Osteochondrosis is one of the most common problems associated with back diseases.
This disease means a change in the internal shape of the spine, as well as a decrease in the plasticity of the discs located between the vertebrae, during which disorders associated with cell nutrition occur.
The lumbar spine suffers the most, as it is this part of the spine that takes most of the load. When you lift heavy objects, all the force your body is exposed to is directed to the distance between the vertebrae, which leads to the compression of the nerve roots. That is why there are problems and pain associated with lumbar osteochondrosis.
Causes of lumbar osteochondrosis
These reasons can occur even in the youngest generation, especially if there are several types of problems associated with the musculoskeletal system. This includes:
- birth defects, for example, different lengths of the limbs;
- flat feet of various types and stages;
- changes in the shape of the spine (scoliosis);
- change in the location of the lumbar vertebra, which can slide out of the sacrum in different directions.
These diseases have the ability to have a negative impact on the spine, causing violations of its functions. Often, doctors are of the opinion that lumbar osteochondrosis can occur at the genetic level. For example, if your parents have suffered from this disease, then there is a high probability that your children will also suffer from these diseases of the spine.
In addition, the most well-known cause of the disease is heavy physical work. In fact, when lifting very heavy objects, there is a large load on the lumbar spine, which leads to its violation.
The next cause of lumbar osteochondrosis is obesity. Extra pounds, like ballast, accumulate in the body and body, having a negative effect on the spine and vertebrae, causing weight and pain during movements. If, at first glance, it appears that a violation of the shape of the spine will have no negative consequences, then you are very much mistaken. This problem leads to wear of the discs located between the vertebrae, which leads to the later development of osteochondrosis. Therefore, it is essential to monitor the condition of your body and avoid excess body fat in it. Adipose tissue interferes with movement, adding additional stress to muscles, joints, ligaments and spine.
Another known cause of spinal disease is back injury. Impacts, bruises, lifting heavy loads and shells on athletes who are not prepared for such loads have a negative effect on the back. Injuries to any of the sections of the spine can lead to negative consequences in the future, for example, osteochondrosis of the spine.
And the most popular cause of back diseases is, as everyone knows, an inactive lifestyle, when most of the time the person spends sitting in one place, without playing sports and stretching. Most of the time, this applies to people who work in offices or simply like to stay in one place for a long time without moving, do not play sports or stretch. To maintain a healthy spine and spine (and the whole body in general), you need adequate physical activity. If you move around a bit and sit up constantly, it can impair blood circulation in the body. Because of this factor, back pain occurs, the body does not receive all the nutrients, a weakening of the spine and many other diseases occur.
A healthy lifestyle is one of the postulates of healthy blood vessels and joints. Take time to exercise regularly and your body will respond positively.
Diseases caused by infections or inflammatory processes in the body negatively affect bone tissue and the condition of ligaments, which can lead to weakening of the vertebrae. Most loads are supported by the lower back, which can lead to a change in the shape of the vertebrae.
Stress also causes pain in the spine, especially in women, because they experience feelings and emotions more intensely. Stress negatively affects the health of the body as a whole, its nervous system. In the context of stress, several types of diseases, including lumbar osteochondrosis, can worsen and become inflamed.
Help!You should carefully monitor your nerves and avoid situations associated with irritation or negative emotions.
Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
It is very difficult to identify the disease at an early stage. Most illnesses are asymptomatic, however, everyone is able to experience non-standard sensations in the body. Therefore, it is extremely important to determine the first symptoms of spinal disease. The pains appear gradually, you need to know how to identify them correctly and get in touch with the specialist in a timely manner, because in the early stages it is easier to cure the disease.
Most symptoms share a single characteristic:
- Pain in the lower back. In total, two types are distinguished: neurogenic pain and muscle pain. The intervertebral disc itself does not feel pain, as it does not contain nerve endings. Painful sensations occur as a result of the destruction of the nerve root discs that emerge from the opening between the vertebrae.
- The pain is very strong, as if shooting. The person grabs the lower back and is unable to straighten due to fear of experiencing pain again. This pain occurs as a result of the swelling of the nerve root, which does not have enough space to stay.
- In addition, the pain is caused by the swelling of the back muscles. With edema, there is a problem with the supply of glucose and air to the muscle fibers in the back. That's why the muscles are stressed. They are hungry and also have the ability to remove lactic acid from the fibers that formed during muscle activity. Therefore, the muscle undergoes contraction, which causes pain and spasm. The person feels pain, stiffness and uncomfortable sensations in the back and lower back.
- As the disc has the ability to compress the engine root, an attack of paresis or paralysis is possible. There may be a feeling of weakness in the limbs, which contributes to a violation of gait.
- Loss of muscle mass may occur, in which one of the limbs decreases in volume. Sensation of numbness in the legs, chills also appear, the growth of stripes and nails on the limbs is disturbed.
Scoliosis can lead to serious consequences, including injury and rupture of internal organs.
So, here are the general signs and symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis:
- root pain;
- muscle pain in the back;
- movement disorders;
- disturbance of limb sensitivity;
- frightening sensations, numb legs, cessation of hair growth and nail plate.
Excess weight is another enemy of your joints and spine.
If the muscle corset is not sufficiently strengthened, the joints will support the load on themselves, which will cause injuries.
These symptoms are the main ones, however, it must be answered that there are also individual symptoms that do not occur in all patients. They depend on the individual characteristics of the person and are the most difficult to identify or define.
Stages of lumbar osteochondrosis
The disease develops in four stages.
First stage- the initial stage of the disease. With it, the patient has pain in the lower back, as well as spasms of her swelling in that region of the spine. Paying attention to symptoms and seeing a specialist in time can help prevent further back problems. At this stage, the treatment is carried out quite easily and quickly, allowing you to eliminate back pain and problems.
Second stage- at this stage, the pain becomes more constant and intense than in the first. In the joints and ligaments of the spine, unusual mobility sensations may appear, as a result of which the pain sensations intensify, become clearer and more noticeable. Painful sensations are caused by the contraction of the sciatic nerve. In some cases, violations of a person's internal organs are possible. It is imperative to consult a specialist for the correct selection of treatment.
Third stage- at this stage, the hernias between the vertebrae are already formed. The spine begins to bend, changing its shape in different directions (scoliosis, lordosis and other diseases of the spine are formed). Painful sensations are constant, sharp and torment the person. The total value of life becomes problematic, as a person is constantly constrained by pain. Treatment at this stage can be postponed as the disease begins to progress.
Stage Fouris the most difficult stage. Back pain is regular, sometimes even constant. A person cannot move fully, pain prevents movement. If treatment was not prescribed in time, the patient may remain disabled.
Treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis disease
The treatment of this disease is very complex. Comprehensive treatment is needed. Includes:
- drug treatment;
- adherence to a therapeutic diet;
- for severe stages of the disease - surgical intervention;
- performing special physical activities selected by the attending physician.
To reduce swelling in the back muscles, a diet that does not contain salt is necessary, as it retains water in the body. In case of illness, it is necessary to use a special orthopedic corset to keep the muscles in the desired position.
Use of special ointments and plasters with heating effect. However, it is worth remembering that if inflammatory processes occur in your body, the use of warming drugs is unacceptable, as this will increase the symptoms of inflammation.
Acute pain is treated with intramuscular injections prescribed by the attending physician. If the pain is severe and unbearable, it is possible to use intramuscular anesthetics.
Physiotherapy is a painless process that speeds up the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis. Do not forget that the treatment must be complete and under the supervision of the attending physician.
Physiotherapy is essential in the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis. It is performed in medical institutions. Physical activity is performed after the preliminary warm-up of the patient's muscle tissue.
The main principle of treatment is the movement to tone muscle fibers. It is imperative to restore the motor function of the muscle tissue so that there is a complete range of motion. Most of the time, in the early stages, osteochondrosis is treated for several weeks. In advanced stages with severe pain and symptoms, treatment may be delayed. So it is very important to pay attention in time to painful sensations in the back region and to consult a specialist.
Important!The sooner you start treatment, the faster you will be able to defeat the disease.
Prevention of lumbar osteochondrosis
The prevention of this disease will never be superfluous.
Follow these guidelines to avoid this problem:
- Keep calm, dress for the weather and keep your back healthy.
- Avoid lifting heavy loads. If you need to move heavy items, take them in your backpack. Untrained athletes are strongly advised not to attack immediately with heavy work weights.
- Avoid falling on your back, especially in winter, when it's cold. Any type of back injury can cause illness.
- Drink plenty of clean water and other liquids.
- Stay in shape so that being overweight does not cause this type of illness.
- Exercise and stretch muscle fibers regularly.
- Stretch your back muscles. You can hang from the bar or swim in the pool.
- Get medical checkups regularly. You can have an x-ray of the spine or MRI to monitor the condition and health of your back.
Hyperextension Back Extension is a great way to strengthen the muscles that support the spine.
If you follow these simple guidelines, you can avoid back problems, including lumbar osteochondrosis. If you suddenly feel unusual sensations in your back, you should contact your doctor immediately.
Conclusion
Monitor the health of your back and spine to avoid problems and diseases associated with them. To do this, you need moderate physical therapy exercises, which help to tone your muscles, in addition to preventing a number of diseases that occur in various parts of the back. If pain of various types is detected, it is necessary to contact a specialist in a timely manner to consult and obtain the correct and correct decision, as in the early stages the disease is easily treatable. Do not run yourself and your health, as your life and freedom of movement depend on the health of your back when performing normal day to day activities.
We hope the article was useful for you, as you have learned new points about lumbar osteochondrosis and now you can avoid this problem. Be healthy and take care of yourself, as a healthy spine guarantees the health of the whole body, a long and happy life without pain!