Lumbar osteosarcoma is a disease that changes the cartilage and bone tissue of the discs in the lumbar spine. This change can be natural or the result of an unhealthy lifestyle. In old age, all people begin to undergo the invariant processes of bone and cartilage tissue. But when these phenomena are early (appearing in middle-aged people), we are talking about pathological processes of the skeletal system. The disease affects equally men and women over the age of 30.
Lumbar osteosarcoma is the most famous and common pathology of the spine, manifested by severe pain in the lumbar region. The disease develops due to a metabolic disorder that causes cartilage and bone tissue not to have enough nutrients, and waste products to accumulate in bone cells. That leads to disc diseases. In addition, their thickness and flexibility change, and then grow as osteophytes (growths of bone tissue, resulting in narrowing of the openings for nerve endings) are formed on the vertebrae.
Reasons for the development of osteonecrosis of the lumbar spine
Lumbar osteosarcoma occurs more often than thoracic or cervical osteochondrosis, because the lower back bears the greatest load during walking and running, prolonged sitting in a chair or lifting weights.
Since this anatomical site bears the maximum load, its construction is very strong and reliable. The lumbar region consists of five vertebrae and connects the ribcage to the sacrum. Between them are the discs, which give the spine flexibility and mobility. In turn, the intervertebral discs consist of a jelly-like nucleus, located inside a hard annular fiber. As osteonecrosis develops, the normal nutrition of the intervertebral discs is disrupted, as a result they become thinner, lose their elasticity, and the distance between them decreases. As a result, nerve roots are compromised, leading to severe pain and even disability.
So, the reasons for the development of this pathology are:
- spinal cord injury;
- diseases of the endocrine, digestive and cardiovascular systems;
- intense physical activity (weightlifting, vigorous running);
- sedentary lifestyle;
- malfunctions of the hormonal system;
- flat feet;
- anomalies of the intervertebral disc;
- old age;
- inflammatory joint diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
The risk factors for the development of the disease are:
- stooped and poor posture;
- wrong way of life;
- unhealthy diet, obesity;
- in the wrong position for a long time;
- Genetic factors;
- stress;
- Hypothermia.
The main symptom of the disease is lower back pain. It can be felt immediately or after intense physical activity.
Other symptoms of lumbar osteonecrosis are:
- pain spreading to the lower back;
- pain increases after lifting weights, sneezing, coughing, moving the body;
- body stiffness after being in one position for a long time;
- persistent spasms of the back muscles;
- sudden pain (low back pain) after hypothermia;
- violation of sensitivity in the buttocks, thighs, shins and feet;
- paralysis of the legs;
- chills of the feet;
- constriction of the arteries of the feet;
- excessive sweating;
- dryness and flaking of the skin in painful places.
Osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine can be aggravated by any clumsy movement, such as when moving or turning to one side. In this case, the pain is felt not only in the lower back, but also in the legs. There is also a strong spasm of the lower back, because in this way the body will reduce the load on this part of the body. During an exacerbation, a person finds a comfortable position for the pain to ease.
One of the complications of osteonecrosis of the lumbar spine is a malfunctioning genitourinary system. Sometimes there is increased urination and discomfort in the kidney area. Sciatica and paralysis (pain in the lower back) may be involved in this disease.
Stages of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
Unfortunately, osteonecrosis is an incurable disease, and the destruction of the discs is irreversible. There are four levels of development of osteonecrosis:
- The first level, at which the agar propagation inside the plate changes and moves.
- The second level is the destruction of the ring fibers in the disc;
- The third degree, in which the annulus fibers break off and multiply like jelly leaving it, causes the formation of a herniated disc.
- Grade 4 is the development stage of cervical spondylosis with the involvement of disc joints and ligaments. Arthritis develops.
First level
It is characterized by painful sensations caused by irritation of nerve endings located in the annulus and longitudinal ligaments. The patient feels pain and discomfort in the damaged disc. The pain can be sharp, acute or dull, permanent and localized to the painful area. It is usually felt in the legs, and sometimes it is felt only in the legs.
Stimulation of nerve endings leads to the development of reflex syndromes. For this reason, a person does not always feel pain in the problem area, but farther away from it. In addition, there is a violation of the robot of internal organs, the appearance of reflex muscle contractions; circulatory disorders in the extremities and ligaments. Violation of blood circulation and nutrition of tendons and ligaments, which leads to pain and stiffness in the places of attachment to the bones.
Second level
At this stage, there is a characteristic instability and an increase in mobility of the vertebrae, which leads to constant lubrication of the muscles. At the same time, the patient has difficulty walking, feeling uncomfortable and having pain in the lower back. Sometimes the lower back "aches", the patient does not understand why.
The third level
It is characterized by prolapse of disc fragments, which is manifested by compression of the nerve roots. During this period, there is a violation of sensitivity in the inner region of the compressed nerve. In addition, there are unpleasant sensations such as tingling, burning, numbness, complete loss of sensitivity, accompanied by impaired motor function, sometimes leading to paralysis. In the affected area, the muscle is atrophied, thinned, and reduced. The regions where the changes described above are observed eloquently indicate the location of the spinal lesion. The characteristic manifestation of grade 3 is the appearance of Lasegue symptoms. Manifestations are as follows: when the patient lies on his back, straightening his legs, he has severe pain in the lower back, spreading along the back of the raised leg. When you bring your leg to the knee, the pain is immediately relieved.
When fragments of the disc fall out of the spinal canal, it causes damage to the spinal cord. Another syndrome, the so-called ponytail, is manifested by a decrease in the sensitivity and motor function of the legs, as well as the pelvic and bladder organs.
Fourth degree
This period is characterized by the disappearance of pain and the restoration of the function of the musculoskeletal system. However, at the same time there are limitations in motor function. The spine, as it was originally, becomes wooden, as the intervertebral disc fibrosis develops and all its elements are replaced by dense scar tissue. Simultaneously, the intervertebral and intervertebral ligaments are involved in the inflammatory process, and varying degrees of disease are observed, manifested by the polymorphism of symptoms.
How to treat degenerative lumbar spine disease?
Treatment of spondylolisthesis is a very long and enduring process. And most importantly, to successfully treat the disease, depends a lot on each person. After all, he will have to completely change his lifestyle and get rid of many of his daily habits and take care of his health for the rest of his life.
In the opposite case, even successful drug treatment cannot completely eliminate the deformity of the spine. In addition, after temporary improvement, symptoms will return with new intensity and treatment will have to be restarted. Although sometimes, even with adherence to a physical activity regimen, attacks of osteonecrosis do occur.
Therefore, the treatment of osteonecrosis is carried out in 3 ways:
- conservative drug treatment;
- no drugs;
- surgery.
Conservative drug treatment
Since spondyloarthritis cannot be completely cured and is an irreversible process, the goal of conservative treatment is to eliminate symptoms and prevent further progression of the disease. Before starting drug therapy, it is necessary to minimize physical activity. In the case of a severe exacerbation, bed rest is recommended. This is sometimes more effective than medication.
To reduce symptoms of inflammation, use:
- NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Drugs of this group effectively eliminate pain and inflammation in the vertebrae. The drug can be in pill or injectable form.
- Glucocorticosteroids. These drugs are classified as steroid hormones. Glucocorticosteroid injections are made directly into the joint cavity. Without fail, they are fortified with B vitamins (B1, B6, B12).
- Sedative. They are necessary to eliminate reflexes and related mental disorders.
- Anticonvulsants. Eliminates involuntary contractions of skeletal muscles.
- Antidepressants. Drugs of this class affect the level of neurotransmitters, as a result, the patient's mood improves, melancholy, anxiety and emotional stress disappear.
- Diuretic. They are needed for the signs of lens syndrome.
- Anticholinesterase drugs. Drugs of this group inhibit the activity of the enzyme cholinesterase, as a result, the conduction of nerve impulses increases.
- Chondroprotectors. Essential to prevent deformation of the vertebral discs and joints.
During an acute attack, novocaine blockade is prescribed (introduction of anesthetics directly into the affected area).
Symptoms of lumbar osteonecrosis are different in women than in men. In women, the menstrual cycle can be disturbed, and at the same time gynecological diseases can arise: inflammation of the ovaries and uterus (endometritis). Impaired fertility may also occur. In this case, you need the help of a qualified obstetrician-gynecologist.
How to treat lumbar bone tumor at home
The main principle of home treatment is to eliminate symptoms that prevent a person from living a quality lifestyle.
The following treatments are used at home:
- Diet. The cause of osteonecrosis is very often the accumulation of cholesterol and loss of elasticity of blood vessels. To overcome the above situation, it is necessary to follow a low-fat diet. Also, exclude cholesterol-rich foods from the diet: eggs, pork, high-fat broth, chicken skin. Eliminate alcohol and nicotine completely, reduce drinking coffee and strong tea. They lead to vasospasm.
- Restores blood supply in the lumbar region. To do this, you can massage with ointments and compresses, and also perform physiotherapeutic exercises, which can be done at home.
- Orthopedic sleep aids. Since the spine is the axis of the human body, it is subjected to great pressure during the day, so it needs proper rest. With this ability, orthopedic mattresses and pillows work, which can help keep the spine in the correct position during sleep.