Lumbar osteochondrosis

Lumbar osteochondrosis presents with back and leg pain, fatigue, and poor posture. The causes of this pathology can be diverse, so treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis should be carried out under the strict supervision of a doctor. In advanced cases, the disease can cause severe impairment that can leave a person disabled. This degenerative disease of osteochondrosis is fixed in the vertebrae L1 S1, L2-L3, L3 S1 levels and L5 S1 intervertebral disc area.Lumbar osteochondrosis is a dangerous disease of the musculoskeletal system that can lead to disability.

Main causes of lumbar spine injuries

Lumbar osteochondrosis occurs because the body is affected by the following pathological factors:

• Uneven loading of the spine;
• Less physical activity and sedentary work;
• Hard work associated with heavy loads;
• Genetic predisposition, pathology can be diagnosed even in children;
• flatfoot;
• being overweight;
• Infectious and inflammatory diseases.

Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis

A degenerative process in the lower back that causes severe pain in the lower back in both men and women that radiates down the legs along the path of the sciatic nerve.Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis do not appear for a long time; feelings of discomfort and swelling already appear in stages 2-3.In the later stages of the disease, symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, and little physical activity can be disturbing. Pathologies can also cause radiculopathy:

• Severe pain in waist during shooting;
• Impaired skin sensitivity of lower limbs;
• Worry about muscle weakness;
• Tingling in the legs and knee joints;
• Impaired sweating function.

The main symptom of lumbar osteochondrosis is pain in the lower part of the spine.The degenerative disease can cause limited movement, difficulty bending, and pain with slight exertion. If treatment for lumbar osteochondrosis is not started promptly, serious consequences can occur, including disc deformation, herniation, and herniation. These diseases can only be treated surgically as conservative treatments are not helpful.

Pathological degree

Level 1

The inner layer of the annulus fibrosus is covered with fissures, through which the nucleus pulposus begins to emerge. As it travels outward, nerve fibers are stimulated. A person can feel back pain in the lumbar spine under minimal load. In the first stage, pain from osteochondrosis is usually stable, but low back pain can be bothersome. The symptoms will go away after rest and will not bother you for a long time.

Level 2

When the second stage of the pathology begins, the intervertebral space shrinks, the nerve fibers are compressed more intensely, the pain becomes severe, pseudoslip and left scoliosis occur. The annulus fibrosus is destroyed more aggressively. Secondary osteochondrosis is characterized by pathological movement of the spine. As the load increases, a person falls into cold and then into heat. Symptoms become obvious and cannot be ignored. Each attack would become longer and the pain would not be relieved with usual painkillers.

Level three

The course of third-degree lumbar osteochondrosis is characterized by increased pain, spinal deformity, and reactive growth of bone tissue. The annulus fibrosus ruptures and the nucleus pulposus breaks away from its confines, causing a hernia. If treatment is not started during the third stage of development, patients risk becoming disabled.

Level 4

Patients with grade 4 lumbar osteochondrosis experience severe pain that prevents them from walking.The spine was completely deformed, and the pain in the legs and back was excruciating, making it impossible to move independently. If treatment is not started in the fourth stage of the development of rickets, a herniated disc will develop, which can only be treated surgically. After surgery, patients' health does not always fully recover.

diagnosis

When you are concerned about signs of osteochondrosis in your lumbar spine, you need to see your doctor. At the initial appointment, the doctor will palpate the coccyx, iliac crest area, and also identify signs of the following syndromes:

• Development of scoliosis, kyphosis, and osteoarthritis;
• Pain in a specific area;
• Unable to perform certain actions;
• The location of the gluteal fold is horizontal and can be on the right or left side.

An X-ray is taken and pictures of the affected area are taken. In the images, the lumbar area appears deformed; in advanced stages, protrusions are visible on the right or left side. For a more detailed diagnosis, the doctor will perform a CT or MRI examination so that the doctor can receive the results as quickly as possible and choose the best treatment.

How does treatment work?

drugs and surgery

The choice of treatment for lumbar osteochondrosis depends on the extent of the disease.Chronic lumbar osteochondrosis must be treated comprehensively. This means that self-medication is not acceptable. The treatment plan must be decided by the doctor, who will choose the necessary drugs with minimal side effects. Treatment options involve the use of:

• analgesics;
• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
• Muscle relaxants.

First aid includes the administration of injectable blockers to relieve pain, reduce swelling and temperature in the affected area. The obvious acute phase of the pain syndrome requires treatment with strong analgesics. As an adjunct treatment, treatment with topical medications - ointments, gels and creams is recommended. If conservative treatment fails or the diagnosis is at an advanced stage, surgical treatment is required. When hernias form, they are completely removed. Then eliminate the compression of nerve fibers and blood vessels. If necessary, the affected vertebra is removed and an implant is placed in its place.

Massage and manual therapy

A therapeutic massage session will help reduce pain and relieve symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis in women and men. Even children with this disease undergo this treatment, but the main condition is that the surgery must be performed by a trained chiropractor who understands the diagnosis, otherwise complications may arise.Return content

therapeutic exercises

Restorative gymnastics will help normalize blood circulation in the affected lumbar area and strengthen the muscles surrounding the spine. Patients with osteochondrosis must be careful with their movements and try not to use excessive force. It is recommended that the first practice is performed under the supervision of a coach, who will help correct the movements at the right time if necessary.

Physical therapy and acupuncture

One of the effective types of physical therapy procedures is considered amplitude pulses, when modulated current pulses are sent to the affected area. Due to this action, inflammation is reduced, swelling is reduced, and pain is reduced. Acupuncture has equally dramatic effects: It relieves muscle tension, reduces symptoms and accelerates tissue regeneration.

If lumbar osteochondrosis is diagnosed, gentle nutrition is indispensable. It is recommended to supplement the menu with products containing calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc and folic acid. It is important to maintain your drinking habit and drink at least 6 tablespoons per day. water. You should give up bad habits and sedentary lifestyle.

Dangerous consequences and their prevention

Preventing lumbar osteochondrosis includes exercise therapy, a healthy diet, and eliminating bad habits.If lumbar osteochondrosis is diagnosed promptly in its early stages, the disease can be cured with a course of medication and special exercises. Otherwise, there is a risk of developing intervertebral hernia, sciatica, osteoarthritis, paresis, and other spinal conditions that leave the patient disabled. For treatment to be effective, it is important to consult your doctor promptly. As a preventive measure, spinal traction, posture control, muscle strengthening, and even load distribution are recommended. In addition, you should exercise, pay attention to your diet, and drink at least 6-8 tablespoons. water every day. As soon as symptoms appear, do not self-medicate, but see a doctor and strictly follow the prescribed treatment plan.