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Lumbar column osteochondrosis: signs, diagnosis and treatment

Signs and symptoms of the osteochondrosis of the lumbar column

Lumbar osteochondrosis is a common disease of the musculoskeletal system.The lumbar spine is more susceptible to injuries due to good mobility.In addition, with inappropriate and prolonged seats in combination with a low action lifestyle, accelerated wear of the cartilage tissue is produced, which finally leads to osteochondrosis.

You must know how to recognize the first signs to receive qualified medical care in a timely manner.

Brief information about the osteochondrosis of the lumbosacra column

Back pain is one of the most common complaints of patients with a traumatologist.The second name of the syndrome is the dorsalgia of the intervertebral discs.According to statistics, on average 8 out of 10 people during their lives, at least once complained about discomfort in the lumbar area.Approximately one third of patients who have seen the doctor, pain syndrome acquires a persistent pathological character, causing severe discomfort and painful condition in the patient.Long back pain can not only cause a physical torment, but also causes mental instability.

Since the cartilage fabric loses its resistance and elasticity, it begins to become thinner and collapse.As a result, cracks are produced in the fibrous rings of intervertebral discs.Over time, under pressure, the fibrous ring extends, stands out and explosions.If the content of the fibrous ring is a pulp nucleus, it goes out, a hernia is formed.For this reason, osteochondrosis increases the possibilities of the appearance of such formidable complications.

The causes of the appearance of the disease

In most cases, osteochondrosis has a hereditary nature.It is demonstrated that if direct relatives suffered degenerative diseases of the musculoskeletal system, then their children are most frequently pathologies in the spine.

Other cases have outgoing reasons:

  1. Maintain an incorrect posture.
  2. Excessive muscular surface associated with great physical effort at work or by practicing sports.
  3. Incorrect and frequent weightlifting.
  4. One of the most common reasons is hypodinamia.The lack of movement and minimal physical activity often lead to problems with the spine to practice sports.
  5. Inflammatory infections previously transferred: tuberculosis or osteomyelitis, contribute to the manifestation of degenerative processes in the spine.In this case, osteochondrosis will have an infectious nature and will be a complication.
  6. Hormonal Perestroika can cause a lumbosacra sacral osteochondrosis.This phenomenon is more often associated with certain periods of age.A frequent example is to enter menopause.After the cessation of monthly cycles, a woman has a fall in sex steroid hormones, due to which calcium practically ceases to be absorbed by the body.Bone reserves are washed intensely.As a result, if you don't put a woman in the GZT, she will win not only low back osteochondrosis, but also osteoporosis.The risk of osteochondrosis increases with the frequent use of synthetic glucocorticosteroids.The risk increases during puberty with a lack of nutrition, with an exhausting physical effort in combination with a hard diet and when old age occurs.
  7. The presence of congenital pathologies of the crest, including an anomaly of tropism.
  8. Flat feet and scoliosis.
  9. The weak structure of bones caused by a deficit in nutrition or in the context of amenorrhea in women.
  10. Premature wear of vertebrates and joints.
  11. Premorbid hypermovility of the mobile column, which significantly increases the risk of injuries.
  12. Weak abdominal muscles.
  13. The presence of rare pathologies, which includes a narrow spinal channel, peridural fusion, spondylolist, oncology or spine tumor, neuromiositis.
  14. The presence of endocrine disorders: obesity and non -compensated hypothyroidism.
  15. Previously suffered from the crest, ligaments, joints, tendons.
  16. Bad power and psycho tensions -frequent emotional.
  17. Degenerative changes related to age.

There are also certain risk groups associated with harmful professional activities.Examples are builders, engines, computer scientists, waiters, teachers.To minimize the risk of such diseases, you must correctly distribute the load in the back and participate in a moderate active physical activity.

Lumbar osteochondrosic symptoms

The disease has many symptoms, so it is necessary to highlight the classification according to the type of pain:

  1. Ischemic syndromeassociated with the compression of the arteries that pass through the vertebrae.As a result of the occurrence, persistent deterioration appears in blood circulation, because nutrition is altered in the lower extremities.It is possible to increase blood pressure.
  2. Vertebrate syndromeassociated with deformations that occur in nerves and vessels.With prolonged negative effects, posture changes, the back is bent, gear changes and muscles without physical activity are atrophy.As a result, the patient begins to experience severe pain.
  3. Static syndrome.Pathological mobility is developed in the vertebrae, which can occur kyphosis or lordosis.During the development of the pathology, the spine gradually deforms, since in addition to the curvature in the vertebrae, an incorrect muscle fixation in the affected areas occurs.The consequences of a static syndrome: the back is twisted and a person can no longer straighten it on their own.
  4. Neurological syndromeassociated with the pinch of nerve roots.If pressure in nerve endings occurs, patient sensitivity decreases, the appearance of weakness can occur.In severe cases, paralysis, chills and complete loss of conductivity are observed in the context of damage to nerve fibers.

The general symptoms of the lumbar column osteochondrosis include the following manifestations:

  1. Strong pains at the bottom of the back, including the entire lumbar region with possible return to the sacrum.
  2. With the development of root syndrome, there are acute pains that bastards to the lower extremities.The legs generally capture cramps.In the fingers there is numbness and paresthesia.Less frequently, pain gives your hands.
  3. The irradiation of renal pain is possible.The patient may complain about urinary system problems, which are not confirmed during the diagnosis.
  4. The patient is tormented by a bad dream due to discomfort in the lumbar region.
  5. The patient feels tension and fatigue in the lumbar region.
  6. When turning their backs and inclinations, rigidity and tension are felt.
  7. The feet occur in the back periodically.
  8. After minor physical activity, the patient feels severe fatigue.There is also chronic fatigue in everyday life.
  9. With a greater progression of the disease, the patient has rest in the lumbar region.
  10. The limbs are often numb, and the patient often has a pathological crunch on the back.
  11. Violation of the motor function due to the discomfort in the lower part of the back.
  12. Muscle cramps and spasms.
  13. Dizziness and headaches.
  14. Reducing the tone of the muscles of the back and the lower extremities.

Any similar symptom requires an appeal to the doctor.There are also specific signs associated with gender.Men have problems in the genitourinary sphere, which can negatively affect power.Women have severe pain in the perineum and pelvis, which also indicates damage to nerve endings.In advanced cases, the prolapse of the internal organs is produced, including the uterus and the appendices.This is due to strong atrophic processes in the muscles that support the spine.

Varieties of syndromes and symptoms of osteochondrosis of the lumbar column

For the type and nature of pain, such pathological conditions share:

  1. Lumbago- It is characterized by an acute state.The characteristic signs are the inability to move from the pain that occurs at the bottom of the bastards.This condition develops more frequently at the bottom of muscle atrophy, injuries, the pinch of nerve roots and intervertebral discs.
  2. Lumbalgia- Pathology characterized by long and painful pain.More often, low back pain occurs in the context of osteochondrosis, hernia, spondylosis or protuberance.With the stretch of the ligament system, the syndrome is more common.
  3. Sciatica.This type of pain syndrome is characteristic of the lumbosacra zone.The syndrome is often confused with Ishias, which is characterized by a shot pain caused by a pinched with nerve roots.Pain syndrome is more often associated with a pinching pellizco, which significantly worsens mobility in the lumbar region.The patient cannot be folded normally, since the mobility of the lumbar region worsens.It is also difficult to walk and sit normally.Pincize the sciatic nerve leads to another unpleasant deterioration: pear -shaped muscle spasm.As a result, a person has shots from the back to the calf muscles that pass through the thigh.The march becomes lame, the leg socks turn to the sides, and in the buttock you feel pain when walking, running and sitting.An integral approach to treatment is required.
  4. Discogenic changesassociated with the progression of backyopathy.The first sign of such deterioration is the loss of sensitivity and numbness in the lower extremities.The back, buttocks, hips and lower abdomen suffer.All these areas are impregnated by constant discomfort.With strong deterioration, signs of an inflammatory process occur: body temperature increases, weakness occurs in the body, urinary incontinence appears.The patient also worsens the appetite, which leads to a decrease in body weight.In this situation, an approach integrated in the treatment of the condition is also required.
  5. RadiculopathyIt is also associated with the limitation of the motor skill of the column and the subjection of the nerve endings.As a result of the appearance of this type of pain syndrome, the patient begins to feel pain in the lower part of the body, a decrease or violation of motor reflexes.There is a deterioration in the mobility of the joints and a decrease in muscle tone in a compression background due to radiculitis.

All previous pain syndromes require urgent treatment, beginning in the initial stages of manifestations.In fact, over time, the pathology is aggravated, due to which the course of the disease leads to a strong deterioration in the quality of life.

Lumbar column osteochondrosis - Development stages

The general classification of the disease in stages includes such degrees of Development of Lumbar osteochondrosis:

  1. The first grade does not cause any physiological deterioration of the spine.The patient feels good and does not suspect the presence of problems with the spine.In the initial stage, active destructive processes arise.The octopo nucleus changes its position, leakes gradually through the microfiets of the fibrous ring.Previously in the article, it was mentioned that before the appearance of the disease, the patient has a violation of the metabolic processes, due to which the shell of the cartilage weakens and is covered with microcks.As a result, over time, the irritation of nerve endings appears, because the patient can feel the first signs of discomfort in the lumbar region.
  2. The osteochondrosis of the second stage is characterized by the appearance of signs of instability of the lumbar region.There are dynamic displacements in the vertebrae, in relation to the supraying and underlying section.The patient has signs of compression syndrome and reflex disorders.
  3. In the patient, in case 3 of the pathology stage, deteriorations associated with the content of the fibrous ringing ring are already produced.Accessories, prolapse or hernia appear.In the case of the third stage of the pathology, the roots of the spinal channel and the blood vessels are squeezed.At this stage, severe pains associated with pinches and inflammations are already produced.Strong mobility is also limited, shelters arise in the lower extremities.
  4. The terminal stage is the fourth.At this stage, irreparable pathophysiological changes are already arising.The patient has bone system pathologies associated with the growth of the vertebral bodies of the bone cherry.As a result, compensatory response reactions arise: the load is transferred to other weaker vertebrates.Stock, limitation of mobility in the amplitude of the spine.Pathological bone growths press on the vascular channel and nerve endings, which significantly loads the symptomatic course of pathology.

Lumbar osteochondrosis - Diagnosis

When the patient reaches the doctor, he prescribes a series of laboratory exams on the basis of assembly history to identify the osteochondrosis of the lumbar sacrum of the column:

  1. X -Ray.This is a basic analysis that allows you to evaluate the condition of the spine in general terms.X -Ray will not show small and initial pathological changes, but will identify gross violations in bone tissue.If the image shows signs of vertebrate or darkening erase that do not correspond to normal size, other studies are necessary.
  2. Computed tomography.This is a more advanced version of the image X -Ray, which allows you to see the smallest negative changes in the bone tissue at the site of destruction, since the images are taken in a three -dimensional image.
  3. Magnetic resonance tomography.This type of diagnosis is close to CT, but allows you to better consider soft tissues.Magnetic resonance distinguishes between the deterioration of osteochondrosis, including hernias and protuberance.This type of diagnosis is sufficient to make a diagnosis with precision associated with the degenerative destruction of bone tissue.
  4. Laboratory testsBased on biomaterial.Patients often pass a general blood and urine test to control the basic indicators.These data allow you to superficially evaluate the patient's health status.
  5. Delivery of rheumatological samples.It is necessary to analyze to eliminate the rheumatoid nature of pathology.

After the inspection and conduction of the necessary tests, they make a final diagnosis.

Lumbar osteochondrosis treatment

In the treatment of pathology, an integrated approach is needed.In 1-2 stages, conservative treatment is used with the use of medicines and physiotherapy in the recovery period.In the presence of 3 or 4 stages, if the patient has serious indicators of health deterioration, surgical intervention is necessary.

Pharmacological treatment of the pathological process

In case of damage to the intervertebral discs, which arose at the bottom of the osteochondrosis of the lumbosacro department, the use of an extensive list of medications is shown.Some products serve for symptomatic therapy, others to maintain health.

What drugs prescribe:

  1. Non -steroidal, analgesic anti -inflammatory drugs.These medications greatly facilitate the patient's condition, especially in the acute period.Thanks to the pronounced effect of this type of drugs, it is possible to quickly calm the pain in 1-2 days.In general, patients are prescribed by NSAIDs of the type of selective action, since they damage the stomach mucous membrane less.If ancient NSAs cannot be used for more than 5 days, then new generation drugs can get drunk for 2-3 weeks without fear of the consequences of a healthy gastrointestinal tract.In the presence of gastritis or ulcers, it is better to be sure and use gastroprotectors, proton pump inhibitors.
  2. Musorelaxantes- Drugs designed to eliminate painful muscle cramps.With osteochondrosis, there is an inappropriate distribution of load in the muscle corset associated with the weakness of the spine.As a result, some muscles are subject, while others are in the hypotonous.To relieve painful spasm, muscle relaxation is prescribed.The duration of the treatment course and the scheme to take pills are selected by the treating doctor.
  3. Neurotropic vitamins.Such media include biamine, thiamine, cyanocobalamine and pyridoxin vitamins.With combined use B1, B6 and B12 in large doses, an analgesic effect occurs.The components positively affect nerve endings, feeding them.These vitamins also participate in the construction of myelin shells that cover the nerves.These medications are mainly prescribed for root syndrome, when it is necessary to relieve pain associated with nerve pinch.For 2-3 weeks, injection agents are used and then change to oral forms of release.
  4. Condroprotectors.These medications have protective properties in relation to cartilage.If there are clear signs of degeneration of the cartilage, it is necessary to prescribe condoprotectors with a long course.First, injection agents are used for 2-3 months and then change to tablets.The minimum use course is six months with a rest of several months.The current components in the composition are chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine hydrochloride.The reception and dosage schemes are selected individually.
  5. Calcium in combination with vitamin D3.These components serve to strengthen bone tissue.With age, due to bone wear, malnutrition and hormonal deficiency, the fragile of the bones is improved.The main construction material is calcium.Without it, it is impossible to obtain a corset of strong bones.To absorb calcium preparations, it is necessary to take vitamin D3.To avoid cholecalciferol deficiency, it is necessary to regularly visit the sun in the summer and in winter take additional vitamins.
  6. Complex polyvitamins.There are research data that the constant intake of vitamins naturally or syntheticly in physiological doses strengthens immunity during seasonal exacerbations of SARS, acute respiratory infections.People with lumbosacral column diseases should carefully monitor their own health.
  7. Anesthetic blockThey are carried out with a painful pain syndrome with NSAIDs.Intra -articular corticosteroid injections that are related to blockages are also effective.Such media help to calm inflammation, which accelerates recovery in the acute period.The blockage performance must be performed by a highly qualified doctor with extensive experience in its use.It is advisable to carry out a block under the control of the ultrasound so as not to enter other parts of the spine.These treatment methods will help to get rid of chronic pain.
  8. Special ointments and gels.With the help of local funds, you can also successfully combat chronic pain syndrome of moderate and weak power.Different products cool or heat, which generally allows the use of external medications regularly.The use of drugs on the skin surface allows you to use them for a long time.Such medications are practically not absorbed in the systemic blood torrent, so they do not cause side effects.It is important to pay attention to the condition of the skin after applying the medication.If there is an eruption or itching, you must cancel the medication.

Homeopathy or antispasmodics can also be prescribed.The doctor determines the diagram of taking medications individually.

Conservative Treatment Methods No

In the recovery period, physiotherapeutic procedures must be used that help improve blood circulation and normalize metabolic processes in affected tissues.Active recovery methods are used exclusively after stopping acute pain.Support for conservative treatment softens the chronic course of the disease, which prevents exacerbation attacks.

Active rehabilitation methods include:

  1. Physiotherapy Physical Education.With the development of lumbar osteochondrosis, special exercises are needed that improve the blood flow that levels the posture and support the muscles of the tone.At first, LFK must be carried out under the supervision of an instructor, including security rules.The exercises are carried out in standing position, sitting or lying, depending on the complex assigned by a specialist.If the patient has experience, he can perform at home.You should not ignore the useful part of the lesson, hot and hitch.After a good warm, the muscles are protected from tears and sprains.The last execution accelerates the recovery processes in the muscles.With regular exercises, the muscles become strong, due to which the pain in the back weakens.
  2. Massage- A way to relax tense muscle tissue in contact conditions.A specialist with the help of the hands improves blood flow in the muscles, which allows him to eliminate a strong overwhelming.Massages in combination with muscle relaxants are more effective.These drugs eliminate spasm and spasticity.Additional stimulation with the hands enhances the effect of the drug.It is recommended to visit the masseuse several times a year in courses for a stable effect to occur.
  3. Manual therapyUsing this exposure method, it is possible to confuse the muscles, not take into account the degree of resistance.Unlike massage, this method is violent, although effective.With a careless lumbar osteochondrosis, it is dangerous to use manual treatment practices if the specialist does not experience enough.Before contacting a manual therapist, it must become familiar with the contraindications list, including hypertension, heart disease and the presence of a hernia in the lumbar region.
  4. Physiotherapeutic procedures.With the help of physiotherapy, it is possible to improve local blood flow in the affected area without affecting other areas of the back.The essence of physiotherapy is simple: they combine hardware treatment methods and medications.The examples are electrophoresis.Under the influence of a laser of a certain frequency, medications are administered through the skin.More frequently, use Group B injection vitamins. The device allows you to enter the skin of the skin to medications without creating a systemic effect on the body.Magnetotherapy and shock wave therapy are also related to physiotherapeutic methods.Irradiated frequencies accelerate regeneration processes in joints and ligaments without causing side effects.

As part of complex treatment, acupuncture, hirudotherapy or homeopathy can be prescribed.

When surgical intervention is performed

Operations are necessary in advanced cases when the patient is tormented by severe neurological syndromes that have emerged the background of lumbar osteochondrosis.If the patient has a hernia -shaped complication, the limbs began to be removed, and the sensitivity of the intestines or the bladder was disturbed, it is urgently hospitalized.In this case, the operation is carried out according to the indicators of life.

There are also relative indications for surgery.The examples are the frequent numbness of the limbs, constant discomfort in the back, which is not susceptible to conservative treatment, partial loss of sensitivity in the fingers.In this case, you can decide independently surgical treatment.

Lumbar osteochondrosis is a serious pathology that requires an integrated approach to therapy.In the initial stages, medications and physiotherapy are prescribed.If the disease is progressing quickly, surgery may be required.