One of the most common problems of the column is the non -specific pain in the back of the back.According to the National Center for Health Statistics, 26-32% of the adult population suffers from chronic low back pain.A common cause of such pain is osteochondrosis.
Osteochondrosis is premature wear and aging of intervertebral discs and vertebrae.Osteochondrosis can occur anywhere in the vertical column: cervical, chest, lumbar or lumbar.The lumbar segment is affected more frequently and lumbar osteochondrosis is developing.If it does not begin to treat in time, the disease can affect several departments at the same time.
The osteochondrosis of the lumbar region is a chronic degenerative disease in which the cartilage tissue of the intervertebral discs in the lumbar region is destroyed.There are two main parts on the intervertebral disc: the nucleus and the fibrous ring.With an increase in load, these structures are destroyed, which leads to nerve compression and the appearance of acute pain.
Since the disease develops slowly, its signs are difficult to notice at the beginning.The patient does not pay attention or even understands exactly where it hurts.Because of this, they often come to the doctor at the time the intervertebral hernia develops.
The causes of osteochondrosis
Lumbar osteochondrosis, like most diseases of the musculoskeletal system, has a non -infectious etiology.The risk factors for the development of osteochondrosis are mainly associated with the motor activity of a person, lifestyle, professional working conditions, as well as inheritance.We put in the main and perhaps most important factors.
Violation of the posture and reduction of motor activity.Given the modern rhythm of life, people must be in a position for a long time, be it office work, drive a car or study.Because of this, a lot of people have problems with the violation of the posture, including scoliosis.When the posture is broken, the load in the spinal column is distributed unevenly: some discs are loaded more than others.The lumbar region suffers more than others.And in the case of the Lumbar Department, this load is many times more than in other departments.
Excessive physical activity.When a person does not practice sports and their back muscles are weak, intense training can damage.The exercises with additional load and an excessive load in the lumbar region lead to injuries, the intervertebral discs are wearing in advance.
Excess body weight and obesityIncrease the axial load in the spine.At the same time, the nutrition of the intervertebral discs is altered because distribution processes are developed.
Age -related changes.After 60 years, tissue restoration processes slow down, so in older people the probability of developing higher intervertebral hernias.
Hereditary factors.If a person is naturally disturbed by cartilage properties and bone tissues, then their osteochondrosis develops before and will progress will be faster.
The first signs and the main symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
The intervertebral discs soften the clashes while walking, running and jumping.Due to the structural changes that accompany lumbar osteochondrosis, this function suffers.
When intervertebral discs for osteochondrosis become thinner, this leads to an increase in nerve vulnerability and blood vessels.The nerves are pinched and their nutrition are altered, acute pain and other lumbar osteochondrosis symptoms appear.
Lower back pain- This is the main complaint with lumbar osteochondrosis.Personal activity, hypothermia, the uncomfortable possession can cause pain.Sometimes the pain extends to the entire back and leg.
Hormigueo, burning and numbness (paresthesia) in the lower back and legs-Lumbar osteochondrosis sotoma, which appears due to nerve compression.
Increase in the tone of the back muscles in the lumbar regionIt can increase pain and lead to a decrease in mobility.
Stages of Lumbar Osteochondrosis
Changes in cartilage and bone tissue occur slowly.Depending on the prevalence of the pathological process, four stages of lumbar osteochondrosis are distinguished.
First stage.This is the beginning of the disease (Condrosis).The location of the disc nucleus of the disc in relation to the fibrous ring fibers changes.This leads to nerve irritation and pain.Sometimes nothing hurts at this stage.
Stage 2.Due to the displacement of the discs, the intervertebral gap is reduced, cracks appear on the discs.The nerves are compressed and the patient suffers from acute low back pain.
Stage 3.The intervertebral discs are completely damaged, a fibrous ring is destroyed.At this stage, the risk of developing intervertebral hernia is high.The pain intensifies, it appears more frequently and has a different character: from acute pain to chronic pain.
Fourth stage.The disease applies to nearby tissues.In the lumbar region, mobility is reduced, pain occurs even with minor changes in body position.At this stage, intervertebral hernias are developing and the risk of compression of nerves and blood vessels in the lumbar region is high.
Diagnosis of Lumbar Osteochondrosis
If you are tormented by sharp back pain both when it moves and at rest, numbness of your legs, contact a neurologist.It will perform an inspection, determine the probable cause of pain and prescribe the necessary diagnosis.
The main research methods are radiography and tomography.
- View, sighting and functional radiography of the column in two projections.This method allows you to evaluate the condition of the spine, but the soft tissues (for example, the muscles) and the cartilage in the images are not shown.
- Computed tomography allows you to obtain more information, since the images are obtained in different projections.According to the study results, the doctor can determine the degree of damage to the lumbar column.
- Magnetic resonance is the "gold standard" for the precise diagnosis of "lumbar osteochondrosis".According to magnetic resonance, the doctor can evaluate the condition of soft tissues and identify the hernia between vertebrae.
Lumbar osteochondrosis treatment
After making a diagnosis, the neurologist individually selects the treatment.It depends on the stage of the disease and the severity of the symptoms.Most patients are helped by comprehensive conservative treatment (drug therapy, physiotherapy exercises, physiotherapy).If the patient is not better and serious complications develop, the operation is prescribed.
Conservative treatment
Conservative treatment tasks:
- Stop pain.
- Reduce inflammation.
- Prevent the development of complications.
- Reduce the load in the column by strengthening the back muscles.
- Reduce nerve compression.
- In intervertebral hernia: create conditions for its reabsorption and natural healing.
In the acute phase of the disease, the doctor mainly reduces pain and inflammation with analgesics and anti -inflammatory medications.After that, the neurologist elaborates an individual program that consists of physiotherapy, manual therapy and physiotherapy exercises.
PhysiotherapyIt is based on the use of physical factors: cold, heat, electric current, magnetic radiation, laser, etc.They help reduce pain intensity and improve tissue nutrition, which contributes to its natural restoration.
Kines butapyIt is active (exercise therapy) and liabilities (massage, traction).It allows you to strengthen the muscles of the back, relieve muscle tension, improve microcirculation and activate recovery processes.
Manual therapy and massageRemove an increased muscle tone in the lower back, restore mobility.Because of this, the nutrition of the damaged area improves and the degree of pinch of the nerves decreases.
Adhesive tapeO Kinesiological recording is based on the use of elastic plasters, which are attached to the skin to weaken or improve muscle tone.Therefore, the muscle frame is strengthened, microcirculation in the lumbar region improves and distribution of the load in the column is normalized.
Laser therapyIt is based on the use of low intensity laser radiation and its positive effects on the functioning of cells.It contributes to the natural restoration of intervertebral discs by improving their nutrition.
Plasma therapy(PRP therapy) -A method to improve regeneration processes.Purified plasma injections of the patient stimulate their immunity.
Reflexotherapy, acupunctureImprove blood supply to the affected areas, reduce pain.
Shock wave therapy- This is the effect of high frequency waves in the affected area.It stimulates the natural processes of tissue regeneration and improves tissue nutrition.
Orthopedics- Individual selection of corsets for additional spine support.It allows partially compensating the load in the spine.By using a corset, pain decreases, the mobility and quality of the patient's life increases.
Lumbar osteochondrosis is a chronic disease.It is important that the patient change his lifestyle and learn to live with this disease.To do this, there are special educational programs that can improve the quality of the patient's life.
The positive effect of conservative treatment is achieved in 2-3 months.If such treatment is ineffective, the operation is prescribed.
Operation
With the development of intervertebral hernias of the lumbar department, minimally invasive surgical operations are carried out.The choice in the direction of neurosurgical treatment is performed with special indications, in severe, threatening the patient's life.
The operation is a complex invasive treatment method that is associated with risks.During or after surgery, complications can be developed.And the success of the treatment also depends on postoperative rehabilitation, which includes methods of conservative therapy and orthopedic correction.
Do not postpone treatment
Lumbar osteochondrosis is a progressive disease.If it is not detected in time and does not begin to treat it, it can lead to disability and a decrease in the quality of life.Over time, several parts of the column are affected, the pain made of sharp enters a chronic one.
Timely prevention of symptoms and treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis in the initial stages can prevent the development of the disease and a deterioration in the condition.