Many people are diagnosed with lumbar osteochondrosis.Symptoms of this disease: constant lower back pain, as well as limited movements, loss of sensitivity, etc.In any case, it should be understood that this disease in the absence of treatment can lead to a mass of neurological complications.So what is the disease?What are her first signs?What methods of treatment do modern medicine offer?This information will be useful for any reader.
What is osteochondrosis?
Osteochondrosis is a chronic progressive disease that is accompanied by degeneration of connective and bone tissues of the spine.The process of pathological changes in the tissues begins in the intervertebral disc.This structure consists of a fibrous ring, inside which there is a gel -like pulpic nucleus.
As a result of a violation of normal metabolism, a gradual drying of the nucleus occurs.At the same time, changes in the fibrous ring are also observed: tears and cracks are formed in the tissues, which can exceed the nucleus.A similar process affects the condition of the vertebrates because the vertebrae must withstand heavy loads.In this way, not only the intervertebral discs, but also the vertebrae, ligaments and intervertebral joints are involved in the process.
As a rule, the disease begins at adulthood or old age, although there are cases where the disease is diagnosed in adolescents.By the way, lumbar osteochondrosis is the most common form of this disease.
The causes of the development of the disease
This pathology develops with a violation of normal metabolism and the presence of increased physical activity.It is worth noting that the degenerative process generally starts under the influence of several factors at once.To date, lumbar osteochondrosis is considered to be a multifactorial disease.Here are only the most common causes of degeneration.
- First of all, hereditary predisposition should be noted.The reason may be part of the congenital anatomical characteristics of the skeleton and metabolic disorders, such as the wrong metabolism of glycoprotein.
- Risk factors include flat legs, as this pathology has a redistribution of normal spinal load.
- In some cases, osteochondrosis develops against the background of spinal injuries.
- Static loads can also be assigned to risk factors.For example, a long standing or staying uncomfortable.
- Physical tension can also start a degenerative process, especially as regards professional athletes.
- Often the process develops in obese people, as the spine, as well as throughout the skeleton, lends itself to increased loads.
Weight of lumbar osteochondrosis
This disease develops gradually.To date, it is customary to distinguish four major degrees of lumbar osteochondrosis (some doctors radiate three).
- In the first stage there is a gradual change and movement of the jacket inside the intervertebral disc.
- Lumbar osteochondrosis of grade 2 is characterized by the destruction of the fibrous ring.
- In the third stage, as a rule, there is a destruction of the fibrous ring, resulting in the gelatin nucleus moving beyond its boundaries, so that the hernia of the intervertebral disc is formed.
- The fourth stage of the disease is accompanied by the degeneration of the vertebrae, connections and joints, which resulted in spondylarthrosis.
Lumbar osteochondrosis: Symptoms and description of the first stage of the disease
This stage of the disease is accompanied by irritation of the nerve fibers, which are in the interruption ligaments and a fibrous ring.Therefore, the first sign of this disease is discomfort, stiffness and tenderness in the lumbar region.It is worth noting that the pain can be raw and shooting (in medicine, this symptom is called "lumbago") or, on the contrary, stupid but constant (lumbalgia).
It is worth noting that due to irritation of the nerve endings, the pain can be expanded to other tissues, organs or even organ systems.For example, in the event of a disorder of normal trophism and blood circulation in the ligaments and tendons, the appearance of so -called enteropathies may occur, in which the connective tissues change and compact at the bone attachment.
As patients are diagnosed with lumbosacral osteochondrosis in patients, the pain can be applied to the lower spine and even given to the lower limb.The compression of the nerve endings and small vessels leads to the development of disorders in the tissues of the lower limbs.
The second degree of osteochondrosis and its signs
At this stage, some other signs of osteochondrosis of the lumbar region appear.There is a certain instability between the vertebrate animals, which increases the mobility of the vertebrae.
In turn, such a change leads to the appearance of a resistant and almost constant tension of the muscles of the lower back.Patients complain not only of pain and discomfort, but also of constant muscle fatigue.
A clinical picture with the third degree of illness
What signs in this case are accompanied by lumbar osteochondrosis?The symptoms during this period may be different.The fact is that the damaged intervertebral discs begin to squeeze the nerve roots, which are accompanied by the so -called "radicular syndromes".
At the same time, patients disrupt the sensitivity of those areas that are innervated by a compressed nerve.As a rule, a slight tingling and tingling may occur at the beginning, but in the absence of treatment, complete loss of sensitivity may occur.This is often accompanied by the deterioration of motor activity, the gradual muscle atrophy, and sometimes complete paralysis.
By the way, based on the location of such changes, we can assume which vertebrae are affected by the disease.For example, if the change or loss of sensitivity in the heel is observed and the pain gives the calf muscle, the patient probably has lumbosacral osteochondrosis.
In some patients, the SO "ponytail syndrome" is observed, which is associated with the compression of the bundle of roots, which takes place in the lumbar and sacral spine.This condition is characterized by a disorder of the motor function of the legs, as well as various disorders of the pelvic organs.
Lumbar osteochondrosis: Symptoms of the Fourth Stage
At this stage, all joints and intervertebral connections are already involved in the process.In addition, there is fibrosis of the intervertebral disc, in which all its elements are replaced by thick tissue of scars.
By the way, patients of patients may improve at this time.But the mobility of the spine, the lower back and legs is very limited.
Modern diagnostic methods
In the presence of constant pain and discomfort in the lower back, you should consult a doctor.Only a specialist can determine lumbar osteochondrosis of the spine.The diagnosis in this case involves several stages.
For starters, the doctor will conduct an overall examination, check the reflexes, the presence of radicular syndromes, and the degree of mobility, etc.It is necessary to gather a complete history, since in this case it is important not only to make a diagnosis, but also to determine the reason for the development of a degenerative process.
Laboratory methods of diagnosis in this case are not much important.Therefore, the patient is primarily aimed at radiography of the spine.X -ray photos allow you to see the narrowing of the intervertebral gap, as well as to determine the presence of bone growth and seals on the surface of the vertebrae.
For a more accurate assessment of the patient's condition, magnetic resonance and computed tomography are also performed, these studies give a more clear picture of degenerative changes in the spine.
What complications is the disease associated with?
In no case should this disease perceive this frivolous disease.In the absence of timely therapy, the patient will have to face not only pain and restriction of mobility, but also more serious consequences.
In particular, the degeneration of the intervertebral discs leads to the formation of hernia.In addition, compression of nerve roots affects the functioning of many organs, including urine, sexual and sometimes digestive systems.In some cases, the disease leads to complete paralysis of the lower limbs and muscular atrophy.Changes in osteochondrosis are practically irreversible, so it is extremely important to start therapy on time.
Treatment of osteochondrosis drugs
Only the doctor knows how to treat lumbar osteochondrosis.In such a disease, therapy is selected individually as it depends on many factors, including the individual characteristics of the patient's body.In any case, it should be understood that the treatment of osteochondrosis is a long and complex process.
Of course, patients are prescribed for some medicines.Most often, this disease is used below.
- In the initial stages of treatment, chondroprotectors are used - medicines that inhibit the process of degeneration of the tissues of the cartridge.
- In the second stage, the treatment of lumbosacral osteochondrosis may include the use of anti -inflammatory drugs that eliminate soreness and inflammatory process.
- Muscle spasm is eliminated with muscle relaxants.
- Local anesthetics are used for severe pain.For example, the pain is blocked with painkillers injections.
- Older patients are recommended to take multivitamin complexes.
- Therapy also includes vasodilating drugs that improve blood circulation and tissue trophic.
Other methods of conservative treatment
Of course, it is impossible to get rid of the disease only with the help of medicines.Treatment of lumbosacral osteochondrosis involves other measures.In particular, therapeutic massage has a positive effect.Regular sessions help to eliminate muscle spasm and improve blood circulation in tissues.
Gymnastics with lumbar osteochondrosis is extremely important.The set of exercises is selected by the attending physician or physiotherapist.Physical education helps to return mobility, improve blood circulation, eliminate pain.Of course, the classes must be regular.On the other hand, in the presence of acute pain, physical activity is contraindicated, during this period the patient needs a strict rest on the bed and wearing a special corset, which relieves load from the spine.
In addition, some methods of physiotherapy are used.In particular, ultraviolet radiation is considered to be quite effective (eliminates spasm and pain), magnetotherapy, laser therapy, electrophoresis (helps relieve inflammation and soreness), and balance treatment.
When is surgery required?
Unfortunately, conservative treatment is not in all cases, especially if the patient is diagnosed with intervertebral hernia.Surgical intervention indications are also the "bone tail" syndrome, as well as severe nerve compression.
To date, there are many techniques for such operations.Most often, called microsurgical, as well as endoscopic procedures, are also performed to remove pressure on blood vessels and nerves.