Many people after the age of thirty have experienced pain in the lumbar region at least once. By the age of 60, this problem occurs in 80% of people. Lumbar osteochondrosis is almost always the cause. This pathology causes the development of unpleasant symptoms and can greatly impair the quality of human life. To prevent the development of negative consequences, it is extremely important to consult a doctor in time.
Clinical characteristics of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
This disease is widespread, because the lower back usually suffers from heavy loads. The lumbar region contains five vertebrae, in addition it connects the sacrum with the thoracic part. The intervertebral discs, which consist of the nucleus pulposus, give it flexibility. These elements are localized within the fibrous ring.
Osteochondrosis causes a lack of nutrients in the discs. As a result, they become less elastic. In addition, their height is reduced. Reducing the distance between the vertebrae causes damage to the nerve roots. As a result, palpable pain in the lumbar region occurs.
In the initial phase, the symptoms of osteochondrosis are mild and may even be completely absent. However, further progression of the disease leads to back and leg pain, and numbness may develop.
After the spread of the changes, the possibility of fixing the spine decreases. Sometimes hernias and subluxations occur - these disorders are associated with pain. After that, there may even be a rupture of the disc and pinching of the nerve endings.
With the later development of the disease, the vessels, ligaments and spinal cord begin to participate in the process. Bone growths may develop. In the last stage, paralysis and paresis develop. Sometimes the functioning of the pelvic organs is disturbed.
In young people, the disease progresses continuously. In old age, the pathology can not manifest itself in any way, despite the presence of changes. If the treatment of the disease is not started on time, very dangerous consequences can develop.
Degrees
The pathology is irreversible, and its symptoms are directly determined by the degree:
- First degree. During this period, pathological processes in the nucleus pulposus occur. There is discomfort associated with irritation of nerve endings. They can be severe or painful in nature. If spasms of the large arteries of the upper leg appear, the blood circulation is disturbed, which is filled with the appearance of pathology of the arteries of the legs.
- Second degree. The destruction of the fibrous ring is progressing. Due to the loss of stability, the vertebrae become too mobile. As a result, muscle tissue is overloaded. The patient has high muscle fatigue of the lower back, a feeling of discomfort.
- Third degree. The fibrous ring breaks, which leads to the release of the contents of the nucleus pulposus. This process causes hernias. There are radicular syndromes. Initially, the patient feels high sensitivity in the affected area, tingling, tingling, numbness. Sometimes sensitivity can disappear completely. In severe cases, muscle paralysis and atrophy develop.
- Fourth degree. The work of the vertebrae, the structure of the joints and ligaments is disturbed. Osteoarthritis of the joint develops. The pain may disappear, the supporting function of the spine is restored, but the amplitude in it is significantly reduced. The fourth degree is characterized by various symptoms of the disease.
Reasons
More than a third of patients with such osteochondrosis have problems with the liver or digestive organs. In the presence of such deviations, tension and spasms of muscles and blood vessels occur, which causes a lack of oxygen and the appearance of dystrophic abnormalities. These processes are exacerbated by metabolic disorders.
The appearance of this form of osteochondrosis is often the result of congestion in the pelvic organs. They can be associated with constipation, colitis, hemorrhoids. In women, such problems are due to inflammation of the appendages, and in men - prostatitis.
Causes of osteochondrosis also include the following:
- Lack of physical activity.
- Diseases of the joints.
- Digestive problems.
- Back injury.
- Pathology of the heart and blood vessels.
- Diseases of the endocrine system.
- Spine problems.
- Inflammation.
- Flat feet.
- Increased physical activity.
- Metabolic disorder.
- Changes in age.
There are also risk factors that greatly increase the likelihood of developing lumbar osteochondrosis:
- overweight;
- heredity;
- irrational diet;
- violation of posture;
- long stay in an awkward position;
- chronic sleep deprivation;
- frequent stress;
- hypothermia.
Symptoms and signs
The disease manifests itself in the form of pain syndrome, and may have a different character. Osteochondrosis is characterized by feelings of withdrawal, pain, cutting. Discomfort can be felt not only in the leg, but also in the buttocks or lower chest.
The photo shows the pain syndrome in osteochondrosis in the lumbar spine
In addition to pain, there are such violations:
- muscle tension;
- problems in the reproductive system;
- violation of the menstrual cycle in women;
- prison;
- change of posture;
- buttock asymmetry;
- loss of sensitivity;
- fatigue;
- tingling and coldness in the legs;
- loss of activity;
- insomnia;
- emotional instability.
Worsening of osteochondrosis is usually the result of careless movement or heavy workload. Also, relapse of the disease due to hypothermia often occurs. Sharp pains can be felt not only in the lower back - they often affect the lower limbs. During the exacerbation, the person tries to find a comfortable position in order to achieve the disappearance of pain.
Symptoms of lumbosacral osteochondrosis
This form of the disorder is also characterized by back pain. They can be felt in the lower back or in the leg near the sciatic nerve. Manifestations of the disease do not appear immediately, but approximately in the second phase of disease development.
They are initially felt during careless movements or loads. But over time, the pain is constantly present and has a painful character. Sometimes it gets worse when the discomfort becomes more pronounced. In advanced cases, the pain occurs when sneezing, coughing, light exertion.
When nerve endings are constricted, radicular syndrome develops, which is characterized by such manifestations:
- back shots;
- loss of sensation in the limbs;
- tingling in the legs;
- weakening of tendon reflexes;
- violation of sweating;
- cold feet;
- muscle weakness.
As the disease progresses, the back loses flexibility, and any changes in body position or load lead to intense pain. As a result, mobility is limited, the person experiences difficulties in bending, muscle cramps.
Effects
If you ignore the symptoms of osteochondrosis, sooner or later the disease will lead to negative consequences. As the distance between the vertebrae decreases, the veins constrict, which leads to problems with the nutrition of the spinal cord.
As a result, there is pain, muscle weakness, loss of reflexes. Enuresis, fecal incontinence, paralysis of the lower extremities may develop.
Another dangerous complication is hernia. It also causes severe pain and compression of the spinal cord. As a result, the legs may lose sensitivity, the reflexes disappear. Sometimes the work of the organs of the reproductive and urinary systems is disturbed. Digestion problems can also occur.
This form of osteochondrosis can cause spinal instability. Under the influence of gravity, the lower part of the back seems to slide off the sacrum. For women, this condition is fraught with problems with internal organs - ovaries, uterus, appendages. Men can develop impotence as a result of this disorder.
Lumbar osteochondrosis often causes problems with blood circulation in the spinal cord. Another consequence is compressive myelopathy. Problems with the spinal cord occur in connection with the narrowing of the spinal canal.
However, the most complex condition is "horsetail" syndrome, which is considered to be a consequence of nerve root injuries. In advanced situations, it can cause paralysis and paralysis of the limbs.
Diagnostic methods
To diagnose osteochondrosis, the doctor examines the patient’s medical history and conducts a visual examination. The usual urine and blood tests are also done. With their help, other serious diseases can be ruled out.
An important criterion is the assessment of the condition of the legs. It is important to determine the condition of the skin, blood vessels, muscle tone. Women are additionally referred to consult a gynecologist. Men should be examined by a urologist.
The following types of diagnostics are required:
- radiography;
- CT scanner;
- M. R. I.
How to treat
Medical, physiotherapeutic and surgical techniques can be used to treat the disease. The main goal is to eliminate the manifestations of the disease and prevent its development.
Of the drugs used are anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs. Be sure to take B vitamins. Sedatives and anticonvulsants are used to fight psychogenic disorders. Novocaine blockade may be used during exacerbation.
The most effective non-drug therapies are therapeutic exercises, acupuncture and massage. You can also do electrophoresis and phonophoresis. If conservative methods do not give results, surgery is performed.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar region is considered to be a rather dangerous pathology that can lead to extremely negative health consequences. To prevent this from happening, it is very important to consult a doctor if you experience any back discomfort.