Lumbar osteochondrosis is a deformation of the spine in the lumbar region. The disease affects the intervertebral discs, cartilage, spinal roots and nerve fibers and causes back pain.
CMRT clinics have been specializing in the conservative treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis for more than 10 years. The centers are equipped with modern expert equipment for accurate diagnosis, effective treatment and rehabilitation. Experienced specialists apply an individual approach, compiling a complex of therapeutic measures aimed at combating the pathology at all stages.
important!
Accurate diagnosis, determination of the causes and nature of the disease, and only a qualified doctor at an internal appointment can prescribe effective treatment.
reasons
The main cause of the disease is the incorrect distribution of the load on the musculoskeletal system. This usually happens when you are walking in high heels, carrying a bag on one side, with an awkward posture while sleeping or during sedentary work. At risk are the elderly, pregnant women, those who have just given birth, professional athletes and office workers.
Other causes of lumbar osteochondrosis:
- injuries, bruises, fractures of arms, legs, spine
- damage to the organs of the musculoskeletal system
- diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, provoking nutrient deficiency
- tension in the body during prolonged exercise
- psychoemotional disorders
- disorders of blood flow in the spine
- inflammation of the musculoskeletal system
- infections of internal organs and vertebrae
- joint stiffness, disc displacement
- protrusions and intervertebral hernias
- severe intoxication
- metabolic disorders
- postural distortion
- sedentary way of life
- dehydration
- unbalanced diet
- lack of calcium and oxygen
- Overweight
- bad habits
- age-related changes
- joint diseases
Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
The intensity and nature of the symptoms depends on the stage of the disease. The sooner the patient detects signs of lumbosacral osteochondrosis, the more effective the treatment will be.
Common symptoms:
- severe pain in the lower back, which can radiate to the legs, internal organs of the abdomen and pelvis
- pain in kidneys and sacrum
- fatigue and tension in the lower back and sacral spine
- Difficulty moving, walking, tilting and turning the body
- intermittent back pain
- rapid fatigue after light exertion
- crunching in the back, impaired mobility, pain at rest
- numbness of the limbs
- spasms and cramps in the muscles
- vertigo
- weakness and loss of strength
- decreased muscle tone and sensitivity
In men and women, the manifestations of lumbar osteochondrosis may differ. Men may have problems with potency. Women are more likely to suffer from pelvic pain. When the deformed spine cannot fully support the back, the uterus and appendages experience additional loads and sometimes shift from their normal physiological position.
Varieties
The classification of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine consists of several varieties of the disease. According to the type of pain syndrome there are:
Lumbago. acute symptom. It is manifested by acute lumbago and inability to move. Occurs with muscle spasms, injuries, pinched discs and nerve roots.
Lumbargia. It is characterized by long-lasting painful pain caused by hernias, protrusions, spondyloarthrosis, sprains and other disorders of the musculoskeletal system.
sciatica. Severe pain syndrome in the lumbosacral region radiating to the pelvis. The pain spreads to the sciatic nerve, preventing normal bending and extension of the body and preventing pain-free sitting and standing.
Discogenic lumbar osteochondrosis and radiculopathy also differ.
Discogenic lumbar osteochondrosis is accompanied by loss of sensitivity and numbness not only in the inflamed back, but also in the legs, buttocks, thighs and lower abdomen. Sometimes the body temperature rises, weakness, urinary incontinence appear, the patient loses weight.
Radiculopathy is expressed in numbness of the nerve roots and a decrease in a person's motor abilities. Signs - numbness or soreness of the entire lower part of the body, impaired reflexes, reduced tone of the muscles and joints of the limbs.
Stages of development of lumbar osteochondrosis
Doctors track the dynamics of the pathology in four stages:
First. The symptoms are almost invisible - they are diagnosed on X-rays. The stage begins with pathological processes in the pulp cavity of a dried disc and microcracks in the fibrous ring.
Second. The height of the intervertebral discs decreases, making the vertebrae closely spaced. This causes the vertebrae to slip and shift, which is accompanied by pain during movement.
third. It is characterized by stiffness, instability, numbness of the body in the region of the coccyx, lower back and sacrum. This can be explained by bulging of the vertebrae, protrusions, dislocations of the joints and arthrosis of the spine.
Fourth. The hardest degree. On it, the functions of the spine are disturbed and bone growths (osteophytes) are formed. The growths can pinch nerves or damage the integrity of the vertebrae.
The consequences of lumbar osteochondrosis
- Excessive accumulation of salt in the body
- development of hernia, protrusion, prolapse of vertebrae and discs
- chronic sciatica
- paresis and paralysis of the legs
Diagnosis
An orthopedist, osteopath, neurologist, rheumatologist, chiropractor and surgeon can diagnose lumbar osteochondrosis and other diseases of the musculoskeletal system. An accurate diagnosis can be made after:
- X-ray of the spine, which shows the condition of bone, cartilage and muscle tissue, as well as ligaments and tendons.
- Myelography is a study of the cerebrospinal fluid using a dye. With its help, the nerve roots of the spinal cord are examined and evaluated.
For a more detailed examination, doctors use CT and MRI. You can get a diagnosis in the network of CMRT clinics.
We also recommend undergoing plasma therapy procedures, pharmacopuncture. To maintain health, manual therapy and osteopathy, exercises are recommended.
Treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis
The neurologist treats osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral spine. The standard treatment regimen looks like this: the doctor diagnoses, determines the degree of development of the disease and identifies complications. Considering this, he chooses a method of treatment - conservative or operative.
Physiotherapy
Exercise therapy for osteochondrosis of the spine is carried out in an equipped room under the supervision of a doctor. Classes are held when remission occurs and the patient does not suffer from pain. The doctor monitors the patient's condition during physical activity, if pain or discomfort occurs, he corrects the exercise or cancels it.
Each therapeutic gymnastics lesson takes place in several stages. During the warm-up, the patient performs light exercises that warm the muscles and circulate the blood. In the main part - exercises for the affected spine. Finally, relaxing stretches.
Physiotherapy for lumbar osteochondrosis
Physiotherapy procedures are carried out to relieve pain, improve blood circulation and tissue nutrition and reduce inflammation. Most often, patients are prescribed:
- electrophoresis, which helps to reduce the neurological manifestations of the disease
- diadynamic therapy with the effect of currents of different intensity, which effectively relieve even severe pain
- ultrasound therapy with exposure along the affected spine
- magnetotherapy with an alternating magnetic field
To achieve the best effect, the patient is prescribed a complex of several physiotherapy procedures.
Kinesiology taping
A cotton patch with melting glue is used for anesthesia. There are special types of therapeutic applications for neck pain, chest pain, back pain and joint problems.
Injections for lumbar osteochondrosis
With lumbar osteochondrosis, the doctor can prescribe the following injections to the patient for treatment:
- chondroprotectors protect cartilage tissue from further destruction, delay the development of dystrophic disorders
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs reduce inflammation, have an antipyretic and analgesic effect by reducing swelling in the focus of inflammation
- vitamin complexes restore blood circulation in the affected areas, accelerate the renewal of nerve fibers, improve the condition of the body as a whole
Injections can only be prescribed by a doctor, as the treatment method has contraindications. For example, many drugs are prohibited for allergy sufferers, pregnant and nursing mothers.
Medication treatment
Doctors try to avoid this method of treatment, but in extreme cases they prescribe the following drugs for the treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral region:
- analgesics have only an analgesic or additional anti-inflammatory effect
- antispasmodics relieve muscle spasms, so the pressure on the nerve endings stops and the pain decreases
- vasodilators improve blood microcirculation, help reduce spine recovery time after treatment of osteochondrosis
Treatment with tablets is carried out separately or in combination with injections. For example, a certain drug is prescribed in the form of tablets, and if it is not effective enough, it is prescribed in the form of injections.
Surgical intervention
The operation is a radical measure, used only in severe cases. During the operation, the doctor completely eliminates the cause of the pain and stabilizes the spine.
Prevention of lumbar osteochondrosis
- Make a moderate schedule for sports and exercise
- take breaks at work every hour for 5-7 minutes
- sleep on a flat surface or buy an orthopedic mattress
- wear comfortable shoes that fit properly
Which doctor should I contact?
The neurologist makes an accurate diagnosis, prescribes treatment and, if necessary, corrects. If the disease is accompanied by severe pain or disturbances in the functioning of internal organs, consultation with other specialists may be necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to help with acute pain in lumbar osteochondrosis?
A patient who has back pain should be helped into a comfortable position in which the pain subsides. Then you should consult a doctor.
Is it possible to do physical exercises with lumbar osteochondrosis?
In the acute period, physical exercises are contraindicated, the patient must observe bed rest. When the pain disappears, the patient should do exercise therapy - perform general strengthening exercises. They must be selected by a doctor. At the same time, it is important to monitor your well-being during physical activity. If an exercise causes pain, it is important to limit its intensity or eliminate it.