Lumbar osteochondrosis is a deformation of the spine in the lumbar region. The disease affects the intervertebral discs, cartilage, spinal roots and nerve fibers and causes back pain.
CMRT clinics have been specializing in the conservative treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis for more than 10 years. The centers are equipped with modern specialized equipment for accurate diagnosis, effective treatment and rehabilitation. Experienced specialists apply an individual approach, composing a set of therapeutic measures aimed at combating pathology at all stages.
Great!
An accurate diagnosis, determining the causes and nature of the disease, and only a qualified doctor at an internal appointment can prescribe an effective treatment.
Reasons
The main cause of the disease is the incorrect distribution of the load in the musculoskeletal system. This usually happens when you walk in high heels, hold a bag on one side, with an awkward posture in a dream or in a sedentary job. The elderly, pregnant women, newborns, professional athletes and office workers are at risk.
Other causes of lumbar osteochondrosis:
- injuries, bruises, fractures of arms, legs, spine
- damage to the organs of the musculoskeletal system
- diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, which cause nutrient deficiencies
- body tension during prolonged exercise
- psychoemotional disorders
- disorders of blood flow in the spine
- inflammation of the musculoskeletal system
- infections of internal organs and vertebrae
- joint stiffness, disc displacement
- protrusions and intervertebral hernias
- severe poisoning
- metabolic disorders
- curvature of the body posture
- sedentary lifestyle
- dehydration
- unbalanced diet
- calcium and oxygen deficiency
- excess weight
- Bad Habits
- age-related changes
- joint diseases
Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
The intensity and nature of symptoms depends on the stage of the disease. The sooner the patient detects signs of lumbosacral osteochondrosis, the more effective the treatment will be.
General symptoms:
- severe pain in the lower back, which may radiate to the legs, abdominal organs and pelvis
- pain in the kidneys and sacrum
- fatigue and tension in the lower back and sacral spine;
- Difficulty in moving, walking, bending and turning the body
- occasional back pain
- rapid fatigue after a light load
- tingling in the back, reduced mobility, pain at rest
- numbness of the extremities
- spasms and cramps in the muscles
- dizziness
- weakness and loss of strength
- decreased muscle tone and sensitivity
In men and women, the manifestations of lumbar osteochondrosis may differ. Men may have problems with potency. Women are more likely to suffer from pain in the pelvic area. When the deformed spine cannot fully support the back, the uterus and appendages face additional loads and sometimes shift out of their normal physiological position.
varieties
The classification of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine consists of several varieties of the disease. Depending on the type of pain syndrome, the following are distinguished:
Lumbago. acute symptom. It is expressed by sharp back pain and inability to move. Occurs with muscle spasms, injuries, pinched discs and nerve roots.
Lumbargia. It is characterized by prolonged pain caused by hernias, protrusions, sprains, sprains and other disorders of the musculoskeletal system.
Sciatica. Strong pain syndrome in the lumbosacral region, radiating to the pelvis. The pain spreads to the sciatic nerve, prevents normal flexion and extension of the body and prevents painless sitting and standing.
Discogenic lumbar osteochondrosis and radiculopathy are also distinguished.
Lumbar disc osteochondrosis is accompanied by loss of sensation and numbness not only in the affected back, but also in the legs, buttocks, thighs and lower abdomen. Sometimes the body temperature rises, weakness appears, urinary incontinence, the patient loses weight.
The radiculopathy is expressed by numbness of the nerve roots and a decrease in the person's motor abilities. Signs - tingling or pain in the entire lower body, reduced reflexes, reduced muscle tone and joints of the limbs.
Stages of development of lumbar osteochondrosis
Doctors identify the dynamics of the pathology in four stages:
First. The symptoms are almost invisible - they are diagnosed with X-rays. The stage begins with pathological processes in the pulp cavity of an overdried disc and microcracks in the annulus fibrosus.
Second. The height of the intervertebral discs decreases, which makes the vertebrae closer together. This causes spondylolisthesis and displacement, which is accompanied by pain when moving.
Third. It is characterized by stiffness, instability, numbness of the body in the coccyx, waist and sacrum. This can be explained by vertebral protrusions, protrusions, joint dislocations and joints in the spine.
Fourth. The most difficult degree. On it, the functions of the spine are disturbed and bone growths (osteophytes) are formed. The growths can pinch nerves or damage the integrity of the vertebrae.
The consequences of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
- Excessive accumulation of salt in the body
- herniation, protrusion, prolapse of vertebrae and discs
- chronic sciatica
- paresis and paralysis of the legs
Diagnostics
An orthopedist, osteopath, neurologist, rheumatologist, chiropractor and surgeon can diagnose lumbar osteochondrosis and other disorders of the musculoskeletal system. An accurate diagnosis can be made after:
- X-ray of the spine, which shows the condition of bones, cartilage and muscle tissue, as well as ligaments and tendons.
- Myelography is the study of the cerebrospinal fluid using a dye. With its help, the nerve roots of the spinal cord are studied and evaluated.
For a more detailed examination, doctors use computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. You can get a diagnosis in the network of CMRT clinics.
We also recommend undergoing plasma treatment procedures, pharmacopuncture. For health maintenance, manual therapy and osteopathy services, exercise therapy is recommended.
Treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis
A neurologist deals with the treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral spine. The standard treatment regimen looks like this: the doctor makes a diagnosis, determines the degree of development of the disease and determines the complications. With this in mind, he chooses a method of treatment - conservative or surgical.
Physiotherapy
Exercise therapy for osteochondrosis of the spine is carried out in an equipped room under the supervision of a doctor. Classes are held when remission occurs and the patient does not suffer from pain. The doctor monitors the patient's condition during physical activity, if pain or discomfort occurs, he corrects the exercise or cancels it.
Each therapeutic exercise class is carried out in several stages. During the warm-up, the patient performs light exercises that warm the muscles and circulate the blood. In the main part - exercises for the affected spine. Finally, relaxing stretches.
Physiotherapy for lumbar osteochondrosis
Physiotherapy procedures are performed to relieve pain, improve blood circulation and tissue nutrition and reduce inflammation. Most often, patients are prescribed:
- electrophoresis, which helps to reduce the neurological manifestations of the disease
- cross-dynamic therapy with the effect of currents of different intensity, which effectively relieve even severe pain
- ultrasound therapy with exposure along the affected spine;
- magnetotherapy with an alternating magnetic field
To achieve the best result, the patient is prescribed a complex of various physiotherapy procedures.
Kinesiology film
For anesthesia, a cotton patch with hot melt glue is used. There are specific types of therapeutic applications for neck, chest, back and joint problems.
Injections for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
With lumbar osteochondrosis, the doctor can prescribe the following injections to the patient for treatment:
- Chondroprotectants protect cartilage tissue from further destruction, slow down the development of dystrophic disorders
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs reduce inflammation, have antipyretic and analgesic effects by reducing swelling at the focus of inflammation
- Vitamin complexes restore blood circulation in the affected areas, accelerate the renewal of nerve fibers, improve the condition of the body as a whole
Injections can only be prescribed by a doctor, as the treatment method has contraindications. For example, many drugs are prohibited for allergic, pregnant and nursing mothers.
Pharmaceutical treatment
Doctors try to get away from this method of treatment, but in extreme cases, they prescribe the following drugs for the treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral region:
- Analgesics have only an analgesic or additional anti-inflammatory effect
- Antispasmodics relieve muscle spasms, due to which the pressure on the nerve endings stops and the pain subsides
- vasodilator drugs improve blood microcirculation, help reduce spine recovery time after osteochondrosis treatment
Treatment with tablets is carried out separately or in combination with injections. For example, a certain medicine is prescribed in the form of tablets and if it is not effective enough, it is prescribed in the form of injections.
Surgery
Surgery is a radical measure, used only in severe cases. During the operation, the doctor completely eliminates the cause of the pain and stabilizes the spine.
Prevention of lumbar osteochondrosis
- Do a moderate program of sports and exercise therapy
- take breaks at work every hour for 5-7 minutes
- sleep on a flat surface or buy an orthopedic mattress
- wear comfortable shoes that fit properly
Which doctor should I contact?
The neurologist makes an accurate diagnosis, prescribes treatment and, if necessary, corrects it. If the disease is accompanied by severe pain or disturbances in the functioning of internal organs, it may be necessary to consult other specialists.
Frequent questions
How to provide help during acute pain in lumbar osteochondrosis?
A patient with back pain should be helped into a comfortable position in which the pain subsides. After that, you should consult a doctor.
Is it possible to do physical exercises with lumbar osteochondrosis?
In the acute period, physical exercises are contraindicated, the patient must comply with bed rest. When the pain subsides, the patient should do exercise therapy - perform general strengthening exercises. They must be selected by a doctor. At the same time, it is important to monitor your well-being during physical activity. If any exercise causes pain, it is important to reduce the intensity or eliminate it.