Lumbar osteochondrosis is the underlying disease, one of the most common forms of osteochondrosis itself.Lumbar osteochondrosis, the symptoms of which can be defined equally in men and women, manifests itself in the form of pain concentrated in the sacral region, which is reflected in the symptoms of the lower limbs, which patients often independently define as "a pinched lumbar nerve".
General description
Most often, the examined form of osteochondrosis develops against the background of back injuries and a sedentary lifestyle;accordingly, people whose special professional activities involve loads affecting the back are automatically exposed to the development of this disease.And this is not only office workers, who naturally belong to this group, but also loaders, builders, service workers (for example, waiters), drivers, etc.
The heredity factor also plays an important role in considering thoracic osteochondrosis.There is not much, not little, but the probability is about 60% if the disease is present in close relatives.The rest are influenced by environmental factors that affect the spine to some extent.
Lumbar osteochondrosis, like its other forms, is characterized by pain of varying severity, which can be aching, after sleep or longer in the same body position (long sitting, standing), as well as shooting and sharp.In the latter version, they are created as a result of taking a not very comfortable posture for a long time, while in such a situation it is simultaneously impossible to perform actions aimed at straightening up, thereby eliminating such a posture with the load it provides.The painful sensations themselves appear as a result of pinching due to the appropriate action of the nerve roots, as well as irritation of the nerves of the spinal column, irritation of the ligaments and muscles (focused on the area of innervation, that is, the actual location of the nerves of the region in question, which control them) and swelling.
It is important to note that this type of osteochondrosis is extremely rare in isolated form, therefore the course of the disease is most often combined with the symptoms inherent in cervical osteochondrosis, which will be discussed in our next article.
The general and earliest symptom, which applies to all forms of osteochondrosis, as we have already noted, is the manifestation of pain, which in this case is determined by a specific localization, that is, pain in the lower back.The spread (irradiation) of the pain can be observed on the thighs and buttocks, as well as on the legs (from their outer surface).
The term used to define osteochondrosis in its expanded version for the intervertebral disc (degenerative-dystrophic lesion) actually refers to a significant complex of pathological conditions directly related to the various structures of the spinal column (spinal column), namely the discs, joints and osteophytes.The same problems directly related to disc damage are protrusion and discogenic pain.Types of osteochondrosis and areas of concentration.
Protrusions in lumbar osteochondrosis
Most often, protrusions form in this area of interest to us;in addition, the protrusions cause pain in the lower back.Due to its location and characteristics, the lumbar region itself is most susceptible to certain functional problems.
In other words, looking at this statement from one side, we can emphasize that our center of gravity is directly connected to the lumbar region and accordingly bears a significant part of the loads.Viewed from the other side, it can be noticed that the significant range of movements again falls precisely on this lumbar region.Taking this into account, the greatest tendency to damage (as well as the protrusions we are interested in) occurs precisely in the discs concentrated in the lumbar region.In addition, we must not forget that, in the background of age-related degenerative processes, changes in the discs occur in these and, of course, other areas as well.
Let's remind our readers what the protrusions really are.In the spine, the discs are connected to each other by plates based on cartilage tissue.The main components of the intervertebral disc are the nucleus pulposus and the fibrous ring, through which fixation within the disc is ensured.The influence of certain factors and conditions triggers the possibility of the rupture of this ring, in the background of which, in turn, the protrusion of the core occurs.As a result of the process, a hernia develops.As for the protrusion, it is already formed as a result of a similar process, but without the accompanying rupture of the ring - in this case it simply thins and does not rupture, because the core extends directly through the ring.In fact, this protrusion is defined as a protrusion.
As for the symptoms of protrusion, it manifests itself in the following:
- feeling of stiffness in the lower back;
- pain in the lumbar region;
- chronic lower back pain;
- lumbosacral radiculitis;
- numbness, pain, tingling in the toes and feet;
- urination disorder (in rare cases of the pathology in question).
Conservative treatment is mainly used for lumbar disc protrusion.Meanwhile, significant elevations in development are often accompanied by severe symptoms that are resistant to treatment;in this case, surgical intervention is no longer possible.
Lumbar osteochondrosis: symptoms
The pain in this form of osteochondrosis manifests itself in different intensities.So there can be aching pains that occur mainly after sleeping or sitting for a long time, or there can be sharp shooting pains.In addition, the manifestation of the latter is often noticed at the moment when they occupy an uncomfortable position without being able to straighten up.Any type of pain is directly related to the effect on the nerve endings, muscle swelling, irritation and pinching that the nerve roots are exposed to.The pain is also related to the irritation of the lumbar ligaments in the innervation area of the nerve endings.
Increased pain in the lower back in this form of osteochondrosis when coughing and sneezing, including body movements (especially when bending forward).
Lumbar osteochondrosis can manifest itself in the form of sensory disturbances in certain areas (skin, lower body, leg muscles) in addition to lower back pain.It is also possible that the tendon reflexes in the legs are weakened or disappear completely.Usually, osteochondrosis provokes the development of curvature of the lumbar spine.
Based on the specific plane of the actual curvature, osteochondrosis is divided into the following types:
- kyphosis - in this case, the flattening of the lumbar region, and often its curved back;
- lordosis - the spine bends forward;
- scoliosis - the spine is curved to the left or right.
Pinching of the roots belonging to the spinal cord as a result of the development of osteochondrosis within the lumbar region often manifests itself in the form of a number of specific disorders, namely defecation or urination disorders, disorders related to sensitivity in the genitals or perineal area.
The pain usually occurs (and increases) as a result of an impact during physical activity.In this case, a painful reaction can be observed both after the load and after some time from the moment of impact.Patients' complaints in this regard can basically be traced back to the appearance of dull and aching pain in the lumbar region, and in some cases it radiates to the legs, which is defined as lumbodynia.In addition, there may be complaints of pain in the leg, which intensifies when trying to lift something heavy (lumbago).The same applies to sneezing and coughing, driving while shaking, changing body position, and staying in the same position for long periods of time.
Due to the aggravation of the disease in question, there is a constant and pronounced tension of the back muscles, which manifests itself in the inability to perform actions aimed at straightening or moving.Every movement is accompanied by increased pain.In addition, even if the patient spends a short time in cold conditions, he experiences acute lower back pain (also known as "lumbago").
Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis also appear in the following:
- a decrease in the sensitivity of the thighs, buttocks, legs and feet (which is observed somewhat less often);
- spasm of the arteries of the legs, increased coldness of the legs;
- tingling sensation in the legs, "goosebumps";
- peeling and dry skin in an area where there is usually tenderness or pain;
- sweating disorders.
The most unpleasant complication that occurs against the background of osteochondrosis is the instability of the vertebra, in which the disc does not fix the vertebra properly.This in turn causes the lumbar region to “slip” away from the sacrum under gravity when the load is placed on the lumbar region.As a result, not only unpleasant, but also dangerous disorders affecting the functioning of internal organs can develop.The urogenital system especially "suffers";this manifests as potency problems in men and problems with the appendages, uterus and ovaries in women.
Manifestations of lumbar osteochondrosis
According to the most complete classification, a number of specific syndromes relevant to lumbar osteochondrosis are identified.These include, in particular, the following syndromes:
- reflex syndromes - these include lumbar ischalgia, lumbodynia and lumbago;
- radicular syndromes – vertebrogenic (or discogenic) sacrolumbar radiculitis, the course of which is mainly accompanied by damage to the first sacral root or the fifth lumbar root;
- radicular-vascular syndromes - radiculoischaemia is manifested as a vascular compression process (in particular, veins or arteries are subjected to compression), while compression is carried out simultaneously with the root.
We briefly outline the listed syndromes.
Lumbodyniait primarily refers to chronic pain that occurs gradually after taking an uncomfortable position for a long time or sitting for a long time, as well as after impact on the body and a specific area after physical activity.
Lumbagomanifests as acute lumbar pain, described as "lumbago";Lumbago occurs mainly when lifting heavy objects or when moving unsuccessfully.Sometimes lumbago can also be observed after coughing or sneezing.
Diseases associated with lumbar osteochondrosis
Lumbar osteochondrosis occurs not only with pain and other listed symptoms, but also with some characteristic diseases of the internal organs.
Thus, more than 30% of patients with clinical symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis notice the presence of certain liver problems or the functions of the gastrointestinal tract.The fact is that the presence of a specific disease of the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas or liver, together with pain impulses, causes blood vessels and muscles to tense and spasm, resulting in a state of oxygen deficiency, simultaneously with the development of a degenerative process in certain areas of the body.The process is aggravated by the metabolic disorders inherent in this type of disease.
In addition, as noted earlier, lower back pain can provoke the development of diseases of the pelvic organs.Women can encounter such a disease as inflammation of the appendages (called adnexitis), and men experience prostatitis, that is, all the "joys" of inflammation of the prostate.
Manifestations of lumbar osteochondrosis are also accompanied by stagnant phenomena in the pelvic area, which develop as a result of the above diseases, including chronic colitis, hemorrhoids, and constipation.
Treatment
Most often, the treatment of osteochondrosis is multi-component, and its implementation is quite complex.In general, all treatment measures refer to the following points:
- medication;
- surgical treatment if necessary;
- diet;
- physiotherapy.
In order for the disease to worsen, first of all, the patient must stay in bed.The main recommendation for this section is a hard/hard sleeping pad.Extremely pronounced attacks require minimal physical activity and immediate consultation with the appropriate specialist.The appearance of symptoms indicating the possible significance of lumbar osteochondrosis requires contacting a neurologist.