According to the international classification of diseases, osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine belongs to the tenth group (ICD 10).This disease is one of the most frequently diagnosed spinal diseases.
Changes and complications in the course of the disease lead to the development of intervertebral hernia, severe pain and dysfunction of the discs.
This disease is registered in 80% of patients seeking help for back pain.Usually, osteochondrosis occurs in old age due to:
- increased load on the lower back during life,
- limestone deposits,
- age-related changes.
Description and symptoms of the disease
Typical signs of lumbar pathology are the following manifestations:
- reduced flexibility and mobility;
- difficulties with turning, turning, 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 legs;
- dysfunction of sexual functions (in men), menstrual cycle (in women);
- varicose veins.
In fact, the question of what is osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine can be answered with the following theses:
- Reduction of the distance between the intervertebral discs, disruption of their function, loss of moisture and elasticity.
- Overloading and chronic weakness of the spinal muscles.
- Damage to the shock-absorbing ability of the discs, their partial deformation and the effect on the nerve endings, which causes pain (applies to the 3rd and 4th stages of the disease).
The course of the disease
Pathology develops gradually.It is customary to distinguish 4 stages of the medical history:
- The first degree manifests itself in local pain in the lumbar region, which increases with physical activity.This symptom indicates that the muscles are overstretched and the deformation of the intervertebral discs has already begun.In addition, at this stage, patients may feel a dull pain in the back, which radiates to the gluteal region, there is a tingling, burning sensation.The pain usually occurs after carrying heavy objects or moving suddenly.
- The 2nd period of the disease is characterized by the beginning of the deformation of the surrounding tissues, the fibrous ring of the disc, and the reduction of the natural distance between the vertebrae.Compression of the nerve roots also occurs.At this stage, the patient may experience sharp pain that progresses while walking.A burning or cold sensation may occur in the legs.Disc tension and protrusion develops.When a painful attack occurs, the patient mechanically deviates from the source of the pain syndrome in the opposite direction.
- The third stage is characterized by the final destruction of disc rings and the appearance of intervertebral hernias.Lower back pain becomes more frequent and severe, radiating to the legs and back regardless of load or movement.
- The fourth stage of osteochondrosis is characterized by abnormal growth of the vertebrae.Cartilage undergoes significant atrophic processes.The pain may subside, indicating the formation of protective tissue, but this is by no means a sign of healing.In this stage, the disease most often leads to the patient's disability.
Concomitant diseases
The almost identical manifestations of the disease in question are characterized by deforming spondylosis of the corresponding body part.This disease belongs to the late stage of osteochondrosis and is accompanied by the following symptoms:
- heavy feeling in the back, especially in the lower part;
- acute pain in a sitting position, during movement;
- pain in the lower back during 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.The growths (osteophytes) can be significant in size, can cause fusion of parts of adjacent vertebrae, and can put pressure on nerve roots.
In addition to pain, the consequences of the disease can be a decrease in the ability to move, discomfort due to changes in the weather, and disability.
The disease develops mainly in old age due to excessive use of the lumbar region and the deposition of lime salts.In young people, spondylosis can develop due to the curvature of the spine and the incorrect distribution of loads on the back muscles.
Health-improving gymnastics, therapeutic gymnastics and medical procedures
A complete cure of the disease is impossible.The first two stages of spinal health problems can be cured quickly and for a long time.In addition to medication, which the doctor prescribes after a proper examination, patients are shown physical procedures and exercise equipment for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine.
These are:
- massage - can reduce pain, strengthen the muscles of the lumbar region, relax problem areas.
- Physical activity, exercises to strengthen the back muscles.
- Amplipulse, magnetic resonance effect.
- Iontophoresis and diadynamic currents.
In the treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, the optimal result is achieved with an integrated approach of traditional therapy, massage, physiotherapy and traditional medicine.For preventive purposes, it is necessary to strengthen the back muscles, do not avoid physical activity and check proper nutrition.Do not forget to treat other back diseases in time and maintain a healthy lifestyle.