Lumbar osteochondrosis is a common disease.This is a consequence of the degenerative process in which the intervertebral disc suffers: the nutrition of the tissues deteriorates, the disc is smaller, it hardens and does not perform the function of absorbently shock.As a result, the distance between the vertebrae decreases and the spinal cord and nerve endings are pressed, and pain and organs dysfunction occurs.
The intervertebral disc is an anatomical formation of a disc that provides mobility and elasticity of the spine.The disc consists of a pulpulated nucleus surrounded by a fibrous ring.The pulpus nucleus quickly absorbs and gives water, which is important for maintaining internal -discharged pressure.All degenerative dystrophic diseases of the spine, which include osteochondrosis, begin with the gradual dehydration of the pulpulated nucleus.
Causes of lumbar osteochondrosis
Lumbar osteochondrosis develops as a result of a number of reasons:
- Regular high load on the lower back.At risk, athletes and people who are forced to lift weights at work.
- A sedentary lifestyle.Without moderate physical activity, the muscle corset weakens, the blood circulation worsens and the metabolic processes in the spine slows down.
- Excess weight.The consequences of overweight - increase pressure on the spine, premature wear of the intervertebral discs.
- Bridge disorders.With a hunched back or excessive deviation in the lower back, the back muscles are weak or vice versa, tense.The load on the spine is distributed unevenly.
- Trauma and spine of the microtraum.They can provoke sports, especially without proper preparation, improper lifting of weights, bruises, falls, etc.
When lifting weights, the following procedure should be monitored:
- squat, right;
- Take the load as close as possible to the body;
- When lifting first, you should strain the muscles of your legs (legs, hips);
- Then strain the press;
- Finally, the muscles of the hands begin to work.
- Age.Distribution changes in the spine are part of the aging process, but now such a diagnosis is increasingly made to persons from 25-30 years and even adolescents.
- Heredity.Disorders in the development of the musculoskeletal frame and the weak structure of the intervertebral discs can be predefined genetically.
- Inflammatory diseases of the spine.Infections and diseases that cause inflammation of the joints of the spine, changes in its structure and form can cause the development of osteochondrosis.
Other reasons provoking lumbar osteochondrosis:
- congenital or acquired violations in the structure of the skeleton;
- frequent hypothermia;
- high level of stress;
- malnutrition;
- violation of the regime of the day;
- uncomfortable posture for a long time;
- failure in the endocrine system;
- diseases of other organs;
- Poor ecology.
Stages of osteochondrosis of lumbar
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine develops gradually, passing through four stages.
The first stage is the beginning of the degenerative process in the spine.Rare dull pain in the lower back, which manifests especially when lifting weights or uncomfortable movements are characteristic.
At the 2nd stage, the fibrous ring of the disc is destroyed and the vertebrae are combined, the nerve endings of the spinal cord are compressed.The pain becomes rough, occurs even with ordinary walking.
In the 3rd stage, fibrous rings are finally destroyed, intervertebral hernias appear.Intense pain is constantly felt, regardless of the load and nature of the movements.
In the 4th stage, the cartilage is atrophied and the bone tissue of the vertebrae in the lumbar region grows, thus adapting to the pain.The lumbar region loses flexibility, it is difficult for the patient to move, a disability may occur.
Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
Lumbar osteochondrosis develops slowly, in the early stages its symptoms are poorly expressed, rarely manifest themselves and only after excessive or atypical loading.Therefore, many of them do not attach any importance to them.As a rule, the disease is diagnosed only in the second stage.
Symptoms are divided into the following types:
- Lumbalgia - pain in the lumbar region that continues constantly.It is enhanced by inclinations, turns, physical activity and hypothermia.The relief carries a break on his back so that the patient is forced to be more at home.
- Lumbago - acute, intense pain, such as "shift".To protect yourself from it, the posterior muscles are reflexively compressed in spasm, one involuntarily experiences a safe posture.With each movement, the pain intensifies, radiated to the organs of the pelvis, the area of the sacrum and the abdomen.If such symptoms are observed, rest in bed is recommended.
- Lumbosiciashialgia - pain with the spread of the ass, one or both legs.The sensitivity of the lower limbs changes, both in the larger and in the smaller direction, depending on which spine of which nerve is pressed.The less the location of the degenerative changes, the less the symptoms of the legs will appear: the mobility of the muscles and the reflexes of the tendons will decrease, the cold or heat sensations, burning, numbness, numbness appear.
Osteochondrosis is a chronic disease that occurs periodically into an acute and subacute stage.Acute pain can last for several weeks.
During the disease, the symptoms can occur in the complex, the following syndromes occur:
- Rook syndrome.The nerve endings (roots) are squeezed from the vertebrae, in an area associated with the affected nerve, pain occurs.The body tries to protect the nerve, strains the muscles, changes the posture (inclined in the reverse, healthy side).
If treatment does not begin to start treatment on time, after irritation of the roots, their inflammation will follow, accompanied by edema, stagnation of blood and even intoxication.Muscle tone is reduced, the patient can hardly move.If the spinal cord is compressed, then paralysis occurs.
- Ischemic syndrome.These are symptoms associated with blood disorders.The squeezed arteries lead to pain, especially while walking.The whole leg hurts from the ass to the foot, the pelvic organs do not get proper nutrition, as a result - their function is impaired.
- Syndrome of spinal animals.Previous syndromes lead to the fact that the shape of the spine changes.Due to the constant pain and weakened muscles, distortions of the spine appear.
Methods of treatment
The treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar region should be performed in complete.The main tasks of treatment:
- removal of pain syndrome in the lumbosacral department;
- removal of muscle tension;
- Elimination of the causes of radicular and ischemic syndromes;
- stimulating the body's recovery forces;
- Strengthening the motor apparatus in the lower body.
Medication
Acute phase drugs are designed to relieve the main symptoms: pain, inflammation, root tightening.Non -steroidal anti -inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, glucocorticoids, blockade are used for these purposes.Drug treatment is usually used in combination with other procedures.
Massage
Professional massage is one of the best methods for treating spinal diseases.It can be done both at the clinic and at home.During the massage, the nutrition of the tissues is restored, muscle cramps and pain are retained.The array should be highly qualified as improper action can worsen the patient's condition, especially during exacerbation.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy procedures contribute to the elimination of pain, muscle relaxation, enlargement of blood vessels.The most effective procedures: electrophoresis, ampuls, exposure to UV, phonophoresis, darsonvalization, magnetotherapy, acupuncture, etc.Some devices can be purchased for use at home.
Medical physical education
Exercise therapy is mainly prescribed during the remission period, less rarely in an acute stage.Exercises are selected individually, taking into account the characteristics of the course of the disease.They are best performed at a medical institution under the supervision of a specialist, but this is possible at home.
Traditional medicine
Folk remedies help relieve pain and improve blood circulation.Apply different decoctions, infusions, ointments, compresses.From medicinal plants, lingonaries, birch, birco, sage, plantain and many others are used.There are hundreds of recipes, but you should remember that only a doctor can make recommendations on how to treat osteochondrosis of the lumbar part at home.
Surgical treatment
If other treatments have not brought the result and the patient's condition is exacerbated, then the surgery of the surgeon is necessary.During spinal surgery, disc hernias are removed and vertebrae are made.
Do not try to choose medicines or exercises yourself at home, this can lead to unpredictable consequences.
Prevention of lumbar osteochondrosis
So that the unpleasant symptoms of spinal problems do not occur throughout life, certain rules must be followed:
- Prevent a high back load, if necessary, then use a corset;
- Do gymnastics at home or in the gym daily, lead an active lifestyle;
- maintain proper posture;
- walk every day;
- Not be in a sitting position for a long time;
- During the day, periodically relax, lying on your back;
- Observe everyday life;
- Smoking and alcohol abandonment;
- Eat properly, observe the weight;
- Treat other diseases back in time.
Products that allow us to strengthen the bones and prevent the development of pathologies of the spine:
- Sea fish.
- Olive, flaxseed oil.
- Natural dairy products.
- Gelatin (as part of dishes, such as cold or jelly).
- Cartilage cartilage.
- Fresh fruits, vegetables.
- Green.
- Mineral water.
- Special vitamin-mineral complexes.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar region can seriously complicate life.Non -circular changes in the spine will sooner or later lead to a feeling of pain and restriction of mobility.In order not to lose the ability to move freely and to work completely, it is important to get involved in rehabilitation and strengthening of the back from an early age.If the first symptoms of osteochondrosis occur, you should in no case see a doctor.Only qualified and on time provided with help will allow the maintenance of spinal health.