
Lumbar osteochondrosis is a degenerative and dystrophic disease of the lumbar spine.With the development of the disease, the intervertebral discs suffer more, the damage also extends to the common surfaces, ligaments, beads.
The portion of osteochondrosis of the spinal column is 80% of all diseases of the peripheral nervous system.In 60-80% of cases, this is lumbar osteochondrosis.At least 7 of the 10 people experience regular back pain throughout their lives.For periods of irritation, on average, 3 to 16 days constitute one year.But the disease can and should be treated to maintain life with high quality and health of the muscular system.We will show you why this disease develops, how it manifests and what should be the treatment of lumbar spine osteochondrosis.
What is osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis is a chronic spine, which is associated with a change in structure (destruction) and a decrease in the volume (dystrophy) of the intervertebral discs.They begin to climb the spinal cord and squeeze the blood vessels.Moreover, the disease is characterized by the destruction of the arched joints between the spinose processes of the vertebrae.
With osteochondrosis, osteophytes are also formed.This is the name of the pathological growth, which is a consequence of marginal bone growth.It is relieved by a violation of calcium metabolism in vertebrae and high loads that cause their deformity.
Attention!Lumbar osteochondrosis is characterized by all pathological processes inherent in osteochondrosis in general.But they only touch the lumbar spinal column, which includes 5 beads.
Reasons for development and risk factors
To understand the causes of osteochondrosis of the lumbar region, you need to know the structure of the spine.It is a column consisting of vertebrae, which are connected to one -other intervertebral discs and ligaments.The holes inside them form a hollow channel.Inside is the spinal cord, the roots of which appear between each pair of beads.
When a person bends, the spine bends.At the folding site, the intervertebral discs are compressed, and their nuclei move.This reduces the pressure in the spinal column during loads.Thus, the intervertebral disc is a biological shock absorber.When it ceases to perform a function of absorption of shock, osteochondrosis develops.
The following factors predisposed to the development of pathology:
- Sitting work or too hard.In the sitting position, the corset muscles are smooth, which increases the load on the back.The heavy elevator leads to this.
- Hippodynamia.In people who lead a sedentary lifestyle, muscle corset is not enough to keep the spine in the right position.
- Excessive body weight.Excess weight suppresses the spinal column and overloads it.
- Endocrine diseases.Hormones affect metabolism, including intra -national.Hormonal imbalance can lead to a violation of calcium metabolism.
- Improper food.Insufficient intake of vitamins, minerals and proteins disrupts spinal feeding and leads to changes in its tissue.
- Pathology of the musculoskeletal system.Osteochondrosis can occur against the backdrop of flat feet, damage and bending of the spinal column.
- Genetic predisposition.The risk of developing osteochondrosis increases if there are close relatives.
- Age -related changes.With age, the elasticity and mobility of the spine decrease.
In men, lumbar spine osteochondrosis is more common.This is due to the fact that their work is often accompanied by heavy physical work.Men are also suffering large loads while drilling for the gym.
Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
Pain is the main sign of the disease.Its character, localization and direction of distribution are determined by the receptor that was caught in the back.Typically, patients complain of pain pain, which intensifies with a change in body position, a long absence of a change in positions and sudden movements.With lumbar osteochondrosis, it often gives it to foot, sacrum or groin.In a horizontal position, the pain decreases.
Other possible symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis:
- A feeling of tension at the bottom of the back derived from bending and stretching.It is caused by a displacement of the roots of the spinal cord.
- A feeling of weakness in the leg.Probably the disappearance of the tendon reflexes in them.This is due to the compression of the nerve fibers that perform signals from the brain to the lower extremities.
- Lumbar spinal bending on the side (scoliosis) or forward (lordosis), softening its natural curves (kyfoza).
- Involuntary urination and defecation (if the spinal cord is caught).For the same reason, a lift can be damaged by men.
- Cooling of the lower back.The buttocks can also become cold.This occurs with lumbosacral osteochondrosis, the symptoms and treatment of which are similar to the pathology, localized only at the lower back.
- Sensitivity violations in the field of damage.They can last from a few minutes to a few hours.Sensitivity can grow, decrease or disappear.Perhaps the development of paresthesia - feelings of sensitive and crawling sensitivity.
Osteochondrosis of the spine, the symptoms and treatment of which we will analyze in this article, is a secret disease.Begins with discomfort and mild pain.But they are ignored because they quickly go after the break.Over the years, the pathology progresses, its signs have improved.And only when the pain becomes unbearable, patients seek medical help.
The degree of lumbar osteochondrosis
The development of lumbar osteochondrosis includes 4 stages:
- The first stage is characterized by the displacement of the essence of the intervertebral disc.It is associated with a poor dull back pain, intensifying during movement.A tingling sensation in the back and buttocks is possible.
- In the second phase, the fibrous ring of the intervertebral disc is destroyed, which leads to the approach of the beads.They squeeze nerve endings, which causes severe pain while walking.It can spread to the buttocks, thighs and lower legs.If you bend back, the pain is inferior to burning, sometimes a cold feeling.
- In the third stage, complete destruction of fibrous rings occurs.Propes (hernias) - prolonged intervertebral discs appear in the spinal cord.The vertebrae of the lumbar department is deformed.Pain is constantly felt, but at rest is weaker.
- In the last stage, osteophytes are formed, the spine cartilage tissue is destroyed.The pain is then descended, then exacerbated with renewed energy.Body movements become limited.
Early diagnosis of lumbar region osteochondrosis, whose symptoms and treatment are closely interconnected, is very important.The less pathology manifests, the more effective it is treated.Therefore, a doctor should visit when any incomprehensible back pain and lower back appear.
Potential complications
If there is no treatment for 1 and 2 degrees of development of lumbar osteochondrosis, intervertebral hernia is formed.This indicates the passage of the disease in the late stages and threatens the development of complications such as:
- inflammation of the sciatica;
- arthritis (destruction) of the intervertebral joints;
- destruction of the fibrous ring of the intervertebral discs;
- narrowing of the intervertebral channel;
- spinal cord dysfunction as a result of compression;
- Horse tail syndrome;
- Schmorl hernia;
- madness and stiffness of movements.
Properly selected treatment will help prevent hernia formation with lumbar osteochondrosis and other complications.It is described after a patient's diagnostic study.Otherwise, the disease will continue to progress, which can lead to the development of disability.
Diagnostic methods
With back pain, you should contact a neurologist.He will hear the complaints, examine and feel his back, ask about existing diseases.Moreover, the doctor may prescribe:
- X -Ray.An X -Ray appearance of the spinal column will help evaluate the state of the intervertebral discs and spinal cord.In the absence of obvious changes, lumbar osteochondrosis of the 1st degree is diagnosed.
- Computer tomography (CT).Set if an X -Ray has shown changes in the lumbar spine.With its help, you can evaluate the degree of damage to the discs, nerve endings and spinal cord shell.
- Magnetic resonance tomography (MRI).It is an alternative to CT, which can be described in the presence of contraindications in an X -Ray study.Suitable for pregnant and lactative women.
Sometimes the tomography of the calculated and magnetic resonance is performed with intravenous contrast administration.This is the name of a substance that highlights the fabrics from the inside.With it, you can take pictures of the spine of maximum quality.CT and MRI contrasting are performed to exclude tumors with symptoms not characteristic of lumbar osteochondrosis, and treatment in this case is postponed to the final diagnosis.
Treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis and its types
The doctor prescribes treatment taking into account the stage of development of pathology.It is created to eliminate the pain, to stop the inflammatory processes, to restore metabolism and blood circulation in the lesion area.With osteochondrosis of the lumbar department, treatment also includes the adoption of a complex of measures aimed at strengthening the lower back, legs and buttocks.
Most treatment methods are conservative.They include medication therapy, physiotherapeutic procedures and physiotherapy exercises, popular remedies.When switching to 3 degrees, the treatment of lumbosacral spine osteochondrosis by conservative methods does not always lead to the desired result.In this case, the patient's condition can relieve surgery.
Treatment with medication
Medication therapy is effective in 1 and 2 stages of pathology.But it is important to remember that the choice of medication is determined by the symptoms caused by lumbar osteochondrosis, and treatment is a treatment strictly prescribed by the medication.You can not only come to the pharmacy and look for a medicine for osteochondrosis.Even if you are sold, treatment will not be effective.
The following groups of medication may be shown:
- Analgesic.They help to get rid of intense damaged pain in lumbar osteochondrosis.They can be used locally (ointments, gels), taken inside (tablets) or administered intramuscularly using a syringe (solution).
- Josteroidal anti -inflammatory drugs.They have a triple action: they reduce temperature, relieve pain, reduce inflammation.They are prescribed if, with lumbar osteochondrosis, the lower back hurts, or the sciatica is inflamed.To relieve pain, the executioners are used in place, to fight inflammation, to take pills or injections.
- Musorelaxants.This is the name of remedies that relieve painful muscle cramps.They are taken orally in the form of tablets or administered intramuscularly in the form of a solution.
- Chondroprotectors.Provide effective treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis with medicines in the early stages, provided that its full course is passed.This group of medicines prohibits the destruction of the intervertebral discs and regenerates them.
To restore intraosseous metabolism, the patient is also prescribed with vitamins and vitamin-mineral complexes.The doctor can also recommend compliance with the diet.Its purpose is not only a decrease in body weight, but also enriching the body with protein, natural and mineral vitamins.
Physiotherapy
With lumbar back osteochondrosis, medication treatment is not enough.It should also include physiotherapeutic methods.They relieve pain, relax muscles and restore local metabolism.Often, patients are described the following procedures:
- laser therapy (exposure to the spine with a laser);
- Magnetic resonance therapy (exposure to magnetic field);
- darsonvalization (exposure to the field of damage to high frequency pulsating currents);
- Phonoforesis (administration of medicinal solutions in deep layers of skin using ultrasound).
Manual therapy also has high efficiency.The spine massage with lumbar osteochondrosis is described after the fading of the pain.It relaxes muscles, accelerates blood circulation, and therefore tissue nutrition.It is useful to combine massage with a bath or sauna.But heating procedures are allowed only during periods of remission of the disease.
Physical education
Gymnastics for lumbar osteochondrosis involves exercises aimed at strengthening muscle lane.They also increase the movement of the spine and increase blood circulation in its tissues.This stops degenerative processes and improves the patient's condition.
The basic exercise therapy complex includes 5 exercises:
- Twist.Strengthen the abdominal muscles.Lie on your back, bend your knees and pass your arms behind your head.Then take a breath and, by stirring, raise the torso as if you want to touch the pubis.The bottom of the back should remain pressed on the floor.
- Exercise "cat".Relax the back muscles, discharges the spine.Stand in karachka (on your knees, resting with palms on the floor).Raise your head and bend your back as the cat does when you see danger.Then lower your head and bend your back, as the cat does when it wakes up.
- The curves lie.Strengthens the oblique abdominal muscles and buttocks.Lie on your back, cross your arms behind your head, bend your knees and press them to each other.Without detaching your feet, first turn them to the right, touch the floor with them, return to their original position and do the same with the left side.The tornage must remain stationary.
- Special bridge.Strengthens the buttocks of the buttocks, prevents curvature of the spine and soothe its curves.Lie on the floor, place your arms along the body, bend your legs to your knees.Raise the pelvis and extend to this position for 5 seconds.
- Exercise for stretching the back and lower legs.Sit on the floor, stretch your legs in front of you, spread your shoulders for width.First, rely on one foot, pull with your hands from your toe, feel how the muscles lie.Climb for 20-30 seconds.Now do the same with the second leg.
You need to start with a minimum number of exercise repetitions, gradually bringing them to a maximum (3 approaches 10-20 times).They should be performed daily.This removes no more than 10-15 minutes, but helps to prevent a restitution of osteochondrosis.
Attention!Gymnastics is contraindicated in acute back pain.
Traditional medicine
At home, the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis can be performed by popular remedies.They will not replace medication therapy, but will become a good addition to it.In the table below, we give some more effective recipes for traditional medicine against lumbago.
Boil the water in a pan so that the strong steam comes from it.Hold a pair of grave leaves for 10 minutes.means | action | cooking | application |
---|---|---|---|
Tincture of Adam's root | Heating, analgesic. | Green 200 g root on a fine grater, place in a jar and pour 0.5 liters of vodka.Put a dark place and insist for 5 days. | Rub the solution at the bottom of the back, place a wool strap on top or tie a warm scarf. |
Compress from the burial leaves. | Anesthetic. | Boil the water in a pan so that the strong steam comes from it.Hold a pair of grave leaves for 10 minutes. | Apply leaves to the site of pain localization.Cover with plastic wrap and wrap yourself.Keep 1-2 hours. |
Pine -bath | Heating, relaxing, analgesic. | Pour a hot bath, place some branches spruce or pine in the water.Add 10 drops of essential oil to each coniferous tree (cedar, pine, larch, juniper). | Take a bath that lasts 10-15 minutes.Then wipe it dry and wrap it yourself. |
Boiling | Vitamin, anti -inflammatory, normalizing metabolism. | Place 10 g of lingonberry leaves, hop cones, thumb and saberfish in a pan.Pour 500 ml of water, place on the stove and bring to a boil.Extinguishes the fire.Cover with lid and let it create for 1 hour.strain | Get 1/4 of art.After you have eaten three times a day.The course of treatment is 1 month.The maximum duration is 6 months. |
Voice oil | Anesthetic. | Melt and cool 200 g of enamel, add 75 g of bee wax, 30 g root of chopped alteum in the powder state.Pour 1 lidocaine ampoule into the mixture, mix everything until smooth. | Rub on sore spots as needed.Shop not more than 6-7 weeks. |
Attention!The possibility of using non -traditional medicine recipes depends on the type of lumbar osteochondrosis are symptoms, and home treatment should be strictly controlled by a doctor.
Surgical treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis
Surgical intervention is a radical method.Therefore, they only address it with the development of complications or in the case where conservative methods have not given the necessary result.Usually until this time the disease reaches 3 or 4 stages of development.
With lumbosacral osteochondrosis, treatment with an operational method usually implies a removal of detachment of a destroyed intervertebral disc.Rarely removes a whole bead, squeezing the nerve fibers.Instead of discs and vertebrae, artificial prostheses or fragments obtained from the patient's cannabis are inserted into the back.To prevent vertebral displacement and progression of the disease, they are immobilized.For this, the spinal column is strengthened with metal plates and bolts.
The operation is performed under local anesthesia through a 3-5 cm long cut.To gain access to the back, the fabrics are pushed by a special tool.From the presentation of the anesthesia to the wound sewing exceeds 1.5 to 2 hours.
Attention!Modern technologies allow you to perform operations using an endoscope - a long and flexible tool, interior through a cut about 1 cm long.
Prevention of lumbar osteochondrosis
To maintain the health of the muscular system, it is necessary to take preventive measures.They will reduce the risk of osteochondrosis.And if pathological changes in the back have already begun, they will help prevent their further development.

Preventive tips:
- If you have a sedentary job, place a roller or special orthopedic pillow under the bottom back.
- Wear the weather and do not allow hypothermia and back hypothermia.
- Do gymnastics, jogging or other light sport.
- Feeling embarrassment or back pain, see a doctor immediately.
- Reject bad habits and eat properly.
- Sit in strong chairs with a spine.UP furniture does not support the body of the body, so the spine should take the whole load.
- The perfect height of the excrement is equal to the length of the lower leg.Then, when sitting, the legs will stand on the floor.If the growth is small, you can put a stand under your feet.
- The ideal depth of landing is 2/3 of the hip length.You can less, but no more.
- Under the desktop, the legs should be abundant.
- Sit down so that the back rest on the back of the chair.
- When you sit down, do not attach your head or body - keep it straight.
- In order not to turn your head when you read, use a doll.
- After many hours driving, perform a number of gymnastics.
- Change the position every 10-15 minutes, relying first on one, then on the other leg.
- If you can move in place, do it.
- It wants hours, perform some tilts back with your raised hands.During the trend, take a deep breath.This exercise relaxes the back and belt, as well as the back of the head and neck.
- If you work on the foot (ironing, cooking), place a bench under one foot.Its height should be equal to the height of a phase.
- In order not to bend while cleaning the house, extend the vacuum cleaning intestine, presenting an additional tube.And to wash the floors, use a rope.You can wash the floors, crawling on your knees, but without bending over the position of the stand.
- Sleep on a strong orthopedic mattress.
- Instead of the mattress, a thick strong shield (plywood plate) is suitable, covered with foam rubber with a thickness of up to 8 cm.Put a wool blanket and a leaf on top.
- If your feet hurt you, put a towel folded on a knee roller.
- If you like to sleep on your stomach, place a thin pillow underneath.
- If you like to sleep on your side, place one foot on the other side and hands under your head.
- Distribute the load on both hands evenly.Frequent dressing in the same hand leads to curvature of the spine.
- If you have already diagnosed osteochondrosis, do not wear items weighing more than 15 kg.To move them, it is best to use a wheelchair or a wheelchair.
- If you need to set up and transfer a heavy item, first the collection, holding your back straight.Then catch the importance, get up on your feet and hold it, pressing it in your stomach.To reduce the heavy object, you also need to pile.
- Eat 3-4 times a day.
- Enrich protein diet: fish, low low meat, legumes, cottage cheese.
- Limit the consumption of sweets, baking, fatty foods.
- Include more vegetables and fruits in the diet.
- Consume products rich in calcium and phosphorus (cheese, dairy products, fish).
- Do not overdo it - an excess of calories is deposited in the form of fats, which leads to the formation of excess weight.