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 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 several specific signs based on 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, therefore it is characterized by rather vivid symptoms. The most common manifestations include:- Intense pain located in the lower back.
- Feeling of fullness and rigidity.
- The pain can be sharp and can also be localized along the entire length of the lower extremities.
- Feeling of numbness in the back and legs.
There are other, less obvious signs of osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral spine. The anatomical features of the structure of the female body influence 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 desire to empty the bladder.
- Exacerbation of diseases of the genitourinary system.
Main features of disease pathology in osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar sacral 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 total registered cases.
- There is a clear link 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 who perform intense physical work or are in a monotonous position for a long time.
- The cause of osteochondrosis can be congenital anomalies, as well as provoking factors of various types.
Causes of spinal 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 extra weight puts pressure on the spine.
- Back injuries and damage.
- Passive lifestyle. There is even a certain list of professions whose representatives suffer most from this disease - these are drivers, office workers and other types of work that are characterized by prolonged exposure to the same positions.
- Lifting objects and heavy loads. There are certain rules, if they are not followed, this disease can develop.
- Frequent back stress. They can be associated not only with a person's professional activity, but also with sport.
- Eating the wrong foods. If the diet lacks important nutritional elements to normalize metabolic processes and improve bone structure, 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.
Loss of elasticity of intervertebral discs can also be caused by various diseases of the cardiovascular system and diseases of an infectious nature.
Sacral-lumbar osteochondrosis
Main stages of the disease:
It has a clear tendency to significantly worsen the clinical picture if adequate treatment is not started in time. The severity of symptoms depends on the stage of the disease, of which there are only four:
- First step. At the initial stage, pain appears, which occurs under the influence of various loads. This condition is characterized by lumbago and low back pain - these are certain types of pain that can be stable or sharp.
- Second stage. 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 protrude. The pain syndrome becomes more constant and pronounced.
- Third stage. The disc prolapses, which causes pinched nerves. This condition leads to severe pain in the back and legs, decreased sensitivity, dysfunction of the pelvic organs and muscle atrophy may occur.
- Fourth stage. At this stage, bone growths in the lesions and changes in the structure of the spine are diagnosed. It becomes much more difficult for the patient to move, the pain becomes constant and unbearable, which in the future can lead to total disability.
Methods for diagnosing back diseases
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral spine is based on accurate diagnosis. If you experience the first symptoms of this disease, it is recommended that you immediately consult a doctor to obtain adequate help, which will help prevent the condition from worsening. Diagnosis begins with a preliminary anamnesis, after which the patient is prescribed a series of diagnostic measures:
- X-ray examination. With its help, you can assess the condition of the vertebrae for the presence of anomalies. It is possible to observe a decrease in the height of the intervertebral discs, identification of osteophytes and narrowing of the space between the joints.
- Computed tomography. It allows you to see the state of the structure of the entire column 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 the most informative of all the previous ones. 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.
Consultations with specialized specialists may also be indicated to clarify the diagnosis.
The main methods of treating the lumbosacral spine
If you want to know how to treat osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral spine, 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 exacerbation. Initially, you need to get rid of the pain and alleviate the inflammatory process. For these purposes, appropriate drug therapy is used, using modern injectable and oral agents. The first category of medicines 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 medications are good for relieving pain of varying degrees of intensity. Medicines 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 eliminating muscle spasms.
- External means. Creams, gels and ointments aim to eliminate severe symptoms of the disease, but their effectiveness is not as high compared to injectable and oral agents.
Physiotherapy
Treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis is a long process, requiring 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 launch of regenerative processes.
- Amplipulse.Low frequency currents are applied to problem areas of the body. There is dilation of blood vessels, relief of pain and spasms.
- Phonophoresis and electrophoresis. Introduction of medications into deep tissues using ultrasound and direct current.
Massage procedures are also widely used, which are possible only after the inflammatory process has been relieved. Massage promotes muscle relaxation and relief from spasms.
Diet - comprehensive treatment of osteochondrosis
With this disease it is necessary to act comprehensively, which is why changing the diet is a completely effective treatment method. The diet is consistent with the generally accepted concept of healthy eating, so try to add the following types of foods to your diet:
- Citrus fruits (in the absence of allergies).
- Oil.
- Fresh herbs and vegetables.
- Mineral water.
- Fish and foods that contain large amounts of phosphorus, proteins, magnesium and calcium.
- Dairy and fermented milk products.
An excellent help would be ready-made vitamin complexes, which can be found in a wide variety in pharmacy chains. Remember that all medications should only be taken as prescribed by a doctor.
Prevention methods for back pain
Everyone knows that preventing a disease is much easier than treating it and getting rid of its consequences. In addition, effective preventive measures are quite easy to implement in 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, buy a comfortable chair with a back that supports your spine.
- Take breaks from work.Get up more often and warm up your body with regular rotations. Squats and push-ups are also helpful.
- Normalize your day.First of all, we are talking about rest, so try to go to bed early, excluding sitting at the computer for a long time. It is important to choose the right orthopedic mattress that will support your spine while you sleep.
- Get rid of bad habits.
- Avoid intense workouts and heavy lifting.An excellent alternative would be swimming, yoga and regular walks 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 treatment method when the disease is already advanced and there is no other way out. But it is within your power to ensure that your health does not deteriorate to such a state.