The medical practice of orthopedists, surgeons and neuropathologists indicates that it is with complaints of lower back pain that the largest number of patients are addressed.The fact is that the lumbosacral department is the most vulnerable site of the spinal column along with the cervical.This area accounts for the maximum load when walking, running, while standing and even sitting.Exercise with weights many times increases this load.
With age or under the influence of external factors, the vertebrae are destroyed, which is why the functionality of the skeleton is noticeably reduced.Degenerative processes of the spine lead to the development of osteochondrosis of the lumbar region.What is it - you will learn in this article.
Description of pathology: causes and consequences
Osteochondrosis of the lower back is equally often overtaken by both men and women over 30 years old.As a rule, these are people who lead an inactive lifestyle and eat inferiorly, or, on the contrary, athletes.
At risk are those whose body suffers from a lack of nutrients for recovery.
Note.Repeatedly repeated pain in the lower back indicates a progressive disease.The pain may be hidden by pushing the disk, pinching of the nervous spine and other unpleasant consequences of osteochondrosis.
Having learned what causes are the basis of this pathology, you can successfully prevent the destruction of the vertebrae, as well as effectively cure the existing problem.
Pain and dystrophic process in the lower back can occur for the following reasons:
- weight lifting;
- curvature of the spine, improper posture;
- lack of minerals and vitamins in the body;
- hereditary predisposition;
- trauma of the lumbar department;
- hypothermia;
- excessive physical activity;
- lack of a good rest at night (chronic lack of sleep);
- nervous shocks;
- subluxation Atlanta;
- spine compression;
- diabetes mellitus;
- endocrine disorders;
- Excess weight;
- sharp weight loss;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- flat foot;
- Age -related bone changes.
What is dangerous
With prolonged progression, osteochondrosis causes complications dangerous for health: bone growths (osteophytes) are formed, nerves and vessels of the spinal cord are compressed, hernias and protrusion are formed.
The work of the urinary, nervous and circulatory systems is inhibited.It is also possible to lose the ability to work and sensitivity of the lower extremities, as a result of which the patient is incapable of performing the basic functions of the body: movement, independent visit to the toilet, and childbearing.
Stages of development
Symptoms of lumbosacral osteochondrosis differ depending on the degree of progression of the disease.There are 4 stages of osteochondrosis.
At first, the disease practically does not manifest itself than complicates the early diagnosis.The patient feels a breakdown even after a high -quality rest.In the warm room, the feet are freezing, from time to time, tingling and numbness in the legs are felt.
The observed signs of the first stage are non -specific and rarely make a person think about the presence of problems with the spine.
In the second stage, the presence of pain in the lumbosacral department is noted, which can be given in the leg or side.In this period, degeneration of not only the vertebra itself, but also the disk begins, which is why it is possible to squeeze the roots of the spinal cord and shoot pain.
The third stage is characterized by significant destruction of the cartilage, increased pain, the occurrence of intervertebral hernia.The mobility of the lumbar region is reduced.The tilts forward and backward are difficult, the thoracic region is deformed (scoliosis, hump).
The fourth degree of osteochondrosis is an irreversible destructive process, in which there is a fusion of vertebrae, narrowing of bone lumen, washing the intervertebral disc, the growth of osteophytes.
The functions of the pelvic organs and gastrointestinal tract, as well as the lower extremities, are violated, which leads to disability.The patient is accompanied by severe back pain, which cannot be eliminated even with the help of medicines.
Symptoms and diagnosis
Consider the symptoms, thanks to which osteochondrosis can be diagnosed in time:
- aching pain in the lumbosacral department, giving in a leg or stomach;
- Strengthening the pain in the back is observed with physical activity, coughing, sneezing, lifting the load in front of you;
- stiffness in the lower back after sleep and prolonged preservation of one posture (sitting or standing);
- back muscles;
- shooting pain in the lower back and buttocks;
- numbness and tingling in the legs;
- spasms and convulsions in the legs;
- feeling of cold in the feet;
- dry skin of the hips, buttocks, backs;
- Strong sweating or, on the contrary, almost complete lack of sweat.
These are the main signs of degenerative disease.The photo shows an X-ray of the lumbosacral department, affected by osteochondrosis.
Based on the inspection and attentive collection of data on the disease, the initial diagnosis is established.Next, instrumental studies are conducted to confirm or refute the doctor’s assumptions.
Important!The danger of the disease is that for a long time it progresses asymptomatic, which often goes into the chronic stage.Therefore, with the first symptoms of osteochondrosis, it is important to immediately contact a specialist for MRI, ultrasound, ECG and laboratory tests.
Treatment
Symptoms and drug treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar region are closely related, since the first task is to eliminate pain and relieve inflammation with drugs.
Destructive processes in the joints are not treated with medicines, since the drug can only eliminate the symptoms and stimulate cells intensely regenerate.
Nevertheless, drugs are necessary to relieve pain, inflammation, spasm, as well as for stimulating blood circulation and metabolic processes, bone regeneration.
The list of tablets can vary from the patient to the patient, since the treatment regimen for osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral department depends on the stage of the disease and the characteristics of the clinical picture.
To relieve pain, local painkillers and gels are prescribed, as well as analgesics for oral administration.
Anti -inflammatory drugs for the treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar region are necessary when pinching nerve roots and squeezing the intervertebral disc.
Nonsteroidal anti -inflammatory drugs and antispasmodics are also popular.
To restore blood circulation in damaged vertebrae is the task of gymnastics and drugs.
Chondroprotectors are prescribed to the patient in order to prevent dystrophic processes and enhance the regeneration of bone and cartilage.This group of drugs contains specific cartilage components that are similar to human cartilage tissue in their structure: glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate.
Physiotherapy
Considering the question of how and how they treat osteochondrosis of the lumbar region, it is important to note the importance of physiotherapy in the elimination of this disease.This method is rightfully most effective among non -surgical methods of treating spine degeneration.
Physiotherapy is aimed at stopping pain, eliminating swelling, increasing the effect of drugs, stimulation of metabolic processes.
The impact on the lumbar region using electric current, thermal paraffin application, ultrasound, magnetic fields allows you to eliminate swelling, relieve inflammation, restore the mobility of the lumbar region, enhance the regeneration of the cartilage and strengthen the general immunity of the body.
Another advantage of procedures is locality.Along with high efficiency, physiotherapy does not inhibit the work of internal organs and systems with the removal of active components, as is observed with drug therapy.
Therapeutic gymnastics
The first thing to do with osteochondrosis of the lumbar region is to change the lifestyle and habits.Since the risk groups are overweight and leading inactive lifestyle, the patient with this diagnosis should be more active during the day, engage in gymnastics and eat right.
Often, patients begin to doubt the possibility of alleviating the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the lumbar region using exercise therapy.
The effectiveness of therapeutic exercises will depend on the stage of the disease, the general well -being of the patient and the presence of concomitant diseases of ODA or complications of osteochondrosis, as well as from his mood.
Gymnastics is necessary to strengthen the muscle corset, improve blood circulation, maintain the functionality of the musculoskeletal system.It brings closer and consolidates the successful results of conservative treatment with drugs and procedures.
It must be understood that complete getting rid of osteochondrosis is impossible!The degenerative process is irreversible.You can only reduce its manifestations and prevent complications.
LFK needs a patient to maintain muscle tone and the health of the skeleton for many years.
Movement is life!Watch a video tutorial on how and what exercises should be done with osteochondrosis:
Important!Therapeutic exercises are prescribed by the attending physician on the basis of a clinical picture of the disease of a particular patient.It is impossible to objectively evaluate what movements to benefit, it is impossible without appropriate knowledge.
Surgical intervention
Osteochondrosis resort to surgical treatment when conservative agents do not have the proper effect, and the patient's condition is rapidly worsening.
The operation is carried out in two stages: decompression of the intervertebral disc and stabilization of the vertebrae.
During the operation, the reasons are eliminated that resulted in the lower lower back and groin for osteochondrosis of the lumbar: the growth of osteophytes, protrusion, hernia, rooster syndrome, fusing and compaction of bones.
The rehabilitation period lasting six months requires comprehensive drug support, recovery gymnastics, physiotherapy, reflexology, massage.
Self -medication of osteochondrosis
It is not worth hovering for rapid treatment at home by folk remedies, because compresses, decoctions and tinctures have only a general strengthening effect on the body, and can also have side effects with their uncontrolled use.
The use of means offered by non -traditional medicine should only be after consulting with a specialist.
A decoction of sorrel.50 g of crushed sorrel pour 0.5 l of boiling water, insist 8 hours.Strain the drink, take 2 teaspoon 3 times a day before meals.
The belt of dog wool is wetted in saline (2 teaspoons per 200 ml of water), applied to the lower back.You must wear a belt for 2-4 hours daily.
Conclusion
Osteochondrosis is a whole complex of dystrophic changes in the joints and spine.Cartilage tissue can be destroyed due to age -related changes, heredity, an unhealthy lifestyle or an inattentive attitude to its body.
Therapeutic measures are aimed at eliminating inflammation, swelling, stiffness in the back and pain that impede normal life.In order to avoid serious complications of osteochondrosis of the lumbar region (disability, paralysis, death), it is important to notice the first manifestations of the disease in time and seek a doctor’s consultation.