The pain in the lower back most often affects people after 35 years.In the vast majority of cases, the disease is associated with the deformation of the vertebrae and its consequences.The appropriate appeal for the doctor will accelerate recovery, as the symptoms and the treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar column are interconnected concepts.
The higher the progress of the disease, the more serious its consequences, the more difficult the restoration of health is difficult.
Signs and symptoms of osteochondrosis of the lumbar column
The lumbar region is located between the sacrum and the breast department and consists of five vertebrae connected by intervertebral discs.
The development of osteochondrosis means the wear and tear of the intervertebral discs which play an absorbing role in the loads on the spine.The base of the discs is a mass of gel type, protected by a dense fibrous ring and cartilage, and the interior space is filled with a liquid pulpoose nucleus.
When the loads on the vertebrae, the elasticity and flexibility of the intervertebral discs are lost, is lost, as their height, and the microfissures are formed in the fibrous ring, which over time leads to its rupture and its damage to the luscious nucleus.
The destruction of the tissues is accompanied by a pinch of nerve roots located on both sides of the vertebrae and causes intense pain.
The main signs of lumbar osteochondrosis:
- back pain;
- fatigue and depression;
- excessive weakness or muscle tension;
- loss of sensitivity in limbs, buttocks or hips;
- Acute or painful pain and spasms in the lower back, often giving the legs;
- Violation of the motor function.
In the context of serious vertebral lesions, other symptoms are also observed in the lumbar region, most often, the dysfunction of other organs - the urinary and sexual system, the gastrointestinal tract.
Causes
Like most diseases of the musculoskeletal system, osteochondrosis can develop for many reasons.Some of them reside in the lifestyle and the diet, the other part develops in the context of the physiological characteristics of the body.
Very often, the treatment of osteochondrosis of the Lombo-Sacred spine is required by athletes whose back is subject not only by constant power loads, but also by periodic injuries.
The second category of people who are in danger, the people who, because of their profession, spend a lot of time in a single position - teachers, hairdressers, cooks, chargers, servers, programmers, office workers and drivers.
Among other causes of the development of pathology:
- Excess weight;
- Metabolism violation;
- Inappropriate posture, Timbaume;
- genetic predisposition;
- injuries;
- bad habits;
- a lack of trace elements and beneficial vitamins in the diet;
- Abnormal development of the muscle system, flat feet;
- hypothermia;
- sedimentary, static;
- Frequent constraints.
All the factors listed can affect the elasticity of the intervertebral discs, as they contribute to a violation of the blood circulation or the appearance of a nutrient deficiency entering into the vertebrates.
Degree of osteochondrosis of the lumbar column
According to the level of damage to the spine, the four degrees of development of osteochondrial processes are distinguished, manifesting itself in stages as the disease develops.
The first degree.
The pathological processes in the spine start well before their first clinical manifestation.Consequently, humidity losses, intervertebral discs become less elastic elastic.The height of the discs is stored normal.The patient feels embarrassment in the lower back.
The second degree.
In the bottom of the humidity deficiency, microfissures appear in the fibrous ring and inflammation of the tissues develops.The hooks of the vertebrae of the vertebrae gradually increase.In cartilage, there are seals.The patient complains of back pain, to give to his feet or the groin.It is possible to limit motor capabilities.In the work of internal organs, failures occur.
The third degree.
The integrity of the fibrous ring is disturbed, the intervertebral disc, forming a hernia.Ships and nerve endings are compressed.Muscle spasms, dysfunctions of pelvic organs, a disorder of sensitivity of the lower limbs, prolonged attacks of radiculitis are observed.
The fourth degree.
The most complex, unaccompered to treatment, at the stage during the disease.Due to the complete destruction of intervertebral discs, scars are formed in their place.The vertebrae are maximum close and gradually deform.With the development of the spinal cord compression, the paralysis of the lower limbs is possible.
Diagnosis
To recognize the disease and determine the exact diagnosis, neurologists use a complex of measures - history of anamnesis, physiological examination and material studies.
HANG -UP collection.
Provides the study of patient complaints:
- the cause of anxiety;
- location of discomfort;
- Duration and intensity of unpleasant sensations;
- the duration of the disease;
- possible causes of the disease;
- frequency of exacerbations;
- factors provoking exacerbations;
- Factors that improve well.
In addition, the doctor studies information on the patient's lifestyle, diet, work and rest, the presence of bad habits, hereditary factors and injuries.
Physiological examination.
It is made to determine pathological changes and establish a preliminary diagnosis.
During the examination, the doctor assesses the patient's motor capacities - approach, posture, amplitude and volume of movements.The palpation method examines the state of the muscles - tone, size, volume of spasms.Using minor tingling, it defines the level of sensitivity.A recording with a hammer allows you to discover the pain irradiation area.
Material research
For complete and precise information on the location of the pathology and the degree of tissue lesions, doctors use research via various types of medical equipment.
X -ray.The study of the lumbar region through an X -ray allows us to establish anatomical parameters of the vertebrae and intervertebral discs, the tendency to shrink the holes between the bases, the presence of bone growth.
Tomography.The use of electromagnetic waves provides the exit from the image of the area studied on the screen for a more in -depth study and analysis of the condition of the blood vessels which feed the tissue of the spine, nervous processes and intervertebral discs.
CT.Photos of several vertebral segments are carried out using X-Rayon radiation.The image is displayed on the monitor to determine the nature of the changes in the vessels, the membrane of the vertebrae and the spinal cord and the regional growth.
For differential diagnoses, various types of studies are used to eliminate pathologies from other bodily systems.
Treatment of osteochondrosis in the lombo-sacular column
The duration and characteristics of the treatment of lombo-sacred osteochondosis depends on the results of the diagnostic measures.In the early stages of the development of the disease, conservative treatment is indicated.With more complex lesions of the spine, surgery is used.
The optimal therapeutic effect is obtained thanks to complex therapy, which provides for the use of local drugs, physiotherapy, massage and healing gymnastics.
Drugs
To relieve symptoms, non -steroidal drugs for internal and external use are prescribed - tablets, injections, ointments.In addition, chondroprotectors, neuroprotectors, diuretics, vitamins, muscle relaxants are used.
The drug treatment allows:
- eliminate pain;
- eliminate inflammation;
- relax the muscles;
- Restore destroyed cartilaginous tissue;
- improve blood circulation;
- reduce swelling;
- increase physical activity;
- Normalize brain nutrition.
In acute pain, novocaine blockade that provides an instant effect is used.
Folk remedies
Treatment with folk methods is effective as an additional drug for drug treatment.The main techniques of traditional medicine are based on the use of plant materials, animal products and chemicals.
Based on various components, ointments and compresses, decoctions and infusions are prepared for internal and external use, as well as for therapeutic baths are prepared.
Physiotherapy for lumbar osteochondrosis
Physiotherapeutic procedures are an excellent way to restore the motor functions of the spine after damaging osteochondrosis.
The main physiotherapeutic methods include:
- Electrotherapy - Exposure to low electric currents to improve blood circulation in tissues;
- Magnetotherapy - The use of magnetic fields to restore the tissues at the cellular level;
- Laser therapy - Complete activation of biological processes in vertebrates and nerve endings;
- Shock wave therapy - Improvement of microcirculation and metabolic processes in tissues affected by the effect of an acoustic wave;
- Balneotherapy - The use of mineral water healing properties.
Physiotherapeutic procedures increase not only several times the effectiveness of drug treatment, but also contribute to healing and strengthening of the body as a whole.
Lumbar osteochondrosis massage
Visiting massage procedures is one of the most pleasant and effective methods for treating osteochondrosis.
Use of therapeutic massage:
- eliminate muscle cramps;
- Improve blood supply to affected areas;
- Improve the flow of lymph;
- Restore the muscles that have exposed atrophy;
- Remove mobility restriction.
Massage is prescribed when pain syndromes are eliminated.
Therapeutic gymnastics
The main task of exercise therapy for osteochondrosis is to restore the functionality of the spine and its correction.However, you can only attend the courses after eliminating the symptoms of exacerbation.
The most effective methods of therapeutic exercises are taken into account:
- charger;
- Visit the gymnasium;
- Water therapy, swimming.
At home, you can use a hoop for sport.Some doctors to restore the flexibility of the spine recommend yoga lessons to their patients.
Excessive osteochondrosis exercises
Any osteochondrosis exercise must be done slowly and without sudden movements.
To strengthen muscles supporting the vertebrae, the approaching exercises are lying on the stomach.In this case, the hands are stretched with a slight sip, but without tension.Repeat 4 times.
Surgery
They use the treatment of the spine in particularly difficult cases - with significant neurological disorders, as well as in the event of loss of control over the stool.
During surgery, the elimination of the source of the disease is ensured and measures are made to stabilize the spine.The postoperative period lasts several months.
Why is lumbar osteochondosis dangerous?
The degenerative changes that occur with lumbar osteochondosis contribute to the development of many dangerous diseases for human life.In the context of the intervertebral hernia, the protrusion, Lumbago and the Ishias arise.
Additional progress of the disease can cause the intervertebral disc falling and the formation of spinoz.In addition to the intense pain that accompanies the pathologies, a person's motor capacities are raped, until their complete loss.The paralysis of the lower limbs is developing.
With significant damage to the spinal cord membrane, death is inevitable.
Prevention
To avoid destructive changes in the spine, you must take care of a healthy lifestyle:
- Playing sports - swimming, hardening;
- adhere to a good balance and good nutrition;
- exclude bad habits;
- keep the posture;
- Support the spine during sleep using an orthopedic mattress.
In addition, it is advisable to avoid hypothermia, weight lifting.Women are not recommended to often wear themed shoes.
You can maintain lumbar health if you adjust your lifestyle and don't forget the importance of physical activity.