Lumbar osteochondrosis-treatment and symptoms

17 September 2020

In the medical literature, the term "spine osteochondrosis" refers to the degeneration of the ossification center of children. Behind words such as sciatica, intervertebral disc herniation, back pain (back pain) is a medically customary disease, which is considered to be the most common musculoskeletal system problem. According to official statistics, the lower back is more prone to suffering than other parts, which can cause serious complications for the entire body. Why does this happen and how to treat osteochondrosis?

What is lumbar osteochondrosis

Degenerative neuro-orthopaedic diseases affect the intervertebral discs and lead to secondary compensatory and reactive changes in the bone-ligamentary apparatus and nervous system-this is the definition of osteochondrosis doctors. It mainly affects the area of the lumbar spine, which is located between the chest and bones and consists of five vertebrae. Between them is the formation of intervertebral disc-fibrocartilage, which is formed by the following elements:

Cartilage tissue (membrane involved in the nutrition of vertebral blood vessels and intervertebral discs);
Nucleus pulposus (with glia in the center and nucleus pulposus);
Fiber ring (protecting fluid part).

In the context of blood circulation problems, changes in cartilage tissue composition, dehydration of the nucleus pulposus, and decreased elasticity and elasticity of the intervertebral disc, its fixation properties are compromised. Under the influence of unfavorable factors, muscle fixation is weakened and vertebrae are overactive. Next, degeneration and destructive processes affect the bone surface of adjacent vertebrae, and spinal dystrophy (tissue dystrophy) occurs.

The further process is as follows:

Micro cracks appear in the loose ring. The nucleus pulposus begins to penetrate, gradually passes through the annulus fibrosus and is destroyed, resulting in a herniated or herniated intervertebral disc (initial stage).
Hernias compress the spinal canal, clamp nerve roots and blood vessels, causing pain and movement problems.
As the pressure on the vertebrae increases (due to the thinning of the intervertebral discs), the production of bone tissue is accelerated and spinous processes (osteophytes) are formed.

Reason

Some experts tend to call the disease of the intervertebral disc of the lumbar spine a "civilized disease", which is mainly because the upright posture increases the burden on the back of modern people. Usually, this disease starts in people over 30 years old, where men are more likely to be diagnosed than women.

Lumbar osteochondrosis may develop into:

Overload on the spine (family, professional, sports);
Back muscle weakness;
Incorrect distribution of family load on the spine (the most common cause is the lumbar spine);
Frequent tension in the back muscles;
Being overweight, especially in the context of diabetes;
Spinal injury;
Violation of the metabolic process;
Shoes, flat feet are not worn correctly;
Posture problems cause uneven load distribution on the spine;
Lumbar spine hypothermia;
Sedentary lifestyle, long-term driving;
Hormonal imbalance (mainly in women);
Congenital lesions of the musculoskeletal system;
Age (natural changes of fibrocartilage tissue will occur in people over 50 years old);
Often stressed and emotionally nervous.

Development level

The course of the disease is slow and gradual, and most patients only realize serious problems at stage 2 or later. In the absence of proper treatment, osteochondrosis can develop and may lead to disability.

Main medical classification:

The initial stage is characterized by the destruction of the intervertebral disc, and its elasticity and elasticity decrease. This disease is mainly caused by the burden of the spine.

The destruction process affects the annulus fibrosus, the distance between the vertebrae is reduced (the intervertebral disc becomes thinner), depreciation is affected, and protrusions appear (the intervertebral disc is herniated without destroying the annulus). The nerve roots are crushed and tissue inflammation occurs, which increases the pain syndrome.

An annulus rupture occurred and hernia occurred. Blood vessels and nerve endings are compressed. Changes in the lumbar spine lead to general deformities of the spine.

In the final stage, muscle atrophy in the affected area, impaired athletic activity and work ability. Significant curvature of the spine-significant scoliosis (3-sided deformity), lordosis (hypertrophic forward deflection of the lower back) appears.

Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis

The clinical manifestations of the disease depend on the severity. The main symptom is local pain syndrome, which occurs during physical exercise, weight lifting, low back body temperature, and long-term uncomfortable posture (when sitting, the weight is higher than the upright posture). It is caused by irritation of the sinus nerve (relapse).

The stages of lumbar osteochondrosis are as follows:

In the beginning, discomfort in the lumbar area will be felt, pain is rare, mainly due to high back load. They passed quickly.
In the second stage, the mobility of the lumbar spine decreases and pain will appear after fatigue. If there is no fatigue (violent cough, posture change), it will gradually aggravate and continue for a long time. Dysfunction of internal organs is possible.
As osteochondrosis progresses, the pain becomes permanent (permanent) and the vertebrae deform. Pinching the nerve endings can make the ac bone and leg pain, become sharp and sprouting. Extremities, buttocks, thighs, numbness, paresthesia (burning, tingling, "chicken skin bump") decreased sensitivity. Pelvic organ dysfunction appeared.
In the final stage, motor function is impaired or becomes completely impossible, and the spine is bent. Pain is permanent, and people unconsciously adopt unnatural postures to relieve pain.

The reflex syndrome of the disease in official medicine is divided into 3 groups: muscle tone, neurodystrophy, and vegetative blood vessels. The last two categories are vividly expressed in the three stages of the disease and beyond.

Clinical pictures may include:

Achilles tendon reflex is weakened or disappeared, fingers are bent (if the region osteochondrosis is increased);
The skin is dry and blue.
Urinary system diseases (urinary retention or urinary incontinence), bladder pain;
thigh cramps and pain;
Nervous, unsteady gait, lazy;
Increased sweating, fever, and back pain;
The pain syndrome radiates to the heart area (if the thoracic and lumbar regions are affected).

Complications

If lumbar osteochondrosis has been diagnosed, treatment should be started immediately because the patient may be completely disabled in the final stage. In the context of the vertebrae compressing (squeezing) the spinal cord, the lower limbs will be paralyzed when there is no space left between the vertebrae.

In addition, osteochondrosis can also cause:

Pelvic organ disease (male suffers from erectile function, female-ovarian activity);
Low back pain (acute lower back pain), sciatica (sciatic nerve pinching and inflammation);
Intervertebral disc prolapse, stenosis (spinal canal stenosis);
Damage to the lining of the spinal cord is fatal.

Diagnosis

In order to make a correct diagnosis and assess the severity of the disease, the doctor collected recall records (patient complaints, lifestyle, genetic factors research). After that, a physical examination was performed to evaluate the patient's exercise capacity, posture, sensitivity level, muscle tone and size, and spasm. Hit with a hammer to mark the pain of lumbar osteochondrosis in the radiation area (where it is released).

After assigning the patient:

Radiographyis the most convenient way to check the anatomical parameters of the vertebrae, assess the narrowing trend of the holes between the bottoms, and determine bone growth.
MRI(Magnetic Resonance Imaging)-Helps to evaluate the blood vessels supplying the spine, nerve processes and intervertebral discs.
CT(Computed tomography)-only used to check blood vessels, changes in the spinal cord inner lining and study edge growth.

Treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis

Surgery is considered a last resort, mainly for patients with severe neurological diseases and high risk of disability. These problems are characterized by the late stage of lumbar osteochondrosis-doctors try to follow conservative methods for the first and second stages of treatment.

Treatment measures aim to:

Eliminate pain syndrome;
Remove muscle cramps, hypertonic;
Eliminate inflammation process;
Improve blood circulation in the affected area and metabolism;
Normalization of lumbar motion;
Restore lumbar spine sensitivity.

There is no universal treatment: each specific case of osteochondrosis requires a separate plan. It is particularly important to consider the form of the disease: acute or chronic. The treatment must be comprehensive, which means (internal and external) the use of drugs and physical manipulations such as massage, gymnastics, and physical therapy. The treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis can be supplemented by acupuncture and hand-foot therapy.

The treatment effect will be improved if the following rules are followed:

Special belts or corsets should be worn during treatment to reduce pressure on the spine.
Exclude physical activities (only those recommended by the doctor), so as not to increase irritation factors.
It is important to monitor your diet closely: cartilage tissue needs a source of collagen (gelatin, aspic, aspic), while the entire body needs plant foods, fish, and nuts. It is recommended not to use salted, smoked, cured products, sharp cheeses and fatty meats.
Must strictly follow the plan prescribed by the doctor: do not interrupt the treatment after the main symptoms have subsided, and do not change the drugs and procedures by yourself.
With the doctor, it is worth choosing an orthopedic mattress and special shoes, which can help you relax your lower back during sleep. Women are completely prohibited from wearing high heels.

Acute osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine requires special attention-its treatment begins with appointing the patient to stay in bed for a few days. Injection of analgesics can reduce pain, but the inhibitory effect of neocaine and glucocorticoids is not ruled out. Spinal traction (using a traction table or vertical equipment), walking on crutches, electrophoresis and laser treatment can help improve the condition.

Medications

Internal and topical medications for the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis. Topical gels and ointments are symptomatic treatment: relieve inflammation and pain, relieve muscle spasms and edema, and improve blood circulation. In acute cases, it is shown to have instant anti-inflammatory effects, antipyretic and analgesic injections.

Most doctors prescribe medicines for home treatment of osteochondrosis:

Cartilage protection agent-can protect cartilage tissue and promote its recovery, can be used for a long time (six months or more).
means that it can improve the blood circulation and metabolic process of the tissues-Take pills for several months, because this effect is cumulative.
Muscle relaxants-Relieve muscle cramps, use it orally in a short time.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs-Quickly block pain and inhibit the production of prostaglandins involved in the inflammatory process. Unless otherwise stated in the instructions, apply ointment and gel to the affected area 1-2 times a day. In the initial stage, the external form can be omitted and then copied with the tablet.

Corticosteroids-Analgesic injections are prescribed only when there is no significant effect of non-steroid drugs.

Warming ointment-Help relieve pain and improve blood circulation in tissues. It is safer than non-steroidal drugs, but it is forbidden during inflammation.

B vitaminsand multivitamin complex should be taken for a long time to improve the overall effect of treatment.

Physiotherapy procedures

In order to enhance the effect of drug treatment and speed up recovery, prescription drugs for physical therapy can be prescribed for patients. You can use them interchangeably or browse through several options at the same time. Choose specific techniques according to the stage and form of the disease.

Lumbar osteochondrosis-treatment includes effective methods:

Electrotherapy (electrophoresis)-Means that low power current can improve blood circulation in the affected area.

Laser therapy-Activate the biological processes of nerve endings and relieve the symptoms of neurodystrophy syndrome.

UHF-The local effect of the high frequency magnetic field on the lumbar spine area to stop the inflammatory process, stimulate tissue cell regeneration (recovery) and relieve pain.

Voice penetration and electrophoresis-Help deliver drugs to the areas where they are needed, thereby increasing the efficiency of drug treatment. The results depend on the specific reagents used in the process.

Darsonvalization-Therapeutic effect of high frequency alternating current to expand blood vessels, improve blood circulation and tissue nutrition. This process has less impact on symptoms than other symptoms.

Amplipulse-The local effect of sinusoidal modulation current, thus reducing the severity of pain. The method has analgesic effect, can relax blood vessels, stimulate nerves, and improve tissue nutrition.

Remedial gymnastics

Physical activity-especially in the early (initial) osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine-must be included in the treatment: they help relax and strengthen muscles and have a beneficial effect on tissue nutrition. For people with grade 2 disease and more strenuous exercise, doctors will choose it. When the condition worsens, gymnastics, swimming, and yoga are prohibited (the most effective guidance).

The following exercise shows good results:

Focus on the knees and palms, keeping your back straight (parallel to the floor). As you exhale, slowly bend your waist area and tilt your head back slightly. Count to 5-8 (depending on how you feel), inhale with the wheel and arch your back. Repeat to 5-8 and occupy the starting position. Exercise 10-12 times slowly. If necessary, they can be divided into 2-3 methods.

Lie on his stomach. As you exhale, slowly tear your chest off the floor, bend it back, and try to lift it as high as possible. Stretch your arms forward and keep your legs still. Maintain this position for 5-10 seconds, then gradually descend. Repeat the exercise 8-10 times, gradually increasing the longest delay time.

Massage

Massage is an effective way to treat osteochondrosis at any stage. It can help relieve symptoms of discomfort, eliminate muscle spasms, and normalize lymphatic drainage and blood supply. In addition, this process stimulates the recovery of atrophic muscles and eliminates the limitation of vertebral mobility, strengthening the ligament apparatus. When the symptoms in the acute phase are relieved, a massage is performed by a medical expert in 10 to 12 courses.

Surgery

If the patient is diagnosed with a severe neurological disease, uncontrolled urination, severe disc herniation, surgery must be performed. In addition, its indication is the lack of positive effects of conservative treatment (lasting more than one month). Before receiving a referral, doctors should assess all risks, especially if traditional techniques are chosen instead of microdiscectomy.

During this process, the surgeon may:

Remove pathologically changed areas by placing local implants (discectomy) on it, these implants are developed individually for each patient;

Align the spine with a special rod-this helps to distribute the load correctly and prevent new deformations.

The discectomy is performed under general anesthesia, and the surgeon's approach is behind. During the operation, the skin is cut into 10 cm lengths, the muscles are separated, and the affected intervertebral disc is removed. At the end of the operation, the wound was sutured in layers. The duration of surgical intervention is approximately 2 hours, and the patient should lie on his back the next day. The recovery period is 2 months. Using microdisc resection, the process lasts 1. 5 hours, cut 3 cm, and get up after leaving the anesthesia.

Folk remedies to treat lumbar osteochondrosis

You can use traditional medicine recipes after consulting a doctor who can assess the patient’s condition. They did not produce the same significant effects as drug therapies, and did not replace physical therapy, massage and gymnastics, but increased the likelihood that the main therapy would achieve positive results.

Some simple options:

Grate peeled black radish (350 g), mixed with liquid honey (250 g) and vodka (100 ml). Rub your lower back for 10 minutes in the morning and evening with gentle massage movements. After that, it is recommended to wrap the area with wool cloth and lie down under a blanket for an hour. This process takes 8-10 days, and then take a break.

When lower back pain is severe, you can take 100 grams of medium-fat cheese and add 1 teaspoon. Apple cider vinegar, put on a cotton cloth or cheesecloth. Keep the bandage for 2 hours and repeat the procedure twice a day if necessary. The duration of treatment is not limited.

Collect fresh lilac flowers and fill them in a litre jar without crushing them. Pour one liter of vodka and leave it in the shade for 3 weeks. Once a month, wipe the affected area every day. There is no need to cover the lower back with anything after treatment.

Prevent lumbar osteochondrosis

The doctor said that most back diseases can be prevented through regular physical exercise, which can strengthen muscles, improve blood circulation and tissue nutrition. Lumbar osteochondrosis is no exception-if you do gymnastics, yoga, and swimming systematically, there is no need for treatment.

Other preventive measures:

Control your diet (increase plant foods, reduce animal fat, pickles, marinades: the same as treatment);
Limit the heavy load on the spine;

Monitor the status of the endocrine system;

Eliminate bad habits (drinking, smoking);

Use orthopedic mattresses;

Posture tracking;

Avoid women wearing high heels (from 7 cm).