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 a number of specific signs on the basis of which it is possible to diagnose this pathology. 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 spinal pain
Osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral spine leads to gradual destruction of the disk, therefore it is characterized by rather vivid symptoms. The most common manifestations include:- Intense pain localized in the lumbar region.
- Sensation of fullness and stiffness.
- The pain can be excruciating in nature 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 slightly different from the symptoms in men. In addition to pain, the following symptoms may be noted:
- Urinary incontinence.
- Frequent need to empty the bladder.
- Exacerbation of diseases of the genitourinary system.
Main features of the pathology of the disease in osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral spine is an extremely dangerous disease, so it is important to know its symptoms and treatment to avoid surgery. This disease has the following characteristics:
- This type of pathology is the most common of all types of osteochondrosis. It is diagnosed in approximately 65% of the total number of recorded 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 manifestations of this disease.
- The disease can manifest itself at a much younger age. The risk group includes people who are engaged in 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 their extra weight puts more pressure on the spine.
- Back injuries and damage.
- Passive lifestyle. There is also a certain list of professions whose representatives most often suffer from this disease: these are drivers, office workers and other types of work characterized by prolonged exposure to the same positions.
- Lifting heavy objects and loads. There are some rules, if not followed, this disease can develop.
- Frequent stress on the back. They can be associated not only with a person's professional activity, but also with sports.
- 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.
The loss of elasticity of the intervertebral discs can also be caused by various diseases of the cardiovascular system and infectious diseases.
Sacrolumbar osteochondrosis
Main stages of the disease:
It has a clear tendency to significantly worsen the clinical picture if appropriate treatment is not started in time. The severity of symptoms depends on the stage of the disease, of which there are only four:
- First stage. At an early stage pain appears, which occurs under the influence of various loads. This condition is characterized by low back pain and low back pain – these are some types of pain that can be stable or excruciating.
- 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 escape. The pain syndrome becomes more constant and pronounced.
- Third phase. The disc prolapses, which leads to compression of the nerves. This condition leads to severe back and leg pain, reduced sensitivity, pelvic organ dysfunction, and muscle atrophy.
- Fourth phase. At this stage, bone growths in 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, unbearable, which in the future can lead to complete disability.
Methods for diagnosing back diseases
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral spine is based on accurate diagnosis. If you feel the first symptoms of this disease, it is recommended to immediately consult a doctor for appropriate help, which will help avoid worsening of the condition. Diagnosis begins with preliminary anamnesis, after which the patient is prescribed a set of diagnostic measures:
- Radiographic examination. With the help of him, you can evaluate the condition of the vertebrae for the presence of anomalies. You may notice a decrease in the height of the intervertebral discs, identify osteophytes and a narrowing of the space between the joints.
- CT scan. It allows you to see the state of the structure of the entire spinal column and its individual components. It allows you to determine the stage of the disease and the presence of pathology of the bone structures.
- magnetic resonance imaging. This method is the most informative of all the above. With its help, you can see an intervertebral hernia, determine compression of the nerve roots and other pathologies. If this diagnostic method is contraindicated for the patient, CT is used.
Consultation with specialized specialists to clarify the diagnosis may also be indicated.
The main methods of treatment of 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, it is necessary to eliminate pain and relieve the inflammatory process. To this end, appropriate drug therapy using modern injection 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 drugs are effective for 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 intended to eliminate muscle spasms.
- External means. Creams, gels and ointments are aimed at eliminating 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 require an integrated approach. After eliminating the primary symptoms, you can proceed to 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 initiation of regenerative processes.
- Amplipulse.Low-frequency currents are applied to problem areas of the body. There is dilation of blood vessels, relief from pain and spasms.
- Phonophoresis and electrophoresis.Introduction of drugs into deep tissues using ultrasound and direct current.
Massage procedures are also widely used, 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, so changing the diet is a completely effective method of treatment. The diet is consistent with the generally accepted concept of healthy eating, so try adding the following types of foods to your diet:
- Citrus fruits (in the absence of allergies).
- Olive oil.
- Fresh herbs and vegetables.
- Mineral water.
- Fish and foods containing 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 large assortments in pharmacy chains. Remember that all medications should be taken only as prescribed by a doctor.
Prevention methods for back pain
Everyone knows that preventing a disease is much easier than treating it and eliminating its consequences. Moreover, effective preventive measures are quite easy to implement in practice if you really want it. Key recommendations include:
- Correct organization of the workplace.Check the position of your body, trying to avoid uncomfortable positions. If you spend a lot of time at the computer, buy a comfortable chair with a backrest that supports your spine.
- Take breaks from work.Get up from your seat more often, warm up your body using regular body rotations. Squats and push-ups are also useful.
- Normalize your day.Let's talk about rest first of all, so try to go to bed early, excluding prolonged sitting at the computer. It is important to choose the right orthopedic mattress that will support your spine during 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 surgery. Surgery is the most radical treatment method when the disease is already in an advanced stage and there is no other way out. But it is within your power to ensure that your health does not worsen in such a state.