Spondylosis of the lumbar spine: causes, symptoms and treatment methods

Spondylosis of the lumbar spine is a fairly common problem, especially in patients of retirement age. It should immediately be noted that this is a chronic disease that is accompanied by a slowly progressive deformation of the lumbar vertebrae.

Why does spondylosis develop in the lumbar spine?

Spondylosis is a disease that is accompanied by a lesion of bone and cartilaginous tissues of the vertebra with further deformation. And quite often such changes are associated with the age of a person and the violation of normal trophic tissue as a result of aging.

In addition, the causes can be attributed to metabolic diseases, in which the spinal tissues simply do not receive the required amount of "building" substances and minerals.

Often, the deforming spondylosis of the lumbar spine develops as a result of severe trauma to the spinal column. Risk factors can also include permanent physical exertion on the lumbar region - yes, professional athletes often suffer from such a disease.

But on the other hand, no less often the cause of chronic deformation is ... lack of movement. Sedentary work, static pressure on the spine, lack of active rest and physical activity - all this leads to weakening of the muscles of the back and abdomen, disruption of normal blood circulation and tissue trophism.

Spondylosis of the lumbar spine: the main symptoms

Such a disease develops slowly, so the clinical picture can be slightly blurred. For example, in the first stages, some external manifestations may be absent altogether. Later, there is a feeling of stiffness in the waist. Unfortunately, people write off this symptom for fatigue and do not go to the doctor.

Nevertheless, as the disease develops, more and more new symptoms appear. In particular, the feeling of mild discomfort is replaced by quite palpable pain, which is exacerbated by physical exertion. Many people complain of insomnia, because soreness does not always disappear at night.

Spondylosis of the lumbosacral spine is accompanied by the formation of bone growths on the vertebrae. Such neoplasms often squeeze vessels and nerve fibers, which entails serious complications. For example, patients often complain of numbness and tingling in their legs. From time to time there is a so-called "false lameness" caused by pressure on the nerve roots.

Spondylosis of the lumbar spine and its treatment

As already mentioned, with this disease there is a chronic deformation. Therefore, the therapy is aimed at eliminating the main symptoms and preventing further pathological changes in the spinal column.

During periods of exacerbation, when the pain becomes too severe, patients are prescribed painkillers and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, in particular agents containing ibuprofen and paracetamol. An acute attack is stopped with the help of electrophoresis and novocaine.

In order to stop the process of deformation, patients are prescribed special drugs - chondroprotectors, as well as drugs that improve blood circulation. And of course, an obligatory part of therapy is regular medical gymnastics, which helps to strengthen muscles, as well as physiotherapy and massage.