Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine. Symptoms and treatment. Gymnastics, drugs

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is diagnosed not only in elderly patients. Recently, pathology occurs even in young people under 30 years of age. Ignoring symptoms can lead to complications. Therefore, it is necessary to know the signs of the disease in order to start treatment on time.

What is lumbar osteochondrosis

This pathology involves an unhealthy transformation of the vertebrae located in the lumbar region. With the disease, the elasticity of the intervertebral discs decreases due to a deficiency in the delivery of nutrients at the cellular level. The localization of the disease is due to the fact that it is this area of the spine that bears the greatest load.

Causes

Among the main factors that lead to pathology are the following:

• Genetics.Doctors warn that if one of the parents suffers from this disease, then the risk of developing lumbar osteochondrosis in the younger generation is much higher. Therefore, in such a situation, the child needs to engage in prevention from childhood.
• Lifting weights regularly.This point applies not only to people who earn money through physical labor, but also to athletes who neglect safety precautions.

• Injuries.Any damage to the back can lead to pathology. If they are present, you should consult with an osteopath or neurologist. It should be noted that many people are not even aware of their injuries. For example, when braking sharply while driving a car, a person may experience vertebral displacement.
• Obesity.The spine is able to withstand loads at normal weight. If a person is overweight, the lumbar region of this organ may become deformed.
• Poor posture.Curvature of the spine leads to a violation of the proportional distribution of the load and subsequently to osteochondrosis.
• Chronic physical inactivity,lack of movement in lifestyle. Minimal physical activity leads to the fact that the spine is not loaded. At such a moment, muscles and ligaments begin to weaken, and blood circulation is disrupted, which provokes a lack of nutrition in the intervertebral discs, which lose their elasticity over time. In this case, the entire load and weight is transferred to the discs, squeezing and later forming hernias.
• Flat feet.This pathology suggests a lack of normal shock absorption in the legs. This results in the spine having to do more work than during normal gait. Accordingly, the vertebrae wear out faster.
• Stress.The human body is designed in such a way that with any psycho-emotional stress, first of all, the neck becomes tense. This is a biological atavism. After all, when a predator attacks a mammal, it immediately grabs the neck. Chronic stress provokes a reflex transition of spasm to the entire spine. Ultimately, this can lead to pinched nerves, including in the lumbar spine. Therefore, after stress, it is important to relieve tension with the help of special gymnastics.

• Aggressive obstetric practice. When the birth process is stimulated, the baby goes through the path faster and as a result can be injured. This situation can occur during a cesarean section when the baby’s head is tilted strongly to the right or left side. Subsequently, the baby is diagnosed with vegetative-vascular dystonia. The true cause of the pathology is usually identified in adolescence.

Degrees

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, the symptoms and treatment of which are described in detail in this article, has 4 stages of development. Their detailed description is presented in the table.

Degree	Physiology	Painful sensations
First	The process of destruction of the intervertebral discs located in this area begins.	Expressed by burning, dull pain or tingling in the lumbar region. Sometimes the localization of unpleasant symptoms moves to the buttocks. The pain syndrome becomes more pronounced after physical labor.
Second	The disks are increasingly susceptible to destruction, under the influence of which the distance between them is significantly reduced. At this stage, protrusions may appear.	The pain becomes a constant aching character. They can radiate to the buttocks, thighs and knees.
Third	Tissues in this location of the spine are completely susceptible to destruction. Intervertebral hernias form.	The pain is strong and constant. However, they do not depend on the degree of physical activity.
Fourth	The cartilage completely atrophies, and the vertebrae begin to grow. The spine loses mobility, which leads to disability.	Unpleasant sensations may go away completely or partially.

Diagnostics

To make a correct diagnosis, doctors carry out the following activities:

• Inspection.At the initial appointment, the specialist visually assesses the patient’s physique, the ratio of his weight and height. In addition, the features of gait, posture and performing simple exercises are studied. The skin of the back is examined for the presence of inflamed areas.
• Palpation.The doctor carefully palpates the patient’s back to identify the location of tension and pain. In some cases, a special hammer is used.

• Radiography.This diagnostic method is performed in two positions, back and side. If a functional study is required, then the radiation is carried out in a bent and unbent state. This method of diagnosis has become widespread in the CIS countries and requires the least amount of money. However, it does not allow identifying pathology at an early stage of development. In addition, X-rays are harmful types of radiation.
• CT scan.Unlike radiography, it makes it possible to obtain images of the best quality. The process is performed using a tomograph and takes about 10 minutes. As a result, it is possible to study in detail not only the condition of bone tissue, but also changes in blood vessels and nerves. The method is not suitable for pregnant and lactating women. It should be noted that, despite the possibility of obtaining more detailed information, the patient experiences radiation 5 times higher than radiography. It is recommended to carry out such an examination no more than once a year.
• Magnetic resonance imaging.It is the most informative way to make a diagnosis. During the procedure, the patient is placed on a plane, which is rolled into a special chamber, where, using magnetic waves passing through the patient's body, a detailed image of the spine is obtained. The main disadvantage of this diagnosis is the need for the patient to remain in the chamber for about 30 minutes. For people with a certain mental makeup, the procedure can be a difficult ordeal. In addition, MRI is contraindicated in patients with a pacemaker or metal parts in the body, as well as in women in early pregnancy. However, this diagnostic method has many advantages, the main one being the absence of harmful effects on the human body. The resulting images will clearly show not only changes in the vertebrae themselves, but also the direction of blood flow, the condition of nerve endings and blood vessels. Unlike previous methods of diagnosis, MRI can detect any unfavorable changes in the spine at the earliest stage of lumbar osteochondrosis.
• Blood and urine tests.These procedures should not be fully called diagnostic. They are necessary as an additional examination, which is carried out to exclude or confirm rheumatological pathologies.

Treatment

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, the symptoms of which vary in degreedevelopment of the disease described above, suggests the following treatment tactics:

• taking medications prescribed by a doctor;
• a course of physiotherapy;
• regular performance of a special set of exercises;
• massage.

In some cases, experts recommend surgery.

Drug treatment

All drugs prescribed for lumbar osteochondrosis can be divided into the following groups:

• painkillers;
• muscle relaxants;
• chondroprotectors;
• vitamins.

Medicines that perform an analgesic function can be divided into two components: hormonal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They are equally capable of removing not only pain, but also reducing inflammation.

However, the first group of medications is used in exceptional cases. After all, they can lead to an imbalance of the endocrine system and reduce immunity. Therefore, hormonal drugs can only be purchased upon presentation of a prescription at the pharmacy.

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, the symptoms and treatment of which are described in detail in this article, involves oral use or intramuscular administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

However, their use for more than 3 days is not recommended. Otherwise, a side effect may occur. Next, you can use various ointments and topical creams.

Oral medications are available in the form of tablets, injections and suppositories.

Injections are used to relieve acute inflammation and pain. It is forbidden to do them for more than 2 days.

Muscle relaxants help relax muscles. However, the danger of their use lies in the fact that this category of drugs blocks the impulse that goes from the nerve to the muscle.

It should be clarified that the motor nerve exits from the spinal cord to absolutely all muscle fibers through the spine.

When taking muscle relaxants, the impulse transmission mechanism is blocked. Due to pinching and overwork in lumbar osteochondrosis, the connection between nerves and muscles is already disrupted. The use of these medications further depresses this system.

Taking chondroprotectors provokes the restoration of cartilage tissue.

However, there is a theory that chondroprotectors are not able to restore intervertebral discs, because they consist of fibrous tissue. In this case, the drug acts exclusively on cartilage tissue.

B vitamins are necessary for the maintenance of nerve fibers.

Physiotherapy

All procedures related to physiotherapy affect the local area of pathology, while nearby tissues and organs remain unchanged.

This includes the following methods of treating lumbar osteochondrosis:

• Electrophoresis with anesthetic.Special medications are injected into the patient's lower back. The entire process is stimulated by electric current.
• Ultrasound.The purpose of this treatment method is tissue micromassage. The procedure helps relieve inflammation and also relieves pain. Blood circulation improves, and metabolism is activated accordingly.
• Magnetotherapy.This method involves the use of a magnetic field. There is a wide variety of devices with a similar effect, which makes it possible to use them at home.
• Vibration effect.The devices create certain vibrations in the desired area of the body.
• Detensor therapy.The procedure is performed on a special mattress. The goal is to straighten the spine.

Physiotherapy

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, the symptoms and treatment of which should be checked with a doctor, requires following certain rules when performing exercises. The main principle is immediate cessation of actions when pain occurs. Move carefully and smoothly to avoid damage.

The complex assumes the following algorithm:

1. Lie on your back and lift your legs one at a time.

2. Turn to your side with your arms stretched forward. Pull your upper leg back. Then turn over to the other side and repeat the steps in a mirror manner.
3. Lying on your stomach, simultaneously pull your legs and arms back.
4. Get up on all fours. Take turns pulling back one hand at a time.
5. In the same position, pull your right arm and leg up. Then repeat the same on the left.

Massage

When performing a massage, you must adhere to the following rules:

• actions should be directed from the upper back to the lower;
• massage movements can only affect soft tissues and not the spine;
• Before the procedure, patients are advised to visit the toilet.

Massage algorithm:

1. Make strokes in the right direction;
2. Perform rubbing movements first with one, then with two palms. In this case, it is necessary to monitor the pressure that the massage therapist puts on the patient’s back.
3. Gently pull and then squeeze the muscle tissue.
4. Create vibration using your hands or a special preparation.
5. Complete the procedure with light stroking.

Folk remedies

Traditional medicine involves the use of medicinal herbs. The main action is aimed at relieving pain.

Homemade pain relieving ointment

For this recipe you will need hop cones and animal fat. The first component is crushed and mixed with the second.

Next, the ointment needs to sit a little and can be rubbed into the lower back. The composition can be supplemented with chamomile if desired. It has calming properties and can relieve inflammation.

Honey and potato compress

Raw potatoes must be chopped using a grater. Next, mix the components in equal proportions. The resulting mass should be distributed over the sore area of the back. It is advisable for the patient to remain in this position for several hours, and then rinse everything thoroughly. This compress temporarily relieves the patient’s condition.

Pain relieving ointment with ginger

Grind equal amounts of ginger and garlic on a fine grater. Then you should add a small amount of butter. Mix everything thoroughly and rub on the lower back. The ointment must be prepared immediately before use.

Alcohol tincture of lilac

Pour a small handful of lilac flowers into a glass liter jar. Then fill the container to the neck with vodka, alcohol or moonshine. The jar must be tightly closed with a lid and left in a cool, dark place. After a week and a half, the product is ready for use.

In this case, there is no need to pass the tincture through a filter. You can rub your back with the resulting product. However, dosage should be minimal. If after use the product is stored in the same way as during infusion, then it can be used for a whole year.

Herbal baths

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, the symptoms and treatment of which can be studied in this article, is often accompanied by severe pain. You can eliminate it with a bath. Warm water helps to relax the soft tissues, the spasm is relieved, and the pain goes away for a while.

In some cases, experts recommend using contrasting temperatures to relieve inflammation. It should be noted that taking warm baths speeds up metabolic processes in the body. Another advantage of this method of treating pathology is the possibility of using it at home. In addition, the procedure helps relieve nervous psycho-emotional tension.

You can increase efficiency with the help of herbal baths, among which the following should be highlighted:

• Coniferous.It is better to use needles from 3 trees - pine, fir and cedar. You can also add cones. About 5 handfuls of collected material should be boiled for about 15 minutes. Then, without opening the lid, leave for 2 hours. Then pass the broth through a filter and pour into the bath.
• Chamomile.For this recipe it is not necessary to use fresh flowers; you can use a ready-made pharmacy mixture. A glass of chamomile should be filled with water and heated over low heat.You cannot boil the decoction. When the peak temperature is reached, the heating must be turned off. Without opening the lid, leave to brew for another 3 hours. Afterwards, the composition can be used. Such a bath will be useful not only for osteochondrosis, but also in the presence of redness and inflammatory processes on the skin.
• Juniper.Boil several handfuls of the mixture for about 20 minutes. Then the broth must be passed through a filter. In this case, there is no need to wait until the composition has completely cooled down; you can immediately pour it into the bath. This procedure brings with it an additional aromatherapy effect, which helps relieve stress and relieve insomnia.

After taking any of the above baths, you should lie down for about an hour. It is better to carry out the procedure before going to bed at night.

Surgical intervention

Despite the fact that the disease can be effectively treated with conservative treatment, in some cases the patient is recommended to undergo surgery. It is important to note that it must be carried out in a timely manner. After all, sometimes it happens that a person becomes disabled only because he did not consult a doctor in time about complications.

The following indications are required for surgical intervention:

• prolonged two-month pain, which is eliminated with the help of non-steroidal drugs;
• progressive problems with motor function.

There are the following types of operations performed for lumbar osteochondrosis:

• Discectomy.Represents a replacement disk. It can be partial or complete.

• Foraminotomy.During surgery, part of the damaged tissue is removed. The operation is performed under local anesthesia.
• Laminotomy.Surgeons partially remove osteophytes.
• Facetectomy.The operation is aimed at removing the joint. It is performed under general anesthesia.
• Laminectomy.This surgery is performed to remove part of the spine. At the same time, the remaining parts are fixed.

What to do during an exacerbation

During an exacerbation of the disease, it is better to adhere to the following recommendations:

• prefer hard chairs to soft ones;
• sleep on an orthopedic mattress;
• avoid heavy lifting;

• change your body position every quarter of an hour;
• perform a massage.

Complications

Lack of treatment for lumbar osteochondrosis can lead to changes in the normal location of the disc. A hernia forms between the 5th vertebra and the sacrum. In addition, this pathology disrupts blood circulation in the pelvis. In men, this leads to erectile dysfunction and possibly impotence.

For women, the disease threatens problems in the reproductive system. However, the most severe complication is disability, which begins with a gradual impairment of motor activity.

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine has characteristic symptoms. The above complications indicate that it is dangerous to ignore them. After all, modern medicine offers a wide variety of treatment options that give effective results.