inactivity,lack of movement in lifestyle. Minimal physical activity leads to the fact that the spine is not loaded. At that moment, the muscles and ligaments begin to weaken and blood circulation is disrupted, which causes a lack of nutrition in the intervertebral discs, which over time lose their elasticity. In this case, the entire load and weight are transferred to the discs, compressing them and subsequently forming herniations.
• Flat feet.This pathology suggests a lack of normal shock absorption in the legs. This causes the spine to do more work than when walking normally. As a result, the vertebrae wear out faster.
• Fatigue.The human body is designed in such a way that with any psycho-emotional stress, first of all, the neck becomes tense. This is a biological atavism. After all, when a predator attacks a mammal, it immediately grabs its neck. Chronic stress causes a reflex transition of spasm to the entire 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 midwifery practice. When the birth process is stimulated, the baby travels faster and as a result can get injured. This situation can occur during a cesarean section when the baby's head is tilted sharply to the right or left. Subsequently, the child is diagnosed with vegetative-vascular dystonia. The true cause of the pathology is usually identified in 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.

Grade	Physiology	Painful sensations
First	The process of destruction of the intervertebral discs located in this area begins.	Expressed by burning, dull pain or tingling in the lumbar region. Sometimes the localization of unpleasant symptoms shifts to the buttocks. The pain syndrome becomes more pronounced after physical labor.
Second	Disks are increasingly susceptible to destruction, under the influence of which the distance between them is significantly reduced. Protrusions may appear at this stage.	The pain becomes a constant painful character. They can radiate to the buttocks, thighs and knees.
Third	The tissues in this location 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, which leads to disability.	Unpleasant sensations may disappear completely or partially.

Diagnostics

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

• Inspection.At the initial visit, the specialist visually evaluates the patient's physique, the relationship between weight and height. In addition, the characteristics of gait, posture and performance of simple exercises are studied. The skin of 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 performed in two positions, posterior and lateral. If a functional study is required, radiation is performed in a folded and unfolded state. This method of diagnosis has become widespread in the CIS countries and requires the least amount of money. However, it does not allow identifying the pathology at an early stage of development. Furthermore, X-rays are types of harmful radiation.
• CT scan.Unlike x-rays, it allows you to obtain images of the best quality. The process is performed using a tomograph and takes about 10 minutes. As a result, it is possible to study in detail not only the condition of bone tissue, but also changes in blood vessels and nerves. The method is not suitable for pregnant and breastfeeding women. It should be noted that, despite the possibility of obtaining more detailed information, the patient experiences 5 times more radiation than the x-ray. It is advisable to carry out this examination no more than once a year.
• Magnetic resonance imaging.It 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 remain in the room for approximately 30 minutes. For people of a certain mental structure, the procedure can be an ordeal. Furthermore, MRI is contraindicated in patients with pacemakers or metal parts in the body, as well as in women in early pregnancy. However, this diagnostic method has numerous advantages, the main of which is 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 condition of the nerve endings and blood vessels. Unlike previous diagnostic methods, MRI can detect any unfavorable changes in the spine in the early stage of lumbar osteochondrosis.
• Blood and urine tests.These procedures should not be completely called diagnostic. They are necessary as an additional examination, which is carried out to exclude or confirm rheumatological pathologies.

Treatment

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, the symptoms of which vary in degreedevelopment of the disease described above, suggests the following therapeutic 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.

Pharmacological treatment

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

• painkillers;
• muscle relaxants;
• chondroprotectors;
• vitamins.

Drugs that perform an analgesic function can be divided into two components: hormonal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They are equally capable of eliminating not only pain, but also reducing inflammation.

However, the first group of drugs is used in exceptional cases. After all, they can lead to an imbalance of the endocrine system and reduce immunity. Therefore hormonal drugs can 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 use or intramuscular administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

However, it is not recommended to use it for more than 3 days. Otherwise, a side effect may occur. After that, 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 relaxants 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 through the spine.

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

Taking chondroprotectors causes the restoration of cartilaginous tissue.

However, there is a theory that chondroprotectors are unable to restore intervertebral discs, because they consist of fibrous tissue. In this case, the drug acts exclusively on the cartilaginous tissue.

B vitamins are necessary for the maintenance of nerve fibers.

Physiotherapy

All procedures related to physiotherapy affect the local area of \u200b\u200bpathology, while nearby tissues and organs remain unchanged.

This includes the following methods of treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis:

• Electrophoresis with anesthetic.Special drugs are injected into the patient's lower back. The entire process is stimulated by electric current.
• Ultrasound.The purpose of this treatment method is micromassage of the tissues. The procedure helps relieve inflammation and also relieves pain. Blood circulation improves and the 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 allows you to use them at home.
• Vibration effect.The devices create certain vibrations in the desired area of the body.
• Detensor therapy.The procedure is performed 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 fundamental principle is the immediate cessation of actions when pain occurs. 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 to your side with your arms extended forward. Pull your upper leg back. Then turn to the other side and repeat the steps in mirror fashion.
3. Lying on your stomach, simultaneously pull your legs and arms back.
4. Get up on all fours. Take turns pulling back one hand at a time.
5. In the same position, he raises his right arm and leg. Then repeat the same 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 lower back;
• massage movements can only affect the soft tissues and not the spine;
• Before the procedure, patients are advised to go to the toilet.

Massage algorithm:

1. Make shots 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 masseur exerts on the patient's back.
3. Gently pull and then squeeze the muscle tissue.
4. Create vibration using your hands or a special preparation.
5. Complete the procedure with a light touch.

Folk remedies

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

Homemade pain relief ointment

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

After that, the ointment should rest a little and can be rubbed into the lower back. If desired, the composition can be supplemented with chamomile. It has calming properties and can relieve inflammation.

Honey and potato compress

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

Ginger pain relief ointment

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

Alcoholic lilac tincture

Pour a handful of lilac flowers into a one-liter glass jar. Then fill the container to the neck with vodka, alcohol or moonshine. The jar should be closed tightly 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 massage your back with the resulting product. However, the dosage should be minimal. If after use the product is stored as during the infusion, 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 to relax the soft tissues, the spasm is relieved and the pain goes away for a while.

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

You can increase efficiency with the help of herbal baths, among which the following should be highlighted:

• Conifers.It is best to use the needles of 3 trees: pine, fir and cedar. You can also add cones. About 5 handfuls of the collected material should be boiled for about 15 minutes. Then, without opening the lid, leave for 2 hours, then filter the broth and pour it into the tub.
• 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 can not boil the decoction. When the peak temperature is reached, the heating should be turned off. Without opening the lid, leave to infuse for another 3 hours, after which you can use the composition. 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. Then the broth must be passed through a filter. In this case it is not necessary to wait until the composition has completely cooled, you can immediately pour it into the bath. This procedure brings with it an additional aromatherapeutic effect, which helps relieve stress and relieve insomnia.

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

Surgery

Despite the fact that the disease can be effectively treated with conservative treatment, in some cases the patient is advised to undergo surgery. It is important to note that it must be done in a timely manner. After all, sometimes it happens that a person becomes disabled just because he did not consult a doctor in time about complications.

The following indications are necessary for surgery:

• prolonged pain of two months, which is 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 disc. 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 is aimed at removing the joint. It is performed under general anesthesia.
• Laminectomy.This surgery is performed to remove part of the spine. At the same time, the remaining parts are repaired.

What to do during a flare-up

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

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

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

Complications

Lack of treatment for lumbar osteochondrosis can lead to changes in the normal position of the disc. A hernia forms between the fifth vertebra and the sacrum. In addition, this pathology disrupts blood circulation in the pelvis. In men, this leads to erectile dysfunction and possibly impotence.

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

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