Lumbar spine osteochondrosis is a pathological change in the cartilage and bone tissue of the lumbosacral spine intervertebral discs. This change can be natural or the result of an unhealthy lifestyle. In old age, the involutional processes of bone and cartilaginous tissue begin in everyone. But when these phenomena are premature (they appear in middle-aged people), then we are talking about pathological processes of the skeletal system. The pathology affects men and women over 30 years of age equally.
Lumbar osteochondrosis is the best known and most common disease of the spine, which is manifested by severe pain in the lower back. The disease develops as a result of metabolic disturbances, which lead to inadequate nutrition of cartilage and bone tissue, and waste products accumulate in bone cells. This leads to intervertebral disc pathologies. In addition, their thickness and flexibility change, and then growths in the form of osteophytes (growth of bone tissue, which leads to narrowing of the holes for the nerve endings) are formed in the vertebrae.
Reasons for the development of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine occurs much more often than osteochondrosis of the thoracic or cervical spine because the lower back has the greatest load during walking and running, with prolonged sitting in a chair or lifting weights.
Since this anatomical site takes on maximum load, its structure is very strong and reliable. The lumbar region consists of five vertebrae and connects the rib cage to the sacrum. Among them are the intervertebral discs, which give flexibility and mobility to the spine. In turn, the intervertebral discs consist of a gelatinous nucleus, which is located within a rigid fibrous ring. When osteochondrosis develops, the normal nutrition of the discs is interrupted, as a result, they become thinner, lose elasticity and the distance between them decreases. As a result, the nerve roots are violated, which leads to severe pain and even disability.
Thus, the reasons for the development of this pathology are:
- spinal injury;
- diseases of the endocrine, digestive and cardiovascular systems;
- intense physical activity (weight lifting, hard running);
- sedentary lifestyle;
- malfunction of the hormonal system;
- flat foot;
- intervertebral disc anomalies;
- old age;
- inflammatory joint diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.
The risk factors for the development of the disease are:
- curvature and poor posture;
- wrong lifestyle;
- unhealthy diet, obesity;
- be in the wrong posture for too long;
- hereditary factor;
- stress;
- hypothermia.
The main symptom of the disease is low back pain. It can be felt immediately or after intense physical activity.
Other symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis are:
- severe pain radiating to lower back;
- increased pain after lifting weights, sneezing, coughing, moving the body;
- stiffness of the body after a long time in the same position;
- persistent spasms of the back muscles;
- sudden painful sensation (lumbago) after body hypothermia;
- violation of sensation in the buttocks, thigh, leg and foot;
- leg paresis;
- chills in the feet;
- spasm of the arteries in the feet;
- excessive sweating;
- dryness and peeling of the skin in painful areas.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine can be exacerbated by any awkward movement, for example, moving or turning the body to the side. In this case, pain is perceived not only in the lower back, but also in the legs. There is also a strong spasm of the lumbar spasm, as this way the body relieves the load on that part of the body. During an exacerbation, the person finds a comfortable position for himself in which the pain subsides.
One of the complications of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is the malfunction of the genitourinary system. Sometimes there is increased urination and discomfort in the kidney region. Inflammation of the sciatic nerve and lumbodynia (pain in the lower back) can join the disease.
Stages of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
Unfortunately, osteochondrosis is an incurable disease and the process of destruction of the intervertebral discs is irreversible. There are four degrees of development of osteochondrosis:
- The first degree, in which the gelatinous nucleus within the disc shifts and moves.
- The second degree is the period of destruction of the fibrous ring in the disc;
- The third degree, in which the fibrous annulus ruptures and the gelatinous nucleus exits it, causing a herniated disc to form.
- The fourth degree is the period of development of the degenerative processes of the vertebrae with involvement of the intervertebral joints and ligaments. Arthrosis of the intervertebral joints (spondyloarthrosis) develops.
First degree
It is characterized by painful sensations due to irritation of the nerve endings located in the fibrous ring and longitudinal ligaments. The patient experiences pain and discomfort in the affected disc section. Pain can be sharp, sharp or dull, is permanent and is located in the lumbosacral segment. It is often transmitted to the leg and sometimes felt only in the leg.
Irritation of nerve endings leads to the development of reflex syndromes. Therefore, the person does not always feel pain in the problem area, but far beyond it. In addition, there is a violation of the internal organ robots, the occurrence of reflex muscle spasm; circulatory disorders in the limbs and ligaments. Violation of blood circulation and nutrition of tendons and ligaments, which leads to pain and stiffness at the bone attachment sites.
High school
In this phase, there is a characteristic instability and an increase in the mobility of the vertebrae, leading to persistent lubrication of the muscles. At the same time, it is difficult for the person to stand, they feel discomfort and pain in the lower back. Sometimes the lower back "hurts" and the patient doesn't understand why.
Third degree
It is characterized by prolapsed disc fragments, which are manifested by compression of the nerve roots. During this period, there is a violation of sensitivity in the area of innervation of the compressed nerve. In addition, unpleasant sensations occur in the form of tingling, burning, numbness, as well as total loss of sensation, which is accompanied by impaired motor function, sometimes leading to paralysis. In the affected area, muscle atrophy, thinning and reduction are observed. The zones where the changes described above are observed eloquently indicate the site of the spinal injury. A characteristic manifestation of the third degree is the appearance of the Lasegue symptom. It manifests as follows: When the patient is lying on their back with the leg straight up, there is severe pain in the lower back, which spreads along the back of the raised leg. When the legs are bent at the knees, the pain immediately subsides.
When fragments of intervertebral discs fall into the spinal canal lumen, spinal cord damage occurs. Another syndrome, the so-called ponytail, is manifested by decreased sensation and motor function in the legs, as well as in the pelvic organs and bladder.
fourth degree
This period is characterized by the disappearance of pain and the restoration of musculoskeletal system function. However, at the same time, there is a limitation of motor function. The spine, so to speak, becomes wooden as disc fibrosis develops and all of its elements are replaced by dense scar tissue. At the same time, ligaments and intervertebral joints are involved in the inflammatory process, and different degrees of the disease are also observed, manifested by polymorphism in symptoms.
How to Treat Lumbar Spine Osteochondrosis
The treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is a very long and persistent process. And most importantly, for the successful treatment of an illness, a lot depends on the person themselves. After all, he will have to radically change his lifestyle and get rid of many daily habits, in addition to taking care of his health for the rest of his life.
Otherwise, even successful drug treatment will not be able to completely eliminate the spinal deformity. Furthermore, after a temporary improvement, the symptoms will return with new intensity and the treatment will have to be restarted. Although sometimes, even with the observance of the physical activity regimen, crises of osteochondrosis occur.
Thus, the treatment of osteochondrosis is performed in 3 ways:
- conservative drug treatment;
- non-medicated;
- surgery.
conservative drug treatment
As osteochondrosis of the spine cannot be completely cured and is an irreversible process, the goal of conservative treatment is to eliminate symptoms and prevent disease progression. Before starting drug treatment, it is necessary to minimize physical activity. In case of severe exacerbations, bed rest is recommended. This is sometimes more effective than medication.
To relieve symptoms of inflammation, use:
- NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Drugs in this group effectively eliminate pain and inflammation in the vertebrae. Medicines can be pills or injections.
- Glucocorticosteroids. These drugs are classified as steroid hormones. Glucocorticosteroid injections are made directly into the joint cavity. Without fail, they are supplemented with B vitamins (B1, B6, B12).
- Sedatives. They are needed to eliminate associated reflex and psychogenic disturbances.
- Anticonvulsants. Eliminate involuntary skeletal muscle contractions.
- Antidepressants. Drugs in this group affect the level of neurotransmitters, with this, the patient's mood improves, melancholy, anxiety and emotional stress disappear.
- Diuretic drugs. They are needed for signs of root syndrome.
- Anticholinesterase drugs. Drugs in this group inhibit the activity of the cholinesterase enzyme and, as a result, increase the conduction of nerve impulses.
- Chondroprotectors. Required to prevent deformation of vertebral discs and joints.
In an acute attack, novocaine blockade is prescribed (the introduction of anesthetic drugs directly into the affected area).
Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis in women manifest differently from men. In women, the menstrual cycle can be disturbed, and gynecological diseases can develop: inflammation of the ovaries and uterus (endometritis). Reproductive impairment can also occur. In that case, you need the help of a qualified gynecologist.
How to Treat Lumbar Osteochondrosis at Home
The basic principle of home care is to eliminate the symptoms that prevent a person from leading a quality lifestyle.
The following treatment methods are used at home:
- Diet. The cause of osteochondrosis is often the accumulation of cholesterol and loss of vascular elasticity. To remedy the situation, it is necessary to follow a low-fat diet. Also exclude foods high in cholesterol from your diet: eggs, pork, rich broths, chicken skin. Completely eliminate alcohol and nicotine, reduce coffee and strong tea consumption. They lead to vasospasm.
- Restoration of blood supply in the lower back. For this, use both rubbing with medicinal ointments and compresses and physical therapy exercises, which can be performed at home.
- Orthopedic sleep aids. As the spine is the axis of the human body, which suffers enormous stress during the day, it needs adequate rest. Orthopedic mattresses and pillows act in this capacity, which are capable of giving the spine the correct position during sleep.