The lumbar spine is quite mobile and at the same time experiences heavy loads, regardless of a person's lifestyle and the work he performs. Therefore, osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is one of the most common cases of this disease. It affects both men and women, more often after 25-30 years, but recently the disease has become significantly younger. Osteochondrosis of the lumbar region, without treatment, progresses steadily and can eventually lead to disability.
Causes
Osteochondrosis is a degenerative disease, as a result of which the intervertebral discs begin to collapse, there is a change in the distance between the vertebrae and the discs, displacement of the vertebrae in relation to each other, followed by irritation or compression of the spinal cord, nerves. the 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 spine: lifting weights, 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 back pain. They can occur during physical activity, at rest, during a change in posture, etc. Pain sensations can radiate, that is, spread further than the place where the nerve is pressed, for example, radiate to the leg.
As the deformity 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. With a long course of the disease, due to compression of the nerves by bone growths, complications extending to the genitourinary area and inflammation of the sciatic nerve are possible. The pain can also appear with coughing or little physical activity.
Treatment
Medicines for osteochondrosis, as a rule, bring only temporary relief, relieving pain. Some of them warm the muscles, locally increasing the superficial blood circulation, but clearly this is not enough for the complete restoration of the cartilage tissue. Especially if there is compression 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 work of an osteopathic doctor is not focused on treating the external symptoms of the disease, but on identifying and eliminating the root 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, moreover, it is equally effective at any stage of the disease. Especially with problems with the internal organs, which are a consequence of the compression of 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.
Pain in the lower back, numbness spreading to the legs, a feeling that the legs are literally falling off, the inability to bend, turn and walk normally - these are the usual symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
Lumbar osteochondrosis is a "disease of civilization" that is directly related to the right attitude of man. The disease causes stiffness of movement and back pain. These symptoms prevent you from leading an active lifestyle and can cause more serious diseases, including internal organs. With osteochondrosis of the lumbar region, any sudden movement or weight lifting can cause severe pain in the lower back.
No two patients are alike. Everyone is unique. In our practice, we have 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 diseases neglected? 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 circulation through the systemic circulation by performing successive exercises of the first, second and third floors of the body: that is, targeting the legs, abdomenand the back.
In the absence of normal blood circulation in the lumbar spine, as well as in the spine, oxygen starvation occurs, which affects the normal functioning of the entire body, with a focus on the internal organs of the small pelvis. Hence a whole group of diseases from the internal organs to the cardiovascular system.
As a rule, during the examination of patients with lumbar osteochondrosis, we identify excessive tension in the paravertebral muscles of the chest and back regions, lack of elasticity in the muscles of the thigh and lower extremities in general - that is, muscle stiffness - they are difficult.
Most patients are unable to reach the tips of their toes with their hands, often even reaching their knees. The muscles are so weakened that they cannot support their body weight well, let alone perform simple household chores.
Every day, the lumbar spine, as the most loaded part, is subjected to a series of 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 "wound" of patients after the age of 35.
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, as a result of the influence of a number of factors, their structure breaks down, they lose their stability, elasticity, turgor, which can lead to the appearance of protrusion, and then - avertebral hernia, as well as compression of nerve endings and roots.
You can undergo a course of treatment for lumbar osteochondrosis in the clinic. Seeking professional medical help in time is an opportunity to stop destructive processes and restore health to the spine.
Causes
Lumbar osteochondrosis can appear due to a number of factors:
- spinal cord injuries;
- static and dynamic overloads of the spine;
- improper distribution of the load on the back;
- vertebral mobility;
- intense physical activity;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- age-related 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, with the development of the disease, symptoms of pain appear, localized in the waist and back area. The pain radiates to the sacrum, legs and (sometimes) to the pelvic organs. The pain intensifies during twisting and bending and often becomes unbearable. In addition, the following symptoms are observed:
- limited movement;
- curvature, "anje", scoliosis in the lumbar spine;
- muscle spasm;
- lameness in one or both legs;
- a feeling of weakness, impaired sensitivity of the skin of the feet, decreased reflexes - with compression of nerve endings.
Diagnosing
Before prescribing treatment for osteochondrosis of the spine, specialists conduct comprehensive diagnostic studies that allow them to correctly make a diagnosis, determine the rate of development of the pathology and its consequences for both 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 diet, constant stress - all these factors eventually lead to wear and tear of the intervertebral cartilage.
Cartilage loses elasticity, becomes fragile and the disease progresses, significantly worsening the quality of life.
Patients with osteochondrosis experience problems of varying complexity: from pain to disruption of internal organs.
The reasons for the development of osteochondrosis are also:
- Age-related changes
- Spinal cord 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, the front abdominal wall, the hip area, accompanied by burning, tingling, numbness. and the appearance of "lumps".
In addition, with lumbar osteochondrosis, there is a decrease in skin sensitivity in the thighs, buttocks and legs, and less often in the legs. There is increased coldness in the legs, a feeling of weakness in the legs, as well as curvature of the lumbar spine.
You should know that in most cases the cause of complaints of pain in the lower back is precisely 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 internal organ dysfunction and disability.
Modern restorative medicine can greatly improve the condition of patients with lumbar osteochondrosis. Visible improvement can be achieved using a number of methods, including physical therapy, acupuncture, taking medications, therapeutic massage and much more according to individual prescriptions.
Lumbar osteochondrosis- a very common form of osteochondrosis. It occurs in both men and women. Patients themselves often mistakenly "diagnose" it as a "pressed lumbar nerve", since the pain that occurs with 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 aching pains that occur after sitting or sleeping for a long time, others suffer from "shooting" and sharp pains. In this case, the pain appears when the patient takes an uncomfortable position. Due to severe pain, a person cannot walk.
Pain in the sacral areaoccur due to pinched nerve endings, muscle swelling, and pinched nerve roots. The pain can also start due to irritation of the lumbar ligaments.
Pain in the lower backit intensifies with almost any movement of the body, especially when bending forward. Even a simple sneeze or cough leads to increased pain.
However, lumbar osteochondrosis has other symptoms. First of all, these are disturbances in the sensitivity of the skin, muscles of the legs and the lower half of the body. Some patients also experience 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 spine, mainly in children and the elderly.
Lumbar osteochondrosis also has the following clinical symptoms:
Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosisand at the same time, its most unpleasant complication is vertebral instability. The disc stops the vertebra from locking. As a result, when under load, the lumbar spine practically "slips" from the sacrum, which leads to severe, excruciating pain. Moreover, with this pathology, the functioning of the internal organs is interrupted. First of all, this concerns the genitourinary system. Lumbar osteochondrosis affects a man's strength and provokes gynecological problems in a woman.
Unfortunately, modern medicine has not yet invented a drug that can quickly and easily solve this problem. Treatment of osteochondrosis is very complex and long-term. It should be comprehensive; only in this case good results can be achieved.
Treatment measures for lumbar osteochondrosis include:
In particularly severe cases, surgical intervention may be performed.
INtreatment of osteochondrosisTreatment at the sanatorium-resort is very effective.
In case of exacerbation of osteochondrosis, the patient is prescribed bed rest. In addition, the patient should lie on a firm mattress.
In case of severe attacks, the patient should 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 spine accounts for 80%, of which 60-80% affects the lumbar region, consisting of 5 vertebrae. In 40% of people, the first signs of the disease appear at the age of 30-35 years. In old age, spinal osteochondrosis is diagnosed in 90% of people. Painful sensations are experienced by 7 out of 10 people, the irritation can last from 6 to 16 months.
Stages of development
1 - the beginning of degenerative disorders, affecting the nerve endings and disrupting the blood supply. The inflammatory process causes pain that radiates down the leg. The patient experiences tingling sensations in the back and buttocks. Appears after heavy physical exertion.
2 - the outer sheath of the intervertebral disc (fibrous ring) is destroyed. The distance between the vertebrae decreases, the nerve endings are compressed, which provokes 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, herniation - displacement of the intervertebral disc in the spinal cord occur.
4 – the growth of pathological exostoses in the bone structure. The spine literally "turns to stone. "Progressive arthrosis and lack of treatment immobilizes the patient.
Reasons for development
The disease develops slowly, under the confluence 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 "muscular corset", weakens. It supports the spine and internal organs. Thus, physical inactivity provokes interruptions in the functioning of a number of systems - blood circulation, breathing, digestion.
Overweight. With a BMI (Quetelet body mass index) above 25 kg/m2, excess weight creates additional stress on the body: it puts pressure on the spine, overloads the joints and damages the blood supply.
Endocrine pathological processes. Hormonal imbalance, disturbances in the functioning of the adrenal glands and the thyroid gland "slow down" the body's metabolism. Frequent hormonal changes "wash" calcium from bone tissue, making it weak and brittle.
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 experience excruciating pain that radiates to the legs, hip area, and tailbone. In a horizontal position, the discomfort disappears.
Spinal nerves extend from the trunk of the spine to various parts of the body. Each nerve is responsible for a certain area. This is called "segmental innervation". It is for this reason that the affected nerve "responds" in a specific area: this is how "radicular syndrome" appears.
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 numbness, episodic loss of sensation are observed along the anterior surface of the thigh;
L4-L5 – muscle weakness, the patient is unable to adjust the body while standing on the heels, pain and sensory disturbances spread in the area from the lower back to the buttocks, as well as along the entire lateral surface of the thigh (from top to bottom).
L5–S1 – tremors in the calf muscle, 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, provoking a stroke in the spine - a dangerous pathology in which the patient experiences paresis and paralysis, as well as dysfunction of the pelvic organs.
Pain reflex symptoms
Lumbago or lumbago (in this case not sciatica! ) - acute pain. Any awkward movement, even sneezing and coughing, provokes a spasm. The patient spontaneously changes the position of his body, moving it to the side. An attempt to take a vertical position provokes a new lumbago.
Lumbodynia is a dull, aching pain that occurs on one side. Periods of remission are followed by exacerbations, which gradually develop into severe pain.
Lumboischialgia - painful sensations appear in the legs.
The side effects of the disease are not so typical and can easily be confused as symptoms of another problem: impaired sweating (hypohidrosis), pallor of the skin of the affected area due to poor blood circulation, severe dryness and flaking.
Diagnosing
At the initial stage, a complete medical history of the patient is taken. The general picture should be supplemented by the conclusions of a surgeon, orthopedist, neurologist and rheumatologist. Specialists subject the patient to a visual examination to assess changes in posture, muscle tone and skin sensitivity.
X-rays are performed for the primary diagnosis of grade 1 lumbar osteochondrosis; 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 scan 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 (MRI) informatively shows the general condition of the muscle mass, blood vessels and ligaments. 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 agent using 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.
The neurological examination of sensitivity and reflexes for pathologies is a complex of studies that includes a screening method for studying limb symmetry, testing sensitivity to vibrations and evaluating Babinsky, Chaddock and Oppenheimer reflexes.
Treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis
The effectiveness of conservative treatment is achieved through a combination of drugs of different groups, massage and manual therapy. However, in stage 3, lumbar osteochondrosis can no longer be cured using conservative methods; surgical intervention is required. One of the surgical methods for osteochondrosis is microdiscectomy. This is a neurosurgical operation to remove a 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 (ointment, gel), oral (tablets, suspensions), intramuscular (injection solutions).
- Non-steroidal 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 premium course is 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 tissue.
- Complexes of group B vitamins. Improve nerve conduction.
- Diuretics. Reduces swelling.
As emergency help at the time of irritation, powerful injections are used - paravertebral blockade, which causes a temporary loss of sensitivity.
Preventing
- An active lifestyle combined with moderate physical activity;
- Choosing comfortable or, if indicated, orthopedic shoes;
- Body weight control;
- Sleep only on an orthopedic mattress and pillow;
- Office furniture with flat backs only;
- Rejection of heavy loads on the back and back. When carrying heavy objects, the load should be distributed equally in both hands.