Lumbar osteochondrosis is a deformity of the spine in the lumbar region. This disease affects the intervertebral discs, cartilage, spinal roots and nerve fibers and causes back pain.
CMRT Clinic has specialized in the conservative treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis for more than 10 years. These centers are equipped with modern specialist equipment for accurate diagnosis, effective treatment and rehabilitation. Experienced specialists use an individual approach, forming a set of therapeutic measures aimed at combating pathology at all levels.
Important!
An accurate diagnosis, determining the cause and nature of the disease, and only a qualified doctor at an internal appointment can prescribe effective treatment.
Cause
The main cause of this disease is improper load distribution on the musculoskeletal system. This usually happens when walking in high heels, carrying a bag to one side, with an uncomfortable posture in a dream or in a sedentary job. At risk are the elderly, pregnant women, new mothers, professional athletes and office workers.
Other causes of lumbar osteochondrosis:
- injuries, bruises, broken arms, legs, spine
- damage to organs of the musculoskeletal system
- diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, causing nutrient deficiencies
- body tension during prolonged exercise
- psychoemotional disorders
- disruption of blood flow in the spinal column
- inflammation of the musculoskeletal system
- infections of internal organs and vertebrae
- joint stiffness, disc displacement
- intervertebral protrusion and hernia
- badly drunk
- metabolic disorders
- postural curvature
- sedentary lifestyle
- dehydration
- unbalanced diet
- lack of calcium and oxygen
- overweight
- bad habits
- age-related changes
- joint disease
Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
The intensity and nature of symptoms depends on the stage of the disease. The sooner the patient detects the signs of lumbosacral osteochondrosis, the more effective the treatment.
Common symptoms:
- severe pain in the lower back, which can radiate to the legs, internal organs of the abdomen and pelvis
- pain in the kidneys and sacrum
- fatigue and tension in the lower back and sacral spine
- Difficulty moving, walking, tilting and turning the body
- occasional back pain
- quickly tired after a small load
- throbbing in the back, impaired movement, pain at rest
- limb numbness
- cramps and spasms in the muscles
- dizziness
- weakness and loss of strength
- reduce muscle tone and sensitivity
In men and women, the manifestations of lumbar osteochondrosis may be different. Men may have problems with potency. Women are more likely to experience pain in the pelvic area. When the deformed spine cannot fully support the back, the uterus and appendages experience additional load, and sometimes shift from their normal physiological position.
Varieties
The classification of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine consists of several types of diseases. According to the type of pain syndrome, there are:
Lumbago. acute symptoms. Expressed by sharp lumbago and inability to move. Occurs with muscle spasms, injuries, pinched discs and nerve roots.
Lumbargia. It is characterized by prolonged pain caused by hernias, protrusions, spondyloarthrosis, sprains and other disorders of the musculoskeletal system.
Sciatica. Strong pain syndrome in the lumbosacral region, radiating to the pelvis. Pain spreads to the sciatic nerve, preventing normal flexion and extension of the body, and preventing painless sitting and standing.
Discogenic lumbar osteochondrosis and radiculopathy are also distinguished.
Discogenic lumbar osteochondrosis is accompanied by loss of sensation and numbness not only in the affected back, but also in the legs, buttocks, thighs and lower abdomen. Sometimes the body temperature rises, weakness, urinary incontinence appears, the patient loses weight.
Radiculopathy is characterized by numbness in the nerve roots and a decrease in a person's motor abilities. Symptoms - tingling or pain in the entire lower body, impaired reflexes, decreased muscle tone and limb joints.
Stages of development of lumbar osteochondrosis
Doctors detect pathological dynamics in four stages:
First. Symptoms are almost invisible - they are diagnosed on x-rays. The stage begins with a pathological process in the pulp cavity of the disc that is too dry and microcracks in the fibrous ring.
Second. The height of the intervertebral discs decreases, which makes the vertebrae spaced closer together. This causes slipping and displacement of the vertebrae, which is accompanied by pain during movement.
Third. Characterized by stiffness, instability, body numbness in the tailbone, lower back and sacrum. This can be explained by vertebral protrusion, protrusion, joint dislocation and arthrosis in the spine.
Fourth. The most difficult degree. On it, the function of the spine is disturbed and bone growth (osteophytes) is formed. Growths can pinch nerves or damage the integrity of the vertebrae.
As a result of lumbar osteochondrosis
- Excess accumulation of salt in the body
- the development of hernias, protrusions, prolapse of vertebrae and discs
- chronic sciatica
- paresis and paralysis of the legs
Diagnostics
Orthopedists, osteopaths, neurologists, rheumatologists, chiropractors and surgeons can diagnose lumbar osteochondrosis and other disorders of the musculoskeletal system. An accurate diagnosis can be made after:
- X-ray of the spine, which shows the condition of bones, cartilage and muscle tissue, as well as ligaments and tendons.
- Myelography is a study of cerebrospinal fluid using dyes. With its help, the nerve roots of the spinal cord are studied and evaluated.
For a more detailed examination, doctors use CT and MRI. You can get a diagnosis in the CMRT clinic network.
We also recommend undergoing plasma therapy procedures, pharmacopuncture. To maintain health, manual therapy and osteopathy services, exercise therapy are recommended.
Treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis
A neurologist is involved in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral spine. The standard treatment regimen looks like this: the doctor diagnoses, determines the stage of development of the disease, and identifies complications. With this, he chooses a treatment method - conservative or surgical.
Physiotherapy
Exercise therapy for osteochondrosis of the spine is carried out in an equipped room under the supervision of a doctor. Classes are conducted when remission occurs and the patient does not experience pain. The doctor monitors the patient's condition during physical activity, if pain or discomfort occurs, he corrects the exercise or cancels it.
Each therapeutic gymnastics lesson takes place in several stages. During the warm-up, the patient performs light exercises that warm the muscles and circulate the blood. In the main part - exercises for the affected spine. Finally, a relaxing stretch.
Physiotherapy for lumbar osteochondrosis
Physiotherapy procedures are carried out to relieve pain, improve blood circulation and tissue nutrition, and reduce inflammation. Often, patients are prescribed:
- electrophoresis, which helps reduce the neurological manifestations of the disease
- diadynamic therapy with the influence of currents of different intensity, which effectively relieves severe pain
- ultrasound therapy with exposure along the affected spine
- magnetotherapy with alternating magnetic fields
To achieve the best effect, the patient is prescribed a complex of several physiotherapy procedures.
Kinesiology recording
For anesthesia, cotton pads with hot melt adhesive are used. There are special types of therapeutic applications for pain in the neck, chest, back and joint problems.
Injections for lumbar osteochondrosis
With lumbar osteochondrosis, the doctor may prescribe the following injections to the patient for treatment:
- chondroprotectors protect cartilage tissue from further destruction, delaying the development of dystrophic disorders
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs reduce inflammation, have antipyretic and analgesic effects by reducing swelling at the focus of inflammation
- vitamin complex restores blood circulation in the affected area, accelerates the renewal of nerve fibers, improves the overall condition of the body
Injections can only be prescribed by a doctor, because the treatment method has contraindications. For example, many drugs are prohibited for allergy sufferers, pregnant and lactating mothers.
Drug treatment
Doctors try to avoid this method of treatment, but in severe cases, they prescribe the following drugs for the treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral region:
- analgesics have only analgesic or additional anti-inflammatory effects
- Antispasmodics relieve muscle spasms, as a result of which the pressure on the nerve endings stops and the pain decreases
- vasodilating drugs improve blood microcirculation, helping to reduce the recovery time of the spine after osteochondrosis treatment
Treatment with tablets is carried out separately or combined with injections. For example, certain drugs are prescribed in the form of tablets, and if they are not effective enough, they are prescribed in the form of injections.
Surgical intervention
Surgery is a radical step, it is only used in severe cases. During the operation, the doctor completely eliminates the cause of the pain and stabilizes the spine.
Prevention of lumbar osteochondrosis
- Create a simple sports and exercise therapy schedule
- take a break at work every hour for 5-7 minutes
- sleep on a flat surface or buy an orthopedic mattress
- wear comfortable and appropriate shoes
Which doctor to contact
A neurologist makes an accurate diagnosis, prescribes treatment and, if necessary, corrects it. If the disease is accompanied by severe pain or disturbances in the function of internal organs, it may be necessary to consult with another specialist.
Frequently asked questions
How to provide help during acute pain in lumbar osteochondrosis?
Patients with low back pain should be helped to take a comfortable position where the pain is reduced. After that, you need to see a doctor.
Is it possible to do physical exercises with lumbar osteochondrosis?
In the acute period, physical exercise is contraindicated, the patient must adhere to bed rest. When the pain disappears, the patient should do exercise therapy - do general strengthening exercises. They must be selected by a doctor. At the same time, it is important to monitor your well-being during physical activity. If any exercise causes pain, it is important to limit the intensity or eliminate it.