Lumbar osteochondrosis is a degenerative and dystrophic disease of the lumbar column.With the development of the disease, intervertebral discs suffer more, the damage also extends to joint surfaces, ligaments, vertebrae.
The share of the osteocondrosis of the spinal column is 80% of all diseases of the peripheral nervous system.In 60-80% of cases, this is lumbar osteochondrosis.At least 7 out of 10 people experience normal back pain for life.For periods of exacerbations, on average 3 to 16 days a year.But the disease can and must be treated to maintain high quality life and the health of the musculoskeletal system.We will tell you why this disease develops, how the treatment of osteochondosis of the lumbar column is manifested and what should be.
What is osteochondrosis
Osteocondrosis is a chronic vertebral column, which is accompanied by a change in the structure (destruction) and a decrease in the volume (dystrophy) of the intervertebral discs.They begin to protrude in the spinal cord and squeeze the blood vessels.In addition, the disease is characterized by the destruction of the arched joints between the thorny processes of the vertebrae.
Osteophytes are also formed with osteochondrosis.This is the name of pathological growths, which are a consequence of the marginal growth of the bone.It is facilitated by a violation of calcium metabolism in the vertebrae and high loads that cause their deformation.
Attention!Lumbar osteochondrosis is characterized by all pathological processes inherent in osteochondosis in general.But they only affect the lumbar vertebral column, which includes 5 vertebrae.
The reasons for development and risk factors
To understand the causes of osteochondosis of the lumbar region, it is necessary to know the structure of the spine.It is a column composed of the vertebrae, which intervertebral records and ligaments are connected to each other.The holes inside form an empty channel.Inside there is the spinal cord, whose roots come out between every torque of vertebrae.
When a person leans, the spine folds.In the place of the fold, the intervertebral discs are compact and their nuclei are moved.This reduces the pressure on the spinal column during loads.Therefore, the intervertebral disc is a biological shock absorber.When it ceases to perform a shock absorption function, osteochondosis develops.
The following factors predisposed to the development of pathology:
- Sedentary or too hard work.In the sitting position, the corset muscles are relaxed, which increases the load on the spine.The heavy lift leads to this.
- Hypodynamia.In people who lead a sedentary lifestyle, muscle corset is not strongly developed to keep the spine in the correct position.
- Excess body weight.The excess weight presses on the spinal column and overload.
- Endocrine diseases.Hormones influence the metabolism, including intra -national.Hormonal imbalance can lead to a violation of calcium metabolism.
- Improper nutrition.Insufficient intake of vitamins, minerals and proteins interrupts the nutrition of the spine and leads to changes in its tissues.
- Pathology of the musculoskeletal system.Osteochondrosis can occur against the background of plates, injuries and curvature of the spine.
- Genetic predisposition.The risk of developing osteochondrosis increases if it has tight relatives.
- Changes related to age.With the age, elasticity and mobility of the spine decrease.
In men, the osteochondosis of the lumbar column is more common.This is due to the fact that their work is often associated with strong physical work.Men are also undergoing great loads during strength training in the gym.
Symptoms of lumbar osteochondosis
Pain is the main sign of the disease.Its character, location and direction of the distribution are determined by the receptor that has been blocked in the spine.Generally, patients complain about painful pain, which intensifies with a change in the position of the body, a long absence of a change in sudden laying and movements.With lumbar osteochondrosis, it often gives it to the leg, sacred or groin.In a horizontal position, the pain attenuates.
Other possible symptoms of lumbar osteocondrosis:
- A sense of tension in the lower back deriving from flexion and extension.It is caused by a movement of the roots of the spinal cord.
- A feeling of weakness in the legs.Perhaps the extinction of the reflections of the tendon in them.This is due to the compression of the nerve fibers that lead signals from the brain to the lower limbs.
- The curvature of the lumbar spinal column on the side (scoliosis) or forward (lordosis), smoothing its natural curves (kyphosis).
- Involuntary urination and defecation (if the spinal cord is blocked).For the same reason, an erection can be compromised in men.
- Cooling of the lower back.Even the buttocks can also become cold.This happens with lumbosacral osteochondrosis, whose symptoms and treatment are similar to pathology, located only in the lower back.
- Violations of sensitivity in the damage area.They can last from a few minutes to several hours.Sensitivity can increase, decrease or disappear.Perhaps the development of the paresthesia - Feelings of tingling and crawling goosebumps.
The osteochondrosis of the lumbar column, the symptoms and treatment we will analyze in this article is an insidious disease.Start with discomfort and mild pain.But they are ignored because they pass quickly after rest.Over the years, the pathology progresses, its signs have improved.And only when pain becomes unbearable, patients seek medical assistance.
Degree of lumbar osteochondosis
The development of lumbar osteochondrosis includes 4 phases:
- The first stage is characterized by the movement of the intervertebral disc core.It is accompanied by a weak opaque back pain, which is intensified during movement.A short tingling is possible in the back and buttocks.
- In the second stage, the fibrous ring of the intervertebral disc is destroyed, which leads to the rapprochement of the vertebrae.They hold the nerve finals, which cause severe pain during the walk.It can spread to the buttocks, thigh and the lower part of the leg.If you full behind, the pain is lower than the burning, sometimes a feeling of cold.
- In the third phase the complete destruction of fibrous rings occurs.The Propenne (Ernie) appear - protruding intervertebral discs in the spinal cord.The vertebrae of the lumbar department are deformed.The pain is constantly felt, but at rest it is weaker.
- In the last phase, osteophytes are formed, the fabric of the cartilage of the spine is destroyed.The pain therefore attenuates itself, then worsens with renewed vigor.Body movements become limited.
The early diagnosis of osteochondosis of the lumbar region, whose symptoms and treatment are strictly interconnected, is very important.The less pathology it manifests itself, the more effective it is.Therefore, a doctor should visit when incomprehensible back pain and the lower back.
Possible complications
If there is no treatment for 1 and 2 degrees of development of lumbar osteochondrosis, intervertebral hernias are formed.This indicates the transition of the disease to the late phases and threatens the development of complications such as:
- Inflammation of the sciatic nerve;
- arthrosis (destruction) of the intervertebral joints;
- destruction of the fibrous ring of the intervertebral discs;
- narrowing of the intervertebral channel;
- spinal cord dysfunction due to compression;
- Horse tail syndrome;
- Schmorl Hernia;
- lame and rigidity of movements.
The correctly selected treatment will help prevent the formation of hernias with lumbar osteochondrosis and other complications.It is prescribed after a patient diagnostic study.Otherwise, the disease will continue to progress, which can lead to the development of disability.
Diagnostic methods
With back pain, you need to contact a neurologist.He will listen to the complaints, examine and hear his shoulders, ask for existing diseases.In addition, the doctor may prescribe:
- X -raggi.A X -ray image of the spinal column will help to evaluate the condition of the intervertebral discs and the spinal cord.In the absence of visible changes, lumbar osteochondosis of the 1st degree is diagnosed.
- Computer tomography (CT).Assigns if a radius X has shown changes in the lumbar column.With its help, it is possible to evaluate the degree of damage to the discs, the nerve endings and the shell of the spinal cord.
- Magnetic resonance imaging tomography).It is an alternative to the CT, which can be prescribed in the presence of contraindications to an X -ray study. Suitable for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Sometimes calculated and magnetic resonance tomography is carried out with an intravenous contrast administration.This is the name of a substance that highlights the fabrics from the inside.With it, you can get photos of the backbone of the highest quality.CT and magnetic resonance imaging are carried out to exclude tumors with unusual symptoms for lumbar osteochondrosis and the treatment in this case is referred to the final diagnosis.
Treatment of lumbar osteochondosis and its types
The doctor prescribes the treatment taking into account the pathology development phase.It is designed to eliminate pain, stop inflammatory processes, restore metabolism and blood circulation in the injury area.With the osteochondrosis of the lumbar department, the treatment also involves the adoption of a complex of measures aimed at strengthening the lower back, legs and buttocks.
Most treatment methods are conservative.They include drug therapy, physiotherapy procedures and physiotherapy exercises, popular remedies.When it goes to 3 degrees, the treatment of osteochondosis of the lumbosacral column with conservative methods does not always lead to the desired result.In this case, patient conditions can facilitate surgery.
Treatment with medicines
Drug therapy is effective in 1 and 2 phases of pathology.But it is important to remember that the selection of drugs is determined by the symptoms caused by lumbar osteochondosis and treatment is a treatment strictly prescribed by medicines.You cannot simply come to the pharmacy and ask for a remedy to the osteochondrosis.Even if it is sold, the treatment will not be effective.
The patient can be shown the following groups of drugs:
- Analgesics.They help to get rid of intense pains with lutaneous ascenocondosis of the lumbar.They can be used locally (ointments, gel), taken inside (tablets) or administered intramuscularly using a syringe (solution).
- Non steroidal anti -inflammatory drugs.They have a triple action: reduce temperature, relieve pain, reduce inflammation.They are prescribed if, with lumbar osteochondrosis, the lower back of the back hurts or the sciatic nerve is inflamed.To relieve pain, the gels are used locally, to combat inflammation, take pills or injections.
- Musorelassanti.This is the name of remedies that relieve painful muscle cramps.They are taken orally in the form of tablets or intramuscularly administered in the form of a solution.
- Condroprotectors.Provide effective treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis with medicines in the early stages, provided that its complete course has passed.This group of drugs interrupts the destruction of the intervertebral discs and regenerates them.
To restore intraosseous metabolism, the patient also prescribed vitamin vitamins and complexes.The doctor may also recommend respect for the diet.Its goal is not only a decrease in body weight, but also the enrichment of the body with proteins, natural and mineral vitamins.
Physiotherapy
With osteochondrosis of the lumbar column, drug treatment is not enough.It should also include physiotherapy methods.They relieve pain, relax the muscles and restore local metabolism.Often, patients are prescribed the following procedures:
- laser therapy (exposure to the spine with a laser);
- magnetic resonance therapy (exposure to the magnetic field);
- Darsonvalition (exposure to the damage area to high frequency pulsed currents);
- sounds (administration of medicinal solutions in deep layers of the skin using ultrasound).
Manual therapy also has high efficiency.The rear massage with lumbar osteochondrosis is prescribed after the fading of the pain.Relax the muscles, accelerate blood circulation and therefore the nutrition of tissues.It is useful to combine the massage with a bathroom or sauna.But the heating procedures are allowed only during periods of remission of the disease.
Medical physical education
Gymnastics for lumbar osteochondrosis includes exercises aimed at strengthening muscle corset.The mobility of the spine also increase and improve blood circulation in its tissues.This interrupts degenerative processes and improves the patient's condition.
The basic operational complex of the exercise includes 5 exercises:
- Twist.Strengthen the muscles of the abdomen.Lie on the back, fold the knees and cross the arms behind the head.So take a breath and, exhale, raise your torso as if I wanted to touch the pubis.The lower back should remain pressed on the floor.
- "Cat" exercise.Relax the muscles of the back, download the spine.Stay on the karachka (on their knees, rest with the palms on the floor).Lift your head and bend your back as the cat does when she sees the danger.Then lower your head and fold the back, as the cat does when she wakes up.
- The turns they lie.Strengthen the oblique muscles of the abdomen and hips.Lie on the back, cross the arms behind the head, fold the knees and press them each other.Without disconnecting the legs, turn them first to the right, touch the floor with them, return to their original position and do the same with the left side.The bust should remain motionless.
- Bury Bridge.Strengthens the muscles of the buttocks, prevents the curvature of the spine and smooth the curves.Lie on the floor, put your arms along the body, bend your legs on your knees.Lift the pelvis and dwell in this position for 5 seconds.
- Exercise to lengthen the lower back and legs.Sit on the floor, stretch your legs in front of you, shut your shoulders on the width.First of all, protrude to one leg, pull it with your hands next to the tip, you hear how the muscles extend.It remains for 20-30 seconds.Now do the same with the second leg.
You should start with a minimum number of repetitions of exercises, gradually bringing them to the maximum (3 approach 10-20 times).They should be performed every day.This does not remove more than 10-15 minutes, but helps to prevent a fallout from the osteochondrosis.
Attention!Gymnastics is contraindicated in acute back pain.
Traditional medicine
At home, the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis can be carried out by popular remedies.They will not replace drug therapy, but will become a good addition to her.In the following table, we give several more effective recipes for traditional medicine against lumbar pain.
Boil the water in a pan so that the strong steam comes from it.Keep a couple of whale leaves for 10 minutes.| Means | Action | Kitchen | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adam Root Tincture | Heating, analgesic. | Skit 200 g of root on a grated, put a jar and pour 0.5 liters of vodka.Put in a dark place and there are 5 days. | Rub the tincture in the lower back, put a wool belt at the top or binds a hot scarf. |
| Compressed by the burdock leaves. | Anesthetic. | Boil the water in a pan so that the strong steam comes from it.Keep a couple of whale leaves for 10 minutes. | Apply leaves to the place of location of pain.Cover with plastic wrapping and wrapping.Keep 1-2 hours. |
| Bagno Pine | Heating, relaxing, analgesic. | Pour a hot bath, put different branches of fir or pine in the water.Add 10 drops of essential oil of any conifer tree (cedar, pine, larch, juniper). | Take a 10-15 minutes bath.Then dry the drying and wraps. |
| Herb decoction | Vitamin metabolism, anti -inflammatory, normalizing. | Put 10 g of Lingonberry leaves, hops, timal and Sabre in a pan.Pour 500 ml of water, put on the stove and bring to the boil.Turn off the fire.Cover with a lid and let it prepare for 1 hour.Submit to tension. | Take 1/4 of art.After eating three times a day.The course of treatment is 1 month.The maximum duration is 6 months. |
| Lidocaine ointment | Anesthetic. | Dissolve and fresh 200 g of disposable, add 75 g of beeswax, 30 g of the chopped alteum root in the state of powder.Pour 1 lidocaine ampoules into the mixture, mix everything until smooth. | Rub in sore points if necessary.Archive no more than 6-7 weeks. |
Attention!The possibility of using non -traditional medicine recipes depends on the type of lumbar osteochondosis of symptoms and the treatment at home should be strictly controlled by a doctor.
Surgical treatment of lumbar osteochondosis
Surgery is a radical method.Therefore, they only resort to it with the development of complications or in the event that conservative methods have not given the necessary result.Usually at this point the disease reaches 3 or 4 development phases.
With lumbosacral osteochondrosis, treatment with an operating method usually implies a removal from the discourage of a destroyed intervertebral disc.Less commonly removes an entire vertebra, tightening the nerve fibers.Instead of discs and vertebrae, artificial prostheses or fragments obtained from the patient rowing are inserted in the spine.To prevent vertebral shift and the progression of the disease, they are immobilized.For this, the spine is strengthened with plates and metal bolts.
The operation is performed under local anesthesia through an engraving of 3-5 cm long.To access the spine, the fabrics are driven by a special tool.From the introduction of the anesthesia to the suture of the wound it goes from 1.5 to 2 hours.
Attention!Modern technologies allow you to perform operations using an endoscope: a long and flexible tool, inwards through an incision about 1 cm long.
Prevention of lumbar osteochondosis
To maintain the health of the musculoskeletal system, it is necessary to take preventive measures.They will reduce the risk of osteochondrosis.And if the pathological changes in the spine have already started, they will help prevent their further development.
Preventive suggestions:
- If you have a sedentary job, put a roller or a special orthopedic cushion under the lower back.
- Dress the time and do not allow the hypothermia of the back and the lower back.
- Do gymnastics, running or other easy sports.
- Feel discomfort or back pain, see a doctor immediately.
- Refuse bad habits and eats correctly.
- Sit on hard chairs with a back.The furniture on do not support the body of the body, so the spine must take the entire load.
- The perfect height of the stool is the same as the length of the lower part of the leg.So when you sit, the legs will place on the floor.If the growth is small, you can put a stand under your feet.
- The ideal depth of the session is 2/3 of the hip length.You can less, but no more.
- Under the desktop, the legs should be spacious.
- Sit so that the back rests on the back of the chair.
- When you are sitting, don't tilt your head or body: keep them straight.
- In order not to tilt the head while reading, use a pustrine.
- After many hours of driving, perform a series of gymnastics exercises.
- The pose changes every 10-15 minutes, based first on one, then on the other leg.
- If you can move in position, do it.
- Every hour, perform some inclination back with your hands raised.During the inclination, take a deep breath.This exercise relaxes the back and belt, as well as the back of the head and neck.
- If you work on your feet (iron, cook), put a bench under one leg.Its height should be equal to the height of a phase.
- In order not to bend during the cleaning of the house, stretch the pipe of the vacuum cleaner, putting forward an additional tube.And to wash the floors, use an MOP.You can wash the floors, crawling on the knees, but without protruding from the position of feet.
- Sleep on a hard orthopedic mattress.
- Instead of the mattress, a often solid shield (plywood plate) is suitable, covered with foam rubber with a thickness of up to 8 cm.Place a blanket of wool and a sheet at the top.
- If your legs hurt, put a towel folded in a roller under your knees.
- If you like to sleep on the stomach, put a thin pillow under it.
- If you like to sleep on your side, put a leg on the other and your hands under your head.
- Distribute the load on both hands evenly.Frequent use in the same hand leads to the curvature of the spine.
- If you have already diagnosed osteochondrosis, do not wear objects that weigh more than 15 kg.To move them, it is better to use a bag with wheels or a trolley.
- If you need to raise and transfer a heavy object, first crouched, holding your back straight.Then collect the heaviness, lift your feet and bring it, pressing it in the stomach.To lower the heavy object, you must also crouch.
- Eat 3-4 times a day.
- Enrich the diet with proteins: fish, low fat, legumes, cottage meat.
- Limit the consumption of desserts, cooking, fatty foods.
- Include more vegetables and fruit in the diet.
- Consume products rich in calcium and phosphorus (cheese, dairy products -caseari, fish).
- Do not eat too much: an excess of calories is deposited in the form of fats, which leads to the formation of excess weight.