Lumbar spine osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is expressed in dystrophic damage to the aforementioned 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. In this pathological process in the later stages of the disease, the vessels and even the nervous system are involved.

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 designated area are felt up to sixty percent of the population, and every tenth resident is diagnosed with osteochondrosis in one form or another, almost half of cases are due to the defeat of the lumbar and sacral regions.

This disease is rapidly "rejuvenating", occasionally it also occurs in adolescents and children - this is the fault of a sedentary lifestyle / work, as well as an excessive passion for computer games, the lack of full physical activity - it sports and active games are supplanted by a long stay on the PC.

However, osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine can also occur due to excessive stress, especially if aggravated by excess weight. The problem is caused by poor posture, as well as back injuries, non-compliance with the daily regimen and systematic malnutrition.

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

A number of specialists note that in some cases osteochondrosis is a consequence of a person's genetic predisposition: the intervertebral discs, at the same time, have a porous structure, and under the influence of negative pathogenic factors they are destroyed very quickly, the disease progresses rapidly and is diagnosed only in late, sometimes irreversible, stages.

A special risk group are people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondyloarthritis, which provoke the development and complicate the course of the aforementioned autoimmune disease.

First signs. Lumbar Osteochondrosis Symptoms

The main symptoms of the disease described above, of course, include pain syndrome. Prolonged aching pain in the lumbar region of moderate intensity can be replaced by severe "low back pain" after active physical work or being in an uncomfortable position. As a rule, in the supine position, the pain syndrome practically does not appear or completely disappears.

With an exacerbation, in addition to heavy physical exertion, hypothermia or non-physiological movements, the pain syndrome loses its localization in the lower back and goes to the pelvic region and even the legs.

In detail, the patient develops the following pathologies:

Compression of the nerve roots

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

Arterial injury

Local damage to the DH artery causes:

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

Vascular compression ischemia

Violation of the blood supply to the spinal cord and other peripheral structures leads to a "thinning" of the structure of the intervertebral discs and, as a result, 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 extremities, painful "lumbar" syndrome in the lower back with recoil in the back of the thighs. In this context, hypotrophy / hypotension of the gastrocnemius / buttock muscles develops, disappearance of plantar, anal and Achilles reflexes, foot paresis.

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine

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

Complex therapy of the aforementioned disease includes:

1. Taking medications.
2. Block injections.
3. Gymnastics and physical therapy.
4. Massage and manual therapy.
5. Physiotherapy.

Prepare for lumbar osteochondrosis

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

Gymnastics for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine

An important element of spinal rehabilitation. 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 both relax and train the lower back muscles, induce the repair process of cartilage tissue and relieve pain.

Most often, with the disease described above, therapeutic massage, acupressure, hardware, vacuum and connective tissue are used.

Physiotherapy

As a rule, physiotherapy is prescribed for patients with osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine only in the phase of remission of the disease, after passing the period of exacerbation of the problem.

Modern and classic techniques:

1. Acupuncture. Exposure to the acupuncture points of the back with special needles.
2. Elongation. The classic technique of stretching the spine on a traction massage table, performed by a qualified chiropractor.
3. Electrophoresis. Known since the 1960s, a complex inoperative method of influencing external problematic affected areas.
4. Traction decompression. Automated hardware spinal stretching in a special medical complex.
5. Shock wave therapy. The use of infrasound 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 an alternating magnetic field on the spine.
8. Laser puncture. Treatment of acupuncture points with an induced radiation beam.
9. Electrical stimulation. The use of small alternating currents in the affected areas.

Prevention of lumbar osteochondrosis

After undergoing complex treatment and physiotherapy, supportive therapy is required for a long time: during this period, the spine is still weakened and requires support. In addition, prevention is aimed at preventing the occurrence of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine. Main activities:

1. Regular and balanced exercise, preferably under the supervision of a qualified podiatrist.
2. Normalization of body weight: Quite often, an overweight person is an aggravating factor affecting the formation of osteochondrosis.
3. Correction of the diet. A regular diet should include foods rich in elements such as calcium and magnesium. In this case, it is worthwhile to exclude too fatty and unhealthy foods, as well as other foods that do not fall under the definition of healthy food.
4. Refusal of bad habits. Alcohol and smoking intensify all destructive processes in the body, this also applies to the onset of osteochondrosis.
5. Correct posture. Be sure to monitor your posture, especially if your job involves constant sitting at the computer or other sitting activities. Also pay attention to your child: how and for how long he sits. Normal correct posture will allow you to prevent the appearance of scoliosis and, consequently, osteochondrosis in the future.
6. Use the correct shoes, clothes and accessories, and avoid wearing weights regularly. Wrong shoes, a heavy bag on the shoulder, 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 kind of pain occurs with this type of osteochondrosis?

Lumbar spine osteochondrosis is characterized by different types of pain. First of all, these are unpleasant sensations localized in the lumbar region, which continue for a long time and significantly increase with an increase in motor activity and physical work of a person. This type of pain disappears if the body is given a horizontal position for at least 15-20 minutes.

If the disease is exacerbated due to hypothermia, prolonged heavy physiological stress or sudden "inversion" movements, in addition to the aforementioned background pain, there is also a "shooting" effect, localized in the pelvic region and radiating to the low extremity.

Is gymnastics useful for this osteochondrosis?

Therapeutic gymnastics of physical therapy allows you to consolidate the good effect of the complex therapy of the disease, partially develop the intervertebral components of the joints, and also relax / train the muscles in the lumbar region. In addition, regular correct 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, a possible list of contraindications and restrictions, the patient's condition and recommend methods for use physical therapy in practice.