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 reported in 80% of patients who seek help for back pain.As a rule, osteochondrosis occurs in old age due to:
- increased loads throughout life in relation to the lumbar region,
- lime salt deposits,
- age-related changes.
Description and symptoms of the disease
The characteristic signs of lumbar pathology include the following manifestations:
- decreased flexibility and mobility;
- difficulties in turning, rotating, tilting the body;
- general fatigue;
- sleep disorders;
- the difficulty in satisfying natural and self-care needs 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 intervertebral discs, violation of their functionality, loss of moisture and elasticity.
- Excessive tension and chronic weakness of the spinal muscles.
- Impaired shock-absorbing ability of discs, their partial deformation and impact on nerve endings leading to 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 phases of the medical history:
- The first degree is manifested by local pain in the lower back, which intensifies with physical activity.This symptom signals that the muscles are overloaded and the process of deformation of the intervertebral discs has already begun.In addition, patients at this stage may feel dull pain in the back, radiating to the gluteal region, tingling and burning there.As a rule, pain occurs after carrying heavy objects or sudden movements.
- Period 2 of the disease is characterized by the beginning of deformation of the surrounding tissues, the fibrous ring of the disc and the reduction of the natural distance between the vertebrae.Compression (squeezing) of the nerve roots also occurs.At this stage, the patient may feel sharp pains that progress while walking.There may be a burning or cold sensation in the legs.Disc stretching and protrusion develops.If a painful attack occurs, the patient mechanically deviates in the opposite direction from the origin 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 the load and movement.
- The fourth stage of osteochondrosis is characterized by abnormal growth of the vertebrae.Cartilage undergoes significant atrophic processes.The pain may subside, which indicates the formation of protective tissue, but this in no way serves as a sign of recovery.The disease at this stage often leads to the patient's disability.
Concomitant diseases
Almost identical manifestations of the disease in question are characterized by deforming spondylosis of the corresponding part of the body.This disease belongs to the final stages of osteochondrosis and has the following symptoms:
- feeling of heaviness in the back, especially in the lower part;
- sharp pain when sitting, when moving;
- pain in the lower back when bending, stretching and other movements.
This disease is characterized by dramatic changes in the vertebrae with the formation of bony protuberances that irritate the spinal ligaments.Protuberances (osteophytes) can reach significant sizes, cause fusion of parts of adjacent vertebrae and exert pressure on nerve roots.
The consequences of the disease, in addition to pain, can be decreased mobility, discomfort with climate changes and disability.
The disease mainly develops in old age due to excessive stress on the lower back and the deposition of lime salts.In young people, spondylosis can develop due to curvature of the spine and improper distribution of loads on the back muscles.
Gymnastics, physiotherapy and medical procedures to improve health
It is impossible to completely cure the disease.The first two stages of spinal health problems can be cured quickly and for a long time.In addition to drug treatment, which is prescribed by the doctor after appropriate examination, patients are prescribed physical procedures and exercise equipment for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine.
These include:
- massage - can reduce pain, strengthen the muscles in the lower back and relax problem areas.
- Physical activity, exercises to strengthen the back muscles.
- Amplipulse, magnetic resonance effect.
- Iontophoresis and diadynamic currents.
The ideal result in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is achieved by an integrated approach using traditional therapy, massage, physiotherapy and traditional medicine.For preventive purposes, you should strengthen your back muscles, do not avoid physical activity and monitor proper nutrition.Also, do not forget about timely treatment of other back diseases and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.