The protrusion of the discs of the lumbar spine is one of the forms of pathological changes in the intervertebral discs. As a result of the destruction of the structure, the disk loses water, its elasticity is lost, the fibrous ring is covered with cracks and its displacement occurs. The fact that protrusion occurs most often in the lumbar region is explained by a significant load that falls precisely on this area of the spine.
Causes of protrusion of the lumbar spine
Degenerative changes in the tissues of the spine are most often found in old age. This is due to unfavorable age-related changes in the structure of vertebral discs and a decrease in physical activity. But in recent decades, the number of young people who have been diagnosed with protrusions has increased. Among the factors that cause the disease are:
- pathology of posture;
- weak muscles;
- violation of metabolic processes in the body;
- complications from infectious diseases, in the first place, influenza;
- excessive physical exertion;
- sports injuries;
- passive lifestyle;
- genetic predisposition.
Symptoms of protrusion of the lumbar spine
Vertebrologists - doctors specializing in spinal problems, note that in the early stages, when the deformation can be quite easily corrected, the protrusion does not manifest itself. The appearance of pain is a sign that a serious anomaly has developed in the spine. Pain sensations with protrusions are intense and can be both local (in the region of damaged segments) and irradiating (giving in the extremities or in the groin). In the most dangerous variant of the disease - the dorsal protrusion of the lumbar spine, the pain is so significant that the patient suffers even a deep breath.
Also, the following symptoms signal the problems with vertebral disks:
- cramps in the legs ;
- weakness of the leg muscles;
- numbness and tingling in the feet;
- decreased sensitivity of the skin of the legs;
- stiffness in the lower back;
- violation of urination.
Experts emphasize that protrusion is a prerequisite for the formation of a herniated intervertebral disc, and this is a very serious problem for the body.
How to treat protrusion of the spinal discs?
One medical examination to establish the diagnosis of "protrusion" is not enough. In order to clarify the diagnosis, magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography are performed. Treatment of spinal protrusion of the lumbar spine is carried out in a complex manner.
Analgesics and non-steroid preparations are prescribed for relief of pain syndrome with protrusions, which also remove inflammation. Along with medicamental therapy, therapeutic massage and exercise therapy are used. Gymnastics with protrusion of the lumbar spine includes exercises aimed at training the muscles, strengthening the spinal column, developing its functions. Mandatory condition: the complex should be recommended by a doctor and the specialist must monitor the performance of the exercises. To achieve greater effect, it is desirable to combine exercise therapy with swimming or easy running.
As with any pathological changes in the spine, with protrusion it is necessary to adhere to a diet. Food should contain enough minerals and vitamins. Very useful dishes such as:
- meat-and-bone broth;
- jelly;
- flood;
- jelly.
In such foods contain substances that strengthen the cartilage and connective tissue.
In the daily diet should be dairy products, vegetables, greens; and to maintain electrolyte balance and timely removal of toxins from the body must drink a lot of fluid. But the amount of salt consumed should be limited. It is also necessary to abandon the acute, smoked and reduce the amount of sugar.