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

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

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

Causes of the development of lumbar osteochondrosis.

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

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

• old back injuries;
• overweight;
• lack of sufficient physical activity, sedentary work;
• alterations 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.

Disease of the musculoskeletal system has two forms:

• sharp;
• remission period.

Depending on the degree of damage to the vertebrae and discs, 4 stages of pathology are distinguished:

• first.Symptoms are mild, periodic pain (when lifting weights or sharp bends, twists), the initial stage of deformation of the intervertebral discs;
• second.The annulus fibrosus is destroyed, the vertebrae are pressed against each other, and the pain syndrome increases when the nerve roots are pinched.The patient adopts an unnatural position in an attempt to relieve the pain.The outbreaks radiate to the groin, legs and upper thigh.Lumbago occurs suddenly, the pain is unbearable;
• third.The fibrous rings are completely destroyed, the vertebrae are in constant contact, and an intervertebral hernia is formed.The pain is almost constant, it intensifies with movement.Chondroprotectors are ineffective (cartilage tissue is almost destroyed): the use of NSAIDs and analgesics is required;
• four.The spine is damaged, the patient has difficulty moving.The growth of bone structures increases, the pain weakens slightly, but mobility is limited when performing any action.The result is the patient's disability.

Possible complications

The lack of therapy for osteochondrosis in the lumbar spine provokes the progression of the pathology.As negative changes increase, compression of the intervertebral discs increases, cartilaginous tissue is destroyed, and 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 intensified by bending, lifting, or hypothermia.

Other complications:

• Compression of the Adamkiewicz artery.Causes: back injuries, falls, lifting heavy objects, sudden movements.A dangerous condition causes paralysis of the legs, incontinence of feces and urine.Damage to a large vessel that supplies the spinal cord and roots quickly turns a healthy person into a patient with limited abilities.A clear sign of pathology is bedsores;
• compression myelopathy.The formation of a herniated disc causes compression and narrowing of the spinal canal.The consequence is unbearable pain, which is practically unaffected by powerful analgesics.Other negative signs: problems with the functioning of organs located in the pelvis, decreased innervation and muscle strength of the lower extremities.

Clinical picture

The main sign of damage to the spine is a painful pain in the lower back, which radiates to the leg.Unpleasant sensations appear after carrying loads, during sharp turns or bends.Sometimes pain occurs even without physical activity.Important point– The change in body position increases discomfort.

Damage to various parts of the spine forces you to find a position in which discomfort is minimal.This sign helps diagnose the pathology.

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

Signs of acute form:

• acute pain appears not only during intense physical exertion, but also during normal changes in body position;
• Only the search for the most acceptable body position temporarily relieves the painful symptom.

Symptoms during remission:

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

Diagnosis

If the development of lumbar osteochondrosis is suspected, the patient visits an orthopedist-traumatologist.The doctor gives you a referral for a spinal X-ray, MRI, and CT scan.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 must tune in to actively participate in the therapeutic process: it is important to get rid of extra pounds, stop lifting weights and quit smoking.A moderate amount of movement, the use of medications, attending physical procedures and performing therapeutic massages are mandatory to relieve pain and reduce the risk of progression of degenerative changes in the spine.

Important details:

• Spinal traction and manual therapy are specific methods for treating lumbar osteochondrosis.Procedures are performed by a qualified doctor: incorrect application of techniques in the absence of knowledge and experience often causes harm and often leads to patient disability;
• Another important element of treatment is diet.Jellied meats, gelatin dishes, fish, meat broths, fruits, turkey, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, and herbs are healthy.Do not eat acidic and spicy foods, or drink alcohol or carbonated drinks.Be sure to drink up to two liters of fluid a day.

Drug therapy

Complex treatment required:

• chondroprotectors.The compositions restore the quality of cartilage tissue, stop the destruction of discs, replenish the deficiency of microelements and increase the elasticity of tissues.An important point is that all chondroprotectors are taken for a long period, at least six months.Glucosamine, hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate accumulate in cartilage tissue and restore the structure of damaged 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.NSAID drugs are an essential element in the treatment of spinal osteochondrosis.The compositions stop inflammation and reduce pain.The greatest effect is provided by medications 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 eating.To protect the stomach tissue, a special drug with an enveloping effect is prescribed;
• vitamin and mineral complexes, healthy dietary 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.

Popular remedies and recipes.

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

Proven folk remedies:

• lingonberry leaf tea;
• ointment made from rendered pork fat, ground marshmallow root, and beeswax;
• Collection with anti-inflammatory effect.Ingredients: knotweed, strawberry leaves, horsetail, barberry, agrimony;
• a compress for the sore area made of grated raw potatoes and fine honey;
• ointment made from hop cones and extracted lard.

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

therapeutic gymnastics

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

The patient performs gymnastics for lumbar osteochondrosis in a rehabilitation center, in a hospital or in a hydropathic clinic.High power loads, jumping, running, sharp turns and deep curves are prohibited.After the patient has mastered the exercise technique, the doctor allows him to perform a complex of exercise therapy at home.

Physiotherapeutic 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 regimen.

Effective physiotherapy for lumbar osteochondrosis:

• electrophoresis with analgesic and anti-inflammatory compounds;
• thermal procedures during remission;
• darsonval (use of alternating current);
• magnetic therapy;
• beneficial effects of ultrasonic waves;
• therapeutic massage;
• acupuncture to reduce pain.

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