Osteochondrosis is one of the most common problems associated with back disorders.
This disease means a change in the internal shape of the spine, as well as a decrease in the plasticity of the intervertebral discs between the vertebrae, in which there are disorders related to cell nutrition.
The lumbar spine suffers the most as this part of the spine takes most of the load. When you lift heavy objects, all of the force your body is subjected to is directed toward the space between the vertebrae, causing compression of the nerve roots. That is why there are problems and pains associated with lumbar osteochondrosis.
Causes of lumbar osteochondrosis
These reasons can also occur in the younger generation, especially if various types of problems are related to the musculoskeletal system. These include:
- Birth defects, for example different lengths of the limbs;
- flat feet of various types and stages;
- changes in the shape of the spine (scoliosis);
- Change in the position of the lumbar vertebra, which can slide off the sacrum in different directions.
These diseases can negatively affect the spine and damage its functions. Doctors often believe that lumbar osteochondrosis can occur at a genetic level. For example, if your parents have this condition, there is a high chance that their child will also have such spinal disorders.
In addition, the most famous cause of the disease is hard physical labor. Lifting objects that are too heavy puts a lot of strain on the lumbar spine, resulting in injury.
The next cause of lumbar osteochondrosis is obesity. Extra pounds such as ballast accumulate on the body and in the body, have a negative effect on the spine and vertebrae, and cause feelings of heaviness and pain during movement. If, at first glance, it seems to you that an injury to the shape of the spine would not have any negative consequences, then you are very mistaken. This problem leads to wear of the intervertebral discs between the vertebrae, which leads to the further development of osteochondrosis. Hence, it is imperative to monitor the condition of your body and prevent excess body fat. Fat tissue disrupts movement and puts additional strain on your muscles, joints, ligaments and the spine.
Another well-known cause of a spinal disease is a back injury. Bumps, bruises, lifting heavy loads and clams in athletes who are not prepared for such loads negatively affect the back. Injury to one of the sections of the spine can have negative consequences in the future, for example, osteochondrosis of the spine.
And the most popular cause of back problems is known to be an inactive lifestyle, in which a person sits in one place most of the time without exercising and stretching. Most often this applies to people who work in offices or who just want to be in one place for a long time without moving, not doing sports or stretching. To maintain a healthy back and spine (and the entire body in general), you need adequate physical activity. Moving around a little and sitting down all the time can reduce blood flow to the body. Because of this factor, back pain occurs, the body does not receive all the nutrients, there is a weakening of the spine and many other diseases.
A healthy lifestyle is one of the postulates of healthy blood vessels and joints. Take the time to exercise regularly and your body will respond positively to it.
Diseases caused by infections or inflammatory processes in the body have a negative effect on the bone tissue and the condition of the ligaments, which can weaken the vertebrae. The loads are mainly absorbed by the lumbar region, which can lead to a change in the shape of the vertebrae.
Stress also causes pain in the spine, especially in women, as they experience feelings and emotions more strongly. Stress negatively affects the health of the entire body and its nervous system. Against the background of stress, various types of diseases, including lumbar osteochondrosis, can aggravate and become inflamed.
Help!You need to carefully monitor your nerves and avoid situations associated with irritation or negative emotions.
Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
It is very difficult to identify the disease in the early stages. Most diseases are asymptomatic, however, anyone can feel non-standard sensations in the body. Therefore, it is extremely important to determine the first symptoms of spinal disease. The pain comes on gradually. You need to be able to correctly identify them and contact a specialist in a timely manner, since in the early stages it is easiest to cure the disease.
Most symptoms have one thing in common:
- Pain in the lumbar region. Overall, there are two types of pain: neurogenic pain and muscle pain. The disc itself does not feel pain because it does not contain nerve endings. Painful sensations arise from the destruction of the nerve root discs that emerge from the opening between the vertebrae.
- The pain is too intense, like shooting. A person grabs their lower back and cannot straighten up for fear of experiencing pain again. Such pain occurs as a result of swelling of the nerve root, which does not have enough space to stay.
- In addition, pain is caused by swelling of the back muscles. With edema, there is a problem with the supply of glucose and air to the muscle fibers of the back. Therefore, the muscles are stressed. They suffer from hunger and also have the ability to remove lactic acid from the fibers that have formed inside them during muscle activity. As a result, the muscle contracts, causing pain and cramps. The person feels pain, stiffness, and uncomfortable sensations in the back and lower back.
- Since the intervertebral disc can compress the motor root, an attack of paresis or paralysis is possible. There may be a feeling of weakness in the limbs that contributes to a violation of the gait.
- Muscle wasting can occur in which one of the limbs loses volume. Numbness of the legs, goose bumps also appear, the growth of stripes and nails on the limbs is disturbed.
Scoliosis can have serious consequences, including injuries and disorders of internal organs.
Here are the general signs and symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis:
- radicular pain;
- muscle pain in the back;
- movement disorders;
- disorder of limb sensitivity;
- creepy sensations, numb legs, hair and nail plate stopped growing.
Obesity is another enemy of your joints and your spine.
If your muscle corset is not sufficiently strengthened, the joints take on the burden, leading to their injury.
These symptoms are the main symptoms. However, it must be answered that there are also individual symptoms that do not occur in every patient. They depend on the person's individual characteristics and are the most difficult to identify or define.
Stages of lumbar osteochondrosis
The disease develops in four stages.
First stage- the initial stage of the disease. The patient has pain in her lower back and cramps from her swelling in this area of the spine. If you pay attention to the symptoms and see a specialist in good time, you can avoid further back problems. At this stage, treatment is quite easy and quick to do, which allows you to get rid of problems and back pain.
Second stage- In this stage the pain becomes more constant and severe than in the first. There may be sensations of unusual mobility in the joints and ligaments of the spine, as a result of which the pain sensations intensify, become sharper and more noticeable. Painful feelings are caused by the contraction of the sciatic nerve. In some cases, injuries to a person's internal organs are possible. It is imperative to consult a specialist for the correct choice of treatment.
Third stage- At this stage, hernias have already formed between the vertebrae. The spine begins to bend and change shape in different directions (scoliosis, lordosis and other diseases of the spine are formed). Painful sensations are constant, sharp, tormenting a person. The full value of life becomes problematic as a person is constantly constrained by pain. Treatment at this stage may be delayed as the disease progresses.
Level fouris the most difficult level. Back pain is regular, sometimes constant. A person cannot move fully, the pain hinders movement. If treatment is not prescribed in a timely manner, the patient may remain disabled.
Treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis
The treatment of this disease is very complex. Comprehensive treatment is required. It contains:
- treatment with drugs;
- adherence to a therapeutic diet;
- for severe stages of the disease - surgical intervention;
- Performing special physical activities selected by the treating doctor.
To reduce swelling in the back muscles, a diet that does not contain salt is required as it will retain water in the body. In the event of illness, a special orthopedic corset must be used to keep the muscles in the desired position.
Use of special ointments and plasters that have a warming effect. However, it should be remembered that with inflammatory processes in your body, the use of warming drugs is unacceptable, as it will aggravate the symptoms of inflammation.
Acute pain is treated with intramuscular injections that are prescribed by the attending physician. If the pain is severe and unbearable, intramuscular anesthetics can be used.
Physiotherapy is a painless process designed to expedite the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis. Do not forget that treatment should be comprehensive and under the supervision of the attending physician.
Physiotherapy is a must in the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis. It is carried out in medical institutions. Physical activity occurs after preliminary warming up of the patient's muscle tissue.
The main principle of the treatment is movement to tone the muscle fibers. It is imperative to restore the motor function of the muscle tissue so that there is a full range of motion. Most often, early-stage osteochondrosis is treated for several weeks. Treatment may be delayed in advanced stages with severe pain and symptoms. That is why it is very important to timely pay attention to painful sensations in the back area and consult a specialist.
Important!The earlier you start treatment, the faster you can overcome the disease.
Prevention of lumbar osteochondrosis
The prevention of this disease will never be superfluous.
Follow these guidelines to avoid this problem:
- Stay cool, get dressed so the weather keeps your back healthy.
- Avoid lifting heavy loads. If you need to move heavy objects, carry them in your backpack. Untrained athletes are strongly advised not to immediately jump on heavy work weights.
- Avoid falling on your back, especially in winter when it's freezing. Every type of back injury leads to their diseases.
- Drink plenty of clean water and other liquids.
- Keep in shape so that being overweight does not cause this type of disease.
- Exercise and stretch your muscle fibers regularly.
- Stretch your back muscles. You can hang out at the bar or go for a swim in the pool.
- Have yourself checked regularly. You can do a spine x-ray or MRI to monitor the condition and health of your back.
Hyperextension Back Extension is a great way to strengthen the muscles that support the spine.
By following these simple guidelines, you can avoid back problems, including lumbar osteochondrosis. If you suddenly experience any unusual sensations in your back, you should contact your doctor immediately.
Conclusion
Monitor the health of your back and spine to avoid related problems and diseases. To do this, you will need moderate physical therapy exercises that will tone the muscles and prevent a number of diseases that appear in different parts of the back. If pain of various types is detected, it is necessary to contact a specialist in a timely manner in order to make the correct and correct decision, since the disease is easily treatable in the early stages. Do not exercise yourself and your health as your life and freedom of movement depend on your back health when doing standard everyday activities.
We hope you have found this article useful. You have learned new points about lumbar osteochondrosis and now you can avoid this problem. Be healthy and take care of yourself, because a healthy back ensures the health of the whole body, a long and happy life without pain!