Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine.

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is expressed in dystrophic damage in the aforementioned part of the back, damage to the nucleus of the intervertebral discs and deformation of the intervertebral joints in the context of disorders of the ligamentous 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?

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 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 are due to the defeat of the lumbar regions and sacral.

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

However, osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine can also occur due to excessive stress, especially if it is aggravated by excess weight. The problem is caused by incorrect 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 appearance of this type of osteochondrosis are chronic lack of sleep, stress, and a slowdown in metabolic processes in the body. A separate category is professional athletes.

Several 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, they are destroyed very quickly, the disease progresses. quickly and is diagnosed only in late, sometimes irreversible stages.

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

First signs. Lumbar osteochondrosis symptoms

The main symptoms of the disease described above, of course, include pain syndrome. Prolonged pain in the lumbar region of moderate intensity, can be replaced by a 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 disappears completely.

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

In detail, the patient develops the following pathologies:

Nerve root compression

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

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 additional peripheral structures leads to a "thinning" of the structure of the intervertebral discs and, consequently, to 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, a painful "lumbar" syndrome of the lower back with receding towards the back of the thighs. In this context, hypotrophy / hypotension of the gastrocnemius / gluteal muscles develops, disappearance of the plantar, anal and Achilles reflexes, paresis of the foot.

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine.

It is possible and necessary to treat the disease. Naturally, 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 above disease includes:

1. Taking medicines.
2. Blocking injections.
3. Gymnastics and physiotherapy.
4. Massages and manual therapy.
5. Physiotherapy.

Preparations for lumbar osteochondrosis.

1. Analgesics.
2. Restoration of chondroprotectors.
3. Vitamins Optimal - group B.
4. InjectionsAnesthetics, cartilage restorers and normalizers of blood microcirculation.
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 complex therapy of the disease. It helps relax and train the lower back muscles, induces the cartilage tissue repair process, and relieves pain.

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

Physiotherapy

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

Modern and classical techniques:

1. Acupuncture. Exposure to acupuncture points on the back with special needles.
2. Extension. The classic technique of stretching the spine on a massage traction table, performed by a qualified chiropractor.
3. Electrophoresis. Known since the 1960s, a complex non-surgical method for influencing troublesome external affected areas.
4. Traction decompression. Hardware automated spinal lift 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. Magnetorpuncture. Direct effect of an alternating magnetic field on the column.
8. Laser puncture. Radiation Induced Beam Acupuncture Point Treatment.
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 period of time: during this period, the spine is still weakened and requires support. Also, prevention is aimed at preventing 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 affecting 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 foods that are too fatty and unhealthy, as well as other foods that do not fall under the definition of healthy foods.
4. Rejection of bad habits. Alcohol and smoking intensify all destructive processes in the body, this also applies to the appearance of osteochondrosis.
5. Correct posture. Make sure to monitor your posture, especially if your job involves constantly being in front of the computer or other sitting activity. Also pay attention to your child: how and for how long he sits. Normal correct posture will allow you to prevent the occurrence of scoliosis and, consequently, in the future osteochondrosis.
6. Wear appropriate footwear, clothing and accessories, avoiding the regular use of weights. The wrong shoes, a heavy bag on the shoulder, work as chargers; 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 occurs with this type of osteochondrosis?

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is characterized by various types of pain. First of all, these are unpleasant sensations localized in the lumbar region, which continue for a long period of time and significantly increase with an increase in motor activity and physical work of a person. This type of pain goes away if the body is in a horizontal position for at least 15 to 20 minutes.

If the disease is aggravated by hypothermia, prolonged intense physiological stress or sudden "eversion" movements, in addition to the background pain mentioned above, there is also a "shooting" effect, localized in the pelvic region and radiating downwards. extremities.

Is gymnastics useful for this osteochondrosis?

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

The attending physician develops a specific set and list of exercises, the number of approaches and the frequency of exercises: 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 exercise therapy in practice.