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Lumbar osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is a common pathological disease of the spine. The cartilaginous tissue degenerates into bone, the intervertebral discs break down. The size of the ossified annulus fibrosus has decreased, it cannot cope with the depreciation function of the vertebral sections, it puts pressure on the nerve endings of the spinal cord, which causes pain in the lower back.

Stages of development of lumbar osteochondrosis

  1. The primary sign of the development of osteochondrosis is the feeling of discomfort in the lower back.
  2. The second stage is characterized by the protrusion of the discs: the destruction of the fibrous ring, the intervertebral spaces decrease, and pain occurs when the nerve endings are pinched.
  3. In the third stage, the spine is deformed, the annulus fibrosus is destroyed by the displaced disc and the contents leak out. An intervertebral hernia is formed.
  4. The fourth stage is lumbar acute osteochondrosis. It is considered serious, back pain interferes with movement.

Symptoms of the disease

back pain with osteochondrosis

The first call that indicates the development of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is periodic diseases, back pain. Depending on the angle of the injury, the pain is a shooting, aching pain, pain radiating to the legs, buttocks, and thighs.

It is characterized by diseases after staying in a horizontal position for a long time. A person cannot bend for a while after sleeping. A different kind of pain occurs in the lumbar region: dull, aching, insensitivity of the soft tissues due to damage to the nerve endings. Running with lumbar osteochondrosis causes pain, with possible pulling of the leg.

It often happens that long-term pinching of the nerve roots leads to the development of lumbosacral osteochondrosis, the work of internal organs is interrupted, numbness of the genitals, and dysfunction of the urogenital system. The change in the position of the vertebral discs leads to partial damage to the blood vessels, causing vascular dystonia, in which the blood does not flow in sufficient quantity to the lower body and does not circulate normally. The internal organs suffer, partial numbness of the limbs and convulsions are observed.

With sudden movements, coughing and back pain are observed - sharp, quickly disappearing pain, which can be compared to an electric shock. With the development of diseases of the lumbar region, the reflex functions of the tendons of the lower limbs weaken.

In case of suspicion of illness or the appearance of repeated pain, it is advisable to consult a doctor for advice and diagnosis. It is dangerous to let it go, the disease progresses. Time lost due to a careless attitude to health plays against the patient.

Causes of the disease

The reliable cause of lumbar osteochondrosis is unknown. The disease develops as a result of a combination of unfavorable factors affecting changes in bone and cartilage tissue. Internal factors affecting premature aging of bone tissue:

  • Disturbance of the functioning of the endocrine system;
  • autoimmune disorders;
  • improper metabolism;
  • Microtrauma of the spine;
  • Hormonal disorders;
  • Dehydration of the body;
  • Heredity.

The external factors affecting the development of the disease should be called the effect of the environment, physical activity, and habits. Factors:

weight lifting as a cause of lumbar osteochondrosis
  • periodic overstretching of the back muscles;
  • Weight-lifting;
  • Muscle hypotension;
  • Overloading of the spine;
  • Improper posture;
  • Poor nutrition;
  • Bad habits;
  • Tension.

Lumbar osteochondrosis often occurs in people who do permanent work: salesmen, teachers, security guards.

Professions that involve force are at risk: athletes, builders, loaders. Common forms are sciatica, prolapse, displacement of the intervertebral discs. The sedentary work of office workers, civil servants, programmers and drivers leads to hypodynamia of the back muscles. The work of maintaining the vertical position falls on the spine, the posture changes, the nerve tissues and blood vessels are pinched, and the limbs become numb.

Treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis

In case of acute pain in the lumbar region, it is recommended to contact a medical institution for a complete examination to identify the cause of the sensations that have arisen. It can be appendicitis, biliary colic, another disease, the primary symptoms of which are similar to lumbar osteochondrosis.

Depending on the degree of progression of the disease or syndrome, the doctor prescribes a treatment consisting of medication, physical strengthening exercises, wellness procedures and diet. Surgical intervention is justified in the last stage of spinal modification. Drug treatment includes the use of ointments, injections, plasters, and tablets. The dosage and the course of treatment depend individually on the condition of the patient and the neglect of the disease.

  • The initial task of treating osteochondrosis is to relieve acute pain, reduce tension and muscle spasm. Applies to:
    1. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the form of injections and tablets. After the pain subsides, the tissue inflammation decreases.
    2. Medicines that relieve symptoms are pain relievers.
    3. Antispasmodic drugs work for a short time, relaxing muscle fibers localized around the focus of pain.
    4. Medicines that increase microcirculation, increase blood supply to organs, supply them with oxygen and essential substances.
    5. Diuretics to relieve swelling and pressure on the spinal area.

    The listed dates are short-term measures, they do not affect the course of the disease, they alleviate the patient's condition. In order to get rid of the disease, pain relievers and symptomatic agents are indispensable. We need a smart, holistic approach.

  • Nutrition uses two branches of medicine to restore cartilage tissue:
    1. Chondroprotectors - ointments, tablets, injections, which contain enzymes that promote the regeneration of cartilage tissue. Apply a long course of up to six months with breaks of 2-3 months.
    2. The vitamin complex accelerates the recovery of cartilage tissue and nourishes the discs with essential substances.
  • The main drug treatment is prescribed after the patient undergoes an MRI, identifying the cause of the disease.

Physiotherapy procedures that improve blood circulation and stimulate the muscles of the lumbar region are recommended for recovery. Effective methods are electrophoresis, magnetic field, ultrasound waves, laser treatment.

Among the physiotherapy exercises, yoga is demanding for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine. Simple postures and stretching relieve muscle tension and strengthen them. Independent sports without proper training, instructor insurance can cause serious damage.

How to protect yourself from osteochondrosis?

Prevention of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine consists of regular training of the back muscles, an active lifestyle and a properly balanced diet. Lumbar load should be even. Using a hard mattress while sleeping reduces the chance of getting sick. Regular annual visits to the doctor after the age of 40 enable early diagnosis and reveal the predisposition.