Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is expressed in dystrophic damage to the above-mentioned part of the back, damage to the nucleus of the intervertebral discs and deformation of the intervertebral joints against the background of disorders of the ligament apparatus. Vessels and even the nervous system are involved in this pathological process in the later stages of the disease.

What is lumbar osteochondrosis?

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is one of the most common diseases of the musculoskeletal system in the world. Irregular pain syndromes in the defined area are felt by up to sixty percent of the population and every tenth inhabitant is diagnosed with osteochondrosis in one form or another, almost half of the cases are due to the defeat of the lumbar and sacral areas.

This disease quickly "rejuvenates", sometimes appearing even in adolescents and children - this is due to a sedentary lifestyle / work, as well as excessive passion for computer games, lack of full physical activity - sports and active games are displaced bylong computer stay.

However, lumbar spine osteochondrosis can also occur due to excessive stress, especially if it is worsened by being overweight. The problem is caused by improper posture, as well as back injuries, non-compliance with the daily routine and systemic malnutrition.

The negative factors that accelerate the formation of prerequisites for the appearance of this type of osteochondrosis are chronic lack of sleep, stress, slowing of metabolic processes in the body. A separate category are professional athletes.

Many experts note that in some cases osteochondrosis is a consequence of genetic predisposition in humans: the intervertebral discs at the same time have a loose-porous structure and under the influence of pathogenic negative factors are destroyed very quickly, the disease progresses rapidly and is diagnosed only late, sometimesirreversible stages.

A special risk group are people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, as well as ankylosing spondylitis, which provoke the development and complicate the course of the above-mentioned autoimmune disease.

First signs. Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis

The main symptoms of the above disease, of course, include pain syndrome. Prolonged painful pain in the lumbar region of moderate intensity can be replaced by severe "lumbago", after active physical labor or in an awkward position. As a rule, in the supine position, the pain syndrome practically does not appear or disappears completely.

With exacerbation, as well as with heavy physical exertion, hypothermia or non-physiological movements, the pain syndrome loses its location in the lower back and passes into the pelvic area and even the legs.

In more detail, the patient develops the following pathologies:

Nerve root compression

1. Root lesions L 1-2: pain in local localizations, loss of sensation in the inner thigh and groin.
2. Defeat L-5: lumbar pain in the lower back, radiation to the thumb.
3. Defeat S-1: pain and tingling on the outer surface of the thigh, foot, temporary disappearance of reflexes in the sole and lower leg.

Arterial lesion

Local damage to the DH artery causes:

1. Regular tingling in the lower leg / buttocks.
2. Loss of sensitivity in the genital area.
3. In rare cases, loss of pelvic motor function.

Vascular compression ischemia

Disruption of the blood supply to the spinal cord and additional peripheral structures leads to "thinning" of the structure of the intervertebral discs and, accordingly, to abnormal mobility of the spine, the formation of osteophytes and neoarthrosis.

Compression myelopathy

Narrowing of the spinal canal causes periodic paroxysmal weakness in the limbs, painful "lumbar" syndrome of the lower back with withdrawal to the back of the thighs. Against this background, hypotrophy / hypotension of the gastrocnemius / gluteal muscles, the disappearance of plantar, anal and Achilles reflexes, paresis of the foot develop.

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine

It is possible and necessary to treat the disease. Naturally, in this case will help only complex therapy, which is aimed at reducing the symptoms of autoimmune disease, restoring the structure of the spine and preventing recurrence of the problem.

The complex therapy of the above disease includes:

1. Taking medication.
2. Blockade injections.
3. Gymnastics and training therapy.
4. Massages and manual therapy.
5. Physiotherapy.

Preparations for lumbar osteochondrosis

1. Painkillers.
2. Restoration of chondroprotectors.
3. Vitamins. Optimally - group B.
4. Injections. Anesthetics, cartilage restorers and normalizers of blood microcirculation.
5. Local funds. Corticosteroids as well as anti-inflammatory drugs.

Gymnastics for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine

An important element of the rehabilitation of the spine. All procedures are developed individually, aimed at relieving pain and muscle spasms, normalizing blood circulation and restoring the work of the intervertebral discs.

Massage for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine

Massage is an indispensable component of the complex therapy of the disease. It helps to both relax and train the muscles of the lower back, stimulates the recovery of cartilage and relieves pain.

The most commonly used in the above disease is therapeutic, acupressure, hardware, vacuum and connective tissue massage.

Physiotherapy

As a rule, physiotherapy is prescribed to patients with osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine only in the stage of remission of the disease, after overcoming the period of exacerbation of the problem.

Modern and classical techniques:

1. Acupuncture. Exposure of acupuncture points on the back with special needles.
2. Stretching. The classic technique of stretching the spine of a massage-traction couch, performed by a qualified chiropractor.
3. Electrophoresis. Known since the 60s of last century, a complex non-operative method of influencing external problem affected areas.
4. Thrust decompression. Automated hardware spinal stretching in a special medical complex.
5. Shock wave therapy. The use of infrasonic waves for the treatment of osteochondrosis.
6. Osteopathy. A complex technique that combines elements of chiropractic, massage and therapeutic orthopedics.
7. Magnetopuncture. Direct effect of alternating magnetic field on the spine.
8. Laser puncture. Treatment of acupuncture points with beam induced radiation.
9. Electrical stimulation. The use of small alternating currents in the affected areas.

Prevention of lumbar osteochondrosis

After undergoing complex treatment and physiotherapy, maintenance therapy is required for a long period of time: during this period, the spine is still weakened and needs support. In addition, prevention aims to prevent the occurrence of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine. Main activities:

1. Regular balanced exercise, preferably under the supervision of a qualified podiatrist.
2. Normalization of body weight: quite often an overweight person is an aggravating factor influencing the formation of osteochondrosis.
3. Diet adjustment. A regular diet should include foods rich in elements such as calcium and magnesium. In this case, it is worth excluding too fatty and unhealthy foods, as well as other foods that do not fall under the definition of healthy food.
4. Rejection of bad habits. Alcohol and smoking intensify all the destructive processes in the body, this also applies to the appearance of osteochondrosis.
5. Proper posture. Remember to monitor your posture, especially if your work involves constant sitting in front of a computer or other sedentary activity. Pay attention to your child - how and for how long he sits. Normal proper posture will allow you to prevent the appearance of scoliosis and, accordingly, osteochondrosis in the future.
6. Use appropriate shoes, clothes and accessories, avoiding regular weightlifting. Improper shoes, a heavy shoulder bag, work as a loader - all these factors sometimes have a decisive influence on the onset of the formation of destructive processes in the spine.

Question answer

What pain occurs in this type of osteochondrosis?

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is characterized by several types of pain. First of all, these are localized unpleasant sensations in the lumbar region, which last for a long time and significantly increase with increasing motor activity and physical labor. This type of pain disappears if the body is given a horizontal position for at least 15-20 minutes.

If the disease is exacerbated by hypothermia, prolonged severe physiological stress or sudden "eternal" movements, then in addition to the aforementioned background pain, there is a "shooting" effect, localized in the pelvic area and radiating to the lower extremities.

Is gymnastics useful for this osteochondrosis?

Therapeutic gymnastics with exercises allows you to strengthen the good effect of the complex therapy of the disease, to partially develop the intervertebral components of the joints, as well as to relax / train the muscles in the lumbar region. In addition, proper regular massages help get rid of the unpleasant pain associated with osteochondrosis.

A specific set and list of exercises, the number of approaches and the frequency of exercises are developed for you by the attending physician: he will take into account the current stage of the disease, possible list of contraindications and limitations, the patient's condition and recommend methods of exercise therapy in practice. .