Degenerative process - osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine: symptoms and treatment

Lumbar osteochondrosis occurs during degenerative-dystrophic processes in intervertebral discs and vertebrae.Negative symptoms are the result of a complex of negative factors.

Pathology is diagnosed in men and women.The risk group is patients with excess weight, metabolic disorders, people who, due to the nature of their work, are forced to frequently lift and move heavy objects.It is important to know the dangers of osteochondrosis in the lumbar region and how to prevent damage to the spinal column.

Causes of the development of lumbar osteochondrosis

In most cases, osteochondrosis of the spine develops under the influence of several negative factors.The more causes there are, the more difficult it is to deal with a rapidly progressing disease.In women, problems with the spine often develop due to excess weight, in men - during heavy physical activity.

Degenerative and dystrophic changes on the vertebrae and intervertebral discs cause:

• old back injuries;
• excess weight;
• lack of sufficient physical activity, sedentary work;
• disorders in metabolic processes;
• lifting weights in violation of the rules;
• hereditary predisposition.

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, ICD code – M42.

Degrees and stages of the disease

Musculoskeletal system disease has two forms:

• acute;
• period of remission.

According to the degree of damage to the vertebrae and discs, there are 4 stages of pathology:

• first.Symptoms are mild, periodic pain (when lifting weights or sharp bends, turns), initial phase of deformation of intervertebral discs;
• second.The fibrous ring is destroyed, the vertebrae are pressed closer to each other, and the pain syndrome increases when the nerve roots are pinched.The patient assumes an unnatural position in an attempt to relieve the pain.Shoots radiate into the groin, legs, upper thigh.Lumbago occurs suddenly, the pain is indescribable;
• third.The fibrous rings are completely destroyed, the vertebrae are in constant contact and an intervertebral hernia is formed.The pain is almost constant, intensifies when moving.Chondroprotectors are ineffective (the cartilage is almost destroyed): the use of NSAIDs and painkillers is necessary;
• fourth.The spine is damaged, the patient has difficulty moving.The growth of bone structures increases, the pain decreases slightly, but mobility is limited when performing any actions.The result is the patient's disability.

Possible complications

The lack of treatment of osteochondrosis in the lumbar spine provokes the progression of the pathology.As the negative changes increase, compression of intervertebral discs increases, cartilage tissue is destroyed, and pain increases.Damage to the spinal nerves at the exit from the spinal column leads to the development of radicular syndrome and gradual muscle atrophy.Signs of radiculopathy intensify when bending, lifting weights or hypothermia.

Other complications:

• compression of the Adamkiewicz artery.Causes: back injuries, falls, lifting heavy loads, sudden movements.The dangerous condition leads to paralysis of the legs, incontinence of feces and urine.Damage to a large vessel that supplies the spinal cord and roots quickly turns a healthy person into a patient with limited options.Bedsores are a clear sign of pathology;
• compression myelopathy.The formation of a herniated disc leads to compression and narrowing of the spinal canal.The result is indescribable pain, which is practically unaffected by strong analgesics.Other negative signs: problems in the work of the organs located in the pelvis, reduced innervation and muscle strength of the lower extremities.

Clinical picture

The main sign of damage to the spinal column is aching pain in the lumbar region that spreads to the leg.Unpleasant sensations occur after carrying a load, during sharp turns or bends.Sometimes the pain occurs even without physical activity.Important point– changing body position increases discomfort.

Damage to different parts of the spine forces you to look for a position in which the discomfort will be minimal.This sign helps to diagnose the pathology.

Degenerative-dystrophic changes in the vertebrae lead to deterioration of the patient's quality of life.Frequent pain attacks cause depression, irritability and interfere with daily and professional activities.

Signs of acute form:

• sharp pain appears not only during heavy physical exertion, but also during normal changes in body position;
• Only the search for the most acceptable body position temporarily alleviates the painful symptom.

Symptoms during remission:

• tingling sensation, numbness in the legs;
• dull pain in the lumbar region, buttocks, legs;
• dysfunction of the genital organs in the pelvis.

Diagnostics

If the development of lumbar osteochondrosis is suspected, the patient visits an orthopedic traumatologist.The doctor gives instructions for X-ray of the spine, magnetic resonance and CT.After analyzing the images, the doctor determines the degree of damage to the discs and vertebrae and prescribes treatment.

Effective treatments

How to treat lumbar osteochondrosis?The patient must be involved in active participation in the therapeutic process: it is important to get rid of excess weight, stop lifting weights and stop smoking.A moderate amount of movement, the use of medication, going to physical procedures and performing therapeutic massage are mandatory elements for pain relief and reducing the risk of progression of degenerative changes on the spine.

Important details:

• spinal traction, manual therapy are specific methods for the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis.Procedures are performed by a qualified doctor: improper application of techniques in the absence of knowledge and experience often causes damage and often leads to the patient's disability;
• Another important element of treatment is diet.Meat jellies, dishes with gelatin, fish, meat broths, fruits, turkey, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, herbs are healthy.Do not eat acidic, spicy food, drink alcohol or carbonated drinks.Be sure to drink up to two liters of fluid a day.

Drug therapy

Complex treatment required:

• chondroprotectors.The compositions restore the quality of the cartilage tissue, stop the destruction of the discs, compensate for the lack of microelements and increase the elasticity of the tissue.The important thing is that all chondroprotectors are taken for a long time - at least six months.Glucosamine, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate accumulate in the cartilage tissue and restore the structure of worn discs.The sooner the patient starts taking chondroprotectors, the greater the chances of success.In severe stages of osteochondrosis (3 and 4) it is almost impossible to normalize the condition of the discs;
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory compounds.NSAID drugs are an essential element in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine.The compositions stop inflammation and reduce pain.Medicines in the form of tablets and injections give the greatest effect;products for external use are more sensitive.Many types of NSAIDs irritate the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract: you can treat painful areas, take tablets or give injections only after eating.To protect the stomach tissue, a special medicine with a coating effect is prescribed;
• vitamin-mineral complexes, healthy food supplementswith calcium, drugs that activate blood circulation in the affected tissues.The dose and duration of the course is determined by the orthopedic traumatologist treating the patient.Saturation of bone and cartilage tissue with useful minerals and vitamins improves the condition of problem areas.

Folk remedies and recipes

Homemade ointments, rubs, compresses, herbal decoctions are an additional element of treatment.The compositions reduce pain, reduce inflammation and saturate the body with useful substances.All herbal medicines can be taken in consultation with an orthopedist-traumatologist.

Proven folk remedies:

• cranberry leaf tea;
• lard made from melted lard, ground marshmallow root and beeswax;
• collection with anti-inflammatory action.Ingredients: knotweed, strawberry leaves, horsetail, barberry, agrimony;
• poultice for the painful area made of grated raw potatoes and thin honey;
• fat from hop cones and rendered lard.

Warning!During the acute phase, it is forbidden to apply heat of any kind to the affected area.High temperature increases blood flow and accelerates the development of inflammation.Menthol-based cooling ointments are useful for reducing pain.It is important to coordinate all actions and home procedures with an orthopedic traumatologist.

Therapeutic gymnastics

The main task is to strengthen the muscular corset that supports the spinal column.Weak muscles in combination with a thick layer of fat negatively affect the condition of the intervertebral discs and affected vertebrae.

The patient performs gymnastics for lumbar osteochondrosis in a rehabilitation center, in a hospital environment or in a hydropathic clinic.Heavy loads, jumping, running, sharp turns, deep turns are prohibited.After the patient has mastered the exercise technique, the doctor allows him to do the exercise therapy complex at home.

Physiotherapy procedures

After stopping the acute process, the orthopedic traumatologist prescribes physical therapy to reduce swelling, pain and normalize blood circulation in the affected tissues.Each patient needs an individual treatment regimen.

Effective physiotherapy for lumbar osteochondrosis:

• electrophoresis with anti-inflammatory, analgesic compounds;
• thermal procedures during remission;
• darsonval (use of alternating current);
• magnetic therapy;
• beneficial effects of ultrasound waves;
• therapeutic massage;
• acupuncture to reduce pain.

Osteochondrosis in the lumbar region in advanced cases leads to disability of the patient.The disease manifests itself not only in older people: sedentary work + poor nutrition significantly rejuvenate pathologies of the musculoskeletal system.Only timely diagnosis and an integrated approach to therapy under the guidance of an experienced orthopedic traumatologist can avoid serious consequences.