Osteochondrosis is one of the most common problems associated with back pain.
This disease means a change in the internal shape of the spine, as well as a decrease in the plasticity of the disc located between the vertebrae, where there is a disorder associated with cell nutrition.
The lumbar spine suffers the most, because it is this part of the spine that bears most of the load. When you lift a heavy object, all the forces exposed to your body are directed to the distance between the vertebrae, causing nerve root compression. That is why there are problems and pains associated with lumbar osteochondrosis.
Causes of lumbar osteochondrosis
These causes can occur even in the younger generation, especially if there are various types of problems related to the musculoskeletal system. These include:
- birth defects, for example, different limb lengths;
- flat feet of various types and levels;
- deformity of spinal space (scoliosis);
- changes in the location of the lumbar vertebra, which can slide out of the sacrum in different directions.
This disease has the ability to negatively affect the spine, causing a violation of its function. Often doctors argue that lumbar osteochondrosis can occur at the genetic level. For example, if your parents suffer from this disease, then it is very likely that their child will also suffer from a disease such as the spine.
In addition, the most well-known cause of illness is poor physical labor. Indeed, when lifting an object that is too heavy, there is a large load on the lumbar spine, which causes its violation.
The next cause of lumbar osteochondrosis is obesity. Extra pounds, such as weights, accumulate in the body and in the body, have a negative effect on the spine and vertebrae, causing heaviness and pain during movement. If at first glance it seems that a violation of the shape of the spine will not lead to negative consequences, then you are very confused. This problem leads to the use of discs located between the vertebrae, which leads to the further development of osteochondrosis. Therefore, it is very important to monitor the condition of your body and prevent excess body fat in it. Fatty tissue interferes with movement, adding pressure to your muscles, joints, ligaments, and spine.
Another unknown cause of spinal disease is back injury. The effects, bruises, lifting heavy loads and shells on athletes who are not prepared for such loads have a negative impact on the back. Injuries to any part of the spine can cause negative consequences in the future, for example, osteochondrosis in the spinal space.
And the most popular cause of back pain is, as everyone knows, an inactive lifestyle, when most people spend time sitting in one place, without playing sports and stretching. Often this happens for people who work in the office or like to be in one place for a long time without movement, not playing sports or stretching the body. To maintain a healthy back and spine (and the whole body in general), you need adequate physical activity. If you move a little and always sit, then this can cause blood circulation to be disturbed in the body. Because of these factors, back pain occurs, the body does not receive all the nutrients, spinal weakness and many other diseases occur.
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 infection, or inflammatory processes in the body negatively affect bone tissue and ligament conditions, which can lead to weakening of the vertebrae. A large amount of load is taken up by the lumbar region, which can lead to deformities of the vertebrae.
Stress also causes pain in the spinal space, especially in women, as they experience feelings and emotions more strongly. Stress negatively affects the health of the body as a whole, its nervous system. Against the background of stress, various types of diseases, including lumbar osteochondrosis, can worsen and become inflamed.
Help!You must monitor your nerves carefully and avoid situations related to irritation or negative emotions.
Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
It is very difficult to identify the disease at an early stage. A large number of symptoms are not symptomatic, however, everyone can feel an abnormal sensation in the body. Therefore, it is very important to determine the first symptoms of spinal disease. The pain comes gradually, you should be able to recognize it properly and contact a specialist in a timely manner, because at an early stage is the easiest to cure the disease.
A large number of symptoms have one feature:
- Pain in the lumbar region. Overall, two types are distinguished: neurogenic pain and muscle pain. The intervertebral disc itself does not feel pain, as it does not contain nerve endings. A painful sensation occurs as a result of the destruction of the nerve root disc arising from the openings between the vertebrae.
- The pain is too sharp, as if shooting. Someone grips the lower back, and is unable to straighten the body for fear of feeling pain again. Such pain occurs as a result of swelling of the nerve roots, which do not have enough space to stay.
- In addition, the pain is caused by swelling of the back muscles. With edema, there is a problem with the delivery of glucose and air to the back muscle fibers. This is why muscles become depressed. They suffer from hunger, and also have the ability to remove lactic acid from the fibers that have formed in it during muscle activity. Thus, the muscles experience contractions, which cause pain and cramps. The person feels pain, stiffness and an uncomfortable sensation in the back and lower back.
- Because the disc has the ability to press the motor root, paresis or paralysis may occur. There may be a feeling of weakness in the limbs, which contributes to the violation of gait.
- Muscle loss may occur, during which one of the limbs decreases in volume. Numbness in the legs, goose bumps also arise, the growth of stripes and nails on the limbs is disrupted.
Scoliosis can lead to serious consequences, including injuries and disorders of internal organs.
So, here are the common signs and symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis:
- radicular pain;
- muscle pain in the back;
- movement disorders;
- limb sensitivity disorders;
- creepy sensations, numb feet, cessation of hair growth and nail plates.
Being overweight is another enemy of your joints and spine.
If your muscle corset is not strong enough, the joints will take on a load on themselves, which will lead to their injury.
These symptoms are the main ones, but it should be answered that there are also individual symptoms that do not occur in every patient. They depend on one’s individual characteristics and are the most difficult to identify or determine.
Stages of lumbar osteochondrosis
The disease develops in four stages.
The first stage- the early stages of the disease. Along with it, the patient experiences pain in the lower back, as well as its swelling cramps in this area of the spine. Observing the symptoms and seeing a specialist in a timely manner can help prevent back problems. At this stage, treatment is carried out easily and quickly, allowing you to get rid of problems and pain in the back.
Second stage- at this stage the pain becomes more persistent and severe than the first. In the joints and ligaments of the spinal space, unusual sensations of movement can appear, as a result of which the sensation of pain increases, becoming sharper and more pronounced. The pain is caused by the contraction of the sciatic nerve. In some cases, a violation of one’s internal organs is possible. It is important to consult a specialist for the selection of the right treatment.
Stage three- at this stage, a hernia between the vertebrae is already formed. The spinal column begins to bend, changing its shape in different directions (scoliosis, lordosis and other diseases of the spine form). Painful sensations persist, sharp and torment a person. The full value of life becomes problematic, because one is always constrained by pain. Treatment at this stage may be delayed, as the disease begins to develop.
Fourth Levelis the most difficult level. Back pain is common, sometimes persistent. A person is unable to move completely, pain prevents movement. If treatment is not prescribed in a timely manner, the patient may be disabled.
Treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis
The treatment of this disease is very complex. Comprehensive treatment is required. It includes:
- treatment with medication;
- adheres to therapeutic diets;
- for serious illness - surgical intervention;
- perform special physical activities chosen by the attending physician.
To reduce swelling in the back muscles, a salt-free diet is needed, as it retains water in the body. In case of pain, it is necessary to use a special orthopedic corset to keep the muscles in the desired position.
Use of special ointments and plasters that have a warming effect. However, keep in mind that if an inflammatory process occurs in your body, the use of warm-up medications is unacceptable, as this will increase the symptoms of inflammation.
Acute pain is treated with intramuscular injections prescribed by the attending physician. If the pain is severe and unbearable, then it is possible to use an intramuscular anesthetic.
Physiotherapy is a painless process to speed up the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis. Do not forget that treatment should be comprehensive and under the supervision of the attending physician.
Physiotherapy is important in the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis. It is conducted in medical institutions. Physical activity is performed after initial warming of the patient's muscle tissue.
The main principle of treatment is movement to the tone of muscle fibers. It is very important to restore the motor function of the muscle tissue until there is complete movement. Often, in the early stages, osteochondrosis is treated for several weeks. At a later stage with severe pain and symptoms, treatment may be delayed. That is why it is very important to observe the painful sensation in the back area in time and see a specialist.
Important!The sooner you start treatment, the sooner you can beat the disease.
Prevention of lumbar osteochondrosis
Prevention of this disease will not be excessive.
Follow these guidelines to avoid this problem:
- Stay cool, wear weather to keep your back healthy.
- Avoid lifting heavy loads. If you need to move heavy items, carry the item in your backpack. Untrained athletes are strongly advised not to immediately pose a heavy workload.
- Avoid falling on your back, especially in winter when it is cold. Any type of back injury causes his illness.
- Drink plenty of clean water and other fluids.
- Take care of your health so that excess weight does not cause this kind of disease.
- Exercise and stretch your muscle fibers regularly.
- Stretch your back muscles. You can hang out from the bar or take a dip in the pool.
- Get regular medical check-ups. You can do a spinal x-ray or MRI to monitor the condition and health of your back.
Hyperextension Back Extension is the best method to strengthen the muscles that support the spine.
If you follow these simple guidelines, you can avoid back problems, including lumbar osteochondrosis. If you suddenly feel an unusual sensation in the back, then you should immediately contact your doctor.
Conclusion
Monitor the health of your back and spine to avoid problems and related illnesses. To do this, you need moderate physiotherapy exercises, which will help tighten the muscles, as well as prevent a number of diseases that occur in various parts of the back. If you feel pain with various types, it is necessary to contact a specialist in a timely manner to consult and get the right and correct solution, because in the early stages of the disease is easily cured. Do not exercise your own health and well-being, as life and freedom of movement depend on your back health while performing standard activities in daily life.
We hope this article is useful for you, you learned something new 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!