Lumbar fibroids are a chronic lesion of the lumbar spine that develops in the intervertebral disc due to years of physical and metabolic disturbances. It has been shown that lumbar necrosis is the cause of back pain in 75% of cases.
Destruction of the lumbar spine occurs in 60% of the world's population - this is the most frequent manifestation of osteonecrosis. The first signs of the disease appear in the age group 20-30.
The danger of the disease is in the later stages of the disease (when bulging eyes (bulging eyes) and disc herniated disc have complications that require surgical intervention, namely, hepatomegaly andheel spikes.
Lumbar fibroids often cause complications in pregnancy.
Causes of lumbar necrosis
The main cause of the disease is due to the load system on the lumbar spine and the metabolic disorder of the fibrous sheath of the disc. Lifting weights, overdoing it, and doing physical labor continuously increase pressure on the spine.
Other causes of lumbar necrosis: sedentary and sedentary lifestyles, frequent high heels, unhealthy diet, drinking too little fluids, smoking, abusealcohol.
With the weakening of the protective and untreated musculature, the blood supply to the tissues is impaired and the degenerative process in the disc is activated. As a result, the discs do not receive an adequate amount of blood supply - they lose elasticity, "dry out", become inflamed, flattened, and swollen.
When protruding (bulging eyes), the roots of the spinal nerve are pinched, manifested as pain during rest and movement. Wrong posture and trauma cause an additional uneven load on the spine, which accelerates the development of lumbar necrosis.
Stages of lumbar necrosis
The characteristic of the disease is the gradual development of degenerative processes.
Neurologists distinguish the four stages of lumbar degeneration:
- Phase 1& mbsp; Partial inflammation and collapse of the disc. Expressed by a burning sensation in the lower back and dull, non-intense pain in the lower back. Discomfort arises after exertion, lifting weights.
- Stage 2- the spacing between vertebrae is reduced, radiograph shows changes in the tissues around the annular, with bulging disc. Patients feel a sharp pain in the lower back, spreading (radiating) down the buttocks and legs.
- Stage 3- disc herniation occurs due to the destruction of the fibrous ring of the vertebra. In the third stage, the cartilage, disc and vertebra are severely damaged. The pains become permanent, they are felt even at rest.
- Stage 4- cartilage and disc atrophy, accompanied by the pathological development of the bone tissue of the vertebra and the formation of bone cells. Pain occurs with any movement and any uncomfortable position of the body. The pain does not go away on its own. This disorder requires aggressive treatment and leads to serious disability in humans.
Symptoms of lumbar necrosis
In seventy percent of cases, doctors diagnose the disease at a second stage. During this period, the patient has frequent exacerbations with obvious symptoms:
- back pain worsens with exertion. As the degenerative process develops, pain becomes strong and constant;
- restricts movement. The movements associated with increased pain radiate down the buttocks and legs;
- changes in sensitivity in the lower extremities (tingling, burning, numbness);
- back tension;
- numb and cold feet.
Diagnosis of lumbar spine necrosis
In 85% of cases, doctors diagnose using X-rays, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
The most targeted method is MRI. With its help, doctors determine the location and extent of damage to the lumbar spine.
The main task of the therapist is to distinguish osteonecrosis from ankylosing spondylitis.
Complications of lumbar necrosis
Lumbar spondylitis, or lens syndrome: a pathological process in a blocked spinal nerve (root) is the most common complication of lumbar necrosis. It happens in 55% of cases. It is accompanied by pain and decreased sensitivity in the lower back and / or along the restricted root.
In the later stages of the disease, a flattened disc protrudes on the edge of the vertebra - a bulging eye occurs. When the arched fibroids are destroyed, a disc herniation is formed. Disc herniation is another reason to consult a neurosurgeon.
In 40% of patients, the sciatic nerve becomes inflamed. This causes pain, numbness of the limbs. As a result, the patient transfers his body weight to the healthy leg; The more curved the spine, the more severe the disease is.
10% of patients have spinal stenosis, or myelopathy - spinal cord compression. Request surgical treatment.
The rarest but most dangerous complication is equina cauda syndrome - the loss of some adjacent nerve roots.
Every third patient with this complication is paralyzed or paralyzed. Also need surgical treatment.
Lumbar necrosis treatment
U incurable lumbar fibrosis. You can eliminate pain and slow degenerative processes in the vertebrae and disc. 80% of treatment success falls on stage 1 and 2 of the disease.
If there are no complications, the neurologist treats lumbar spinal tumors with drugs, physical therapy, massage, and physical therapy.
The drug is prescribed for exacerbations of bone necrosis to eliminate inflammation, pain and stimulate metabolism in the spine, cartilage, and disc.
In acute pain, a therapeutic effect is achieved by intramuscular injection. For local anesthesia, vertebral blockade is prescribed. For 3-6 months, the patient is prescribed chondroprotectors.
The goal of physiotherapy is to strengthen the muscles of the back. Swimming in the pool is very helpful. With lumbar necrosis, exercises are performed after the pain is eliminated. Some doctors prescribe physical therapy even for pain relief, however, this must be approached with caution.
Once the pain subsides, massage and reflexology courses are recommended.
Uncomplicated lumbar fibroids do not require regular hospital treatment for many days. The disease is treated at home. They use folk remedies, the action is reduced to warm the lower back.
Prevention of lumbar necrosis
To prevent lumbar necrosis, follow these simple rules:
- see your posture while sitting for long hours, change body position;
- swim 3 times a week;
- lift the weights with both hands from a sitting position or by securing (straightening) your back;
- avoids drafts;
- For an overnight rest, choose an orthopedic mattress.