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 frequently diagnosed spinal diseases.
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 registered in 80% of patients who seek help due to pain in the lower back.As a rule, osteochondrosis appears in old age due to:
- increased life-long loads on the lower back,
- lime salt deposits,
- age-related changes.
Description and symptoms of the disease
Characteristic signs of lumbar pathology include the following manifestations:
- reduced flexibility and mobility;
- difficulty turning, turning, tilting the body;
- general fatigue;
- sleep disorders;
- difficulty in meeting natural needs and self-care due to pain;
- irritability, sudden sweating;
- cold or tingling feet;
- spasmodic manifestations in the arteries of the legs;
- dysfunction of sexual function (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 functionality, loss of moisture and elasticity.
- Overstrain and chronic weakness of the spinal muscles.
- Impaired cushioning ability of the discs, their partial deformation and impact on the nerve endings, which leads to pain (refers to the 3rd and 4th stage of the disease).
Course of the disease
The development of the pathology is gradual.It is accepted to distinguish 4 stages of the medical history:
- The first degree is manifested by local pain in the lumbar region, which increases with physical exertion.This symptom signals that the muscles are overstretched 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, numbness, burning there.As a rule, the pain appears 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 decrease in the natural distance between the vertebrae.Compression (pressing) of the nerve roots also develops.At this stage, the patient may feel sharp pain that progresses while 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 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.Pain in the lower back becomes more frequent and stronger, radiates to the legs and back, regardless of load and movement.
- The fourth stage of osteochondrosis is characterized by abnormal growth of the vertebrae.The cartilage undergoes significant atrophic processes.The pain may subside, indicating 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 damage to 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 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 growths that irritate the spinal ligaments.Growths (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 reduced mobility, discomfort when changing weather and disability.
The disease develops mainly in old age due to excessive load 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 the load on the back muscles.
Therapeutic gymnastics, physiotherapy and 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, 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 through 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 observe proper nutrition.Also, do not forget about the timely treatment of other back diseases and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.