Symptoms and methods of treating lumbar spine osteochondrosis

The most common cause of back pain is the development of a musculoskeletal disorder such as osteochondrosis. If earlier this pathology was found mainly in the elderly and less often in middle age, now osteochondrosis has become much younger, and it is often diagnosed in people between the ages of 20 and 30.

According to medical statistics, the disease most often affects the lumbar and lumbosacral spine.

Features of the disease

Osteochondrosis is a pathology of the musculoskeletal system that affects its most important component - the spine. It arises due to the fact that dystrophic changes in the intervertebral discs begin to develop.

The disease affects not only the tissue of the intervertebral discs, but also negative changes occur in the surrounding tissue, which affect the ligaments and muscles.

The reason for the prevalence of the lumbar form of osteochondrosis is that this particular part of the spine is exposed to the greatest physical stress.

In this disease, characteristic changes occur in the nucleus pulposus, which is part of the intervertebral disc. This disk performs amortization functions.

If the water exchange in the intervertebral discs is disturbed, they become thinner and their fragility increases.

People of older age groups are most susceptible to the pathological process, since the metabolic processes in the tissue of the intervertebral discs begin to deteriorate from a certain age.

Under the influence of negative changes, the boundaries of the nucleus pulposus gradually expand and tend to enter the intervertebral space. This usually ends with the core shifting into the spinal canal, compressing and pinching it by nerve fibers and blood vessels.

Pinched nerves are the cause of pain in osteochondrosis. There may also be a deterioration in the functioning of internal organs.

As the pathology progresses, the pressure on the vertebrae increases. The body tries to compensate for the defect, and the growth of the bone tissue of the spine is significantly accelerated. As a result, pathological growths are formed on the vertebrae - osteophytes. This ultimately further disrupts the functionality of the affected spine.

In advanced forms of osteochondrosis, the patient may experience paralysis of the lower extremities. Due to late access to medical care, a person can become disabled.

Causes of osteochondrosis of the lumbar and lumbosacral spine

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar and lumbosacral spine develops due to an incorrect distribution of the load on the spine. When this is combined with other negative factors, the progression of osteochondrosis is accelerated and can take on more severe forms.

Disease can be triggered by:

• regularly perform heavy physical work and lift heavy objects (people in certain professions and athletes who are involved in weightlifting are at risk);
• insufficient physical activity, which negatively affects the condition of muscles and leads to a deterioration in blood circulation, metabolic processes and a decrease in the amount of nutrients that enter the tissues;
• the patient is overweight, which leads to the fact that the spine is constantly exposed to heavy loads;
• problems with posture and wrong gait;
• the presence of congenital deformities or other defects of the spine or the entire skeleton;
• Flat feet can also cause the development of osteochondrosis, as in patients with foot deformity the arch of the foot cannot fully absorb the load during movement, which leads to increased stress on the intervertebral discs.
• traumatic spine injury;
• genetic disorders of bone tissue formation;
• age-related changes;
• infections of the bone tissue (tuberculosis, osteomyelitis);
• inflammatory processes affecting bones and joints (including rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis);
• lack of vitamins and minerals;
• exposure to harmful and toxic substances.

The most common cause of pathology is excessive stress on the spine in patients with incorrect posture.

Disease symptoms

The manifestation and severity of symptoms of osteochondrosis depends on the stage of the disease.

There are 4 stages of the disease:

1. The first stage is characterized by the appearance of pain in the lumbar region (lumbago), cramps in the surrounding muscle tissue and swelling in the affected area. During this time, the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral discs begins to change and shift, causing irritation of the nerve endings.
2. In the second phase, the process of destroying the fiber rings of the intervertebral discs begins. The vertebrae become unstable, their mobility increases, as a result of which the neighboring muscles are constantly tensed. Pain is noted along the sciatic nerve. At this stage of the disease, disturbances in the work of internal organs can sometimes appear.
3. During the third stage, rupture of the fiber rings and the release of the contents of the nucleus pulposus are observed. As a result, herniated discs are formed. All this contributes to the further deformation of the spine (the development of scoliosis, kyphosis or lordosis can be observed). Acute pain becomes permanent, this is due to the radicular syndrome, in which the nerve roots are compressed by fragments that have fallen from the fibrous rings.
4. The fourth stage is characterized by severe deformities of the spine, pathological growths appear on the vertebrae. There can be significant relief from pain, but this does not mean any improvement in the patient's condition. On the contrary, a person's movements are severely restricted. Usually, patients with stage 4 osteochondrosis require disability registration.

One of the main symptoms of the disease is pain in the lumbar region, which can also spread to the tailbone and lower extremities. It is divided into 3 types:

1. Lumbago- attacks of acute pain that occur when moving suddenly or when lifting heavy objects.
2. Lumbodynia- severe, regular pain associated with damage to the intervertebral cartilage and muscle fibers.
3. Lumboishalgia- characterized by a feeling of pain, a feeling of cold or heat in the lumbar spine and in the legs.

A person's psychological state can also cause pain.

In addition to pain, osteochondrosis is characterized by:

• Sensation of weakness in the lower half of the body and in the legs;
• worsening tendon reflexes of the lower extremities;
• tingling sensation felt from the lower back to the foot;
• curvature of the spine;
• Lumbosacral osteochondrosis often leads to functional disorders of the pelvic organs (urinary tract disease, fecal incontinence, erectile dysfunction).
• Skin problems (dryness, flaking, bluish coloration) and changes in sweating can also occur in the lower back and buttocks.

If you experience the symptoms listed, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible in order to start treatment immediately and to avoid serious consequences.

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar and lumbosacral spine

Medical

For a patient diagnosed with osteochondrosis, the doctor may prescribe the following types of therapy, including several at the same time:

• drug treatment;
• physiotherapeutic procedures;
• medical massage and manual therapy;
• is ​​performing a surgical operation.

Let's take a closer look at each of these methods.

Medicines are prescribed to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and improve the regeneration of diseased tissues. The following can be assigned to the patient:

• analgesics (help relieve pain);
• muscle relaxants (to relax muscle fibers and relieve cramps);
• Chondroprotectors (promote the regeneration of cartilage and bone tissue and protect them from negative influences);
• anti-inflammatory drugs;
• with edema, diuretics (diuretics) are prescribed;
• medicines that improve blood circulation;
• Vitamin and mineral complexes.

For common forms of osteochondrosis, blockades can be prescribed if conventional analgesics are ineffective. What specific drugs should be used, as well as the scheme and duration of treatment, is determined by the doctor, taking into account the stage of the disease and the severity of symptoms.

It is advisable to prescribe physical therapy along with medication to make the treatment more effective. The following procedures are indicated for osteochondrosis:

• laser therapy;
• magnetic resonance therapy;
• phonophoresis;
• shock wave therapy.

These treatments help relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and repair damaged tissue. Using a laser beam is very effective in giving you a stable remission.

When prescribing phonophoresis, additional topical drugs are used (this method allows the drug to penetrate deep under the skin, directly into the lesion). To maximize the oxygenation of the tissues, the doctor may also prescribe ozone therapy.

It should be borne in mind that physiotherapy is contraindicated in certain pathologies. It should not be prescribed to patients with oncological diseases, thyrotoxicosis, diabetes, tuberculosis and infectious diseases.

Massage and manual therapy can be prescribed at the same time as drugs and physiotherapeutic procedures, which enhances the therapeutic effect.

These methods affect the transmission of nerve impulses and help normalize muscle tone.

Surgical intervention is indicated only in the later stages of the disease, when other treatments are useless. Surgery is required if:

• The patient suffers from severe pain that cannot be controlled by medication.
• herniated disc;
• The patient is diagnosed with compression of the spinal cord (this leads to an impairment of sensitivity and motor functions - from a feeling of weakness to paralysis).
• The development of the cauda equina syndrome is noted.

Nowadays, modern high-tech and low-traumatic surgeries are being performed more and more frequently in order to reduce the rehabilitation time considerably. Without complications, the patient can move normally within a few months after the operation.

Folk Remedies

Traditional medical treatments relieve pain, reduce inflammation and improve mobility. Here are different ways to treat osteochondrosis with folk remedies.

1. You need to take raw potatoes, grate and mix with natural honey. The resulting mixture should be placed on your back and secured with a bandage for at least 2 hours. Applying warm boiled potatoes to the affected area will also help.
2. Grate garlic and mix in equal parts with ginger. Then add a little olive oil. The resulting drug needs to be rubbed into the back at night to improve blood circulation and reduce muscle tension.
3. Mix a spoonful of menthol oil with a spoonful of fir oil. The mixture should be rubbed in the back.
4. Take chopped pine or spruce needles in the amount of ½ tablespoon per 200 ml (1 glass) of boiling water and let it steep for 30 minutes. Drink ½ glass 2 times a day.
5. Mix a tablespoon of cranberries and mint herbs, boil with boiling water (1 glass), let it brew and strain. Gradually drink the broth throughout the day.

It is important to understand that treatment with folk remedies cannot replace a visit to the doctor. Folk methods temporarily relieve symptoms, but do not completely eliminate the disease.

Also, they may not be suitable for every patient. Therefore, it is highly recommended to consult a specialist before using.

Physiotherapy exercises

Physiotherapy exercises aim to strengthen the muscles of the lower back, buttocks, and thighs to relieve pain, reduce nerve and blood vessel entrapment, and restore flexibility.

In order for the exercises to be as effective as possible and not cause any harm, certain guidelines must be followed:

• Exercises should be carried out in natural cloth clothing that does not restrict movement.
• The lumbar region during physical education classes should not be hypothermic.
• If you have to take a lying position to perform the exercise, it is better to put a round roller under your lower leg.
• You should start exercising at least one hour after eating.
• In order to achieve a lasting positive effect, physiotherapeutic exercises must be carried out regularly.
• exercises should be done smoothly, slowly, and focus on muscle work.
• You need to monitor your breathing, it should be steady and deep.
• It is useful to keep a journal of changes that have occurred since the day you started the exercises.

Which exercises should be done depends on the severity of the symptoms of osteochondrosis.

In acute lumbar osteochondrosis, the spine should not be stressed, you should keep bed rest (preferably with an orthopedic mattress) and you can play sports lying on your back, repeating each movement 8-10 times. Here are some suggestions:

1. Lie on your back, place a roll under your shin and bend your knees. The patient should bend their arms into a fist and bend and also bend their legs at the ankles. These movements are performed alternately with each arm and leg.
2. You have to alternately bend and loosen your legs and only move your knees. At the same time, the back shouldn't move.
3. Turn each foot in turn.
4. Extend your arms and legs, then begin to bend and straighten the elbows of both arms at the same time. You need to inhale during flexion and exhale during extension. Keep your hands palms up.

Recommended exercises for subacute lumbar osteochondrosis:

1. Place your feet on the mattress with your knees bent in the supine position. As you inhale, gently lift your sacrum while the lower part of your thoracic spine should rest on the mattress. After 1-2 seconds, gently lower the lower half of your back.
2. If you are lying on a mattress when you inhale, it is necessary to lift your head and tighten your abdominal muscles. On the exhale, return to the starting position.
3. While lying on your back, pull your heel towards your buttocks in a sliding motion without lifting it off the mattress. After a few seconds, straighten your leg. The movements should be repeated for each leg individually and for both legs at the same time.
4. Sit on all fours with your buttocks on your heels and slide your hands on the mattress. Then take the starting position.
5. Get on all fours, relax your neck. Pull your chin towards your chest, arch your back like a cat in your lower back, and fix this position for a few seconds. Care should be taken to ensure that the head is not raised, and the back maintains its accepted position.

Patients who have achieved remission can do any of the exercises above.

Physiotherapy exercises should, if possible, be performed 3-4 times a day for any form of lumbar osteochondrosis. Before starting the implementation, you should definitely consult a doctor.

Preventive measures

Osteochondrosis, like most other diseases, is much easier to prevent than trying to get rid of its consequences later. To minimize the chance of developing the disease, it is recommended:

• to ensure that the diet is healthy and balanced;
• lead an active life, move as much as possible;
• Do not subject the spine to excessive loads.
• do exercises to strengthen your back muscles.

It is also necessary to promptly treat diseases and injuries that can lead to the development of osteochondrosis. If you experience even minor symptoms that may indicate problems with your spine, you should not delay seeing a doctor.

Conclusion

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is a disease that must be taken as seriously as possible in order to avoid serious consequences. If you adhere to a healthy lifestyle and follow the recommended preventive measures, the chances of pathology developing will be minimal.

If symptoms of the disease appear, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Timely medical care is the key to stable remission, which will allow you to stop the pathological process, maintain the patient's ability to work and, to some extent, restore the previous state of the musculoskeletal system.