Lumbar spinal cord tumors - treatment and symptoms

In the medical literature, the term "osteonecrosis of the spine" means degenerative processes in the osteoporosis centers in children. A common disease in medicine, considered to be the most common of all problems of the musculoskeletal system, hidden behind the words sciatica, disc herniation, back pain (back pain). The lower back, according to official statistics, hurts more often than the other parts, leading to severe complications for the entire body. Why does this happen and how is bone necrosis treated?

What is lumbar fibrosis

Degenerative neurodegenerative disease affects the disc and leads to secondary compensatory and reactive changes in the ligamentous apparatus and the nervous system - this is the definition made by the doctors of necrosis. given bone death. It mainly affects the lumbar region, located between the chest and sacrum and consists of five vertebrae. Between them are discs - made up of cartilage-fibers, made up of the following elements:

• cartilage tissue (membranes related to the nutrition of the plate from the vessels of the vertebral body);
• leprous nucleus (a central slurry with a pulp nucleus);
• annulus fibrosus (protect the liquid part).

In the context of blood circulation problems, a change in the composition of the cartilage tissue, dehydration of the medullary nucleus, the elasticity and elasticity of the disc is impaired, its fixed properties are affected. enjoy. Under the influence of adverse factors, muscle immobilization weakens and the vertebrae are excessively mobile. Next, degenerative and destructive processes affecting the bone surface of the neighboring vertebrae, dystrophy (tissue malnutrition) occurs of the spine.

The next process should look like this:

1. Micro cracks that appear in the annular are loosened. The medullary nucleus begins to penetrate inside, gradually breaking down the fibrosis and injuring, leading to a herniated disc or bulging disc (early stage).
2. The herniation block compresses the spinal canal, can compress nerve roots and blood vessels, causing pain and difficulty in movement.
3. As pressure on the vertebra increases (due to thinning of the disc), the production of bone tissue accelerates and bone formation (bone formation) is formed.

Reason

Some experts tend to call degenerative disc osteoporosis of the lumbar spine and others a "disease of civilization", mainly due to the upright posture, which increases the load. the back of a modern person. Most of the disease begins in people over 30 years old, in men, the disease is diagnosed more often than in women.

Lumbar fibroids may develop:

• excessive upload to the spine (household, professional, sports);
• back muscle weakness;
• incorrectly distributes the household load onto the spine (for lumbar spine - the most common reason);
• frequently stretches the back muscles;
• overweight, especially for diabetes;
• spinal injury;
• violation of metabolic processes;
• well-fitting shoes, flat feet;
• postural problems, creating an uneven load distribution along the spine;
• hypothermia of the lumbar spine;
• sedentary lifestyle, long-term driving;
• hormonal disorders (mainly in women);
• congenital pathology of the musculoskeletal system;
age
• (natural changes in cartilage fiber tissue occurring in people over 50 years of age);
• frequently stressful, emotionally tense.

Development Level

The course of the disease is slow and gradual, with most patients noticing a serious problem at stage 2 or later. Without proper treatment, bone necrosis will progress and can lead to disability.

Primary medical classification:

1. The initial stage is characterized by the beginning of the destruction of the discs, a decrease in their elasticity. This disease causes you to feel primarily with a load on your spine.
2. Destructive processes affect the fibrous sac, the distance between the vertebrae decreases (the disc becomes thinner), decreases, a convex (bulging disc without loop rupture). Nerve root compression and tissue inflammation occur, which increases pain syndrome.
3. The annular ruptures, a hernia occurs. Pulse, nerve end is pinched. Changes in the lumbar spine lead to general deformation of the spine.
4. In the final stage, the muscles of the affected part are atrophy, motor activity and working capacity are affected. The spine is clearly bent - there is a curvature of the spine (3-plane deformation), scoliosis (the lower back is skewed towards the hypertrophy).

Symptoms of lumbar necrosis

The clinical manifestations of the disease depend on the stage of seriousness. The main symptom is local pain syndrome that occurs in response to physical activity, heavy lifting, hypothermia of the lower back, holding an uncomfortable position for a long time (in a sitting position, with higher loadsin a straight position). It is caused by irritation of the disc nerve (recurrence).

The stages of osteoporosis of the lumbar spine look as follows:

• In the early stages, there is a feeling of discomfort in the lumbar region, rarely pain, mainly with heavy back load. They passed quickly.
• At the second stage, lumbar spine mobility gradually worsens, pain occurs after exertion and is not accompanied (coughing a lot, changing position), worsening, persistent for a long time. Problems in the work of internal organs may occur.
• With the development of bone necrosis, the pain becomes permanent (permanent) and the vertebrae deform. Nerve ends are pinched, so pain can travel to the sacrum, legs, becoming sharp, shooting. Loss of sensitivity of the extremities, buttocks, thighs, numbness, paresthesia (burning, tingling, "chills"). Dysfunction of the pelvic organs appeared.
• In the late stage, motor function is impaired or completely loss of mobility, scoliosis occurs. The pain is permanent, the person unconsciously takes an unnatural position to alleviate it.

The reflex syndromes of the disease in mainstream medicine are understood into 3 groups: tonic, neurotrophic, macrobiotic - vascular. The last 2 types manifest clearly in the 3 stages of the disease and the later stage.

Clinical images may include:

• weakens or disappears the Achilles tendon reflex, the ability of the fingers to flex (if osteonecrosis of the sacrum is added);
• dry, blue discolored skin;
• urinary disorder (urinary retention or incontinence), pain in the bladder;
• cramps and pain in the thigh region due to nutritional and circulatory disorders;
• tense, wobbly gait, limping;
• increased sweating, fever with increased back pain;
Pain syndrome
• diffuses into the heart area (if thoracic-lumbar region is affected).

Complications

If you have diagnosed necrosis of the lumbar spine, it is necessary to initiate treatment immediately because in the late stage the patient can be completely disabled. Against the background of compression (compression) of the spinal cord by the vertebrae, between which there is no space left, a paralysis of the lower extremities may develop.

In addition, bone necrosis can cause:

• disorders of the pelvic organs (men with impaired erectile function, women - ovarian activity);
• low back pain (acute low back pain), sciatica (compression and inflammation of the sciatic nerve);
• disc prolapse, narrow (spinal stenosis);
• damages the lining of the spinal cord, causing death.

Diagnosis

For an accurate diagnosis and assessment of the severity of the disease, the doctor collects a history of the disease (the study of patient complaints, lifestyle, genetic factors). Then, a physiological examination is performed, where the patient's motility, posture, sensitivity, muscle tone and size, and their contractions are assessed. By hammering, the irradiated zones (where it comes from) are marked for pain relief in osteonecrosis of the lumbar spine.

After the patient is specified:

• X-rayis ​​the most accessible way to examine the anatomical parameters of the vertebra, evaluate the tendency to narrow the holes between the vertebrae, and determine thedevelopment of bones.
• MRI(magnetic resonance imaging) - helps to evaluate the condition of the spinal supply vessels, nerve processes, and disc.
• CT(computed tomography) - is prescribed only to check for changes in the vessels, mucous membranes of the spinal cord and to study marginal development.

Treatment of degenerative bone of the lumbar spine

Surgical intervention is considered to be the last resort, mainly indicated for patients with significant neurological disorders and a high risk of disability. These problems are characterized by progressive lumbar spondylolisthesis - doctors strive to conduct phase 1 and 2 conservative treatment.

Therapeutic measures aimed at:

• eliminates pain syndrome;
• eliminates muscle spasm, hypertonic;
• removes the inflammatory process;
• improves blood circulation in the affected areas and metabolism;
• normalizes the mobility of the lumbar vertebrae;
• restores the lumbar sensitivity.

There is no general treatment: each specific case of osteonecrosis requires its own program. It is especially important to consider the form of the disease: acute or chronic. Therapy must be of a associative nature, involving the use of drugs (internal and external) with physical manipulations - massage, gymnastics, physiotherapy. Spinal degenerative treatment regimens can be supplemented by acupuncture methods, by exercise methods.

The effectiveness of the treatment will increase if you follow the following rules:

• A special belt or bra should be worn during treatment to reduce spinal stress.
• Physical activity is excluded (only those recommended by a doctor) so that no provoking factors are added.
• It is important to closely monitor diet: cartilage tissue needs collagen sources (gelatin, aspic, aspic), and the entire body needs plant food, fish, nuts. Should refuse products salted, smoked, pickled, as well as from cheese, fatty meat.
• Must follow the program prescribed by your doctor until the end: treatment should not be interrupted when the main symptoms have resolved, do not change the medication set and course by itself.
• Along with your doctor, you should choose an orthopedic mattress to relax your lower back while you sleep and a special pair of shoes. Women are strictly forbidden to wear high heels.

Acute osteonecrosis of the lumbar spine requires special attention - treatment begins with the appointment of the patient to rest in bed for several days. Do not exclude pain when injecting analgesics, novocortic blockers and glucocorticoids. Spinal stretching (using a traction table or upright device), crutches, electrophoresis and laser therapy can help improve the condition.

Drug treatment

Lumbar spinal necrosis drug is used internally and locally. Topical gels and ointments are symptomatic therapy: reduce inflammation and pain, reduce muscle spasm and edema, improve blood circulation. In an acute condition, the injectable drug shows an immediate anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, analgesic effect.

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Mostly doctors prescribe home medicine for osteonecrosis:

• Chondroprotectors- protects the cartilage tissue and promotes its recovery, indicated for long-term use (from six months and up).
• Mean improves blood circulation and tissue metabolism- tablets are taken for several months, as the effect is cumulative.
• Muscle relaxant- relieves muscle spasm, to be administered orally over a short course of time.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory- rapidly suppresses pain, inhibits the production of prostaglandins involved in inflammatory processes. Ointment and gel are applied to the affected area 1-2 times a day, unless otherwise indicated in the instructions. In the first stage, the external forms can be distributed, then they are cloned with tablets.
• Corticosteroids- an injectable pain reliever is prescribed only when there is no significant effect from a nonsteroidal drug.
• Ointment with a warming effect- helps to relieve pain and improves blood circulation in tissues, safer than nonsteroidal drugs, but is prohibited during inflammatory processes.
• B vitaminsand multivitamin complexes are prescribed during a long course of treatment to increase the overall therapeutic effect.

Physiotherapy procedure

To enhance the effectiveness of the medication and speed the recovery process, the patient may be prescribed physical therapy. You can replace them or do multiple options at the same time. The specific technique is selected according to the stage and form of the disease.

Lumbar spine tumors - treatment with effective methods:

• Electrotherapy (electrophoresis)- implies the effect of low power currents to improve blood circulation in the affected areas.
• Laser therapy- activates biological processes in nerve endings, relieves symptoms of neurodegenerative syndrome.
• UHF- locally affects the lumbar region with a high-frequency magnetic field to prevent inflammation, stimulate cell renewal (repair) of tissues, and relieve pain.
• Electrophoresis and electrophoresis- helps bring drugs to the required area, increasing the effectiveness of drug treatment. The result depends on the specific agent used in the process.
• Darsonvalization- a therapeutic effect of high frequency alternating current to widen blood vessels, improve blood circulation and tissue nutrition. This procedure has less of an effect on symptoms than other methods.
• Amplipulse- local effect of sinusoidal modulated currents, thus reducing pain. The procedure has the effect of relieving pain, vasodilating, stimulating nerves, improving the nutritional status of tissues.

Gymnastics

Physical activity - especially when it comes to the early stage (early stage) lumbar spinal degeneration - must be treated: they relax and strengthen muscles, have a tonic effectNutritional supplements for tissues. For those with a degree 2 illness and more severe exercise, the doctor makes the choice. With exacerbations, gymnastics, swimming, yoga (the most effective instructions) are banned.

The following exercises work fine:

• Focus on your knees and palms, keeping your back straight (parallel to the floor). As you exhale, slowly bend your lumbar region, tilting your head back slightly. Count to 5-8 (depending on how you feel), inhale and bend your back with a wheel. Again count to 5-8 and in the starting position. Exercises are performed 10-12 times at a slow pace. If necessary, they are divided into 2-3 approaches.
• Lie on your stomach. As you exhale, slowly tear your chest off the floor, bend your lower back and try to lift as high as you can. Hands are held out in front, feet are not moving. Hold this position for 5-10 seconds and slowly lower. Repeat exercise 8-10 times, gradually increasing the delay at the top.

Massage

Massage is an effective method for treating any stage of osteonecrosis, helping to reduce unpleasant symptoms, eliminate muscle spasms and normalize the flow of lymph and provideblood to the affected areas. In addition, this process also stimulates the recovery of atrophied muscles and removes restrictions on the motor ability of the vertebra, increasing the strength of the ligament apparatus. Massage is done by a therapist according to a 10-12 session course when the symptoms of the acute phase have subsided.

Surgery

If the patient is diagnosed with a significant neurological disorder, incontinence, severe bulging eye surgery is required. In addition, indications for it are the lack of a positive effect from conservative therapy (lasting more than a month). Before receiving a surgical referral, the doctor should evaluate all the risks, especially if traditional technology is chosen instead of microsurgery.

During surgery, the surgeon can:

• removes pathologically altered areas by placing local implants (surgical resection) on them, developed individually for each patient;
• to align the spine with a special bar - this helps to distribute the load correctly and prevents new deformation.

Resection is performed under general anesthesia, with a back line reserved for the surgeon. During surgery, the skin is cut 10 cm long, muscles are separated and the affected disc is removed. At the end of the procedure, the wound is stitched into several layers. Surgical intervention time is about 2 hours, the next day the patient should lie on his back. Recovery time is 2 months. With microscopic resection, the procedure takes 1. 5 hours, the incision is 3 cm wide and you can get up after the anesthesia is gone.

Treatment of lumbar spine tumors with folk remedies

After consulting a doctor who can accurately assess the patient's condition, it is only allowed to use traditional medicine recipes. They are not as effective as drug therapy, do not replace physical therapy, massage and gymnastics, but increase the likelihood of a positive outcome from the main treatment.

Some simple options:

• Grate black radish peel (350 g), combine with liquid honey (250 g) and vodka alcohol (100 ml). Use to massage the lower back with light massage movements for 10 minutes in the morning and at night. Then, wrap this skin with a wool cloth and lie down for an hour under a blanket. The procedure is carried out for 8-10 days, after which they rest.
• For severe low back pain, you can take 100 g of medium-fat cheese, add 1 teaspoon. Apple cider vinegar, dab on cotton or cheesecloth. The dressing is kept for 2 hours, the process, if necessary, is repeated 2 times a day. The duration of treatment is not limited.
• Collect fresh lilac flowers, fill the one-liter vase without destroying. Pour 1 liter of vodka, let it cool for 3 weeks. Use to rub affected area once a day for a month. It is not required to cover the underside with anything after handling.

Prevention of lumbar spine necrosis

Doctors say that most back diseases can be prevented through regular physical activity, helping to strengthen muscles, improve blood circulation and tissue nutrition. Lumbar spinal cord tumors are no exception - treatment won't have to be done if you systematically engage in exercise, yoga and swimming.

Additional Precautions:

• controlled diet (lots of plant foods, low animal fat, pickles, marinades: as in treatment);
• limits burden on the spine;
• monitors the state of the endocrine system;
• eliminates bad habits (alcohol, smoking);
• uses orthopedic mattresses;
• tracks posture;
• avoid wearing high heels (7 cm) for women.