Lumbar osteochondrosis has different symptoms and treatment methods, and it is one of the most common pathologies of the musculoskeletal system.
This condition is characterized by changes in intervertebral disc degenerative dystrophy, which spread to the ligaments and vertebrae of the lumbar vertebra over time. Without treatment, the acute process will inevitably become a chronic process.
Degenerative diseases can turn healthy people into disabled people.
Degree of lumbar osteochondrosis
Classify 4 degrees of osteochondrosis of waist s. The development plan of the disease is as follows:
First degree.Inside the annulus fibrosus, a lesion in the form of cracks is formed, and the contents of the nucleus pulposus penetrate there to cause irritation. This is the initial stage of osteochondrosis. The deformation of the intervertebral disc is almost insignificant, and reflex pain is caused by sudden movements and heavy movements. Discomfort in the lower spine may be mild and obvious:
![Lower back discomfort, lumbar osteochondrosis](/images/articles/282/Lower%20back%20discomfort,%20lumbar%20osteochondrosis.jpg)
- Low back pain-persistent local pain in the lumbar spine;
- Back Pain-"Back Pain" that is a sudden pain in the waist.
Second degree.The destruction process of the annulus fiber continues. The distance from one vertebra to the other decreases, causing nerve fibers to compress. Discomfort in the lower third of the back sometimes develops into pain.
Three degrees.During this period, the final destruction of the annulus occurs in the extrusion of the nucleus pulposus. The intervertebral disc compresses blood vessels and nerve endings. Formation of intervertebral hernia. The spine is bent, forming:
- lordosis-lumbar arch deformity, spine protruding forward;
- Humpback-the position opposite to the lordosis when the arc is outward;
- Scoliosis-the spine curves to the right or left.
Last DegreeOsteochondrosis is considered the most serious and dangerous. At this time, the spine has been deformed and normal exercise ability is lost. X-rays show bone growth in the lumbar spine-the body's response. The pain may go away temporarily, but this does not mean improvement. Stage 4 patients with lumbar osteochondrosis usually become disabled. The reason is that the process is very complicated at this stage.
Causes of lumbar osteochondrosis
The causes of lumbar osteochondrosis are as follows:
- The spine is disproportionately loaded.Humans are upright creatures, so in a standing position, the load on the spine is considered normal. When performing various actions, you must move, bend and bend. In order to keep the body in an ideal state, the musculoskeletal system is in a state of tension for a long time. In the sitting position, the load on the spine increases, while it is minimal when lying on the back. When a person is in a position for a long time, the waist and part of the spine will be overloaded, the muscles will not rest, first will feel discomfort, and then feel pain. This deformation factor creates a prerequisite for the development of lumbar osteochondrosis.
- Sedentary lifestyle.It contributes to the development of various pathologies, including those that affect the structure of the vertebrae. Sitting for a long time will cause cartilage tissue deformation and muscle tension to decrease, which will lead to the development of lumbar osteochondrosis.
- Excessive physical exertion.Lack of vigorous exercise and excessive exercise will not bring any benefit to the musculoskeletal system. Long-term and hard work, especially work related to weightlifting and weight-bearing, can cause excessive strain on the back muscles and lead to the formation of vertebral hernias.
- Postural disorder.Deformation of the intervertebral disc may also be caused by improper walking. The reason is again the uneven load on the spine. The intervertebral disc loses its elasticity and mobility, so it is more susceptible to damage. The elderly suffer more from similar problems than others.
- Bone defect, genetic pathology, trauma and infectious disease.Osteochondrosis is usually the result of a disease of the musculoskeletal system that occurs at birth. For example, when the cartilage tissue of the human body is naturally fragile. In addition, after traumatic injury and infection processes, like osteomyelitis and tuberculosis, pathology of the spine develops.
- Flat feet.The sign of a "special" foot is that the arch of the foot does not dent or sag. People with this characteristic often face spinal problems. This is due to the increased load on the intervertebral disc during walking. Throughout the course of their lives, they will bear greater physical pressure when they move, so they will wear out quickly
- Obesity.Too much weight is a problem and an additional burden on the body. All organs and systems are damaged, including the spine.
- Pathological process.Various structural dysfunctions may adversely affect the condition of the musculoskeletal system. Therefore, the factors that cause lumbar osteochondrosis include endocrine disorders, cardiovascular disease and abnormal digestive system function.
- Wrong way of life.Many people do not pay enough attention to simple and important things such as exercise, balanced nutrition and normal sleep. Organisms that exist for a long time under stressful conditions become fragile and fragile. Other pathological conditions that may occur on this "fertile" soil include lumbar osteochondrosis.
Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
![Spine protrusion](/images/articles/282/Spine%20protrusion.jpg)
The pathological changes of the lumbar spine showed severe symptoms.
- Low back painis the clearest "signal" for the development of lumbar osteochondrosis. She talked about the existence of "radiation nerve syndrome" when the nerve endings of the spine were compressed and caused lumbar pain. The person became tired and irritable. Over time, due to lumbar pain, simple and routine activities have become a big problem. If an intervertebral hernia develops in the lumbar area, the pain will radiate to the calf, back of the thigh and foot. As time passed, sitting and walking became more and more difficult. Even lying down will not make people feel uncomfortable. Temporary relief may alternate as the condition gets worse. Abnormal function of the genitourinary system.They manifest as pain in the kidney area and often have the urge to urinate. The deformation of the intervertebral disc causes the lumbar spine to shift relative to the bone. This affects the work of female internal reproductive organs, while men affect performance.
- Reduces the sensitivity of the legs in the foot area.can be partial or absolute. At the same time, the reflexes in this part of the body are weakened. Progressive pathological examination results in complete loss of sensitivity of the lower limbs;
- Gait interference.Lumbar spine pain and osteochondrosis when walking can cause a person to deviate in the direction opposite to the direction in which the nerve fibers are squeezed. This condition does not allow long-distance walking. People with la feet are forced to stop from time to time in order to relieve pain. Timely medical assistance can save a person from disability.
Treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis
Many people want to know if lumbar osteochondrosis can be treated and how it happens. When a diagnosis is made and the diagnosis is made, determine the treatment strategy.
There are many ways to treat lumbar osteochondrosis. The doctor determines, in order to cure the disease or relieve the patient's condition as much as possible, which medicine should be used is necessary and desirable.
Some people treat themselves only with folk remedies at home, forgetting that they can only be used after approval by medical experts, and can only be used as part of complex treatments.
Medicines for osteochondrosis
Medications involve the following uses:
- Tablet form;
- injection;
- External preparations-ointments and gels.
The prescription drugs can eliminate inflammation and relieve lumbar pain. They can be used at home.
![Anesthetic injection](/images/articles/282/Anesthetic%20injection.jpg)
These could be:
- Analgesics;
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- Medications for muscle cramps (muscle relaxants);
- refers to the repair of cartilage tissue (chondral protectant);
- Corticosteroids (hormonal drugs that relieve pain and inflammation)
- Vitamins.
The course of treatment is prescribed by a doctor, and the doctor sometimes prescribes pills or potions to calm the nervous system as other treatments.
Physical therapy of lumbar osteochondrosis
Physical therapy is another common method to relieve the symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis. It acts on the spine and lower back to enhance the metabolism and recovery process.
The most common rules:
- Magnetism, laser and electrotherapy;
- Make a voice;
- Shock wave method;
- Muscle-lowering therapy;
- Vibration massage;
- balneotherapy.
How many procedures are needed and what procedures-the doctor decides.
Physical therapy is effective in the initial stages of pathology. But she, like other types of treatment, has contraindications. Therefore, the doctor will consider many factors when prescribing this method.
Therapeutic gymnastics for lumbar osteochondrosis
A group of physical exercises that can show lumbar chondrosis is aimed at restoring the mobility of the spine.
Regularity is considered to be the main condition for its effectiveness. The occasional exercise will not bring the desired results.
If the body is already suffering from complications caused by osteochondrosis, this method should not be used. In addition, the contraindications for its use are serious diseases of other organs and systems, and pain in the pelvic area and above.
Surgical intervention for lumbar osteochondrosis
Use surgical methods in the presence of serious complications such as intervertebral hernia. According to the requirements of the surgical plan, the damaged intervertebral disc is partially or completely removed (discectomy).
The indications for surgery are:
- Intense and persistent pain syndrome, cannot be treated with medication for one month;
- A larger hernia and its effect on the spinal cord.
Osteochondrosis is easier to prevent than prevention. Like any pathology, it has the potential for serious complications. It is important to understand that this pathology can be more or less completely eliminated in the earliest stages when the impact on the deformation of the intervertebral disc is minimal. In other cases, we can only talk about relieving symptoms and maintaining physical condition, which allows you to live and work normally.