The lumbar spine is quite mobile and at the same time experiences heavy loads, regardless of the person's lifestyle and the work they do. Therefore, osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is one of the most common cases of this disease. It affects both men and women, most often after the age of 25-30, but recently the disease has become much younger. Osteochondrosis of the lumbar region, without treatment, constantly progresses and can ultimately lead to disability.
Causes
Osteochondrosis is a degenerative disease, due to which the intervertebral discs begin to collapse, there is a change in the distance between the vertebrae and the discs, the vertebrae move relative to each other, followed by irritation or compression of the spinal cord, nerve. endings and blood vessels that run along the spine.
The reasons that lead to the development of osteochondrosis, as a rule, are the result of excessive load on the spinal column: lifting heavy loads, excess weight, back injuries, sedentary lifestyle. The situation is significantly worsened by diseases that lead to metabolic disorders, lack of sleep, stress and poor nutrition.
Symptoms
A common symptom of lumbar osteochondrosis is pain in the lower back. They can occur during physical activity, at rest, when changing posture, etc. Painful sensations can radiate, that is, spread further from the place where the nerve is pinched, for example, radiate into the leg.
As the deformation of the vertebrae worsens, it becomes painful to perform even very simple movements: bending, turning, etc. , which significantly worsens the quality of life. Symptoms of genitourinary disorders, including involuntary urination, may also occur.
Complications
Without timely and adequate treatment, progressive deformations of the intervertebral discs can lead to serious complications: the spine loses its flexibility, and due to pain it becomes impossible to perform simple actions such as bending and turning. In the long-term course of the disease, due to the pinching of the nerves by bony growths, complications that extend to the genitourinary part and inflammation of the sciatic nerve are possible. Pain can occur even with coughing or less physical activity.
Treatment
Medicines for osteochondrosis, as a rule, bring only temporary relief, alleviating the pain. Some of them heat the muscles, locally increasing the superficial blood circulation, but this is obviously not enough for the complete restoration of the cartilage tissue. Especially if there is pinching of nerves and blood vessels. Therefore, the symptoms of the disease usually recur quickly.
Due to the development of the disease, not only the spine suffers, but also muscles, blood vessels, and even internal organs. The osteopath's work is not aimed at treating the external symptoms of the disease, but at identifying and eliminating the underlying cause of its occurrence.
Osteopathic treatment has no contraindications for the treatment of osteochondrosis and is comfortable and safe for patients of any age. In 90% of cases, it helps to avoid surgical treatment, and besides, it is equally effective at any stage of the disease. Especially with problems with internal organs, which are the result of pinching the spinal cord and its roots. In addition, osteopathic treatment is necessarily indicated for patients with herniated discs and protrusions. It is completely safe and extremely effective. According to our observations, this is probably the most effective method of treatment.
Lumbar pain, numbness that spreads to the legs, the feeling that the legs literally fall off, the inability to bend, turn and walk - these are common symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
Lumbar osteochondrosis is a "disease of civilization" that is directly related to the human upright posture. The disease causes stiffness of movements and back pain. These symptoms prevent you from leading an active lifestyle and can cause more serious diseases, including internal organs. In osteochondrosis of the lumbar region, any sudden movement or heavy lifting can cause severe lower back pain.
No two patients are the same. Everyone is unique. In our practice, we encountered diagnoses where the list of diseases looked like a quote from a medical encyclopedia. For example, patient Anastasia, 69 years old: coronary heart disease, angina pectoris, stage II hypertension, chronic cholecystitis, left kidney cyst, endometrial hyperplastic process. And finally, osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, polyosteoarthrosis, osteoporosis. How can we help such a patient? With so many serious neglected diseases? And what does lumbar osteochondrosis have to do with it?
The meaning of the treatment, as seen by the doctors of our centers, is to restore the speed and volume of blood flow through the systemic circulation by performing consecutive exercises of the first, second and third floor of the body: that is, aimed at the legs, abs and back.
In the absence of normal blood circulation in the lumbar spine, as well as in the spinal column, oxygen starvation occurs, which affects the normal functioning of the entire organism, with a focus on the internal organs of the pelvis. Hence a whole bunch of diseases from the internal organs to the cardiovascular system.
As a rule, when examining patients with lumbar osteochondrosis, we identify excessive tension in the paravertebral muscles of the thoracic and spinal areas, lack of elasticity in the muscles of the thighs and lower extremities in general - that is, muscle rigidity - they are difficult.
Most patients cannot reach the tips of their toes with their hands, and often even reach their knees. The muscles are so weakened that they cannot handle their own body weight well, let alone perform simple household chores.
Every day, the lumbar part of the spine, as the most loaded part, is exposed to numerous static and dynamic loads, so it is rightly considered one of the most vulnerable. Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, the symptoms and treatment of which are discussed in this article, is a real "plague" for patients after 35 years.
Lumbar osteochondrosisis a pathology characterized by the development of dystrophic disorders in the intervertebral discs of the lumbosacral spine. Discs provide flexibility and mobility of the spine, however, due to the influence of a number of factors, their structure is disturbed, they lose firmness, elasticity, turgor, which can lead to protrusion, and consequently - herniation of the vertebrae, as well as pinching of nerve endings and roots.
In the clinic, you can undergo a course of treatment for lumbar osteochondrosis. Timely seeking professional medical help is an opportunity to stop destructive processes and restore health to your spine.
Causes
Lumbar osteochondrosis can occur due to a number of factors:
- spinal injuries; ;
- static and dynamic overloads of the spine;
- improper distribution of load on the spine;
- mobility of vertebrae;
- intense physical activity;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- age changes.
Clinical manifestations
Clinical manifestations of lumbar osteochondrosis in the initial stage are not clearly expressed in the form of limited mobility and stiffness. However, as the disease develops, pain symptoms appear, localized in the lumbar and back. The pain spreads to the sacrum, legs and (sometimes) to the pelvic organs. The pain increases when turning and bending and often becomes unbearable. In addition, the following symptoms are observed:
- limited movement;
- curvature, "obliqueness", scoliosis in the lumbar spine;
- muscle spasms;
- lameness in one or both legs;
- feeling of weakness, disturbed sensitivity of the skin of the legs, reduced reflexes - with compression of nerve endings.
Diagnostics
Before prescribing treatment for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, experts conduct comprehensive diagnostic studies that enable them to make a correct diagnosis, determine the degree of development of the pathology and its consequences for the spine and the patient's body as a whole. They include:
Osteochondrosis– one of the most common diseases of the 21st century.
A sedentary lifestyle, sedentary work, poor nutrition, constant stress - all these factors eventually lead to wear and tear of the intervertebral cartilage.
Cartilage loses its elasticity, becomes fragile, and the disease progresses, significantly worsening the quality of life.
Patients with osteochondrosis have problems of varying complexity: from pain to dysfunction of internal organs.
The reasons for the development of osteochondrosis are also:
- Age-related changes
- Spinal injuries
- Postural disorders
- Rachiocampsis
- Flat feet
- Hereditary predisposition
- Excessive exercise
Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis are, in particular, pain in the back or lower back, aggravated by sudden movements and changes in body position, radiating to the buttocks and legs, front abdominal wall, groin, accompanied by burning, tingling, numbness, and the appearance of "goosebumps".
In addition, with lumbar osteochondrosis, there is a decrease in the sensitivity of the skin on the thighs, buttocks and legs, and less often in the feet. There is an increased chill in the legs, a feeling of weakness in the legs, as well as curvature of the lumbar spine.
You must know that in most cases, the cause of complaints about pain in the lower back is osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine.
Patients with osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine require timely and adequate treatment. Otherwise, the destruction of cartilage, ligaments and vertebrae will progress, which can lead to dysfunction of internal organs and disability.
Modern restorative medicine can greatly improve the condition of patients with lumbar osteochondrosis. Significant improvement can be achieved using a combination of methods, including physical therapy, acupuncture, medication, therapeutic massage and more according to individual prescriptions.
Lumbar osteochondrosis- a very common form of osteochondrosis. It occurs in both men and women. And the patients themselves often misdiagnose it as a "clamped lumbar nerve", because the pain that occurs in lumbar osteochondrosis is concentrated in the sacral region.
In general, pain is the main symptom of this disease. It comes in different intensities. Some people suffer from pain that occurs after sitting or sleeping for a long time, others suffer from "shooting" and sharp pains. In this case, the pain occurs when the patient takes an uncomfortable position. Due to the severe pain, the person cannot stand up.
Pain in the sacral areathey are caused by pinched nerve endings, muscle swelling and pinched nerve roots. The pain can also start due to irritation of the lumbar ligaments.
Lower back painit intensifies with almost every movement of the body, primarily when bending forward. Even a simple sneeze or cough leads to increased pain.
However, lumbar osteochondrosis has other symptoms. First of all, these are disorders of the sensitivity of the skin, muscles of the legs and the lower half of the body. In some patients, there is a weakening of the tendon reflexes in the legs, and in particularly severe cases, their complete disappearance. Osteochondrosis is a factor in the development of scoliosis of the lumbar spine, primarily in children and the elderly.
Lumbar osteochondrosis also has the following clinical symptoms:
Symptom of lumbar osteochondrosisand at the same time, its most unpleasant complication is the instability of the vertebrae. The disc stops fixing the vertebra. As a result, when under load, the lumbar spine practically "slides" out of the sacrum, which leads to severe, excruciating pain. Moreover, with this pathology, the functioning of the internal organs is disturbed. First of all, this refers to the genitourinary system. Lumbar osteochondrosis affects men's potency, and causes gynecological problems in women.
Unfortunately, modern medicine has not yet invented a drug that would quickly and easily solve this problem. Treatment of osteochondrosis is very complex and long-term. It must be comprehensive, only then can good results be achieved.
Lumbar osteochondrosis treatment measures include:
In particularly severe cases, surgical intervention can be performed.
INtreatment of osteochondrosisThe sanatorium-resort is very efficient.
In case of exacerbation of osteochondrosis, the patient is prescribed bed rest. In addition, the patient must lie on a hard mattress.
In case of severe attacks, the patient must move as little as possible and seek help from a specialist. A neurologist is involved in the diagnosis and treatment of osteochondrosis.
If any of the above symptoms are detected, you should consult a neurologist
You can make an appointment by calling 8 (928) 337-60-60.
Osteochondrosis of the lower back
Of all diseases of the peripheral nervous system, osteochondrosis of the spinal column accounts for 80%, of which 60-80% affects the lumbar region, which consists of 5 vertebrae. In 40% of people, the first signs of the disease appear at the age of 30-35. In old age, osteochondrosis of the spine is diagnosed in 90% of people. Painful sensations are experienced by 7 out of 10 people, and the exacerbation can last from 6 to 16 months.
Stages of development
1. - the beginning of degenerative disorders that affect the nerve endings and disrupt the blood supply. The inflammatory process causes pain that radiates to the legs. The patient experiences occasional tingling in the back and buttocks. Appears after heavy physical exertion.
2. – the outer shell of the intervertebral disc (fibrous ring) is destroyed. The space between the vertebrae is reduced, the nerve endings are compressed, which causes severe, acute pain. Symptoms are especially pronounced while walking.
3. - due to excessive mobility of the vertebrae, muscle fibers and nerve endings are compressed. Spasms, numbness, burning pain, hernias occur - displacement of the intervertebral disc into the spinal cord.
4. – the growth of pathological exostoses on the bone structure. The spine literally "turns to stone". Progressive arthrosis and lack of treatment immobilize the patient.
Reasons for development
The disease develops slowly, due to the combination of a number of circumstances, that is, the development of the disease depends on the influence of not one, but several factors:
Sedentary lifestyle (physical inactivity), sedentary work, low level of physical activity. At first glance, they are not dangerous. However, with prolonged exposure, muscle tone, the so-called "muscle corset", is weakened. It supports the spine and internal organs. Thus, physical inactivity causes disruption of the functioning of numerous systems - blood circulation, breathing, digestion.
Excessive weight. With a BMI (Quetelet's body mass index) above 25 kg/m2, excess weight creates additional stress for the body: it puts pressure on the spine, overloads the joints and disrupts the blood supply.
Endocrine pathological processes. Hormonal imbalance, disorders in the functioning of the adrenal gland and thyroid gland "slow down" the body's metabolism. Frequent hormonal changes "wash out" calcium from the bone tissue, making it weak and fragile.
Unbalanced diet. Popular and affordable fast food fully meets the body's energy needs, while from the point of view of saturating the body with the necessary vitamins and microelements, it is absolutely useless.
In men whose profession involves significant physical activity, lumbar osteochondrosis occurs many times more often.
Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
Pain is the main marker of the onset of the disease and its localization. Based on the nature of the occurrence, frequency and duration, a preliminary diagnosis can be made. Most often, patients with lumbar osteochondrosis have excruciating pain that spreads to the leg, groin area and coccyx. In a horizontal position, the discomfort disappears.
Spinal nerves run from the trunk of the spine to different parts of the body. Each nerve is responsible for a specific area. This is called "segmental innervation". For this reason, the affected nerve "reacts" in a certain area: this is how the "radicular syndrome" manifests itself.
The spinal nerve map allows you to identify pain with a specific area of the spine: C1-C8 - 8 cervical, T1-T12 - 12 thoracic, L1-L5 - 5 lumbar, S1-S5 - 5 sacral, C0 - 2 coccygeal. Signs of osteochondrosis depending on segmental innervation:
L3-L4 – weak knee reflex, partial stiffness, episodic loss of sensation are observed along the front surface of the thigh;
L4-L5 – muscle weakness, the patient is unable to fix the body while standing on the heels, pain and sensory disturbances spread to the area from the lower back to the buttocks, as well as along the entire lateral surface of the thighs (from top to bottom).
L5–S1 – calf muscle tremors, inability to stand on tiptoes, pain in the back of the thigh.
In rare cases, the radicular arteries are also involved in the destructive process, causing spinal stroke - a dangerous pathology in which the patient experiences paresis and paralysis, as well as pelvic organ dysfunction.
Pain reflex symptoms
Lumbago or lumbago (not sciatica in this case! ) – acute pain. Any unpleasant movement, even sneezing and coughing, causes a spasm. The patient spontaneously changes the position of the body, moving it to the side. Attempting to assume a vertical position causes new lumbago.
Lumbodynia is a dull and aching pain that occurs on one side. Periods of remission are followed by exacerbation, which gradually develops into severe pain.
Lumboischialgia - painful sensations appear in the leg.
Secondary signs of the disease are not so typical and can easily be confused with symptoms of another problem: disturbed sweating (hypohidrosis), paleness of the skin of the affected area due to poor circulation, severe dryness and flaking.
Diagnostics
In the initial phase, the patient's complete medical history is collected. The overall picture should be supplemented with the conclusions of surgeons, orthopedists, neurologists and rheumatologists. Specialists undergo a visual examination of the patient to assess changes in posture, muscle tone and skin sensitivity.
X-ray is done for the primary diagnosis of lumbar osteochondrosis of the 1st degree, it is used to examine the condition of the intervertebral discs, pathologies of the spinal cord, as well as to assess the general condition of the spine. However, this type of diagnosis does not provide complete information about the affected tissues.
Computed tomography (CT) is a highly sensitive examination using a beam of ionizing rays. The CT scanner records the degree of disc deformation, inflammatory processes in the membrane of the spinal cord and nerve endings in a layer by layer image.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) informatively shows the general condition of muscle mass, blood vessels and ligaments. It detects tumors and inflammatory processes.
Myelography is one of the ways to visually assess the condition of the spinal cord and nerve roots by injecting a contrast medium with a needle into the cavity between the pia mater and the spinal arachnoid, filled with cerebrospinal fluid. Similar to CT, MTP and X-ray, the procedure is performed in real time.
Neurological examination of sensitivity and reflexes for pathologies is a complex of studies that includes a screening method for the study of limb symmetry, examination of sensitivity to vibrations and evaluation of the Babinski, Chaddock and Oppenheimer reflexes.
Treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis
The effectiveness of conservative treatment is achieved by combining drugs from different groups, massage and manual therapy. However, in stage 3, lumbar osteochondrosis can no longer be cured by conservative methods, surgical intervention is required. One of the methods of osteochondrosis surgery is microdiscectomy. This is a neurosurgical operation to remove the hernia without damaging the nerve structures. It is performed under general anesthesia. The patient can walk already on the third day.
Drug therapy (for stages 1-2)
- Analgesics for pain relief: local (ointments, gels), oral (tablets, suspensions), intramuscular (solutions for injections).
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to prevent the development of the inflammatory process. Reduces temperature, removes swelling. Gels and tablets are most often used, in more severe cases (inflammation of the sciatic nerve) - injections. The course lasts 7-14 days.
- Muscle relaxants. It is prescribed in the acute period for muscle spasms, as well as during the remission period to consolidate the effect.
- Chondroprotectors. They block destructive processes in intervertebral discs, promote regeneration, improve metabolism in cartilage tissues.
- Vitamin complexes of group B. They improve nerve conduction.
- Diuretics. Reduces swelling.
As an emergency aid during an exacerbation, powerful injections are used - paravertebral blockade, which causes a temporary loss of sensitivity.
Prevention
- An active lifestyle combined with moderate physical activity;
- Selection of comfortable or, if indicated, orthopedic shoes;
- Body weight control;
- Sleep only on an orthopedic mattress and pillow;
- Office furniture with straight backs only;
- Rejection of heavy loads on the back and spine. When carrying heavy objects, the load should be evenly distributed on both hands.