Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine. Symptoms and treatment. Gymnastics, drugs

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is diagnosed not only in elderly patients. Recently, the pathology also appears in young people under 30 years old. Ignoring the symptoms can lead to complications. Therefore, it is necessary to recognize the signs of the disease in order to start treatment in time.

What is lumbar osteochondrosis

This pathology involves an unhealthy transformation of the vertebrae located in the lumbar region. With the disease, the elasticity of the intervertebral discs decreases due to the lack of distribution of nutrients at the cellular level. The localization of the disease is due to the fact that it is this area of the spine that bears the greatest load.

Causes

Among the main factors that lead to pathology are:

• Genetics.Doctors warn that if one of the parents suffers from this disease, then the risk of developing lumbar osteochondrosis in the younger generation is much higher. Therefore, in such a situation, the child should engage in prevention from childhood.
• Lifting weights regularly.This point applies not only to people who earn money through manual labor, but also to athletes who neglect safety precautions.

• Injuries.Any injury to the back can lead to pathology. If they are present, you should consult an osteopath or neurologist. It should be noted that many people are not even aware of their injuries. For example, when braking hard while driving a car, a person can experience vertebral displacement.
• Obesity.The spine is able to withstand loads of normal weight. If a person is overweight, the middle region of this organ can be deformed.
• Bad attitude.The curvature of the spine leads to a violation of the proportional distribution of the load and then to osteochondrosis.
• Chronic physical inactivity,lack of movement in lifestyle. Minimal physical activity leads to the fact that the spine is not loaded. At such a moment, muscles and ligaments begin to weaken and blood circulation breaks down, which provokes a lack of nutrition in the intervertebral discs, which over time lose their elasticity. In this case, all the load and weight are transferred to the discs, squeezing and later forming a hernia.
• Flat feet.This pathology suggests a lack of normal shock absorption in the legs. This results in the spine having to do more work than during normal walking. Therefore, beads wear out faster.
• Stress.The human body is created in such a way that with any psycho-emotional stress, first of all, the neck becomes tense. This is a biological atavism. After all, when a predator attacks a mammal, it immediately grabs its neck. Chronic stress provokes a reflex transition of spasm throughout the spine. Ultimately, this can lead to nerve compression, including in the lumbar spine. Therefore, after stress, it is important to relieve tension with the help of special gymnastics.

• Aggressive obstetric practice. When the birthing process is stimulated, the baby travels faster and can be injured as a result. This situation can occur during a cesarean section when the baby's head is strongly tilted to the right or left side. Then the baby is diagnosed with vegetative-vascular dystonia. The true cause of the pathology is usually identified in adolescence.

Diplomas

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, the symptoms and treatment of which are described in detail in this article, has 4 stages of development. Their detailed description is presented in the table.

diploma	Physiology	Painful sensations
First	The process of destruction of the intervertebral discs located in this area begins.	It is expressed by burning, dull pain or tingling sensation in the lumbar region. Sometimes the localization of unpleasant symptoms moves to the buttocks. The pain syndrome becomes more pronounced after physical work.
Secondly	The disks are more and more susceptible to destruction, under the influence of which the distance between them is significantly reduced. At this stage, extensions may appear.	The pain becomes a constant aching character. They can radiate to the buttocks, thighs and knees.
Third	The tissues in this location of the spine are completely susceptible to destruction. Intervertebral hernias are formed.	The pain is strong and constant. However, they do not depend on the level of physical activity.
Fourthly	The cartilage atrophies completely and the vertebrae begin to grow. The spine loses mobility, which leads to disability.	Unpleasant sensations can disappear completely or partially.

Diagnosing

To make an accurate diagnosis, doctors perform the following activities:

• Inspection.At the initial meeting, the specialist visually assesses the patient's physique, his weight and height ratio. In addition, the features of walking, standing and performing simple exercises are studied. The skin of the back is examined for the presence of inflamed areas.
• Palpation.The doctor carefully palpates the patient's back to identify the location of tension and pain. In some cases, a special hammer is used.

• Radiography.This diagnostic method is performed in two positions, back and side. If a functional study is required, then radiation is performed in a flexed and non-flexed state. This method of diagnosis has become widespread in the CIS countries and requires the least amount of money. However, it does not allow identifying the pathology at an early stage of development. In addition, X-rays are harmful types of radiation.
• CT scan.Unlike radiography, it makes it possible to obtain better quality images. The process is performed using a tomograph and takes about 10 minutes. As a result, it is possible to study in detail not only the state of bone tissue, but also changes in blood vessels and nerves. The method is not suitable for pregnant and lactating women. It should be noted that, despite the possibility of obtaining more detailed information, the patient experiences radiation 5 times higher than radiography. Such an examination is recommended to be carried out no more than once a year.
• Magnetic resonance imaging.It is the most informative way to make a diagnosis. During the procedure, the patient is placed in a plane, which rotates in a special room, where by means of magnetic waves passing through the patient's body, a detailed image of the spine is obtained. The main disadvantage of this diagnosis is the need for the patient to stay in the room for about 30 minutes. For people with a certain mental makeup, the procedure can be a difficult test. In addition, MRI is contraindicated in patients with cardiac pacemakers or metal parts in the body, as well as in women in early pregnancy. However, this diagnostic method has many advantages, the main one being the lack of harmful effects on the human body. The resulting images will clearly show not only changes in the vertebrae themselves, but also the direction of blood flow, the condition of nerve endings and blood vessels. Unlike previous diagnostic methods, MRI can detect any adverse changes in the spine at the earliest stage of lumbar osteochondrosis.
• Blood and urine tests.These procedures should not be called fully diagnostic. They are necessary as an additional examination, which is performed to exclude or confirm rheumatological pathologies.

Treatment

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, the symptoms of which vary in degreethe development of the disease described above suggests the following treatment tactics:

• taking medications prescribed by a doctor;
• a physiotherapy course;
• regular performance of a specific set of exercises;
• massage.

In some cases, experts recommend surgery.

Drug treatment

All drugs prescribed for lumbar osteochondrosis can be divided into the following groups:

• pain relievers;
• muscle relaxants;
• chondroprotectors;
• vitamins.

Medicines that perform an analgesic function can be divided into two components: hormonal and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They are equally capable of removing not only pain, but also reducing inflammation.

However, the first group of drugs is used in exceptional cases. After all, they can lead to an imbalance of the endocrine system and reduce immunity. Therefore, hormonal drugs can only be purchased with a prescription at the pharmacy.

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, the symptoms and treatment of which are described in detail in this article, involves the oral use or intramuscular administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

However, their use for more than 3 days is not recommended. Otherwise, a side effect may occur. Then, you can use various ointments and creams for topical use.

Oral medications are available in the form of tablets, injections and suppositories.

Injections are used to relieve acute inflammation and pain. It is forbidden to carry them out for more than 2 days.

Muscle relaxants help relax muscles. However, the danger of their use lies in the fact that this category of drugs blocks the impulse that goes from the nerve to the muscle.

It should be clarified that the motor nerve exits from the spinal cord to absolutely all muscle fibers through the spine.

When you take muscle relaxants, the impulse transmission mechanism is blocked. Due to the tightness and overwork in lumbar osteochondrosis, the connection between nerves and muscles is already interrupted. The use of these medications further depresses this system.

Taking chondroprotectors provokes the restoration of cartilage tissue.

However, there is a theory that chondroprotectors are not able to restore the intervertebral discs, because they consist of fibrous tissue. In this case, the drug acts exclusively on cartilage tissue.

B vitamins are necessary for the maintenance of nerve fibers.

Physiotherapy

All procedures related to physiotherapy affect the local area of the pathology, while nearby tissues and organs remain unchanged.

This includes the following methods of treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis:

• Electrophoresis with anesthesia.Special medications are injected into the patient's lower back. The whole process is stimulated by electric current.
• Ultrasound.The purpose of this treatment method is tissue micromassage. The procedure helps relieve inflammation and also relieves pain. Blood circulation improves and metabolism is activated accordingly.
• Magnetotherapy.This method involves the use of a magnetic field. There is a wide variety of devices with a similar effect, which makes it possible to use them at home.
• Vibration effect. The devices create certain vibrations in the desired area of the body.
• Detensor therapy.The procedure is performed on a special mattress. The goal is to straighten the spine.

Physiotherapy

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, the symptoms and treatment of which should be checked with a doctor, requires compliance with certain rules when performing exercises. The main principle is the immediate cessation of activities when pain appears. Move carefully and smoothly to avoid damage.

The complex assumes the following algorithm:

1. Lie on your back and lift your legs one at a time.

2. Lie on your side with your arms extended in front of you. Pull the top leg back. Then turn to the other side and repeat the steps in a mirror fashion.
3. Lying on your stomach, simultaneously pull your legs and arms back.
4. Get up on all fours. Take turns pulling one hand at a time.
5. In the same position, pull your right arm and leg up. Then repeat the same on the left.

Massage

When performing a massage, you must adhere to the following rules:

• actions should be directed from the upper part of the back to the lower part;
• massage movements can affect only the soft tissues and not the spine;
• Before the procedure, patients are advised to visit the toilet.

Massage algorithm:

1. Make shots in the right direction;
2. Perform rubbing movements first with one, then with two palms. In this case, it is necessary to monitor the pressure that the massage therapist exerts on the patient's back.
3. Pull gently and then squeeze the muscle tissue.
4. Create vibrations using your hands or a special preparation.
5. Finish the procedure with a light blow.

Folk remedies

Traditional medicine involves the use of medicinal plants. The main action is aimed at relieving pain.

Ointment for pain relief at home

For this recipe you will need hop cones and animal fat. The first component is crushed and mixed with the second.

The ointment should then be slightly lowered and can be rubbed into the lower back. The composition can be supplemented with chamomile if desired. It has soothing properties and can relieve inflammation.

Compress with honey and potatoes

Raw potatoes should be cut using a grater. Then, mix the ingredients in equal proportions. The resulting mass should be distributed on the injured area of the back. It is recommended that the patient stay in this position for several hours, and then rinse everything thoroughly. This compress temporarily relieves the patient's condition.

Ginger Pain Relief Ointment

Grate equal amounts of ginger and garlic on a fine grater. Then you need to add a small amount of butter. Mix everything thoroughly and rub it on the lower back. The ointment should be prepared immediately before use.

Lilac alcohol tincture

Pour a small handful of lilac flowers into a glass quart jar. Then fill the container up to the neck with vodka, alcohol or moonshine. The jar should be tightly closed with a lid and left in a cool and dark place. After a week and a half, the product is ready for use.

In this case, there is no need to pass the solution through a filter. You can rub your back with the resulting product. However, the dose should be minimal. If after use the product is stored in the same way as during the infusion, then it can be used for a whole year.

Herbal baths

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, the symptoms and treatment of which can be studied in this article, is often accompanied by severe pain. You can eliminate it with a bath. Warm water helps to relax the soft tissues, the spasm is calmed and the pain goes away for a while.

In some cases, experts recommend using opposite temperatures to relieve inflammation. It should be noted that taking warm baths accelerates metabolic processes in the body. Another advantage of this method of treating pathology is the possibility of using it at home. In addition, the procedure helps relieve psycho-emotional nervous tension.

You can increase efficiency with the help of herbal baths, among which the following should be noted:

• coniferIt is better to use needles from 3 trees - pine, fir and cedar. You can also add cones. About 5 handfuls of the collected material should be boiled for about 15 minutes. Then, without opening the lid, leave it for 2 hours. Then we pass the juice through a filter and throw it in the bath.
• Chamomile.For this recipe it is not necessary to use fresh flowers, you can use a ready pharmacy mixture. A glass of chamomile should be filled with water and heated over low heat. You can't boil the stew. When the maximum temperature is reached, the heating must be turned off. Without opening the lid, let it boil for another 3 hours, then the composition can be used. Such a bath will be useful not only for osteochondrosis, but also in the presence of redness and inflammatory processes on the skin.
• Juniper.Boil a few handfuls of the mixture for about 20 minutes. Then the soup must be passed through a filter. In this case, there is no need to wait until the composition is completely cooled; you can immediately pour it into the bath. This procedure brings with it an additional aromatherapy effect, which helps relieve stress and relieve insomnia.

After taking any of the above baths, you should lie down for about an hour. It is better to perform the procedure before going to bed at night.

Surgical intervention

Despite the fact that the disease can be effectively treated with conservative treatment, in some cases the patient is recommended to undergo surgery. It is important to note that it must be done in a timely manner. After all, sometimes it happens that a person becomes disabled only because he did not consult a doctor in time for complications.

The following indications are necessary for surgical intervention:

• prolonged two-month pain, which is eliminated with the help of non-steroidal drugs;
• progressive problems with motor function.

There are the following types of operations performed for lumbar osteochondrosis:

• Discectomy.Represents a replacement disc. It can be partial or complete.

• Foraminotomy.During the operation, part of the damaged tissue is removed. The operation is performed under local anesthesia.
• Laminotomy.Surgeons partially remove the osteophytes.
• Facetectomy.The operation aims to remove the joint. It is performed under general anesthesia.
• Laminectomy.This surgery is performed to remove part of the spine. At the same time, the remaining parts are fixed.

What to do during a tantrum

During an exacerbation of the disease, it is better to adhere to the following recommendations:

• prefer hard chairs to soft ones;
• sleep on an orthopedic mattress;
• avoid heavy lifting;

• change the position of your body every quarter of an hour;
• perform a massage.

Complications

Lack of treatment for lumbar osteochondrosis can lead to changes in the normal location of the disc. A hernia forms between the 5th vertebra and the sacrum. In addition, this pathology disrupts blood circulation in the pelvis. In men, this leads to erectile dysfunction and possibly impotence.

For women, the disease threatens problems in the reproductive system. However, the most serious complication is disability, which begins with a gradual impairment of motor activity.

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine has characteristic symptoms. The above complications show that it is dangerous to ignore them. After all, modern medicine offers a wide variety of treatment options that provide effective results.