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The symptoms and treatment of spondylosis of the lumbar spine

Spondylosis of the lumbar spine accompanied by the formation of bony "spikes" between the vertebrae that narrows the spinal canal and have irritating effects on ligamentous-muscular system of the back. These changes lead to increased "load area" of the vertebrae, which reduces their resistance to depreciation pressures. Thus, due to the tendency of the disease to rapid progression.

bony growths at the spondylosis of the lumbar spine

Cause of disease

Degenerative-dystrophic processes in the human body over time evolve and worsen the prognosis for life. Because of this spondylosis of the lumbosacral often leads to narrowing of the spinal canal and the immobilization of a person through paralysis of the muscles.

The disease process worsens with the appearance of intervertebral hernia in the lumbar spine. They can compress the nerve fibres in the spinal cord (the Central protrusion), causing a sharp pain in the lumbar region, the violation of the sensitivity of the skin of the lower limbs and changes the functionality of the pelvic organs (frequent urination, pain when urine flow).

The Direct cause of pathology are considered degenerative processes that are triggered:

  • Prolonged static loads;
  • Lifting heavy loads
  • Intervertebral hernias;
  • poor posture
  • a metabolic disorder;
  • Damage to muscles and ligaments.

Symptoms

spondylosis of the lumbosacral spine on x-rayLumbar spondylosis is primarily manifested by pain in the areas listed above. Its symptoms can be acute or chronic, which is caused by the degree of compression of the nerve fibers and blood vessels bone formation, ossification ligament (with the deposition of salts of Ca) or intervertebral hernia. Pain often appeared in the gluteal region and lower extremity.

In the initial stages they can be treated with oral use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), but over time these drugs do not help.

Clinical symptoms of lumbosacral spondylosis:

  • lower back Stiffness in the morning;
  • Pain in the back radiating to the buttocks and lower limbs
  • Loss of sensitivity of skin;
  • Punctuating claudication (pain in the calf muscles when walking).

Clinical symptoms of the disease at the initial stage are manifested only by stiffness and limited mobility at the site of ossification.

Before the appearance of pain may take several months, but in the presence of precipitating factors (work associated with lifting weights) that time is speeding up. After a couple of months may be noted lumbago – pain, not giving the possibility for extension.

According to statistics from spondylosis of the lumbar spine does not cause clinical symptoms in about 27% of the patients neurologist. However, pain radiating to the lower limbs occurs in about half the cases. 30% together with ossification of the muscular-ligamentous apparatus of intervertebral hernia observed.

Lumbar-sacral radiculitis (inflammation of nerve plexuses in the lumbar and sacral spine) is a characteristic symptom of spondylosis 2 and 3 stages. With more severe disease along with it come signs of myelopathy:

  • Tingling in feet;
  • the Inability to fully straighten the knee or take a foot in the side;
  • Loss of skin sensation in the gluteal area.

Without timely treatment of local ossification becomes chronic and is manifested by alternating periods of exacerbation and remission.

The Duration of attacks may last for several days. If this man cannot straighten due to severe pain. Using anti-inflammatory medicines gives in this situation only short-term effect. Only novocaine blockade bring relief.

Treatment

the treatment of spondylosis of the lumbar spine

Treatment of spondylosis in the lumbar spine is carried out after carrying out diagnostic studies:

  • Radiography of the lumbar spine in frontal and lateral projections;
  • Magnetic resonance and computed tomography
  • determination of the strength of the tendons in the knee and foot.

Treatment is based on the following procedures:

  • physiotherapy (physical therapy)
  • Physio - and reflexotherapy;
  • Massage
  • Manual therapy.

The Maximum effect from the treatment can only be achieved with an integrated approach. That is, the combination between the above-described procedures.

In the complex of therapeutic exercises, there are exercises that can be performed under the supervision of a doctor-rehabilitologist, as well as those that are used inhome.

Exercises for spondylosis, you can do at home:

  • Lying on your back, place your hands under your head. Lift the body and pull arms forward. Then after the party take them backwards. Pinch shoulder blades together and fix this position for 2-5 seconds;
  • put up your feet and bring your heels. When you perform the exercise, squeeze your buttocks and hold your position for 5-7 seconds;
  • Place hands behind your head and lift your body up. Pinch shoulder blades together and hold them for 3-4 seconds, and then return to the starting position.

Of drugs when spondylarthrosis apply:

  1. non-Steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: Movalis, indomethacin, ibuprofen, Ketonal, diclofenac;
  2. Chondroprotectors: structum, alflutop, chondroitin sulfate, teraflex;
  3. Muscle relaxants: mydocalm
  4. Means to normalize the peripheral blood: pentoxifylline, Cavinton, trental.

The Above treatment allows to remove puffiness and eliminate pain. If it is used in combination with physical therapy, physiotherapy, hirudotherapy (treatment with leeches), the stretching can significantly speed up the healing process. Your health in your own hands!