Many people face a diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the lumbar region.Symptoms of this disease: constant pain in the lower back, as well as limited movements, loss of sensitivity, etc.In any case, it should be understood that this disease in the absence of treatment can lead to a mass of neurological complications.So what is the disease?What are your first signs?What treatment methods does modern medicine offer?This information will be useful for each reader.
What is osteochondrosis?

Osteochondrosis is a chronically progressive disease that is accompanied by degeneration of connective and bone tissues of the spine.The process of pathological changes in the tissues begins on the intervertebral disc.This structure consists of a fibrous ring, within which there is a pulpic gel nucleus.
As a result of a violation of normal metabolism, there is a gradual drying of the nucleus.Along with this, changes in the fibrous ring are also observed: tears and cracks are formed in the tissues, as a result of which the nucleus can go further.A similar process affects the state of vertebrates, because vertebrae have to withstand heavy loads.Therefore, not only the intervertebral discs, but also the vertebrae, the ligaments and the intervertebral joints are involved in the process.
As a general rule, the disease begins in adulthood or old age, although there are cases in which the disease was diagnosed in adolescents.By the way, lumbar osteochondrosis is the most common form of this disease.
The causes of disease development
This pathology develops with a violation of normal metabolism and the presence of greater physical effort.It is worth noting that the degenerative process, as a rule, is launched under the influence of several factors at the same time.To date, lumbar osteochondrosis is considered a multifactorial disease.These are just the most common causes of degeneration.
- First, a hereditary predisposition must be taken into account.The cause can be some of the congenital anatomical characteristics of the skeleton and metabolic disorders, such as the incorrect metabolism of glycoproteins.
- Risk factors include flat feet, since with this pathology there is a redistribution of normal load in the spine.
- In some cases, osteochondrosis develops in the context of spinal lesions.
- Static loads can also be attributed to risk factors.For example, for a long time or remain in an awkward position.
- Physical tension can also begin a degenerative process, especially when it comes to professional athletes.
- Often, the process takes place in obese people, since the spine, as well as the entire skeleton, lends itself to greater loads.
Service of lumbar osteochondrosis

This disease develops gradually.To date, it is customary to distinguish four main degrees of osteochondrosis of the lumbar region (some doctors issue three).
- In the first stage, there is a gradual change and a movement of the core of the jacket inside the intervertebral disc.
- The lumbar osteochondrosis of the second grade is characterized by the destruction of the fibrous ring.
- In the third stage, as a rule, there is a rupture of the fibrous ring, as a result of which the gelatinous nucleus moves beyond its limits, so the hernia of the intervertebral disc is formed.
- The fourth stage of the disease is accompanied by the degeneration of the vertebrae, ligaments and joints, as a result of which spondilartrosis develops.
Lumbar osteochondrosis: symptoms and description of the first stage of the disease
This stage of the disease is accompanied by irritation of nerve fibers, which are found in intermediate ligaments and a fibrous ring.Therefore, the first sign of this disease is discomfort, rigidity and pain in the lumbar region.It is worth noting that pain can be hard and shot (in medicine this symptom is called "lumbago") or, on the contrary, stupid, but constant (low back pain).
It is worth noting that due to the irritation of nerve endings, pain can also be extended to other tissues, organs or even organ systems.For example, in case of violation of normal trophism and blood circulation in ligaments and tendons, the appearance of enteropathies called so in which connective tissues change and compact in the places of fixing bones can occur.
Since often in patients, lumbosacral osteochondrosis is diagnosed, pain can be applied to the lower column and even give to the lower limb.Compression of nerve endings and small vessels leads to the development of violations in the tissues of the lower extremities.
The second degree of osteochondrosis and their signs
At this stage, some other signs of osteochondrosis of the lumbar region appear.The appearance of a certain instability among vertebrates is observed, as a result of which the mobility of the vertebrae increases.
In turn, such change leads to the appearance of persistent and almost constant tension of the lower back muscles.Patients complain not only about pain and discomfort, but also for constant muscle fatigue.
Clinical image with the third degree of disease

What signs in this case are accompanied by lumbar osteochondrosis?Symptoms during this period can be different.The fact is that damaged intervertebral discs begin to squeeze nerve roots, which is accompanied by the "root syndromes" called SO.
At the same time, patients interrupt the sensitivity of those areas that are innervated by a compressed nerve.As a general rule, at first there is a slight numbness and tingling, but in the absence of treatment, a complete loss of sensitivity can occur.This is often accompanied by deterioration in motor activity, gradual atrophy of the muscles and sometimes complete paralysis.
By the way, according to the location of such changes, we can assume which vertebrae are affected by the disease.For example, if the change or loss of heel sensitivity is observed, and pain gives the calf muscle, it is likely that the patient has lumbosacral osteochondrosis.
In some patients, the "horse tail syndrome" is observed, which is associated with compressing the root package, which takes place in the lumbar and sacral section of the spine.This condition is characterized by a violation of the motor function of the legs, as well as several disorders of the pelvic organs.
Lumbar osteochondrosis: symptoms of the fourth stage
At this stage, all intervertebral joints and ligaments are already involved in the process.In addition, there is a fibrosis of the intervertebral disc, in which all its elements are replaced by a dense healing fabric.
By the way, at this time, patients of patients can improve.But the mobility of the spine, the lower back and legs is very limited.
Modern diagnostic methods

In the presence of constant pain and discomfort in the lower back, you must consult a doctor.Only a specialist can determine the lumbar osteochondrosis of the spine.The diagnosis in this case includes several stages.
To begin with, the doctor will perform a general exam, verify the reflexes, the presence of root syndromes, as well as the degree of mobility, etc.It is necessary to collect a complete history, since in this case it is important not only to make a diagnosis, but also to determine the cause of the development of a degenerative process.
Laboratory diagnostic methods in this case are not very important.Therefore, the patient is mainly directed to the radiography of the spine.X -Ray images allow you to see the narrowing of the intervertebral cleft, as well as determine the presence of bone growth and stamps on the surface of the vertebra.
For a more precise evaluation of the patient's condition, magnetic resonance and computerized tomography are also carried out, these studies give a clearer image of degenerative changes in the spine.
What complications is the disease associated?
In no case should this disease perceive this frivolous disease.In the absence of timely therapy, the patient will have to face not only the pain and limitation of mobility, but also with more serious consequences.
In particular, the degeneration of intervertebral discs leads to the formation of a hernia.In addition, the compression of nerve roots affects the work of many organs, including urinary, sexual and sometimes digestive systems.In some cases, the disease leads to a complete paralysis of the lower extremities and muscle atrophy.Changes in osteochondrosis are practically irreversible, therefore, it is extremely important to start time therapy.
Pharmacological treatment of osteochondrosis

Only the doctor knows how to treat lumbar osteochondrosis.With such disease, therapy is selected individually, since it depends on many factors, including the individual characteristics of the patient's body.In any case, it should be understood that the treatment of osteochondrosis is a long and complex process.
Of course, patients are prescribed for some medications.Very often, this disease is used below.
- In the initial stages for treatment, condoprotectors, medications that inhibit the cartridge tissue degeneration process are used.
- In the second stage, the treatment of lumbosacral osteochondrosis may include the use of anti -inflammatory drugs that eliminate pain and inflammatory process.
- Muscle spasm is eliminated with muscle relaxants.
- Local anesthetics are used for severe pain.For example, pain is blocked with analgesic injections.
- Older patients are recommended to take multivitamin complexes.
- The therapy also includes vasodilant drugs that improve blood circulation and trophic tissue.
Other conservative treatment methods

Of course, it is impossible to get rid of the disease with the help of drugs alone.The treatment of lumbosacra osteochondrosis includes other measures.In particular, a therapeutic massage gives a positive effect.Regular sessions help eliminate muscle spasm and improve blood circulation in tissues.
Gymnastics with lumbar osteochondrosis is extremely important.The set of exercises is selected by the treating doctor or physiotherapist.Physical education helps return mobility, improve blood circulation, eliminate pain.Naturally, classes must be regular.On the other hand, in the presence of acute pain, physical activity is contraindicated, during this period, the patient needs a strict break for the bed and using a special corset, which relieves the load of the spine.
In addition, some physiotherapy methods are also used.In particular, ultraviolet radiation is considered quite effective (eliminates spasm and pain), magnetotherapy, laser therapy, electrophoresis (helps relieve inflammation and pain), as well as treatment with balne.
When is surgical intervention necessary?

Unfortunately, not in all cases, conservative treatment is possible, especially if the patient has a diagnosis of intervertebral hernia.The indications for surgical intervention are also "bone tail" syndrome, as well as severe compression of nerve roots.
To date, there are many techniques for such operations.Most of the time, called micro -surgical procedures, as well as endoscopic, they are also carried out to eliminate pressure on blood vessels and nerves.