Degenerative and dystrophic changes in the lumbar spine: causes and symptoms

Diseases of the spinal column can hardly be considered a rarity. And degenerative-dystrophic changes of the lumbar spine are most often encountered due to the fact that it is this segment that accounts for the main load. So what are the causes of such violations and can they be cured?

Degenerative and dystrophic changes in the lumbar spine and their causes

There are many diseases that are accompanied by a change in the bone and cartilaginous structure of the spinal column. Among them, chondrosis and osteochondrosis, as well as hernia, spondylosis and many others can be distinguished. Of course, each of these diseases has its own characteristics. Nevertheless, it is possible to identify some common risk factors.

Most often, degenerative-dystrophic changes in the spine are somehow related to the patient's age. After all, over the years, cartilaginous tissues, small joints and intervertebral discs simply wear out and become thinner.

In addition, such damage is often the result of mechanical trauma, which occurs with a constant rise in weight, falling, inflammation, etc.

Degenerative-dystrophic changes in discs are often associated with the characteristics of a person's labor activity. Office work, too intense physical activity, low-activity lifestyle, overweight - all this can be attributed to the most common risk factors.

Degenerative and dystrophic changes in the lumbar spine: the main symptoms

In fact, the clinical picture can be different and depends on which particular structures of the spinal column were damaged and how serious the violations present. In most cases, symptoms appear as progression of the processes of dystrophy, so the first stages of the disease can take place and without any external signs.

Later, there is a feeling of stiffness and heaviness in the lower back. The main symptom of such pathologies after all are pain. Soreness can occur during physical exertion, prolonged walking, etc. Similar seizures are usually wavy - the pain then appears, then disappears.

In addition, gradual degeneration of the intervertebral discs or joints can lead to more dangerous complications. In particular, blood vessels are often squeezed, as a result of which normal trophism of tissues is disrupted, which only aggravates the process of degeneration. It's no secret that the hernia and osteochondrosis are fraught with damage to the nerve roots, which is also dangerous, as normal innervation of structures is disrupted. For example, such diseases are often accompanied by pain or numbness of the lower limbs, loss of their mobility and sensitivity.

In any case, if you are worried about chronic low back pain, you should immediately contact a specialist. After radiographic examinations and some additional tests, the doctor will be able to correctly diagnose and prescribe the treatment.

How are degenerative-dystrophic changes in the lumbar spine treated?

In fact, the choice of therapy depends on many factors, in particular the cause of the disease, the condition and age of the patient, the presence of concomitant damage. For example, in severe cases of intervertebral hernia surgery is necessary.

Conservative methods of therapy are used in the early stages. They include the use of chondroprotectors, anti-inflammatory and analgesics. It is extremely important therapeutic gymnastics, which helps to strengthen the muscles, create an additional support for the spinal column. It will be useful massage, acupuncture, and sometimes manual therapy. Some patients are recommended to wear a special corset, which relieves the load from the lumbar region and prevents the worsening of the disease.