Degenerative process - osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine: symptoms and treatment

Lumbar osteochondrosis develops during degenerative-dystrophic processes in the intervertebral discs and vertebrae.Negative symptoms are a consequence of a complex of negative factors.

The pathology is diagnosed in men and women.The risk group is patients with excess weight, metabolic disorders, people who are forced to frequently lift and move heavy objects due to the nature of their work.It is important to know the dangers of osteochondrosis in the lumbar region and how to prevent damage to the spinal column.

Causes of development of lumbar osteochondrosis

In most cases, spinal osteochondrosis develops under the influence of several negative factors.The more causes, the more difficult it is to cope with a rapidly progressing disease.In women, problems with the spine often develop due to excess weight, in men - during high physical activity.

Degenerative and dystrophic changes in the vertebrae and intervertebral discs provoke:

• old back injuries;
• excess weight;
• lack of sufficient physical activity, sedentary work;
• disruptions in metabolic processes;
• lifting weights in violation of the rules;
• hereditary predisposition.

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, ICD code – M42.

Degrees and stages of the disease

The disease of the musculoskeletal system has two forms:

• acute;
• period of remission.

According to the degree of damage to the vertebrae and discs, there are 4 stages of pathology:

• first.Symptoms are mild, periodic pain (when lifting weights or sharp bends, turns), the initial stage of deformation of the intervertebral discs;
• second.The fibrous ring is destroyed, the vertebrae are pressed closer to each other, and the pain syndrome increases when the nerve roots are pinched.The patient takes an unnatural position in an attempt to relieve pain.Shoots radiate to the groin, legs, upper thigh.Lumbago occurs suddenly, the pain is excruciating;
• third.The fibrous rings are completely destroyed, the vertebrae are constantly in contact, and an intervertebral hernia is formed.The pain is almost constant, intensifies with movement.Chondroprotectors are ineffective (cartilage tissue is almost destroyed): the use of NSAIDs and painkillers is required;
• fourth.The spine is damaged, the patient has difficulty moving.The growth of bone structures increases, the pain weakens slightly, but mobility is limited when performing any actions.The result is the patient's disability.

Possible complications

Lack of therapy for osteochondrosis in the lumbar spine provokes the progression of the pathology.As negative changes increase, compression of the intervertebral discs increases, cartilage tissue is destroyed, and pain increases.Damage to the spinal nerves at the exit from the spinal column leads to the development of radicular syndrome and gradual muscle atrophy.Signs of radiculopathy intensify when bending, lifting loads, or hypothermia.

Other complications:

• compression of the Adamkiewicz artery.Causes: back injuries, falls, heavy lifting, sudden movements.A dangerous condition leads to paralysis of the legs, incontinence of feces and urine.Damage to a large vessel supplying the spinal cord and roots quickly turns a healthy person into a patient with limited capabilities.A clear sign of pathology is bedsores;
• compression myelopathy.The formation of a herniated disc leads to compression and narrowing of the spinal canal.The consequence is excruciating pain, which is practically unaffected by potent analgesics.Other negative signs: problems with the functioning of organs located in the pelvis, decreased innervation and muscle strength of the lower extremities.

Clinical picture

The main sign of damage to the spinal column is aching pain in the lumbar area, radiating to the leg.Unpleasant sensations appear after carrying loads, during sharp turns or bends.Sometimes pain occurs even without physical activity.Important point– changing body position increases discomfort.

Damage to various parts of the spine forces you to look for a position in which discomfort will be minimal.This sign helps diagnose pathology.

Degenerative-dystrophic changes in the vertebrae lead to a deterioration in the patient’s quality of life.Frequent attacks of pain provoke depression, irritability, and interfere with daily activities and professional activities.

Signs of acute form:

• sharp pain appears not only during heavy physical exertion, but also during normal changes in the position of the body;
• Only the search for the most acceptable body position temporarily relieves the painful symptom.

Symptoms during remission:

• tingling sensation, numbness in the legs;
• dull pain in the lumbar region, buttocks, legs;
• disruption of the functioning of the genital organs in the pelvis.

Diagnostics

If the development of lumbar osteochondrosis is suspected, the patient visits an orthopedist-traumatologist.The doctor gives a referral for an X-ray of the spine, MRI and CT.After analyzing the images, the doctor determines the degree of damage to the discs and vertebrae and prescribes treatment.

Effective treatments

How to treat lumbar osteochondrosis?The patient must tune in to actively participate in the therapy process: it is important to get rid of extra pounds, stop lifting weights, and quit smoking.A moderate amount of movement, the use of medications, attending physical procedures, and performing therapeutic massage are mandatory elements for relieving pain and reducing the risk of progression of degenerative changes in the spine.

Important details:

• spinal traction, manual therapy are specific methods for treating lumbar osteochondrosis.The procedures are carried out by a qualified doctor: incorrect application of techniques in the absence of knowledge and experience often causes harm and often leads to disability of the patient;
• Another important element of treatment is diet.Jellied meat, dishes with gelatin, fish, meat broths, fruits, turkey, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, and herbs are healthy.Do not eat sour, spicy foods, drink alcohol or carbonated drinks.Be sure to drink up to two liters of fluid per day.

Drug therapy

Complex treatment required:

• chondroprotectors.The compositions restore the quality of cartilage tissue, stop the destruction of discs, replenish the deficiency of microelements, and increase tissue elasticity.An important point is that all chondroprotectors are taken for a long time - at least six months.Glucosamine, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate accumulate in cartilage tissue and restore the structure of dilapidated discs.The sooner the patient starts taking chondroprotectors, the higher the chances of success.In severe stages of osteochondrosis (3 and 4), it is almost impossible to normalize the condition of the discs;
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory compounds.NSAID drugs are an essential element in the treatment of spinal osteochondrosis.The compositions stop inflammation and reduce pain.The greatest effect is provided by drugs in the form of tablets and injections; products for external use are more delicate.Many types of NSAIDs irritate the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract: you can treat painful areas, take pills or give injections only after eating.To protect the stomach tissue, a special drug with an enveloping effect is prescribed;
• vitamin and mineral complexes, healthy dietary supplementswith calcium, drugs that activate blood circulation in the affected tissues.The dosage and duration of the course are determined by the orthopedic traumatologist treating the patient.Saturation of bone and cartilage tissue with useful minerals and vitamins improves the condition of problem areas.

Folk remedies and recipes

Homemade ointments, rubs, compresses, herbal decoctions are an additional element of treatment.The compositions reduce pain, reduce inflammation, and saturate the body with useful substances.All herbal remedies can be taken in consultation with an orthopedist-traumatologist.

Proven folk remedies:

• tea from lingonberry leaves;
• ointment made from rendered pork fat, ground marshmallow root and beeswax;
• collection with anti-inflammatory effect.Ingredients: knotweed, strawberry leaves, horsetail, barberry, agrimony;
• a compress for the painful area from grated raw potatoes and thin honey;
• ointment made from hop cones and rendered lard.

Warning!During the acute stage, it is prohibited to apply heat of any kind to the affected area.High temperature increases blood flow and accelerates the development of inflammation.Cooling ointments based on menthol are useful to reduce pain.It is important to coordinate all actions and home procedures with an orthopedic traumatologist.

Therapeutic gymnastics

The main task is to strengthen the muscle corset that supports the spinal column.Weak muscles combined with a thick layer of fat negatively affect the condition of the intervertebral discs and affected vertebrae.

The patient performs gymnastics for lumbar osteochondrosis in a rehabilitation center, in a hospital setting, or in a hydropathic clinic.High power load, jumping, running, sharp turns, deep bends are prohibited.After the patient has mastered the exercise technique, the doctor allows him to do a complex of exercise therapy at home.

Physiotherapeutic procedures

After stopping the acute process, the orthopedic traumatologist prescribes physical therapy to reduce swelling, pain, and normalize blood circulation in the affected tissues.Each patient needs an individual treatment regimen.

Effective physiotherapy for lumbar osteochondrosis:

• electrophoresis with anti-inflammatory, analgesic compounds;
• thermal procedures during remission;
• darsonval (use of alternating current);
• magnetic therapy;
• beneficial effects of ultrasonic waves;
• therapeutic massage;
• acupuncture to reduce pain.

Osteochondrosis in the lumbar region in advanced cases leads to disability of the patient.The disease manifests itself not only in older people: sedentary work + poor nutrition significantly rejuvenate the pathologies of the musculoskeletal system.Only timely diagnosis and an integrated approach to therapy under the guidance of an experienced orthopedic traumatologist can avoid serious consequences.