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

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

Pathology is diagnosed in men and women.Risk groups are overweight patients, metabolic disorders, people who have 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, osteochondrosis of the spine develops under the influence of several negative factors.The more causes, the more difficult it is to cope with a rapidly developing disease.In women, problems with the spine often develop due to excess weight, in men - during high physical activity.

Degenerative and dystrophic changes in vertebrae and intervertebral discs provoke:

• old back injury;
• overweight;
• lack of sufficient physical activity, sedentary work;
• disturbances in metabolic processes;
• lifting weights that violate the rules;
• hereditary tendency.

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, ICD code - M42.

Stages and stages of the disease

Diseases of the musculoskeletal system have two forms:

• acute;
• remission period.

According to the degree of damage to the vertebrae and discs, there are 4 pathological stages:

• first.Symptoms are mild, periodic pain (when lifting heavy or sharp bends, twisting), early stages of deformation of the intervertebral disc;
• the secondThe fibrous ring is destroyed, the vertebrae are pressed closer to each other, and the pain syndrome increases when the nerve roots are pinched.The patient takes an unnatural position in an effort to relieve pain.Shoots radiate to the groin, legs, upper thighs.Lumbago occurs suddenly, the pain is very painful;
• third.The fibrous ring is completely destroyed, the vertebrae are constantly in contact, and an intervertebral hernia is formed.The pain is almost constant, increasing with movement.Chondroprotectors are ineffective (cartilage tissue is almost destroyed): the use of NSAIDs and painkillers is required;
• fourth.The spine is damaged, the patient has difficulty moving.The growth of the bone structure increases, the pain becomes a little weaker, but the mobility is limited when performing any action.The result is the patient's disability.

Possible complications

Lack of therapy for osteochondrosis in the lumbar spine provokes the development of pathology.When negative changes increase, intervertebral disc compression increases, cartilage tissue is destroyed, and pain increases.Damage to the spinal nerves at the exit from the spinal column leads to the development of radicular syndrome and gradual muscle atrophy.Symptoms of radiculopathy intensify when bending over, lifting weights, or hypothermia.

Other complications:

• Adamkiewicz artery compression.Causes: back injury, fall, heavy lifting, sudden movement.Dangerous conditions lead to leg paralysis, faecal and urinary incontinence.Damage to the large vessels that supply the spinal cord and roots quickly turns a healthy person into a patient with limited abilities.A clear sign of pathology is bed sores;
• compressive myelopathy.The formation of a herniated disc leads to compression and narrowing of the spinal canal.The result is excruciating pain, which is practically unaffected by strong analgesics.Other negative signs: problems with the function of organs located in the pelvis, decreased conservation and strength of the muscles of the lower part.

Clinical picture

The main sign of damage to the spine is pain in the lumbar region, radiating to the legs.An unpleasant sensation appears after carrying a load, during sharp bends or turns.Sometimes the pain occurs even without physical activity.Important thing– changing body position increases discomfort.

Damage to various parts of the spine forces you to find a position where the discomfort will be minimal.This sign helps to diagnose pathology.

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

Symptoms of the acute form:

• sharp pain appears not only during heavy physical exertion, but also during normal changes in body position;
• Simply finding the most acceptable body position temporarily relieves painful symptoms.

Symptoms during remission:

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

Diagnostics

If the development of lumbar osteochondrosis is suspected, the patient visits an orthopedic-traumatologist.Doctors give referrals for X-rays of the spine, MRI and CT.After analyzing the images, the doctor determines the extent of damage to the disc and vertebrae and prescribes treatment.

Effective treatment

How to treat lumbar osteochondrosis?The patient must adapt to actively participate in the therapy process: it is important to get rid of extra pounds, stop lifting weights, and stop smoking.A moderate amount of movement, the use of medications, attending physical procedures, and performing therapeutic massages are mandatory elements to relieve pain and reduce the risk of developing degenerative changes in the spine.

Important details:

• spinal traction, manual therapy is a specific method for treating lumbar osteochondrosis.The procedure is carried out by a qualified doctor: the use of the wrong technique in the absence of knowledge and experience often causes harm and often causes disability to the patient;
• Another important element in treatment is diet.Jellied meat, dishes with gelatin, fish, meat soups, fruits, turkey, vegetables, low-fat dairy products and herbs are healthy.Do not eat sour, spicy food, drink alcohol or carbonated drinks.Make sure to drink up to two liters of fluid every day.

Drug therapy

Complex treatment is required:

• chondroprotectors.The composition restores the quality of the cartilage tissue, stops the destruction of the disc, replenishes the lack of microelements, and increases the elasticity of the tissue.The important thing is that all chondroprotectors are taken for a long time - at least six months.Glucosamine, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate accumulate in cartilage tissue and restore the structure of the worn disc.The sooner the patient starts taking chondroprotectors, the higher the chance of success.In severe stages of osteochondrosis (3 and 4), it is almost impossible to normalize the condition of the disc;
• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory compounds.NSAIDs are an important element in the treatment of spinal osteochondrosis.The composition stops inflammation and reduces pain.The greatest effect is provided by drugs in the form of tablets and injections;products for external use are more delicate.Many types of NSAIDs irritate the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract: you can treat the painful area, take pills or give injections only after eating.To protect the stomach tissue, special drugs with an enveloping effect are prescribed;
• vitamin and mineral complex, healthy food supplementwith calcium, a drug that activates blood circulation in the affected tissue.The dose 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.

Folk remedies and recipes

Homemade ointments, poultices, compresses, herbal decoctions are additional elements of treatment.The composition reduces pain, reduces inflammation, and saturates the body with useful substances.All herbal medicines can be taken in consultation with an orthopedic-traumatologist.

Proven folk remedies:

• tea from lingonberry leaves;
• an ointment made from lard, ground marshmallow root and beeswax;
• collection with anti-inflammatory effects.Ingredients: knotweed, strawberry leaves, horsetail, barberry, agrimony;
• a compress for the painful area from grated raw potatoes and thin honey;
• an ointment made from hop cones and lard.

Warning!During the acute stage, it is forbidden to apply any kind of heat to the affected area.High temperature increases blood flow and accelerates the development of inflammation.Menthol-based cooling ointments are useful for 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 spinal column.Weak muscles combined with a thick layer of fat negatively affect the condition of the intervertebral disc and affected vertebrae.

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

Physiotherapy procedures

After stopping the acute process, orthopedic traumatologists prescribe physical therapy to reduce swelling, pain, and normalize blood circulation in the affected tissues.Each patient requires an individual treatment regimen.

Effective physiotherapy for lumbar osteochondrosis:

• electrophoresis with anti-inflammatory, analgesic 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 disability of the patient.The disease manifests itself not only in older people: sedentary work + poor nutrition significantly rejuvenates the pathology of the musculoskeletal system.Only timely diagnosis and an integrated approach to therapy under the guidance of an experienced orthopedic traumatologist can avoid serious consequences.