Osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral spine is a disease with quite pronounced symptoms, which manifests itself in the later stages of the development of the disease. Pathological changes begin to occur in the intervertebral discs, but then they spread to other parts - joints, ligaments and vertebral bodies. Lumbosacral osteochondrosis rarely occurs in young people, and its symptoms and treatment are always strictly individual, depending on the specific clinical case. However, there are a number of specific signs on the basis of which this pathology can be diagnosed. It is extremely important to recognize the disease in the early stages to exclude the possibility of complete destruction of the intervertebral disc and surgical intervention.
Typical symptoms of back pain
Osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral spine leads to gradual destruction of the disc, so it is characterized by quite vivid symptoms. The most common manifestations include:- Intense pain that is located in the lumbar region.
- Feeling of fullness and stiffness.
- The pain can be of a shooting character and can also be localized along the entire length of the lower extremities.
- Numbness in the back and legs.
There are other, less obvious signs of osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral spine. The anatomical features of the female body structure affect the manifestations of this disease, which are somewhat different from the symptoms in men. In addition to pain, the following symptoms may be observed:
- Urinary incontinence.
- Frequent urge to empty the bladder.
- Aggravation of diseases of the genitourinary system.
The main features of the pathology of the disease in osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the sacral lumbar spine is an extremely dangerous disease, therefore it is important to know its symptoms and treatment, which will prevent surgery. This disease has the following characteristics:
- This type of pathology is the most common among all types of osteochondrosis. It is diagnosed in approximately 65% of the total number of registered cases.
- There is a clear connection between this disease and natural age-related changes. Statistics show that after 70 years, almost 80% of people suffer from the manifestations of this disease.
- The disease can appear at a much younger age. The risk group includes people engaged in intensive physical work or who are in a monotonous position for a long time.
- The cause of osteochondrosis can be congenital anomalies, as well as provocative factors of various types.
Causes of spine diseases
Before answering how to treat lumbosacral osteochondrosis, it is important to know the main reasons that influenced the progression of the pathological process:
- Overweight. Overweight people are at risk because their extra weight puts extra pressure on the spine.
- Injuries and back injuries.
- Passive lifestyle. There is even a certain list of professions, whose representatives suffer more often from this disease - these are drivers, office workers and other types of work that are characterized by prolonged exposure to the same positions.
- Lifting of items and heavy loads. There are some rules, if they are not followed, this disease can develop.
- Frequent stress on the back. They can be related not only to a person's professional activity, but also to sports.
- Eating the wrong foods. If the diet lacks nutrients that are important in normalizing metabolic processes and improving bone structure, then the disease will progress. That is why diet is one of the methods of complex therapy.
- Genetic factors.
- Hypothermia of the body.
- Low physical activity of a person.
- Flat feet and scoliosis.
The loss of elasticity of the intervertebral discs can also be caused by various diseases of the cardiovascular system and diseases of an infectious nature.
Sacral-lumbar osteochondrosis
The main stages of the disease:
There is a clear tendency to significantly worsen the clinical picture if the appropriate treatment is not started in time. The severity of the symptoms depends on the stage of the disease, of which there are only four:
- The first phase. At an early stage, pain appears, which occurs under the influence of various loads. This condition is characterized by lumbodynia and lumbago - these are certain types of pain that can be stable or shooting.
- Second phase. There is a violation of the stability of the intervertebral disc, which leads to muscle spasm. The structure of the fibrous ring is destroyed and the gelatinous contents come out. The pain syndrome becomes more constant and more pronounced.
- The third stage. The disc prolapses, which leads to nerve compression. This condition leads to severe pain in the back and legs, impaired sensitivity, dysfunction of the pelvic organs and muscle atrophy.
- The fourth stage. At this stage, bone growths in lesions and changes in the structure of the spine are diagnosed. The patient's movement becomes much more difficult, the pain becomes constant, unbearable, which in the future can lead to complete disability.
Methods for diagnosing back disease
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral spine is based on establishing an accurate diagnosis. If the first symptoms of this disease appear, it is recommended to immediately consult a doctor for appropriate help, which will help to avoid worsening of the condition. Establishing a diagnosis begins with taking a preliminary history, after which a series of diagnostic measures are prescribed to the patient:
- X-ray examination. With its help, you can evaluate the condition of the vertebrae for the presence of abnormalities. You can see a decrease in the height of the intervertebral discs, identify osteophytes and narrowing of the space between the joints.
- CT scan. This allows you to see the condition of the structure of the entire spine and its individual components. It allows you to determine the stage of the disease and the presence of pathology of bone structures.
- MRI. This method is more informative than all of the above. With its help, you can see an intervertebral hernia, determine compression of nerve roots and other pathologies. If this diagnostic method is contraindicated for the patient, then CT is used.
Consultation with specialized specialists may also be indicated to clarify the diagnosis.
The main methods of treatment of the lumbosacral spine
If you want to know how to treat osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral spine, then the following information will be useful to you. This pathology is characterized by a gradual course of the disease, which can be replaced by periods of remission and aggravation. First, you need to get rid of the pain and relieve the inflammatory process. For these purposes, appropriate drug therapy using modern injections and oral agents is used. The first category of drugs is used if you need to quickly get rid of severe pain. As for oral medications, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used. The above medicines are good at relieving pain of varying degrees of intensity. Drugs from other groups are also effective in treating the disease:
- Chondroprotectors. They have a positive effect on cartilage tissue and promote regeneration processes.
- Muscle relaxants. They are aimed at removing muscle spasms.
- External means. Creams, gels and ointments aim to get rid of the severe symptoms of the disease, but their effectiveness is not as high compared to injections and oral agents.
Physiotherapy
Treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis is a long process, which requires an integrated approach. After getting rid of the primary symptoms, you can proceed with the use of various physiotherapeutic procedures:
- UHF therapy.Exposure to high frequency electromagnetic fields. It has an anti-inflammatory, analgesic effect, and also promotes the start of regenerative processes.
- Amplipulse.Low-frequency currents are applied to problem areas of the body. There is expansion of blood vessels, relief from pain and spasms.
- Phonophoresis and electrophoresis.Deep tissue drug delivery using ultrasound and direct current.
Massage procedures are also widely used, which are possible only after the inflammatory process has eased. Massage promotes muscle relaxation and relief from spasms.
Diet - comprehensive treatment of osteochondrosis
With this disease, it is necessary to act comprehensively, so changing the diet is a completely effective method of treatment. The diet is in line with the generally accepted concept of healthy food, so try to add the following types of food to your diet:
- Citrus fruits (in the absence of allergies).
- Olive oil.
- Fresh herbs and vegetables.
- Mineral water.
- Fish and foods that contain large amounts of phosphorus, protein, magnesium and calcium.
- Milk and fermented milk products.
An excellent help would be ready-made vitamin complexes, which can be found in large assortments in pharmacy chains. Remember that all medications should be taken only as prescribed by a doctor.
Methods of preventing back pain
Everyone knows that preventing a disease is much easier than treating it and getting rid of its consequences. Moreover, effective preventive measures are quite easy to put into practice if you really want to. Key recommendations include:
- Proper organization of the workplace.Monitor your body position, trying to avoid awkward positions. If you spend a lot of time at the computer, then buy a comfortable chair with a back that will support the spine.
- Take time off from work.Get up from your seat more often, warm up the body using regular body twists. Squats and bending are also helpful.
- Normalize your day.First of all, we are talking about rest, so try to go to bed early, excluding prolonged stay at the computer. It is important to choose the right orthopedic mattress that will support the spine during sleep.
- Give up bad habits.
- Avoid intense exercise and weight lifting.An excellent alternative would be swimming, yoga and regular walking in the fresh air.
conclusion:
Now you know how to treat osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral region without resorting to surgical intervention. Surgery is the most radical method of treatment when the disease is already advanced and there is no other way out. But it is in your power to ensure that your health does not deteriorate in such a state.