According to the assessments 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 during 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 lower back pain.As a rule, osteochondrosis occurs in older people due to:
- increased loads throughout life in relation to the lower back,
- 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;
- difficulty turning, rotating, tilting the body;
- general fatigue;
- sleep disturbances;
- difficulty meeting natural needs and caring for oneself 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, disruption of their functionality, loss of moisture and elasticity.
- Overwork and chronic weakness of the spinal muscles.
- Impaired shock absorption capacity of discs, their partial deformation and impact on nerve endings that lead to pain (applies to stages 3 and 4 of the disease).
Evolution of the disease
The development of pathology occurs gradually.It is customary to distinguish 4 stages of medical history:
- The first degree is manifested by local pain in the lumbar region, which intensifies with physical activity.This symptom signals that the muscles are overworked and the process of deformation of the intervertebral discs has already begun.In addition, patients at this stage may experience dull pain in the back, radiating to the gluteal region, tingling and burning.Typically, the pain occurs after carrying heavy objects or making sudden movements.
- Period 2 of the disease is characterized by the beginning of deformation of the surrounding tissues, of 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 feel 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 mechanically deviates in the direction opposite to the source of the pain syndrome.
- The third degree is characterized by the permanent destruction of the disc rings and the appearance of intervertebral hernias.Lower back pain becomes more frequent and stronger, radiating to the legs and back, regardless of the load and movements.
- 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 in no way a sign of healing.The disease at this stage most often leads to disability of the patient.
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 advanced stages of osteochondrosis and has the following symptoms:
- a feeling of heaviness in the back, especially in its lower part;
- sharp pain when sitting, when moving;
- lower back pain when bending, stretching, and other movements.
This disease is characterized by dramatic changes in the vertebrae with the formation of bony growths that irritate the spinal ligaments.The growths (osteophytes) can reach significant sizes, cause parts of adjacent vertebrae to fuse together, and put pressure on nerve roots.
The consequences of the disease, in addition to pain, can be reduced mobility, discomfort during weather changes and disability.
The disease develops mainly in older people due to excessive stress on the lumbar region and 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 health-improving medical procedures
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, prescribed by the doctor after an appropriate examination, physical procedures and exercise equipment are shown to patients 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.For preventive purposes, you should strengthen your back muscles, not avoid physical activity and monitor a proper diet.Also, don't forget about the timely treatment of other back diseases and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.