Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is noted among the pathological processes in the tissues of the axial skeleton, the symptoms and treatment of which have their own characteristics. The frequency of diagnosis of the disease does not decrease over time. What is osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine? This is a special type of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the tissues of the intervertebral discs of the axial skeleton with subsequent damage to the joints and ligaments. The photo shows the appearance of the affected vertebrae.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, what is it?
The lumbar region of the axial skeleton is under maximum stress. As a result, the high frequency of diagnosis of osteochondrosis in this area of the spine is not accidental.
The causes of lumbar osteochondrosis have long been identified and well studied. The disease can manifest itself in patients from the age of 30. But the older generation and representatives of the strong half of the world community are much more likely to experience pathology.
Timely treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine helps prevent a decrease in working capacity, quality of life and disability.
Sick patients are strictly prohibited from hypothermia and strenuous physical activity. Weightlifting, speed skating, jogging, jumping, horseback riding, aerobics, motor sports are contraindications for osteochondrosis.
Causes of the disease
A number of external and internal factors provoke the manifestation of symptoms of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the tissues of the intervertebral discs of the axial skeleton. Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, including back pain, cause discomfort, discomfort, and stiffness in movement.
Among the reasons for the development of pathology, it should be noted:
- increased loads on the spine in the lumbar spine due to certain conditions for performing labor tasks, repair work, lifting weights during training by professional athletes and amateurs;
- execution of sharp and complex movements;
- overweight, which predetermines symptoms of lumbar pathology in women and men;
- hypothermia;
- incorrect posture, resulting in uneven load distribution on the axial skeleton;
- sedentary lifestyle, which has a negative effect on elasticity, blood supply to each vertebra;
- lack of ability to sit and move properly;
- congenital back pathologies or back injuries as a result of playing sports, falls from a height, traffic accidents;
- lack of a balanced nutritional diet enriched with vitamins, minerals, trace elements, as well as the organization of a good diet, work, rest;
- regular stressful situations;
- hormonal disruption in the female body during pregnancy and menopause;
- violation of metabolic processes in the patient's body;
- genetic predisposition, which determines the porous-loose structure of the tissues of the spine and accelerates their degenerative-dystrophic changes;
- addiction to alcoholic beverages, smoking tobacco products, which accelerate the aging process in the human body.
Flat feet, constant wearing of uncomfortable shoes, lack of vitamins, poor environmental conditions of the surrounding space are also the causes of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine. The exclusion of a number of factors will help to avoid the development of pathology. When confirming the diagnosis of lumbar osteochondrosis, it is recommended to treat it immediately, without waiting for complications. Ignoring the advice of qualified specialists leads to the manifestation of back pain and other complications. Vertebrologists know how to treat osteochondrosis of the lumbar axial skeleton and quickly provide first aid in severe pain.
Symptoms of the disease
The lower spine is an important part of the spine. And the timely diagnosis of lumbar osteochondrosis, which is recommended to start treatment as soon as possible, eliminates the risk of developing unpleasant consequences. Degenerative-dystrophic axial skeletal disease has some symptoms.
Signs of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine are included in a special list. The most common are:
- inability to perform back bends, torso turns;
- decreased flexibility, mobility of the lumbar spine, which can be treated at home, as recommended by the doctor;
- depression;
- increased fatigue, irritability, nervousness, which manifests itself in osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, the symptoms and treatment of which have their own characteristics;
- back pain in the lumbar region, which causes problems when urinating, defecating, performing daily hygiene procedures;
- the appearance of problems during nighttime rest;
- increased sweating;
- the appearance of a tingling sensation and coldness in the lower limbs.
Such signs of lumbar osteochondrosis indicate the need to seek help from a qualified specialist. Vertebrologists will always help cure this disease, improve the lives of patients, providing relief from back pain, discomfort, stiffness and discomfort.
Complications of the disease
A long period of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the tissues of the intervertebral discs of the axial skeleton without proper treatment leads to the development of complications and concomitant pathologies of the internal organs of patients. Timely diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, the symptoms of which indicate the need to seek help from a vertebrologist, eliminates the risk of their occurrence. Ignoring the advice of the attending physician leads to new health, well-being and quality of life problems.
Complications of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, the treatment of which should be carried out after confirmation of the diagnosis, without waiting for back pain, include:
- violation of the menstrual cycle in women and sexual activity in men;
- varicose veins and spasms of the arteries of the feet;
- dysfunction of the genitourinary system;
- irritation of the sciatic nerve and neuralgia;
- pain that manifests in the kidney area and resembles back pain in the lumbar spine;
- protuberances and hernial protuberances of the intervertebral discs and of the spine itself;
- sciatica, acute and chronic lumbodynia, disability.
The unpleasant consequences of osteochondrosis of the lower back in the absence of correct treatment lead to mental disorders, depressive states and a deterioration in the quality of life not only of the patient himself, but also of those around him, relatives and friends. It is also desirable for them to have information on how to determine osteochondrosis.
Stages of the disease
Vertebrologists, when asked if it is possible to cure osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, give a positive answer, provided they seek timely medical help. They distinguish four stages of the development of the disease, each manifesting itself at a certain time and having its own distinctive features. These include:
- 1st floorpathology, which is distinguished by slight sensations of pain, aggravated by physical exertion, discomfort in the lumbar region, the onset of destruction of the intervertebral discs;
- 2nd stageof the disease, characterized by a decrease in the distance between the vertebrae due to pathological changes in the fibrous rings, pinched nervous processes, the appearance of severe pain in osteochondrosislumbar;
- 3rd stageof the disease, the characteristics of which include severe destruction of the fibrous rings, the formation of hernial protuberances, noticeable deformation of the axial skeleton;
- 4th stageof the disease, characterized by severe motor capacity problems of a patient forced to treat osteochondrosis of the lower back at home or within the walls of a hospital, as well asthe risk of becoming disabled.
Diagnosis of the pathology
Patients are advised to know which doctor treats osteochondrosis of the spine and how to treat lumbar osteochondrosis at home. After collecting the anamnesis, an external examination of sick people, the vertebrologist prescribes diagnostic measures. Their list includes:
- clinical and biochemical blood test;
- x-ray, which provides information on the condition of the axial skeleton and prescribes the correct treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis at home or in hospital;
- computed tomography, which is characterized by a lower radiation load on the body, allows a more in-depth examination of the pathological area of the axial skeleton and answers the question of whether osteochondrosis can be treated at this stage of development. ; Magnetic resonance imaging
- , based on the use of electromagnetic radiation, as well as an absolutely painless and harmless back examination in case of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine.
Modern diagnostic methods are among the most informative research methods. Their results form the basis for confirming the diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, the symptoms of which indicate the presence of a back problem, and also provide the opportunity to prescribe the appropriate treatment for the pathology of the axial skeleton.
How to deal with osteochondrosis and how to get rid of its symptoms
Vertebrologists who know how to treat osteochondrosis of the lumbar axial skeleton at home will always come to the aid of sick patients. After receiving the results of the examination of the pathological area of the spine, a number of measures are prescribed to relieve the symptoms of the disease and prevent the development of complications. Treatment regimens for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine are developed taking into account the age category of the patient, the structural features of the axial skeleton. Allergies are also determined, which can manifest themselves against the background of taking medication.
The main measures for effective treatment of osteochondrosis are:
- drug therapy based on taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, orthodroprotectors, muscle relaxants, vitamin complexes, phytopreparations;
- performing blockages that eliminate the severe pain of lumbar osteochondrosis, the symptoms of which treatment have their own characteristics;
- water treatments and axial skeletal stretching, which are recommended to be done regularly; medical massage
- ; exercise therapy
- , which is prescribed to strengthen the muscle structure, make the vertebrae more mobile, and not ask the question of how to cure lumbar osteochondrosis;
- using traditional medicine recipes.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the lower back is carried out against the background of a balanced diet and diet. Stopping bad habits is also a necessary measure to prevent the progression of the disease. Orthopedic prevention of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine avoids surgery.