According to the classifications of the international classification of diseases, osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine belongs to the tenth group (ICD 10).This disease is one of the most commonly diagnosed spinal disorders.
Changes and complications in the course of the disease lead to the formation of intervertebral hernias, severe pain and dysfunction of the intervertebral discs.
This disease is recorded in 80% of patients who seek help due to low back pain.As a rule, osteochondrosis occurs in old age due to:
- increased loads throughout life in relation to the lumbar area,
- lime salt deposits,
- age-related changes.
Description and symptoms of the disease.
Characteristic signs of lumbar pathology include the following manifestations:
- decreased flexibility and mobility;
- difficulties turning, rotating and tilting the body;
- general fatigue;
- sleep disorders;
- difficulty meeting natural needs and self-care due to pain;
- irritability, sudden sweating;
- cold or tingling in the legs;
- spasmodic manifestations in the arteries of the feet;
- dysfunction of sexual function (in men), menstrual cycle (in women);
- varicose veins.
In fact, the question of what osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is can be answered with the following theses:
- Reduction in the distance between the intervertebral discs, alteration of their functionality, loss of moisture and elasticity.
- Overexertion and chronic weakness of the spinal muscles.
- Impairment of the shock absorption capacity of the discs, their partial deformation and the impact on the nerve endings that cause pain (applies to stages 3 and 4 of the disease).
Course of the disease
The development of pathology occurs gradually.It is customary to distinguish 4 stages of the clinical history:
- The first degree is manifested by local pain in the lumbar region, which intensifies with physical activity.This symptom indicates that the muscles are overloaded and that the process of deformation of the intervertebral discs has already begun.Also, patients at this stage may feel a dull pain in the back, radiating to the buttock region, tingling and burning there.As a rule, pain appears after lifting heavy objects or sudden movements.
- Period 2 of the disease is characterized by the onset of deformation of the surrounding tissues, the annulus fibrosus of the disc and a reduction in the natural distance between the vertebrae.Compression (compression) of the nerve roots also develops.At this stage, the patient may experience sharp pain that progresses when walking.There may be a burning or cold sensation in the legs.Stretching and protrusion of the disc develops.If a painful attack occurs, the patient is mechanically diverted in the opposite direction to the source of the pain syndrome.
- The third degree is characterized by the final destruction of the disc rings and the appearance of intervertebral hernias.Low back pain becomes more frequent and stronger, radiating to the legs and back, regardless of load and movement.
- The fourth stage of osteochondrosis is characterized by abnormal growth of the vertebrae.Cartilage undergoes important atrophic processes.The pain may decrease, indicating the formation of protective tissue, but this is in no way a sign of recovery.The disease at this stage most often leads to the patient's disability.
Concomitant diseases
Almost identical manifestations of the disease in question are characterized by a deforming spondylosis of the corresponding part of the body.This disease belongs to the later stages of osteochondrosis and has the following symptoms:
- feeling of heaviness in the back, especially in the lower part;
- sharp pain when sitting, moving;
- Lower back pain when bending, stretching, and other movements.
This disease is characterized by dramatic changes in the vertebrae with the formation of bone growths that irritate the spinal ligaments.Outgrowths (osteophytes) can reach significant sizes, cause parts of adjacent vertebrae to fuse, and put pressure on nerve roots.
The consequences of the disease, in addition to pain, can be decreased mobility, discomfort when the weather changes, and disability.
The disease develops mainly in old age due to excessive stress on the lumbar region and the deposition of lime salts.In young people, spondylosis can develop due to curvature of the spine and improper distribution of load on the back muscles.
Gymnastics, physiotherapy and medical procedures to improve health.
It is impossible to cure the disease completely.The first two stages of spinal health problems can be cured quickly and for a long time.In addition to the drug treatment prescribed by the doctor after a proper examination, patients are shown physical procedures and exercise equipment for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine.
These include:
- massage - can reduce pain, strengthen the muscles of the lumbar region and relax problem areas.
- Physical activity, exercises to strengthen the back muscles.
- Amplipulse, magnetic resonance effect.
- Iontophoresis and diadynamic currents.
The optimal result in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is achieved through an integrated approach using traditional therapy, massage, physiotherapy and traditional medicine.As a preventive measure, it is advisable to strengthen the back muscles, not avoid physical activity and monitor proper nutrition.Also, do not forget about timely treatment of other back diseases and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.