Lumbar spondylosis - symptoms and treatment

Lumbar spondylosis, symptoms and treatments are very diverse, is one of the most common diseases of the musculoskeletal system.

This condition is characterized by the fact that degenerative-dystrophic changes develop in the intervertebral discs, spreading over time to the ligaments and bone tissue of the vertebrae of the lumbar spine.An acute process, if left untreated, will certainly become chronic.

Degenerative diseases can turn a healthy person into a disabled person.

Degrees of lumbar cartilage degeneration

Lumbosacral cartilage degeneration is divided into 4 degrees.The progression of the disease is as follows:

First degree.In the inner part of the annulus fibrosus, damage forms in the form of cracks, into which substances inside the nucleus pulposus penetrate, causing irritation.This is the early stage of osteonecrosis.The deformation of the intervertebral discs is barely noticeable and causes painful reflexes when making sudden movements and lifting heavy objects.Discomfort in the lower spine can be moderate and manifest:

• Lumbago – localized, prolonged pain in the lumbar spine;
• low back pain – sudden “shooting” pain in the lower back.

Second degree.The destruction process in the annulus continues.The distance from one vertebra to another decreases, causing compression of nerve fibers.There is a feeling of discomfort in the lower back, which sometimes develops into pain.

Third degree.During this stage, final destruction of the annulus fibrosus occurs as the nucleus pulposus is pushed out.Blood vessels and nerve endings are compressed by the discs.Intervertebral hernia is formed.The spine curves, forming:

• Lordosis - an arch-shaped deformity in the lumbar region, with the spine protruding forward;
• kyphosis - a position opposite to kyphosis, when the arch is formed in the outer direction;
• Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine is pathologically curved to the right or left.

Final degreeOsteoarthritis is considered the most serious and dangerous.At this time, the spine is deformed and loses normal movement.X-ray shows bone growth in the lumbar spine - reaction from the body.There may be no pain for a while, but this does not mean the condition will improve.People with stage 4 osteochondrosis in the lumbar region are often disabled.The reason is that at this stage the process is still complicated.

Causes of lumbar spondylosis

Among the causes of lumbar osteoarthritis are:

1. Disproportionate load on the spine.Humans are upright creatures, so in a standing position, the load on the spine is considered normal.When performing various actions, you must move, bend and unbend.To maintain the body in the desired state, the musculoskeletal system is in a state of prolonged stress.In a sitting position, the load on the spine increases, and when you lie on your back, this load becomes minimal.When a person holds one position for a long time, the lumbar spine and sacrum are overloaded and the muscles do not get rest, which first creates discomfort, then pain.This deforming factor creates the premise for degenerative lumbar cartilage disease to develop.
2. Sedentary lifestyle.It contributes to the development of various pathologies, including those affecting the vertebral structures.Sitting for long periods of time causes deformation of cartilage tissue and decreased muscle tone, stimulating the development of lumbar osteoarthritis.
3. Excessive physical activity.Neither the lack of active physical activity nor its excess does anything good for the musculoskeletal system.Long-term heavy work, especially involving lifting and carrying heavy objects, leads to excessive strain on the back muscles and causes spinal herniation.
4. Postural disorders.Deformation of the intervertebral discs can also be caused by improper walking.The cause is due to uneven load on the spine.The intervertebral disc loses its elasticity and ability to move, making it more susceptible to injury.Elderly and elderly people suffer more from similar problems than others.
5. Bone defects, genetic diseases, trauma and infectious lesions.Usually, osteoarthritis is a consequence of disorders of the musculoskeletal system that are present from birth.For example, when the body's cartilage tissue is very fragile by nature.In addition, pathologies of the spine develop after trauma and infectious processes, such as osteomyelitis and tuberculosis.
6. Flat feet.Signs of a “special” foot are the lack of grooves and arches.People with this trait often face spinal problems.This is because the load on the intervertebral discs increases when walking.Throughout their lives, they are subjected to increasing physical impact when moving, so they quickly wear out.
7. Obesity.Excess weight is a problem and an additional burden on the body.All organs and systems are affected, including the spine.
8. Pathological processes.Dysfunction of various structures can adversely affect the condition of the musculoskeletal system.Thus, the factors causing lumbar spondylosis are endocrine disorders, cardiovascular problems and digestive system problems.
9. Wrong lifestyle.Many people do not pay enough attention to such simple and important things as physical activity, balanced nutrition and normal sleep.An organism that exists under pressure for long periods of time becomes weakened and vulnerable.Among other pathologies that can arise on such "fertile" land is osteoarthritis of the lumbar region.

Symptoms of lumbar osteoarthritis

Pathological changes in the lumbar spine are manifested by severe symptoms;

• Lower back painis the most prominent "signal" of the development of lumbar osteoarthritis.She talks about the presence of “nerve root syndrome”, when the nerve endings of the spine are compressed, causing pain in the lumbar region.The person becomes tired and irritable.Over time, performing simple and familiar movements will become a big problem due to lumbar spine pain.If an intervertebral hernia forms in the lumbar region, the pain will spread to the lower legs, back of the thighs and feet.Over time, sitting and walking become increasingly difficult.The feeling of discomfort does not disappear even in a lying position.Temporary pain relief may alternate with periods of exacerbation.;
• dysfunction of the genitourinary system.They manifest as pain in the kidney area and frequent urge to urinate.Deformation of the intervertebral discs causes displacement of the lumbar region relative to the sacrum.This affects the functioning of the internal reproductive organs in women and causes potency problems in men;
• Reduces leg sensitivity in the foot area.It can be partial or absolute.At the same time, the reflexes of this part of the body are weakened.Progressive pathology leads to complete loss of sensation in the lower extremities;
• gait disorder.Low back pain due to osteoarthritis causes the patient to misalign when walking in the opposite direction from where the nerve fibers are compressed.Conditions do not permit hiking.Occasionally, a person with a limp is forced to stop, waiting for the pain to subside.Timely medical assistance can save a person from disability.

Treatment of osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine

Many people wonder whether lumbar osteoarthritis can be treated and how it happens.Once the diagnosis is made and the diagnosis is made, treatment tactics will be determined.

There are many different methods to treat lumbar osteoarthritis.Which of them is necessary and advisable to use to cure or alleviate a person's condition as much as possible is determined by the doctor.

Someone simply treats themselves with folk remedies at home, forgetting that they can be used only with the approval of a specialist and only as part of a complex therapy.

Treatment of osteoarthritis with medication

Drug treatment includes the use of:

• tablet form;
• solution for injection;
• preparations for external use - ointments and gels.

The drug is prescribed to eliminate inflammation and relieve pain in the lumbar region.They can be used at home.

These could be:

• analgesic;
• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
• medicine to treat muscle spasms (muscle relaxants);
• means for restoring cartilage tissue (chodroprotector);
• corticosteroids (medicines containing hormones that reduce pain and inflammation)
• vitamin.

The course of treatment is prescribed by the doctor, the doctor, as an additional method of treatment, sometimes prescribes drugs or drugs that calm the nervous system.

Physical therapy for lumbar osteoarthritis

Another popular method to help relieve symptoms of lumbar osteoarthritis is physical therapy.By affecting the spine and lower back, it helps boost metabolism and recovery.

Most commonly prescribed:

• magnetic, laser and electrical therapy;
• phonology;
• shock wave method;
• stress reduction therapy;
• vibration massage;
• Nutrient therapy.

The doctor decides on the number and what procedures are needed.

Physiotherapy is effective when it comes to the early stages of the pathology.But it, like other types of treatment, has contraindications.Therefore, when prescribing this method, the doctor must take into account many factors.

Therapeutic exercises for lumbar osteoarthritis

A set of physical exercises can be prescribed for lumbar osteoarthritis aimed at restoring the mobility of this part of the spine.

Regularity is considered the main condition for its effectiveness.The exercises performed sometimes will not bring the desired effect.

If the body already has complications due to osteoarthritis, this method should not be used.In addition, contraindications to its use are serious pathologies of other organs and systems, as well as the appearance of pain in the pelvic area and above.

Surgical intervention to treat lumbar osteoarthritis

Surgical methods are used when there are severe complications such as intervertebral hernia.Removal of part or all of the damaged disc (discectomy) is performed as specified in the surgical protocol.

Indications for surgery are:

• severe and persistent pain that cannot be relieved by medication within a month;
• the large size of the hernia and its effect on the spinal cord.

Osteoarthritis is easier to prevent than to treat.Like any medical condition, it is potentially dangerous with serious complications.It is important to understand that it is possible to more or less completely alleviate this pathology at the earliest stages, when the deforming effect on the intervertebral discs is minimal.In other cases, we can only talk about alleviating symptoms and maintaining the body's condition to be able to live and work normally.