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Osteochondrosis of the lumbar column - signs, diagnosis and treatment

Signs and symptoms of osteochondrosis of the lumbar column

Lumbar osteochondosis is a common disease of the musculoskeletal system.The lumbar spine is most sensitive to injuries due to good mobility.In addition, with inappropriate and prolonged seats in combination with a low lifestyle, accelerated wear of the cartilage fabric occurs, which ultimately causes osteochondrosis.

You should know how to recognize the first signs in order to receive qualified medical care in a timely manner.

Short information on osteochondrosis of the lombo-sacular column

Back pain is one of the most common complaints of patients with a traumologist.The second name of the syndrome is the dorsalgia of intervertebral discs.According to statistics, on average 8 people out of 10 in their lifetime, at least once, complained of discomfort in the lumbar area.About a third of patients who saw the doctor, pain syndrome acquires a persistent pathological character, causing severe discomfort and painful condition in the patient.Long back pain can not only cause physical torments, but also cause mental instability.

Since the cartilage fabric loses its strength and elasticity, it begins to gradually become thinner and collapse.As a result, cracks occur in the fibrous rings of intervertebral discs.Over time, under pressure, the fibrous ring stretches, protrudes and bursts.If the contents of the fibrous ring is a luscious nucleus, it goes out, a hernia forms.For this reason, osteochondrosis increases the chances of the appearance of these great complications.

The causes of the occurrence of the disease

In most cases, osteochondrosis has a hereditary nature.It is proven that if direct parents suffered from degenerative diseases of the musculoskeletal system, their children more often encounter pathologies of the spine.

Other cases have extreme reasons:

  1. Maintain a bad posture.
  2. Excessive muscle overvoltage associated with great physical effort at work or during the practice of sport.
  3. An incorrect and frequent weight.
  4. One of the most common reasons is hypodynamia.Lack of movement and minimal physical activity often cause problems with the spine than to play sports.
  5. The previously transferred inflammatory infections - tuberculosis or osteomyelitis, contribute to the manifestation of degenerative processes in the spine.In this case, osteochondrosis will have an infectious nature and will be a complication.
  6. Hormonal perestroika can cause lomedo sacred osteochondosis.This phenomenon is more often associated with certain periods of age.A frequent example is to grasp menopause.During the cessation of monthly cycles, a woman has a decrease in sexual hormones, because of which calcium practically ceases to be absorbed by the body.The bone reserves are washed intensively.Consequently, if you do not put a woman in the GZT, she will not only win osteochondrosis from the lower back, but also osteoporosis.The risk of osteochondrosis increases with the frequent use of synthetic glucocorticosteroids.The risk is increased during puberty with a lack of nutrition, with an exhausting physical effort in combination with a hard diet and when old age occurs.
  7. The presence of Congenital Crete pathologies, including an anomaly of the tropism.
  8. Flat feet and scoliosis.
  9. The low bone structure caused by a nutrition deficit or in the context of amenorrhea in women.
  10. Premature wear of vertebrates and joints.
  11. Premorbid hypermobility of the mobile spine, which considerably increases the risk of injury.
  12. Weak abdominal muscles.
  13. The presence of rare pathologies, including a narrow vertebral channel, an epidural fusion, spondylolist, oncology or a tumor of the spine, neuromyositis.
  14. The presence of endocrine disorders - obesity and non -offset hypothyroidism.
  15. Previously, suffering from the ridges of the crest, ligaments, joints, tendons.
  16. Bad power and frequent psycho-emotional stress.
  17. Age -related degenerative changes.

There are also certain risk groups associated with harmful professional activities.Examples are manufacturers, movers, computer scientists, servers, teachers.To minimize the risk of these diseases, you must properly distribute the load at the back and engage in active moderate physical activity.

Lumbar osteochondrosis symptoms

The disease has many symptoms, so separately it is necessary to highlight the classification according to the type of pain:

  1. Ischemic syndromeAssociated with the compression of the arteries crossing the vertebrae.Following the occurrence, persistent deterioration in blood circulation appears, due to which nutrition is disturbed in the lower limbs.The blood pressure can be increased.
  2. Vertebrate syndromeAssociated with the deformations that occur in the nerves and vessels.With prolonged negative effects, posture changes, the back is looking, the approach changes and the muscles without physical activity are atrophy.As a result, the patient begins to feel intense pain.
  3. Static syndrome.Pathological mobility develops in vertebrae, which can occur cyphosis or lordosis.During the development of pathology, the spine is gradually deformation, because in addition to the curvature in the vertebrae, poor muscle fixation in the affected areas occurs.The consequences of a static syndrome - the back is twisted and a person is no longer able to straighten it by himself.
  4. Neurological syndromeassociated with pinching of nerve roots.If the pressure occurs on nerve endings, the patient's sensitivity decreases, the appearance of weakness in the limbs may occur.In serious cases, paralysis, chills and complete loss of conductivity are noted in the context of damage to nerve fibers.

The general symptoms of osteochondrosis of the lumbar column include the following manifestations:

  1. Strong pain at the bottom, including the whole lumbar region with a possible return to the sacrum.
  2. With the development of radicular syndrome, there are lively pain that give bastards to the lower limbs.The legs generally capture cramps.In the fingers, there is numbness and paresthesia.Less often, the pain gives to his hands.
  3. Ironal pain irradiation is possible.The patient can complain about the urinary system problems, which are not confirmed during the diagnosis.
  4. The patient is tormented by a bad dream due to discomfort in the lumbar region.
  5. The patient feels tension and fatigue in the lumbar region.
  6. When turning your back and inclinations, rigidity and tension are felt.
  7. The feet periodically occur in the back.
  8. After a minor physical activity, the patient feels severe fatigue.There is also chronic fatigue in everyday life.
  9. With additional progression of the disease, the patient suffers from rest in rest in the lumbar region.
  10. Members often become numb and the patient often has a pathological crunch in the back.
  11. Violation of the engine function due to discomfort at the lower back.
  12. Muscle cramps and spasms.
  13. Dizziness and headache.
  14. Reduce the tone of the muscles of back and base members.

Any similar symptoms require a call to the doctor.There are also specific signs associated with gender.Men have problems in the genitourinary sphere, which can negatively affect power.Women suffer from intense pain in the perineum and the pelvis, which also indicates damage to nerve endings.In advanced cases, the prolapse of the internal organs occurs, including the uterus and the appendages.This is due to high atrophic processes in the muscles that support the spine.

Varieties of syndromes and symptoms of osteochondrosis of the lumbar column

By the type and nature of pain, these pathological conditions share:

  1. Lumbago- It is characterized by an acute state.The characteristic signs are the inability to move from the pain that occurs in the bottom of the bastards.This condition is developing more often against the bottom of muscle atrophy, injuries, pinching of nerve roots and intervertebral discs.
  2. Low back pain- Pathology characterized by long and painful pain.Most often, low background occurs in the context of osteochondrosis, hernia, spondylosis or projection.By stretching the ligament apparatus, the syndrome is more common.
  3. Sciatica.This type of pain syndrome is characteristic of the lombo-sacred area.The syndrome is often confused with the Ishias, which is characterized by a pain drawn caused by a pinch of nerve roots.Pain syndrome is more often associated with pinching of the sciatic nerve, which considerably worsens mobility in the lumbar region.The patient cannot look normally, because the mobility of the lumbar region worsens.It is also difficult to walk and sit normally.The pinch of the sciatic nerve leads to another unpleasant deterioration - the spasm of the pear -shaped muscle.As a result, a person has photos from the back to the calf muscles that cross the thigh.The approach becomes a lame, the socks of the legs turn to the sides, and in the buttock, you feel pain when you walk, run and sit.A complete approach to treatment is necessary.
  4. Provision changesassociated with the progression of dorsopathy.The first sign of such deterioration is the loss of sensitivity and numbness in the lower limbs.The back, the buttocks, the hips and the lower abdomen suffer.All these areas are impregnated by constant discomfort.With strong deterioration, signs of an inflammatory process occur - body temperature increases, weakness occurs in the body, urinary incontinence appears.The patient also aggravates appetite, which leads to a decrease in body weight.In this situation, an approach integrated into the treatment of the condition is also required.
  5. RadiculopathyIt is also associated with the limitation of the spine engine and the tightening of nerve endings.Due to the occurrence of this type of pain syndrome, the patient begins to feel pain in the lower body, a decrease or a violation of motor reflexes.There is a deterioration in the mobility of the joints and a decrease in muscle tone compared to a compression bottom due to the radicult.

All pain syndromes above require urgent treatment, starting demonstrations in the early stages.Indeed, over time, the pathology is aggravated, because of which the course of the disease leads to a strong deterioration of the quality of life.

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar column - stages of development

The general classification of stages disease includes such degrees in the development of lumbar osteochondrosis:

  1. The first degree does not cause any physiological deterioration of the spine.The patient feels good and does not suspect the presence of problems with the spine.At the initial stage, active destructive processes occur.The nucleus of the pulpose modifies its position, gradually infiltrates through the microfissances of the fibrous ring.Earlier in the article, it was mentioned that before the occurrence of the disease, the patient has a violation of metabolic processes, because of which the cartilage shell is weakening and is covered with microcofisure.Consequently, over time, the irritation of nerve endings appear, because of which the patient can feel the first signs of discomfort in the lumbar region.
  2. Osteochondrosis of the second step is characterized by the appearance of signs of instability in the lumbar region.There are dynamic movements in the vertebrae, compared to the above and underlying section.The patient has signs of compression syndrome and reflex disorders.
  3. In the patient, in event 3 of the stage of pathology, the deterioration associated with the screening of the content of the fibrous ring to the outside are already occurring.The own, prolapse or hernia appear.In the case of a 3rd stage of the pathology, the roots of the vertebral canal and blood vessels are pressed.At this stage, intense pain associated with pliers and inflammation are already occurring.Strong mobility is also limited, shelters occur in the lower limbs.
  4. The terminal stadium is the fourth.At this stage, irreparable pathophysiological changes already occur.The patient presents pathologies of the bone system associated with the growth of the vertebral bodies of the bone cersier.Consequently, compensatory response reactions occur - the load is transferred to other lower vertebrates.Stock, limitation of mobility in the amplitude of the spine.Pathological bone growths put pressure on the vascular canal and nerve endings, which are considerably the symptomatic course of pathology.

Lumbar osteochondrosis - Diagnosis

When the patient arrives at the doctor, he prescribes a certain number of laboratory examinations on the basis of the history assembled to identify osteochondrosis of the lumbar sacrum of the spine:

  1. X -Ray.It is a basic analysis that allows you to assess the state of the spine in general terms.X -rays will not show small pathological and initial changes, but will identify raw violations in bone tissue.If the image shows signs of erasure of vertebrates or darkening which do not correspond to normal size, other studies are necessary.
  2. Computed tomography.This is a more advanced version of the X-ray image, which allows you to see the smallest negative changes in bone tissue at the destruction site, because the images are taken in a three-dimensional image.
  3. Magnetic resonance tomography.This type of diagnosis is close to CT, but allows you to better consider soft tissue.MRI distinguishes between the deterioration of osteochondrosis, including hernies and projection.This type of diagnosis is sufficient to accurately establish a diagnosis associated with the degenerative destruction of the bone hood tissue.
  4. Perform laboratory testsBased on the biomaterial.Patients often pass a general blood and urine test in order to control the basic indicators.These data allow you to superficially assess the patient's state of health.
  5. Delivery of rheumatological samples.It is necessary to analyze in order to eliminate the rheumatoid nature of the pathology.

After inspection and conduct of the necessary tests, they make a final diagnosis.

Lumbar osteochondrosis treatment

In the treatment of pathology, an integrated approach is necessary.At 1-2 stages, conservative treatment with the use of drugs and physiotherapy in the recovery period is used.In the presence of 3 or 4 stages, if the patient has serious health deterioration indicators, surgery is necessary.

Pathological process medication

In the event of damage to the intervertebral discs, which presented themselves in the context of osteochondrosis of the Lombo-Sacré department, the use of an in-depth list of drugs is indicated.Some products are used for symptomatic therapy, others to maintain health.

What drugs prescribe:

  1. Non-steroidal, analgesic anti-inflammatory drugs.These drugs considerably facilitate the condition of the patient, especially during the acute period.Thanks to the pronounced effect of this type of medication, it is possible to quickly calm the pain in 1 to 2 days.As a rule, patients are prescribed by NSAIDs of the type of selective action, as they damage the stomach mucosa less.If the ancients indifferent cannot be used for more than 5 days, new generation drugs can be drunk for 2 to 3 weeks without fear of the consequences of a healthy gastrointestinal tract.In the presence of gastritis or ulcers, it is preferable to be safe and to use gastroprotectors, inhibitors of the proton pump.
  2. Musory- Drugs designed to remove painful muscle cramps.With osteochondrosis, an incorrect distribution of the load on the muscular corset associated with the weakness of the spine occurs.As a result, some muscles are tight, while others are in the hypotonus.To relieve painful spasms, muscle relaxation is prescribed.The duration of the processing course and the program to take pills are selected by the attending physician.
  3. Neurotropic vitamins.These means include biamine vitamins, tiamine, cyanocobalamine and pyridoxin.With combined use B1, B6 and B12 in large doses, an analgesic effect occurs.The components positively affect nerve endings, nourishing them.These vitamins also participate in the construction of myelin shells covering the nerves.These drugs are mainly prescribed for radicular syndrome, when it is necessary to relieve the pain associated with nerves pliers.For 2 to 3 weeks, injection agents are used, then switch to oral forms of liberation.
  4. Chondroprotectors.These drugs have protective properties in relation to cartilage.If there are clear signs of degeneration of cartilage, it is necessary to prescribe chondroprotectors with a long course.First of all, injection agents are used for 2 to 3 months, then go to the shelves.The minimum use course is six months with a break of several months.Current components of composition are chondroitin and glucoseamine sulfate hydrochloride.The reception and dosage patterns are individually selected.
  5. Calcium in combination with vitamin D3.These components are used to strengthen bone tissue.With age, due to bone wear, malnutrition and hormonal deficiency, the fragile bones is improved.The main building material is calcium.Without that, it is impossible to obtain a strong bone corset.For calcium preparations to be absorbed, it is necessary to take vitamin D3.To avoid the deficiency of cholecalciferol, it is necessary to regularly visit the sun in summer and winter to take additional vitamins.
  6. Complex polyvitamins.There are research data according to which the constant contribution of vitamins in natural or synthetic form at physiological doses reinforces immunity during seasonal exacerbations of sras, acute respiratory infections.People with diseases of the Lombo-Sacrée spine should carefully monitor their own health.
  7. Blocade with anesthesiaThey are carried out with poorly cut pain syndrome using NSAIDs.The intra-articular injections of corticosteroids linked to blockages are also effective.These means help calm inflammation, which accelerates recovery in the acute period.The blockade performance must be carried out by a highly qualified doctor with vast experience in their use.It is advisable to carry out the blocking under the control of the ultrasound so as not to enter other parts of the spine.These treatment methods will help quickly get rid of chronic pain.
  8. Special ointments and gels.With the help of local funds, you can also successfully fight chronic pain syndrome with a moderate and low power.Different products are cooled or reheated, which generally allows you to use external drugs regularly.Using drugs on the surface of the skin allows you to use them for a long time.These drugs are practically not absorbed in the systemic blood circulation, so they do not cause side effects.It is important to pay attention to the condition of the skin after applying the medication.If there is a rash or itching, you must cancel the medication.

Homeopathy or antipasmodics can also be prescribed.The diagram for taking medication is determined by the doctor on an individual basis.

Non -medication treatment methods Conservative

During the recovery period, physiotherapeutic procedures should be used which help improve blood circulation and normalize metabolic processes in affected tissues.Active recovery methods are used exclusively after stopping acute pain.Support for conservative treatment softens the chronic course of the disease, which prevents exacerbation attacks.

Active rehabilitation methods include:

  1. Leading the physical education of physiotherapy.With the development of lumbar osteochondrosis, special exercises are necessary which improve the blood flow which leveled posture and supports the muscles of the tone.The LFK must first be carried out under the supervision of an instructor, including the safety rules.The exercises are performed in standing, seated or lie, depending on the complex assigned by a specialist.If the patient is experienced, he can lead gymnastics at home.You should not ignore the useful part of the lesson - hot -up and team.After a good hot-up, the muscles are protected from tears and sprains.The last step in the execution accelerates the recovery processes in the muscles.With regular exercises, the muscles become strong, because of which pain in the back is weakening.
  2. Massage- A way to relax the tense muscle tissue in the conditions of contact.A specialist using the hands improves blood circulation in the muscles, allowing you to remove a strong overvoltage.Massages in combination with muscle relaxants are the most effective.These drugs eliminate spasms and spasticity.Additional stimulation with hands potentiate the effect of the drug.It is recommended to visit the masseur several times a year in the lessons so that a regular effect occurs.
  3. Manual therapy.Using this exposure method, it is possible to rid the muscles, without taking into account the degree of their resistance.Unlike massage, this method is violent, although effective.With neglected lumbar osteochondosis, it is dangerous to use manual treatment practices if the specialist is not sufficiently experienced.Before contacting a manual therapist, you must familiarize yourself with the list of contraindications, including hypertension, heart disease and the presence of hernia in the lumbar region.
  4. Physiotherapeutic procedures.With the help of physiotherapy, it is possible to improve the local blood flow in the affected area without affecting other areas of the back.The essence of physiotherapy is simple: they combine material treatment methods and drugs.Examples are electrophoresis.Under the influence of a laser of a certain frequency, drugs are administered by the skin.More often than not, use group B injection vitamins. The device allows you to penetrate the skin of the skin to drugs without creating a systemic effect on the body.Magnetotherapy and shock therapy are also linked to physiotherapeutic methods.The radiated frequencies accelerate the processes of regeneration in joints and ligaments without causing side effects.

As part of a complex treatment, acupuncture, hiaudotherapy or homeopathy can be prescribed.

When the surgical intervention is carried out

Operations are necessary in advanced cases when the patient is tormented by serious neurological syndromes which occurred the context of lumbar osteochondosis.If the patient has a complication in the form of a hernia, the members began to be removed and the sensitivity of the intestines or the bladder has been disturbed, it is hospitalized urgently.In this case, the operation is carried out according to the life indicators.

There are also relative indications for surgery.Examples are frequent numbness of members, constant discomfort in the back, which does not lend itself to conservative treatment, partial loss of sensitivity in the fingers.In this case, you can decide independently of the surgical treatment.

Lumbar osteochondosis is a serious pathology that requires an integrated approach to therapy.At the initial stages, drugs and physiotherapy are prescribed.If the disease progresses rapidly, surgery may be necessary.