Lumbar spine osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is expressed in dystrophic damage of the aforementioned part of the spine, 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 are involved, and even the nervous system.

What is lumbar osteochondrosis?

Lumbar osteochondrosis is one of the most common diseases of the musculoskeletal system in the world. Irregular pain syndromes in the given area are felt by up to sixty percent of the population, and every tenth resident is diagnosed with osteochondrosis in one form or another, almost half of the cases being due to loss of the lumbar and sacral regions.

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

However, lumbar spine osteochondrosis can also occur due to excessive stress, especially if it is exacerbated by excess weight. The problem is caused by misbehavior as well as back injuries, disregard for daily regimen and systematic malnutrition.

Negative factors that accelerate the formation of preconditions for the occurrence of this type of osteochondrosis are chronic lack of sleep, stress, slowing of metabolic processes in the body. A special category are professional athletes.

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

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

The first signs. Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis

The main symptoms of the disease described above, of course, include pain syndrome. Prolonged painful pain in the lumbar region of moderate intensity, can be replaced with strong "lumbago", 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 disappear completely.

With a worsening, as well as heavy physical exercise, hypothermia or non-physiological movement, 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 nerve roots

1. Root lesions L 1–2: local pain, loss of sensation in the inner thigh and groin.
2. L-5 lesion: lumbar pain in the lower back, radiation to the big toe.
3. Lesion S-1: pain and numbness of the outer surface of the thigh, foot, temporary disappearance of reflexes in the lower and lower foot.

Arterial lesions

Local damage to the DH artery causes:

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

Ischemia of vascular compression

Violation of the blood supply to the spinal cord and additional peripheral structures leads to a "dilution" of the structure of the intervertebral discs and, accordingly, abnormal motility 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 of the lower back with traction on the back of the thighs. Against this background, hypotrophy / hypotension of the gastrocnemius / gluteal muscles, disappearance of reflexes of the foot, anal and Achilles, paresis of the foot develops.

Treatment of lumbar spine osteochondrosis

Impossible is possible and necessary to treat the disease. Of course, in this case, only complex therapy will help, which aims to reduce the symptoms of an autoimmune disease, restore the structure of the spine and prevent recurrence of the problem.

The complex therapy of the above disease includes:

1. Taking medication.
2. Block injections.
3. Gymnastics and exercise therapy.
4. Massages and manual therapy.
5. Physiotherapy.

Preparations for lumbar osteochondrosis

1. Pain relievers.
2. Restoration of chondroprotectors.
3. Vitamins. Optimal - 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 spinal rehabilitation. All procedures are developed individually, aimed at relieving pain and muscle spasms, normalizing blood circulation and restoring the work of intervertebral discs.

Massage for lumbar spine osteochondrosis

Massage is an indispensable component of complex therapy of the disease. Helps to relax and train the muscles of the lower back, promotes the process of repairing cartilage tissue and relieves pain.

Most often, with the disease described above, therapy, acupressure, equipment, rubbing and massage of connective tissue are used.

Physiotherapy

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

Modern and classic techniques:

1. Acupuncture. Exposure to back acupuncture points with special needles.
2. Lying down. The classic spine stretching technique on a massage-pulling bed, performed by a qualified chiropractor.
3. Electrophoresis. Known since the 1960s, a complex non-operational method of affecting externally affected problematic areas.
4. Attractive decompression. Automatic devices that extend to the spine in a special medical complex.
5. Shock wave therapy. Use of infrasound waves to treat osteochondrosis.
6. Osteopathy. A complex technique that combines elements of chiropractic, massage and therapeutic orthopedics.
7. Magnetopuncture. The direct effect of an alternating magnetic field on the spine.
8. Laser puncture. Treat acupuncture points with an induced radiation beam.
9. Electrical stimulation. Use of small alternating currents in the affected areas.

Prevention of lumbar osteochondrosis

After complex treatment and physiotherapy, supportive therapy is required for a long period of time: during this period, the spine is still weak and requires support. In addition, prevention aims to prevent the onset of lumbar spine osteochondrosis. Main activities:

1. Regular balanced exercises, preferably under the supervision of a qualified pediatrician.
2. Normalization of body weight: quite often, an overweight person is an aggravating factor influencing the formation of osteochondrosis.
3. Diet correction. A regular diet should include foods rich in elements such as calcium and magnesium. In this case, it is worth excluding high-fat and unhealthy foods, as well as other foods that do not fall under the definition of healthy eating.
4. Rejection of bad habits. Alcohol and smoking intensify all the destructive processes in the body, this also applies to the occurrence of osteochondrosis.
5. Correct posture. Be sure to monitor your posture, especially if your job involves constantly sitting at the computer or other sedentary activities. Pay attention to your child - as well as how long he sits. Proper normal posture will allow you to prevent the onset of scoliosis and, accordingly, in future osteochondrosis.
6. Use the right shoes, clothing and accessories, avoiding regular weight bearing. The wrong shoes, a heavy bag on the shoulder, work as loaders - all of these factors sometimes have a decisive influence in initiating the formation of destructive processes in the back.

Answer the question

What kind of pain manifests itself with this type of osteochondrosis?

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is characterized by several types of pain. First of all, these are uncomfortable sensations localized in the lumbar region, continuing for a long period of time and increasing significantly with an increase in a person’s motor activity and physical work. This type of pain disappears if the body is given a horizontal position for at least 15-20 minutes.

If the disease worsens due to hypothermia, prolonged severe physiological stress or sharp "evasive" movements, then in addition to the aforementioned background pain, there is also a "shooting" effect, localized in the pelvic region and radiating to the partlower extremities.

Is gymnastics beneficial for this osteochondrosis?

Therapeutic exercise gymnastics allows you to consolidate the good effect of complex therapy of the disease, to partially develop the intervertebral components of the joints, and also to relax / train the muscles in the lumbar region. Moreover, regular regular massages help to get rid of the unpleasant pain associated with osteochondrosis.

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