Thanks to walking upright, humans not only became the pinnacle of evolution, but also acquired many problems.Due to the unnatural position of the body for mammals, all the weight falls on the spine.Problems of the lumbosacral region are found in every third inhabitant of this planet.
What is osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
The main problem of the spine in the lumbar region is that all the load during the day falls on this department.In combination with extreme mobility, the back is also subjected to extreme tests.The lumbar spine is destroyed due to dystrophic changes, deformation, the ligament apparatus weakens and loses elasticity, the disc is compressed, and the intervertebral space decreases.At the critical stage of the disease, they begin to be overgrown with bone tissue, which pinches the nerve endings.The result is pain.Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
Symptoms of lower back problems appear slowly and over a long period of time.Often the diagnosis is made in the advanced form of the disease, when there is a period of clear deterioration.Therefore, it is very important to be able to distinguish the signs of lumbar osteochondrosis from accidental diseases or the result of physical activity.The main symptoms of this disease are as follows:
- Lower back pain.No matter how trivial, these coming symptoms should make you think about the exam.In the early stages, pain may appear only after lifting weights, for example, but every time, always.As it develops, the pain will become constant, and at the time of the attack it will become unbearable.
- Pinched nerve endings significantly limit the ability to move in different directions.A simple bend, turn or sitting position can trigger a painful attack that travels down the leg along the entire limb to the shin (reminiscent of an electric shock).
- Gradual injury to the nerve roots causes changes in the sensitivity of the feet, and symptoms may increase or decrease.Characterized by a burning sensation, numbness, tingling, pins and needles from the sacrum and below.If you ignore the signs of this disease, it will trigger muscle weakness and deterioration of tendon reflexes.
- Local decrease in skin temperature, pallor, dryness, sagging, soreness.
- Increased sweating.
- Spine syndrome.
- In extreme stages of the disease, sexual dysfunction and problems with urination are possible.
Early stages of lumbar osteochondrosis
It is difficult to identify the early stages of the disease due to the irregularity of the symptoms, which may resemble normal fatigue after exercise.The symptoms are exclusively orthopedic, but gradually the pain during the attack will become unbearable, and the manifestations of the disease will no longer be related to physical activity.With a timely visit to a specialist, treatment will take about 2 months and a few more for full recovery.The main symptoms of this disease are:
- pain in the lumbar region (nerve root irritation);
- painful shooting in the lower part of the leg, which can occur while walking;
- characteristic throbbing and discomfort, especially often appear in the morning.
2nd degree lumbar osteochondrosis
According to experts, stage 2 lumbar osteochondrosis has become the most common form of the disease among patients, because the first stage is rarely noticed by the patient himself and is difficult to diagnose.The development of this disease gives rise to new, clearer symptoms that accompany the patient for years before moving to the third stage.Symptoms of the second stage of the disease are as follows:
- lumbodynia and lumboisalgia;
- primary mobility of spinal segments;
- primary destruction of the fibrous ring and adjacent tissue;
- nerve root compression;
- the distance between the vertebrae decreases;
- nerve ending irritation
3rd degree lumbar osteochondrosis
Only 20 years ago, third-degree intervertebral disc degeneration was a disease of patients over 40 years old.Today the disease is significantly "younger".Osteochondrosis of the lumbar region of the 3rd degree is considered a very advanced stage of the disease, when therapeutic exercises and massage already have a minimal effect, and anti-inflammatory drugs and pain relief become mandatory.Common symptoms of this stage are as follows:
- ischialgic scoliosis - tendency of the body to move away from the source of the disease;
- numbness in the lower part of the leg;
- spinal deformity;
- radicular syndrome;
- intervertebral hernia formation;
- destruction of the fibrous ring;
- constant pain spreading from the back to the legs (outer thighs).
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar region 4 degrees
This is already an extreme stage of the disease, which can only develop if the symptoms are completely ignored for decades.It is characterized by complete degradation and destruction of cartilage tissue, degenerative deformation of the disc.At this stage, the patient may be partially or completely paralyzed or lose mobility due to pain, even to the point of being declared disabled.Treatment of grade 4 lumbar osteochondrosis in most clinical cases is surgery with active drug support.
Severity of lumbar osteochondrosis
With persistent symptoms, exacerbation of lumbar osteochondrosis has a strong pain effect.Acute shooting pain (lumbago) due to a pinched nerve root immediately spreads from the lower back down the sciatic nerve.In critical cases, loss of sensation up to the toes is possible.Acute lesions can interfere with the function of the pelvic system (incontinence, sexual dysfunction, constipation)."Cauda equina syndrome" is extremely dangerous;it causes complete loss of control below the point of disease.
Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis in women
With all the same symptoms, the signs of lumbar osteochondrosis in women have their own specific characteristics.They are determined by the fact that the localization of the disease in the pelvic area has a negative effect on the female reproductive system.After the development of the second stage of the disease, the menstrual cycle changes (it may be irregular and directly depends on the exacerbation of osteochondrosis).During pregnancy, lumbar osteochondrosis can cause premature birth or miscarriage.Seasonal exacerbations in patients were also noted.
How to treat lumbar osteochondrosis
Treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis is a long process and requires an integrated approach.Based on the stage of the disease, its characteristics and the patient's personal tolerance, various types of treatment are prescribed.Drug treatment is designed only to relieve the symptoms of pain;the disease itself cannot be cured with medicines alone.Treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral spine using the following methods:
- acupuncture to stimulate the recovery response;
- hirudotherapy;
- suppression of pathological processes;
- all types of therapeutic massage;
- vacuum effect for protrusion in the spine, in the presence of hernia.
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Treatment regimen
The approach to combating lumbar osteochondrosis differs radically depending on the form of the disease.Some manipulations are unacceptable during the acute phase, but useful during remission.Self-medication in the case of this disease is almost impossible.A set of exercises is selected and performed only by professional massage therapists under expert supervision.
The treatment regimen for lumbar osteochondrosis in the acute stage is as follows:
- Completely relieves tension on the spine.Ideally, arrange bed rest exclusively for the patient.For a better effect, it is better to use special orthopedic mattresses and rolls for the lower back and neck.
- Use of muscle relaxants.Compensation for pathological processes and pain will increase the effect of massage and relieve muscle tension.It is important to remember that these drugs have a sedative effect, so they should not be used by those whose work requires increased attention.
- To relieve the consequences of pinching a large nerve, blocking injections based on novocaine or lidocaine are used.
The stage of remission is treated according to the following scheme:
- Normalization of the conduction of nerve impulses and restoration of the sheath of nerve endings occurs with the help of B vitamins.
- Vasodilators are used to normalize blood circulation in tissues.
- Physiotherapy of various types is aimed at preventing aggravation.There are many types: magnetic therapy, special baths, therapeutic massage, acupuncture.
- Exercise therapy is a mandatory part of rehabilitation therapy.Exercises are selected individually for specific disease cases.Such exercises will help form a muscular corset, reduce normal stress and restore natural mobility in the lower back.
First aid for lumbar osteochondrosis
When the patient can move freely, first aid for lumbar osteochondrosis is to minimize the mobility of the lower back and protect it from hypothermia.You can take painkillers, but in moderate doses so that the doctor can determine the intensity of the pain syndrome.Nothing more can be done without an examination by an expert.
Drug treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
The following drugs are divided into groups according to their mode of action.
- gels, creams and ointments – (help relieve pain);
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- NSAIDs;
- B vitamins.
Exercise
During the acute phase of the disease, any exercise with loads is strictly prohibited.Exercise therapy for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine must be agreed with a doctor and carried out under his supervision.Experienced patients can exercise freely when they know the permissible limits of their own load.The training set is selected individually, based on the intensity of the disease and location.
massage
The use of massage for lumbar osteochondrosis remains a mandatory element in the course of treatment, therapy and prevention.It is important to remember that you should trust the procedure only to a trusted specialist after making a recommendation from your doctor.You can choose a classic massage or other types of massage yourself, but it is better to listen to the recommendations of experts so that the musculoskeletal system is properly strengthened.
Diet for lumbar osteochondrosis
Only a proper and balanced diet cannot cure this disease.Diet for lumbar osteochondrosis becomes an additional tool on the road to recovery.You should eat more foods with large amounts of B vitamins, animal proteins, and carbohydrates.It is necessary to limit the use of simple carbohydrates, salt, alcohol, coffee (tea), smoked foods, pickles, and spices.
Contraindications for osteochondrosis
Any disease has specific limitations that do not allow the use of different techniques and methods of treatment.Contraindications for osteochondrosis are associated with side diseases: gastrointestinal dysfunction, mental disorders, blood and lung diseases, ischemic syndrome.Under these circumstances, active massage and exercise therapy are strictly prohibited.Exercise is not prescribed in the presence of injuries, tumors, hematomas and similar formations.It is forbidden to engage in active sports and strength training.
Prevention of lumbar osteochondrosis
It is possible to cure problems with the lower back, but it is better to prevent them, so preventing lumbar osteochondrosis will be an excellent alternative to a visit to the doctor.There are a few basic rules, so keeping the spine healthy is quite simple.Here's what needs to be done to prevent lumbosacral osteochondrosis from appearing:
- don't overcool your lower back;
- during physical activity, lift and lower loads without jerking;
- do not carry excessive weight;
- watch your posture;
- change your position frequently and don't let the ridge stagnate in one position;
- do physical exercise;
- try not to do heavy work in the wrong position and without proper preparation.