Lumbar spine chondropathy is a chronic disease of the lumbar spine that develops in the intervertebral disc due to long-term physical influence and metabolic disorders. Facts have proved that in 75% of cases, lumbar osteochondrosis is the cause of back pain.
Failure of the lumbar spine occurs in 60% of the world's residents-this is the most common manifestation of osteochondrosis. The first symptoms of the disease appear between 20-30 years of age.
The danger of this disease is that in the later stages of the disease (protrusion (protrusion) and intervertebral disc herniation), complications that require surgical intervention will occur, especially plantar fasciitis and heel spurs.
Lumbar osteochondrosis usually complicates pregnancy.
Causes of lumbar osteochondrosis
The main cause of the disease is the lumbar spine systemic load and the metabolic disorder of the intervertebral disc fiber layer. Lifting weights, being overweight, and constant physical labor can increase the pressure on the spine.
Other causes of lumbar osteochondrosis: sedentary and sedentary lifestyle, constant wearing of high heels, unhealthy diet, drinking less water, smoking, alcoholism.
With the weakening of the protective muscle framework and lack of treatment, the blood supply to the tissues deteriorates and the intervertebral discs begin to degenerate. As a result, the intervertebral discs cannot get an adequate blood supply-they lose elasticity, "dry out", become inflamed, flatten and bulge.
When protruding (protruding), the roots of spinal nerves will be squeezed, which manifests as pain during rest and exercise. Poor posture and injury will add extra uneven load on the spine, thereby accelerating the development of lumbar osteochondrosis.
Stages of lumbar osteochondrosis
The particularity of this disease is the gradual development of the degenerative process.
Neurologists distinguish four stages of lumbar osteochondrosis:
- The first stage& mbsp; Local inflammation and flattening of the intervertebral disc. It manifests as a burning sensation and dullness in the lower back, rather than severe pain in the lower back. After the physical exertion is too heavy, it will cause discomfort.
- Second stage-The distance between the vertebrae is reduced, radiographs show changes in the annulus of the surrounding tissues, and a herniated disc. The patient's lower back pain was severe, radiating to the hips and legs.
- The third stage-The occurrence of intervertebral hernia due to the destruction of the vertebral fibrous annulus. In the third stage, cartilage, intervertebral discs and vertebrae are severely destroyed. The pain becomes long-lasting, even during rest.
- Fourth stage-Cartilage and intervertebral disc atrophy, accompanied by pathological growth of vertebral bone tissue and osteophyte formation. Any movement of the body and any uncomfortable position can cause pain. The pain will not go away on its own. This disease requires intensive treatment and causes serious human disability.
Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
In 70% of cases, doctors diagnose the disease in the second stage. During this period, the patient has frequent attacks with obvious symptoms:
- Back pain worsens with fatigue. As the degenerative process progresses, the pain becomes intense and continuous.
- Movement restrictions. Exercise is accompanied by pain spreading to the hips and legs;
- Changes in sensitivity of the lower limbs (tingling, burning, numbness); The tension of the back muscles;
- Numbness and coldness in the feet.
Diagnosis of lumbar osteochondrosis
In 85% of cases, doctors use X-rays, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for diagnosis.
The most targeted method is MRI. With its help, the doctor can determine the location and extent of the lumbar spine injury.
The main task of the expert is to distinguish between osteochondrosis and ankylosing spondylitis.
Complications of lumbar osteochondrosis
Lumbar radiculitis or nerve root syndrome: The pathological process of colic spinal nerve (root) is the most common complication of lumbar osteochondrosis. It happens in 55% of cases. It is accompanied by pain and decreased sensitivity in the lower back and/or along the restraint roots.
In the later stages of the disease, a flat disc herniated beyond the edge of the vertebra-herniated. When the annulus fibrosus is destroyed, an intervertebral hernia will form. Intervertebral hernia is the reason to consult a neurosurgeon.
In 40% of patients, the sciatic nerve is inflamed. This can cause numbness and pain in the limbs. As a result, the patient's weight was transferred to a healthy leg. The spine becomes more curved, exacerbating the severity of the disease.
10% of patients have spinal stenosis or spinal cord compression-spinal cord compression. Need surgery.
The rarest but most dangerous complication is cauda equina syndrome-destruction of several adjacent nerve roots.
Every one-third of patients with this complication have leg paralysis or paralysis. Surgical treatment is also required.
Treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis
There is no cure for lumbar osteochondrosis. You can reduce pain and slow down the degeneration of vertebrae and discs. 80% of treatment successes belong to the first and second stages of the disease.
If there are no complications, the neurologist will treat lumbar osteochondrosis through medication, physical therapy exercises, massage, and physical therapy.
The prescription stipulates drugs that aggravate osteochondrosis, which can eliminate inflammation, pain and stimulate the metabolism of vertebrae, cartilage and intervertebral discs.
In acute pain, intramuscular injection of drugs can achieve therapeutic effects. For local anesthesia, paravertebral blockers should be prescribed. Within 3 to 6 months, a cartilage protective agent was prescribed for the patient.
The purpose of physical therapy exercises is to strengthen the muscular framework of the back. Exercising in the pool is very helpful. For lumbar osteochondrosis, exercise after the pain is eliminated. Some doctors even prescribe physical therapy for pain, but they must be treated with caution.
After the pain is relieved, massage and reflexology courses are recommended.
Simple lumbar osteochondrosis does not require frequent and multi-day hospital treatment. The disease is treated at home. They resort to folk remedies, whose effect is limited to heating the lower back.
Prevent lumbar osteochondrosis
To prevent osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, please follow these simple rules:
- Pay attention to posture and change your body posture after sitting for many hours;
- Swimming 3 times a week;
- Use both hands to lift weights from a sitting position or through a fixed (straightened) back;
- Avoid drafts;
- To stay overnight, choose an orthopedic mattress.