Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine: symptoms and treatment

Lumbar osteochondrosis is a common disease of the musculoskeletal system. It is characterized by the development of degenerative-dystrophic processes in joint and bone tissue. Lumbar osteochondrosis implies that tissue damage occurred specifically in the lumbar and sacral area, so the patient will experience corresponding symptoms. Osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral spine causes significant discomfort to a person. It negatively affects the condition of not only the back, but also the lower extremities. About how to treat lumbar osteochondrosis, you need to check with a specialist - a neurologist or traumatologist. You should not treat this complex disease on your own or on the advice of relatives and friends. Self-medication can only aggravate the process and cause even more harm to the spine.

In Moscow, high-quality treatment for osteochondrosis is carried out at the Yusupov Hospital. The best specialists in Moscow work here, who specialize in eliminating this problem.

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine: causes

Osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral region is considered to be a disease of older people. However, recently lumbosacral osteochondrosis is increasingly being diagnosed in young people (25-30 years old). This is due to the fact that many young people lead a sedentary lifestyle and spend a lot of time at the computer. An additional factor is the constant stress that a young person experiences in the modern world. Combined with poor nutrition and the predominance of fast food, this leads to a deterioration in the condition of not only the spine, but also the entire body.

Lumbar osteochondrosis of the spine is a type of pathology that is localized in the lumbar region. This is one of the most common types of osteochondrosis. The exact causes of the development of the disease are not thoroughly known, but there are provoking factors, the presence of which significantly increases the likelihood of developing osteochondrosis. These include:

• sedentary work;
• curvature of posture;
• sedentary lifestyle;
• excessive stress on the spine (professional sports, regular weight lifting, heavy physical labor);
• overweight;
• back injuries;
• age (over the years, spinal tissues undergo natural processes of aging and thinning);
• inflammatory diseases in the joints (arthritis, arthrosis, scoliosis, etc.);
• diseases accompanied by metabolic disorders;
• Unhealthy Lifestyle;
• hereditary predisposition.

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Drugs to strengthen the spine

Usually, calcium and vitamin D supplements, as well as chondroprotectors based on glucosamine and chondroitin, are prescribed to strengthen the spinal column. The ineffectiveness of the latter has been proven by meta-analyses published in such authoritative scientific journals as JAMA, Annals Of The Rheumatic Diseases, etc.

And consumption of high-dose calcium supplements (1000 mg or more per day) increases the risk of a heart attack by 30% or more, as numerous studies show. This occurs due to the fact that calcium is not able to be absorbed into the skeleton due to a deficiency of bone cells, which are born worse with age due to a decrease in the level of sex hormones. As a result, the vertebrae are not strengthened, and bone mineral is deposited in the blood vessels, kidneys and other organs.

That is why strengthening the spine is impossible without stimulating anabolism - the process of formation of new cells and sections of skeletal tissue. Hormones responsible for anabolism can be obtained in the form of hormonal preparations. However, they have a lot of contraindications and side effects.

A safe solution to the problem of stimulating anabolic processes in the spine was proposed by Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor V. I. Strukov. He developed a low-dose calcium drug for the treatment of osteoarticular diseases, Osteomed Forte, based on a natural substance with an anabolic effect.

This substance is an HDBA organic complex, or drone homogenate, preserved using a special patented technology. It allows you to preserve all the vitamins, macro- and microelements, amino acids, and most importantly, the prohormones of the original bee product.

Natural hormonal components serve as a kind of constructor from which our endocrine system puts together human hormones in the quantities we need: testosterone, estrogens, progesterone, prolactin.

At the same time, there are no negative side effects as with hormone replacement therapy, and the processes of renewal of all tissues are launched in the body. By the way, this property of drone homogenate was already known in ancient times in China, where it was served at the table of emperors as a “rejuvenating apple.”

Thanks to the formation of new bone cells, calcium becomes in demand in the skeleton and is used to strengthen it. Therefore, a small dosage of the bioavailable citrate form of calcium in Osteomed Forte serves specifically to improve the health of the spine and other bones. The preparation also contains vitamins D3 and B6, which are important for the health of the musculoskeletal system.

Attention! You can purchase the innovative vitamin and mineral preparation Osteomed Forte in pharmacies, specialized stores, departments of retail chains, and it’s even easier to order it online.

As for chondroprotectors, the medicinal plant dandelion is much more beneficial for cartilage tissue than the discredited chondroitin and glucosamine. Its root contains a whole complex of substances that promote the birth of cartilage cells and strengthen the cartilage matrix. And first of all, these are the substances taraxacin and taraxacerin, which enhance the liver’s production of compounds called cartilage regeneration factors. Therefore, the use of dandelion preparations helps strengthen the remaining structures of the intervertebral discs.

The easy-to-use tablet preparation Dandelion P, made by cryoprocessing while preserving all biologically active substances, can be purchased in pharmacies, specialty stores, department stores and online.

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine: symptoms

At an early stage, it is quite difficult to identify lumbosacral osteochondrosis. Symptoms and treatment of the disease will depend on the degree of damage to the spinal tissue. Signs of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine appear gradually, starting with minor discomfort and, in advanced cases, the appearance of acute pain. Treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis cannot be delayed. As the disease progresses, the symptoms will only intensify, causing the person more discomfort. In a severe acute period, it is painful for a person to even stand up, so it is necessary to immediately treat lumbar osteochondrosis. The symptoms of the disease are as follows:

• pain in osteochondrosis of the lumbar region is the most striking sign of pathology. They can grow gradually, intensifying during movements (bending or lifting weights). As the disease progresses, the intensity of the pain will increase, and during an attack of acute osteochondrosis it will be unbearable;
• impaired lumbar mobility. Pathological processes in the spine affect the ability to make any movements in this department: it is difficult for a person to bend over, turn to the sides, or sit with a straight back;
• dysfunction of the lower extremities. There is a disturbance in gait, numbness, tingling, a feeling of “pins and needles”, and muscle weakness occur in the legs;
• pallor of the skin is noted, which is associated with impaired blood supply to the affected area;
• sexual dysfunction (possible in severe cases).

Characteristic features of the disease

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine of the 1st degree is considered the starting point, after which the pathology begins to progress, involving more and more new structures of the spinal column in the degenerative process. The destructive and degenerative changes that have arisen in the intervertebral discs are still insignificant and do not have a pronounced effect on the functioning of the musculoskeletal system.

Destroyed areas of intervertebral discs usually cannot be restored, especially in elderly patients due to slow cartilage regeneration due to natural reasons. But young people, with due diligence and following all the doctor’s recommendations, can improve the condition of their discs. Their recovery processes proceed quickly, metabolism is accelerated, and enough collagen is produced in the body.

Osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral spine: symptoms and degrees

There are four degrees by which lumbar osteochondrosis develops. Symptoms and treatment directly depend on the degree of osteochondrosis: the intensity of the manifestations of the disease increases with the progression of the degenerative process, which is important to consider when drawing up a course of therapy.

Intervertebral osteochondrosis of the lumbar region is classified as follows:

1. Osteochondrosis of the 1st degree of the lumbar region is manifested by minor discomfort in the lumbar region. They can occur after intense physical exertion or a long working day. A person may feel pain in the back or buttock area, as well as tingling in the lower back;
2. Osteochondrosis of the 2nd degree of the lumbar region is felt more pronounced. At grade 2, destruction of the fibrous ring of the intervertebral disc begins. The distance between the vertebrae narrows or stretches, and the intervertebral disc begins to extend beyond the vertebrae. Compression of the nerve roots of the spine occurs, which results in significant pain in the lower back, which is reflected in the area of ​​the buttock, thigh and lower leg. The person may also feel a burning or cold sensation in the lower back;
3. Osteochondrosis of the 3rd degree of the lumbar region is characterized by the final destruction of the fibrous ring. The contents of the intervertebral disc come out - a hernia is formed. The nerve roots are compressed more strongly, an inflammatory process occurs, which is accompanied by severe constant pain in the lumbar region;
4. Osteochondrosis of the 4th degree of the lumbar region is accompanied by complete atrophy of cartilage and pathological proliferation of the vertebrae. This is a compensatory reaction of the body to a violation of the intervertebral disc. At this stage, the pain usually goes away, however, this indicator does not indicate an improvement in the condition. The proliferation of vertebrae significantly impairs the mobility of the spine and can lead to disability.

What is lumbosacral osteochondrosis

In addition to the 33 bones that make up the vertebral column, the human spinal cord also includes cartilaginous intervertebral discs. They provide stability to the spine against vertical loads, and also play the role of a spring, softening movements - it is thanks to them that our bones do not rub against each other, and our back bends. Together with muscles and ligaments, they are involved in the human body adopting various positions. Without these cartilage "spacers", we would not be able to run, jump and walk without suffering from excruciating headaches and injuries. However, over time, they tend to wear out - this is facilitated by the genetic “weakness” of cartilage tissue, and uneven distribution of load (for example, with poor posture), and poor nutrition, and many other factors that relate to the lifestyle of a modern person. The disease is characterized by a chronic course with periodic relapses. A complete cure is impossible, but timely treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine gives an almost 100% effect and returns to normal life.

Degenerative changes in the cartilage tissue of the spine lead to degeneration of the intervertebral discs. It is expressed in discomfort when moving, muscle hypertonicity, sharp shooting or constant aching pain. The consequence of abrasion of the intervertebral discs is deterioration of tissue trophism, the appearance of microcracks in the bones and osteophytes, protrusion of the spinal cord, and compression of internal organs. For this reason, lumbar osteochondrosis is called a disease of the whole body - it is capable of triggering a chain of metabolic disorders that affect the abdominal and pelvic organs (primarily the gastrointestinal tract and genitourinary system), the spinal cord and brain, and so on. Radicular syndrome, or radiculopathy, caused by this disease can cause neuralgic pain in the heart and even the stomach. Sometimes leg paresis and other severe symptoms of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine are observed.

When the disease is localized in the lumbar region, vertebral displacements often occur due to sudden everyday movements. In this case, it becomes difficult for patients to walk and sit, an inflammatory process begins, the relief of which requires drug treatment, physiotherapy, a special exercise therapy program for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine and observation by an orthopedist. In some cases, realignment of the vertebrae is required - a rather painful procedure, after which significant relief occurs after 1-2 days. It can only be carried out by a chiropractor - an osteopath and a vertebroneurologist.

Lumbar osteochondrosis: symptoms and treatment of exacerbation

Exacerbation of lumbar osteochondrosis can be triggered by sudden movement, lifting weights, or hypothermia. Acute pain in lumbar osteochondrosis can increase gradually or appear suddenly. Most often, exacerbation of lumbar osteochondrosis is accompanied by acute severe pain. During an attack, muscle spasm occurs in the lumbar and thoracic spine, which prevents the movement of the back to prevent increased pain. Pain in the acute period spreads to the buttocks and leg, which are connected by nerve fibers to the affected area of ​​the spine. A person is forced to take a certain position and not change it (usually a horizontal position with the affected leg bent). Even minor movements, such as coughing, can cause another attack of pain.

An exacerbation of lumbar osteochondrosis, treatment of which must be started immediately, can last several days or weeks (depending on how quickly adequate therapy was started). At the Yusupov Hospital, treatment of acute osteochondrosis is performed immediately after the patient’s treatment. The hospital's emergency department is open 24 hours a day, so the patient can receive help at any time. To relieve acute pain, blockades are performed - the introduction of an analgesic into the affected area, which contributes to a significant improvement in the condition. After eliminating the acute period, the main course of treatment begins.

Possible complications

The most serious danger of lumbar osteochondrosis of the 1st degree lies in its smooth transition to the next stage of development. If this happens, the patient is diagnosed with grade 2 pathology, which is difficult to respond to conservative therapy. In this case, not only is it not possible to partially restore the discs, but difficulties arise in stopping the destructive-degenerative process.

Any destruction of tissue, including cartilage, is often accompanied by inflammation. It is weak, sluggish, and does not interfere with the functioning of the vertebral lumbar segments. But the inflammatory process becomes the cause of a bacterial infection. And this predisposes to faster tissue breakdown.

With lumbar osteochondrosis of the 1st degree, the intervertebral bridges begin to be damaged. Such changes do not affect the patient’s well-being, but provoke the accelerated formation of an intervertebral hernia.

Lumbar osteochondrosis: symptoms and diagnosis

Treatment of lumbosacral osteochondrosis begins with diagnosis. It is necessary to find out whether this is true osteochondrosis, and what is the extent of tissue damage. Osteochondrosis of the lower back is detected using radiography. The image will clearly show the condition of the intervertebral disc and vertebrae. The doctor clarifies the location of the lesion and assesses the degree of development of the disease. If necessary, an additional MRI or CT may be prescribed to clarify the details.

Diagnosis of osteochondrosis is carried out at the diagnostic center of the Yusupov Hospital, which has everything necessary for an accurate diagnosis. Experienced staff uses modern equipment, which allows them to quickly and correctly identify the patient’s illness. How neurologists and physiotherapists will treat lumbar osteochondrosis will depend on the diagnostic results.

Lumbar osteochondrosis: symptoms and treatment with medications

After diagnosis, each patient is interested in the question “How to cure lumbar osteochondrosis?” Treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral region will be complex and consist of medication and physiotherapy. At the Yusupov Hospital, each component of treatment is determined by the appropriate specialist based on the individual characteristics of the patient. Symptoms and signs of osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral spine allow you to choose the most optimal therapy that will be most effective.

Drug treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis includes several types of drugs, each of which performs its own function:

• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: eliminate pain and inflammation;
• painkillers: relieve severe pain that the previous group of drugs cannot cope with;
• muscle relaxants: relieve muscle spasms;
• chondroprotectors: stop the degenerative process, promote regeneration of spinal tissue;
• vitamin complexes: normalize nerve conduction, improve the body’s protective properties.

All medications, their dosage and duration of use are determined strictly by the attending physician.

Exercise therapy for lumbar osteochondrosis

Moderate physical activity for osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral region will prevent the development of spinal cord damage. The exercises prescribed by the specialist are carried out 2-3 times a day, excluding periods of exacerbation:

• While kneeling, stretch one leg back while throwing your head back. During exhalation, return to the starting position.
• From the starting position described in the previous exercise, sit on your heels, then return to the starting position, stretching one leg back.
• Lying on your back, extend your arms along your body. While inhaling, pull your knees towards your chest, stretching them out as you exhale. Repeat up to 6 times.
• Lying on your back, extend your arms along your body. While inhaling, lift them up and spread them to the side. Exhale and take the starting position.
• Standing on your knees with emphasis on your elbows, round your back as you exhale and lower your head. While inhaling, return to the starting position. Repeat up to 8 times.

A set of classes and an exercise schedule are drawn up by a doctor. In our clinic, separate complexes can be prescribed for the subacute period and the recovery stage of the patient. Do not try to exercise on your own, or more intensely than prescribed.

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine: treatment with physiotherapy methods

Treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis includes a course of physiotherapy. This is also an important component of treatment, like drug therapy. Some patients are interested in how to treat osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine without physical therapy. However, the disease cannot be eliminated using medications alone. Medicines will dull the pain, which will still return quite quickly.

At the Yusupov Hospital, physiotherapy for osteochondrosis is carried out in the rehabilitation department by qualified specialists. The patient is prescribed a course of rehabilitation taking into account his capabilities and needs. Physiotherapy includes:

• massage for osteochondrosis of the lumbar region;
• spinal stretch;
• physical therapy;
• reflexology (acupuncture);
• hardware methods of influence (electrophoresis, amplipulse, phonophoresis, etc.).

Only by using complex treatment can osteochondrosis be cured. Low back pain usually goes away within a few days after starting therapy (depending on the severity of the disease). However, this is not a reason to stop the course of treatment. To achieve a better result and avoid a rapid relapse of the pathology, you must complete the full course, which is compiled by specialists. Using effective treatment methods, doctors at the Yusupov Hospital achieve a significant improvement in the patient’s condition, which allows him to return to a full life.

You can make an appointment with neurologists, rehabilitation specialists, physiotherapists and other clinic specialists, find out information about the work of the diagnostic center and other questions of interest by calling the Yusupov Hospital.

How to cope with pain: treatment

Treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis in the growing stage is always carried out comprehensively. Standard therapy includes medications, paravertebral blockades, physiotherapeutic procedures, and massage. The patient is also prescribed therapeutic nutrition, physical exercise and sanatorium treatment (during the period of stable remission).

Treatment of osteochondrosis

If you want to find out in more detail which injections relieve pain in osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, and also consider the types and dosage, you can read an article about this on our portal.

Drugs

Drug treatment of grade 2 osteochondrosis can last from 4 to 12 weeks. The use of medications is justified and advisable both in the acute period and during the attenuation of symptoms. This is necessary to prevent complications and stop further destruction of the pulp pulp and the fibrous ring. Drugs for treatment are selected individually, taking into account the degree of dystrophic and degenerative changes and other factors (the patient’s age, concomitant diagnoses, the presence of individual contraindications, etc.).

"Ibuprofen"

Table. Standard treatment regimen for grade 2 osteochondrosis.

"Teraflex"

To normalize blood flow in cases of severe congestion, vasodilators can be used. Therapy is also supplemented by taking vitamins and minerals (after laboratory testing).

Note! For acute pain attacks with high intensity, paravertebral blockade is indicated. Analgesic solutions are used for it (Ultracaine, Lidocaine, Novocaine), and the injection is placed directly into the affected area. Such manipulation is associated with a fairly high risk of damage to nerve endings and possible infection of the spine, so it must be performed strictly if there are sufficient indications.

Spinal injection

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy procedures allow you to achieve a stable therapeutic result (reduce pain, restore mobility of damaged segments, slow down the destruction of intervertebral discs), but they can only be performed during the period of attenuation of acute symptoms. During physiotherapeutic treatment, medications are injected under the patient's skin using magnetic, ultrasonic waves or low-frequency current. The most effective methods of treating grade 2 osteochondrosis are: