According to the reviews 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 occurs in 80% of patients who seek help for lower back pain.As a rule, osteochondrosis occurs in old age due to:
- increased stress over the course of 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:
- reduced flexibility and mobility;
- Difficulty twisting, turning and tilting the body;
- general tiredness;
- sleep disorders;
- difficulty meeting natural needs and self-care due to pain;
- irritability, sudden sweating;
- coldness 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 the intervertebral discs, impairment of their functionality, loss of moisture and elasticity.
- Overload and chronic weakness of the spinal muscles.
- Impaired shock-absorbing ability of the intervertebral discs, their partial deformation and impact on the 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 stages of medical history:
- The first degree is manifested by local pain in the lumbar region, which increases 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 experience a dull pain in the back that radiates to the buttocks region, causing tingling and burning sensations.Pain usually occurs after carrying heavy objects or sudden movements.
- Period 2 of the disease is characterized by the onset of deformation of the surrounding tissues, the fibrous ring of the intervertebral disc and a reduction in the natural distance between the vertebrae.There is also compression (crushing) of the nerve roots.At this stage, the patient may experience severe pain that progresses when walking.There may be a burning or cold feeling in the legs.The intervertebral disc stretches and bulges.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 intervertebral disc rings and the appearance of intervertebral hernias.Pain in the lower back occurs more frequently and more severely and radiates to the legs and back regardless of strain and movement.
- The fourth stage of osteochondrosis is characterized by abnormal growth of the vertebrae.Cartilage is subject to significant atrophic processes.The pain may subside, indicating the formation of protective tissue, but this is by no means a sign of recovery.The disease most often leads to disability of the patient at this stage.
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;
- acute 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 bone growths that irritate the ligaments of the spine.Outgrowths (osteophytes) can reach significant sizes, lead to the fusion of parts of adjacent vertebrae and exert pressure on the nerve roots.
In addition to pain, the consequences of the disease can also be limited mobility, discomfort when the weather changes and disability.
The disease mainly occurs in old age due to overloading of the lumbar region and the deposition of calcium salts.In young people, spondylosis can develop due to curvature of the spine and incorrect distribution of load on the back muscles.
Health-promoting gymnastics, physiotherapy and medical procedures
It is impossible to completely cure the disease.The first two stages of spinal problems can be cured quickly and in the long term.In addition to the drug treatment that the doctor prescribes after an appropriate examination, patients are shown physical procedures and exercise equipment for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine.
This includes:
- Massage – can relieve pain, strengthen the lumbar muscles and relax problem areas.
- Physical activity, exercises to strengthen 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 with traditional therapy, massage, physiotherapy and traditional medicine.To prevent this, you should strengthen your back muscles, do not give up physical activity and pay attention to the right diet.Also, do not forget about timely treatment of other back diseases and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.