Symptoms and methods of treatment of lumbar spine osteochondrosis

The most common cause of back pain is the development of such a disease of the musculoskeletal system as osteochondrosis. If earlier this pathology was found mainly in older people, and less often in middle age, now osteochondrosis has become much younger, it is often diagnosed in people whose age is 20-30 years.

According to medical statistics, the disease most often affects the lumbar and lumbosacral spine.

Characteristics of the disease

Osteochondrosis is a pathology of the musculoskeletal system that affects its most important component - the spine. It is caused by the fact that dystrophic changes on the intervertebral discs begin to develop.

The disease affects not only the tissue of the intervertebral discs, negative changes in the surrounding tissues begin to occur, affecting the ligaments and muscles.

The reason for the prevalence of the lumbar form of osteochondrosis is that this particular part of the spine is exposed to the greatest physical stress.

With this disease, characteristic changes occur in the nucleus pulposus, which is part of the intervertebral disc. This disc performs depreciation functions.

If the water exchange on the intervertebral discs is disturbed, they become thinner and their fragility increases.

People of the older age group are most sensitive to the pathological process, because metabolic processes in the tissues of the intervertebral discs begin to deteriorate when they reach a certain age.

Under the influence of negative changes, the boundaries of the nucleus pulposus gradually expand, tending to enter the intervertebral space. This usually ends with the nucleus moving into the spinal canal, as a result of which it is compressed and compressed by nerve fibers and blood vessels.

Pinched nerves are the cause of pain in osteochondrosis. Deterioration of the work of internal organs can also occur.

As the pathology progresses, the force of pressure on the vertebrae increases. The body tries to make up for the deficiency, and the growth of the bone tissue of the spine is significantly accelerated. As a result, pathological growths appear on the vertebrae - osteophytes. Ultimately, this further impairs the functionality of the affected spine.

In advanced forms of osteochondrosis, the patient may experience paralysis of the lower extremities. Due to late access to medical care, a person may become disabled.

Causes of osteochondrosis of the lumbar and lumbosacral spine

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar and lumbosacral spine develops due to improper distribution of the load on the spine. If this is combined with other negative factors, the progression of osteochondrosis is accelerated, and it can take more severe forms.

The disease can cause:

• regular heavy physical work, lifting heavy objects (people of certain professions, as well as weightlifters, are in danger);
• insufficient physical activity that negatively affects the condition of the muscles and leads to a deterioration of blood circulation, metabolic processes and a decrease in the amount of nutrients entering the tissues;
• the patient is overweight, which leads to the fact that the spine is constantly exposed to heavy loads;
• problems with posture and improper gait;
• the presence of congenital deformities or other defects of the spine or the entire skeleton;
• flat feet can also cause the development of osteochondrosis, because in patients with foot deformity its arch can not fully absorb the load during movement, which leads to increased load on the intervertebral discs;
• traumatic spinal cord injury;
• genetically conditioned disorders of bone formation;
• age changes;
• infections affecting bone tissue (tuberculosis, osteomyelitis);
• inflammatory processes affecting bones and joints (including rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis);
• vitamin and mineral deficiency;
• exposure to harmful and toxic substances.

The most common cause of pathology is high loads on the spine in patients with incorrect posture.

Symptoms of the disease

The manifestation and severity of osteochondrosis symptoms depend on the stage of the disease.

There are 4 stages of the disease:

1. The first stage is characterized by the appearance of pain in the lumbar region (lumbago), cramps of the surrounding muscle tissue and swelling in the affected area. During this period, the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral discs begins to change and move, causing irritation of the nerve endings.
2. In the second phase, the process of destroying the fibrous rings of the intervertebral discs begins. The vertebrae become unstable, their mobility increases, resulting in constant tension of the adjacent muscles. Pain is noticed along the sciatic nerve. At this stage of the disease, disorders of the internal organs can sometimes begin.
3. During the third phase, rupture of the fibrous rings and release of the contents of the nucleus pulposus are observed. As a result, disc herniations occur. All this contributes to further deformation of the spine (the development of scoliosis, kyphosis or lordosis can be noticed). Acute pain becomes permanent, it is a consequence of radicular syndrome, in which the nerve roots are compressed by fragments that have fallen out of the fibrous rings.
4. The fourth phase is characterized by severe deformities of the spine, pathological growths appear on the vertebrae. There may be significant pain relief, but this does not mean an improvement in the patient's condition. On the contrary, a person's movement becomes severely restricted. Usually, patients with stage 4 osteochondrosis need to register their disability.

One of the main symptoms of the disease is pain in the lumbar region, which can spread to the tailbone and lower extremities. It is divided into 3 types:

1. Lumbago- attacks of acute pain that begin with sudden movements or lifting heavy objects.
2. Lumbodynia- severe regular pain associated with damage to intervertebral cartilage and muscle fibers.
3. Lumboischalgia- characterized by a feeling of pain, a feeling of cold or heat in the lumbar region, as well as in the legs.

A person's psychological state can also cause pain.

In addition to pain, osteochondrosis is also characterized by:

• feeling of weakness in the lower half of the body and in the legs;
• worsening of tendon reflexes of the lower extremities;
• tingling felt from lower back to feet;
• curvature of the spine;
• in lumbosacral osteochondrosis, there is often a malfunction of the pelvic organs (urinary disorders, fecal incontinence, erectile dysfunction);
• skin problems (dryness, dandruff, bluish tinge) and changes in sweating can also occur in the lower back and buttocks.

If you find these symptoms, you should see a doctor as soon as possible to start treatment immediately and prevent serious consequences.

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar and lumbosacral spine

Medical

For a patient diagnosed with osteochondrosis, the doctor may prescribe the following types of therapy (including several at once):

• drug treatment;
• physiotherapy procedures;
• medical massage and manual therapy;
• performing surgery.

Let's take a closer look at each of these methods.

Medications are prescribed to relieve pain, fight inflammation and improve the regeneration of diseased tissues. The patient can be assigned:

• analgesics (help relieve pain);
• muscle relaxants (used to relax muscle fibers and relieve cramps);
• chondroprotectors (promote the regeneration of cartilage and bone tissue and protect them from negative influences);
• anti-inflammatory drugs;
• in case of edema, diuretics (diuretics) are prescribed;
• drugs that improve blood circulation;
• vitamin and mineral complexes.

In common forms of osteochondrosis, when conventional analgesics are ineffective, blockades may be prescribed. What specific medications should be used, as well as the scheme and duration of treatment, is determined by the physician, taking into account the stage of the disease and the severity of the symptoms.

It is recommended to prescribe physiotherapy together with medications to increase the effectiveness of treatment. In osteochondrosis, the following procedures are indicated:

• laser therapy;
• magnetic resonance therapy;
• phonophoresis;
• shock wave therapy.

These treatments help relieve pain, reduce inflammation and help repair damaged tissue. The use of a laser beam is very effective, allowing you a stable remission.

When prescribing phonophoresis, additional topical medications are used (this method allows the medication to penetrate deep under the skin directly to the lesion). In order to maximize the enrichment of tissues with oxygen, the doctor may also prescribe ozone therapy.

It should be borne in mind that physiotherapy is contraindicated in certain pathologies. It should not be prescribed to patients with oncological diseases, thyrotoxicosis, diabetes, tuberculosis, infectious diseases.

Massage and manual therapy can be prescribed simultaneously with medications and physiotherapy procedures, which enhances the therapeutic effect.

These methods affect the conduction of nerve impulses and help normalize muscle tone.

Surgical intervention is indicated only in the later stages of the disease, when other methods of treatment are useless. Operation is required if:

• the patient suffers from severe pain that cannot be controlled with medication;
• disc herniation;
• the patient is diagnosed with spinal cord compression (this leads to impaired sensitivity and motor functions - from feelings of weakness to paralysis);
• the development of horsetail syndrome has been reported.

Nowadays, modern high-tech and low-trauma operations are performed more and more often, which enables a significant shortening of the rehabilitation period. In the absence of complications, the patient will be able to move normally within a few months after surgery.

Folk remedies

Traditional medicine treatments help relieve pain, reduce inflammation and improve mobility. Here are some ways to treat osteochondrosis with folk remedies.

1. You have to take raw potatoes, grate them and mix them with natural honey. The resulting mixture should be placed on the back and secured with a bandage for at least 2 hours. Applying warm boiled potatoes to the affected area also helps.
2. Grate the garlic and mix in equal parts with the ginger. Then add a little olive oil. The resulting drug must be rubbed into the back at night to improve blood circulation and reduce muscle tension.
3. Mix a tablespoon of menthol oil with a tablespoon of fir oil. The mixture should be rubbed into the back.
4. Take chopped pine or spruce needles in the amount of ½ tablespoon per 200 ml (1 cup) of boiling water and let it cook for 30 minutes. Drink ½ glasses 2 times a day.
5. Mix a tablespoon of cranberries and mint herbs, boil with boiling water (1 cup), bring to a boil and strain. Drink the soup gradually throughout the day.

It is important to understand that treatment with folk remedies cannot replace a visit to the doctor. Folk methods temporarily alleviate the symptoms, but do not completely eliminate the disease.

In addition, they may not be suitable for every patient, so it is recommended that you consult a specialist before using them.

Physiotherapy exercises

Physiotherapy exercises are aimed at strengthening the muscles of the lower back, buttocks and thighs, which helps relieve pain, reduce the degree of constriction of nerves and blood vessels and restore flexibility.

In order for the exercises to be as effective and harmless as possible, certain guidelines must be followed:

• Exercises should be performed in clothing made of natural fabrics that does not restrict movement;
• the lumbar region during physical education must not be hypothermic;
• if you need to take a lying position to perform the exercise, it is better to put a round roller under the lower leg;
• you should start exercising at the earliest an hour after eating;
• to achieve a sustainable positive effect it is necessary to engage in regular physiotherapy exercises;
• exercises should be performed smoothly, slowly, concentrating on muscle work;
• you need to monitor your breathing, it needs to be even and deep;
• is ​​useful to keep a diary that includes changes from the day you start doing the exercises.

Which exercises to perform depends on the severity of the symptoms of osteochondrosis.

In acute lumbar osteochondrosis, the spine should not be loaded, you should adhere to bed rest (preferably using an orthopedic mattress), and you can do physical education lying on your back, repeating each movement 8-10 times. Here are some suggestions:

1. Lying on your back, place a roller under your lower legs and bend your knees. The patient should bend his arms into a fist and bend, and he should also bend his legs in the ankle. These movements are done alternately with each arm and leg.
2. The legs should be alternately bent and bent, moving only the knees. At the same time, the back should not move.
3. Rotate each leg in a row.
4. Stretch your arms and legs, then start bending and stretching your elbows at the same time. You need to inhale during flexion and exhale during extension. Raise your palms.

Recommended exercises for subacute lumbar osteochondrosis:

1. Bend your knees in a supine position, rest your feet on the mattress. While inhaling, gently lift the sacrum, while the lower part of the thoracic spine should rest on the mattress. After 1-2 seconds, gently lower your lower half of your back.
2. Lying on a mattress, you should raise your head and tighten your abdominal muscles while inhaling. On the exhale, return to the starting position.
3. In the supine position, pull the heel to the buttocks with sliding movements, without lifting it off the mattress. After a few seconds, straighten your leg. The movements should be repeated for each leg separately and for both legs at the same time.
4. From all four positions, sit with your buttocks on your heels, making sliding movements with your hands on the mattress. Then take the starting position.
5. Stand on all fours, relax your neck. Tighten your chin on your chest, bend your back to your lower back like a cat, fix this position for a few seconds. It is necessary to ensure that the head does not rise and the back retains the accepted position.

Patients who have achieved remission can do any of the above exercises.

Physiotherapy exercises, if possible, should be done 3-4 times a day for any form of lumbar osteochondrosis, but before you start performing them, be sure to consult a doctor.

Preventive measures

Osteochondrosis, like most other ailments, is much easier to prevent than to try to get rid of its consequences later. To minimize the likelihood of developing the disease, it is recommended:

• to ensure that the diet is healthy and balanced;
• lead an active life, move as much as possible;
• do not expose the spine to excessive heavy loads;
• do exercises to strengthen your back muscles.

It is also necessary to immediately treat diseases and injuries that can lead to the development of osteochondrosis. If even minor symptoms occur that may signal spinal problems, you should not delay a visit to the doctor.

Conclusion

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is a disease that must be taken as seriously as possible to avoid serious consequences. If you adhere to a healthy lifestyle and follow the recommended preventive measures, the likelihood of developing pathology will be minimal.

If symptoms occur, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Timely medical care is the key to stable remission, which allows you to stop the pathological process, preserve the patient's working ability and, to a certain extent, restore the previous condition of the musculoskeletal system.