Many people face a diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the lumbar region.Symptoms of this disease: constant pain in the lower back, as well as limited movements, loss of sensitivity, and so on.In any case, it should be understood that this disease in the absence of treatment can lead to a mass of neurological complications.So what is the disease?What are her first signs?What methods of treatment does modern medicine offer?This information will be useful to each reader.
What is osteochondrosis?
Osteochondrosis is a chronically progressive disease that is accompanied by degeneration of connective and bone tissues of the spine.The process of pathological changes in tissues begins in the intervertebral disk.This structure consists of a fibrous ring, inside of which there is a gel -like pulpic nucleus.
As a result of a violation of normal metabolism, a gradual drying of the nucleus occurs.Along with this, changes are also observed in the fibrous ring: tears and cracks are formed in the tissues, as a result of which the core can go beyond.A similar process affects the state of the vertebrates, because the vertebrae have to withstand heavy loads.Thus, not only intervertebral discs, but also vertebrae, ligaments and intervertebral joints are involved in the process.
As a rule, the disease begins in adulthood or old age, although there are cases when the disease was diagnosed in adolescents.By the way, lumbar osteochondrosis is the most common form of this disease.
The causes of the development of the disease
This pathology develops with a violation of normal metabolism and the presence of increased physical exertion.It is worth noting that the degenerative process, as a rule, is launched under the influence of several factors at once.To date, lumbar osteochondrosis is considered a multifactorial disease.Here are just the most common causes of degeneration.
- First of all, it should be noted a hereditary predisposition.The cause may be some of the congenital anatomical features of the skeleton and metabolic disorders, such as the wrong metabolism of glycoproteins.
- Risk factors include flat feet, since with this pathology there is a redistribution of the normal load on the spine.
- In some cases, osteochondrosis develops against the background of spinal injuries.
- Static loads can also be attributed to risk factors.For example, long standing or staying in an uncomfortable position.
- Physical strain can also start a degenerative process, especially when it comes to professional athletes.
- Often, the process develops in obese people, since the spine, as well as the whole skeleton, lends itself to increased loads.
Severity of lumbar osteochondrosis
This disease develops gradually.To date, it is customary to distinguish four main degrees of osteochondrosis of the lumbar region (some doctors emit three).
- At the first stage, there is a gradual change and movement of the jacket nucleus inside the intervertebral disc.
- Lumbar osteochondrosis of the 2nd degree is characterized by the destruction of the fibrous ring.
- At the third stage, as a rule, there is a rupture of the fibrous ring, as a result of which the gelatinous nucleus moves beyond its limits, so the hernia of the intervertebral disc is formed.
- The fourth stage of the disease is accompanied by the degeneration of the vertebrae, ligaments and joints, as a result of which spondylarthrosis develops.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar: symptoms and description of the first stage of the disease
This stage of the disease is accompanied by irritation of the nerve fibers, which are in the inter -duster ligaments and a fibrous ring.Therefore, the first sign of this disease is discomfort, stiffness and soreness in the lumbar region.It is worth noting that the pain can be harsh and shooting (in medicine this symptom is called “lumbago”) or, on the contrary, stupid, but constant (lumbalgia).
It is worth noting that due to irritation of nerve endings, pain can also be extended to other tissues, organs or even systems of organs.For example, in case of violation of normal trophism and blood circulation in the ligaments and tendons, the appearance of the so -called enteropathies may occur in which the connective tissues change and compact in the places of fastening to the bones.
Since quite often in patients, lumbosacral osteochondrosis is diagnosed, pain can apply to the lower spine and even give to the lower limb.Compression of the nerve endings and small vessels leads to the development of violations in the tissues of the lower extremities.
The second degree of osteochondrosis and its signs
At this stage, some other signs of osteochondrosis of the lumbar region appear.The appearance of a certain instability between vertebrates is observed, as a result of which the mobility of the vertebrae increases.
In turn, such a change leads to the occurrence of persistent and almost constant tension of the lower back muscles.Patients complain not only about pain and discomfort, but also on constant muscle fatigue.
Clinical picture with the third degree of disease
What signs in this case are accompanied by osteochondrosis of the lumbar?Symptoms during this period can be different.The fact is that damaged intervertebral discs begin to squeeze the nerve roots, which is accompanied by the so -called "radicular syndromes."
At the same time, patients disrupts the sensitivity of those zones that are innervated by a compressed nerve.As a rule, a slight numbness and tingling occur at first, but in the absence of treatment, complete loss of sensitivity may occur.This is often accompanied by a deterioration in motor activity, the gradual atrophy of the muscles, and sometimes complete paralysis.
By the way, based on the localization of such changes, we can assume which vertebrae are affected by the disease.For example, if the change or loss of sensitivity is observed in the heel, and the pain gives to the calf muscle, it is likely that the patient has lumbosacral osteochondrosis.
In some patients, the so -called "horse tail syndrome" is observed, which is associated with compressing the bundle of roots, which takes place in the lumbar and sacral section of the spine.This condition is characterized by a violation of the motor function of the legs, as well as various disorders from the pelvic organs.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar: symptoms of the fourth stage
At this stage, all joints and intervertebral ligaments are already involved in the process.Moreover, there is a fibrosis of the intervertebral disc, in which all its elements are replaced by a dense scar fabric.
By the way, at this time, patients of patients may improve.But the mobility of the spine, lower back and legs is very limited.
Modern diagnostic methods
In the presence of constant pain and discomfort in the lower back, you should consult a doctor.Only a specialist can determine the lumbar osteochondrosis of the spine.Diagnosis in this case includes several stages.
To begin with, the doctor will conduct a general examination, check the reflexes, the presence of radicular syndromes, as well as the degree of mobility and so on.It is necessary to collect a full history, since in this case it is important not only to make a diagnosis, but also to determine the cause of the development of a degenerative process.
Laboratory methods of diagnosis in this case do not have much importance.Therefore, the patient is primarily directed to radiography of the spine.X -ray pictures allow you to see the narrowing of the intervertebral slit, as well as determine the presence of bone growths and seals on the surface of the vertebra.
For a more accurate assessment of the patient's condition, magnetic resonance and computed tomography is also carried out, these studies give a more clear picture of degenerative changes in the spine.
What complications is the disease associated with?
In no case should this disease perceive this frivolous disease.In the absence of timely therapy, the patient will have to face not only pain and limitation of mobility, but also with more serious consequences.
In particular, the degeneration of the intervertebral discs leads to the formation of a hernia.In addition, compression of nerve roots affects the work of many organs, including the urinary, sexual, and sometimes digestive systems.In some cases, the disease leads to complete paralysis of the lower extremities and muscle atrophy.Changes in osteochondrosis are practically irreversible, therefore it is extremely important to start therapy in time.
Drug treatment of osteochondrosis
Only the doctor knows how to treat lumbar osteochondrosis.With such a disease, therapy is selected individually, as it depends on many factors, including the individual characteristics of the patient's body.In any case, it should be understood that the treatment of osteochondrosis is a long and complex process.
Of course, patients are prescribed for some drugs.Most often, this disease is used below.
- At the initial stages for treatment, chondroprotectors are used - drugs that inhibit the process of cartridge tissue degeneration.
- At the second stage, treatment of lumbosacral osteochondrosis may include the use of anti-inflammatory drugs that eliminate soreness and inflammatory process.
- Muscle spasm is eliminated with muscle relaxants.
- Local anesthetics are used for severe pain.For example, pain is blocked with injections of painkillers.
- Older patients are recommended to take multivitamin complexes.
- Therapy also includes vasodilating drugs that improve blood circulation and tissue trophic.
Other methods of conservative treatment
Of course, it is impossible to get rid of the disease with the help of drugs alone.Treatment of lumbosacral osteochondrosis includes other measures.In particular, a therapeutic massage gives a positive effect.Regular sessions help eliminate muscle spasm and improve blood circulation in tissues.
Gymnastics with lumbar osteochondrosis is extremely important.The set of exercises is selected by the attending physician or physiotherapist.Physical education helps to return mobility, improve blood circulation, eliminate pain.Naturally, classes should be regular.On the other hand, in the presence of acute pains, physical activity is contraindicated, during this period the patient needs strict bed rest and wearing a special corset, which relieves the load from the spine.
In addition, some physiotherapy methods are also used.In particular, ultraviolet radiation is considered quite effective (eliminates spasm and pain), magnetotherapy, laser therapy, electrophoresis (help relieve inflammation and soreness), as well as balne treatment.
When is surgical intervention necessary?
Unfortunately, not in all cases, conservative treatment is possible, especially if the patient has a diagnosis of intervertebral hernia.Indications for surgical intervention are also the syndrome of the "bone tail", as well as severe compression of the nerve roots.
To date, there are many techniques for such operations.Most often, called microsurgical, as well as endoscopic procedures, are also carried out to eliminate pressure on blood vessels and nerves.