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lumbar osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is a common pathological disease of the spine. There is a degeneration of cartilage tissue into bone, degradation of intervertebral discs. Reduced in size, the ossified annulus fibrosus cannot cope with the depreciation function of the vertebral sections, it produces pressure on the nerve endings of the spinal cord, which causes pain in the lower back.

Developmental stages of osteochondrosis of the lumbar

  1. The main sign of the development of osteochondrosis is a feeling of discomfort in the lower back.
  2. The second stage is characterized by the protrusion of the discs: the destruction of the annulus fibrosus, the intervertebral gaps decrease, pain occurs when the nerve endings are pinched.
  3. In the third stage, the spinal column is deformed, the annulus fibrosus is destroyed by the action of the displaced disc, and the contents leak out. An intervertebral hernia is formed.
  4. The fourth stage is acute lumbar osteochondrosis. It is considered severe, back pain interferes with movement.

disease symptoms

back pain with osteochondrosis

The first call that signals the development of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is periodic illnesses, back pain. Depending on the slope of the infraction, the pain is stabbing, aching pain, pain that radiates to the leg, buttock, thigh.

Characterized by diseases after a long stay in the horizontal position. A person cannot relax for some time after sleeping. In the lumbar region, pain of a different nature occurs: dull, aching, insensitivity of soft tissues due to the violation of nerve endings. Running with low back osteochondrosis causes pain with possible leg drag.

Often, with prolonged compression of the nerve roots, the development of lumbosacral osteochondrosis, the work of internal organs is interrupted, insensitivity of Organs genital organs, dysfunction of the genitourinary system occurs. A change in the position of the vertebral discs leads to a partial violation of the blood vessels, causes vascular dystonia, in which the blood does not flow in sufficient quantity to the lower part of the body, does not circulate normally. Internal organs suffer, partial numbness of limbs, convulsions are observed.

With sudden movements, coughing, back pain is observed - a sharp pain that disappears quickly, comparable to an electric shock. With the development of diseases of the lower back, the reflex functions of the tendons of the lower extremities weaken.

If you suspect a disease, the appearance of repeated pain, it is recommended to consult a doctor for advice, diagnosis. It is dangerous to let it go, the disease progresses. The time lost due to the negligent attitude towards health plays against the patient.

Causes of disease

A reliable cause of osteochondrosis of the lumbar is not known. The disease is formed with a combination of adverse factors that affect changes in bone and cartilage tissues. Internal factors that influence premature aging of bone tissue:

  • Disturbed function of the endocrine system;
  • autoimmune disorders;
  • Inadequate metabolism;
  • Spine microtrauma;
  • Hormonal disorders;
  • Dehydration of the body;
  • Heredity.

External factors that influence the formation of the disease should be called the influence of the environment, physical activity, habits. Factors:

weight lifting as a cause of lumbar osteochondrosis
  • Periodic overstrain of the back muscles;
  • Weightlifting;
  • Muscle hypotension;
  • Column overload;
  • Incorrect posture;
  • Poor nutrition;
  • Bad habits;
  • Stress.

Low back osteochondrosis often occurs in people engaged in a type of standing work: salespeople, teachers, security guards.

At risk are professions that involve energy loads: athletes, builders, porters. A common form is sciatica, prolapse, displacement of intervertebral discs. The sedentary work of office workers, civil servants, programmers, drivers leads to hypodynamia of the back muscles. The work of maintaining an upright position falls on the spine, changes in posture, compression of nerve tissues, blood vessels and numbness of the extremities occur.

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar

In case of acute pain in the lower back, it is recommended to contact a medical institution for a thorough examination, to identify the cause of the sensations that have arisen. It could be an appendix, biliary colic, another disease with primary symptoms similar to lumbar osteochondrosis.

Depending on the degree of progression of the disease, the syndrome, the doctor prescribes a treatment that consists of drug treatment, physical strengthening exercises, wellness procedures and diet. Surgical intervention is warranted in the later stages of spinal modification. Drug treatment involves the use of ointments, injections, patches, pills. Dosage, course of treatment individually depends on the patient's condition, neglect of the disease.

  • The initial task in the treatment of osteochondrosis is to relieve acute pain, reduce tension, muscle spasm. To apply:
    1. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the form of injections, tablets. After the pain subsides, tissue inflammation subsides.
    2. Medications that relieve symptoms are pain relievers.
    3. Antispasmodic drugs act for a short period of time, relax the muscle fibers located around the focus of pain.
    4. Medicines that improve microcirculation, increase blood flow to organs, providing oxygen and essential substances.
    5. Diuretics to relieve swelling, pressure in the spine area.

    The consultations listed are short-term measures, do not interfere with the course of the disease, relieve the patient's condition. To get rid of the disease, painkillers, symptomatic drugs alone are indispensable. We need a smart, holistic approach.

  • To restore cartilage tissue, its nutrition uses two branches of drugs:
    1. Chondroprotectors - ointments, tablets, injections containing enzymes that promote the regeneration of cartilage tissue. Apply a long course of up to six months with breaks of 2-3 months.
    2. The vitamin complex accelerates the restoration of cartilage tissue, nourishes the discs with essential substances.
  • The main drug treatment is prescribed after the patient undergoes an MRI, identifying the cause of the disease.

For recovery, it is recommended to use physiotherapeutic procedures that improve blood circulation and stimulate the muscles of the lumbar region. Effective methods are electrophoresis, magnetic field, ultrasonic waves, laser treatment.

Among the physical therapy exercises, yoga is in demand for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine. Simple poses, stretches relieve muscle tension, strengthen them. Independent sports without proper training, instructor insurance can seriously harm you.

How to protect yourself from osteochondrosis?

Prevention of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine consists of regular training of the back muscles, an active lifestyle and a proper and balanced diet. The load on the lumbar must be uniform. Using a hard mattress while sleeping reduces the chances of getting sick. Regular, annual visits to the doctor after age 40 will provide early diagnosis and reveal a predisposition.