By connecting the fixed, thoracic and sacral sections of the spine, the lumbar part 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 greatly complicate existence, leading to a decrease in working capacity and even disability.
Causes
All over the world, this disease is becoming more and more widespread. 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 often 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.
- Work associated with regular physical overload is a negative factor that can cause spinal problems.
- With poor posture, aggravated by hypodynamics, 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 prone to warp with age. However, today this disease can be observed in the thirties. The impetus for the development of osteochondrosis are errors in the independent performance of complex physical exercises.
- If there are pathologies of the joints, severe hypothermia and severe tension when lifting a heavy load can cause pain.
- Excess weight puts additional stress on all joints in the spine.
- Often the onset of the disease is associated with pathologies of some internal organs: liver, kidneys and others.
Symptoms
Next, consider the signs of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine.
- The first and main symptom of the disease is pain, initially periodic, which occurs in the lumbar region during intense exertion. At first it passes after rest, but then becomes permanent, covering 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, spasm of the arteries can occur. The fact that the vertebra is no longer fixed by the disc is fraught with serious damage to internal organs.
- Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis in women are complemented by inflammation of the ovaries, appendages and uterus. This circumstance can mask the main signs and lead to an error in the diagnosis.
- Due to severe pain, a person has to be in an unnatural position most of the time, as a result of which the spine is shifted to one side. A curve appears in the posture and a tension in the gait.
- The spine loses mobility and flexibility. The effect of low back pain is observed when, after prolonged work in a bent state, it is difficult for the patient to straighten up.
- Compression of the nerve root in the vertebra is accompanied by acute pain and can have consequences in the form of reduced mobility.
- Lumbar spine osteochondrosis is also characterized by symptoms of ischemic syndrome, that is, a group of signs associated with a decrease in blood flow in compressed vessels. At first, spasm of the arteries occurs episodically, accompanied by pain when walking. After the rest they pass. However, over time, the spasm is prolonged, the pelvic organs cease to receive nutrition, which disrupts their work. Disruption of blood flow can lead to paralysis.
- The disease can cause pain in the coccyx. Signs of sacral osteochondrosis differ in a certain originality, so it is more difficult to diagnose. Despite severe and even explosive pains, they are administered into the surrounding tissues, so 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, a progressive disease can lead to serious complications.
- The result of the rupture of the fibrous ring will be pinching of the nerve endings by the protruding nucleus pulposus - an intervertebral hernia will occur.
- Prolonged inflammatory processes in the spine can cause sciatica, a disease of the spinal nerve roots.
- A very serious complication is inflammation of the sciatic nerve, characterized not only by severe pain, but also by numbness in the limbs.
- Impaired blood flow in the spinal cord can cause compression myelopathy.
- Ponytail syndrome is one of the most serious consequences of osteochondrosis. A bundle of nerve endings extending from a vertebra to the end of the spinal cord is responsible for transmitting impulses from the body, allowing the brain to control the body's work. Their acute inflammation can cause dysfunction of the genitourinary system and partial or complete paralysis of the limbs.
Treatment
Lumbar spine osteochondrosis, its symptoms and treatment depend on where the nerve ending has been blocked, where pain and loss of sensation are felt. If the therapy is started on time, it will be quite successful, but, in any case, it will require an integrated approach.
Medicines 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 its correct position, restoring normal blood flow within 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 elimination of intense pain, is selected separately for each patient and depends on:
- stage of the disease,
- causes of lumbar osteochondrosis,
- the patient's age,
- pain localization sites,
- and other factors.
The main goal of therapeutic exercises is to create a reliable muscular corset that helps reduce the load on the intervertebral discs. In the initial period, several exercises with a small load are offered. Increase gradually. 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, there is no increase in pain. 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 limbs.
In the initial stage, all exercises are performed very slowly and carefully. Gradually, as the amplitude of movements increases, new ones are added. After the pain has stopped and the patient's condition has improved, the complex is supplemented with exercises that are performed standing on all fours, then sitting on a chair, then standing.
If the disease is in a chronic form, then, depending on the patient's well-being, he can practice 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 in the context of complex measures used to treat lumbar osteochondrosis and its symptoms. The course includes several procedures that can eliminate the cause of pain and numbness in the limbs, relieve tension in muscle fibers, restore blood circulation and joint mobility. When using this technique, it is possible to achieve a quick and positive effect, comparable to the results of therapeutic exercises. However, it has some contraindications that should be considered when including it in complex treatment.
An excellent tool in the fight against a serious disease is massage. After several sessions, the patient feels better, muscle stiffness disappears and joint mobility is restored. 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 different nature;
- third degree hypertension;
- moles in the massage area;
- arrhythmia and other pathologies of the heart;
- blood diseases;
- diseases of women and some others.
A traditional type of massage is usually prescribed. The first procedures may be accompanied by a slight pain, which will soon stop.
Intense pain during the session is unacceptable. To improve blood flow to the affected area, you can use vacuum massage using cans.
A doctor will help you to defeat osteochondrosis and lower back symptoms and to choose the most effective treatment. Most likely, the massage will be included in the list of recommendations.
Physiotherapy
The complex of therapeutic measures includes physiotherapeutic methods. They allow to act locally on the affected area and eliminate unpleasant symptoms. The following types of physiotherapy have been widely used:
- exposure to an electric or electromagnetic field allows you to increase blood flow and metabolic processes in 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 in the prevention of diseases of the spine, due to the mild and effective healing effect of the mineral springs and therapeutic muds.
This method also has some contraindications, which should be taken into account when prescribing such procedures.
There are many widely used folk recipes for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, as proven as effective remedies. They can be a good addition to the main treatment after consulting a specialist. Ointments and compresses, herbal decoctions can be used to rub or swallow. Self-prepared products can cause allergic reactions. Poisonous plants can also be prescribed in recipes, so you need to follow the exact dosage of such substances, check the body's reaction to their use and consult a doctor.
Prevention
Measures that can prevent this serious disease should be comprehensive and include, above all, physical activity. They can be long walks at a calm 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 considerable attention should be paid to foods that are high in fiber. 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 adequate sleep on a flat and rigid base. Useful orthopedic mattresses that maintain the natural position of the spine.
The first signs of lumbar osteochondrosis require immediate medical attention and therefore there is the possibility of effective treatment and restoration of spinal function.