Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis

Regardless of a person's lifestyle and job, the lumbar spine has a great deal of mobility while carrying heavy loads. Therefore, lumbar osteochondrosis is one of the most common cases of this disease. It affects both men and women, most often after the age of 25 to 30 years, but lately the disease has become significantly more prevalent in younger people. If left untreated, lumbar osteochondrosis will steadily progress and may eventually lead to disability.

reason

Osteochondrosis is a degenerative disease that results in the discs beginning to collapse, the distance between the vertebrae and discs changing, and the vertebrae shifting relative to each other, subsequently irritating or compressing the spinal cord, nerve endings and blood vessels that run along the spine.In general, osteochondrosis is caused by overloading the spine: lifting weights, being overweight, back injuries, and a sedentary lifestyle. Illnesses that cause metabolic disorders, sleep deprivation, stress, and malnutrition worsen the situation.

symptom

A common symptom of lumbar osteochondrosis is low back pain. They can occur during physical activity, while resting, when changing positions, etc. The pain can radiate, that is, travel farther than where the nerve is pinched, such as into the leg.As vertebral deformity increases, even performing very simple movements (bending, turning, etc. ) becomes painful, which significantly reduces quality of life. Symptoms of genitourinary disorders, including involuntary urination, may also occur.

complication

Without timely and adequate treatment, progressive disc deformation can lead to serious complications: the spine loses flexibility and is unable to perform simple movements, such as bending and turning, due to pain. If the disease is prolonged, complications extending into the genitourinary area and inflammation of the sciatic nerve may occur as bone growth compresses the nerve. Pain can occur with even a cough or light physical activity.

treat

Often, medications to treat osteochondrosis only provide temporary pain relief. Some of these can warm the muscle and locally increase superficial blood circulation, but this is obviously not enough to completely restore cartilage tissue. Especially when nerves and blood vessels are pinched. Therefore, symptoms of the disease often return quickly.As the disease progresses, not only the spine itself is damaged, but also muscles, blood vessels and even internal organs can be damaged. The focus of an osteopath's work is not to treat the external symptoms of a disease, but to identify and eliminate the underlying causes of its occurrence.Osteopathic treatment has no contraindications for the treatment of osteochondrosis and is comfortable and safe for patients of any age. It helps avoid surgical treatment in 90% of cases and is equally effective at any stage of the disease. Particularly problems with internal organs, caused by compression of the spinal cord and its roots. Additionally, osteopathic treatment is necessary for patients with hernias and disc herniations. It is completely safe and extremely effective. Based on our observations, this may be the most effective treatment. Low back pain, numbness spreading to the legs, feeling like your legs are about to fall off, and the inability to bend, turn, and walk normally—these are common symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosisLumbar osteochondrosis is a "disease of civilization" directly related to human upright posture. This disease causes stiffness of movement and back pain. These symptoms can hinder your active lifestyle and may lead to more serious illness, including internal organ disease. With lumbar osteochondrosis, any sudden movement or lifting can cause severe pain in the lower back.No two patients are the same. everyone is unique. In our practice, we encounter diagnoses where the disease list looks like a quote from a medical encyclopedia. For example, patient Anastasia, 69 years old: coronary heart disease, angina pectoris, stage II hypertension, chronic cholecystitis, left renal cyst, endometrial hyperplasia process. Finally, there are lumbar osteochondrosis, polyarthrosis, and osteoporosis. How can we help such patients? Are there so many serious diseases that are ignored? And what does lumbar osteochondrosis have to do with it?As the doctors of our center believe, the significance of treatment is to restore the speed and flow of blood flow through the body's circulation through sequential exercises on the first, second and third layers of the body: that is, targeting the legs, abdominal muscles andback.When the lumbar spine and spine lack normal blood circulation, hypoxia occurs, affecting the normal function of the entire body, especially the internal organs of the small pelvis. As a result, a range of diseases arise, ranging from the internal organs to the cardiovascular system.Often, when examining patients with lumbar osteochondrosis, we will find that the paravertebral muscles in the thoracic and spinal regions are excessively tight, and the muscles of the thighs and lower limbs are inelastic - that is, the muscles are stiff - and they are stiff.Most patients are unable to reach the tips of their toes and often even their knees. Their muscles are so weak that they can't handle their weight well, let alone do simple housework.As the most heavily loaded part, the lumbar spine is subjected to many static and dynamic loads every day, so it is considered one of the most vulnerable parts. The symptoms and treatment methods of lumbar osteochondrosis discussed in this article are the real "scourge" for patients after the age of 35. Lumbar osteochondrosisIt is a pathology characterized by dystrophic disease of the lumbosacral intervertebral discs. The intervertebral disc provides flexibility and mobility of the spine, however, due to the influence of various factors, its structure is destroyed, losing its solidity, elasticity, expansibility, which leads to the emergence of herniation and subsequently - vertebral herniation, as well as nerve endings and nervesExtrusion of roots.You can receive a course of treatment for lumbar osteochondrosis at the clinic. Seeking prompt professional medical help is your chance to stop the destructive process and restore spinal health.

reason

Lumbar osteochondrosis occurs due to various factors:

• Spinal injury; ;
• Static and dynamic overloading of the spine;
• Improper load distribution on the spine;
• spinal mobility;
• strenuous physical activity;
• Sedentary lifestyle;
• Age-related changes.

clinical manifestations

The initial clinical manifestations of lumbar osteochondrosis are not obvious, with limited mobility and stiffness. However, as the disease progresses, pain symptoms appear, focusing on the waist and back areas. The pain radiates to the sacrum, legs, and sometimes the pelvic organs. The pain worsens when turning and bending, and often becomes unbearable. Additionally, the following symptoms were observed:

• restricted activities;
• Lumbar curvature, "skew", scoliosis;
• muscle spasms;
• Lameness in one or both legs;
• Feeling of weakness, impaired sensitivity of the skin of the legs, weakened reflexes - compression of nerve endings.

diagnosis

Before treating osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, specialists conduct comprehensive diagnostic studies so that they can correctly make a diagnosis, determine the extent of the development of the pathology and its impact on the spine and the patient's entire body. They include:osteochondrosis– One of the most common diseases of the 21st century.A sedentary lifestyle, a sedentary job, a poor diet, constant stress – all of these factors eventually lead to wear and tear on the cartilage between the spines.Cartilage loses elasticity and becomes brittle, the disease progresses, and quality of life deteriorates significantly.Patients with osteochondrosis experience complex problems: from pain to internal organ dysfunction.Other causes of osteochondrosis include:

• age-related changes
• spinal injury
• postural disorder
• Stachybotrys
• flatfoot
• genetic predisposition
• excessive exercise

Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis

The symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis are especially soreness in the back or waist, which is aggravated by sudden movements and changes in body position, radiating to the buttocks and legs, anterior abdominal wall, and groin area, and accompanied by burning, tingling, numbness, and "goosebumps. "'s appearance.Additionally, with lumbar osteochondrosis, skin sensitivity is reduced on the thighs, buttocks, and calves, and less so on the feet. Coldness in the legs, increased weakness in the legs, and curvature of the lumbar spine.You need to know that in most cases the cause of complaints of lower back pain is precisely osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine.Patients with lumbar osteochondrosis require prompt and adequate treatment. Otherwise, the destruction of cartilage, ligaments, and vertebrae will increase, leading to internal organ dysfunction and disability.

Modern restorative medicine can greatly improve the condition of patients with lumbar osteochondrosis. Significant improvements can be achieved using a range of methods, including physical therapy, acupuncture, taking medications, therapeutic massage and more, with treatments based on individual prescriptions.

Lumbar osteochondrosis- A very common form of osteochondrosis. It occurs in both men and women. Patients themselves often mistakenly "diagnose" it as "lumbar nerve compression" because the pain caused by lumbar osteochondrosis is concentrated in the sacrum area.Generally, pain is the main symptom of this disease. It comes in different strengths. Some people experience soreness after sitting or sleeping for long periods of time, while others experience "shooting" and sharp pain. In this case, pain occurs when the patient assumes an uncomfortable position. The person cannot stand upright due to severe pain.pain in sacrum areaOccurs due to compression of nerve endings, muscle swelling, and nerve root compression. Pain can also occur due to irritation of the lumbar ligaments.lower back painThis condition can be exacerbated by almost any body movement, especially bending forward. Even a simple sneeze or cough can cause the pain to worsen. However, there are other symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis. First, these are sensitivity disorders of the skin, leg muscles, and lower body. Some patients also experience weakened leg tendon reflexes, and in particularly severe cases, the tendon reflexes disappear completely. Osteochondrosis is a contributing factor to lumbar scoliosis and occurs primarily in children and the elderly.Lumbar osteochondrosis also has the following clinical symptoms:Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosisMeanwhile, its most unpleasant complication is vertebral instability. The intervertebral discs stop holding the vertebrae in place. Therefore, when loaded, the lumbar spine actually "slips" away from the sacrum, causing severe, excruciating pain. In addition, due to this pathology, the function of internal organs is destroyed. First, this involves the genitourinary system. Lumbar osteochondrosis can affect sexual performance in men and cause gynecological problems in women.Unfortunately, modern medicine has not invented a drug that can quickly and easily solve this problem. Treatment of osteochondrosis is complex and long-term. It must be comprehensive, only in this way can good results be achieved.Treatment measures for lumbar osteochondrosis include:In particularly severe cases, surgical intervention may be performed.existTreatment of osteochondrosisThe treatment at the sanatorium is very effective.If osteochondrosis worsens, the patient should rest in bed. Moreover, the patient must lie on a hard mattress.If the attack is severe, the patient needs to minimize activity and seek expert help. Neurologists are involved in the diagnosis and treatment of osteochondrosis.If you notice any of the above symptoms, you should consult a neurologist
You can make an appointment by calling 8 (928) 337-60-60.

Lower back osteochondrosis

Spinal osteochondrosis accounts for 80% of all diseases of the peripheral nervous system, 60-80% of which affect the lumbar region consisting of 5 vertebrae. 40% of people experience the first symptoms of the disease by the age of 30-35 years. Spinal osteochondrosis will be diagnosed in 90% of people in older age. Seven out of 10 people experience painful feelings, with exacerbations lasting 6 to 16 months.

development stage

First - the onset of degenerative diseases, which affect nerve endings and disrupt the blood supply. The inflammatory process can cause pain to radiate down the leg. Patients occasionally experience tingling pain in their back and buttocks. Occurs after intense physical exertion.2. The shell of the intervertebral disc (annulus fibrosus) is destroyed. The distance between vertebrae shortens and nerve endings become compressed, causing severe acute pain. Symptoms are especially noticeable when walking.Third – Due to hypermobility of the vertebrae, muscle fibers and nerve endings become compressed. Cramps, numbness, burning pain, hernia - displacement of the disc into the spinal cord.Fourth - the growth of pathological exostoses on bone structures. The spine literally means "turned to stone". Progressive arthropathy and lack of treatment render the patient immobile.

Development reasons

The development of the disease is slow and occurs under the joint action of multiple conditions. That is to say, the development of the disease is not determined by one factor but by the influence of multiple factors:Sedentary lifestyle (lack of physical activity), sedentary jobs, low levels of physical activity. At first glance, they don't look dangerous. However, over time, muscle tone, the so-called "muscle corset, " weakens. It supports the spine and internal organs. Therefore, lack of physical activity leads to dysfunction of many systems - blood circulation, breathing, digestion.overweight. If the BMI (Quitelay Body Mass Index) is above 25 kg/m2, being overweight puts additional stress on the body: it puts pressure on the spine, overloads the joints, and impairs the blood supply.Endocrine pathological processes. Hormonal imbalances, adrenal and thyroid dysfunction can "slow down" the body's metabolism. Frequent hormonal changes can "wash away" calcium from bone tissue, making it fragile.Unbalanced diet. Although popular and affordable fast food can fully meet the energy needs of the human body, it is useless from the perspective of supplementing the vitamins and trace elements needed by the human body.The incidence of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is many times higher in men who work in occupations with a lot of physical activity.

Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis

Pain is the main sign of disease onset and its localization. Based on the nature, frequency, and duration of occurrence, a preliminary diagnosis can be made. Most commonly, patients with lumbar osteochondrosis experience soreness that radiates to the legs, groin area, and tailbone. When in a horizontal position, the discomfort disappears.Spinal nerves extend from the spinal trunk to different parts of the body. Each nerve is responsible for a specific area. This is called "segmental innervation". It is for this reason that the affected nerves "react" in specific areas: this is the manifestation of "radiculopathy syndrome". A spinal neurogram allows you to identify pain in specific areas of the spine: C1-C8 - 8 cervical vertebrae, T1-T12 - 12 thoracic vertebrae, L1-L5 - 5 lumbar vertebrae, S1-S5 - 5 sacral vertebrae, C0 - 2 coccyx. Symptoms of osteochondrosis depend on segmental innervation:L3-L4 – Weak knee reflexes, partial numbness, and intermittent loss of sensation on the anterior surface of the thigh;L4-L5 – Muscle weakness, the patient is unable to immobilize the body when standing, pain and sensory disturbances spread to the area from the lower back to the buttocks, and along the entire side of the thigh (from top to bottom).L5–S1 – Tremors in calf muscles, inability to stand on toes, pain in hamstrings.In rare cases, the radicular artery is also involved in the destructive process, causing a spinal stroke - a dangerous pathology in which patients develop paresis and paralysis as well as dysfunction of the pelvic organs.

pain reflex symptoms

Low back pain or low back pain (not sciatica in this case! ) – Acute pain. Any awkward movement, even sneezing and coughing, can cause cramps. The patient spontaneously changes body position, moving it to one side. Trying to assume a vertical position can trigger new low back pain.Low back pain is a dull pain that occurs on one side. Periods of remission are followed by exacerbations that progress to severe pain.Lumbar pain - pain in the legs.The side effects of this disease are not so typical and can easily be mistaken for symptoms of other problems: a sweating disorder (oligohidrosis), pale skin in the affected area due to poor circulation, severe dryness and flaking.

diagnosis

In the initial phase, a complete medical history of the patient is collected. The overall picture should be supplemented by the conclusions of the surgeon, orthopedic surgeon, neurologist, and rheumatologist. Specialists perform visual examinations of patients to assess changes in posture, muscle tone, and skin sensitivity.X-ray examination is the initial diagnosis of first-level lumbar osteochondrosis and is used to check the condition of the intervertebral disc, spinal cord pathology, and evaluate the general condition of the spine. However, this type of diagnosis does not provide complete information about the affected tissue.Computed tomography (CT) is a highly sensitive test that uses a beam of ionizing rays. CT scans use layer-by-layer images to record the degree of deformation of the intervertebral disc, the inflammatory process of the spinal cord membrane and nerve endings.Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can provide a wealth of information, showing the general condition of muscle mass, blood vessels, and ligaments. Detection of neoplastic and inflammatory processes.Myelography is one of the methods of visually assessing the condition of the spinal cord and nerve roots by using a needle to inject a contrast agent into the cerebrospinal fluid-filled cavity between the pia mater and the arachnoid mater of the spinal cord. Similar to CT, MTP, and X-rays, the process occurs in real time.Neurological examination of pathological sensitivities and reflexes is a complex study that includes screening methods to study limb symmetry, testing vibration sensitivity, and evaluation of the Babinski, Chaddock, and Oppenheimer reflexes.

Treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis

The effect of conservative treatment is achieved through a combination of various groups of drugs, massage, and manual therapy. However, by the third stage, lumbar osteochondrosis cannot be cured by conservative methods and requires surgical intervention. One of the surgical options for osteochondrosis is microdiscectomy. This is a neurosurgery procedure that removes the hernia without damaging the neural structures. It is performed under general anesthesia. The patient was able to walk on the third day.

Medication (Phase 1-2)

• Analgesics used to relieve pain: Topical (ointment, gel), oral (tablets, suspension), intramuscular (injection).
• NSAIDs prevent the development of inflammatory processes. Lower the temperature and eliminate swelling. Most often gels and tablets are used, in more severe cases (sciatic nerve inflammation) - injections. Prima courses are 7-14 days.
• Muscle relaxants. Use medication in the acute phase of muscle spasm and medication in the remission phase to consolidate the curative effect.
• Chondroprotectant. Prevents the destruction process of intervertebral discs, promotes regeneration, and improves the metabolism of cartilage tissue.
• Group B vitamin complex. Improve nerve conduction.
• Diuretics. Reduce swelling.

As emergency aid in case of exacerbation, a powerful injection - paravertebral block is used, which causes a temporary loss of sensitivity.

prevention

• An active lifestyle combined with moderate physical activity;
• Choose comfortable shoes or orthopedic shoes (if needed);
• weight control;
• sleep only on an orthopedic mattress and pillow;
• Office furniture only has flat backs;
• Deny weight on the back and spine. When carrying heavy objects, the load should be evenly distributed between the hands.