Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is manifested by dystrophic damage to the above part of the back, damage to the core of the disc and deformation of the intervertebral joints against the background of diseases of the ligamentous apparatus. Vessels and even the nervous system are involved in this pathological process in the later stages of the disease.
What is lumbar osteochondrosis?
The osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is one of the most common diseases of the musculoskeletal system worldwide. Irregular pain syndromes in the designated area are felt by up to 60 percent of the population, and one in ten residents is diagnosed with osteochondrosis in one form or another, almost half of the cases are due to the defeat of the lumbar and sacrum regions.
This disease is quickly "rejuvenating" and also occurs occasionally in adolescents and children - this is due to a sedentary lifestyle / work, as well as an excessive passion for computer games, lack of physical activity - sport and active games are replaced by a longer stay at the PC.
However, lumbar spine osteochondrosis can also result from excessive exercise, especially if it is made worse by being overweight. The problem is caused by incorrect posture as well as back injuries, failure to follow the daily routine and systematic malnutrition.
Negative factors that accelerate the formation of conditions for the development of this type of osteochondrosis are chronic lack of sleep, stress, slowdown in metabolic processes in the body. Professional athletes are a separate category.
A number of specialists indicate that in some cases osteochondrosis is a consequence of the genetic predisposition of a person: intervertebral discs at the same time have a loose-pored structure and, under the influence of pathogenic negative factors, are destroyed very quickly, the disease progresses quickly and becomes late, sometimes diagnosed in irreversible stages.
A special risk group are people who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, as well as ankylosing spondyloarthritis, which provoke the development of the above-mentioned autoimmune disease and make its course more difficult.
First signs. Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
Of course, one of the main symptoms of the disease described above is pain syndrome. Persistent aching pain in the lumbar area of moderate intensity, can be replaced by a strong "lumbago" after active physical work or in an uncomfortable position. In the supine position, the pain syndrome usually does not appear or disappears completely.
With an exacerbation, as well as with vigorous physical exertion, hypothermia or non-physiological movements, the pain syndrome loses its localization in the lower back and passes into the pelvic area and even the legs.
In detail, the patient develops the following pathologies:
Compression of the nerve roots
- Lesions of the roots L 1–2: pain in local locations, loss of sensitivity on the inside of the thigh and in the groin.
- Lesion L-5: lumbar pain in the lower back, irradiation of the thumb.
- Lesion S-1: pain and numbness of the outer thigh, foot, temporary disappearance of reflexes in the sole and lower leg.
Arterial lesion
Local damage to the DH artery can cause:
- Regular numbness of the lower leg / buttocks.
- Loss of sensitivity in the genital area.
- In rare cases, loss of pelvic motor skills.
Vascular compression ischemia
A violation of the blood flow to the spinal cord and other peripheral structures leads to a "thinning" of the structure of the intervertebral discs and accordingly to an abnormal mobility of the spine, the formation of osteophytes and neoarthrosis.
Compression myelopathy
The narrowing of the spinal canal causes periodic paroxysmal weakness in the extremities, painful "lumbar" syndrome of the lower back with recoil on the back of the thighs. Against this background, hypotrophy / hypotension of the gastrocnemius / gluteal muscles, the disappearance of the plantar, anal and Achilles tendon reflexes, foot paresis develops.
Treatment of lumbar spine osteochondrosis
It is possible and necessary to treat the disease. Of course, in this case, only complex therapy aimed at relieving the symptoms of an autoimmune disease, restoring the structure of the spine and preventing the problem from recurring will help.
The complex therapy of the above disease includes:
- Taking medication.
- Block injections.
- Gymnastics and exercise therapy.
- Massages and manual therapy.
- Physical therapy.
Preparations for lumbar osteochondrosis
- Painkiller.
- Restoration of chondroprotectors.
- Vitamins. Optimal - group B.
- Injections. Anesthetics, cartilage regenerants and normalizers for the microcirculation of the blood.
- Local resources. Corticosteroids as well as anti-inflammatory drugs.
Gymnastics for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
An important element of spinal rehabilitation. All procedures are individually designed to relieve pain and muscle spasms, normalize blood circulation and restore the work of the intervertebral discs.
Massage for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
Massage is an indispensable part of complex therapy for the disease. It helps relax and exercise the muscles of the lower back, stimulates the repair process of cartilage tissue, and relieves pain.
Most often, therapeutic, acupressure, hardware, can vacuum, and connective tissue massage are used in the disease described above.
physical therapy
As a rule, physiotherapy is prescribed to patients with osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine only at the stage of remission of the disease, after overcoming the exacerbation of the problem.
Modern and classic techniques:
- Acupuncture. Exposure of the acupuncture points of the back with special needles.
- Stretch. The classic technique of stretching the spine on a massage traction bed, performed by a qualified chiropractor.
- Electrophoresis. Known since the 1960s, a complex non-operative method for influencing external problematic affected areas.
- Decompression of the tensile force. Automated hardware spine stretching in a special medical complex.
- Shock wave therapy. The use of infrasound waves to treat osteochondrosis.
- Osteopathy. A complex technique that combines elements from chiropractic, massage and therapeutic orthopedics.
- Magnetopuncture. Direct effect of an alternating magnetic field on the spine.
- Laser puncture. Treatment of acupuncture points with a beam of induced radiation.
- Electrical stimulation. The use of small alternating currents in the affected areas.
Prevention of lumbar osteochondrosis
After complex treatment and physiotherapy, supportive therapy is required over a longer period of time: During this time, the spine is still weak and needs support. In addition, prevention aims to prevent the occurrence of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine. Main activities:
- Regular, balanced exercise, preferably under the supervision of a qualified podiatrist.
- Normalization of body weight: Often an overweight person is an aggravating factor that affects the formation of osteochondrosis.
- Correction of the diet. A regular diet should include foods that are high in elements such as calcium and magnesium. In this case, it is worth excluding foods that are too fatty and unhealthy, as well as other foods that do not fall under the definition of healthy foods.
- Rejection of bad habits. Alcohol and smoking intensify all destructive processes in the body, this also applies to the occurrence of osteochondrosis.
- Correct posture. Be sure to monitor your posture, especially if you are constantly sitting at your computer or doing other sedentary activities while working. Also, take care of your child - how and for how long they are sitting. A normal, correct posture will allow you to prevent the occurrence of scoliosis, and, accordingly, in the future, osteochondrosis.
- Use the right shoes, clothing, and accessories and avoid carrying weights on a regular basis. The wrong shoes, a heavy bag on the shoulder, work as a loader - all these factors sometimes have a decisive influence on the beginning of the formation of destructive processes in the spine.
question answer
What kind of pain does this type of osteochondrosis have?
Lumbar spine osteochondrosis is characterized by different types of pain. These are initially localized unpleasant sensations in the lumbar region, which persist over a long period of time and increase significantly with increasing motor activity and physical work of a person. This type of pain goes away when the body is placed in a horizontal position for at least 15-20 minutes.
When the disease is exacerbated by hypothermia, prolonged severe physiological stress, or sharp "reversing" movements, in addition to the background pain mentioned above, there is also a "shooting effect" localized in the pelvic area and radiating to the lower extremities.
Does gymnastics make sense for this type of osteochondrosis?
With therapeutic movement therapy-gymnastics you can 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 area. In addition, proper regular massage will help get rid of the uncomfortable pain associated with osteochondrosis.
A specific set and list of exercises, the number of approaches and the frequency of exercises will be developed for you by the attending physician: he will take into account the current stage of the disease, a possible list of contraindications and limitations, the patient's condition and recommend methods for practicalApplication of exercise therapy.