Protrusion of the spine of the lumbar spine. How to treat protrusion of the spinal discs?

The protrusion of the discs of the lumbar spine is diagnosed quite often recently. The provoking factors of the origin of pathology are different. Next, we learn what is the protrusion of the disk. The treatment that occurs, the stages of formation, the reasons - all this will also be discussed in the article.

General information

First, you need to determine what a protrusion is. This is the protrusion of the spinal disc tissues without rupturing the fibrous ring. It should be noted that the pathology has significantly grown younger over the past ten years. Daily stress most affect the condition of the lumbar spine . Many people, probably, had to feel pain in their legs and fatigue at the end of the day. When you take a horizontal position, you can clearly feel the discomfort in the spine, spreading all over the body. Very often, these phenomena are the first signals of the development of a pathological condition. Today, protrusion of the spine of the lumbar region is not considered an independent pathology. Experts define it as one of the stages of development of osteochondrosis. In addition, protrusion of the spine of the lumbar spine is recognized by many onset of hernia formation. The earlier a patient turns to a specialist, the more chances to get by without radical methods.

Lumbar spine protrusion: disease stages, causes

As was said above, this area is under more pressure than the others. Excessive stress provokes changes in the structure of the elements. Under daily pressure, disks are destroyed: they lose elasticity and flexibility. This leads to their bulging. Experts call hypodynamia as one of the main reasons for the appearance of pathology. Because of a sedentary lifestyle, dystrophic processes begin to develop, fraught with very serious consequences. Also protrusion of the spinal discs of the lumbar spine may be triggered by trauma. As a result of mechanical damage, the structure of structural elements is disrupted. In the absence of timely and adequate treatment, osteochondrosis can take a neglected form, which is manifested by protrusion of intervertebral discs. Quite often, pathology is detected in the elderly. This indicates a change in the structure of the spine over the years. The provoking factor here, again, is a decrease in activity. Of particular importance are pathologies that have imposed a degree of imprint on the spine. Also contribute to the appearance of a pathological condition:

• Weakened muscle corset.
• Incorrect posture.
• Infectious lesions.
• Failures in metabolic processes.
• Prolonged physical activity.
• Heredity.

Stages of development

The protrusion of the discs of the lumbar spine turns into a hernia very imperceptibly. The first stage is characterized by disruptions in the functioning of the nucleus. In this case, the fibers of the fibrous ring are gradually destroyed, and cracks appear. The pulpous nucleus begins to change position. The next stage is characterized by protrusion of the core beyond the ring by 3 mm. At the last stage, the swelling can be up to 4 mm. Subsequent bulging of the nucleus is accompanied by compression of the vessels and nerve roots located side by side. Begins to develop pain, streaking appears. With protrusion of 5 or more millimeters, they speak of a hernia. At this stage, the fibrous ring is often broken.

Consequences of pathology

Why is it important to detect protrusions of the discs of the lumbar spine in a timely manner? What are they dangerous? The main problem is that before the swelling does not reach a certain size, the pathology does not show itself. Only with the beginning of jamming the nerve roots, the appearance of painfulness, people turn to the doctor. As a rule, the patient gets to the specialist when the second, and sometimes the third, stage takes place. This, in turn, entails prolonged therapy, and in some cases radical measures. If you do not do anything at all or do self-medication, then the risk of disability is high.

Clinical picture

How does the protrusion of the lumbar spine manifest? Symptoms (treatment will depend on their intensity) are reduced to discomfort and soreness. They differ in their distribution depending on the stage of development of pathology. The pains appear in the damaged segment and torture the patient constantly. As the pathology develops, they spread to the limbs. After physical exertion, severe but temporary pains occur in the area of the affected segment. In addition, it is noted:

• Tingling and cramps in the legs and feet.
• Radiculitis in the lumbosacral zone.
• Sensitive skin disorder on the outside of the leg.
• Muscle weakness (especially well felt in the lower limbs).
• Lumbar stiffness.

In severe cases, there may be a malfunction in the urination. This is a serious complication of the pathology, and it is necessary to see a doctor. The protrusion of the disc in the cervical region is manifested by pain in the neck and neck, extending to the forearm, shoulder, fingers and the brush as a whole. Also, there is a darkening in the eyes, dizziness, numbness in the upper limbs. Against the background of pathology there is stiff neck, weakness in the hands.

Diagnostic measures

The main stages of pathology detection are:

• Inspection of the patient, during which the degree of sensitivity of the areas of the back, extremities is checked. Motor and neurological tests are also performed.
• Collection of anamnesis, family including.
• Radiography of the spine.
• CT or MRI. These procedures are conducted to assess the status of the vasculature and determine the degree of muscular atrophy.
• Myelography. It is necessary to exclude stenosis in the vertebral canal.
• Electromyography. The procedure is performed to identify compression in the nerve roots.
• In some cases, puncture of the spinal cord fluid may be prescribed.

During the examination, differential diagnosis is performed to exclude tuberculosis of bones, oncology, Bekhterev's disease, circulatory disorders in some arteries.

How to treat protrusion of the spinal discs ?

Adequate therapy can be prescribed only by a specialist. Selection of the treatment regimen is carried out in accordance with the neglect of the condition (disk bulging). At 3-4 mm recommended bed rest and therapy in a hospital. Conservative methods are aimed at eliminating pain and inflammation, removing puffiness and improving blood supply, reducing vascular spasm and restoring the functions of the spine and muscles. For these purposes, the following medicines are recommended:

• NSAIDs. To this category of drugs include such means as "Xefokam", "Orthofen", "Ketoprofen", "Movalis", "Indomethacin".
• Muscle relaxants. Among these drugs should be noted "Midokalm", "Orfenadrine", "Diazepam", "Metaxalon." In most cases, when these funds are taken against the background of the elimination of muscle spasm, the pain intensity is significantly reduced.
• Glucocorticosteroids. To this group include such medications as "Methyl prednisolone", "Flosteron", "Diprospan". These funds are prescribed in the absence of the effect of NSAIDs and muscle relaxants. The most effective method of eliminating soreness is the injection into soft tissue in the nerve compression zone.
• Chondroprotectors. This group includes such means as "Aflutop", "Artra", "Structum". These medications can be given as injections into the intervertebral zone or orally for an extended period.
• Means that improve blood circulation. These drugs include such drugs as "Actovegin" or "Trental".

Additional resources

Enzyme therapy has recently begun to be used. In this case, such means as "caripain", "chymotrypsin" are used. This method involves the course administration of medicaments using electrophoresis. Due to this there is a splitting of the tissues of the pulpous core, and the disk assumes a normal position. In the course of therapy, B-group vitamins are recommended as injections into the muscle. External agents are also used: plasters, creams, lotions and compresses with bischofite and dimexid.

Physiotherapy and other methods

In addition, the specialist can appoint such procedures as:

• Manual or vacuum massage.
• Manual therapy.
• Exposure to dry heat.
• Reflexotherapy.
• UHF.
• Hydromassage procedures.
• Laser therapy.
• Swimming, exercise therapy, gymnastics. These procedures are appointed after the main treatment course. The duration and intensity of the sessions are indicated by the doctor.
• Magnetotherapy.

Folk methods

They are used as an additional effect and allow to consolidate the results of conservative treatment. Among the most popular national recipes should be noted the following:

• To speed up blood circulation and relieve inflammation, use a tincture of 300 g finely chopped garlic for 150 ml of vodka. The mixture lasts ten days. After that, the gruel should be applied to the diseased area, fixed with cellophane and a towel. After half an hour the compress is removed. If the burning sensation is felt earlier, then the gruel should be removed from the body and wash your back.
• With any pathology of the spine, baths with turpentine are considered effective. Course - not less than 10 procedures. Baths help relax the muscles, relieve spasm in the vessels, increase the flow of blood to the segments of the spine.
• Kalanchoe allows you to reduce puffiness and inflammation. The sheet must be cut off with a knife and tied to the back in the form of a compress for the night.