Many people ask this question because of the fact that it is the lower back which is most often subject to extreme loads throughout a person's life.In many cases, this is what causes the appearance of osteochondrosis or exacerbates its condition.If you start this disease, it can become a serious problem, it is so important to conduct diagnoses over time and start treatment.In the article, you will find everything on what this disease is, what are its causes and symptoms, as well as the treatment of the disease.
Reasons
The main causes of lumbar osteochondrosis are::
- flat feet;
- Scoliosis;
- Mechanical wounds from the lower back;
- metabolic violation;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- obesity;
- violation of the balance of water salt;
- bad nutrition;
- pregnancy.
Important!The reasons for the appearance of problems with the lumbar department have not been studied until the end.This means that in a specific situation, it can be difficult to determine what has exactly caused the appearance of the disease.
Symptoms
There are several subspecies of osteochondrosis, therefore, symptoms of the disease may vary slightly.Then we will analyze each subspecies and characteristic signs.
Polysegmentation - What is it?
Polish osteochondosis (PSO) is a defeat of several segments of the spine at the same timeDegenerative process.
Signs:
- Strong pain in the lumbar region.
- With net movements or attempts to raise something heavy, "blows" appear.
- It becomes difficult to perform the usual motor actions.
Projection
Protection is one of the stages of osteochondrosis, during which the elasticity and the height of the intervertebral discs decreases.For this reason, cartilage begins to gradually exceed the borders of the vertebrae.
Signs:
- Sewing pain that may appear not only during displacement, but also at rest;
- Easy numbness of the lower limbs;
- The creation or redness of the skin of the lower limbs;
- the appearance of weakness in the legs;
- A long base or standing leads to pain drawn, which disappears after the change of posture;
- When you lift heavy things, acute pain can be given to the pelvis and hips.
Intervertebral disc hernia L5-S1
The appearance of a hernia is the last step in osteochondrosis.This problem is characterized by a strong projection and a loss of the intervertebral disc, which does not resist the pressure of the vertebrae which surrounds it.
Signs:
- Pain syndrome, which applies not only to the lower back, but also to one of the lower limbs.
- The appearance of pain in one of the buttocks and one leg linked to it.
- Strong numbness or tingling in the lower limbs.
- Reinforcement of numbness and pain in a vertical position and during movement.
- Reduce the amplitude of movements in the lower back.
- Sailing syndrome.
- Change the approach and posture.
- Strong pale or redness of the skin in the lower back and on the legs.
- In rare cases, urinary excrement or excrement.
Psychosomatic in women and men
Psychosomatic disorders appear due to emotional wounds.The signs of this disorder depend on the stage of osteochondrosis and are not different from the previously described.
Important!When a psychosomatic disorder occurs, the patient must be treated with a neuropathologist and a psychotherapist in order to obtain a maximum positive effect.
Do they take the army with a diagnosis?
Lumbar osteochondosis belongs to the "B" adequacy category.This means that the young man has serious health problems that do not allow him to undergo military service.To obtain this category, the young man should have the following differences:
- intervertebral hernia;
- Severe physical effort pain;
- Notable on the deformation of X -ray of the vertebrae and intervertebral discs.
Steps
Lumbar osteochondosis has 4 steps(or, as they are also called - degree: 1, 2, 3 and 4), each being characterized by certain degenerative processes.
Degenerative changes at each stage
- 1-2 step.At 1 stage, a fibrous ring is deformed due to the intra-discharge displacement of the nucleus, which occurs stronger than normal.At 2 stages, a fissure of the fibrous ring appears, which leads to the instability of the vertebral segment.
- 3-4 steps.At 3 steps, the intervertebral disc breaks down completely, which causes disc loss.At 4 stages, a dystrophic lesion of the intervertebral disc and spondylosis appears.
Diagnosis
To establish a precise diagnosis, the doctor must carry out a certain number of tests which include::
- Primary inspection (palpation, visual inspection, verification of the level of physical activity).
- X -ray.
- Tomodensitometry (CT).
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Reference.Among all the diagnostic methods, MRI is considered to be the most modern and effective.The problem is that such a device is not in each hospital, and most often MRI should be done in private clinics or wait a long time for your turn.
Various stages and varieties of lumbar osteochondosis have their own characteristics, therefore, for their diagnosis, there are also their nuances.
With a root syndrome
As a rule, COQ syndrome appears in the last two stages of the disease.The syndrome is characterized by damage to the nerve roots that come out of the spinal cord.They innervate and control the functioning of muscles in the lower back, the genitorerinary system and the intestines.Consequently, the syndrome of the spine of the lumbar region causes problems with these systems.
Communication with the deformation of the intervertebral disc
Ruin syndrome appears in the last stages of osteochondrosis due to the flattening of the intervertebral disc and tightening the nerve roots with vertebrae.MRI is the best for the diagnosis of this disorder, because this procedure allows you to see all changes in soft tissues.
During pregnancy and breastfeeding
If a woman leads a sedentary lifestyle, suffers from flat feet or has a genetic predisposition, the probability increases that during pregnancy, she will have osteochondrosis.
For pregnant women, this disease is dangerous not only by pain attacks, but also by the fact thatThis can lead to a decrease in the size of the pelvic bone.For this reason, a cesarean will be necessary.
Unfortunately, to diagnose osteochondrosis using MRI, CT or X -ray before treating it, during pregnancy is prohibited.Therefore, the treatment is prescribed empirically.If a woman has already given birth, but continues to feed her breasts, the material diagnostic method is also contraindicated.
Projection
When the projection of the intervertebral disc appears, the X -ray will not be able to show big results, because the deformation only occurs with a fibrous ring and a nucleus.
A study is necessary using MRI, which precisely scans the soft tissues and can reveal a variety of degenerative changes.
Complications and consequences
If you do not treat lumbar osteochondosis, this can result in deterioration in health and the development of other diseases.
Why is the disease dangerous?
At 4 stages of the disease, such irreversible changes begin to appear as::
- Violation of vertebral circulation.
- Intestinal emptying problems.
- Reduce sensitivity in the field of groin and anus.
- Weakness with lower limbs.
- Frequent urination.
- Lower limbs paralysis.
- Reduce mobility in the lower back.
- Spasmodic muscles of the lower back and legs.
Concomitant diseases
- radiculitis;
- Vascular compression ischemia;
- Compression myelopathy;
- sciatica;
- lumbago.
Treatment and rehabilitation
Now that you know what type of illness it is, we will talk about how to treat it.After the diagnosisThe doctor prescribes treatment according to the scene and the form of osteochondrosis.
Orthopedic devices for the lower back
In order to reduce pain syndrome and muscle tension in the lower back, the patient is offered to wear a special orthopedic corset.
It covers all the lower back, now muscles, vertebrae and ligaments in the right position, eliminating excessive tension.
Drugs
Drugs are one of the important aspects of therapy for lumbar osteochondosis.Generally 5 groups of drugs are used.In normal mode, it can be ointments or tablets.If the patient is exceeded by serious pain attacks, a blocking of medication is carried out.
Drug
The main groups of drugs for osteochondrosis:
- AnalgesicIn the form of tablets or ointments.
- Anti-inflammatory.Also used in the form of tablets or ointments.
- Musory- Drugs that reduce muscle spasms.
- Chondroprotector- Drugs that restore bones and cartilage.
- Vitamins.Basically, group B is used for osteochondrosis, so they help improve metabolic processes in affected tissues.
Do not try to choose drugs yourself.All drugs should only be prescribed by the doctor.
Medication
Blocking is the introduction of drugs using a syringe directly in the affected area of the spine.This is necessary when an acute pain syndrome seems to reduce discomfort and restore the usual level of physical activity of the patient.
Physiotherapeutic methods
Physiotherapeutic methods are often used to restore spasmodic muscles and affected tissues from the lower back.Magnetotherapy is particularly relevant among them.
Magnetotherapy
This procedure stimulates metabolic processes, blood circulation, improves the work of the endocrine and nervous system.The method can be very painful, but quite effective.
You can improve patient condition with magnetotherapy in 3 to 4 weeks.
Massage
Massage relieves pain and muscle spasms.It is only carried out by a specialist in medical education.Most often, a course for 10 to 12 sessions is prescribed.The final decision on the duration of therapy is made by the masseur.
Manual and acupuncture
Manual therapy eliminates pain and increases the volume of movements in the lumbar region.This is due to the improvement of the biomechanics of the musculoskeletal system, blood circulation and metabolic processes.Acupuncture has a similar effect, but acts pointed at the affected muscle areas.
Therapeutic gymnastics
Therapy for exercise is one of the most effective ways to fight against the unpleasant consequences of osteochondrosis for vertebrae.Before starting the lessons, see an exercise therapy instructor.
What can and can't be done?
During the exercise, it is prohibited::
- make net movements;
- Fold considerably in the lower back;
- Highly increase the amplitude of the movements.
In treatment of the exercise, it is authorized::
- Make smooth movements;
- Use the inventory (benches, gymnastics sticks, dumbbells);
- Do exercises for flexibility in the lumbar region.
Technique of the doctor's author
The doctor has developed a methodology for his endolori spine.When he realized that his exercises have a positive effect on his painful back, he started to share them with his patients.
Here are the three simplest and most effective exercises in gymnastics:
- For hot-up: Set on all fours and walk in this position around the room for 5-7 minutes.Pre-re-wrote the knees with protective bandages.
- The main exercise.Standing on all fours, fold in a breath.Fold your back on the expiration.Repeat 5 to 8 times.
- Drawing.Standing on all fours, come back gently, touching the buttocks from the heels.Repeat 3-4 times.
Yoga and Pilates
Pilates was specifically designed for the restoration of pilots who have undergone back injuries, so the system works perfectly with vertebral osteochondosis.It is necessary to engage in this system only under the supervision of an instructor.
Yoga has many directions, and also suitable to work with a sick spine.
These classes are only authorized during the period of remission, as they have a high intensity.
Popular remedies at home
Preparation of ointment at home
You will need:
- Coconut oil - 50 gr.;
- Beeswax - 2 s.L.;
- Camphre - 1 s.L.;
- Essential oil of peppermint, arnica and cloves.
How to cook:
- Mix coconut oil, bee wax, camphor and heat the mixture in the microwave for 1 minute.
- Add 9 drops of mint, 7 drops of arnica and 5 drops of clove oil, then stir the mixture.
- Place the ointment in a glass jar for storage.
FinishedRub the lower back 2 times a day with an ointment, until the pain decreases.
Honey and potato compress
You will need:
- 50 gr.Honey;
- 1 large potato.
Grate the potatoes on a large grater, mix with honey and grate your back with a mixture.Put the waxed paper on top and wrap the lower back with a hot cloth.The compress must be left overnight.Repeat the procedure until the pain on the back passes.
Ginger ointment
You will need:
- ground ginger - 2 teaspoons;
- Honey - 1 tsp.
- Carkuma Ground - 1 tsp.
- Black pepper - 0.5 tsp.
Mix all the ingredients carefully and apply a thin layer of ointment to the back.On top, apply a warm fabric.If it burns hard, rinse gently on the lukewarm water ointment.
Baths with herbs
You can use the following herbs:
- Chamomile pharmacy;
- fennel;
- AIR;
- thyme;
- wise.
Mix 20 grams of all plants and prepare a medicinal decoction.When you take a bath, add a finished decoction.You can use this recipe 1-2 times a week.Herbs relieve tension and pain in the lower back.
Surgery
This treatment method is used in rare cases if the conservative treatment methods are ineffective.During the operation, the part of the cartilage that went beyond the vertebra is deleted.
If the intervertebral disk is too damaged, it is replaced by an artificial disk.
Forecast
The prognosis can only be given by the attending physician, because each person occurs individually.It all depends on the negligence of osteochondrosis and the general condition of the patient's body.
What to do with exacerbation?
During the aggravation period, it is necessary to exclude any physical activity, to use drugs and to wear a warming size bandage.In addition, you should consult your doctor, who will give more detailed recommendations.
Prevention
How to prevent chondrosis?
Since you cannot influence genetic anomalies and hereditary predisposition, this will not work to protect you completely from the appearance of chondrosis.
Butin your power to observe the correct diet of the day and nutrition, show more physical activity and abandon bad habits.
All these tips will help maintain the health of the spine as long as possible.
Sick leave
The neuropathologist prescribes disease leave only with an exacerbated form of the disease, accompanied by intense pain, which generally starts at 2 and 3 stages of osteochondrosis.
How many days do they give?
As a ruleSickness leave with lumbar osteochondrosis receives no more than 7 days.
Specialist advice
If you notice the first signs of discomfort in the lower back, when you lift something heavy or simply with active movements and twists, do not tighten with diagnoses.
The sooner you start treatment, the easier it will be to face the disease and avoid the unpleasant consequences of health.
Many are used to perceiving lumbar osteochondrosis, as something granted.But this disease can progress, which will eventually provide many unpleasant consequences to the patient.Remember that you yourself are responsible for your health, not doctors, and if you find signs of osteochondosis, start treatment as quickly as possible.