A few decades ago, osteochondrosis was an age-related disease. Now he's younger. Symptoms, treatment for lumbar osteochondrosis is worth knowing in order to understand the importance of taking care of your health.
Inflammation in the lumbosacral area is often diagnosed. It brings severe pain, deprives a person of mobility. There are no recovery methods, it is recommended to stop the progression in the early stages.
Causes of Lumbar Osteochondrosis
It is worth investigating the cause of its occurrence. If left untreated, treatment will temporarily relieve symptoms.
The causes of lumbar osteochondrosis:
- Obesity. Being overweight increases the load on the spine and shifts the center of gravity. Discs wear out, wear out - osteochondrosis.
- Disruption of metabolic processes. The cartilage tissue of the spine is free of blood vessels and cannot absorb any substances for life from the inside. Preserves nutrients in exchange with neighboring tissues, disruption of the process leads to gradual death.
- Wrong gait, movement, weightlifting. Lumbar osteochondrosis is often diagnosed in people who carry weights and are overweight. The inability to control the body and movements negatively affects the spine.
- Back injury, infection. Lower back osteochondrosis is a condition experienced by athletes. Increased loads, injuries often lead to a deterioration in the condition of the intervertebral discs. Health is often sacrificed for awards and records.
- Inheritance. In some, the structure of the intervertebral discs is initially more porous and looser. Joints require proper nutrition and respect.
- Passive lifestyle. Connected reason. A sedentary lifestyle leads to a deterioration in metabolic processes. The spine is the most stressed when sitting.
Symptoms of the disease
To diagnose the disease, it is important to know the symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis. The main reason is back pain. It is present in phases of imperceptible course during an exacerbation of the disease. It is recommended to watch out for lower back pain at the onset of the disease. Doctors diagnose the disease based on five symptoms:
- Locked back. Severe lower back pain when straightening up. Pain is associated with increased stress on the back muscles. The pain disappears in the supine position.
- Back pain. Sharp sensations of pain that occur in people who lead a sedentary lifestyle after physical exertion. They appear with movements, awkward turns, loads. Pulling back pain is constantly observed.
- Deafness. It is observed in different zones depending on the disc that caused the disease. The localization is determined by the numbness zones. Covers the buttocks, thighs, legs, feet.
- Chilliness. A decrease in skin temperature is caused by the compression of arteries, blood vessels and a decrease in metabolic processes.
- Violation of genitourinary functions. A common symptom of lumbar osteochondrosis that is not treated is in a "neglected" state. Frequent urges to go to the toilet are observed, on the contrary, there are problems with it.
- Decreased activity. In order not to hurt the back, not to cause pain, a person tries to move less gently. Over time, this will cause him to stop running and take care of himself.
It is important to treat lumbar osteochondrosis to determine the place of localization of the process and its degree of development. The diagnosis is made using x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging.
Treatment method
The spine cannot be restored. The treatment lasts a lifetime. With the wrong approach to the disease, it progresses and leads to unpleasant consequences.
Treatment is based on the principle. The doctor prescribes drugs, procedures that eliminate symptoms. After alternate treatments, when the disease does not manifest itself temporarily, it worsens again. Stick to the plan:
- Eliminating the causes of the development of the disease. Change of lifestyle, stress, fight against obesity, metabolic disorders, elimination of sources of infection.
- Suppression of comorbidities. Osteochondrosis provokes disease. It causes high blood pressure, radicular syndrome and leads to diseases of the genitourinary system.
- Stimulation of the regeneration of damaged areas. Use drugs to treat lumbar osteochondrosis of the anti-inflammatory, restorative type.
- Removal of inflammation. The cause of pain is the development of inflammation. It pays to achieve muscle relaxation, improve blood circulation, relieve pain, and block enzymes that inflame inflammation.
- Change habits. The patient should develop habits that will facilitate the course of the disease and promote recovery. Useful habits - therapeutic exercises, diets.
If the disease worsens, the doctor's job is to eliminate the symptoms. They often struggle with severe pain. After diagnosing the cause, the patient is prescribed pain relievers, NSAIDs. The substances block the nervous system, suppress the focus of pain, relieve swelling.
Before the doctor's arrival, it is recommended to use special ointments, topical gels and pills for pain syndrome relief and temporary relief. It is recommended to lie down, warm the sore area to improve blood circulation, relieve the lower back.
In remission, the treatment of acute osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine consists of taking chondroprotectors, which help restore damaged tissue. Procedures are prescribed: massages, acupuncture. There are many techniques. Release muscle tension, straighten the spine. Exercise, exercise therapy is part of the treatment process. Following the doctor's instructions will reduce the chance of another exacerbation.
Sometimes treatment is done surgically. Hernias are removed from the patient, the hemostasis is removed, and special prostheses are inserted.
Self-medication, advice from friends is the worst treatment option. Only a doctor will prescribe specific drugs and give advice. Traditional methods are used before a visit to the doctor who tries not to postpone it. The main thing is not to hurt.
Complications of lumbar osteochondrosis
If the methods of treatment for lumbar osteochondrosis are not followed, complications arise. The lumbar area is characterized by mobility. The nerves that run along the length are responsible for the lower limbs, pelvic organs.
The development of the disease leads to a decrease in the space between the vertebrae. Blood vessels and nerve bundles run through the holes. Squeezing it together causes severe pain when moving. If there is an entrapment of the spinal cord, this affects the entire body.
Unpleasant consequences - numbness, paralysis of the lower extremities, buttocks. The work of the pelvic organs is disturbed. Lameness occurs.
The loin is an important part of the spine and should be treated with care. Osteochondrosis is a common condition.