Thanks to walking upright, man not only became the pinnacle of evolution, but also acquired many problems.Due to the unnatural position of a mammal's body, all the weight falls on the spine.Problems of the lumbosacral region are present in every third inhabitant of the planet.
What is osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
The main problem with the spine in the lumbar region is that the entire load of the day falls on this region.In combination with extreme mobility, the back is also subjected to extreme tests.The lumbar spine is destroyed due to dystrophic and deforming changes, the ligamentous apparatus weakens and loses elasticity, the discs are compressed and the intervertebral distance decreases.In the critical stages of the disease, they begin to become covered with bone tissue, which compresses the nerve endings.The result is pain.Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
Symptoms of lower back problems appear slowly and over a long period of time.The diagnosis is often made in advanced forms of the disease, when there are pronounced periods of exacerbation.Therefore, it is very important to know how to distinguish the signs of lumbar osteochondrosis from an accidental disease or the result of physical activity.The main symptoms of the disease are the following:
- Lower back pain.No matter how trivial it is, this symptom should make you think about an exam.In the early stages, the pain may appear only after lifting weights, for example, but always, constantly.As it progresses, the pain will become constant and, at the time of the attack, it will become unbearable.
- Compressed nerve endings significantly limit the ability to move in different directions.Bending, turning or a simple sitting position can provoke painful attacks that run down the leg along the entire limb to the shin (reminiscent of an electric shock).
- The gradual damage to the nerve roots causes a change in the sensitivity of the legs and the symptom may increase or decrease.Characterized by a burning, numbness, tingling, pins and needles sensation in the sacrum and below.If you ignore this sign of the disease, it will provoke muscle weakness and degradation of tendon reflexes.
- Local decrease in skin temperature, pallor, dryness, sagging, pain.
- Increased sweating.
- Spinal syndrome.
- In extreme stages of the disease, sexual dysfunction and problems with urination are possible.
Initial stage of lumbar osteochondrosis
It is difficult to identify the initial stage of the disease due to the irregularity of symptoms, which can resemble common tiredness after exercise.The signs are exclusively orthopedic, but little by little the pain during the crisis will become unbearable and the manifestations of the disease will no longer be correlated with physical activity.With a timely visit to a specialist, treatment will take about 2 months and a few more for complete recovery.The main signs of the disease are:
- pain in the lower back (nerve root irritation);
- painful stitches in the lower extremities, which can occur while walking;
- characteristic crackling and discomfort, appearing especially in the morning.
2nd degree lumbar osteochondrosis
According to experts, stage 2 lumbar osteochondrosis has become the most common form of the disease among patients, since the first stage is rarely noticed by patients themselves and is difficult to diagnose.The development of the disease causes new and more pronounced symptoms that accompany the patient for many years before moving into the third stage.Symptoms of the second degree of the disease are as follows:
- lumbodynia and low back pain;
- primary mobility of the spinal segment;
- primary destruction of the fibrous ring and adjacent tissues;
- compression of nerve roots;
- the distance between the vertebrae decreases;
- irritation of nerve endings
3rd degree lumbar osteochondrosis
Just 20 years ago, third-degree intervertebral disc degeneration was a disease of patients over 40 years of age.Today the disease is significantly “younger”.Osteochondrosis of the lumbar region of the 3rd degree is considered an extremely advanced stage of the disease, when therapeutic exercises and massages already have a minimal effect, and anti-inflammatory drugs and analgesics become mandatory.The general symptoms of this phase are as follows:
- ischialgic scoliosis – inclination of the body away from the origin of the disease;
- numbness of the lower extremities;
- spinal deformity;
- radicular syndrome;
- formation of intervertebral hernias;
- destruction of the fibrous ring;
- persistent pain that spreads from the buttocks to the legs (outer thighs).
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar region 4 degrees
This is already an extreme degree of the disease, which can only develop if the symptoms are completely ignored for several decades.It is characterized by complete degradation and destruction of cartilaginous tissue, degenerative deformations of the discs.At this stage, the patient may become partially or completely paralyzed or lose mobility due to pain, even being declared disabled.The treatment of grade 4 lumbar osteochondrosis in most clinical cases is surgery with active drug support.
Exacerbation of lumbar osteochondrosis
With constant symptoms, exacerbations of lumbar osteochondrosis have a strong painful effect.Sharp pain (lumbago) due to compressed nerve roots instantly spreads from the lower back to the sciatic nerve.In critical cases, loss of sensitivity down to the toes is possible.Acute injuries can disrupt the functioning of the pelvic systems (incontinence, sexual dysfunction, constipation).“Cauda equina syndrome” is especially dangerous;causes complete loss of control below the point of illness.
Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis in women
With all the similar symptoms, the signs of lumbar osteochondrosis in women have their own characteristics.They are determined by the fact that the location of the disease in the pelvic region has a negative impact on the female reproductive system.After the development of the second degree of the disease, the menstrual cycle changes (it may even be irregular and directly depend on exacerbations of osteochondrosis).During pregnancy, lumbar osteochondrosis can cause premature birth or miscarriage.The seasonality of exacerbations in patients is also observed.
How to treat lumbar osteochondrosis
Treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis is a long process and requires an integrated approach.Based on the stage of the disease, its characteristics and the patient's personal tolerance, different types of treatment are prescribed.Drug treatment is only intended to alleviate pain symptoms;the disease itself cannot be cured with medication alone.Treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral spine uses the following methods:
- acupuncture to stimulate recovery reactions;
- hirudotherapy;
- suppression of pathological processes;
- all types of therapeutic massages;
- vacuum effect for protrusions in the spine, in the presence of hernias.
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Treatment regimen
The approach to combating lumbar osteochondrosis differs radically depending on the form of the disease.Some manipulations are unacceptable during the acute phase, but are useful during remission.Self-medication in the case of this disease is almost impossible.A set of exercises is selected and performed only by a professional massage therapist under the supervision of a specialist.
The treatment regimen for lumbar osteochondrosis in the acute phase is as follows:
- Complete relief of spinal tension.In an ideal situation, provide exclusively bed rest for the patient.For greater effect, it is better to use a special orthopedic mattress and pillows for the lower back and neck.
- Use of muscle relaxants.Compensation of pathological processes and pain will enhance the effect of the massage and relieve muscle tension.It is important to remember that these medications have a sedative effect, therefore they should not be used by anyone whose work requires extra attention.
- To alleviate the consequences of compression of a large nerve, block injections based on novocaine or lidocaine are used.
The remission phase is treated according to the following scheme:
- Normalization of the conduction of nerve impulses and restoration of the sheath of nerve endings occurs with the help of B vitamins.
- Vasodilators are used to normalize blood circulation in tissues.
- Physiotherapy of various types aimed at preventing exacerbations.There are many varieties: magnetic therapy, special baths, therapeutic massage, acupuncture.
- Exercise therapy is a mandatory part of rehabilitation therapy.Exercises are selected individually for a specific case of illness.Such training will help form a muscular corset, reduce regular stress and restore natural mobility to the lower back.
First aid for lumbar osteochondrosis
When the patient is able to move independently, first aid for lumbar osteochondrosis is to minimize the mobility of the lumbar region and protect it from hypothermia.You can take painkillers, but in moderate doses so that the doctor can determine the intensity of the pain syndrome.Nothing else can be done without a specialist examination.
Drug treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
The following medicines are divided into groups according to their mode of action.
- gels, creams and ointments – (help eliminate pain);
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- NSAIDs;
- B vitamins.
Exercises
During the acute phase of the disease, any weight-bearing exercise is strictly contraindicated.Exercise therapy for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine must be agreed with a doctor and carried out under his supervision.Experienced patients can exercise independently when they know the permissible limits of their own load.The set of exercises is selected individually, depending on the intensity and location of the disease.
Massage
The use of massage for lumbar osteochondrosis remains an obligatory element in the course of treatment, therapy and prevention.It is essential to remember that you should entrust the procedure only to trusted specialists, following recommendations from your doctor.You can choose a classic or other type of massage yourself, but it is better to listen to the recommendations of a specialist so that the musculoskeletal system is properly strengthened.
Diet for lumbar osteochondrosis
Only a proper and balanced diet cannot cure the disease.The diet for lumbar osteochondrosis becomes an additional tool on the path to recovery.You should eat more foods with a large amount of B vitamins, animal proteins and carbohydrates.It is necessary to limit the consumption of simple carbohydrates, salt, alcohol, coffee (tea), smoked foods, pickles and seasonings.
Contraindications for osteochondrosis
Any disease has specific limitations that do not allow the use of different techniques and treatment methods.Contraindications for osteochondrosis are associated with collateral diseases: gastrointestinal dysfunctions, mental disorders, blood and lung diseases, ischemic syndrome.Under these conditions, active massage and exercise therapy are strictly prohibited.Exercises are not prescribed in the presence of injuries, tumors, bruises and similar formations.It is prohibited to engage in active sports and strength training.
Prevention of lumbar osteochondrosis
It is possible to cure problems in the lower back, but it is better to prevent them, so preventing lumbar osteochondrosis will be an excellent alternative to visiting a doctor.There are few basic rules, so taking care of your spinal health is quite simple.See what to do to prevent the appearance of lumbosacral osteochondrosis:
- do not overcool the lower back;
- during physical activity, lift and lower loads without jerks;
- do not carry excessive weights;
- watch your posture;
- change position regularly and do not let the ridge stagnate in one position;
- do physical exercise;
- try not to do heavy work in the wrong position and without proper preparation.