Many people face a diagnosis of osteochondrosis in the lumbar region.Symptoms of this disease: constant pain in the lower back, as well as limited movements, loss of sensitivity, etc.In all cases, it should be understood that this disease in the absence of treatment can cause a mass of neurological complications.So what is the disease?What are his first signs?What methods of treatment do modern medicine offer?This information will be useful for each reader.
What is osteochondrosis?
Osteochondrosis is a chronically progressive disease which is accompanied by a degeneration of the connective and bone tissues of the spine.The process of pathological changes in the tissues begins in the intervertebral disc.This structure consists of a fibrous ring, inside which there is a gel pulpian nucleus.
Due to a violation of normal metabolism, progressive drying of the nucleus occurs.At the same time, changes are also observed in the fibrous ring: tears and cracks are formed in the tissues, following which the nucleus can go beyond.A similar process affects the state of vertebrates, as the vertebrae must withstand heavy loads.Thus, not only the intervertebral discs, but also the vertebrae, the ligaments and the intervertebral joints are involved in the process.
As a rule, the disease begins in adulthood or old age, although there are cases where the disease has been diagnosed in adolescents.By the way, lumbar osteochondrosis is the most common form of this disease.
The causes of the development of the disease
This pathology develops with a violation of normal metabolism and the presence of increased physical effort.It should be noted that the degenerative process, as a rule, is launched under the influence of several factors at the same time.To date, lumbar osteochondrosis is considered a multifactorial disease.Here are the most common causes of degeneration.
- First of all, it should be noted a hereditary predisposition.The cause can be some of the congenital anatomical characteristics of the skeleton and metabolic disorders, such as the bad metabolism of glycoproteins.
- The risk factors include flat feet, because with this pathology, there is a redistribution of the normal load on the spine.
- In some cases, osteochondrosis develops in the context of vertebral lesions.
- Static charges can also be allocated to risk factors.For example, long or stay in an uncomfortable position.
- Physical tension can also start a degenerative process, especially with regard to professional athletes.
- Often, the process develops in obese people, because the spine, as well as the entire skeleton, lends itself to increased loads.
Severity of lumbar osteochondrosis
This disease is developing gradually.To date, it is usual to distinguish four main degrees of osteochondrosis from the lumbar region (some doctors emit three).
- At the first step, there is a progressive change and a movement of the core of the jacket inside the intervertebral disc.
- Lumbar osteochondosis of the 2nd degree is characterized by the destruction of the fibrous ring.
- At the third stage, as a general rule, there is a break in the fibrous ring, following which the gelatin nucleus moves beyond its limits, so that the hernia of the intervertebral disc is formed.
- The fourth stage of the disease is accompanied by the degeneration of the vertebrae, ligaments and joints, following which spondyllorthrosis develops.
Lumbar osteochondrosis: symptoms and description of the first step in the disease
This stage of the disease is accompanied by irritation of the nerve fibers, which are in the inter-platical ligaments and a fibrous ring.Therefore, the first sign of this disease is discomfort, stiffness and pain in the lumbar region.It should be noted that the pain can be hard and shots (in medicine, this symptom is called "lumbago") or, on the contrary, stupid, but constant (low back pain).
It should be noted that due to the irritation of nerve endings, pain can also be extended to other tissues, organs or even organ systems.For example, in the event of a violation of normal trophism and blood circulation in ligaments and tendons, the appearance of so -called entertakers can occur in which connective tissues change and compact in the bone fixing places.
Given that very often in patients, lombo-sacred osteochondosis is diagnosed, the pain can apply to the lower spine and even give the lower limb.The compression of nerve endings and small vessels leads to the development of violations in the tissues of the lower limbs.
The second degree of osteochondrosis and its signs
At this stage, certain other signs of osteochondrosis in the lumbar region appear.The appearance of a certain instability between vertebrates is observed, as a result of which the mobility of the vertebrae increases.
In turn, such a change leads to the occurrence of a persistent and almost constant tension of the lower back muscles.Patients complain not only of pain and discomfort, but also constant muscle fatigue.
Clinical image with the third degree of disease
What signs in this case are accompanied by lumbar osteochondrosis?Symptoms during this period may be different.The fact is that the damaged intervertebral discs begin to tighten the nerve roots, which are accompanied by "radicular syndromes", called so.
At the same time, patients disrupt the sensitivity of these areas innervated by a compressed nerve.As a rule, slight numbness and tingling occurs at the beginning, but in the absence of treatment, a complete loss of sensitivity can occur.This is often accompanied by a deterioration in motor activity, the progressive atrophy of the muscles and sometimes a complete paralysis.
By the way, on the basis of the location of these changes, we can assume which vertebrae are affected by the disease.For example, if the change or loss of sensitivity is observed in the heel and the pain gives the muscle of the calf, it is likely that the patient has lombo-sacred osteochondosis.
In some patients, the "ponytail syndrome" has been observed, which is associated with the compression of the root package, which takes place in the lumbar and sacred section of the spine.This condition is characterized by a violation of the motor function of the legs, as well as various disorders of the pelvic organs.
Lumbar osteochondrosis: Symptoms of the fourth stage
At this stage, all joints and intervertebral ligaments are already involved in the process.In addition, there is fibrosis of the intervertebral disc, in which all its elements are replaced by a dense scar fabric.
By the way, for the moment, patients of patients can improve.But the mobility of the spine, lower back and legs is very limited.
Modern diagnostic methods
In the presence of constant pain and discomfort in the lower back, you should consult a doctor.Only a specialist can determine lumbar osteochondrosis of the spine.The diagnosis in this case includes several steps.
To start, the doctor will carry out a general examination, will check reflexes, the presence of radicular syndromes, as well as the degree of mobility, etc.It is necessary to collect a complete story, because in this case, it is important not only to make a diagnosis, but also to determine the cause of the development of a degenerative process.
Laboratory diagnostic methods in this case do not matter.Consequently, the patient is mainly directed towards the radiography of the spine.X -ray images allow you to see the narrowing of the intervertebral slit, as well as to determine the presence of bone growth and joints on the surface of the vertebra.
For a more precise evaluation of the patient's condition, magnetic resonance and computed tomography are also carried out, these studies give a clearer image of degenerative changes in the spine.
What complications is the disease associated with?
In no case should this disease perceive this frivolous disease.In the absence of therapy in a timely manner, the patient will face not only pain and the limitation of mobility, but also with more serious consequences.
In particular, the degeneration of intervertebral discs leads to the formation of a hernia.In addition, the compression of nerve roots affects the work of many organs, including urinary, sexual and sometimes digestive systems.In some cases, the disease leads to complete paralysis of the lower limbs and muscle atrophy.Changes in osteochondrosis are practically irreversible, so it is extremely important to start therapy over time.
Drug treatment of osteochondrosis
Only the doctor knows how to treat lumbar osteochondosis.With such disease, therapy is individually selected, as it depends on many factors, including the individual characteristics of the patient's body.In any case, it should be understood that the treatment of osteochondosis is a long and complex process.
Of course, patients are prescribed for certain drugs.Most often, this disease is used below.
- At the initial stages of treatment, chondroprotectors are used - drugs that inhibit the tissue degeneration process of the cartridge.
- In the second stage, the treatment of lombo-sacular osteochondosis may include the use of anti-inflammatory drugs that eliminate pain and the inflammatory process.
- Muscle spasm is eliminated with muscle relaxants.
- Local anesthetics are used for intense pain.For example, pain is blocked by injections of pain relievers.
- Older patients are recommended to take multivitamin complexes.
- Therapy also includes vasodilating drugs that improve blood circulation and tissue trophic.
Other conservative treatment methods
Of course, it is impossible to get rid of the disease using medication alone.The treatment of lombo-sacred osteochondosis includes other measures.In particular, a therapeutic massage gives a positive effect.Regular sessions help eliminate muscle spasms and improve blood circulation in tissues.
Gymnastics with lumbar osteochondosis is extremely important.All exercises are selected by the doctor or the treating physiotherapist.Physical education helps to send back mobility, improve blood circulation, eliminate pain.Naturally, the courses should be regular.On the other hand, in the presence of acute pain, physical activity is contraindicated, during this period, the patient needs a strict rest and bearing a special corset, which relieves the load of the spine.
In addition, certain physiotherapy methods are also used.In particular, ultraviolet radiation is considered to be quite effective (eliminates spasms and pain), magnetotherapy, laser therapy, electrophoresis (helping to relieve inflammation and pain), as well as Balne treatment.
When is surgical intervention necessary?
Unfortunately, not in any case, conservative treatment is possible, especially if the patient has a diagnosis of intervertebral hernia.Surgical intervention indications are also "bone tail" syndrome, as well as severe compression of the nerve roots.
To date, there are many techniques for such operations.Most often, called microsurgical, as well as endoscopic procedures, are also carried out to remove pressure on blood vessels and nerves.