According to the ratings 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 lower back pain.As a rule, osteochondrosis occurs in old age due to:
- increased loads throughout life in relation to the lower back,
- 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 with turning, rotating, tilting the body;
- general fatigue;
- sleep disorders;
- the difficulty of fulfilling 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 of the distance between intervertebral discs, disruption of their functionality, loss of moisture and elasticity.
- Overstrain and chronic weakness of the spinal muscles.
- Impaired shock absorption ability of the discs, their partial deformation and impact on the nerve endings that lead 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 stages of the 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 overstrained and 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 gluteal region, tingling, 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 a reduction in the natural distance between the vertebrae.Compression (squeezing) of the nerve roots also develops.At this stage, the patient may experience sharp pain that progresses while walking.There may be a feeling of burning or coldness in the legs.Disc stretching and protrusion develops.If a painful attack occurs, the patient mechanically deviates in the opposite direction from 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.Lower 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 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 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 late stages of osteochondrosis and has the following symptoms:
- a feeling of heaviness in the back, especially its lower part;
- acute pain in a sitting position, 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 bone growths that irritate the spinal ligaments.Outgrowths (osteophytes) can reach significant sizes, cause fusion of parts of adjacent vertebrae, and put pressure on the nerve roots.
The consequences of the disease, in addition to pain, can be decreased mobility, discomfort when the weather changes, and disability.
The disease mainly develops 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 loads on the back muscles.
Health-improving gymnastics, physiotherapy and medical procedures
It is impossible to cure the disease completely.The first two stages of spinal health problems can be healed quickly and for a long time.In addition to drug treatment, which is prescribed by the doctor after an appropriate 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 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.