Lumbar osteochondrosis is a deformation of the spine in the lumbar region. The disease affects the intervertebral discs, cartilage, spinal roots and nerve fibers and causes back pain.
CMRT clinics have been specializing in the conservative treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis for more than 10 years. The centers are equipped with modern expert equipment for accurate diagnosis, effective treatment and rehabilitation. Experienced specialists apply an individual approach that organizes a series of therapeutic measures aimed at combating pathology at all stages.
It is important!
An accurate diagnosis can determine the causes and nature of the disease, and only a qualified doctor can prescribe effective treatment at an internal appointment.
Reasons
The main cause of the disease is the improper distribution of the load on the musculoskeletal system. This usually happens when walking in high heels, carrying a bag to one side, sleeping or sitting with an uncomfortable posture. At risk are the elderly, pregnant women, newborns, professional athletes and office workers.
Other causes of lumbar osteochondrosis:
- injuries, bruises, fractures of arms, legs, spine
- damage to organs of the musculoskeletal system
- diseases of the gastrointestinal tract that cause malnutrition
- body tension during long exercise
- psychoemotional disorders
- blood flow disorders in the spine
- inflammation of the musculoskeletal system
- infections of internal organs and vertebrae
- joint stiffness, disc displacement
- protrusions and intervertebral tears
- severe intoxication
- metabolic disorders
- curvature of the posture
- sedentary lifestyle
- dehydration
- unbalanced diet
- lack of calcium and oxygen
- overweight
- bad habits
- age-related changes
- co-morbidities
Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
The intensity and nature of symptoms depends on the stage of the disease. The sooner the patient detects the symptoms of lumbosacral osteochondrosis, the more effective the treatment will be.
Common symptoms:
- severe pain in the lower back that may spread to the legs, abdominal organs, and pelvis
- pain in kidneys and sacrum
- fatigue and tension in the lumbar and sacral lumbar region
- Difficulty moving the body, walking, bending and turning
- sometimes back pain
- rapid fatigue after a light load
- creaking in the back, impaired mobility, pain at rest
- numbness of limbs
- muscle spasms and cramps
- dizziness
- weakness and loss of strength
- decreased muscle tone and sensitivity
Manifestations of lumbar osteochondrosis can be different in men and women. Men may have problems with potency. Women suffer from pelvic pain more often. When the deformed spine cannot fully support the back, the uterus and appendages are subjected to additional loads, sometimes changing from their normal physiological state.
Varieties
The classification of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine consists of several types of the disease. According to the type of pain syndrome, the following are distinguished:
Lumbago. acute symptom. It is expressed by acute lumbago and inability to move. Occurs with muscle spasms, injuries, compressed discs and nerve roots.
Lubalji. It is characterized by long-term aching pain caused by tears, protrusions, spondyloarthrosis, sprains and other disorders of the musculoskeletal system.
Sciatica. Strong pain syndrome in the lumbar-sacral region, radiation to the pelvis. The pain spreads to the sciatic nerve, preventing normal flexion and extension of the body, preventing pain-free 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 lumbar region, but also in the legs, hips, thighs, and lower abdomen. Sometimes the body temperature rises, weakness, urinary incontinence appear, the patient loses weight.
Radiculopathy is expressed by numbness of the nerve roots and a decrease in a person's motor ability. Signs - tingling or pain in the entire lower body, impaired reflexes, decreased muscle tone and joints of the extremities.
Stages of development of lumbar osteochondrosis
Doctors monitor the dynamics of the pathology in four stages:
First. Symptoms are almost invisible - they are diagnosed with X-rays. The stage begins with pathological processes in the pulp cavity of an overdried disc and microcracks in the fibrous ring.
Second. The height of the intervertebral discs decreases, which makes the vertebrae closer together. This causes vertebral slippage and displacement, accompanied by pain during movement.
the third. It is characterized by stiffness, instability, numbness of the body in the coccyx, lower back and sacrum. This can be explained by protrusion of vertebrae, protrusions, displacement of joints and arthrosis in the spine.
Fourth. The most difficult degree. On it, the functions of the spinal column are disturbed and bone growths (osteophytes) are formed. Growths can compress nerves or damage the integrity of the vertebrae.
Results of lumbar osteochondrosis
- Excessive accumulation of salt in the body
- development of hernias, protrusion, prolapse of vertebrae and discs
- chronic sciatica
- paresis and paralysis of the legs
Diagnostics
An orthopedist, osteopath, neurologist, rheumatologist, chiropractor and surgeon can diagnose lumbar osteochondrosis and other disorders of the musculoskeletal system. An accurate diagnosis can be made after:
- X-ray of the spine showing the condition of bone, cartilage and muscle tissues, as well as ligaments and tendons.
- Myelography is the study of the spinal fluid using a dye. 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 the diagnosis in the network of CMRT clinics.
We also recommend undergoing plasma therapy procedures, pharmacopuncture. Hand therapy and osteopathy services, exercise therapy are recommended to maintain health.
Treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis
A neurologist deals with the treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar-sacral spine. The standard treatment regimen looks like this: the doctor makes a diagnosis, determines the degree of development of the disease and identifies complications. Taking this into account, he chooses the method of treatment - 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 suffer from pain. The doctor monitors the patient's condition during physical activity, corrects or cancels the exercise if pain or discomfort occurs.
Each therapeutic gymnastics lesson takes place in several stages. During the warm-up, the patient performs light exercises that warm the muscles and disperse the blood. In the main part - exercises for the affected spine. Finally, a relaxing stretch.
Physiotherapy for lumbar osteochondrosis
Physiotherapy procedures are performed to relieve pain, improve blood circulation and tissue nutrition, and reduce inflammation. Patients are often prescribed:
- electrophoresis, which helps to reduce the neurological manifestations of the disease
- diadynamic therapy with the effect of currents of different intensity, which effectively relieves even severe pain
- ultrasound therapy with exposure along the affected spine
- magnetotherapy with an alternating magnetic field
To achieve the best effect, the patient is prescribed a complex of several physiotherapy procedures.
Kinesiology taping
A cotton patch with hot melt adhesive is used for anesthesia. There are specific types of therapeutic applications for pain in the neck, chest, back and joints.
Injections for lumbar osteochondrosis
With lumbar osteochondrosis, the doctor can prescribe the following injections to the patient for treatment:
- chondroprotectors protect cartilage tissue from further destruction, slow down the development of dystrophic disorders.
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs reduce inflammation, have an antipyretic and analgesic effect by reducing swelling at the site of inflammation.
- vitamin complexes restore blood circulation in the affected areas, accelerate the renewal of nerve fibers, and improve the condition of the body as a whole.
Injections can only be prescribed by a doctor, because the treatment method has contraindications. For example, many drugs are prohibited for people with allergies, pregnant and lactating mothers.
Drug treatment
Doctors try to avoid this method of treatment, but in extreme cases, they prescribe the following drugs for the treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral region:
- analgesics have only an analgesic or additional anti-inflammatory effect
- antispasmodics relieve muscle spasms, thereby relieving pressure on nerve endings and reducing pain.
- vasodilator drugs improve blood microcirculation, help to reduce the recovery time of the spine after treatment of osteochondrosis.
Treatment with tablets is carried out separately or together with injections. For example, a certain drug is prescribed in the form of tablets, and if it is not effective enough, it is prescribed in the form of injections.
Surgical intervention
Surgery is a radical measure, used only in severe cases. During the operation, the doctor completely eliminates the cause of pain and stabilizes the spine.
Prevention of lumbar osteochondrosis
- Prepare an average schedule of sports and exercise therapy
- take a 5-7 minute break every hour at work
- sleep on a flat surface or buy an orthopedic mattress
- wear comfortable shoes that fit
Which doctor should be consulted?
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 work of internal organs, it may be necessary to refer to other specialists.
Frequently asked questions
How to help with acute pain in lumbar osteochondrosis?
A patient with back pain should be helped to a comfortable position where the pain is reduced. After that, you should consult a doctor.
Is it possible to do physical exercises with lumbar osteochondrosis?
During the acute period, physical exercises are contraindicated, the patient should observe bed rest. When the pain goes away, the patient should do exercise therapy - do general strengthening exercises. They should 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 or eliminate its intensity.