Degenerative process - osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine: symptoms and treatment

Lumbar cartilage degeneration develops during the degenerative-dystrophic process of the intervertebral discs and vertebrae.Negative symptoms are the consequence of a complex of negative factors.

Pathology is diagnosed in men and women.At risk groups are patients with overweight, metabolic disorders, and those who are forced to regularly lift and move heavy objects due to the nature of their work.It is important to know the dangers of osteonecrosis in the lumbar region and how to prevent damage to the spine.

Causes of development of lumbar osteoarthritis

In most cases, osteoarthritis of the spine develops under the influence of a number of negative factors.The more causes, the more difficult it is to deal with a rapidly progressing disease.In women, problems with the spine often develop due to being overweight, in men - with high physical activity.

Degenerative and dystrophic changes in the vertebrae and intervertebral discs cause:

• old back injury;
• overweight;
• lack of adequate physical activity, sedentary work;
• disruptions in metabolism;
• lifting weights against regulations;
• genetic tendency.

Lumbar spondylosis, ICD code – M42.

Degree and stage of the disease

Diseases of the musculoskeletal system come in two forms:

• acute;
• period of remission.

According to the level of damage to the vertebrae and disc, the disease has 4 stages:

• Firstly.Symptoms are mild, intermittent pain (when lifting weights or when bending or turning), the early stages of disc deformity;
• Monday.The annulus fibrosus is destroyed, the vertebrae are pressed tighter together, and the pain syndrome increases when the nerve roots are compressed.The patient takes an unnatural position in an attempt to relieve pain.The buds radiate to the groin, legs, and upper thighs.Low back pain occurs suddenly, with severe pain;
• Tuesday.The annulus fibrosus is completely destroyed, the vertebrae are continuously exposed and an intervertebral hernia is formed.The pain is almost constant, gradually increasing with movement.Chondroprotective drugs are ineffective (cartilage tissue is almost destroyed): need to use NSAIDs and painkillers;
• Wednesday.The spine is damaged, the patient has difficulty moving.Bone structure increases, pain decreases slightly, but mobility is limited when performing any movements.As a result, the patient becomes disabled.

Complications may occur

Lack of therapy for osteoarthritis in the lumbar spine will stimulate the progression of the pathology.As negative changes increase, the compressive force on the intervertebral discs increases, cartilage tissue is destroyed, and pain increases.Damage to the spinal nerves at their exit from the spine leads to the development of nerve root syndrome and gradual muscle atrophy.Signs of radiculopathy increase when bending, lifting heavy objects, or hypothermia.

Other complications:

• Compression of Adamkiewicz's artery.Cause: back injury, falls, lifting heavy objects, sudden movements.The dangerous condition leads to paralysis of the legs, urinary and fecal incontinence.Damage to large blood vessels supplying the spinal cord and roots quickly turns a healthy person into a patient with limited abilities.Obvious signs of pathology are ulcers;
• compression myelopathy.The formation of a herniated disc leads to compression and narrowing of the spinal canal.The result is intense pain that is practically unaffected by strong painkillers.Other negative signs: problems with the functioning of organs located in the pelvis, reduced nerve distribution and muscle strength of the lower limbs.

Clinical images

The main sign of spinal damage is pain in the lumbar region, spreading to the legs.The feeling of discomfort appears after carrying a load, when turning or making sharp turns.Sometimes pain occurs even without physical activity.Important point– Changing body position increases the feeling of discomfort.

Damage to different parts of the spine forces you to find a position in which discomfort will be minimal.This sign helps diagnose the disease.

Degenerative-dystrophic changes in the vertebrae lead to deterioration of the patient's quality of life.Frequent pain causes depression, discomfort, and interferes with daily and occupational activities.

Signs of the acute form:

• sharp pain appears not only during heavy exertion, but also when changing the normal position of the body;
• Only finding the most acceptable body position will temporarily reduce painful symptoms.

Symptoms during remission:

• tingling and numbness in the legs;
• dull pain in the waist, buttocks, legs;
• disruption of the functioning of the genital organs in the pelvis.

Diagnose

If the development of lumbar osteoarthritis is suspected, the patient will see an orthopedic traumatologist.The doctor recommended spinal X-rays, MRI and CT.After analyzing the images, the doctor determines the extent of damage to the disc and vertebrae and prescribes treatment.

Effective treatment method

How to treat lumbar spondylosis?The patient must adjust to participating actively in the treatment process: it is important to lose weight, stop lifting weights and quit smoking.Moderate exercise, use of medication, participation in physical procedures and performing therapeutic massage are mandatory elements to reduce pain and reduce the risk of developing degenerative changes in the spine.

Important details:

• Spinal traction and manual therapy are specific methods to treat lumbar spondylosis.Procedures performed by qualified doctors: incorrect application of techniques, lack of knowledge and experience often cause harm and often lead to disability for the patient;
• Another important element of treatment is diet.Jelly meats, gelatin dishes, fish, meat broths, fruits, turkey, vegetables, low-fat dairy products and herbs are all healthy.Do not eat sour or spicy foods, drink alcohol or carbonated drinks.Be sure to drink up to two liters of fluid per day.

Treatment with medication

Complex processing requirements:

• chondroprotector.Preparations restore the quality of cartilage tissue, prevent destruction of intervertebral discs, replenish the deficiency of trace elements and increase tissue elasticity.An important point is that all chondroprotectors are used for a long time - at least six months.Glucosamine, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate accumulate in cartilage tissue and restore the structure of damaged discs.The sooner a patient starts taking chondroprotectors, the better the chance of success.In severe stages of osteoarthritis (3 and 4), it is almost impossible to normalize the condition of the intervertebral disc;
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory compounds.NSAIDs are an essential element in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the spine.The preparations suppress inflammation and relieve pain.The greatest effect is provided by the drug in the form of tablets and injections;Products used externally are more delicate.Many types of NSAIDs irritate the mucous membrane of the digestive tract: you can treat painful areas, take pills or just inject them after eating.To protect stomach tissue, a special drug with an enveloping effect is prescribed;
• Vitamin and mineral complex, healthy dietary supplementWith calcium, the drug activates blood circulation in affected tissues.The dosage and duration of the course are determined by the orthopedic traumatologist treating the patient.Saturation of bone and cartilage tissue with useful minerals and vitamins improves the condition of problem areas.

Folk remedies and recipes

Homemade ointments, rubs, compresses, herbal decoctions are an additional element of treatment.Preparations relieve pain, reduce inflammation and saturate the body with useful substances.All herbal treatments can be performed in consultation with an orthopedic traumatologist.

Proven folk remedies:

• tea from lingzhi leaves;
• ointment made from cooked lard, ground marshmallow root and beeswax;
• The collection has an anti-inflammatory effect.Ingredients: polygonum multiflorum, mulberry leaves, horsetail, ginseng, agrimony;
• Apply to the painful area from mashed raw potatoes and diluted honey;
• ointment made from hop cones and lard.

Warning!During the acute phase, it is forbidden to apply heat of any kind to the affected area.High temperatures increase blood flow and accelerate the development of inflammation.Cooling ointments based on menthol are useful for pain relief.It is important to coordinate all actions and procedures at home with the orthopedic traumatologist.

Exercise therapy

The main task is to strengthen the muscles that support the spine.Weak muscles combined with a thick layer of fat negatively affect the condition of the affected discs and vertebrae.

Patients perform exercises for lumbar osteoarthritis at a rehabilitation center, in a hospital setting, or at a hydrotherapy clinic.High-power loads, jumping, running, sharp turns, deep bends are prohibited.After the patient has mastered the exercise technique, the doctor allows the patient to carry out a complex exercise therapy at home.

Physical therapy procedures

After stopping the acute process, the orthopedic traumatologist prescribes physiotherapy to reduce swelling, pain and normalize blood circulation in the affected tissues.Each patient needs an individual treatment regimen.

Effective physical therapy for lumbar spondylosis:

• electrophoresis with anti-inflammatory and analgesic compounds;
• thermal procedures during remission;
• darsonval (using alternating current);
• magnetic therapy;
• beneficial effects of ultrasound waves;
• massage therapy;
• Acupuncture for pain relief.

Osteonecrosis in the lumbar region in severe cases leads to patient disability.The disease does not only manifest itself in the elderly: sedentary work + poor nutrition significantly rejuvenate pathologies of the musculoskeletal system.Only timely diagnosis and integrated therapy under the guidance of an experienced orthopedic traumatologist can avoid serious consequences.