Seeking medical attention for back pain is one of the most common. A detailed examination of patients' complaints is most likely to be suspected, and then osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine will be confirmed. Until recently, it was believed that such a disease can appear only at an advanced age, as a result of age-related tissue degradation. But at the present stage, statistics indicate a significant rejuvenation of the pathology - the problem is diagnosed in people under 30 years of age.
Causes
Why does osteochondrosis appear in any part of the spine? It was not yet possible to find out. Degenerative processes begin gradually, almost not manifesting themselves in the early stages, but they are very noticeable in pain at the last stage of the disease.
Specialists identify such factors that provoke the disease:
- Extreme physical activity on the spine.
- Low level of physical mobility.
- Professional activity involving a tense, uncomfortable position for a long time.
- Acquired or congenital spinal diseases (scoliosis, etc.).
- Unbalanced diet, metabolic disorders.
- Frequent hypothermia, viral diseases.
- Anomalies in the development of the vertebrae.
- Allergies, autoimmune diseases, hormonal disorders.
- Spinal injuries.
Of all types of osteochondrosis, in 50% of patients' complaints about back pain, osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is diagnosed. Pathology is associated with the mobility of this part of the bone base, most of the load during walking and actions falls on the intervertebral discs, which provokes degenerative processes.
Symptoms
The first and main signal of the disease is pain, its nature and spread depend on which parts of the spine are damaged, how much the nerves are affected, and at what stage of destruction the intervertebral discs are.
The main symptoms are:
- Pain. Patients describe it as aching, dull, constantly pulling. Manifestations can occur on both sides of the body or with only one of them. Painful sensations affect the buttocks, girdle the back in the lumbar region, give in one or both legs. It is difficult for the patient to straighten after a long stay in a bent position.
- Backache or lumbago - severe pain during physical exertion, after lifting weights, the pain can haunt a person for several days.
- Change in sensitivity (decrease / increase) of the epidermis in the lower back, legs, buttocks. It manifests itself as numbness, tingling, etc.
- Muscle failure - in the absence of therapy, muscles weaken, tone is lost, reflex manifestations decrease, muscle atrophy may develop over time, expressed in a significant decrease in their volume.
- Blood supply disorders during exacerbation of the disease, changes in weather, atmospheric pressure: the skin of the lower extremities turns pale and becomes cold. The patient complains of itching, stitching pains.
- Vegetative changes - transmitted nerve roots cannot fully perform their functions, the regulation of blood vessels, sweat glands is disturbed. As a result, the legs acquire a bluish tint, excessive sweating or, on the contrary, dry skin appears.
Quite often, the disease affects not only the lumbar, but also affects the sacral. In this case, the following are added to the above symptoms:
- Disorders of the pelvic organs - urges to urinate frequently, urinary incontinence / retention, erectile dysfunction (in men).
- The defeat of the tailbone, or coccyalgia, is pain in the tailbone and the anus.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar should begin in the early stages. Degenerative changes can only be stopped; pathology has not yet been cured.
Stages of the disease
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral is conservative in nature, the method of treatment is selected depending on the degree of damage to the spine and the stage of the disease.
There are several stages of pathology:
- Preclinical - the processes of change are just beginning, the patient does not feel pain, there is a slight discomfort during movements, fatigue of muscles along the spine. With any method of examination, changes in tissues are not detected.
- Changes in the gelatinous body - the first sharp or pulling pains appear in the area of the affected disc. The symptom appears due to squeezing of the nerve roots. During this period, there is a violation of metabolic processes in the affected gelatinous body, the cells of the fibrous ring are gradually destroyed, the regeneration processes stop.
- The destruction of the fibrous ring, the development of protrusion, the displacement of the vertebrae relative to the axis. The patient increases the mobility of the vertebral discs, which provokes continuous muscle tension in the lower back. Pain syndrome increases and spreads to areas of the body adjacent to the lower back. The start factor for the pain syndrome can be the most insignificant reasons - an uncomfortable pillow, prolonged standing or sitting, walking for short distances, an awkward turn of the body, etc.
- Substitutional regeneration of the intervertebral disc - scar tissue grows on the site of the destroyed intervertebral disc, the degenerative process extends to the rest of the spinal column. Together with scar tissue, a process of growth of bone protrusions (osteophytes) occurs, they also compress blood vessels and irritate nerve roots. At this stage, the chronic course of the disease is ascertained, the pain syndrome may not bother, but the person’s movements are significantly hindered.
At the last stage of the disease, doctors are considering disabling the patient. Treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine and the methods of therapy used depend on the degree of destruction of bone and cartilage, are prescribed after a thorough study of the patient’s current condition.
Diagnostics
The treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar is a vertebrologist or neurologist. The specialist, before prescribing therapeutic procedures or drugs, will conduct a series of studies.
Diagnosis is carried out using methods such as:
- Blood test (biochemical and clinical).
- Roentgenography.
- CT scan.
- Magnetic resonance imaging.
The complex of these studies gives the specialist complete information about the health of the spine, the degree of damage to the intervertebral discs, impairment of nerve endings and inflammation of the tissues. Treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral region involves medication and physiotherapy, traditional medicine, massage and changing habits.
Drug therapy
At the present stage, medical science is still studying the causes of the disease and searching for methods to fully restore the functions of the spine affected by dystrophic tissue changes. Treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine eliminates the main symptoms (pain and inflammation), inhibits the development of the disease, creates the conditions for a normal life with the existing pathology. It is not yet possible to cure the disease.
Drug treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar is prescribed by a specialist and takes into account many factors in the general condition of the patient. Self-medication can cause an exacerbation of the disease and accelerate degenerative changes in the spine. The doctor, depending on the symptoms, will prescribe the following groups of drugs:
- To eliminate the pain syndrome. It is recommended that you take a wide range of drugs in the form of injections or tablets ("Analgin", "Baralgin M", etc.). With severe pain, Ketorolac may be prescribed.
- To relieve inflammation. A popular, effective and safe drug is Ibuprofen in the form of tablets.
- Combined drugs to eliminate inflammation and anesthesia. Such drugs are produced by many pharmaceutical companies, unlike Ibuprofen and Analgin, they have more pronounced qualities, but carry a wider range of side effects. Among such medicines, one can name Voltaren, Ortofen, Diclobene, Diclofenac, etc. Release form - tablets, solutions for intramuscular injections.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar, in complex therapy, involves the use of external ointments along with tablets (injections) or as an alternative to them. Experts recommend the following ointments:
- Anti-inflammatory actions - Voltaren, Nise Gel, Fastumgel, Nurofen, Finalgel, etc.
- Anesthesia with a local irritant effect is prescribed in order to increase blood circulation at the site of pain localization (Apizartron, Finalgon, Kapsikam, etc.).
- Chondroprotectors - protect the intervertebral disc, cartilage of the joints from further destruction, this group of drugs cannot restore tissue, no matter what the advertising messages say. The most effective drug is Chondroxide.
- Homeopathic ointments anesthetize, relieve inflammation ("Traumeel C", "Target T").
- Ointments designed for professional athletes, massage ointments (Shungit, Dikul balm, Arthrocin gel, ointments based on poisons). These funds promote tissue regeneration, relieve inflammation, and improve blood circulation.
Physiotherapy
Drug therapy of spinal pathologies is indicated for use in a hospital setting for the treatment of the acute stage of lumbar osteochondrosis. Treatment at home is carried out by the same means, in accordance with the recommendations of a doctor. In addition to tablets, injections and ointments, physiotherapeutic procedures carried out in an outpatient setting or day hospital are of great benefit.
The range of events includes:
- Electrophoresis with painkillers (usually with “Analgin”). Full course - 10 procedures with a duration of sessions of 15 minutes.
- Magnetotherapy (10 sessions).
- Underwater traction. Using the procedure requires a swimming pool, a certain number of devices and experienced staff, usually carried out in sanatoriums and clinics. The purpose of the procedure is to stretch the spine, eliminate the clamping of the roots of the nerves, and relax the muscles.
- Paraffin therapy. Warm application with paraffin intensively warms up the tissue, stimulates blood flow, eliminates pain of the spine, which characterizes osteochondrosis of the lumbar. Treatment at home or in the hospital with paraffin is recommended for 10 procedures.
Taking medications and physiotherapy relieve acute pain and inflammation, but these measures can not serve as an obstacle to the further progression of the disease. Conservative and preventive methods should be mastered by the patient independently under the guidance of a specialist. This will avoid exacerbations in the future, and the disease will not impose restrictions on lifestyle.
Physical education and massage
The patient has an arsenal of methods to strengthen the back and its individual parts in order to stop osteochondrosis of the lumbar. Treatment at home, in addition to the use of drugs prescribed by a doctor, allows a complex of gymnastic exercises. Usually, the specialist himself recommends a complex of exercise therapy. Classes are held from two positions - lying and standing. The pace and number of repetitions increase gradually.
Lying on the back:
- Raising hands (while inhaling), lowering (while exhaling).
- Bending the legs without lifting the heels off the floor.
- Raising legs perpendicular to the floor.
- Lift and abduction of the leg to the side (alternately).
- Alternating bending of the legs at the knees (“bicycle”).
- Raise your legs up from a lying position on your side.
A set of exercises performed while standing:
- Tilts to the sides (alternately).
- Tilts forward, deflection back (alternately).
- Bending the neck (forward / backward), turning to the sides.
- Turns in the lower back.
- Abduction of the legs to the sides (alternately).
- Lifting and pulling the knee to the chest (alternately on both legs).
All exercises are performed without jerking and sudden movements, breathing should be even. At the first stage, each exercise is performed no more than 5 times, the number of approaches and repetitions is gradually increasing, and then the complex can be complicated. Physical activity will strengthen the muscle corset, improve blood circulation in the tissues, relieve exacerbations.
To strengthen and relax the lower back, therapeutic massage sessions are recommended. It is carried out after achieving remission. The specialist performs manipulations on healthy areas of the back, warming up the tissue, and then proceeds to work on the affected areas. The massage therapist’s attention area includes the lumbar, sacral spine, buttocks, thigh to the knee, with global damage, the lower legs and feet are massaged. Massage is carried out by courses, it is enough to conduct 10 sessions once or twice during the year.
Alternative treatment
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar back responds positively to treatment with drugs of natural origin collected by folk doctors. The arsenal of funds includes ointments, infusions for rubbing and therapeutic baths.
A few effective homemade recipes:
- Hypericum based ointment with mint. Mix herbs in equal amounts (1 tbsp.spoon), pour a glass of boiling water and insist (10 minutes), strain the composition. In a water bath melt 2 tbsp. tablespoons of medical vaseline and mix with infusion, adding tincture of hellebore (1 teaspoon). Mix thoroughly, as the mixture cools, it may delaminate. The ointment is rubbed several times a day.
- Ointment based on yarrow (dry grass 2 tbsp.) And St. John's wort (dried, 1 tbsp. L.). Grind the raw materials, pour in it tincture of hellebore on alcohol (1 tbsp. L.). To the resulting composition add 2 tbsp. l melted petroleum jelly. Cool the mixture. Rub the ointment several times a day into the affected areas.
- Coniferous broth - pine needles of pine or spruce (1 teaspoon) pour boiling water (1 cup) and keep on fire for 60 seconds (boil). Insist 30 minutes, cool and strain. Take ¼ cup three times a day.
- Healing bath - pour 0.5 liters of sage herb infusion into warm water, as well as 50 g of freshly squeezed carrot juice. The duration of the procedure is up to 15 minutes, the number of sessions is 12 days.
There are many more recipes to relieve inflammation and pain in the spine caused by osteochondrosis of the lumbar. Treatment at home allows you to use the full range of medications, alternative methods, massage and physiotherapy exercises. The main goal of the first stage therapy is to relieve pain and inflammation, the rest of the actions are aimed at strengthening the general condition, eliminating the prerequisites for the next attack.
Reviews
Many people have encountered such a problem as osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine. Treatment at home with improvised means and simple exercises helped most patients only until some time. Most patients, based on their own experience, are advised to consult a doctor at the first appearance of lower back pain. This expedient step will save you from many mistakes. Patients admitted that. Ignoring the symptoms, we tried to lead an established lifestyle. Quickly ignoring the disease led most patients to a hospital bed. It took a long treatment, in which drugs with strong side effects were used, a lot of time was required for rehabilitation. Patients are advised not to make rash acts and not hope that the disease will go away by itself.
Drug treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral region received positive reviews. Almost all reported that further treatment is impossible without eliminating the pain syndrome. No folk remedies, auto-suggestion can not cope with pain, especially in advanced cases of the disease. No less useful was the pharmacological removal of the inflammatory process in the muscles and nerves. The beneficial effect of intramuscular administration of vitamin complexes that contribute to the restoration of damaged nerves has also been noted.
Patient stories indicate that there is no single, flawless way to treat lumbosacral osteochondrosis. The reviews were written by different people, and they say that almost always the same effect on drugs for pain relief, but medications to eliminate inflammation should be selected individually, and for this it is useful to find a doctor who inspires confidence in the level of professionalism.
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Most patients are advised to find a good masseur and undergo sessions twice a year to prevent exacerbations. There are patients who are ideally suited for acupuncture, and someone believes that swimming in the pool or hatha yoga solves all problems, including osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral spine. Treatment receives only positive reviews, which is understandable - eliminating pain and inflammation will always be considered a huge achievement for a person tormented by many days of suffering. Further actions, according to the patients themselves, lie entirely in the plane of prevention.
Having examined the advice of patients and the recommendations of doctors, we can conclude that the most effective methods of preventing exacerbations, stopping the disease are as follows:
- Healthy nutrition is an exception to the diet of spicy, salty, fried, fatty dishes. Making the menu so that on the table every day there are fresh vegetables, cereals, vegetable and butter, nuts, berries, dietary meat and fish.
- Movement - regular exercise is considered almost the only panacea for maintaining a normal state. The main emphasis in exercises is on training back muscles, correcting posture.
- Normal weight - doctors and patients believe that weight fluctuations are acceptable within the normal range. Excess weight is a provocateur of exacerbations.
- Drinking regimen should be fully observed. Without enough water, the intervertebral discs will collapse faster.
- Getting rid of bad habits will help the whole body, bones and cartilage will cease to be exposed to an additional destructive effect.
- Avoid excessive physical and emotional stress.
It is still impossible to cure osteochondrosis, from a certain age, the destruction of cartilage tissue is diagnosed in almost every person. Most people perceive this fact as a need to reconsider their lifestyle and bring a little more healthy activities and habits to it.