Symptoms and methods of treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine

The most common cause of back pain is the development of such a disease of the musculoskeletal system as osteochondrosis. If earlier this pathology was found mainly in the elderly and less often in middle age, now osteochondrosis has become much younger, often diagnosed in people aged 20-30 years.

According to medical statistics, the disease most often affects the lumbar and lumbosacral spine.

Characteristics of the disease

Osteochondrosis is a pathology of the musculoskeletal system, which affects its most important component - the spine. It occurs due to the fact that dystrophic changes in the intervertebral discs begin to develop.

The disease affects not only the tissue of the intervertebral discs, negative changes begin to appear in the surrounding tissues, affecting the ligaments and muscles.

The reason for the spread of the lumbar form of osteochondrosis is that this particular part of the spine is subjected to the greatest physical stress.

In this disease, characteristic changes occur in the pulpal nucleus, which is part of the intervertebral disc. This disc performs damping functions.

If the water exchange in the intervertebral discs is disturbed, they become thinner and their fragility increases.

People of older age groups are most susceptible to the pathological process, as metabolic processes in the tissues of the intervertebral discs begin to deteriorate when they reach a certain age.

Under the influence of negative changes the boundaries of the nucleus pulposus gradually expand, tending to enter the intervertebral space. This usually ends with the displacement of the nucleus to the spinal canal, resulting in its compression and pinching of nerve fibers and blood vessels.

Pinched nerves are the cause of pain in osteochondrosis. There may be a deterioration in the functioning of internal organs.

As the pathology progresses, the force of pressure on the vertebrae increases. The body seeks to compensate for the defect and the growth of bone tissue in the spine is significantly accelerated. As a result, pathological growths are formed on the vertebrae - osteophytes. Ultimately, this further impairs the functionality of the affected spine.

In advanced forms of osteochondrosis, the patient may experience paralysis of the lower extremities. Due to late access to medical care, a person may become disabled.

Causes of osteochondrosis of the lumbar and lumbosacral spine

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar and lumbosacral spine develops due to improper distribution of the load on the spine. If this is combined with other negative factors, the progression of osteochondrosis is accelerated, it can take more severe forms.

The disease can be provoked by:

• regular heavy physical work, lifting heavy objects (people of certain professions, as well as athletes involved in weightlifting are at risk);
• insufficient physical activity, which negatively affects the condition of the muscles and leads to deterioration of blood circulation, metabolic processes and reduction of the amount of nutrients entering the tissues;
• the patient is overweight, which leads to the fact that the spine is constantly exposed to great stress;
• posture problems and improper gait;
• the presence of congenital deformities or other defects of the spine or the entire skeleton;
• flat feet can also cause the development of osteochondrosis, because in patients with deformity of the foot its arch can not fully absorb the load during movement, which leads to increased loads on the intervertebral discs;
• traumatic spinal cord injury;
• genetically determined disorders of bone formation;
• age-related changes;
• infections affecting bone tissue (tuberculosis, osteomyelitis);
• inflammatory processes affecting the bones and joints (including rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis);
• deficiency of vitamins and minerals;
• exposure to harmful and toxic substances.

The most common cause of pathology is high loads on the spine in patients with improper posture.

Symptoms of the disease

The onset and severity of osteochondrosis symptoms depend on the stage of the disease.

There are 4 stages of the disease:

1. The first stage is characterized by the appearance of pain in the lumbar region (lumbago), spasms of the surrounding muscle tissue and swelling in the affected area. During this period, a change and displacement of the pulpal nucleus of the intervertebral discs begins, which causes irritation of the nerve endings.
2. In the second stage, the process of destruction of the fibrous rings of the intervertebral discs begins. The vertebrae become unstable, their mobility increases, resulting in stable tension of adjacent muscles. There is pain in the sciatic nerve. At this stage of the disease can sometimes begin disturbances in the work of internal organs.
3. During the third stage, rupture of the fibrous rings and release of the contents of the pulpal nucleus are observed. As a result, disc herniations form. All this contributes to further deformation of the spine (the development of scoliosis, kyphosis or lordosis can be observed). Acute pain becomes permanent, this is due to the radicular syndrome, in which the nerve roots are compressed by fragments that have fallen from the fibrous rings.
4. The fourth stage is characterized by severe deformities of the spine, pathological growths appear on the vertebrae. There may be significant pain relief, but this does not mean an improvement in the patient's condition. On the contrary, a person's movements become severely restricted. Usually patients with stage 4 osteochondrosis require registration of disability.

One of the main symptoms of the disease is pain in the lumbar region, which can spread to the coccyx and lower extremities. It is divided into 3 types:

1. Lumbago- attacks of acute pain that begin with sudden movements or lifting heavy objects.
2. Lumbodynia- severe regular pain associated with damage to the intervertebral cartilage and muscle fibers.
3. Lumboisalgia- characterized by a feeling of pain, a feeling of cold or heat in the lumbar region, as well as in the legs.

A person's psychological state can also provoke pain.

In addition to pain, osteochondrosis is also characterized by:

• feeling of weakness in the lower half of the body and in the legs;
• deterioration of the tendon reflexes of the lower extremities;
• tingling, which can be felt from the lower back to the foot;
• curvature of the spine;
• in lumbosacral osteochondrosis there is often a malfunction of the pelvic organs (urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, erectile dysfunction);
• skin problems (dryness, flaking, bluish tinge) and changes in sweating can also occur in the lower back and buttocks.

If you find these symptoms, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible to start treatment immediately and prevent serious consequences.

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar and lumbosacral spine

Medical

For a patient diagnosed with osteochondrosis, the doctor may prescribe the following types of therapy (including several at once):

• drug treatment;
• physiotherapy procedures;
• medical massage and manual therapy;
• performing surgery.

Let's take a closer look at each of these methods.

Medicines are prescribed to relieve pain, fight inflammation and improve the regeneration of diseased tissues. The patient can be assigned:

• analgesics (help relieve pain);
• muscle relaxants (used to relax muscle fibers and relieve spasms);
• chondroprotectors (promote the regeneration of cartilage and bone tissue and protect them from adverse effects);
• anti-inflammatory drugs;
• diuretics (diuretics) are prescribed for edema;
• drugs that improve blood circulation;
• vitamin and mineral complexes.

In common forms of osteochondrosis, when conventional analgesics are ineffective, blockades may be prescribed. What specific drugs should be used, as well as the scheme and duration of treatment, is determined by the doctor, taking into account the stage of the disease and the severity of symptoms.

It is recommended to prescribe physiotherapy together with drugs to increase the effectiveness of treatment. In osteochondrosis, the following procedures are indicated:

• laser therapy;
magnetic resonance therapy;
• phonophoresis;
• shock wave therapy.

These treatments help relieve pain, reduce inflammation and help repair damaged tissue. Using a laser beam is very effective, it allows you to get a stable remission.

Additional topical drugs are used when prescribing phonophoresis (this method allows the drug to penetrate deep under the skin directly to the lesion). To maximize tissue oxygenation, the physician may also prescribe ozone therapy.

It should be borne in mind that physiotherapy is contraindicated in certain pathologies. It should not be prescribed to patients with cancer, thyrotoxicosis, diabetes, tuberculosis, infectious diseases.

Massage and manual therapy can be prescribed simultaneously with drugs and physiotherapy procedures, which enhances the therapeutic effect.

These methods affect the conduction of nerve impulses and help to normalize muscle tone.

Surgery is indicated only in the later stages of the disease, when other treatments are useless. Surgery is required if:

• the patient suffers from severe pain that cannot be controlled by medication;
• disc herniation;
• the patient is diagnosed with spinal cord compression (this leads to impaired sensitivity and motor functions - from a feeling of weakness to paralysis);
• notes the development of ponytail syndrome.

Nowadays, modern high-tech and low-trauma operations are performed more and more often, which allows to significantly shorten the rehabilitation period. In the absence of complications, the patient will be able to move normally within a few months after surgery.

Folk remedies

Traditional medicine treatments help relieve pain, reduce inflammation and improve mobility. Here are some ways to treat osteochondrosis with folk remedies.

1. You need to take raw potatoes, grate them and mix them with natural honey. The resulting mixture should be placed on your back and secured with a bandage for at least 2 hours. Applying warm boiled potatoes on the affected area also helps.
2. Grate the garlic and mix in equal parts with ginger. Then add a little olive oil. The resulting decoction should be rubbed through the back at night to improve blood circulation and reduce muscle tension.
3. Mix a tablespoon of menthol oil with a tablespoon of fir oil. The mixture should be rubbed into the back.
4. Take chopped pine or spruce needles in the amount of ½ tablespoon per 200 ml (1 cup) of boiling water and boil for 30 minutes. Drink a glass 2 times a day.
5. Mix a tablespoon of blueberries and mint herbs, boil with boiling water (1 cup), bring to a boil and strain. Drink the broth gradually throughout the day.

It is important to understand that folk remedies can not replace a visit to the doctor. Alternative methods temporarily relieve the symptoms, but they do not completely eliminate the disease.

In addition, they may not be suitable for every patient, so it is highly recommended that you consult a specialist before using them.

Physiotherapy exercises

Physiotherapy exercises are aimed at strengthening the muscles of the lower back, buttocks and thighs, which helps relieve pain, reduce the degree of pinching of nerves and blood vessels and restore flexibility.

In order for the exercises to be as effective and harmless as possible, certain guidelines must be followed:

• Exercises should be performed in clothing made of natural fabric that does not restrict movement;
• the lumbar region during physical education should not be hypothermic;
• if you need to take a lying position to perform the exercise, it is better to put a round roller under the lower leg;
• should start exercising no earlier than an hour after a meal;
• to achieve a lasting positive effect it is necessary to regularly engage in physiotherapy exercises;
• exercises should be performed smoothly, slowly, concentrating on muscle work;
• you have to watch your breathing, it has to be even and deep;
• is ​​useful to keep a diary that includes changes from the day you start exercising.

Which exercises should be performed depends on the severity of the symptoms of osteochondrosis.

In acute lumbar osteochondrosis, the spine should not be strained, you should adhere to bed rest (preferably with the help of an orthopedic mattress) and you can do physical training while lying on your back, repeating each movement 8-10 times. The following exercises can be advised:

1. Lie on your back, place a roller under your shins and bend your knees. The patient should bend his arms into a fist and bend, and he should also bend his legs at the ankle. These movements are performed alternately with each arm and leg.
2. You should bend and unfold your legs, moving only your knees. At the same time, the back should not move.
3. Rotate each leg in turn.
4. Stretch your arms and legs, then start bending and unfolding your elbows at the same time. You should inhale during flexion and exhale during extension. Keep your hands palms up.

Recommended exercises for subacute lumbar osteochondrosis:

1. With your knees bent in a supine position, rest your feet on the mattress. As you inhale, gently lift the sacrum while the lower part of the thoracic spine should rest on the mattress. After 1-2 seconds, gently lower the lower half of the back.
2. Lying on a mattress while inhaling, you should lift your head and tighten your abdominal muscles. When exhaling, return to starting position.
3. In the supine position, pull the heel towards the back with sliding movements without lifting it from the mattress. After a few seconds, straighten your legs. The movements must be repeated for each leg separately and for both legs simultaneously.
4. From a four-legged position, sit with your buttocks on your heels, making sliding movements with your hands on the mattress. Then take the starting position.
5. Get on all fours, relax your neck. Tighten your chin to your chest, bend your back to your lower back like a cat, fix this position for a few seconds. It is necessary to ensure that the head does not rise and the back retains its accepted position.

Patients who have achieved remission can perform any of the above exercises.

Physiotherapy exercises, if possible, should be done 3-4 times a day for any form of lumbar osteochondrosis, but before you start performing them, you should definitely consult a doctor.

Preventive measures

Osteochondrosis, like most other diseases, is much easier to prevent than to try to get rid of its effects later. To minimize the chances of developing the disease, it is recommended:

• to ensure that the diet is healthy and balanced;
• lead an active life, move as much as possible;
• do not expose the spine to excessive loads;
• does exercises to strengthen the muscles of the back.

It is also necessary to timely treat diseases and injuries that can lead to the development of osteochondrosis. If you experience even minor symptoms that may indicate a problem with your spine, you should not delay seeing a doctor.

Conclusion

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is a disease that should be taken as seriously as possible to avoid serious consequences. If you adhere to a healthy lifestyle and follow the recommended preventive measures, the likelihood of developing pathology will be minimal.

If symptoms of the disease appear, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Timely medical care is the key to stable remission, which allows you to stop the pathological process, maintain the patient's ability to work and to some extent restore the previous condition of the musculoskeletal system.