Lumbar osteochondrosis is a neurological disease of the spine that affects people of all ages, and in which degenerative-dystrophic changes in the lumbar spine occur. They affect the intervertebral discs, articular cartilage, bone tissue.
The cause of the disease is the serious stress that the lower back experiences on a daily basis - when walking, sitting, lifting weights. It is very important to start treatment for osteochondrosis as soon as possible to avoid possible complications. Lumbar osteochondrosis is a rather complex disease that requires complex therapy, under the supervision of an experienced specialist.
Key features
Lumbosacral osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disorder in the articular cartilage of the spine, which is located in the lumbar spine. In other words, this disease means the destruction of the cartilaginous discs located between the vertebral bodies. The mobility of the vertebrae decreases, the distance between them decreases, there is compression (compression) of the nerve endings.
The lumbosacral spine suffers more often than others due to the fact that the maximum load falls on it. In 80% of patients who complain of back pain, doctors diagnose osteochondrosis. The disease begins with the breakdown of glycoproteins in the connective tissue, it is these compounds that give it elasticity. Intervertebral discs are the first to suffer from this process.
Each disc consists of a nucleus and an outer fibrous ring. After the core dries, the disk loses its elastic properties, and the fibrous ring cracks and stratifies. Through the gaps in the ring, the nucleus can fall out (a hernia is formed).
As a result of these processes, the load on the vertebrae increases significantly, the body responds to this by a sudden increase in the formation of bone tissue in places of increased load.
Which vertebrae are affected
The lumbar part consists of five vertebrae: L1-L5, the fifth vertebra is attached to the sacrum. The discs between them are most often affected by osteochondrosis.
There are several types of lumbosacral osteochondrosis, which differ in the position of the vertebrae.
- Disease of the upper lumbar level (1, 2 and 3 vertebrae).
- Lower lumbar disease (3, 4 and 5 vertebrae).
- Osteochondrosis of the sacrum (localized in the sacral bones). This type of disease is very rare.
- Joining the bones of the sacrum and vertebrae.
Stages of development of lumbosacral osteochondrosis
There are four stages (sometimes three) of osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral region. Here they are:
- There are changes in the nucleus and its position.
- The destruction of the outer fibrous ring begins.
- After the ring breaks, the core falls out.
- Destructive processes affect the vertebrae, joints, ligaments.
In the first stage of lumbosacral osteochondrosis, a person feels some discomfort and pain in the lower back. It can be acute or painful in nature. There is a spasm of muscles and blood vessels, problems in the work of organs.
Cramps in the blood vessels of the lower extremities can lead to atherosclerosis, bladder dysfunction.
In the second phase, due to the instability of the vertebrae, the back muscles are constantly tense. Patients complain of lower back fatigue, discomfort, and insecurity.
In the third phase, the nucleus of the disc falls out of the fibrous ring and an intervertebral hernia is formed. The fragments of the dropped disc pinch the nerve roots that innervate the internal organs, muscles and parts of the skin. As a result, there is a change in the sensitivity of a particular area, a feeling of burning, numbness and loss of sensitivity may develop. Nerve compression can lead to loss of motor function or muscle atrophy.
According to the area where the innervation injury occurs, doctors can tell exactly where the spinal column is damaged. If the fragments of the disc fall into the spinal canal, the spinal cord is compressed. This often disrupts the functioning of the pelvic organs and the motor function of the lower extremities.
In the fourth phase, the disc tissue is completely replaced by dense connective tissue. There is a certain restoration of the supporting function of the spinal column, the pain is slightly reduced, but its mobility and elasticity are lost.
The above phases are conditional, because the development of the disease is very individual.
Symptoms: the body will tell
Symptoms can be divided into major, associated with changes in the spine, and additional, which are associated with impaired innervation due to pinched nerves.
Main:
- pain and numbness in the lower back. Initially, it may be temporary and manifest during physical exertion and movement. As they develop, they become permanent, they can be sharp or painful, they even appear when coughing or sneezing;
- fatigue and depression;
- decreased lower extremity sensitivity;
- reduced lower back mobility;
- curvature of the spine, lordosis.
Additionally:
- sharp back pain;
- deterioration of the reflex;
- cracks in the lower extremities, lameness;
- muscle weakness;
- reduction of sweating;
- feeling cold in the legs.
Depending on the localization of osteochondrosis, pain is observed in different parts of the body:
- with damage to 1-2 vertebrae - in the inguinal region;
- with damage to 3-4 vertebrae - in the lower leg and thigh area;
- with defeat of the 5th vertebra - in the sacrum, lower back.
How is lumbosacral osteochondrosis diagnosed?
Diagnosis begins with a detailed examination of the patient. The doctor should listen carefully to the patient's complaints, determine the location and intensity of pain, pay special attention to side symptoms (loss of skin sensitivity, impaired motor function).
The doctor must monitor the development of symptoms over time, analyze the nature and effectiveness of previous treatment (or self-medication). Also, the doctor should pay attention to the anamnesis, ask the patient about his way of life, working conditions and previous diseases.
Special attention should be paid to posture, possible curvature of the spine. It is important to note how the patient moves, the degree of muscle development.
The main diagnostic tool for lumbosacral osteochondrosis is radiography. MRI and computed tomography are used successfully.
Causes
The lumbosacral region has a number of unique characteristics. The spinal cord ends at the level of the 12th thoracic-1 lumbar vertebra. In the lumbosacral region, there are fibers of the spinal nerves, which are gathered in a bundle. The lumbar and sacral roots form the sciatic nerve.
The main feature of this part of the spine is the high load (dynamic and static), which it constantly experiences. As a result, lumbar discs wear out earlier.
Possible consequences
This disease is dangerous in its consequences:
- damage to the knee and pelvic joints;
- internal organ dysfunction (problems with potency in men and reproductive organs in women);
- lumbago, sciatica and lumboishialgia;
- spinal cord compression, leading to impaired reflexes;
- inflammation of the sciatic nerve.
Scientists still cannot answer what exactly causes this disease. Or rather, which of the factors has the greatest impact on its development. Some researchers believe that lumbosacral osteochondrosis is the price a person pays for upright walking. Indeed, this disease has not been observed in animals.
Factors that cause this disease can be divided into external and internal. Here are the main reasons that cause it:
- serious spinal injuries;
- heredity;
- flat feet;
- prolonged standing;
- posture disorders;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- excess weight;
- unbalanced diet.
Who is in danger
No one is immune to this disease. Hereditary factors determine a greater or lesser predisposition to this. However, external factors and a person's lifestyle have a great influence on the probability of developing this disease.
Another cause of the disease is excessive exercise and injuries.
Proper nutrition is important for the prevention of osteochondrosis: food should contain all the necessary components, be rich in vitamins and trace elements.
Treatment
Treatment can be surgical or conservative. If the disease is in the phase of the appearance of intervertebral hernias, then surgical intervention is necessary. Conservative treatment includes the following methods:
- drug therapy;
- physiotherapy and spinal traction;
- massage and manual therapy;
- physiotherapy exercises.
Drug therapy includes anti-inflammatory drugs, painkillers, relieving muscle cramps and blocking injections. Chondroprotectors are also used, they reduce pain and stimulate the regeneration of damaged cartilage formations. In some cases, hormonal medications are used.
Prevention
Basic principles for the prevention of lumbosacral osteochondrosis:
- preventing overload of the lower back;
- strengthening back muscles;
- maintaining proper posture;
- physical activity;
- proper nutrition;
- regulation of rest regime;
- timely treatment of other back diseases.
Home Treatments
Exercises
There are fairly simple exercises that a person can perform on their own at home. They are used for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes. Their main task is to strengthen the back muscles in order to partially relieve the spine.
exercise therapy
Therapeutic exercise is one of the main ways to treat osteochondrosis. Exercise helps strengthen muscles, which removes some of the load from the spine. Improves blood circulation in tissues, including intervertebral discs. Therapeutic exercise helps to remove muscle tension, reduce pain.
Massage
Massage is an excellent treatment for lumbar osteochondrosis. Improves blood supply to tissues, reduces pain, relieves cramps, strengthens the muscular corset.
Instead of an epilogue
Summarizing the above, it can be noted that this disease is a real "disease of the century" that threatens every modern person.
Lumbosacral osteochondrosis causes a person unbearable pain, it can turn into a person with a disability. It is very difficult to treat this disease, especially in its advanced form.
The positive thing is that it is in the power of each of us to avoid the development of osteochondrosis. All you need to do is take care of your spine: don't overload it, take care of your own weight, lead a healthy lifestyle, eat normally, avoid injuries.
If you start to notice the first symptoms of osteochondrosis, consult a doctor. In the initial stages, this disease is quite easy to treat. Take care of your spine so that even in old age, movements bring you joy, not discomfort.