The most common cause of back pain is the development of a musculoskeletal disease such as bone necrosis. If in the past this disease was mainly seen in the elderly and less common in the middle age, now osteonecrosis disease has become much younger, it is often diagnosed in people of age. 20-30 years old.
According to medical statistics, the disease usually affects the lumbar spine and spine.
Characteristics of the disease
Osteochondrosis is a pathology of the musculoskeletal system that affects its most important component - the spine. It arises due to the fact that dystrophic changes in the intervertebral discs begin to develop.
Not only does the disease affect the tissue of the intervertebral discs, negative changes begin to occur in surrounding tissue, affecting ligaments and muscles.
The reason for the prevalence of lumbar necrosis is that this particular part of the spine is subjected to the greatest physical stress.
With this disease characteristic changes take place in the medullary core, which is part of the disc. This disc performs the depreciation function.
If water exchange in the discs is disturbed, they become thinner and their fragility increases.
Older people are most susceptible to the pathological process, as the metabolism in the tissues of the disc begins to deteriorate when they reach a certain age.
Under the impact of negative changes, the nucleus boundary gradually widens, it tends to penetrate the disc space. This usually ends with a movement of the nucleus to the spinal canal, so that it compresses and compresses nerve fibers and blood vessels.
Pinched nerves are the cause of pain in osteonecrosis. There is also a possible impairment of the function of internal organs.
As the pathology progresses, pressure on the vertebra increases. The body seeks to make up for the defect, and the growth of bone tissue of the spine is accelerated significantly. As a result, pathological developments - osteocytes - form on the vertebrae. Eventually, this further disrupts the function of the affected spine.
With advanced forms of bone necrosis, patients may experience paralysis of the lower extremities. Due to the lack of late medical care, a person may become disabled.
Causes of necrosis of the lumbar spine and spine
U of the lumbar spine and spine developed due to improper distribution of load onto the spine. If this is combined with other negative factors, the progression of bone necrosis will be accelerated, it can take place in more severe forms.
Disease can be provoked by:
- regularly performs heavy work, lifting heavy objects (people from certain professions, as well as athletes involved in weightlifting are at risk);
- inadequate physical activity, negatively affects the condition of the muscles and leads to impaired blood circulation, metabolic processes and a decrease in the amount of nutrients entering the tissues;
- patients are overweight, resulting in the spine frequently subjected to heavy loads;
- problems with incorrect posture and gait;
- presence of birth defects or other defects of the spine or the entire skeleton;
- flat feet can also cause the development of osteonecrosis, as in patients with deformed feet, the arch of the foot cannot fully absorb the load during movement, resulting inincrease the load on the discs;
- spinal injury;
- identifies hereditary disorder of bone tissue formation;
- age-related changes;
- infections affecting bone tissue (tuberculosis, osteomyelitis);
- inflammatory processes affecting bones and joints (including rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis);
- lacks vitamins and minerals;
- exposed to harmful and harmful substances.
The most common cause of the disease is a heavy load on the spine with an incorrect posture.
Symptoms of disease
The expression and severity of symptoms of osteonecrosis depends on the stage of the disease.
There are 4 stages of the disease:
- An early stage is characterized by the appearance of pain in the lumbar (lumbar) region, spasm of the surrounding muscle tissue and swelling in the affected area. During this stage, alteration and displacement of the medullary nucleus of the disc begins to stimulate the nerve ends.
- At the second stage, destruction of the loops of the disc begins. The vertebrae become unstable, their motor capacity increases, so there is steady tension of the neighboring muscles. Pain is noted along the sciatic nerve. At this stage of the disease, it is sometimes possible to start interrupting the work of internal organs.
- During the third stage rupture of the loops and the release of intrinsic substances of the myeloid nucleus are observed. As a result, the herniated disc is formed. All of these contribute to further deformation of the spine (the development of scoliosis, scoliosis or scoliosis may be observed). Acute pain becomes permanent, this is caused by lens syndrome, in which nerve roots are compressed by debris out of the fibrous ring.
- The fourth stage is characterized by severe deformations of the spine, pathological growths appearing on the vertebrae. Significant pain relief is possible, but this does not mean that the patient's condition improves. On the contrary, a person's movements become severely restricted. Usually, patients with stage 4 bone necrosis require a disability registration.
One of the main symptoms of the disease is lumbar pain, which can also spread to the coccyx and lower extremities. It is divided into three categories:
- Low back pain- acute pain that starts with sudden movement or heavy lifting.
- Lumbodynia- severe pain frequently associated with damage to the disc cartilage and muscle fibers.
- Muscle Paralysis- characterized by pain, cold or hot sensation in the lower back, as well as in the legs.
A person's mental state can also cause pain.
In addition to pain, osteonecrosis has a characteristic:
- feeling weak in the lower half of the body and in the legs;
- impaired tendon reflex of the lower extremities;
- tingling, can be felt from the lower back to the legs;
- curvature of the spine;
- with photonic osteonecrosis, often malfunctions of the pelvic organs (urination disorders, stool control, erectile dysfunction);
- skin problems (dry, flaky, bluish) and changes in perspiration can also occur in the lower back and buttocks.
If you spot the listed symptoms, you should consult your doctor as soon as possible to initiate treatment promptly and prevent serious consequences.
Treatment of necrosis of the lumbar spine and spine
Medical
For patients diagnosed with osteonecrosis, the doctor may prescribe the following types of therapies (including several at once):
- drug therapy;
- physiotherapy procedures;
- medical massage and manual therapy;
- performs surgery.
Let's take a closer look at each of these methods.
The drug is prescribed to relieve pain, fight inflammation and improve the regeneration of diseased tissues. Patient may be assigned:
- Pain reliever
- (helps to relieve pain); Muscle relaxant
- (used to relax muscle fibers and reduce spasm);
- chondroprotectors (promotes cartilage and bone tissue regeneration and protects them from negative influences);
- anti-inflammatory drug;
- in case of edema, diuretics (diuretics) are prescribed;
- drug improves blood circulation;
- vitamin and mineral complex.
In more common forms of bone necrosis, when conventional pain relievers are ineffective, a blockade can be prescribed. The specific drugs that should be used, as well as the program and duration of treatment, are determined by the doctor, taking into account the stage of the disease and the severity of symptoms.
Physiotherapy should be indicated with the drug to increase the effectiveness of treatment. With osteonecrosis, the following procedures are indicated:
- laser therapy
- ;
- magnetic resonance therapy;
- phonophoresis;
- shock wave therapy.
These treatments help relieve pain, reduce inflammation and help repair damaged tissue. The use of laser beams is very effective, this allows for a steady remission.
When specifying topical use (this method allows the drug to penetrate deeply under the skin directly to the damage). To maximize the abundance of tissues with oxygen, a doctor may also prescribe ozone therapy.
It should be noted that physiotherapy is contraindicated in a number of pathologies. It should not be prescribed for patients with cancer, thyrotoxicosis, diabetes, tuberculosis, infectious diseases.
Massage and manual therapy can be prescribed concurrently with medications and physiotherapy procedures, in order to improve therapeutic efficacy.
These methods affect conduction of nerve impulses and help normalize muscle tone.
Surgical interventions are indicated in the later stages of the disease, when other treatments are in vain. Surgery is required if:
- patient has severe pain that cannot be controlled by the drug;
- disc herniation;
- patient diagnosed with spinal cord compression (this leads to impaired sensitivity and motor function - from feeling weak to numbness);
- noted the development of horsetail syndrome.
Nowadays, modern high-tech and less traumatic surgeries are being performed more and more frequently, allowing for a significant shortening of the rehabilitation time. In the absence of complications, the patient should be able to walk normally within a few months of surgery.
Folk remedies
Traditional medicine treatments help relieve pain, reduce inflammation and improve mobility. Here are some ways to treat bone necrosis with folk remedies.
- You need to take raw potatoes, thin them and mix with natural honey. The resulting mixture should be placed on your back and fixed with a bandage for at least 2 hours. Applying warm boiled potatoes over the affected area also helps.
- Grate garlic and mix with ginger into equal parts. Then add some olive oil. The resulting medication must be rubbed into the back at night to improve blood circulation and reduce muscle tension.
- Mix one teaspoon of peppermint oil with one teaspoon of fir oil. The mixture should be rubbed onto the back.
- Take chopped pine or spruce leaves in ½ tbsp for each 200 ml (1 cup) of boiling water and let stand for 30 minutes. Drink ½ cup 2 times a day.
- Mix one tablespoon of reishi and mint herbs, boil with boiling water (1 cup), to brew and filter. Drink water gradually throughout the day.
It is important to understand that treatment with folk remedies cannot replace seeing a doctor. Folk remedies provide temporary relief of symptoms but do not completely eliminate the disease.
In addition, they may not be suitable for all patients, so we advise you to consult a specialist before use.
Physical therapy exercise
Physical therapy exercises are aimed at strengthening the lower back, buttocks and thighs, helping to relieve pain, reduce the degree of compression of nerves and blood vessels, and restore flexibility.
In order for the exercises to be as effective as possible and without harm, you must follow certain rules:
- Exercises should be performed in natural fabrics without restriction of movement;
- the lumbar region during exercise must not lower body temperature;
- if you need a reclining position to do the exercise, it is better to put a circular roller under your lower legs;
- you should start exercising no earlier than an hour after eating;
- in order to have a lasting positive effect, it is necessary to participate in regular physical therapy exercises; Exercises
- should be done slowly, smoothly, focusing on muscle activity;
- you need to track your breathing, it should be even and deep;
- is useful if a log includes changes since the date you started the exercise.
Which exercise should be done depends on the severity of the symptoms of osteonecrosis.
In acute lumbar degeneration where the spine is not loaded, you should adhere to a bed rest regime (preferably with orthopedic mattresses), exercise while lying on your back, repeat each8-10 repetitions. Here are some suggestions:
- Lie on your back, place the roller under your shin and bend your knees. Patients should bend their arms into fists and not bend over, and also need to flex their ankles. These movements are performed alternately with each arm and leg.
- You should alternately bend and not stretch, just move your knees. At the same time, the back cannot be moved.
- Rotate the pins one by one.
- Extend arms and legs, then start bending and elbows of both arms at the same time. While flexing, you need to inhale and, while stretching, exhale. Keep your palms up.
Recommended exercises for subacute lumbar necrosis:
- Bend your knees in a supine position, rest your feet on the mattress. While inhaling, gently lift the sacrum, at the same time the lower part of the thoracic spine should rest on the mattress. After 1-2 seconds, gently lower the lower half of your back.
- Lie on a mattress, while breathing in, you need to raise your head and tighten your abdominal muscles. On exhalation, return to the starting position.
- In a supine position, pull heel to buttocks in a sliding motion without lifting heels off the mattress. After a few seconds, straighten your legs. The movements should be repeated for each leg separately and for both legs at the same time.
- From a four-legged position, sit with your buttocks on your heels, performing a sliding hand movement on the mattress. Then enter the starting position.
- Walk on all fours, relax your neck. Tuck your chin to your chest, curl your lower back like a cat, and stay in this position for a few seconds. It should be ensured that the head does not protrude, and that the back maintains an acceptable position.
Patients in remission can do any of the above exercises.
Physical therapy exercises, if possible, should be done 3-4 times a day for any form of lumbar degeneration, but before you start, you must consult. doctor's opinion.
Precautions
Osteochondrosis, like most ailments, is easier to prevent than to try to eliminate its consequences later. To minimize the likelihood of disease development:
is recommended- to ensure that the diet is healthy and balanced;
- leads an active life, moving as much as possible;
- do not let your spine undergo a heavy load;
- performs exercises to strengthen your back muscles.
There is also a need for prompt treatment of diseases and injuries that can lead to the development of osteonecrosis. If even minor symptoms appear to signal spinal problems, do not delay your visit.
Conclusion
Lumbar spinal cord tumor is a disease that needs to be paid attention to to avoid serious consequences. If you follow a healthy lifestyle and follow the recommended precautions, your chances of developing the pathology will be very little.
If symptoms appear, you should see your doctor as soon as possible. Timely medical support is the key to stable remission, allowing an end to the pathological process, preserving the patient's ability to work and, to a certain extent, restoring the previous state ofmusculoskeletal system.