The health of the spine is fundamental to the normal functioning of the musculoskeletal system.There are many diseases that damage the structure of the vertebrae and surrounding tissue.This article describes the symptoms and treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis.
spinal structure
Before talking about osteochondrosis, you need to understand how the spine works.Let me say a few words about this.
The spine is made up of vertebrae with cartilage discs between them.Thanks to them, a person can bend and turn.The entire spine is S-shaped and elastic.
The intervertebral disc consists of the nucleus pulposus surrounded by the annulus fibrosus.Destruction of the intervertebral discs leads to osteochondrosis.
Clinical pictures of lumbar osteochondrosis
Lumbar osteochondrosis is a disease of the vertebrae, intervertebral discs and surrounding tissues. The course of the disease is long and often becomes chronic.The disease is often complicated by intervertebral hernias, neuroinflammation, and other unpleasant conditions.
The clinical manifestations of the disease vary at different stages.There are four main stages in the development of lumbar osteochondrosis:
- Stage one.Symptoms disappear.In most cases, minor pain in the lower back or hip is a cause for concern, and the pain worsens with physical activity.Patients tend to attribute symptoms to fatigue.
- The second stage.The annulus fibrosus begins to break down and the distance between the vertebrae decreases.During this time, the nerve endings may become pinched, which is characterized by a sharp "tingling" sensation.At this stage, symptoms are evident, so the patient goes to a medical facility.
- three.At this stage, the annulus fibrosus is significantly damaged, and intervertebral hernia may occur.The pain is constant.
- Four.The spine is severely deformed.The patient has difficulty moving.Irreversible disease can lead to disability.Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine occurs under adverse conditions: physical activity, hypothermia, forced occupational postures.
Symptoms and signs
Descriptions of clinical manifestations can only describe some of the symptoms, but not all of them.Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis are diverse:
- pain.The most common symptoms of the disease.In the initial stages, the pain is mild and worsens with movement.In subsequent stages, the pain becomes more severe and does not go away without taking painkillers.It is characterized by "shootings" of severe pain - brief periods of unbearable pain.
- temperature.When lumbar osteochondrosis is accompanied by inflammation of the nerves or surrounding tissues, an increase in body temperature may occur.Generally, it does not exceed 38℃.
- Nutritional ulcer.This condition occurs when nutrients to the tissues surrounding the spine are disrupted due to pinched blood vessels.
- Characteristic pose.The patient assumes a position that minimizes pain and remains in this position almost continuously.
- Changes in spinal position: scoliosis, kyphosis, etc.
- Movement is restricted.Occurs in the last two stages of lumbar osteochondrosis.Numbness of limbs.As osteochondrosis progresses, numbness in the extremities may occur.This is caused by compression of certain nerves in the lower back.The symptoms begin to appear in the second stage of the disease.
Lumbar osteochondrosis is characterized by an increase in symptoms depending on the progression of the disease.
reason
Many patients believe that the only cause of lumbar osteochondrosis is improper physical activity.This view is fundamentally wrong.In fact, there are more than a dozen factors that may contribute to the condition:
- Genetic predisposition.This factor comes first because if it exists, nothing can be done about it.The rest is supportive care and treatment.
- Poor posture during active growth.This can be caused by incorrect posture at a desk or carrying a briefcase over one shoulder.
- Being overweight is a common accompaniment of osteochondrosis.Under the influence of extra weight, the intervertebral discs are destroyed, leading to the development of disease.
- Injuried.They can be domestic, professional, sports.
- Endocrine diseases.Metabolic failure is a common cause of disc destruction.
- Sedentary lifestyle.Insufficient exercise and physical activity can lead to muscular dystrophy, which results in increased stress on the spine.
- Hard work can put stress on your back.
- Congenital anomalies of the spine.
- When multiple triggers come together, the condition can progress more quickly.
diagnosis
Diagnosing lumbar osteochondrosis is very simple, especially in a clinic equipped with modern equipment.Diagnosis is carried out in the following order: investigation, inspection, order test and hardware test.
Diagnosis begins with collecting medical history data.The doctor will determine the patient's age (this is important), when symptoms first appeared, and working conditions.Based on the information collected, experts can draw conclusions about the cause of the disease.
Next, the doctor performs an examination.The doctor touches the spine and asks the patient to do some movements: bend, flex and extend, turn around.Based on this, the degree of limitation of the patient's motor activity can be determined.
Tests are done to rule out bone tuberculosis and some other diseases.Experts can tell if inflammation is present based on the blood.
X-rays are an easy and informative way to determine whether osteochondrosis is present.In most cases, photos are taken using two projections.But in some cases, X-ray images can be obtained with additional projections or overviews of specific areas of the spine.
Magnetic resonance imaging.Examination of the spine using this device is the gold standard for diagnosing osteochondrosis.This procedure can identify disruption of the annulus fibrosus, spina bifida, displacement of individual vertebrae, and more.
treat
Osteochondrosis can be treated by an orthopedic surgeon, neurologist, or chiropractor.It depends on the cause of the disease.
Treatment varies widely depending on the stage of the disease.
Chiropractors are called upon to improve the condition of the spine and correct misalignments if possible.Proper massage increases blood supply to the spinal area.Physical therapy and wearing a corset can correct signs of scoliosis (this is especially important in children).Medications are needed to replenish the supply of substances needed to build the disc tissue.
In the second stage of the disease, intensive medical treatment is required.Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should be taken during a course of treatment to relieve inflammation.For severe pain, strong analgesics are needed.Muscle relaxants help relieve muscle tension.
In rare cases, anticonvulsants and antidepressants may be prescribed.
Additional treatments include the use of physical therapy, exercise therapy, and massage (if this does not aggravate the patient's condition).
The third stage of the disease is characterized by destructive processes in the intervertebral discs.For hernias, surgical treatment is required.Medication is the same as in phase two.
Because the disc is severely damaged in the fourth stage of the disease, it can be repaired using artificial implants.During the postoperative period, medication and additional treatments are performed.
Treatment of the signs and symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis can only be carried out with the involvement of a specialist.Self-medication is not acceptable.
Complications of lumbar osteochondrosis
Complications of lumbar osteochondrosis are mainly related to the formation of intervertebral hernias, which negatively affect the spinal cord and nearby tissues.
Here is a list of the most common complications:
- Numbness of limbs or individual back muscles.Occurs due to compression of the spine.
- Disturbance in urination and defecation (until complete resolution).
- Nutritional ulcer.
- Frustrated.It appears this will not be a complication.But in fact, ongoing pain can lead to mood changes.There have even been cases of suicide on this grounds.Complications of lumbar osteochondrosis result from inadequate treatment or noncompliance with treatment regimens.Generally speaking, with prompt treatment, complications will not occur.
risk groups
Some people have an increased likelihood of developing osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine.These people are at risk.
People who have relatives with similar illnesses should take care to protect their spine.
Risk groups include obese patients.Being overweight can put tremendous pressure on your spinal discs.People with sedentary lifestyles are also at high risk.
There is no doubt that athletes should take good care of their spine.At the same time, it doesn’t matter what sport they play.
If your job involves lifting heavy objects or holding uncomfortable positions for long periods of time, your spine must be protected.
Prevention of lumbar osteochondrosis
Treatment of osteochondrosis is long-term and usually the disease takes on a chronic form.This is why preventing spinal pathologies is so important.
In order to avoid problems with the lumbar spine, it is necessary to follow a regime of physical activity and rest.The load on the spine should be even and not excessive.Rest regularly, preferably lying down.
If you are overweight, you need to lose weight.
Preventive measures include prompt treatment of endocrine diseases and postural disorders (especially in children).
Spinal problems can significantly reduce quality of life, so you need to be aware of minor pain or discomfort in the area.